485BPOS 1 d485bpos.htm MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDS MassMutual Select Funds

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT (NO. 33-73824)

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Pre-Effective Amendment No.

Post-Effective Amendment No. 45

and

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Investment Company Act File No. 811-8274

Amendment No. 47

 

 

MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDS

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

 

 

1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111

(413) 788-8411

Name and Address of Agent for Service

Andrew M. Goldberg, Esq.

Assistant Secretary

MassMutual Select Funds

1295 State Street

Springfield, Massachusetts 01111

 

 

Copy to:

Timothy W. Diggins, Esq.

Ropes & Gray LLP

One International Place

Boston, MA 02110

 

 

It is proposed that this filing become effective on April 1, 2008 pursuant to paragraph (b) of rule 485.

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

TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION:

Registrant submits this Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to its Registration Statement No. 33-73824 under the Securities Act of 1933 and this Amendment No. 47 to its Registration Statement No. 811-8274 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This Post-Effective Amendment relates to each series of the Registrant.

 

 

 


MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDS

 

This Prospectus describes the following Funds:

Intermediate Term Bond

  Sub-Advised by:
MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund  

Western Asset Management Company/Western Asset Management Company Limited

Large Cap Value

 
MassMutual Select Diversified Value Fund   AllianceBernstein L.P.
MassMutual Select Fundamental Value Fund   Wellington Management Company, LLP
MassMutual Select Value Equity Fund  

Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC

MassMutual Select Large Cap Value Fund   Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.

Large Cap Core

 
MassMutual Select Indexed Equity Fund   Northern Trust Investments, N.A.
MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund   Victory Capital Management Inc.

Large Cap Growth

 
MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund   T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund  

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc./Wellington Management Company, LLP/Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc.

MassMutual Select Large Cap Growth Fund   AllianceBernstein L.P.
MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund  

Sands Capital Management, LLC/Delaware Management Company

Specialty

 

MassMutual Select NASDAQ-100® Fund
(formerly MassMutual Select OTC 100 Fund)

  Northern Trust Investments, N.A.

Multi Cap Value

 
MassMutual Select Focused Value Fund   Harris Associates L.P.

Mid Cap Value

 
MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund   Cooke & Bieler, L.P.

Small Cap Value

 
MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund   SSgA Funds Management, Inc.
MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund  

Clover Capital Management, Inc./T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc./EARNEST Partners, LLC

Small Cap Core

 
MassMutual Select Small Cap Core Equity Fund   Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

Mid Cap Growth

 
MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund  

Wellington Management Company, LLP/Turner Investment Partners, Inc.

MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund   T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

Small Cap Growth

 
MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity Fund  

Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company/ Wellington Management Company, LLP

MassMutual Select Small Company Growth Fund  

Mazama Capital Management, Inc./Eagle Asset Management, Inc

MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund  

Delaware Management Company/Insight Capital Research & Management, Inc.

International/Global Large Core

 
MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund  

AllianceBernstein L.P.

MassMutual Select Overseas Fund  

Harris Associates L.P./Massachusetts Financial Services Company

Asset Allocation/Lifestyle

 
MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund  

ClearBridge Advisors, LLC/Western Asset Management Company/Western Asset Management Company Limited

Asset Allocation/Lifecycle

 
MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Income Fund  
MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund  
MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund  
MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund  
MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund  
MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund  

 

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

 

PROSPECTUS

 

April 1, 2008

 

–  1  –


Table Of Contents    Page

Summary Information

   4

About the Funds

  

MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund

   6

MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund

   10

MassMutual Select Diversified Value Fund

   14

MassMutual Select Fundamental Value Fund

   18

MassMutual Select Value Equity Fund

   22

MassMutual Select Large Cap Value Fund

   24

MassMutual Select Indexed Equity Fund

   26

MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund

   30

MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund

   34

MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund

   38

MassMutual Select Large Cap Growth Fund

   42

MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund

   44

MassMutual Select NASDAQ-100® Fund (formerly MassMutual Select OTC 100 Fund)

   48

MassMutual Select Focused Value Fund

   50

MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund

   52

MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund

   56

MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund

   60

MassMutual Select Small Cap Core Equity Fund

   64

MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

   66

MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund

   70

MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity Fund

   74

MassMutual Select Small Company Growth Fund

   78

MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund

   82

MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund

   86

MassMutual Select Overseas Fund

   90

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Funds

   94

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Income Fund

   94

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

   94

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

   94

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

   95

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

   95

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund

   96

Summary of Principal Risks

   106

About the Investment Adviser and Sub-Advisers

  

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company

   115

AllianceBernstein L.P.

   115

ClearBridge Advisors, LLC

   117

Clover Capital Management, Inc.

   117

Cooke & Bieler, L.P.

   118

Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.

   119

Delaware Management Company

   119

Eagle Asset Management, Inc.

   121

EARNEST Partners, LLC

   121

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

   121

Harris Associates L.P.

   122

Insight Capital Research & Management, Inc.

   123

Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc.

   123

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

   123

Mazama Capital Management, Inc.

   124

Northern Trust Investments, N.A.

   124

Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC

   124

Sands Capital Management, LLC

   125

SSgA Funds Management, Inc.

   125

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

   125

 

–  2  –


Turner Investment Partners, Inc.

   126

Victory Capital Management Inc.

   127

Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company

   127

Wellington Management Company, LLP

   127

Western Asset Management Company

   129

Western Asset Management Company Limited

   129

About the Classes of Shares – Multiple Class Information

  

Class S Shares

   131

Class Y Shares

   131

Class L Shares

   131

Class A Shares

   131

Class N Shares

   131

Class Z Shares

   131

Compensation to Intermediaries

   132

Investing in the Funds

  

Buying, Redeeming and Exchanging Shares

   134

Initial Sales Charges

   135

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

   135

Waivers of Class A Initial Sales Charges

   136

Waivers of Class A and Class N Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

   136

Determining Net Asset Value

   137

How to Invest

   137

Taxation and Distributions

   138

Investment Performance

   140

Financial Highlights

   142

Additional Investment Policies and Risk Considerations

   231

 

–  3  –


Summary Information

 

MassMutual Select Funds (the “Funds” or the “Trust”) provides a broad range of investment choices across the risk/return spectrum. The summary pages that follow describe each Fund’s:

 

· Investment objectives.

 

· Principal Investment Strategies and Risks. A “Summary of Principal Risks” of investing in the Funds begins on page 106.

 

· Investment return over the past ten years, or since inception if the Fund is less than ten years old.

 

· Average annual total returns for the last one-, five- and ten-year periods (or, shorter periods for newer Funds) and how the Fund’s performance compares to that of a comparable broad-based index.

 

· Fees and Expenses.

 

A description of the Trust’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of each Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information.

 

Past Performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.  There is no assurance that a Fund’s investment objective will be achieved, and you can lose money by investing in the Funds.

 

Important Notes about performance information for the Funds.

 

Where indicated, average annual total returns for Class A, Class L and Class Y shares of a Fund are based on the performance of Class S Shares, adjusted for class specific expenses, and average annual total returns for Class N shares of a Fund is based on the performance of Class A Shares, adjusted for class specific expenses.

 

–  4  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks a superior total rate of return by investing in fixed income instruments.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. dollar-denominated fixed income securities and other debt instruments of domestic and foreign entities, including corporate bonds, securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, mortgage-backed securities and money market instruments. Securities issued by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities may not be guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities.

 

The Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”), employs an opportunistic approach that seeks to capitalize on inefficiencies in fixed income markets to add incremental value to the Fund’s portfolio. Western Asset places significant emphasis on risk management since the general objective is to exceed benchmark returns while approximating benchmark risk. When making investment decisions, Western Asset focuses on critical areas such as sector allocation, issue selection, duration weighting and term structure. The Fund may also use derivatives, such as options, futures, forwards and swaps, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, including for purposes of enhancing returns. Western Asset Management Company Limited (“WAML”), an affiliate of Western Asset, has sub-advisory responsibility for Western Asset’s non-U.S. dollar denominated investments. Western Asset will determine the portion of the Fund’s assets to be allocated to non-U.S. dollar denominated securities from time to time. WAML will select the foreign country and currency composition, including those of emerging market issuers, based on its evaluation of relative interest rates, inflation rates, exchange rates, monetary and fiscal policies, trade and current account balances and any other specific factors WAML believes relevant. The Fund invests primarily in investment grade securities, but may invest up to 25% of the portfolio in below investment grade securities (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”) or securities deemed to be of comparable quality by Western Asset. An unrated security will be deemed to have the same rating as a rated security Western Asset considers comparable.

 

The Fund may invest in domestic and foreign issuer loans and loan participations that pay interest at rates that float or reset periodically at a margin above a generally recognized base lending rate such as the Prime Rate, the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another generally recognized base lending rate. Loans and debt instruments rated below investment grade are considered to have speculative characteristics. The Fund may invest in loans of companies whose financial condition is troubled or uncertain and that may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings. The Fund may also acquire, and subsequently hold, warrants and other equity interests.

 

The Fund generally will buy and sell securities based on fundamental analysis and Western Asset’s opinion of value in each sector with the intent to minimize exposure to sectors that are fully valued or overvalued and generally will look to allocate capital to sectors that Western Asset believes are undervalued.

 

In seeking to meet its objectives, the Fund emphasizes diversification, the use of multiple strategies and identification of long-term trends. The three key factors that determine the allocation decisions for the Fund are: Western Asset’s construction of an outlook for fundamental economic activity, its review of historical yield spreads for corporate debt versus Treasuries and its evaluation of changes in credit quality and its impact on prices.

 

The Fund’s target average modified duration is expected to range within 30% of the duration of the domestic bond market as a whole. “Duration” refers to the range within which the average modified duration of a portfolio is expected to fluctuate. Modified duration measures the expected sensitivity of market price to changes in interest rates, taking into account the effects of structural complexities (for example, some bonds can be prepaid by the issuer).

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Prepayment Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Leveraging Risk, Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

–  6  –


Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the period shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 4.30% for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 and the lowest quarterly return was -1.18% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
 

Since

Inception

(12/31/04)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

    4.32%   3.42%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

    2.91%   2.28%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

    2.79%   2.25%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

    4.26%   3.39%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

    4.23%   3.36%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  - 0.98%   1.44%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

    2.62%   2.77%
           

Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond Index^

    6.97%   4.62%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A and Class N shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of fixed rate investment grade securities with at least one year to maturity combining the Lehman Brothers Government/ Credit Index and the Lehman Brothers Mortgage-Backed Securities Index. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
         

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   4.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .55%   .55%   .55%   .55%     .55%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .09%   .14%   .29%   .29%     .34%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .64%   .69%   .84%   1.09%     1.39%  

 

 

–  7  –


Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 65    $ 205    $ 357    $ 798

Class Y

   $ 70    $ 221    $ 384    $ 859

Class L

   $ 86    $ 268    $ 466    $ 1,037

Class A

   $ 581    $ 805    $ 1,047    $ 1,741

Class N

   $ 245    $ 440    $ 761    $ 1,669

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 142    $ 440    $ 761    $ 1,669

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

Western Asset Prior Performance for

Similar Accounts*

 

 

The bar chart illustrates the variability of returns achieved by Western Asset for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of future performance of the Fund.

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was 4.40% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest was -2.18% for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

 

Western Asset Average Annual Total Returns for

Similar Accounts*

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table compares Western Asset’s investment results for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund to an index measuring the broad market over different time periods.

 

   

One

Year

 

Five

Years

 

Ten

Years

Western Asset Composite

     

Class S*

    2.88%   5.17%   6.28%

Class Y*

    2.83%   5.12%   6.23%

Class L*

    2.77%   5.10%   6.23%

Class A*

  - 2.35%   3.84%   5.46%

Class N*

    1.22%   4.55%   5.68%
               

Lehman Brothers Aggregate
Bond Index^

    6.97%   4.42%   5.97%

 

* Performance shown is a composite of all discretionary, fee paying portfolios managed by Western Asset with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the Fund and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of each of the Fund’s share classes, including sales loads. Some of the portfolios are mutual funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) and some are private accounts. The

 

–  8  –


investment returns assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. The bar chart is based on Class S expenses. The composite performance is provided solely to illustrate Western Asset’s performance in managing such a portfolio and does not represent the historical performance of the MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of the future performance of the Fund. Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges. The composite of portfolios was not subject to all of the investment restrictions to which the Fund will be subject, including restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”), and no assurance can be given that the Fund’s performance would not have been lower had it been in operation during the periods for which composite portfolio performance information is shown. The Fund’s performance may have differed due to factors such as differences in cash flows into and out of the Fund, differences in fees and expenses, and differences in portfolio size and investments. Prior performance of Western Asset is not indicative of future rates of return and is no indication of future performance of the Fund.

 

^ The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of fixed rate investment grade securities with at least one year to maturity combining the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index and the Lehman Brothers Mortgage-Backed Securities Index. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

–  9  –


MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

To obtain its objective, the Fund takes a multi-managed approach whereby two Sub-Advisers independently manage their own portion of the Fund’s assets. ClearBridge Advisors, LLC (“ClearBridge”) manages the equity component and Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”) manages the fixed income component. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.

 

The equity component will invest primarily in common stocks and common stock equivalents, such as preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, of domestic and foreign companies that ClearBridge believes are undervalued in the marketplace. While ClearBridge selects investments primarily for their capital appreciation potential, secondary consideration is given to a company’s dividend record and the potential for an improved dividend return. ClearBridge generally invests the equity component in securities of large, well-known companies but may also invest a significant portion of the equity component’s assets in securities of small to medium-sized companies when ClearBridge believes smaller companies offer attractive value opportunities. ClearBridge may sell securities when it believes valuations become extended or when ClearBridge believes more promising opportunities exist elsewhere.

 

The fixed income component will invest in a wide variety of investment-grade fixed-income sectors, including government, corporate, mortgage-backed, asset-backed, and cash equivalents, of both U.S. and foreign issuers, denominated in U.S. dollars or local currencies. It also allows for opportunistic use of non-dollar, high-yield and emerging market securities to enhance portfolio returns and lower volatility. Securities issued by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities may not be guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. The fixed income component may also use derivatives, such as options, futures, forwards and swaps, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, including for purposes of enhancing returns.

 

Western Asset Management Company Limited (“WAML”), an affiliate of Western Asset, has sub-advisory responsibility for Western Asset’s non-U.S. dollar denominated investments. Western Asset may adjust the portion of the fixed income component’s assets to be allocated to non-U.S. dollar denominated securities from time to time. In doing so, WAML will select the foreign country and currency composition, including those of emerging market issuers, based on its evaluation of relative interest rates, inflation rates, exchange rates, monetary and fiscal policies, trade and current account balances and other specific factors WAML believes relevant. Western Asset generally invests the fixed income component primarily in investment grade securities, but may invest up to 25% of the fixed income component in below investment grade securities (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”) or securities deemed to be of comparable quality by Western Asset. An unrated security will be deemed to have the same rating as a rated security Western Asset considers comparable.

 

The fixed income component may invest in domestic and foreign issuer loans and loan participations that pay interest at rates that float or reset periodically at a margin above a generally recognized base lending rate such as the Prime Rate, LIBOR or another generally recognized base lending rate. Loans and debt instruments rated below investment grade are considered to have speculative characteristics. The fixed income component may invest in loans of companies whose financial condition is troubled or uncertain and that may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings. The fixed income component may also acquire, and subsequently hold, warrants and other equity interests.

 

Western Asset generally will buy and sell securities based on fundamental analysis and Western Asset’s opinion of value in each sector with the intent to minimize exposure to sectors that are fully valued or overvalued and generally will look to allocate capital to sectors that Western Asset believes are undervalued.

 

The Fund’s target allocation is 60% equity securities and 40% fixed income securities, but, the allocation

 

–  10  –


may fluctuate based on cash-flow activity or market performance. Additionally, the Fund’s Adviser may change the allocation of the Fund’s assets between the Fund’s Sub-Advisers on a basis determined by the Fund’s Adviser to be in the best interest of shareholders. In unusual circumstances the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest up to 100% of its total assets in money market instruments.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Prepayment Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Leveraging Risk, Convertible Securities Risk, Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk, Preferred Stock Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 5.40% for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 and the lowest quarterly return was -2.19% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
 

Since

Inception

(12/31/03)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

    2.69%   6.01%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

    1.06%   5.16%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

    2.93%   4.90%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

    2.68%   5.96%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

    2.42%   5.79%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  - 3.68%   3.99%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

    0.93%   5.22%
           

Russell 3000® Index^

    5.14%   9.65%

Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond Index^^

    6.97%   4.52%

Lipper Balanced Fund Index^^^

    6.53%   8.07%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A and Class N shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^ The Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of fixed rate investment grade securities with at least one year to maturity combining the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index and the Lehman Brothers Mortgage-Backed Securities Index. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^^ The Lipper Balanced Fund Index is an unmanaged, equally weighted index of the 30 largest mutual funds within the Lipper Balanced Category. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

–  11  –


 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)

         

Management Fees

  .60%   .60%   .60%   .60%     .60%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .19%   .24%   .39%   .39%     .44%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .79%   .84%   .99%   1.24%     1.54%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 81    $ 252    $ 439    $ 978

Class Y

   $ 86    $ 268    $ 466    $ 1,037

Class L

   $ 101    $ 315    $ 547    $ 1,213

Class A

   $ 694    $ 946    $ 1,217    $ 1,989

Class N

   $ 260    $ 486    $ 839    $ 1,834

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 157    $ 486    $ 839    $ 1,834

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

ClearBridge and Western Asset Prior Performance for Similar Accounts*

 

 

The bar chart illustrates the variability of returns achieved by each Sub-Adviser for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the portion of the Fund managed by each Sub-Adviser. The performance does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of future performance of the Fund.

 

LOGO

 

     Highest Quarter    Lowest Quarter

ClearBridge Composite

   22.03%, 2Q 2003    -21.70%, 3Q 2002

Western Asset Composite

   4.38%, 2Q 2003    -2.19%, 2Q 2004

 

–  12  –


ClearBridge and Western Asset Average Annual

Total Returns for Similar Accounts*

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table compares each Sub-Adviser’s investment results for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the portion of the Fund managed by each Sub-Adviser to an index measuring the broad market over different time periods.

 

    

One

Year

  

Five

Years

  

Ten

Years

ClearBridge Composite

        

Class S*

   0.87%    13.18%    8.52%

Class Y*

   0.82%    13.13%    8.47%

Class L*

   0.67%    12.97%    8.32%

Class A*

   -5.35%    11.40%    7.42%

Class N*

   -0.88%    12.42%    7.76%
                

Russell 3000 Index^

   5.14%    13.63%    6.22%

Lipper Balanced Fund Index^^^

   6.53%    10.33%    6.16%

Western Asset Composite

        

Class S*

   2.73%    5.08%    6.21%

Class Y*

   2.68%    5.03%    6.16%

Class L*

   2.53%    4.88%    6.01%

Class A*

   -3.60%    3.34%    4.96%

Class N*

   0.98%    4.39%    5.64%
                

Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index^^

   6.97%    4.42%    5.97%

Lipper Balanced Fund Index^^^

   6.53%    10.33%    6.16%

 

* For Western Asset, performance shown is a composite of all discretionary, fee paying portfolios managed by Western Asset with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the portion of the Fund managed by Western Asset and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of each of the Fund’s share classes, including sales loads. For ClearBridge, performance shown is a composite of all discretionary, fee paying institutional portfolios managed by ClearBridge with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the portion of the Fund managed by ClearBridge and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of each of the Fund’s share classes, including sales loads. For each Sub-Adviser, some of the portfolios are mutual funds registered under the 1940 Act and some are private accounts. The investment returns assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. The bar chart is based on Class S expenses. The composite performance is provided solely to illustrate each Sub-Adviser’s performance in managing such a portfolio and does not represent the historical performance of the MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of the future performance of the Fund. Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges. The composite portfolios were not subject to all of the investment restrictions to which the Fund will be subject, including restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Code and no assurance can be given that the Fund’s performance would not have been lower had it been in operation during the periods for which composite and mutual fund performance information is shown. The Fund’s performance may have differed due to factors such as differences in cash flows into and out of the Fund, differences in fees and expenses, and differences in portfolio size and investments. Prior performance of each Sub-Adviser is not indicative of future rates of return and is no indication of future performance of the Fund.

 

^ The Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^ The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of fixed rate investment grade securities with at least one year to maturity combining the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index and the Lehman Brothers Mortgage-Backed Securities Index. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^^ The Lipper Balanced Fund Index is an unmanaged, equally weighted index of the 30 largest mutual funds within the Lipper Balanced Category. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

–  13  –


MassMutual Select Diversified Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital and income by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of larger, well-established companies.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in stocks, securities convertible into stocks, and other securities, such as warrants and stock rights, whose value is based on stock prices.

 

The Fund’s Sub-Adviser, AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”), through the investment professionals of its Bernstein Investment Research and Management unit, takes a “bottom-up” investment approach that is value-based and price-driven. AllianceBernstein relies on the intensive fundamental research of its internal research staff to identify buying opportunities in the marketplace. The investment process begins with a broad universe of about 650 stocks encompassing most of the S&P 500 Index and the Russell 1000® Value Index. AllianceBernstein generally will invest the Fund’s assets in the common stocks of large companies that it believes have earnings growth potential that may not be recognized by the market at large. AllianceBernstein seeks to identify compelling buying opportunities, which are created when companies are undervalued on the basis of investor reactions to near-term problems or circumstances even though their long-term prospects remain sound. In addition, to moderate risk, AllianceBernstein may buy companies among the largest in the benchmark (the Russell 1000 Value Index) even if such companies are not attractive from a risk-adjusted return basis. In such cases, AllianceBernstein will underweight these companies versus their weight in the benchmark. Portfolio holdings will primarily consist of securities of U.S. issuers, although American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and securities of foreign issuers that trade on domestic exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets also may be purchased. AllianceBernstein currently anticipates that the Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.

 

To control risk, AllianceBernstein uses a risk factor model based on broad industry sectors and various measures of financial and valuation characteristics. AllianceBernstein looks at a measure of earnings quality that compares changes in the balance-sheet accrual component of reported earnings for each stock to the market average. All else being equal, AllianceBernstein prefers stocks with lower accruals. In addition, earnings revisions and momentum tools are incorporated into the portfolio management process to optimize the timing of purchases and sales. To limit stock-specific risk relative to the benchmark, AllianceBernstein employs constraints on security and sector over/underweights. Derivatives may be used to securitize cash fluctuations from shareholder activity. Generally index futures will be used.

 

Stocks are generally sold when AllianceBernstein believes they are no longer attractive relative to the available universe of stocks. Stocks may be sold due to, for example, appreciation in the price of the stock which may result in a decrease in expected return, a decrease in forecasted earnings or an increase in the risk assessment for the stock within the portfolio. AllianceBernstein may consider capital market dynamics to help assess the most opportune time to sell. In addition, securities may be sold in order to improve the diversification of the portfolio.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk and Convertible Securities Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

–  14  –


During the period shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 8.05% for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 and the lowest quarterly return was -7.02% for the quarter ended December 31, 2007.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

     One
Year
  

Since

Inception

(10/15/04)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

   - 2.39%    10.98%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

   - 3.25%    10.23%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

   - 0.42%    9.44%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

   - 2.51%    10.86%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

   - 2.67%    10.74%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

   - 8.49%    8.41%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

   - 4.07%    10.11%
             

Russell 1000® Value Index^

   - 0.17%    12.22%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A and Class N shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 1000® Value Index is an unmanaged index representative of stocks with a greater than average value orientation among the stocks of the largest 1000 U.S. companies based on capitalization. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .50%   .50%   .50%   .50%     .50%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .08%   .18%   .29%   .33%     .39%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .58%   .68%   .79%   1.08%     1.39%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 59    $ 186    $ 324    $ 726

Class Y

   $ 69    $ 218    $ 379    $ 847

Class L

   $ 81    $ 252    $ 439    $ 978

Class A

   $ 679    $ 899    $ 1,136    $ 1,816

Class N

   $ 245    $ 440    $ 761    $ 1,669

 

–  15  –


Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 142    $ 440    $ 761    $ 1,669

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

AllianceBernstein Prior Performance for Similar Accounts*

 

 

The bar chart illustrates the variability of returns achieved by AllianceBernstein for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of future performance of the Fund.

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was 16.45% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest was -18.85% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

AllianceBernstein Average Annual Total Returns for Similar Accounts*

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table compares AllianceBernstein’s investment results for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund to an index measuring the broad market over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
  Since
Inception
(4/1/99)

AllianceBernstein Composite

     

Class Y*

  - 3.59%   13.20%   7.79%

Class L*

  - 3.70%   13.09%   7.68%

Class A*

  - 9.50%   11.47%   6.67%

Class N*

  - 5.30%   12.49%   7.08%
               

Russell 1000 Value Index^

  - 0.17%   14.63%   6.86%

 

* Performance shown is the composite of all discretionary, fee paying portfolios with about 150 stocks managed by AllianceBernstein with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of the Fund’s Y, L, A and N share classes, including sales loads. Some of the portfolios are mutual funds registered under the 1940 Act and some are private accounts. The investment returns assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. The bar chart is based on Class Y expenses. The composite performance is provided solely to illustrate AllianceBernstein’s performance in managing such a portfolio and does not represent the historical performance of the MassMutual Select Diversified Value Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of the future performance of the Fund. Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges. The composite of portfolios was not subject to all of the investment restrictions to which the Fund will be subject, including restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Code, and no assurance can be given that the Fund’s performance would not have been lower had it been in operation during the periods for which composite portfolio performance information is shown. The Fund’s performance may have differed due to factors such as differences in cash flows into and out of the Fund, differences in fees and expenses, and differences in portfolio size and investments. Prior performance of AllianceBernstein is not indicative of future rates of return and is no indication of future performance of the Fund.

 

^ The Russell 1000 Value Index is an unmanaged index representative of stocks with a greater than average value orientation among the stocks of the largest 1000 U.S. companies based on capitalization. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

–  16  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select Fundamental Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks long-term total return.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities. Equity securities include common stock, rights and warrants, and securities convertible into equity securities. Although the Fund may invest in companies with a broad range of market capitalizations, the Fund will tend to focus on companies with large capitalizations (generally having market capitalizations above $2 billion). The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in the securities of foreign issuers. Foreign securities may include securities of issuers in both developed and emerging countries, and may consist of securities denominated in U.S. dollars or in foreign currencies. In pursuing its investment strategy, the Fund may (but is not obligated to) use a wide variety of exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivative instruments, including options, futures and swap contracts.

 

The investment approach of the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”), is based on the fundamental analysis of companies with large market capitalizations and estimated below-average projected price-to-earnings ratio. Fundamental analysis involves the assessment of company-specific factors such as its business environment, management, balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, anticipated earnings, hidden or undervalued assets, dividends, and other related measures of value. The typical purchase candidate of the Fund may be characterized as an overlooked or misunderstood company with sound fundamentals. The Fund frequently holds securities of viable, growing businesses with good financial strength in industries that are temporarily out of favor and under-researched by institutions, but which provide the potential for above-average total returns, and which sell at estimated below-average price-to-earnings multiples. Portfolio construction is driven primarily by security selection. Market timing is not employed, and limited consideration is given to macroeconomic analysis in establishing sector and industry weightings. This process of stock selection is sometimes referred to as a “bottom-up” process and frequently leads to contrarian industry weightings. Existing holdings are sold as they approach their price targets.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Value Company Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 17.18% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest quarterly return was -20.11% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

–  18  –


Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

     One
Year
  

Five

Years

  

Since

Inception

(12/31/01)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

     8.50%    15.05%    7.98%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

     6.23%    14.02%    7.13%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

     7.72%    13.09%    6.80%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

     8.37%    15.00%    7.92%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

     8.22%    14.80%    7.77%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

     1.72%    13.19%    6.45%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

     6.73%    14.21%    7.21%
                  

Russell 1000® Value Index^

   - 0.17%    14.63%    8.81%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 1000® Value Index is an unmanaged index representative of stocks with a greater than average value orientation among the stocks of the largest 1000 U.S. companies based on capitalization. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .65%   .65%   .65%   .65%     .65%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .14%   .18%   .33%   .33%     .38%  

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)

  .79%   .83%   .98%   1.23%     1.53%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $   81    $ 252    $    439    $    978

Class Y

   $   85    $ 265    $    460    $ 1,025

Class L

   $ 100    $ 312    $    542    $ 1,201

Class A

   $ 693    $ 943    $ 1,212    $ 1,978

Class N

   $ 259    $ 483    $    834    $ 1,824

 

–  19  –


Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 156    $ 483    $ 834    $ 1,824

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  20  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select Value Equity Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (“Pyramis”), invests in securities of companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace in relation to factors such as the company’s assets, sales, earnings, growth potential and cash flow, or in relation to securities of other companies in the same industry. In selecting the Fund’s investments, Pyramis considers traditional and other measures of value such as price/earnings (P/E), price/sales (P/S) or price/book (P/B) ratios, earnings relative to enterprise value (the total value of a company’s outstanding equity and debt), and the discounted value of a company’s projected future free cash flows. The types of companies in which the Fund may invest include companies experiencing positive fundamental change, such as a new management team or product launch, a significant cost-cutting initiative, a merger or acquisition, or a reduction in industry capacity that Pyramis believes should lead to improved pricing; companies whose earnings potential has increased or Pyramis believes is expected to increase more than generally perceived; and companies that have enjoyed recent market popularity but which Pyramis believes appear to have temporarily fallen out of favor for reasons that are considered non-recurring or short-term.

 

Pyramis normally invests at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in equity securities. Pyramis normally invests the Fund’s assets primarily in common stocks. Pyramis may invest the Fund’s assets in securities of foreign issuers, which may include emerging market issuers, in addition to securities of domestic issuers. In buying and selling securities for the Fund, Pyramis relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions. Factors considered may include growth potential, earnings estimates and management strength. Pyramis may use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures contracts and exchange traded funds, to increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values. If Pyramis’ strategies do not work as intended, the Fund may not achieve its objective.

 

In response to market, economic, political or other conditions, Pyramis may temporarily use a different investment strategy for defensive purposes. If Pyramis does so, different factors could affect the Fund’s performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Non-Diversification Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Value Company Risk, Leveraging Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Note that although the Fund was originally registered as a non-diversified fund, under a position of the SEC, the Fund is currently required to operate as a diversified fund and will not operate as a non-diversified fund in the future until it obtains any necessary shareholder approval.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 15.56% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest quarterly return was -18.23% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

–  22  –


Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(5/1/01)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  3.80%   13.33%   5.83%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  0.25%   11.27%   4.29%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  3.84%   11.00%   4.52%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  3.87%   13.28%   5.79%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  3.70%   13.09%   5.63%

Return Before Taxes –

Class A+

  -2.50%   11.50%   4.44%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  2.20%   12.52%   5.07%
             

Russell 1000® Value Index^

  -0.17%   14.63%   7.29%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 1000® Value Index is an unmanaged index representative of stocks with a greater than average value orientation among the stocks of the largest 1000 U.S. companies based on capitalization. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A   Class N
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%   None
    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .70%   .70%   .70%   .70%     .70%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .16%   .20%   .36%   .36%     .41%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .86%   .90%   1.06%   1.31%     1.61%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $  88    $274    $   477    $1,061

Class Y

   $  92    $287    $   498    $1,108

Class L

   $108    $337    $   585    $1,294

Class A

   $701    $966    $1,252    $2,063

Class N

   $267    $508    $   876    $1,911

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $164    $508    $876    $1,911

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  23  –


MassMutual Select Large Cap Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks both capital growth and income.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by selecting businesses that possess characteristics that the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (“Davis”), believes foster the creation of long-term value, such as proven management, a durable franchise and business model, and sustainable competitive advantages. Davis will normally invest at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in common stock of companies with market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, of at least $5 billion. The Fund’s investment strategy is to select these companies for the long-term. In the current market environment, Davis expects that current income will be low.

 

Using intensive research into company fundamentals, Davis looks for factors, both quantitative and qualitative, that it believes foster sustainable long-term business growth. While few companies will exhibit all of these qualities, Davis believes that nearly every company in which it invests has a majority and appropriate mix of these traits:

 

· First-Class Management: Proven track record; significant personal ownership stake in business; smart appliers of technology to improve business and lower costs;

 

· Strong Financial Condition and Profitability: Strong balance sheets; low cost structure/low debt; high returns on capital;

 

· Strategic Positioning for the Long-Term: Non-obsolescent products/industries; dominant position in a growing market; global presence and brand names.

 

The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities and may, but generally does not, use derivatives as a hedge against currency risks.

 

A security may be sold when Davis believes that the market price is greater than its estimate of intrinsic value. Davis may also sell if the risk of owning the security makes it no longer attractive.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Value Company Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 17.32% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest quarterly return was -13.42% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(5/1/00)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  4.68%   13.95%   4.70%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  3.63%   13.61%   4.40%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  4.43%   12.24%   4.00%

Return Before Taxes –
Class Y

  4.53%   13.82%   4.60%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  4.39%   13.65%   4.44%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  -1.94%   12.04%   3.38%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  2.92%   13.06%   3.88%
             

S&P 500® Index^

  5.49%   12.82%   1.84%

Russell 1000® Value Index^^

  -0.17%   14.63%   7.17%

 

–  24  –


(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of larger capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^ The Russell 1000® Value Index is an unmanaged index representative of stocks with a greater than average value orientation among the stocks of the largest 1000 U.S. companies based on capitalization. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .65%   .65%   .65%   .65%     .65%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .11%   .20%   .35%   .35%     .40%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .76%   .85%   1.00%   1.25%     1.55%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $  78    $243    $   422    $   942

Class Y

   $  87    $271    $   471    $1,049

Class L

   $102    $318    $   552    $1,225

Class A

   $695    $949    $1,222    $1,999

Class N

   $261    $490    $   845    $1,845

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $158    $490    $845    $1,845

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  25  –


MassMutual Select Indexed Equity Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks to approximate as closely as practicable (before fees and expenses) the capitalization-weighted total rate of return of that portion of the U.S. market for publicly-traded common stocks composed of larger-capitalized companies.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

This Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in the equity securities of companies that make up the S&P 500® Index1. The S&P 500 Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of larger capitalized U.S. companies. As of January 31, 2008, the market capitalization range of the S&P 500 Index was $915.98 million to $465 billion.

 

The Fund generally purchases and sells securities in order to allocate the Fund’s investments among stocks in proportions that approximately match their index weights. This is the primary strategy used by the Fund to achieve a capitalization-weighted total rate of return. Each company’s shares contribute to the Fund’s overall return in the same proportion as the value of the Company’s shares that contribute to the return of the S&P 500 Index. However, the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Northern Trust Investments, N.A. (“NTI”), uses a process known as “optimization,” which is a statistical sampling technique. Using this technique, NTI may invest in a statistically selected sample of the securities found in the Index instead of buying every possible stock. In doing so, NTI attempts to maximize the Fund’s liquidity and returns while minimizing its costs. (See discussion of “Optimization” on page 234.) Therefore, the Fund may not hold every stock in the Index. NTI believes that this approach allows the Fund to run an efficient and effective strategy to maximize the Fund’s liquidity while minimizing transaction costs. The Fund may also invest in other instruments, the performance of which is expected to correspond to the Index. The Fund may also use derivatives, such as index futures and options, as described in “Additional Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.” NTI believes that the use of these investments helps the Fund’s returns approach the returns of a fully invested portfolio, while enabling the Fund to keep cash on hand for liquidity purposes. NTI seeks a correlation between the performance of the Fund, before expenses, and the S&P 500 Index of 98% or better.

 

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Tracking Error Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

1 “Standard & Poor’s®”, “S&P®”, “S&P 500®”, “Standard & Poor’s 500” and “500” are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by the Fund. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s and Standard & Poor’s makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 21.23% for the quarter ended December 31, 1998 and the lowest was -17.29% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

Return Before Taxes    One
Year
  

Five

Years

  

Since

Inception

(5/01)

Class Z

   5.27%    12.61%    4.07%
               Ten
Years

Class S

   5.00%    12.34%    5.45%

Class Y+

   5.01%    12.31%    5.39%

Class L+

   5.14%    12.28%    5.33%

Class A+

   -1.21%    10.66%    4.41%

Class N+

   3.53%    11.68%    4.73%
                

S&P 500® Index^

   5.49%    12.82%    5.91%

 

–  26  –


(1) The Fund commenced operations on March 1, 1998. Prior to May 1, 2000, the Fund was a “feeder” fund. It sought to obtain its investment objective by investing all its assets in the S&P 500 Index Master Portfolio (“the Master Portfolio”) managed by Barclays Global Fund Advisers. The Fund terminated the master-feeder structure effective April 30, 2000. The performance for periods prior to March 1, 1998 is calculated by including the corresponding total return of the Master Portfolio in which the Fund previously invested, adjusted to reflect the Fund’s fees and expenses. Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class Y and Class A shares of the Fund prior to March 1, 1998 is based on Class S shares adjusted to reflect Class Y and Class A expenses, and for Class A shares also reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class L shares of the Fund prior to July 1, 1999 is based on Class S shares adjusted to reflect Class L expenses. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of larger capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

    

One

Year

   Five
Years
  

Since

Inception

(3/1/98)

Return Before Taxes –  Class S

   5.00%    12.34%    4.69%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – 
Class S

   4.75%    12.11%    4.35%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares –  Class S

   3.59%    10.79%    3.94%
                

S&P 500 Index^

   5.49%    12.82%    5.15%

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A   Class N
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%   None
    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)

 

    Class Z   Class S   Class Y   Class L     Class A     Class N  
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund Assets) (% of average net assets)            

Management Fees

  .10%   .10%   .10%   .10%     .10%     .10%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   None     .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .10%   .32%   .35%   .50%     .50%     .55%  

Total Annual

Fund Operating

Expenses

  .20%   .42%   .45%   .60%     .85%     1.15%  
                             

Less Expense Reimbursement(3)

        (.20% )   (.20% )   (.20% )

Net Fund Expenses(4)

  .20%   .42%   .45%   .40%     .65%     .95%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class Z

   $  20    $  64    $   113    $ 255

Class S

   $  43    $135    $   235    $ 530

Class Y

   $  46    $144    $   252    $ 567

Class L

   $  41    $172    $   315    $ 731

Class A

   $638    $812    $1,001    $ 1,546

Class N

   $201    $346    $   614    $ 1,380

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $97    $346    $614    $1,380

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

–  27  –


 

(3)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to waive .20% of the administrative and shareholder service fee for Class L, Class A and Class N of the Fund through March 31, 2009. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual.

 

(4)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  28  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by normally investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities and securities convertible into common stocks traded on U.S. exchanges and issued by large, established companies. The Fund may also invest in foreign securities. The Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Victory Capital Management Inc. (“Victory”), seeks to invest in both growth and value securities.

 

· Growth stocks are stocks of companies that Victory believes will experience earnings growth; and

 

· Value stocks are stocks that Victory believes are intrinsically worth more than their market value.

 

In making investment decisions, including when to buy and sell securities, Victory may consider cash flow, book value, dividend yield, growth potential, quality of management, adequacy of revenues, earnings, capitalization, relation to historical earnings, the value of the issuer’s underlying assets and expected future relative earnings growth. Victory will pursue investments that it anticipates will provide above average dividend yield or potential for appreciation.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Growth Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Leveraging Risk and Convertible Securities Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund because the returns can be expected to vary from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the period shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 8.99% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and the lowest quarterly return was -1.83% for the quarter ended December 31, 2007.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

     One
Year
  

Since

Inception

(03/31/06)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

   10.05%    10.28%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

   7.63%    8.85%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

   7.16%    8.14%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

   9.89%    10.16%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

   9.75%    10.02%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

   3.22%    6.13%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

   8.16%    9.44%
         
           

S&P 500® Index^

   5.49%    9.21%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A and Class N shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of larger capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

–  30  –


Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y     Class L     Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None     None     5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None     None     None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .70%   .70%     .70%     .70%     .70%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None     None     .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .17%   .27%     .42%     .42%     .47%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   .87%   .97%     1.12%     1.37%     1.67%  
                           

Less Expense Reimbursement

    (.02% )   (.02% )   (.02% )   (.02% )

Net Fund Expenses(3)(4)

  .87%   .95%     1.10%     1.35%     1.65%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 89    $ 278    $ 482    $ 1,073

Class Y

   $ 97    $ 307    $ 534    $ 1,188

Class L

   $ 112    $ 354    $ 615    $ 1,361

Class A

   $ 705    $ 982    $ 1,280    $ 2,125

Class N

   $ 271    $ 525    $ 905    $ 1,975

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 168    $ 525    905    1,975

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to cap the fees and expenses of the Fund (other than extraordinary litigation and legal expenses, or other non-recurring or unusual expenses) through March 31, 2009, to the extent that Net Fund Expenses would otherwise exceed .90%, .95%, 1.10%, 1.35% and 1.65% for Classes S, Y, L, A and N, respectively. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual.

 

(4)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

Victory Prior Performance for Similar Accounts*

 

 

The bar chart illustrates the variability of returns achieved by Victory for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of future performance of the Fund.

 

 

–  31  –


LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was 19.90% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest was -19.00% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

Victory Average Annual Total Returns for Similar Accounts*

 

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table compares Victory’s investment results for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund to an index measuring the broad market over different time periods.

 

     One
Year
   Five
Years
   Ten
Years

Victory Composite

        

Class S*

   10.20%    15.70%    9.42%

Class Y*

   10.12%    15.64%    9.37%

Class L*

   9.97%    15.49%    9.22%

Class A*

   3.41%    13.88%    8.32%

Class N*

   8.42%    14.94%    8.66%
                

S&P 500 Index^

   5.49%    12.82%    5.91%

 

* Performance shown is a composite of all discretionary, fee paying portfolios managed by Victory with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the Fund and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of each of the Fund’s share classes, including sales loads. Some of the portfolios are mutual funds registered under the 1940 Act and some are private accounts. The investment returns assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. The bar chart is based on Class S expenses. The composite performance is provided solely to illustrate Victory’s performance in managing such a portfolio and does not represent the historical performance of the MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of the future performance of the Fund. Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges. The composite of portfolios was not subject to all of the investment restrictions to which the Fund will be subject, including restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Code, and no assurance can be given that the Fund’s performance would not have been lower had it been in operation during the periods for which composite portfolio performance information is shown. The Fund’s performance may have differed due to factors such as differences in cash flows into and out of the Fund, differences in fees and expenses, and differences in portfolio size and investments. Prior

performance of Victory is not indicative of future rates of return and is no indication of future performance of the Fund.

 

^ The S&P 500 Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of larger capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

–  32  –


 

 

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MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks growth of capital over the long term.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by normally investing at least 80% of net assets in the common stocks of large and medium-sized blue chip growth companies. These are firms that, in the view of the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”), are well-established in their industries and have the potential for above-average earnings growth. In selecting securities, T. Rowe Price focuses on companies with a leading market position, seasoned management and strong financial fundamentals. The investment approach reflects T. Rowe Price’s belief that solid company fundamentals (with an emphasis on strong growth in earnings per share or operating cash flow) combined with a positive industry outlook will ultimately reward investors with strong investment performance. It is anticipated that some of the companies targeted will have good prospects for dividend growth.

 

In pursuing its investment objective, T. Rowe Price has the discretion to purchase some securities that do not meet its normal investment criteria, as described above, when it perceives an unusual opportunity for gain. These special situations might arise when T. Rowe Price believes a security could increase in value for a variety of reasons, including a change in management, an extraordinary corporate event, or a temporary imbalance in the supply of or demand for the securities.

 

While most assets will be invested in U.S. common stocks, foreign stocks, futures and options may also be purchased, in keeping with Fund objectives. The Fund’s investments in foreign securities are limited to 20% of its total assets. The Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions in order to protect against fluctuations in the values of holdings denominated in or exposed to other currencies, or to protect against adverse changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of investments it expects to make.

 

The Fund may sell securities for a variety of reasons, such as to secure gains, limit losses or redeploy assets into more promising opportunities.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Growth Company Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 13.21% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest quarterly return was -16.12% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
  

Since

Inception

(6/1/01)

Return Before Taxes – 
Class S

  12.77%   10.88%    1.97%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – 
Class S

  12.70%   10.81%    1.92%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – 
Class S

  8.39%   9.49%    1.68%

Return Before Taxes – 
Class Y

  12.62%   10.73%    1.84%

 

–  34  –


    One
Year
  Five
Years
  

Since

Inception

(6/1/01)

Return Before Taxes – 
Class L

  12.46%   10.59%    1.71%

Return Before Taxes – 
Class A+

  5.77%   9.05%    0.54%

Return Before Taxes – 
Class N+

  10.84%   10.01%    1.12%
              

Russell 1000® Growth Index^

  11.81%   12.11%    2.25%

S&P 500® Index^^

  5.49%   12.82%    4.21%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 1000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index consisting of those Russell 1000 securities (representing the 1000 largest U.S. companies based on market capitalization) with greater than average growth orientation that tend to exhibit higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values than securities in the value universe. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^ The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of larger capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
    Class S     Class Y     Class L     Class A     Class N  
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .65%     .65%     .65%     .65%     .65%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None     None     None     .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .20%     .33%     .45%     .45%     .50%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .85%     .98%     1.10%     1.35%     1.65%  
                             

Less Expense Reimbursement

  (.09% )   (.16% )   (.12% )   (.16% )   (.14% )

Net Fund Expenses(4)(5)

  .76%     .82%     .98%     1.19%     1.51%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $  78    $262    $   463    $1,041

Class Y

   $  84    $296    $   526    $1,187

Class L

   $100    $338    $   595    $1,329

Class A

   $689    $963    $1,257    $2,092

Class N

   $257    $507    $   884    $1,943

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $154    $507    $884    $1,943

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   The expenses in the above table have been restated to reflect the Fund’s current management fee. Prior to December 3, 2007, the management fee was .70%.

 

–  35  –


(4)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to waive .05% of the management fee through October 13, 2008. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual. In addition, the expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to cap the fees and expenses of the Fund (other than extraordinary litigation and legal expenses, or other non-recurring or unusual expenses) through March 31, 2010, to the extent that Net Fund expenses would otherwise exceed .76%, .82%, .98%, 1.19% and 1.51% for Classes S, Y, L, A and N, respectively. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual.

 

(5)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  36  –


 

 

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MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in U.S. common stocks. While most assets will be invested in U.S. common stocks, foreign securities, futures and options may also be purchased, in keeping with Fund objectives. The Fund’s investments in foreign securities are limited to 20% of its total assets. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of mid- and large-capitalization companies. Mid- and large-capitalization companies are defined as those companies whose market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, are included in the range of companies in the Russell 1000® Growth Index. As of January 31, 2008, the range of capitalization of companies included in the Russell 1000 Growth Index was $441.28 million to $465 billion. Three Sub-Advisers manage the Fund, each being responsible for a portion of the portfolio, but not necessarily equal weighted. Each of the Fund’s Sub-Advisers may sell securities for a variety of reasons, such as to secure gains, limit losses or redeploy assets into more promising opportunities.

 

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) invests in companies that it believes are well-established in their industries and have the potential for above-average earnings growth. In selecting securities, T. Rowe Price focuses on companies with a leading market position, seasoned management and strong financial fundamentals. The investment approach reflects T. Rowe Price’s belief that solid company fundamentals (with an emphasis on strong growth in earnings per share or operating cash flow) combined with a positive industry outlook will ultimately reward investors with strong investment performance. It is anticipated that some of the companies targeted will have good prospects for dividend growth. T. Rowe Price may engage in foreign currency transactions in order to protect against fluctuations in the values of holdings denominated in or exposed to other currencies, or to protect against adverse changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of investments it expects to make.

 

In pursuing the Fund’s investment objective, T. Rowe Price has the discretion to purchase some securities that do not meet its normal investment criteria, as described above, when it perceives an unusual opportunity for gain. These special situations might arise when T. Rowe Price believes a security could increase in value for a variety of reasons, including a change in management, an extraordinary corporate event or a temporary imbalance in the supply of or demand for the securities.

 

Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”) invests primarily in common stocks of growth-oriented companies. Wellington Management invests in growth stocks that it believes are attractively valued with a catalyst which may include solid management, strong competitive positions or attractive business models. These stocks are found using a combination of bottom-up fundamental research and proprietary quantitative modeling. Wellington Management will closely monitor the portfolio’s economic sector weightings relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index.

 

Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. (“Legg Mason”) invests in a limited number of stocks that it believes offer above-average growth potential and trade at a significant discount to Legg Mason’s assessment of their intrinsic value. The selection of common stocks is made through a process whereby companies are identified and selected as eligible investments by examining fundamental quantitative and qualitative aspects of the company, its management and its financial position as compared to its stock price. Legg Mason’s bottom up, fundamental investment strategy is based on the principle that a shareholder’s return from owning a stock is ultimately determined by the fundamental economics of the underlying business.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance

 

 

The Fund began operations December 17, 2007, and therefore has no performance history. There will be risks of investing in the Fund because the returns can be expected to vary from year to year.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

 

Because this Fund is new, there is no table which shows how the Fund’s returns have deviated from the broad market.

 

–  38  –


Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S     Class Y     Class L     Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None     None     None     5.75 %   None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None     None     None     None (1)   1.00 %(2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .70 %   .70 %   .70 %   .70 %   .70 %

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None     None     None     .25 %   .50 %

Other Expenses(3)(4)

  .30 %   .40 %   .55 %   .55 %   .60 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.00 %   1.10 %   1.25 %   1.50 %   1.80 %
                             

Less Expense Reimbursement

  (.20 %)   (.25 %)   (.25 %)   (.25 %)   (.25 %)

Net Fund Expenses(5)(6)

  .80 %   .85 %   1.00 %   1.25 %   1.55 %

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years

Class S

   $ 82    $ 298

Class Y

   $ 87    $ 325

Class L

   $ 102    $ 372

Class A

   $ 695    $ 999

Class N

   $ 261    $ 542

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years

Class N

   $158    $542
(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the first fiscal year of the Fund.

 

(4)   Other Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, which represent approximate expenses to be borne indirectly by the Fund in its first fiscal year through investments in other pooled investment vehicles. The amount of Acquired Fund fees and expenses may change due to a number of factors including, among others, a change in allocation of the Fund’s investments among other pooled investment vehicles.

 

(5)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to cap the fees and expenses of the Fund (other than extraordinary litigation and legal expenses, or other non-recurring or unusual expenses), excluding Acquired Fund fees and expenses, through March 31, 2009 to the extent that Net Fund Expenses would otherwise exceed .80%, .85%, 1.00%, 1.25% and 1.55% for Classes S, Y, L , A and N, respectively. The Net Fund Expenses shown in the above table may exceed these amounts, because Acquired Fund fees and expenses are excluded from the cap. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual.

 

(6)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

T. Rowe Price, Wellington Management and Legg Mason Performance for Similar Accounts*

 

 

The bar chart illustrates the variability of returns achieved by each Sub-Adviser for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the portion of the Fund managed by each Sub-Adviser. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of future performance of the Fund.

 

LOGO

 

    Highest Quarter   Lowest Quarter

T. Rowe Price Composite

  24.79%, 4Q 1998   -17.17%, 1Q 2001

Wellington Management Composite

  26.44%, 4Q 1998   -20.04%, 3Q 2001

Legg Mason Composite

  37.39%, 4Q 1998   -23.31%, 3Q 2001

 

–  39  –


T. Rowe Price, Wellington Management and Legg Mason Average Annual Total

Returns for Similar Accounts*

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table compares each Sub-Adviser’s investment results for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the portion of the Fund managed by each Sub-Adviser to an index measuring the broad market over different time periods.

 

   

One

Year

 

Five

Years

  Ten
Years

T. Rowe Price Composite

     

Class S*

  13.02%   13.31%   6.23%

Class Y*

  12.97%   13.26%   6.18%

Class L*

  12.82%   13.11%   6.03%

Class A*

  6.09%   11.53%   5.15%

Class N*

  11.27%   12.56%   5.47%
             

Russell 1000 Growth Index^

  11.81%   12.11%   3.83%

Wellington Management Composite

     

Class S*

  9.91%   12.30%   4.73%

Class Y*

  9.86%   12.25%   4.68%

Class L*

  9.71%   12.10%   4.52%

Class A*

  3.17%   10.53%   3.65%

Class N*

  8.16%   11.55%   3.96%
             

Russell 1000 Growth Index^

  11.81%   12.11%   3.83%

Legg Mason Composite

     

Class S*

  15.19%   16.83%   9.77%

Class Y*

  15.14%   16.78%   9.71%

Class L*

  14.99%   16.62%   9.56%

Class A*

  8.14%   15.00%   8.66%

Class N*

  13.44%   16.06%   9.00%
             

Russell 1000 Growth Index^

  11.81%   12.11%   3.83%

 

* For T. Rowe Price and Wellington Management, performance shown is a composite of all discretionary, fee paying portfolios managed by T. Rowe Price or Wellington Management with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the portion of the Fund managed by T. Rowe Price or Wellington Management and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of each of the Fund’s share classes, including sales loads. For Legg Mason, performance shown is a composite of all discretionary, fee paying accounts with a minimum market value of $10 million managed by Legg Mason with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the portion of the Fund managed by Legg Mason and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of each of the Fund’s share classes, including sales loads. From May 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005, the Legg Mason composite contains only accounts with a minimum market value of $25 million. Prior to May 1, 2004, the Legg Mason composite did not maintain a minimum market value requirement. For each Sub-Adviser, some of the portfolios are mutual funds registered under the 1940 Act and some are private accounts. The investment returns assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. The bar chart is based on Class S expenses. The composite performance is provided solely to illustrate each Sub-Adviser’s performance in managing such a portfolio and does not represent the historical performance of the MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of the future performance of the Fund. Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges. The composite portfolios were not subject to all of the investment restrictions to which the Fund will be subject, including restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Code, each as amended, and no assurance can be given that the Fund’s performance would not have been lower had it been in operation during the periods for which composite portfolio performance information is shown. The Fund’s performance may have differed due to factors such as differences in cash flows into and out of the Fund, differences in fees and expenses, and differences in portfolio size and investments. Prior performance of each Sub-Adviser is not indicative of future rates of return and is no indication of future performance of the Fund.

^ The Russell 1000 Growth Index is an unmanaged index consisting of those Russell 1000 securities (representing the 1000 largest U.S. companies based on market capitalization) with greater than average growth orientation that tend to exhibit higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values than securities in the value universe. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

–  40  –


 

 

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MassMutual Select Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital and future income.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by normally investing at least 80% of its net assets in the common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks of companies which the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”), believes offer prospects for long-term growth and which, at the time of purchase, have market capitalizations of at least approximately $10 billion. AllianceBernstein may invest the Fund’s assets in securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers.

 

AllianceBernstein’s investment strategy focuses on a relatively small number of intensively researched companies. AllianceBernstein selects the Fund’s investments from a research universe of more than 500 companies that it believes to have strong management, superior industry positions, excellent balance sheets and superior earnings growth. Normally, AllianceBernstein invests in about 40-60 companies, with the 25 most highly regarded of these companies usually constituting approximately 70% of the Fund’s net assets. AllianceBernstein will also add and trim core positions based on perceived market strength or weakness, assessing the optimal price range for each stock. This disciplined strategy may add value over time, particularly in volatile markets, and may provide some protection in poor performing markets. AllianceBernstein currently anticipates that the Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Growth Company Risk, Leveraging Risk and Convertible Securities Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 12.39% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest quarterly return was -17.39% for the quarter ended June 30, 2002.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

     One
Year
  

Five

Years

  

Since

Inception

(12/31/01)

Return Before Taxes – 
Class S

   13.45%    11.23%    2.99%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

   12.14%    10.84%    2.69%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

   10.45%    9.80%    2.56%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

   13.36%    11.19%    2.93%

Return Before Taxes –Class L

   13.16%    11.30%    3.00%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

   6.45%    9.46%    1.53%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

   11.59%    10.74%    2.23%
                

Russell 1000® Growth Index^

   11.81%    12.11%    3.89%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

–  42  –


^ The Russell 1000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index consisting of those Russell 1000 securities (representing the 1000 largest U.S. companies based on market capitalization) with greater than average growth orientation that tend to exhibit higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values than securities in the value universe. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .65%   .65%   .65%   .65%     .65%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .27%   .31%   .46%   .46%     .50%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .92%   .96%   1.11%   1.36%     1.65%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $   94    $ 293    $    509    $ 1,131

Class Y

   $ 98    $ 306    $    531    $ 1,178

Class L

   $ 113    $ 353    $    612    $ 1,352

Class A

   $ 706    $ 981    $ 1,277    $ 2,116

Class N

   $ 271    $ 520    $    897    $ 1,955

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $168    $520    $   897    $1,955
(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  43  –


MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

This Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in U.S. common stocks and other equity securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities. Two Sub-Advisers manage the Fund, each being responsible for a portion of the portfolio, but not necessarily equal weighted. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities issued by non-U.S. companies, including those in emerging markets.

 

Sands Capital Management, LLC (“Sands Capital”) generally seeks stocks with above-average potential for growth in revenue and earnings, as well as capital appreciation potential. In addition, Sands Capital looks for companies that it believes have a leadership position in an industry or proprietary niche that appears to be sustainable, that demonstrate a clear mission in an understandable business, that exhibit financial strength and that are valued rationally in relation to comparable companies in the market. Sands Capital emphasizes investments in large capitalization growth companies. Sands Capital does not typically invest in companies that have market capitalizations of less than $1 billion. Sands Capital generally considers selling a security when it believes the prospects for future growth do not look promising.

 

Delaware Management Company (“DMC”) invests primarily in common stocks of large capitalization growth-oriented companies that DMC believes have long-term capital appreciation potential and are expected to grow faster than the U.S. economy. DMC currently defines large capitalization companies as those that, at the time of investment, have market capitalizations within the range of market capitalizations of companies in the Russell 1000® Growth Index. While the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 1000 Growth Index ranged from approximately $441.28 million to $465 billion as of January 31, 2008, DMC will normally invest in common stocks of companies with market capitalizations of at least $3 billion at the time of purchase. Using a bottom up approach, DMC seeks to select securities of companies that it believes have

attractive end market potential, dominant business models and strong free cash flow generation, which are attractively priced compared to the intrinsic value of the securities. DMC also considers a company’s operational efficiencies, management’s plans for capital allocation and the company’s shareholder orientation. DMC may sell a security when it has identified more attractive opportunities, if fundamentals unexpectedly change or if valuations are stretched past fair value.

 

The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may hold larger positions in a smaller number of stocks than a diversified fund. As a result, an increase or decrease in value of a single stock could have a greater impact on the Fund’s net asset value and its total return. See “Non-Diversification Risk” on page 108.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Non-Diversification Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 20.09% for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 and the lowest quarterly return was -26.25% for the quarter ended March 31, 2001.

 

–  44  –


Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(5/1/00)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  18.21%   14.02%   -3.81%

Return After Taxes on
Distributions – Class S

  18.21%   14.02%   -3.82%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  11.84%   12.32%   -3.18%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  18.01%   13.89%   -3.91%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  17.67%   13.70%   -4.06%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  10.74%   12.05%   -5.04%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  16.11%   13.11%   -4.59%
             

Russell 1000® Growth Index^

  11.81%   12.11%   -3.31%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 1000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index consisting of those Russell 1000 securities (representing the 1000 largest U.S. companies based on market capitalization) with greater than average growth orientation that tend to exhibit higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values than securities in the value universe. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .73%   .73%   .73%   .73%     .73%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .13%   .23%   .38%   .38%     .43%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .86%   .96%   1.11%   1.36%     1.66%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 88    $ 274    $ 477    $ 1,061

Class Y

   $ 98    $ 306    $ 531    $ 1,178

Class L

   $ 113    $ 353    $ 612    $ 1,352

Class A

   $ 706    $ 981    $ 1,277    $ 2,116

Class N

   $ 272    $ 523    $ 902    $ 1,965

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares,

 

–  45  –


you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 169    $ 523    $ 902    $ 1,965
(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  46  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select NASDAQ-100® Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks to approximate as closely as practicable (before fees and expenses) the total return of the NASDAQ-100 Index®1.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

This Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in the equity securities of companies included in the NASDAQ-100 Index. The NASDAQ-100 Index is a modified capitalization-weighted index composed of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”). As of January 31, 2008, the market capitalization range of the NASDAQ-100 Index was $2.71 billion to $304.13 billion.

 

The Fund generally purchases and sells securities in order to allocate the Fund’s investments among stocks in proportions that approximately match their index weights. This is the primary strategy used by the Fund to achieve a capitalization-weighted total rate of return. Each company’s shares contribute to the Fund’s overall return in the same proportion as the value of the Company’s shares that contribute to the return of the NASDAQ-100 Index. However, the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Northern Trust Investments, N.A. (“NTI”), uses a process known as “optimization,” which is a statistical sampling technique. Using this technique, NTI may invest in a statistically selected sample of the securities found in the Index instead of buying every possible stock. In doing so, NTI attempts to maximize the Fund’s liquidity and returns while minimizing its costs. (See discussion of “Optimization” on page 234.) Therefore, the Fund may not hold every stock in the Index. NTI believes that this approach allows the Fund to run an efficient and effective strategy to maximize the Fund’s liquidity while minimizing transaction costs. The Fund may also invest in other instruments, the performance of which is expected to correspond to the Index. The Fund may also use derivatives, such as index futures and options, as described in “Additional Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.” NTI believes that the use of these investments helps the Fund’s returns approach the returns of a fully invested portfolio, while enabling the Fund to keep cash on hand for liquidity purposes.

 

The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may hold larger positions in a smaller number of stocks than a diversified fund. As a result, an increase or decrease in value of a single stock could have a greater impact on the Fund’s net asset value and its total return. See “Non-Diversification Risk” on page 108.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Tracking Error Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Non-Diversification Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

1 NASDAQ®, NASDAQ-100® and NASDAQ-100 Index® are trademarks of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (together with its affiliates, “NASDAQ”) and are licensed for use by the Fund. The Fund has not been passed on by NASDAQ as to its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold or promoted by NASDAQ. NASDAQ MAKES NO WARRANTIES AND BEARS NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 34.75% for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 and the lowest quarterly return was -36.33% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(5/1/00)

Return Before Taxes –Class S

  18.63%   16.00%   -7.77%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  18.63%   15.98%   -7.78%

 

–  48  –


    One
Year
  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(5/1/00)

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  12.11%   14.11%   -6.30%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  18.57%   15.86%   -7.89%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  18.24%   15.69%   -8.03%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  11.03%   13.99%   -8.96%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  16.63%   15.02%   -8.57%
             

NASDAQ-100 Index®^

  18.67%   16.20%   -7.45%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ NASDAQ-100 Index® is a registered service mark of the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”). The NASDAQ-100 Index is composed and calculated by NASDAQ without regard to the Fund. NASDAQ makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding, and bears no liability with respect to, the NASDAQ-100 Index or its use of any data included therein. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A   Class N
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .15%   .15%   .15%   .15%   .15%

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%   .50%

Other Expenses

  .51%   .62%   .76%   .76%   .81%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .66%   .77%   .91%   1.16%   1.46%

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 67    $ 211    $ 368    $ 822

Class Y

   $ 79    $ 246    $ 428    $ 954

Class L

   $ 93    $ 290    $ 504    $ 1,120

Class A

   $ 686    $ 922    $ 1,177    $ 1,903

Class N

   $ 252    $ 462    $ 797    $ 1,746

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 149    $ 462    $ 797    $ 1,746

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  49  –


MassMutual Select Focused Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks growth of capital over the long-term.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in a non-diversified portfolio of U.S. equity securities. The Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Harris Associates L.P. (“Harris”), seeks out companies that it believes are trading at significant discounts to their underlying value. Harris utilizes a fundamental, bottom-up investment strategy, focusing on companies with market capitalizations over $1 billion and which it believes have significant profit potential.

 

Sell targets are generally set when a stock is first purchased. Harris generally sells a stock when it believes the stock has achieved 90-100% of its fair value or when it is determined by Harris that management is no longer a steward of shareholder interests.

 

Harris intends to invest primarily in U.S. companies, but may invest up to 25% of the Fund’s total assets (valued at the time of investment) in securities of non-U.S. issuers. These may include foreign government obligations and foreign equity and debt securities that are traded over-the-counter or on foreign exchanges. There are no geographic limits on the Fund’s foreign investments, but the Fund does not expect to invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of issuers based in emerging markets.

 

The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may hold larger positions in a smaller number of stocks than a diversified fund. As a result, an increase or decrease in value of a single stock could have a greater impact on the Fund’s net asset value and its total return. See “Non-Diversification Risk” described on page 108.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Non-Diversification Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 23.23% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest quarterly return was –14.23% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

   

One

Year

  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(5/1/00)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  2.07%   15.71%   13.31%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  -0.59%   13.96%   12.00%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  3.20%   13.34%   11.40%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  1.92%   15.58%   13.18%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  1.79%   15.42%   13.02%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  -4.32%   13.76%   11.87%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  0.32%   14.78%   12.42%
             

Russell 1000® Index^

  5.77%   13.43%   2.15%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

–  50  –


+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

^ The Russell 1000® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representing the performance of common stocks of larger capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .69%   .69%   .69%   .69%     .69%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .11%   .21%   .36%   .36%     .41%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .80%   .90%   1.05%   1.30%     1.60%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 82    $ 255    $ 444    $ 990

Class Y

   $ 92    $ 287    $ 498    $ 1,108

Class L

   $ 107    $ 334    $ 579    $ 1,283

Class A

   $ 700    $ 963    $ 1,247    $ 2,053

Class N

   $ 266    $ 505    $ 871    $ 1,900

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 163    $ 505    $ 871    $ 1,900

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  51  –


MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks growth of capital over the long-term.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing, under normal conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in the stocks of mid-cap companies. “Mid-cap” companies are defined as those with market capitalizations in the range of $500 million to $10 billion at the time of purchase or whose market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, fall within the range of companies in the Russell Midcap® Value Index – as of January 31, 2008, between $493.55 million and $40.28 billion. The range of capitalization of companies included in the Russell Mid Cap Value Index will fluctuate as market prices increase or decrease. However, the Fund is not required to sell the stock of a company it already owns just because the company’s market capitalization has fallen outside these ranges. Portfolio holdings will be primarily in U.S. issuers, although the Fund may gain exposure to non-U.S. issuers through the purchase of ADRs.

 

The Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Cooke & Bieler, L.P. (“Cooke & Bieler”), seeks out companies that it believes are undervalued and possess strong financial positions. Cooke & Bieler utilizes a fundamental, bottom-up investment strategy, selecting equity securities for the Fund based on its analysis of a company’s financial characteristics, assessment of the quality of a company’s management and the implementation of valuation discipline. Generally, Cooke & Bieler will hold between 30 to 50 securities in its portion of the portfolio. Cooke & Bieler believes that its assessment of business quality and emphasis on valuation will protect the Fund’s assets in down markets, while its insistence on financial strength, leadership position and strong cash flow will produce competitive results in all but the most speculative markets. Cooke & Bieler generally sells a stock when it believes the stock has achieved its fair value, when it is determined that the long-term quality of the company has diminished or when more attractive alternatives are available.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Value Company Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund because the returns can be expected to vary from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the period shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 6.35% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and the lowest quarterly return was -11.60% for the quarter ended December 31, 2007.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
 

Since

Inception

(08/29/06)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  -8.53%   3.51%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  -10.45%   1.83%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  -5.30%   2.15%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  -8.66%   3.35%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  -8.74%   3.30%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  -14.20%   -1.46%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  -9.99%   2.09%
         

Russell Midcap® Value Index^

  -1.42%   6.76%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

–  52  –


+ Performance for Class A and Class N shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell Midcap® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those companies in the Russell Midcap Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, a capitalization-weighted index of the 1,000 U.S. companies with the largest market capitalization. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .70%   .70%   .70%   .70%     .70%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .10%   .20%   .35%   .35%     .40%  

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

  .80%   .90%   1.05%   1.30%     1.60%  
                       

Less Expense Reimbursement

             

Net Fund Expenses(3)(4)

  .80%   .90%   1.05%`   1.30%     1.60%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 82    $ 255    $ 444    $ 990

Class Y

   $ 92    $ 287    $ 498    $ 1,108

Class L

   $ 107    $ 334    $ 579    $ 1,283

Class A

   $ 700    $ 963    $ 1,247    $ 2,053

Class N

   $ 266    $ 505    $ 871    $ 1,900

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 163    $ 505    $ 871    $ 1,900

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to cap the fees and expenses of the Fund (other than extraordinary litigation and legal expenses, or other non-recurring or unusual expenses) through March 31, 2009, to the extent that Net Fund Expenses would otherwise exceed .88%, .98%, 1.13%, 1.38% and 1.68% for Classes S, Y, L, A and N, respectively. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual.

 

(4)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  53  –


Cooke & Bieler Prior Performance for Similar Accounts*

 

 

The bar chart illustrates the variability of returns achieved by Cooke & Bieler for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of future performance of the Fund.

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was 20.78% for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 and the lowest was -20.77% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

Cooke & Bieler Average Annual Total Returns for Similar Accounts*

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table compares Cooke & Bieler’s investment results for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund to that of an index measuring the broad market over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
  Since
Inception
(3/1/98)
 

Cooke & Bieler Composite

     

Class Y*

  -8.69%   13.47%   11.77%  

Class L*

  -8.84%   13.32%   11.62%  

Class A*

  -14.32%   11.73%   10.70%  

Class N*

  -10.39%   12.76%   11.07%  
               

Russell Midcap Value Index^

  -1.42%   17.92%   9.86 %

 

* Performance shown is a composite of all discretionary, fee paying portfolios managed by Cooke & Bieler with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of the Fund’s Y, L, A and N share classes, including sales loads. Some of the portfolios are mutual funds registered under the 1940 Act and some are private accounts. The investment returns assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. The bar chart is based on Class Y expenses. The composite performance is provided solely to illustrate Cooke & Bieler’s performance in managing such a portfolio and does not represent the historical performance of the MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of the future performance of the Fund. Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges. The composite of portfolios was not subject to all of the investment restrictions to which the Fund will be subject, including restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Code, and no assurance can be given that the Fund’s performance would not have been lower had it been in operation during the periods for which composite portfolio performance information is shown. The Fund’s performance may have differed due to factors such as differences in cash flows into and out of the Fund, differences in fees and expenses, and differences in portfolio size and investments. Prior performance of Cooke & Bieler is not indicative of future rates of return and is no indication of future performance of the Fund.

 

^ The Russell Midcap Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those companies in the Russell Midcap Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, a capitalization-weighted index of the 1,000 U.S. companies with the largest market capitalization. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

–  54  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks to maximize total return through investment primarily in small capitalization equity securities.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets in small capitalization equity securities. Small capitalization securities are securities of companies with a market capitalization less than or equal to the largest capitalization stock in the Russell 2000® Value Index – as of January 31, 2008, $5.97 billion. The Fund utilizes futures to equitize cash and may use money market instruments to invest cash. The Fund’s investment strategy is designed to provide a bridge between passive investments and actively managed investments where the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM”), uses research and analytical modeling to selectively choose securities for investment. SSgA FM will not automatically sell the stock of a company it already owns just because the company’s market capitalization grows outside the range of companies in the Russell 2000 Value Index. Stocks may be sold whenever SSgA FM believes there is a more attractive security and the difference in the expected excess return is sufficient to overcome the transaction costs. Also, a sale may (but will not necessarily) occur when a stock’s weight moves outside the .50% over/underweight band relative to the Russell 2000 Value Index.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Value Company Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund because the returns can be expected to vary from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the period shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 2.61% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and the lowest quarterly return was -8.36% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
 

Since

Inception

(03/31/06)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  - 12.02%   - 1.98%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  - 12.62%   - 2.40%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  - 7.65%   - 1.85%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  - 12.06%   - 2.07%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  - 12.22%   - 2.17%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  - 17.39%   - 5.64%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  - 13.50%   - 2.70%
           
             

Russell 2000® Value Index^

  - 9.78%   - 0.88%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A and Class N shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 2000® Value Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 2000 Index Companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

–  56  –


Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .75%   .75%   .75%   .75%     .75%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .10%   .20%   .35%   .35%     .40%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   .85%   .95%   1.10%   1.35%     1.65%  
                       

Less Expense Reimbursement

             

Net Expenses(3)(4)

  .85%   .95%   1.10%   1.35%     1.65%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 87    $ 271    $ 471    $ 1,049

Class Y

   $ 97    $ 303    $ 525    $ 1,166

Class L

   $ 112    $ 350    $ 606    $ 1,340

Class A

   $ 705    $ 978    $ 1,272    $ 2,105

Class N

   $ 271    $ 520    $ 897    $ 1,955

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 168    $ 520    $ 897    $ 1,955

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to cap the fees and expenses of the Fund (other than extraordinary litigation and legal expenses, or other non-recurring or unusual expenses) through March 31, 2009, to the extent that Net Fund Expenses would otherwise exceed .95%, 1.00%, 1.15%, 1.40% and 1.70% for classes S, Y, L, A and N, respectively.

 

(4)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

Prior Performance for Similar Accounts managed by SSgA, an affiliate of SSgA FM*

 

 

The bar chart illustrates the variability of returns achieved by SSgA, an affiliate of SSgA FM, for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of future performance of the Fund.

 

–  57  –


LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was 21.35% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest was -20.26% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for Similar Accounts managed by SSgA, an affiliate of SSgA FM*

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table compares investment results for all accounts managed by SSgA, an affiliate of SSgA FM, with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund to an index measuring the broad market over different time periods.

 

     One
Year
   Five
Years
   Since
Inception
(1/1/02)

SSgA Composite

        

Class S*

   - 12.13%    15.21%    11.16%

Class Y*

   - 12.23%    15.11%    11.06%

Class L*

   - 12.38%    14.96%    10.91%

Class A*

   - 17.65%    13.35%    9.57%

Class N*

   - 13.93%    14.40%    10.35%
                  

Russell 2000 Value Index^

   - 9.78%    15.80%    10.74%

 

* Performance shown is a composite of all discretionary, fee paying portfolios managed by State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSgA”), an affiliate of SSgA FM, with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the Fund and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of each of the Fund’s share classes, including sales loads. The investment returns assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. The bar chart is based on Class S expenses. The composite performance is provided solely to illustrate the performance of the portfolio managers in managing such a portfolio and does not represent the historical performance of the MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of the future performance of the Fund. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Martin are dual-employees of SSgA and SSgA FM, and are also members of the team responsible for managing the accounts in the composite. Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges. The composite of portfolios was not subject to all of the investment restrictions to which the Fund will be subject, including restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Code, and no assurance can be given that the Fund’s performance would not have been lower had it been in operation during the periods for which composite portfolio performance information is shown. The Fund’s performance may have differed due to factors such as differences in cash flows into and out of the Fund, differences in fees and expenses, and differences in portfolio size and investments. Prior performance is not indicative of future rates of return and is no indication of future performance of the Fund.

 

^ The Russell 2000 Value Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 2000 Index Companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

–  58  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of smaller companies.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund invests primarily in stocks, securities convertible into stocks and other securities, such as warrants and stock rights, whose value is based on stock prices. Normally, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in the securities of companies whose market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, are included in the range of companies in the Russell 2000® Index or the S&P SmallCap 600 Index – as of January 31, 2008, between $36.27 million and $8.19 billion. The range of capitalizations of companies included in each index will fluctuate as market prices increase or decrease. The Fund is managed by three Sub-Advisers, each being responsible for a portion of the portfolio, but not necessarily equal weighted. Each Sub-Adviser will not automatically sell the stock of a company it already owns just because the company’s market capitalization grows or falls outside the range of companies in either Index. While most assets will be invested in U.S. common stocks, other securities may also be purchased such as foreign stocks, futures and options, in keeping with Fund objectives. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.

 

Clover Capital Management, Inc. (“Clover”) invests in stocks of companies that it believes have low valuations relative to the market or to their historical valuation. Quantitative analysis is employed to identify attractive small cap stocks, then fundamental analysis is employed to identify catalysts for beneficial change. Clover invests in securities of companies operating in a broad range of industries, based primarily on value characteristics such as price-cash flow, price-earnings and price-book value ratios. In selecting specific securities for the Fund, Clover seeks to identify companies whose stock is out of favor with investors. Clover generally sells a security when the portfolio management team determines that either the security has reached its target price, it has failed to perform as expected and the security’s investment thesis is no longer intact, or when other opportunities appear more attractive.

 

Reflecting a value approach to investing, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) seeks to

purchase the stocks of companies the current stock prices of which do not appear to adequately reflect their underlying value as measured by assets, earnings, cash flow or business franchises. Utilizing fundamental research, T. Rowe Price seeks to identify companies that appear to be undervalued by various measures, and may be temporarily out of favor, but have good prospects for capital appreciation. T. Rowe Price may engage in foreign currency transactions in order to protect against fluctuations in the values of holdings denominated in or exposed to other currencies, or to protect against adverse changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of investments it expects to make. T. Rowe Price may sell securities for a variety of reasons, such as to secure gains, limit losses or redeploy assets into more promising opportunities.

 

EARNEST Partners, LLC (“Earnest Partners”) employs a value-based investment style by seeking to identify companies, the securities of which are trading at prices below what it believes are their intrinsic values. Earnest Partners uses a bottom-up approach, employing fundamental and qualitative criteria to identify individual companies for potential investment by the Fund. In doing so, Earnest Partners utilizes relationships with key analysts and industry perspectives. Earnest Partners uses a statistical approach designed to measure and control the prospect of substantially underperforming the benchmark by seeking to limit company-specific risk in the Fund’s portfolio. Earnest Partners expects to invest in approximately 60 companies. The portfolio’s sector weightings are a result of individual stock selections. Earnest Partners generally will sell a stock if the company’s prospects deteriorate resulting from poor business plan execution, new competitors, management changes or a souring business environment. A sale of a stock may also occur when, in Earnest Partners’ view, a more attractive stock with superior risk/return characteristics presents itself.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk and Convertible Securities Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

–  60  –


Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 20.17% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest quarterly return was -19.75% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
   Five
Years
  

Since

Inception

(12/31/01)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  -1.68%    15.24%    9.98%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  -4.42%    14.08%    9.03%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  1.82%    13.27%    8.60%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  -1.72%    15.16%    9.92%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  -1.89%    14.98%    9.74%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  -7.72%    13.37%    8.42%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  -3.21%    14.37%    9.19%
               

Russell 2000® Value Index^

  -9.78%    15.80%    10.57%

Russell 2000 Index^^

  -1.56%    16.25%    8.92%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 2000® Value Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 2000 Index Companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^ The Russell 2000 Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of smaller capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .85%   .85%   .85%   .85%     .85%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses(3)

  .20%   .24%   .39%   .39%     .45%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(4)(5)   1.05%   1.09%   1.24%   1.49%     1.80%  

 

–  61  –


Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 107    $ 334    $ 579    $ 1,283

Class Y

   $ 111    $ 347    $ 601    $ 1,329

Class L

   $ 126    $ 393    $ 681    $ 1,500

Class A

   $ 718    $ 1,019    $ 1,341    $ 2,252

Class N

   $ 286    $ 566    $ 975    $ 2,116

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 183    $ 566    $ 975    $ 2,116

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Other Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, which represent approximate expenses borne indirectly by the Fund in its most recent fiscal year through investments in other pooled investment vehicles. The amount of Acquired Fund fees and expenses may change in the coming year due to a number of factors including, among others, a change in allocation of the Fund’s investments among other pooled investment vehicles.

 

(4)   Because Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, they may not correspond to the ratios of expenses to average daily net assets shown in the “Financial Highlights” tables in this prospectus, which reflect the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include Acquired Fund fees and expenses.

 

(5)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  62  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select Small Cap Core Equity Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks long-term growth of capital through investment primarily in small capitalization equity securities.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets in a broadly diversified portfolio of equity investments in small capitalization issuers, including foreign issuers that are traded in the United States. These issuers will have public market capitalizations similar to that of the range of market capitalizations of companies constituting the Russell 2000® Index at the time of investment – as of January 31, 2008, between $36.27 million and $8.19 billion. The range of capitalizations included in the index will fluctuate as market prices increase or decrease. GSAM will not automatically sell the stock of a company it already owns just because the company’s market capitalization grows or falls outside the range of companies in the Russell 2000 Index, but a stock may be sold from the portfolio when GSAM’s expectations for future return and risk for the stock decline. The Fund’s investments are selected by the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”), using quantitative techniques to evaluate companies’ fundamental characteristics and seeking to maximize the Fund’s expected return, while maintaining style, capitalization and industry characteristics similar to the Russell 2000 Index. The Fund seeks to create a portfolio consisting of companies with similar market capitalizations, but better momentum, profitability, valuation and other fundamental characteristics than those in the Russell 2000 Index. When selecting stocks, the Fund may utilize growth-oriented factors such as price momentum and price response to earnings announcements, while also utilizing value-oriented factors such as price/book and price/sales ratios. The Fund may also use derivative instruments, including futures and options, in pursuing its investment strategy.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Leveraging Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund because the returns can be expected to vary from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the period shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 1.53% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and the lowest quarterly return was -8.49% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

     One Year   

Since

Inception

(03/31/06)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

   -11.62%    -4.84%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

   -11.67%    -4.89%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

   -7.48%    -4.10%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

   -11.91%    -4.98%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

   -11.80%    -5.03%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

   -17.16%    -8.45%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

   -13.28%    -5.58%
           

Russell 2000® Index^

   -1.56%    1.47%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A and Class N shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 2000® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of smaller capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

–  64  –


After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .75%   .75%   .75%   .75%     .75%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses(3)

  .16%   .26%   .41%   .41%     .46%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(4)   .91%   1.01%   1.16%   1.41%     1.71%  
                       

Less Expense Reimbursement

    (.01%)   (.01%)   (.01%)     (.01%)  

Net Fund Expenses(5)(6)

  .91%   1.00%   1.15%   1.40%     1.70%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 93    $ 290    $ 504    $ 1,120

Class Y

   $ 102    $ 321    $ 557    $ 1,235

Class L

   $ 117    $ 367    $ 637    $ 1,408

Class A

   $ 709    $ 995    $ 1,301    $ 2,168

Class N

   $ 276    $ 538    $ 927    $ 2,019

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 173    $ 538    $ 927    $ 2,019

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Other Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, which represent approximate expenses borne indirectly by the Fund in its most recent fiscal year through investments in other pooled investment vehicles. The amount of Acquired Fund fees and expenses may change in the coming year due to a number of factors including, among others, a change in allocation of the Fund’s investments among other pooled investment vehicles.

 

(4)   Because Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, they may not correspond to the ratios of expenses to average daily net assets shown in the “Financial Highlights” tables in this prospectus, which reflect the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include Acquired Fund fees and expenses.

 

(5)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to cap the fees and expenses of the Fund (other than extraordinary litigation and legal expenses, or other non-recurring or unusual expenses), excluding Acquired Fund fees and expenses, through March 31, 2009 to the extent that Net Fund expenses would otherwise exceed .95%, 1.00%, 1.15%, 1.40% and 1.70% for Classes S, Y, L, A and N, respectively. The Net Fund Expenses shown in the above table may exceed these amounts, because Acquired Fund fees and expenses are excluded from the cap. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual.

 

(6)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  65  –


MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks long-term capital growth.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing, under normal conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in stocks of companies with market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, that fall within the range of companies in either the S&P MidCap 400 Index or the Russell Midcap® Growth Index – as of January 31, 2008, between $397.67 million and $40.28 billion. The remaining 20% may be invested in other types of securities, including bonds, cash or cash equivalents, for temporary defensive purposes, if the Fund’s Sub-Advisers, Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”) and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. (“Turner”), believe it will help protect the Fund from potential losses, or to meet shareholder redemptions. Up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in both U.S. and non-U.S. dollar-denominated foreign securities, including emerging market securities. In pursuing its investment strategy, the Fund may (but is not obligated to) use a wide variety of exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivative instruments, including options, futures and swap contracts.

 

The Wellington Management portion of the Fund employs an investment philosophy based on the underlying premise that changes in earnings expectations drive security prices, tangible operating momentum precedes earnings momentum and growth is where you find it.

 

Wellington Management’s investment philosophy utilizes bottom-up fundamental analysis in the context of an opportunistic approach to investing. The manager considers a very broad universe of available stocks within the mid cap market typically focusing on companies with high earnings growth. To narrow the universe of available companies, the manager relies on intensive bottom-up, fundamental research with many investment ideas generated by the firm’s global industry analysts.

 

Wellington Management’s fundamental research involves very detailed security analysis attempting to understand the level and sustainability of the growth opportunity that the company possesses. Within this context, Wellington Management includes a rigorous evaluation of the company’s balance sheet to ensure that the financial foundation of the firm can support management’s operating approach.

 

Wellington Management typically sells companies from the Fund when they appreciate to their target prices or as they approach those target prices and better opportunities become available. Companies will also be sold as a result of fundamental shortfalls, including management’s inability to execute their stated strategy or a meaningful change in the strategy upon which Wellington Management built its investment thesis.

 

Turner’s strategy is based on the philosophy that earnings expectations drive stock prices. Turner believes that investing in companies with strong earnings prospects is an effective long-term strategy; therefore, Turner will not deviate from its philosophy. The firm’s objective is to significantly outperform the market with a level of risk commensurate with the market.

 

Turner pursues a bottom-up strategy that blends quantitative, fundamental and technical analysis. Ideal candidates for investment are growth companies believed by Turner to have favorable earnings prospects, reasonable valuations, and favorable trading volume and price patterns. Each security is subjected to three separate evaluation criteria: fundamental analysis (approximately 80%), quantitative screening (approximately 10%) and technical analysis (approximately 10%).

 

Turner invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of common stocks that it believes offer strong earnings growth potential. Turner maintains sector weightings that are typically neutral relative to the Russell Midcap Growth Index. A stock becomes a sell candidate if Turner detects deterioration in the company’s earnings growth potential. Turner may also trim positions to adhere to capitalization or capacity constraints, to maintain sector neutrality or to adjust stock position size relative to the target index.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

–  66  –


Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was 17.81% for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 and the lowest was -27.38% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(5/3/99)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  10.23%   14.68%   3.12%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  10.23%   14.66%   2.66%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  6.65%   12.92%   2.42%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  10.17%   14.62%   3.06%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  9.97%   14.42%   2.91%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  3.36%   12.79%   1.94%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  8.40%   13.81%   2.33%
             

Russell Midcap® Growth Index^

  11.43%   17.90%   5.80%

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell Midcap® Growth Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell Midcap companies (representing mid-capitalization U.S. common stocks) with higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth rates. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .70%   .70%   .70%   .70%     .70%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .13%   .20%   .35%   .35%     .40%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .83%   .90%   1.05%   1.30%     1.60%  

 

–  67  –


Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 85    $ 265    $ 460    $ 1,025

Class Y

   $ 92    $ 287    $ 498    $ 1,108

Class L

   $ 107    $ 334    $ 579    $ 1,283

Class A

   $ 700    $ 963    $ 1,247    $ 2,053

Class N

   $ 266    $ 505    $ 871    $ 1,900

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 163    $ 505    $ 871    $ 1,900

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  68  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks growth of capital over the long-term.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

This Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing, under normal conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in a broadly diversified portfolio of common stocks of mid-cap companies whose earnings the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”), expects to grow at a faster rate than the average company. “Mid-cap” companies are defined as those whose market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, fall within the range of companies in either the S&P MidCap 400 Index or the Russell Midcap® Growth Index – as of January 31, 2008, between $397.67 million and $40.28 billion. However, the Fund is not required to sell the stock of a company it already owns just because the company’s market capitalization has fallen outside that range. The Fund has the flexibility to purchase some larger and smaller companies that have qualities consistent with its core characteristics and may on occasion purchase a stock whose market capitalization is outside of the capitalization range of mid-cap companies.

 

Stock selection is based on a combination of fundamental, bottom-up analysis and top-down quantitative strategies in an effort to identify companies with superior long-term appreciation prospects. Proprietary quantitative models are used to identify, measure and evaluate the characteristics of companies in the mid-cap growth sector that can influence stock returns. In addition, a portion of the Fund’s portfolio will be invested using active stock selection and fundamental research. The Fund’s portfolio will be broadly diversified, which may help to mitigate the downside risk attributable to any single poorly-performing security.

 

As Sub-Adviser to the Fund, T. Rowe Price generally selects stocks using a growth approach and looks for companies that have:

 

· A demonstrated ability to consistently increase revenues, earnings and cash flow;

 

· Capable management;

 

· Attractive business niches and operations in industries experiencing increasing demand;

 

· A sustainable competitive advantage;

 

· Proven products or services; or

 

· Stock prices that appear to undervalue their growth prospects.

 

In pursuing its investment objective, T. Rowe Price has the discretion to purchase some securities that do not meet its normal investment criteria, as described above, when it perceives an unusual opportunity for gain. These special situations might arise when T. Rowe Price believes a security could increase in value for a variety of reasons, including a change in management, an extraordinary corporate event or a temporary imbalance in the supply of, or demand for, the security.

 

The Fund will generally invest its assets in U.S. common stocks. It may also invest in other securities, including foreign securities (up to 25% of its total assets), futures and options. The Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions in order to protect against fluctuations in the values of holdings denominated in or exposed to other currencies, or to protect against adverse changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of investments it expects to make. The Fund may sell securities for a variety of reasons, such as to secure gains, limit losses or redeploy assets into more promising opportunities.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

–  70  –


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 20.91% for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 and the lowest quarterly return was -18.86% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

   

One

Year

  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(6/1/00)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  16.32%   18.23%   8.82%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  14.46%   17.43%   8.34%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  12.56%   16.03%   7.70%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  16.15%   18.11%   8.73%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  15.99%   17.94%   8.56%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  9.08%   16.25%   7.44%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  14.36%   17.29%   7.96%
             

Russell Midcap® Growth Index^

  11.43%   17.90%   1.85%

S&P MidCap 400 Index^^

  7.96%   16.18%   9.34%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell Midcap® Growth Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell Midcap companies (representing mid-capitalization U.S. common stocks) with higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth rates. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^ The S&P MidCap 400 Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of mid-capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .75%   .75%   .75%   .75%     .75%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses(3)

  .11%   .19%   .34%   .34%     .40%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(4)(5)   .86%   .94%   1.09%   1.34%     1.65%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial

 

–  71  –


sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 88    $ 274    $ 477    $ 1,061

Class Y

   $ 96    $ 300    $ 520    $ 1,155

Class L

   $ 111    $ 347    $ 601    $ 1,329

Class A

   $ 704    $ 975    $ 1,267    $ 2,095

Class N

   $ 271    $ 520    $ 897    $ 1,955

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 168    $ 520    $ 897    $ 1,955

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Other Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, which represent approximate expenses borne indirectly by the Fund in its most recent fiscal year through investments in other pooled investment vehicles. The amount of Acquired Fund fees and expenses may change in the coming year due to a number of factors including, among others, a change in allocation of the Fund’s investments among other pooled investment vehicles.

 

(4)   Because Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, they may not correspond to the ratios of expenses to average daily net assets shown in the “Financial Highlights” tables in this prospectus, which reflect the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include Acquired Fund fees and expenses.

 

(5)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  72  –


 

 

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MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in common stocks and equity securities of smaller companies which the managers believe offer potential for long-term growth. The Fund may maintain cash reserves for liquidity and defensive purposes. Normally, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in the securities of companies whose market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, fall within the range of companies in the Russell 2000® Index or the S&P SmallCap 600 Index – as of January 31, 2008, between $36.27 million and $8.19 billion. The range of capitalizations of companies included in each index will fluctuate as market prices increase or decrease. Two Sub-Advisers manage the Fund, each being responsible for a portion of the portfolio, but not necessarily equal weighted. Each Sub-Adviser will not automatically sell the stock of a company it already owns just because the company’s market capitalization no longer falls within the range of companies in either index. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities. Foreign securities may include securities of issuers in both developed and emerging countries, and may consist of securities denominated in U.S. dollars or in foreign currencies. In pursuing its investment strategy, the Fund may (but is not obligated to) use a wide variety of exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivative instruments, including options, futures and swap contracts.

 

Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”) employs two investment approaches: one used by Kenneth Abrams and one used by Steven Angeli.

 

Wellington Management’s investment approach used by Mr. Abrams emphasizes its own proprietary fundamental research and bottom-up stock selection to identify what it believes to be the best small-capitalization companies. It is anticipated that these companies will generally share several common characteristics: financial strength; top market share; significant insider ownership; a high level of focus on core businesses; favorable industry dynamics; and significant potential appreciation over a three-year time horizon.

 

Wellington Management’s investment approach used by Mr. Angeli employs its own proprietary fundamental research and bottom-up stock selection to identify small-capitalization growth companies believed to have significant appreciation potential. This approach looks at both the life-cycle of a company and its fundamental characteristics. Companies whose stocks are purchased for the Fund generally will share several common characteristics: sustainable revenue growth; superior market position; positive financial trends; and high quality management.

 

Both of the investment approaches employed by Wellington Management will generally sell companies from the Fund when: target prices are reached; detailed evaluation suggests that future upside potential is limited; company fundamentals are no longer attractive; superior purchase candidates are identified; or market capitalization ceilings are exceeded.

 

Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company (“Waddell & Reed”) uses a bottom-up process of stock selection, generally emphasizing long-term growth potential and superior financial characteristics, such as: annual revenue and earnings growth rate of 15-20%+, pre-tax margins of 20%+, and low-debt capital structure. Generally, companies also are considered which are strong niche players with a defensible market position, have active involvement of the founder-entrepreneur and demonstrate commitment to their employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders.

 

Waddell & Reed buys companies with an anticipated 3-5 year holding period, and therefore expects its portion of the Fund’s portfolio typically to have lower than 50% annual turnover. Waddell & Reed may sell a company if its fundamentals decline, the original investment thesis is no longer valid or if, in Waddell & Reed’s view, the company’s valuation is deemed too high.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

–  74  –


Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was 22.76% for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 and the lowest was -24.73% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

   

One

Year

  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(5/3/99)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  10.14%   17.08%   8.53%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  8.61%   16.52%   8.05%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  8.22%   15.03%   7.38%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  9.99%   16.92%   8.38%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  9.90%   16.76%   8.22%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  3.28%   15.08%   7.21%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  8.28%   16.11%   7.63%
             

Russell 2000® Growth Index^

  7.06%   16.50%   4.04%

Russell 2000 Index^^

  -1.56%   16.25%   8.16%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 2000® Growth Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 2000 Index companies (representing small-capitalization U.S. common stocks) with higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth rates. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^ The Russell 2000 Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of smaller capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)

Annual Fund

Operating Expenses

(expenses that are

deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)

         

Management Fees

  .82%   .82%   .82%   .82%     .82%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses(3)

  .15%   .29%   .44%   .44%     .49%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(4)(5)   .97%   1.11%   1.26%   1.51%     1.81%  

 

–  75  –


Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 99    $ 309    $ 536    $ 1,190

Class Y

   $ 113    $ 353    $ 612    $ 1,352

Class L

   $ 128    $ 400    $ 692    $ 1,523

Class A

   $ 720    $ 1,025    $ 1,351    $ 2,273

Class N

   $ 287    $ 569    $ 980    $ 2,127

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 184    $ 569    $ 980    $ 2,127

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Other Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, which represent approximate expenses borne indirectly by the Fund in its most recent fiscal year through investments in other pooled investment vehicles. The amount of Acquired Fund fees and expenses may change in the coming year due to a number of factors including, among others, a change in allocation of the Fund’s investments among other pooled investment vehicles.

 

(4)   Because Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, they may not correspond to the ratios of expenses to average daily net assets shown in the “Financial Highlights” tables in this prospectus, which reflect the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include Acquired Fund fees and expenses.

 

(5)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  76  –


 

 

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MassMutual Select Small Company Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in common stocks and equity securities of smaller companies that the Fund’s Sub-Advisers believe offer potential for long-term growth. The Fund may maintain cash reserves for liquidity and defensive purposes. Normally, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in the securities of companies whose market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, are included in the range of companies in the Russell 2000® Index or the S&P SmallCap 600 Index – as of January 31, 2008, between $36.27 million and $8.19 billion. The range of capitalizations of companies included in each index will fluctuate as market prices increase or decrease. The Fund may invest in both domestic and foreign securities. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities. The Fund is managed by two Sub-Advisers, each being responsible for a portion of the portfolio, but not necessarily equal weighted. Each Sub-Adviser will not automatically sell the stock of a company it already owns just because the company’s market capitalization grows or falls outside the range of companies in the Russell 2000 Index or the S&P SmallCap 600 Index.

 

In selecting securities, Mazama Capital Management, Inc. (“Mazama”) seeks undiscovered and/or underappreciated companies that it believes have one or all of the following characteristics: strong management team, the ability to attract talented employees, the best or one of the best in their industry, strong financials and financial trends and significant ownership by officers and directors. Mazama utilizes a proprietary Price Performance Model to assist it in identifying securities in which to invest. Mazama also utilizes the proprietary Price Performance Model when determining which securities to sell, and generally sells a security when one or more of the above characteristics no longer meets its expectations.

 

Eagle Asset Management, Inc. (“Eagle”) uses extensive fundamental research to seek out rapidly growing, under-researched small cap companies it believes are trading at reasonable valuations. Such companies typically have accelerating earnings growth, a high or expanding return on equity, a competent management team with a strong ownership incentive and a positive catalyst such as an exciting new product, a management change or other restructuring. Securities will be sold if they reach what is believed to be an unsustainable valuation, if their fundamentals deteriorate, if the original investment thesis proved incorrect or if the industry dynamics have negatively changed.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Leveraging Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 29.89% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest quarterly return was -19.88% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

–  78  –


Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(12/31/01)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

    4.60%   14.53%   5.58%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

    2.12%   12.82%   4.26%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

    4.12%   12.00%   4.25%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

    4.55%   14.47%   5.51%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

    4.39%   14.32%   5.37%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  - 1.90%   12.66%   4.04%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

    2.90%   13.71%   4.77%
               

Russell 2000® Growth Index^

    7.06%   16.50%   6.73%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 2000® Growth Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 2000 Index companies (representing small-capitalization U.S. common stocks) with higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth rates. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

         

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .85%   .85%   .85%   .85%     .85%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .24%   .28%   .43%   .43%     .48%  
Total Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(3)
  1.09%   1.13%   1.28%   1.53%     1.83%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 111    $ 347    $ 601    $ 1,329

Class Y

   $ 115    $ 359    $ 622    $ 1,375

Class L

   $ 130    $ 406    $ 702    $ 1,545

Class A

   $ 722    $ 1,031    $ 1,361    $ 2,294

Class N

   $ 289    $ 576    $ 990    $ 2,148

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at

 

–  79  –


the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 186    $ 576    $ 990    $ 2,148

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  80  –


 

 

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MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in smaller, rapidly growing emerging growth companies, which may include companies growing earnings per share and/or revenues at above average rates. For this Fund, emerging growth companies are those whose market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, are less than or equal to the capitalization of the company with the largest capitalization in the Russell 2000® Index or the S&P SmallCap 600 Index – as of January 31, 2008, $8.19 billion. The identity or capitalization of the company with the largest capitalization in either index will fluctuate as market prices increase or decrease. The Fund is not required to sell the stock of a company it already owns just because the company’s market capitalization grows outside the range of companies in either index. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities (primarily common stocks) of these emerging growth companies. The Fund will generally invest in industry segments experiencing rapid growth and will likely have a portion of its assets in technology and technology-related stocks. The Fund may invest in both domestic and foreign securities. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities. Foreign securities may include securities of issuers in both developed and emerging countries, and may consist of securities denominated in U.S. dollars or in foreign securities. The Fund may also use derivative instruments, including futures and options, in pursuing its investment strategy. The Fund is managed by two Sub-Advisers, each being responsible for a portion of the portfolio, but not necessarily equal weighted.

 

Delaware Management Company (“DMC”) uses a bottom-up approach to security selection that seeks companies with high-expected growth in earnings and revenues, which are believed to be, or are expected to be, leaders in their respective industries. DMC searches for outstanding performance of individual stocks before considering the impact of economic trends. DMC looks at historical factors such as price-to-earnings ratios, price-to-book, price-to-free cash flow and revenues, as well as historic and projected earnings and growth rates as DMC strives to determine how attractive a company is relative to other companies.

 

DMC researches individual companies and analyzes economic and market conditions, seeking to identify the securities or market sectors DMC thinks are best for the Fund. Once DMC identifies securities that have attractive characteristics, it further evaluates the company by looking at the capability of the management team, the strength of the company’s position within its industry, the potential for the company to develop new products or markets, how high the company’s return on equity is, and how stringent the company’s financial and accounting polices are.

 

DMC relies on its own research in selecting securities for the portfolio. That research may include one-on-one meetings with executives, company competitors, industry experts and customers. DMC’s goal is to select companies that it believes are likely to perform well over an extended time frame. DMC may sell a security when it believes company fundamentals change or weaken, or when a company suffers earnings reversals.

 

Insight Capital Research & Management, Inc. (“Insight Capital”) uses a disciplined, three-step process to evaluate the investable domestic universe of actively traded public companies. The process includes quantitative analysis, fundamental analysis and a stock price performance analysis. Insight Capital’s approach to portfolio construction is based entirely on a “bottom-up” approach. Insight Capital typically invests in a portfolio containing 40-60 stocks.

 

Insight Capital considers companies that it believes:

 

·  

are rapidly growing in sales and earnings;

 

·  

show attractive relative risk/return characteristics;

 

·  

have highly defensible competitive advantages;

 

·  

have strong management teams; and

 

·  

have stocks with good relative performance

 

Insight Capital may sell a security when in its view the security’s performance deteriorates relative to the market. A security may also be sold if the company’s fundamental attractiveness weakens – this may include slowing earnings growth, or a prospective slowing of earnings growth.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk,

 

–  82  –


Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Leveraging Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 30.30% for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 and the lowest quarterly return was -30.49% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
  Five
Years
 

Since

Inception

(5/1/00)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  17.98%   16.28%   -3.50%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  17.98%   16.28%   -3.50%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  11.69%   14.37%   -2.92%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  17.94%   16.19%   -3.58%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  17.88%   15.98%   -3.76%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  10.77%   14.31%   -4.74%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  16.16%   15.36%   -4.32%
             

Russell 2000® Growth Index^

  7.06%   16.50%   0.92%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Russell 2000® Growth Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 2000 Index companies (representing small-capitalization U.S. common stocks) with higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth rates. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)

Annual Fund

Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)

         

Management Fees

  .79%   .79%   .79%   .79%     .79%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .16%   .26%   .41%   .41%     .46%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)   .95%   1.05%   1.20%   1.45%     1.75%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples

 

–  83  –


assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 97    $ 303    $ 525    $ 1,166

Class Y

   $ 107    $ 334    $ 579    $ 1,283

Class L

   $ 122    $ 381    $ 660    $ 1,455

Class A

   $ 714    $ 1,007    $ 1,322    $ 2,210

Class N

   $ 281    $ 551    $ 949    $ 2,062

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 178    $ 551    $ 949    $ 2,062

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  84  –


 

 

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MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

This Fund seeks growth of capital over the long-term.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of established companies selected from more than 40 industries and more than 40 developed and emerging market countries. The Fund normally invests in companies in at least three countries from among countries that currently include the developed nations in Europe and the Far East, Canada, Australia and emerging market countries worldwide. The Fund invests in companies that are determined by the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”), through the investment professionals of its Bernstein unit, to be undervalued, using a fundamental value approach. In selecting securities for the Fund’s portfolio, AllianceBernstein uses its fundamental and quantitative research to identify companies in each market the long-term earnings power of which it believes is not reflected in the current market price of their securities. AllianceBernstein’s fundamental value approach to equity investing generally defines value as the relationship between a security’s current price and its intrinsic economic value, as measured by long-term earnings prospects. In each market, this approach seeks to identify a universe of securities that are considered to be undervalued because they are attractively priced relative to their future earnings power. Accordingly, forecasting corporate earnings and dividend paying capability is the heart of the fundamental value approach. AllianceBernstein’s fundamental analysis depends heavily upon its large internal research staff. The research staff begins with a global research universe of approximately 2,500 international and emerging market companies. Teams within the research staff cover a given industry worldwide, to better understand each company’s competitive position in a global context.

 

AllianceBernstein’s staff of company and industry analysts develop earnings estimates and financial models for each company analyzed. AllianceBernstein identifies and quantifies the critical variables that influence a business’s performance and uses this research insight to forecast each company’s long-term prospects and expected returns.

 

Senior investment professionals, including the Fund’s portfolio managers, carefully review the research process to ensure that the analysts have appropriately considered key issues facing each company, that forecasts of a company’s future are compatible with its history, and that all forecasts use consistent analytic frameworks and economic assumptions. Once AllianceBernstein has applied its fundamental analysis to determine the intrinsic economic value of each of the companies in its research universe, the companies are ranked in order of the highest to lowest risk-adjusted expected return.

 

The Fund does not simply purchase the top-ranked securities. Rather, AllianceBernstein considers aggregate portfolio characteristics when deciding how much of each security to purchase for the Fund. AllianceBernstein’s quantitative analysts build valuation and risk models to ensure that the Fund’s portfolio is constructed to obtain an effective balance of risk and return. By evaluating overall regional, country and currency exposures, sector concentration, degree of undervaluation and other subtle similarities among investments, AllianceBernstein selects those top-ranked securities that also tend to diversify the Fund’s risk.

 

A disparity between a company’s current stock price and the assessment of intrinsic value can arise, at least in part, as a result of adverse, short-term market reactions to recent events or trends. In order to reduce the risk that an undervalued security will be purchased before such an adverse market reaction has run its course, AllianceBernstein also analyzes relative return trends (also called “momentum”) so as to better time new purchases and sales of securities. Currencies can have a dramatic impact on equity returns, significantly adding to returns in some years and greatly diminishing them in others. Currency and equity positions are evaluated separately. AllianceBernstein may seek to hedge currency exposure resulting from securities positions when it finds the currency exposure unattractive by from time to time investing in currency futures contracts or currency forward contracts. Currency forward contracts may be purchased, such that net exposure to an individual currency exceeds the underlying stock investments in that country.

 

–  86  –


A security generally will be sold when AllianceBernstein believes it reaches fair value. The Fund may enter into derivatives transactions, such as options, futures, forwards, and swap agreements and the Fund may invest in depositary receipts and equity linked notes.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Value Company Risk and Leveraging Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund because the returns can be expected to vary from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the period shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 11.78% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and the lowest quarterly return was -4.54% for the quarter ended December 31, 2007.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

     One
Year
  

Since

Inception

(12/14/06)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

   8.86%    9.15%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

   7.77%    8.09%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

   6.24%    7.37%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

   8.73%    9.02%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

   8.66%    8.96%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

   2.15%    2.71%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

   7.03%    7.37%
           

MSCI ACWI® ex US Index^

   16.65%    17.43%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A and Class N shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (MSCI ACWI®) ex US is an unmanaged index representative of stocks domiciled in global developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

–  87  –


Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L     Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None     5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None     None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .90%   .90%   .90%     .90%     .90%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None     .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .19%   .29%   .44%     .44%     .49%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.09%   1.19%   1.34%     1.59%     1.89%  
                         

Less Expense Reimbursement

  (.10%)   (.10%)   (.17% )   (.17% )   (.17% )

Net Fund Expenses(3)(4)

  .99%   1.09%   1.17%     1.42%     1.72%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 101    $ 337    $ 591    $ 1,320

Class Y

   $ 111    $ 368    $ 645    $ 1,434

Class L

   $ 119    $ 408    $ 718    $ 1,598

Class A

   $ 711    $ 1,032    $ 1,376    $ 2,342

Class N

   $ 278    $ 577    $ 1,006    $ 2,198

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 175    $ 577    $ 1,006    $ 2,198

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to cap the fees and expenses of the Fund (other than extraordinary litigation and legal expenses, or other non-recurring or unusual expenses) through March 31, 2009, to the extent that Net Fund Expenses would otherwise exceed .99%, 1.09%, 1.17%, 1.42% and 1.72% for Classes S, Y, L, A and N, respectively. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual.

 

(4)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

AllianceBernstein

Prior Performance for Similar Accounts*

 

 

The bar chart illustrates the variability of returns achieved by AllianceBernstein for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund. The composite performance does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of future performance of the Fund.

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was 22.72% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest was -18.71% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

–  88  –


AllianceBernstein Average Annual

Total Returns for Similar Accounts*

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table compares AllianceBernstein’s investment results for all accounts with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to that of the Fund to that of an index measuring the broad market over different time periods.

 

     One
Year
   Five
Years
   Since
Inception
(4/1/99)

AllianceBernstein Composite

        

Class S*

   7.00%    25.57%    13.14%

Class Y*

   6.90%    25.47%    13.04%

Class L*

   6.82%    25.39%    12.96%

Class A*

   0.45%    23.67%    11.94%

Class N*

   5.27%    24.84%    12.39%
                
               Since
Inception
(1/1/01)

MSCI ACWI ex US^

   16.65%    24.02%    10.43%

 

* Performance shown is a composite of all discretionary, fee paying institutional accounts managed by AllianceBernstein with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies and without significant client-imposed restrictions, adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of each of the Fund’s share classes, including sales loads. Some of the portfolios are mutual funds registered under the 1940 Act, and some are private accounts. The investment returns assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. The bar chart is based on Class S expenses. The composite performance is provided solely to illustrate AllianceBernstein’s performance in managing such a portfolio and does not represent the historical performance of the MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund and should not be interpreted as being indicative of the future performance of the Fund. Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges. The composite of portfolios was not subject to all of the investment restrictions to which the Fund will be subject, including restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Code, and no assurance can be given that the Fund’s performance would not have been lower had it been in operation during the periods for which composite portfolio performance information is shown. The Fund’s performance may have differed due to factors such as differences in cash flows into and out of the Fund, differences in fees and expenses, and differences in portfolio size and investments. Prior performance of AllianceBernstein is not indicative of future rates of return and is no indication of future performance of the Fund.

 

^ The Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (MSCI ACWI) ex US is an unmanaged index representative of stocks domiciled in global developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

–  89  –


MassMutual Select Overseas Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks growth of capital over the long-term by investing in both foreign and domestic equity securities.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in stocks of foreign companies, including companies located in Europe, Latin America and Asia. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers in emerging markets. The Fund’s two Sub-Advisers, Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS®1) and Harris Associates L.P. (“Harris”), are each responsible for a portion of the portfolio, but not necessarily equal weighted. Each seeks to focus on well-positioned, well-managed businesses that have strong revenue growth, sustainable profit margins and/or capital efficiency. The Sub-Advisers also consider the macroeconomic outlook for various regional economies. Each Sub-Adviser may invest a relatively high percentage of the Fund’s assets in a single country, a small number of countries or a particular geographic region or sector. The Fund may also invest in derivatives, including equity, equity index and/or currency options, futures, forwards, options on futures and forwards, swaps and swaptions, rights or warrants.

 

In selecting investments for the Fund, MFS is not constrained by any particular investment style. MFS may invest the Fund’s assets in the stocks of companies it believes to have above-average earnings growth potential compared to other companies (growth companies), in the stocks of companies it believes are undervalued compared to their perceived worth (value companies), or in a combination of growth and value companies. MFS may invest the Fund’s assets in companies of any size.

 

MFS uses a bottom-up investment approach in buying and selling investments for the Fund. Investments are selected primarily based on fundamental analysis of issuers and their potential in light of their current financial condition and industry position, and market, economic, political and regulatory conditions. Factors considered may

 

 

1MFS® is a registered trademark of Massachusetts Financial Services Company.

 

include analysis of earnings, cash flows, competitive position and management ability. Quantitative analysis of these and other factors may also be considered.

 

MFS may engage in active and frequent trading in pursuing the Fund’s principal investment strategies.

 

Harris utilizes a fundamental, bottom-up investment strategy. Harris seeks out companies that it believes to be trading in the market at significant discounts to their underlying values. These businesses must offer, in Harris’ opinion, significant profit potential and be run by managers who think and act as owners. Harris’ research analysts are generalists and search for value in the stock market wherever it may be, regardless of industry, as well as in both established and emerging markets. This structure provides analysts with a much broader perspective and allows them to assess relative values among companies in different industry sectors.

 

Harris’ portfolio managers and analysts also look for value based on a company’s normalized earnings (after adjusting for cyclical influences) and asset value. A company must be selling at a significant discount to its value to be a candidate for purchase. Stocks are analyzed in terms of financial strength, the position of the company in its industry and the attractiveness of the industry. Stocks are generally sold when Harris believes that the market price has reached intrinsic value, when Harris believes a better investment opportunity is available or when Harris loses confidence in company management.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Growth Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk, Geographic Concentration Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those

 

–  90  –


charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 20.76% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and the lowest quarterly return was -21.22% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
 

Five

Years

 

Since

Inception

(5/1/01)

Return Before Taxes –Class S

  4.21%   18.09%   8.27%

Return After Taxes on Distributions –Class S

  2.03%   16.78%   7.37%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  6.12%   15.90%   7.16%

Return Before Taxes –Class Y

  4.14%   18.03%   8.21%

Return Before Taxes –Class L

  4.05%   17.90%   8.08%

Return Before Taxes –Class A+

  -2.25%   16.21%   6.86%

Return Before Taxes –Class N+

  2.59%   17.25%   7.52%
             

MSCI® EAFE®^

  11.17%   21.59%   10.12%

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge. Performance for Class N shares of the Fund prior to December 31, 2002 is based on Class A shares, adjusted to reflect Class N expenses, and also reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ MSCI® EAFE® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of foreign securities in the major non-U.S. markets of Europe, Australia and the Far East. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

 

Expense Information

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L     Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None     5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None     None (1)   1.00% (2)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)          
(% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  1.00%   1.00%   1.00%     1.00%     1.00%  

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None     .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses

  .15%   .20%   .35%     .35%     .40%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.15%   1.20%   1.35%     1.60%     1.90%  
                         

Less Expense Reimbursement(3)

      (.10% )   (.10% )   (.10% )

Net Fund Expenses(4)

  1.15%   1.20%   1.25%     1.50%     1.80%  

 

Examples

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of

 

–  91  –


the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 117    $ 365    $ 633    $ 1,398

Class Y

   $ 122    $ 381    $ 660    $ 1,455

Class L

   $ 127    $ 418    $ 730    $ 1,615

Class A

   $ 719    $ 1,042    $ 1,387    $ 2,358

Class N

   $ 286    $ 587    $ 1,017    $ 2,214

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 183    $ 587    $ 1,017    $ 2,214

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to waive .10% of the administrative and shareholder service fee for Class L, Class A and Class N of the Fund through March 31, 2009. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual.

 

(4)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  92  –


 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 


MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Funds

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Income Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve high current income and, as a secondary objective, capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund is a “fund of funds” and seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of equity, fixed income and money market funds advised by MassMutual or a control affiliate of MassMutual (“Underlying Funds”) using an asset allocation strategy designed for investors already in retirement. Underlying Funds can include MassMutual Select Funds, MassMutual Premier Funds, each of which are advised by MassMutual, and Oppenheimer Funds, which are advised by Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. (“OFI”).1

 

· Assets are allocated among Underlying Funds according to a stable target asset allocation strategy that emphasizes fixed income and money market funds but also includes a smaller allocation to equity funds.

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Prepayment Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk, Convertible Securities Risk, Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk, Preferred Stock Risk and Geographic Concentration Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve as high a total rate of return on an annual basis as is considered consistent with prudent investment risk and the preservation of capital.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund is a “fund of funds” and seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of equity, fixed income and money market funds advised by MassMutual or a control affiliate of MassMutual (“Underlying Funds”) using an asset allocation strategy designed for investors expecting to retire around the year 2010. Underlying Funds can include MassMutual Select Funds, MassMutual Premier Funds, each of which are advised by MassMutual, and Oppenheimer Funds, which are advised by Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. (“OFI”).1

 

· Assets are allocated among Underlying Funds according to an asset allocation strategy that becomes increasingly conservative until it reaches 35% in equity funds and 65% in fixed income funds, including money market funds (approximately fifteen years after the year 2010).

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Prepayment Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk, Convertible Securities Risk, Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk, Preferred Stock Risk and Geographic Concentration Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve as high a total rate of return on an annual basis as is considered consistent with prudent investment risk and the preservation of capital.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund is a “fund of funds” and seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of equity, fixed income and money market funds advised by MassMutual or a control affiliate of MassMutual (“Underlying Funds”) using

 

 

(1)   OFI is a majority owned, indirect subsidiary of MassMutual. MassMutual Premier Funds and Oppenheimer Funds are offered in separate prospectuses.

 

–  94  –


an asset allocation strategy designed for investors expecting to retire around the year 2020. Underlying Funds can include MassMutual Select Funds, MassMutual Premier Funds, each of which are advised by MassMutual, and Oppenheimer Funds, which are advised by Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. (“OFI”).1

 

· Assets are allocated among Underlying Funds according to an asset allocation strategy that becomes increasingly conservative until it reaches 35% in equity funds and 65% in fixed income funds, including money market funds (approximately fifteen years after the year 2020).

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Prepayment Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk, Convertible Securities Risk, Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk, Preferred Stock Risk and Geographic Concentration Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve as high a total rate of return on an annual basis as is considered consistent with prudent investment risk and the preservation of capital.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund is a “fund of funds” and seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of equity, fixed income and money market funds advised by MassMutual or a control affiliate of MassMutual (“Underlying Funds”) using an asset allocation strategy designed for investors expecting to retire around the year 2030. Underlying Funds can include MassMutual Select Funds, MassMutual Premier Funds, each of which are advised by MassMutual, and Oppenheimer Funds, which are advised by Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. (“OFI”).1

· Assets are allocated among Underlying Funds according to an asset allocation strategy that becomes increasingly conservative until it reaches 35% in equity funds and 65% in fixed income funds, including money market funds (approximately fifteen years after the year 2030).

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Prepayment Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk, Convertible Securities Risk, Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk, Preferred Stock Risk and Geographic Concentration Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve as high a total rate of return on an annual basis as is considered consistent with prudent investment risk and the preservation of capital.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund is a “fund of funds” and seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of equity, fixed income and money market funds advised by MassMutual or a control affiliate of MassMutual (“Underlying Funds”) using an asset allocation strategy designed for investors expecting to retire around the year 2040. Underlying Funds can include MassMutual Select Funds, MassMutual Premier Funds, each of which are advised by MassMutual, and Oppenheimer Funds, which are advised by Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. (“OFI”).1

 

· Assets are allocated among Underlying Funds according to an asset allocation strategy that becomes increasingly conservative until it reaches 35% in equity funds and 65% in fixed income funds, including money market funds (approximately fifteen years after the year 2040).

 

–  95  –


The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Prepayment Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk, Convertible Securities Risk, Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk, Preferred Stock Risk and Geographic Concentration Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve as high a total rate of return on an annual basis as is considered consistent with prudent investment risk and the preservation of capital.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

 

The Fund is a “fund of funds” and seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of equity, fixed income and money market funds advised by MassMutual or a control affiliate of MassMutual (“Underlying Funds”) using an asset allocation strategy designed for investors expecting to retire around the year 2050. Underlying Funds can include MassMutual Select Funds, MassMutual Premier Funds, each of which are advised by MassMutual, and Oppenheimer Funds, which are advised by OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (“OFI”)1.

 

·  

Assets are allocated among Underlying Funds according to an asset allocation strategy that becomes increasingly conservative until it reaches 35% in equity funds and 65% in fixed income funds, including money market funds (approximately fifteen years after the year 2050).

 

The Principal Risks of investing in the Fund are Market Risk, Credit Risk, Management Risk, Prepayment Risk, Liquidity Risk, Derivative Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Currency Risk, Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk, Growth Company Risk, Value Company Risk, Over-the-Counter Risk, Leveraging Risk, Convertible Securities Risk, Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk, Preferred Stock Risk and Geographic Concentration Risk.

 

These Risks are described beginning on page 106.

 

More Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

MassMutual invests each Destination Retirement Fund’s assets in a combination of domestic and international Underlying Funds. The Destination Retirement Funds differ primarily due to their asset allocations among these fund types. The target asset allocation strategy for each Destination Retirement Fund is designed to provide an approach to asset allocation that is neither overly aggressive nor overly conservative for the Fund’s retirement date.

 

MassMutual allocates the assets of each Destination Retirement Fund with a target retirement date (Destination Retirement 2010, Destination Retirement 2020, Destination Retirement 2030, Destination Retirement 2040 and Destination Retirement 2050) among Underlying Funds according to an asset allocation strategy that becomes increasingly conservative over time. Each fund’s name refers to the approximate retirement year of the investors for whom the fund’s asset allocation strategy is designed. For example, Destination Retirement 2050, which is designed for investors planning to retire around the year 2050, currently has an aggressive target asset allocation (relative to the other Destination Retirement Funds), with a substantial portion of its assets invested in equity funds and a modest portion of its assets invested in fixed income funds. By contrast, Destination Retirement 2010 currently has a more conservative target asset allocation, with a little more than half of its assets invested in equity funds and a significant portion of its assets invested in fixed income and money market funds.

 

Destination Retirement Income is designed for investors in their retirement years. MassMutual allocates the fund’s assets according to a stable target asset allocation that emphasizes fixed income and money market funds but also includes a smaller allocation to equity funds.

 

When the target asset allocation of another Destination Retirement Fund matches Destination Retirement Income’s target asset allocation

 

 

 

(1)   OFI is a majority owned, indirect subsidiary of MassMutual. MassMutual Premier Funds and Oppenheimer Funds are offered in separate prospectuses.

 

–  96  –


(approximately fifteen years after the fund’s retirement date), it is expected that the fund will be combined with Destination Retirement Income and the fund’s shareholders will become shareholders of Destination Retirement Income. This may be done without a vote of shareholders if the Trust’s Board of Trustees determines at the time of the proposed combination that combining the funds is in the best interests of the funds and their shareholders. The objectives and policies stated above are non-fundamental and therefore may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust without the consent of shareholders. Shareholders of each Destination Retirement Fund with a target retirement date will be notified in writing prior to its combination with the Destination Retirement Income Fund.

 

MassMutual intends to manage each Destination Retirement Fund according to its target asset allocation strategy, and does not intend to trade actively among Underlying Funds or intend to attempt to capture short-term market opportunities. However, MassMutual may modify the target asset allocation strategy for any Destination Retirement Fund and modify the selection of Underlying Funds for any Destination Retirement Fund from time to time.

 

Each Destination Retirement Fund will bear a pro rata share of its Underlying Funds’ expenses. Each Destination Retirement Fund also bears all of the risks associated with the investment strategies used by its Underlying Funds.

 

The following table contains guidelines designed to help investors select an appropriate Destination Retirement Fund. The guidelines are based on the year in which the investor anticipates his or her retirement to begin and assume a retirement age of 65.

 

Retirement Year

 

Fund

Retired before 2006

  Destination Retirement Income

2006-2015

  Destination Retirement 2010

2016-2025

  Destination Retirement 2020

2026-2035

  Destination Retirement 2030

2036-2045

  Destination Retirement 2040

2046-2055

  Destination Retirement 2050

 

–  97  –


The following table lists each Destination Retirement Fund’s approximate asset allocation among equity and fixed income & short term/money market funds as of March 17, 2008. The table also lists the approximate asset allocation, as of March 17, 2008, to certain Underlying Funds in which a Destination Retirement Fund currently invests 5% or more. Other Underlying Funds in which the Destination Retirement Funds currently invest are listed below the table. MassMutual may change these percentages at any time and may invest in any other Underlying Funds, including any Underlying Funds that may be created in the future.

 

Investment Option Categories   Destination
Retirement
Income
  Destination
Retirement
2010
 

Destination
Retirement

2020

  Destination
Retirement
2030
  Destination
Retirement
2040
  Destination
Retirement
2050

Equity

  33.9%   54.8%   75.1%   89.5%   94.7%   94.7%

Domestic Equity

           

Select Fundamental Value (Wellington)

  1.8%   2.9%   5.2%   7.3%   8.2%   8.2%

Premier Enhanced Index Value (Babson Capital)

  4.6%   6.8%   7.6%   6.2%   5.9%   6.2%

Select Aggressive Growth (Sands Capital/DMC)

  1.1%   1.9%   3.3%   4.7%   5.3%   5.3%

Select Blue Chip Growth (T. Rowe Price)

  0.8%   1.8%   2.5%   5.4%   4.5%   7.1%

Premier Enhanced Index Growth (Babson Capital)

  4.4%   5.8%   7.6%   4.1%   5.6%   6.3%

Select Diversified Growth (T. Rowe Price/Wellington/Legg Mason)

  1.5%   2.8%   3.9%   5.3%   5.6%   2.6%
International Equity            

Select Overseas (Harris/MFS)

  4.0%   7.1%   8.7%   9.3%   10.8%   10.3%

Select Diversified International (AllianceBernstein)

  2.0%   3.1%   4.6%   5.7%   6.2%   6.2%

Premier International Equity (OFI Institutional)

  1.6%   2.8%   4.1%   5.2%   5.4%   5.5%

Fixed Income & Short Term/Money Market

  66.1%   45.2%   24.9%   10.5%   5.3%   5.3%

Premier Core Bond (Babson Capital)

  14.5%   11.3%   7.1%   2.8%   1.0%   1.1%

Premier Diversified Bond (Babson Capital)

  13.3%   11.3%   6.9%   2.8%   0.9%   1.0%

Premier Inflation-Protected Bond (Babson Capital)

  16.5%   11.4%   6.9%   3.2%   1.1%   1.1%

Premier Short-Duration Bond (Babson Capital)

  13.1%   7.1%   2.6%   0.5%   0.5%   0.5%

 

Note: The allocation percentages have been rounded to one decimal place. The allocation among equity and fixed income & short term/money market funds may therefore not equal 100%.

 

Other Underlying Funds in which the Destination Retirement Funds currently invest include: Select Large Cap Value (Davis), Premier Value (OFI Institutional), Select Diversified Value (AllianceBernstein), Premier Capital Appreciation (OFI), Select Focused Value (Harris), Select Mid-Cap Value (Cooke & Bieler), Premier Discovery Value (OFI Institutional), Select Mid Cap Growth Equity (Wellington/Turner), Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II (T. Rowe Price), Select Small Company Value (Clover/T. Rowe Price/Earnest Partners), Select Small Cap Value Equity (SSgA FM), Select Emerging Growth (DMC/Insight Capital), Select Small Cap Growth Equity (Waddell & Reed/Wellington), Select Small Company Growth (Mazama/Eagle), Select Small Cap Core Equity (GSAM), Premier Main Street Small Cap (OFI Institutional), Premier Focused International (Baring), Premier Money Market (Babson Capital), Premier High Yield (Babson Capital) and Premier International Bond (Baring).

 

–  98  –


The following chart illustrates each Destination Retirement Fund’s approximate target asset allocation among equity and fixed income funds as of the date of this prospectus. The Destination Retirement Funds’ target asset allocations may differ from this illustration. MassMutual periodically reviews the target allocations and underlying investment options and may, at any time, change the target allocations or deem it appropriate to deviate from the target allocations. The chart below is presented only as an illustration of how the process of re-allocation occurs as each Fund approaches its target date.

 

LOGO

 

–  99  –


MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Income Fund

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 3.91% for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 and the lowest quarterly return was -1.07% for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
 

Since

Inception

(12/31/03)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  5.55%   5.24%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  3.37%   3.84%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  4.40%   3.87%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  5.47%   5.21%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  5.43%   5.12%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  -0.95%   3.31%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  3.81%   4.52%
         

Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond Index^

  6.97%   4.52%

S&P 500® Index^^

  5.49%   9.23%

Lipper Balanced Fund Index^^^

  6.53%   8.07%

Custom Destination Income Index^^^^

  6.89%   6.34%

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 5.06% for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 and the lowest quarterly return was -0.93% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
 

Since

Inception

(12/31/03)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  5.92%   6.18%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  4.09%   4.93%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  4.53%   4.71%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  5.84%   6.12%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  5.82%   6.04%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  -0.56%   4.21%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  4.15%   5.43%
         

Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond Index^

  6.97%   4.52%

S&P 500® Index^^

  5.49%   9.23%

Lipper Balanced Fund Index^^^

  6.53%   8.07%

Custom Destination 2010 Index^^^^

  6.87%   7.19%

 

–  100  –


MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 7.08% for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 and the lowest quarterly return was -1.76% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
 

Since

Inception

(12/31/03)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  5.59%   7.36%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  3.64%   6.12%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  4.99%   5.87%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  5.45%   7.29%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  5.43%   7.19%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  -0.91%   5.37%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  3.90%   6.61%
         

S&P 500® Index^^

  5.49%   9.23%

Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond Index^

  6.97%   4.52%

Lipper Balanced Fund Index^^^

  6.53%   8.07%

Custom Destination 2020 Index^^^^

  6.83%   8.46%

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 9.64% for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 and the lowest quarterly return was -2.51% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

     One
Year
 

Since

Inception

(12/31/03)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

   6.18%   8.97%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

   4.20%   7.95%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

   5.87%   7.49%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

   6.13%   8.90%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

   6.01%   8.80%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

   -0.32%   6.94%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

   4.55%   8.21%
          

S&P 500® Index^^

   5.49%   9.23%

Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond Index^

   6.97%   4.52%

Lipper Balanced Fund Index^^^

   6.53%   8.07%

Custom Destination 2030 Index^^^^

   6.72%   10.08%

 

 

–  101  –


MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

 

Annual Performance(1)

 

 

The bar chart shows the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Sales charges and taxes are not included in the calculations of returns in this bar chart. If those charges and taxes were included, the returns would be lower than those shown.

 

Class S Shares

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return for the Fund was 10.87% for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 and the lowest quarterly return was -2.75% for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and March 31, 2005.

 

Average Annual Total Returns(1)

 

(for the periods ended December 31, 2007)

 

The table shows the risk of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s returns with a broad measure of market performance over different time periods.

 

    One
Year
 

Since

Inception

(12/31/03)

Return Before Taxes – Class S

  6.63%   9.96%

Return After Taxes on Distributions – Class S

  4.53%   8.95%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares – Class S

  6.33%   8.43%

Return Before Taxes – Class Y

  6.60%   9.91%

Return Before Taxes – Class L

  6.49%   9.82%

Return Before Taxes – Class A+

  0.05%   7.92%

Return Before Taxes – Class N+

  4.95%   9.19%
         

S&P 500® Index^^

  5.49%   9.23%

Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond Index^

  6.97%   4.52%

Lipper Balanced Fund Index^^^

  6.53%   8.07%

Custom Destination 2040 Index^^^^

  6.55%   11.09%

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund

 

Annual Performance

 

 

The Fund began operations December 17, 2007, and therefore has no performance history. There will be risks of investing in the Fund because the returns can be expected to vary from year to year.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

 

Because this Fund is new, there is no table which shows how the Fund’s returns have deviated from the broad market.

 

(1) Performance shown does not reflect fees that may be paid by investors for administrative services or group annuity contract charges.

 

+ Performance for Class A and Class N shares of the Fund reflects any applicable sales charge.

 

^ The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of fixed rate investment grade securities with at least one year to maturity combining the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index and the Lehman Brothers Mortgage-Backed Securities Index. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^ The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of common stocks of larger capitalized U.S. companies. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^^ The Lipper Balanced Fund Index is an unmanaged, equally weighted index of the 30 largest mutual Funds within the Lipper Balanced Category. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

^^^^ The Custom Destination Income Index comprises the MSCI® EAFE®, Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (full cap), Lehman Brothers® Aggregate Bond and T-Bill indexes. The weightings of each index can vary depending on the weightings of the underlying mutual funds composing the Destination Retirement Income Fund.

 

The Custom Destination 2010 Index comprises the MSCI EAFE, Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (full cap), Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond and T-Bill indexes. The weightings of each index can vary depending on the weightings of the underlying mutual funds composing the Destination Retirement 2010 Fund.

 

The Custom Destination 2020 Index comprises the MSCI EAFE, Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (full cap) and Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond indexes. The weightings of each index can vary depending on the weightings of the underlying mutual funds composing the Destination Retirement 2020 Fund.

 

The Custom Destination 2030 Index comprises the MSCI EAFE, Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (full cap) and Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond indexes. The weightings of each index can vary depending on the weightings of the underlying mutual funds composing the Destination Retirement 2030 Fund.

 

The Custom Destination 2040 Index comprises the MSCI EAFE and Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (full cap) indexes. The weightings of each index can vary depending on the weightings of the underlying mutual funds composing the Destination Retirement 2040 Fund.

 

The MSCI EAFE is a widely recognized, unmanaged index representative of foreign securities in the major non-U.S. markets of Europe, Australia and the Far East. The Index does not incur

 

–  102  –


expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index measures the performance of all U.S. headquartered equity securities with readily available price data. Over 5,000 capitalization weighted security returns are used to adjust the index. The Index does not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes and cannot be purchased directly by investors.

 

91-day Treasury Bills are unmanaged and do not incur expenses or reflect any deduction for taxes. Treasury Bills are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government and offer a fixed rate of interest.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

 

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

After-tax returns are shown for only Class S and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

 

Expense Information

 

 

These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Funds.

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A     Class N  
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)          

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on purchases (as a % of offering price)

  None   None   None   5.75%     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds)

  None   None   None   None (1)   1.00% (2)

 

Destination Retirement Income

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A   Class N
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%   50%

Other Expenses

  .06%   .09%   .18%   .18%   .23%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(4)   .66%   .66%   .66%   .66%   .66%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(5)(7)   .77%   .80%   .89%   1.14%   1.44%

 

Destination Retirement 2010

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A   Class N
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%   .50%

Other Expenses

  .06%   .11%   .21%   .21%   .26%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(4)   .68%   .68%   .68%   .68%   .68%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(5)(7)   .79%   .84%   .94%   1.19%   1.49%

 

Destination Retirement 2020

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A   Class N
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%   .50%

Other Expenses

  .05%   .10%   .20%   .20%   .25%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(4)   .74%   .74%   .74%   .74%   .74%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(5)(7)   .84%   .89%   .99%   1.24%   1.54%

 

Destination Retirement 2030

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A   Class N
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%   .50%

Other Expenses

  .05%   .10%   .20%   .20%   .25%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(4)   .80%   .80%   .80%   .80%   .80%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(5)(7)   .90%   .95%   1.05%   1.30%   1.60%

 

–  103  –


Destination Retirement 2040

 

    Class S   Class Y   Class L   Class A   Class N
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)          

Management Fees

  .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%   .05%

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

  None   None   None   .25%   .50%

Other Expenses

  .05%   .10%   .20%   .20%   .25%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(4)   .83%   .83%   .83%   .83%   .83%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(5)(7)   .93%   .98%   1.08%   1.33%   1.63%

 

Destination Retirement 2050

 

    Class S     Class Y     Class L     Class A     Class N  
Annual Fund Operating
Expenses (expenses
that are deducted from Fund assets) (% of average net assets)
         

Management Fees

  .05%     .05%     .05%     .05%     .05%  

Distribution and Service (Rule
12b-1) Fees

  None     None     None     .25%     .50%  

Other Expenses(3)

  .40%     .45%     .55%     .55%     .60%  
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(4)   .82%     .82%     .82%     .82%     .82%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.27%     1.32%     1.42%     1.67%     1.97%  
                             

Less Expense Reimbursement

  (.35% )   (.35% )   (.35% )   (.35% )   (.35% )

Net Fund Expenses(6)(7)

  .92%     .97%     1.07%     1.32%     1.62%  

 

Examples

 

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Destination Retirement Funds with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each share class of a Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. For Class A shares, the examples include the initial sales charge. The examples also assume that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are exactly as described in the preceding table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Destination Retirement Income

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 79    $ 246    $ 428    $ 954

Class Y

   $ 82    $ 255    $ 444    $ 990

Class L

   $ 91    $ 284    $ 493    $ 1,096

Class A

   $ 685    $ 916    $ 1,167    $ 1,881

Class N

   $ 250    $ 456    $ 787    $ 1,724

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 147    $ 456    $ 787    $ 1,724

 

Destination Retirement 2010

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 81    $ 252    $ 439    $ 978

Class Y

   $ 86    $ 268    $ 466    $ 1,037

Class L

   $ 96    $ 300    $ 520    $ 1,155

Class A

   $ 689    $ 931    $ 1,192    $ 1,935

Class N

   $ 255    $ 471    $ 813    $ 1,779

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 152    $ 471    $ 813    $ 1,779

 

Destination Retirement 2020

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 86    $ 268    $ 466    $ 1,037

Class Y

   $ 91    $ 284    $ 493    $ 1,096

Class L

   $ 101    $ 315    $ 547    $ 1,213

Class A

   $ 694    $ 946    $ 1,217    $ 1,989

Class N

   $ 260    $ 486    $ 839    $ 1,834

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 157    $ 486    $ 839    $ 1,834

 

–  104  –


Destination Retirement 2030

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 92    $ 287    $ 498    $ 1,108

Class Y

   $ 97    $ 303    $ 525    $ 1,166

Class L

   $ 107    $ 334    $ 579    $ 1,283

Class A

   $ 700    $ 963    $ 1,247    $ 2,053

Class N

   $ 266    $ 505    $ 871    $ 1,900

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 163    $ 505    $ 871    $ 1,900

 

Destination Retirement 2040

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class S

   $ 95    $ 296    $ 515    $ 1,143

Class Y

   $ 100    $ 312    $ 542    $ 1,201

Class L

   $ 110    $ 343    $ 595    $ 1,317

Class A

   $ 703    $ 972    $ 1,262    $ 2,084

Class N

   $ 269    $ 514    $ 887    $ 1,933

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Class N

   $ 166    $ 514    $ 887    $ 1,933

 

Destination Retirement 2050

 

     1 Year    3 Years

Class S

   $ 94    $ 368

Class Y

   $ 99    $ 384

Class L

   $ 109    $ 415

Class A

   $ 702    $ 1,039

Class N

   $ 268    $ 584

 

Except for Class N shares, the figures shown above would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or kept them. For Class N shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

 

     1 Year    3 Years

Class N

   $ 165    $ 584

 

(1)   A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase from initial investments of $1 million or more.

 

(2)   Applies to shares redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

(3)   Other expenses are based on estimated amounts for the first fiscal year of the Fund.

 

(4)   Acquired Fund fees and expenses represent approximate expenses borne indirectly by the Fund in its most recent fiscal year through investments in other pooled investment vehicles. The amount of Acquired Fund fees and expenses may change in the coming year due to a number of factors including, among others, a change in allocation of the Fund’s investments among other pooled investment vehicles. In the case of Destination Retirement 2050, amounts shown reflect estimates for the first fiscal year.

 

(5)   Because Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses include Acquired Fund fees and expenses, they may not correspond to the ratios of expenses to average daily net assets shown in the “Financial Highlights” tables in this prospectus, which reflect the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include Acquired Fund fees and expenses.

 

(6)   The expenses in the above table reflect a written agreement by MassMutual to cap the fees and expenses of the Fund (other than extraordinary litigation and legal expenses, or other non-recurring or unusual expenses), excluding Acquired Fund fees and expenses, through March 31, 2009 to the extent that Net Fund Expenses would otherwise exceed .10%, .15%, .25%, .50% and .80% for Classes S, Y, L, A and N, respectively. The Net Fund Expenses shown in the above table may exceed these amounts, because Acquired Fund fees and expenses are excluded from the cap. The agreement cannot be terminated unilaterally by MassMutual.

 

(7)   Employee benefit plans which invest in the Fund through MassMutual separate investment accounts may pay additional charges under their group annuity contract or services agreement. Investors who purchase shares directly from the Fund may also be subject to charges imposed in their administrative services or other agreement with MassMutual or MassMutual affiliate. None of these charges are deducted from Fund assets.

 

–  105  –


Summary of Principal Risks

 

The value of your investment in a Fund changes with the values of the investments in a Fund’s portfolio. Many things can affect those values. Factors that may have an important or significant effect on a particular Fund’s portfolio as a whole are called “Principal Risks.” These Principal Risks are summarized in this section. All Funds could be subject to additional risks. Although the Funds strive to reach their stated goals, they cannot offer guaranteed results. You have the potential to make money in these Funds, but you can also lose money. For purposes of each of the Destination Retirement Funds, except as otherwise stated, references in this section to “the Funds” or “a Fund” may relate to the Fund, one or more Underlying Funds, or both.

 

·   Market Risk

 

Market risk is the general risk of unfavorable market-induced changes in the value of a security. A Fund is subject to market risk when it invests some or all of its assets in debt securities. Debt securities are obligations of an issuer to pay principal and/or interest at a fixed, variable or floating interest rate over a predetermined period. Payments of principal or interest may be at fixed intervals, only at maturity or upon the occurrence of stated events or contingencies. If interest rates rise close to or higher than the specified rate, those securities are likely to be worth less and the value of the Fund will likely fall. If interest rates fall, most securities held by a Fund paying higher rates of interest will likely be worth more, and the Fund’s value will likely increase.

 

This kind of market risk, also called interest rate risk, is generally greater for debt securities with longer maturities and portfolios with longer durations. “Duration” is the average of the periods remaining for payments of principal and interest on a Fund’s debt securities, weighted by the dollar amount of each payment. It is used to determine the sensitivity of the security’s value to changes in interest rates. Even the highest quality debt securities are subject to interest rate risk. Market risk is generally greater for lower-rated securities or comparable unrated securities.

 

The value of a debt security can also decline in response to changes in market, economic, industry, political, and regulatory conditions that affect a particular type of debt security or issuer or debt securities generally.

 

In the case of stocks and other equity securities (including convertible securities), market risk is the result of a number of factors, including general economic and market conditions, real or perceived changes in the prospects of the security’s issuer, changing interest rates and real or perceived economic and competitive industry conditions. The values of equity securities paying dividends at high rates may be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than are other equity securities.

 

Funds that maintain substantial exposure to equities and do not attempt to time the market face the possibility that stock market prices in general will decline over short or even extended periods, subjecting these Funds to unpredictable declines in the value of their shares, as well as periods of poor performance. Market risk also includes specific risks affecting the companies whose shares are purchased by a Fund, such as management performance, financial leverage, industry problems and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services.

 

· Credit Risk.  This is the risk that the issuer or the guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or securities loan, will be, or will be perceived to be, unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations, or that a debt security’s rating will be downgraded by a credit rating agency. There are varying degrees of credit risk, which are often reflected in credit ratings. Credit risk is particularly significant for Funds to the extent they invest in below investment grade securities.

 

Terms appearing in bold type are discussed in greater detail under “Additional Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.” Those sections also include more information about the Funds, their investments and the related risks.

 

–  106  –


 

These debt securities and unrated securities of similar quality, which are commonly known as “junk bonds,” either have speculative elements or are predominantly speculative investments. Junk bonds may be subject to greater market fluctuations and greater risks of loss of income and principal than investment grade securities. A Fund that invests in foreign debt securities is, accordingly, also subject to increased credit risk because of the difficulties of requiring foreign entities, including issuers of sovereign debt, to honor their contractual commitments, and because a number of foreign governments and other issuers are already in default.

 

· Management Risk.  Management risk is the chance that poor security selection will cause a Fund to underperform relative to other funds with similar investment objectives. A Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser manages the Fund according to traditional methods of active investment management, which involves the buying and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and investment judgment. The investment adviser or sub-adviser may fail to ascertain properly the appropriate mix of securities for any particular economic cycle. A Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser applies its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired result.

 

Also, the timing of movements from one type of security to another could have a negative effect on the overall investment performance of a Fund. The performance of an investment in certain types of securities may depend more on an investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s analysis than would be the case for other types of securities.

 

For Funds with multiple sub-advisers, there is no guarantee that the Fund’s investment adviser will make the most advantageous allocation of a Fund’s portfolio between or among a Fund’s multiple sub-advisers.

 

· Tracking Error Risk.  There are several reasons that the Indexed Equity Fund’s or the NASDAQ-100 Fund’s performance may not track the relevant Index exactly. Unlike the Index, each Fund incurs administrative expenses and transaction costs in trading stocks. The composition of the Index and the stocks held by the Fund may occasionally diverge. The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying shares could create balances of uninvested cash. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of cash outflows to investors selling shares could require ready reserves of uninvested cash. Either situation would likely cause the Fund’s performance to deviate from the “fully invested” Index.

 

· Prepayment Risk.  Prepayment risk is the risk that principal will be repaid at a different rate than anticipated, causing the return on securities to be less than expected when purchased. The interest rate risk described above may be compounded for a Fund to the extent it invests to a material extent in mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities that may be prepaid. These securities have variable maturities that tend to lengthen when interest rates are rising, which typically is the least desirable time for maturities to lengthen. A Fund is also subject to reinvestment risk, which is the chance that cash flows from securities (including securities that are prepaid) will be reinvested at lower rates if interest rates fall.

 

· Liquidity Risk.  Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. The ability of a Fund to dispose of such illiquid securities at advantageous prices may be greatly limited, and a Fund may have to continue to hold such securities during periods when the investment adviser or sub-adviser would otherwise have sold them. In addition, a Fund, by itself or together with other accounts managed by the investment adviser or sub-adviser, may hold a position in a security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security, which can make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of the position at an advantageous time or price. Market values for illiquid securities may not be readily available, and there can be no assurance that any fair value assigned to an illiquid security at any time will accurately reflect the price a Fund might receive upon the sale of that security. Investments in derivatives, structured assets such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, foreign securities and securities having small market capitalization, substantial market and/or credit risk, and unregistered or restricted securities tend to involve greater liquidity risk.

 

–  107  –


· Derivative Risk.  A Fund may, but will not necessarily, use derivatives, which are financial contracts whose values depend upon, or are derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. Derivatives may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies, credit exposures, currency exchange rates, commodities, related indexes or other assets. The use of derivative instruments may involve risks different from, or greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other more traditional investments. Derivatives are subject to a number of potential risks. Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that may require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument or index but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. (For example, successful use of a credit default swap may require, among other things, an understanding of both the credit of the company to which it relates and of the way the swap is likely to respond to changes in various market conditions and to factors specifically affecting the company.) The use of derivatives involves the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure of another party to the contract (typically referred to as a “counterparty”) to make required payments or otherwise to comply with the contract’s terms. Derivative transactions can create investment leverage and may be highly volatile. When a Fund uses a derivative instrument, it could lose more than the principal amount invested. Since the values of derivatives are calculated and derived from the values of other assets, reference rates, or indexes, there is greater risk that derivatives will be improperly valued. Derivatives also involve the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the relevant assets, rates or indexes they are designed to hedge or to track closely, and the risk that a derivative transaction may not have the effect the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser anticipated. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that a Fund will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when that would be beneficial. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund’s derivative positions at any time. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many privately negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous price. Use of derivatives may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. Although the use of derivatives is intended to enhance a Fund’s performance, it may instead reduce returns and increase volatility.

 

· Non-Diversification Risk.  Diversification is a way for a Fund to reduce its risk. It means that the Fund invests in securities of a broad range of companies. A “non-diversified” fund may purchase larger positions in a smaller number of issuers. Therefore, the increase or decrease in the value of a single issuer will have a greater impact on the Fund’s net asset value. In addition, the Fund’s net asset value can be expected to fluctuate more than a comparable diversified fund. This fluctuation can also affect the Fund’s performance. The Value Equity Fund, the Aggressive Growth Fund and the Focused Value Fund are actively managed non-diversified funds. Each Fund’s Sub-Adviser uses a strategy of limiting the number of issuers which the Fund will hold. The NASDAQ-100 Fund also is considered a non-diversified fund. It attempts to satisfy its investment objective of replicating a particular index by purchasing the securities in the index without regard to how much of each security the Fund buys.

 

·

Foreign Investment Risk.  Funds investing in foreign securities may experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than funds that invest solely in U.S. companies. This is because the securities markets of many foreign countries are relatively small, with a limited number of companies representing a small number of industries. The securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. In addition, foreign companies are usually not subject to the same degree of regulation as U.S. companies. There may be less information publicly available about a foreign company than about a comparable domestic company, and many foreign companies are not subject to accounting, auditing, or financial reporting standards and practices comparable to

 

–  108  –


 

those in the United States. Also, nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, foreign withholding or other taxes, restrictions or prohibitions on repatriation of foreign currencies, currency blockage, political changes or diplomatic developments could adversely affect a Fund’s non-U.S. investments. In the event of nationalization, expropriation or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment. Economic downturns in certain regions, such as Southeast Asia, can also adversely affect other countries whose economies appear to be unrelated. In addition, foreign brokerage commissions and other fees also are generally higher than in the United States.

 

Some Funds may also invest in foreign securities known as American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”). ADRs, GDRs and EDRs, which may be sponsored or unsponsored, represent securities or a pool of securities of an underlying foreign or, in the case of GDRs and EDRs, U.S. or non-U.S. issuer. They are subject to many of the same risks as foreign securities. ADRs, GDRs and EDRs are more completely described in the Statement of Additional Information.

 

· Emerging Markets Risk.  Some Funds may invest in issuers located in emerging markets, subject to the applicable restrictions on foreign investments, when the investment adviser or sub-adviser deems those investments to be consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. Emerging markets are generally considered to be the countries having “emerging market economies” based on factors such as the country’s foreign currency debt rating, its political and economic stability, the development of its financial and capital markets and the level of its economy. Investing in securities from emerging markets involves special risks, including less liquidity and more price volatility than securities of comparable domestic issuers or in established foreign markets. Emerging market countries may have higher relative rates of inflation than developed countries and may be more likely to experience political unrest and economic instability. Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial rates of inflation for many years, which may have adverse effects on the economies and the securities markets of those countries. Investments in emerging market countries could be subject to expropriation of assets, which could wipe out the entire value of a Fund’s investment in that market. Emerging market debt securities are often rated below investment grade (often referred to as “junk bonds”), reflecting increased risk of issuer default or bankruptcy. Political and economic turmoil could raise the possibility that trading of securities will be halted. Emerging markets also may be concentrated towards particular industries. Countries heavily dependent on trade face additional threats from the imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist measures. Emerging market countries have a greater risk than developed countries of currency depreciation or devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar, which could adversely affect any investment made by a Fund. There may also be different clearing and settlement procedures, or an inability to handle large volumes of transactions, making it harder for a Fund to buy and sell securities. These factors could result in settlement delays and temporary periods when a portion of a Fund’s assets is not invested and could cause a loss in value due to illiquidity.

 

· Currency Risk.  A Fund is subject to currency risk to the extent that it invests in securities of foreign companies that are traded in, and receive revenues in, foreign currencies or for the Diversified International Fund to the extent it buys currencies in excess of underlying equities. Currency risk is caused by uncertainty in foreign currency exchange rates. Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies may enhance or diminish returns that a U.S. investor would receive on foreign investments. A Fund may, but will not necessarily, engage in foreign currency transactions in order to protect against fluctuations in the value of holdings denominated in or exposed to other currencies or for the Diversified International Fund to generate additional returns by buying currencies in excess of underlying equities when opportunities arise. Those currencies can decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, the U.S. dollar can decline in value relative to the currency hedged. A Fund’s investment in foreign currencies may increase the amount of ordinary income recognized by the Fund.

 

–  109  –


· Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk.  Market risk and liquidity risk are particularly pronounced for stocks of smaller companies. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources or they may depend on a few key employees. Such companies may have been recently organized and have little or no track record of success. Also, a Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser may not have had an opportunity to evaluate such newer companies’ performance in adverse or fluctuating market conditions. The securities of smaller companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volume than more widely held securities. The prices of these securities may fluctuate more sharply than those of other securities, and a Fund may experience some difficulty in establishing or closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may be less publicly available information about the issuers of these securities or less market interest in such securities than in the case of larger companies, both of which can cause significant price volatility. Some securities of smaller issuers may be illiquid or may be restricted as to resale. Although mid-cap companies are larger than smaller companies, they may have many of the same risks.

 

· Growth Company Risk.  Market risk is also particularly pronounced for “growth” companies. The prices of growth company securities may fall to a greater extent than the overall equity markets (represented by the S&P 500 Index) due to changing economic, political or market factors. Growth company securities tend to be more volatile in terms of price swings and trading volume. Growth companies, especially technology related companies, have seen dramatic rises and falls in stock valuations. Funds that invest in growth companies have the risk that the market may deem these companies’ stock prices over-valued, which could cause steep and/or volatile price swings. Also, since investors buy these stocks because of their expected superior earnings growth, earnings disappointments often result in sharp price declines.

 

· Value Company Risk.  The value investment approach carries the risk that the market will not recognize a security’s intrinsic value for a long time, or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced.

 

· Over-the-Counter Risk.  OTC transactions involve risks in addition to those associated with transactions in securities traded on exchanges. OTC-listed companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Many OTC stocks trade less frequently and in smaller volume than exchange-listed stocks. The values of these stocks may be more volatile than exchange-listed stocks, and funds that invest in these stocks may experience difficulty in purchasing or selling these securities at a fair price.

 

· Leveraging Risk.  When a Fund borrows money or otherwise leverages its portfolio, the value of an investment in that Fund will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations when it may not be advantageous to do so. A Fund may take on leveraging risk by investing collateral from securities loans, by using derivatives, by entering into reverse repurchase agreements and by borrowing money to repurchase shares or to meet redemption requests. A Fund’s use of derivatives may also create investment leverage in its portfolio. Leveraging may increase the assets on which the investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s fee is based.

 

· Convertible Securities Risk.  Because convertible securities can be converted into equity securities, their value normally will vary in some proportion with those of the underlying equity securities. Due to the conversion feature, convertible securities generally yield less than non-convertible fixed income securities of similar credit quality and maturity. A Fund’s investment in convertible securities may at times include securities that have a mandatory conversion feature, pursuant to which the securities convert automatically into common stock at a specified date and conversion ratio, or that are convertible at the option of the issuer. When conversion is not at the option of the holder, a Fund may be required to convert the security into the underlying common stock even at times when the value of the underlying common stock has declined substantially or it would otherwise be disadvantageous to do so.

 

–  110  –


· Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk.   Lower-rated fixed income securities, which are also known as “junk bonds,” and comparable unrated securities in which a Fund invests, have speculative characteristics. Changes in economic conditions or adverse developments affecting particular companies or industries are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments on such obligations than in the case of higher-rated securities.

 

Lower rated fixed income securities involve greater volatility of price and yield, and greater risk of loss of principal and interest, and generally reflect a greater possibility of an adverse change in financial condition which would affect the ability of the issuer to make payments of principal and interest. The market price for lower rated fixed income securities generally responds to short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than high-rated securities because these developments are perceived to have a more direct relationship to the ability of an issuer of lower rated fixed income securities to meet its ongoing obligations.

 

A Fund that invests in fixed income securities issued in connection with corporate restructurings by highly leveraged issuers or in fixed income securities that are not current in the payment of interest or principal (i.e., in default) may be subject to greater credit risk because of these investments. Securities that are rated CCC or below by Standard & Poor’s or Caa or below by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. are generally regarded by the rating agencies as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

 

· Preferred Stock Risk.  Like other equity securities, preferred stock is subject to the risk that its value may decrease. Preferred stock may be more volatile and riskier than other forms of investment. If interest rates rise, the dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking fund provisions or call/redemption provisions that can negatively affect its value when interest rates decline. In addition, in the event of liquidation of a corporation’s assets, the rights of preferred stock generally are subordinate to the rights associated with a corporation’s debt securities.

 

· Geographic Concentration Risk.  Because the Overseas Fund may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region, the Fund’s performance could be closely tied to the market, currency, economic, political, or regulatory conditions and developments in those countries or that region, and could be more volatile than the performance of more geographically-diversified funds.

 

· Portfolio Turnover Risk.  Changes are made in a Fund’s portfolio whenever the investment adviser or sub-adviser believes such changes are desirable. Short-term transactions may result from liquidity needs, securities having reached a price objective, purchasing securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains, changes in the outlook for a particular company or by reason of economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the investment decision. Portfolio turnover rates are generally not a factor in making buy and sell decisions. Consequently, a Fund’s portfolio turnover may be high. Increased portfolio turnover rates will result in higher costs from brokerage commissions, dealer-mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also result in a higher percentage of short-term capital gains and a lower percentage of long-term capital gains as compared to a fund that trades less frequently. Such costs are not reflected in the Funds’ Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses set forth under the “Expense Information” tables but do have the effect of reducing a Fund’s investment return. Because short-term capital gains are distributed as ordinary income, this generally increases tax liability unless shares are held through a tax-deferred or exempt account. Higher costs associated with increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Fund’s performance.

 

–  111  –


Principal Risks by Fund

 

The following chart summarizes the Principal Risks of each Fund. A particular Fund may, however, still have non-Principal risks not identified in this chart.

 

Risk   Strategic
Bond
Fund
  Strategic
Balanced
Fund
  Diversified
Value
Fund
 

Fundamental
Value

Fund

  Value
Equity
Fund
  Large
Cap
Value
Fund
  Indexed
Equity
Fund
 

Core

Opportunities

Fund

  Blue
Chip
Growth
Fund
  Diversified
Growth
Fund
  Large
Cap
Growth
Fund

Market Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Credit Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Management Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X     X   X   X   X

Tracking Error Risk

              X        

Prepayment Risk

  X   X                  

Liquidity Risk

  X   X   X   X   X     X     X   X   X

Derivative Risk

  X   X   X   X   X     X     X   X  

Non-Diversification Risk

          X            

Foreign Investment Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X     X   X   X   X

Emerging Markets Risk

  X   X     X   X            

Currency Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X     X   X   X   X

Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk

    X                 X  

Growth Company Risk

                X   X   X   X

Value Company Risk

      X   X   X   X     X      

Over-the-Counter Risk

      X                

Leveraging Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Convertible Securities Risk

    X   X           X       X

Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk

  X   X                  

Preferred Stock Risk

    X                  

Geographic Concentration Risk

                     

Portfolio Turnover Risk

  X   X       X            

 

–  112  –


Risk   Aggressive
Growth
Fund
 

NASDAQ-

100

Fund

  Focused
Value
Fund
  Mid-Cap
Value
Fund
  Small
Cap
Value
Equity
Fund
  Small
Company
Value
Fund
  Small
Cap
Core
Equity
Fund
  Mid
Cap
Growth
Equity
Fund
 

Mid

Cap
Growth
Equity II
Fund

  Small
Cap
Growth
Equity
Fund
  Small
Company
Growth
Fund

Market Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Credit Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Management Risk

  X     X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Tracking Error Risk

    X                  

Prepayment Risk

                     

Liquidity Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Derivative Risk

    X       X   X   X   X   X   X  

Non-Diversification Risk

  X   X   X                

Foreign Investment Risk

  X     X   X     X   X   X   X   X   X

Emerging Markets Risk

  X               X     X  

Currency Risk

  X     X   X     X   X   X   X   X   X

Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Growth Company Risk

  X   X           X   X   X   X   X

Value Company Risk

      X   X   X   X   X        

Over-the-Counter Risk

    X   X       X     X     X  

Leveraging Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Convertible Securities Risk

            X          

Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk

                     

Preferred Stock Risk

                     

Geographic Concentration Risk

                     

Portfolio Turnover Risk

              X   X       X

 

–  113  –


Risk   Emerging
Growth
Fund
  Diversified
International
Fund
  Overseas
Fund
  Destination
Retirement
Income
Fund
 

Destination
Retirement
2010

Fund

 

Destination
Retirement
2020

Fund

 

Destination
Retirement
2030

Fund

 

Destination
Retirement
2040

Fund

 

Destination
Retirement
2050

Fund

Market Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Credit Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Management Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Tracking Error Risk

                 

Prepayment Risk

        X   X   X   X   X   X

Liquidity Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Derivative Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Non-Diversification Risk

                 

Foreign Investment Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Emerging Markets Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Currency Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Smaller and Mid-Cap Company Risk

  X       X   X   X   X   X   X

Growth Company Risk

  X     X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Value Company Risk

    X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Over-the-Counter Risk

      X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Leveraging Risk

  X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Convertible Securities Risk

        X   X   X   X   X   X

Lower-Rated Fixed Income Securities Risk

        X   X   X   X   X   X

Preferred Stock Risk

        X   X   X   X   X   X

Geographic Concentration Risk

      X   X   X   X   X   X   X

Portfolio Turnover Risk

  X     X            

 

–  114  –


About the Investment Adviser and Sub-Advisers

 

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”) located at 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111, is the Funds’ investment adviser and is responsible for providing all necessary investment management and administrative services. Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a mutual life insurance company that provides a broad range of insurance, money management, retirement and asset accumulation products and services for individuals and businesses. As of December 31, 2007, MassMutual, together with its subsidiaries, had assets under management in excess of $505 billion.

 

MassMutual will be paid an investment management fee based on a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets as follows: .55% for the Strategic Bond Fund; .60% for the Strategic Balanced Fund; .50% for the Diversified Value Fund; .65% for the Fundamental Value Fund; .70% for the Value Equity Fund; .65% of the first $1.5 billion of the average daily net assets of the Large Cap Value Fund and .60% on assets in excess of $1.5 billion; .10% for the Indexed Equity Fund; .70% for the Core Opportunities Fund; .65% for the Blue Chip Growth Fund; .70% for the Diversified Growth Fund; .65% for the Large Cap Growth Fund; .73% for the Aggressive Growth Fund; .15% for the NASDAQ-100 Fund; .69% for the Focused Value Fund; .70% for the Mid-Cap Value Fund; .75% for the Small Cap Value Equity Fund; .85% for the Small Company Value Fund; .75% for the Small Cap Core Equity Fund; .70% for the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund; .75% for the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund; .82% for the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund; .85% for the Small Company Growth Fund; .79% for the Emerging Growth Fund; .90% for the Diversified International Fund; 1.00% for the Overseas Fund; and .05% of the first $500 million of the average daily net assets of each Destination Retirement Fund, .025% on the next $500 million of average daily net assets and .00% on assets in excess of $1 billion.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the board of trustees approving any investment advisory contract of the Funds is available in either the Funds’ semi-annual report to shareholders dated June 30, 2007 or in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders dated December 31, 2007.

 

Each Fund also pays MassMutual an administrative and shareholder service fee at an annual rate based on a percentage of daily net assets for the applicable class of shares. The fee ranges for each share class of the Funds are .0100% to .3744% for Class S shares; .0459% to .4744% for Class Y shares; .1459% to .6244% for Class L and Class A shares; .1959% to .6744% for Class N shares; and .0855% for Class Z shares of the Indexed Equity Fund.

 

MassMutual, as each Destination Retirement Fund’s investment adviser, administers the asset allocation program for each Destination Retirement Fund. This function is performed by MassMutual’s Retirement Services Asset Allocation Committee, led by Bruce Picard Jr., CFA. Mr. Picard joined MassMutual in 2005 as an Investment Consultant for the MassMutual Retirement Services Investment Services Group. He is a member of a team of investment professionals who conduct money manager research for the MassMutual Investment Program. Prior to joining MassMutual, Mr. Picard was a Vice President at Loomis, Sayles & Co. LP, where he worked in various positions covering research, portfolio analysis and product development for the company’s Specialty Growth and mutual fund units. The other regular member of MassMutual’s Retirement Services Asset Allocation Committee is Frederick (Rick) Schulitz. Mr. Schulitz joined MassMutual in 2006 as an Investment Consultant for the MassMutual Retirement Services Investment Services Group. Prior to joining MassMutual, Mr. Schulitz held Director positions at Prudential Retirement and ING, covering retirement and investment marketing, communications and strategic alliances. Mr. Picard joined MassMutual in 2005 as Investment Consultant.

 

The MassMutual Retirement Services Investment Services Group is also responsible for determining the allocation of portfolio assets and/or cash flows among Sub-Advisers for those Funds with multiple sub-advisers.

 

MassMutual contracts with the following Sub-Advisers to help manage the Funds:

 

AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”), located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105, manages the investments of the Diversified Value Fund, the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Diversified International Fund. AllianceBernstein is a limited partnership, the majority ownership interests in which are held by its affiliates: AllianceBernstein Holding L.P., a publicly traded partnership; and AXA Financial, Inc. (“AXA Financial”) together with certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of AXA Financial. AXA Financial is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA. As of December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein managed approximately $800 billion in assets.

 

–  115  –


Marilyn G. Fedak                                                                                                                                                                             

is a portfolio manager of the Diversified Value Fund and the Diversified International Fund, which are managed on a team basis. Ms. Fedak joined Bernstein in 1984 as a senior portfolio manager. An Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein since 2000, she is Head of Global Value Equities and chair of the US Large Cap Value Equity Investment Policy Group. From 1993 – 2000, Ms. Fedak was Chief Investment Officer for U.S. Value Equities. In 2003, she named John Mahedy, a Senior Vice President, her co-CIO. Ms. Fedak serves on AllianceBernstein’s Management Executive Committee, a group of senior professionals responsible for managing the firm, enacting key strategic initiatives and allocating resources. Ms. Fedak is also a Director of SCB Inc. Ms. Fedak had served on the board of directors of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., Inc. from 1994 until the combination with Alliance Capital in 2000. Early in her career at Bernstein, she played a key role in developing its US Diversified Value service. Prior to joining Bernstein, Ms. Fedak was a portfolio manager and research analyst at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company from 1972 to 1983.

 

John P. Mahedy                                                                                                                                                                                

is a portfolio manager of the Diversified Value Fund and the Diversified International Fund, which are managed on a team basis. Mr. Mahedy was named Co-CIO – US Value equities in 2003. He continues to serve as director of research – US Value Equities, a position he has held since 2001. Previously, Mr. Mahedy was a senior research analyst in Bernstein’s institutional research and brokerage unit, covering the domestic and international energy industry from 1995 to 2001 and the oil-services industry from 1988 to 1991. He also covered oil services briefly at Morgan Stanley for three years in the early 1990s.

 

Christopher W. Marx                                                                                                                                                                     

is a portfolio manager of the Diversified Value Fund, which is managed on a team basis. Mr. Marx is a senior portfolio manager and member of the US Value Equities Investment Policy Group. He joined the firm in 1997 as a research analyst. He covered a variety of industries both domestically and internationally, including chemicals, food, supermarkets, beverages and tobacco. Prior to that, he spent six years as a consultant for Deloitte & Touche and the Boston Consulting Group.

 

John D. Phillips, Jr.                                                                                                                                                                         

is a portfolio manager of the Diversified Value Fund, which is managed on a team basis. Mr. Phillips is a senior portfolio manager and member of the US Value Equities Investment Policy Group. He is also chairman of Bernstein’s Proxy Voting Committee. Before joining Bernstein in 1994, he was chairman of the Investment Committee and chief equity officer at Investment Advisers, Inc. in Minneapolis from 1992 to 1993. Previously, he was at State Street Research and Management Co. in Boston from 1972 to 1992, where he progressed from investment research analyst to vice chairman of the Equity Investment Committee.

 

Jason P. Ley                                                                                                                                                                                        

is a portfolio manager of the Large Cap Growth Fund. Mr. Ley, a Senior Vice President, was also a portfolio manager on the Global/International Large Cap Growth teams from 2002 through September 2004. Prior to joining the US Large Cap Growth team at AllianceBernstein in 2000, Mr. Ley was a senior market analyst for Medtronic Corporation in Minneapolis. In addition, Mr. Ley previously developed and operated a chain of retail stores in southern Arizona for five years.

 

Stephanie Simon                                                                                                                                                                               

is a portfolio manager of the Large Cap Growth Fund. Ms. Simon, a Senior Vice President, joined AllianceBernstein in 1998 as a member of the US Large Cap Growth portfolio management team after serving as chief investment officer for Sargent Management Company, a private investment firm in Minneapolis. Previously Ms. Simon was with First American Asset Management, the investment arm of US Bancorp, for four years. Prior to moving to Minneapolis, Ms. Simon was with Citicorp in New York, where she provided corporate finance for media and communications companies for four years.

 

–  116  –


Henry S. D’Auria                                                                                                                                                                             

is a portfolio manager of the Diversified International Fund, which is managed on a team basis. Mr. D’Auria, a Chartered Financial Analyst, was named co-CIO – International Value equities in 2003, adding to his responsibilities as CIO – Emerging Markets Value equities, which he assumed in 2002. Mr. D’Auria was one of the chief architects of Bernstein’s global research department, which he managed from 1998 through 2002. Over the years, he has also served as director of research – Small Cap Value equities and director of research – Emerging Markets Value equities. Mr. D’Auria joined the firm in 1991 as a research analyst covering consumer and natural-gas companies, and he later covered the financial-services industry.

 

Sharon E. Fay                                                                                                                                                                                    

is a portfolio manager of the Diversified International Fund, which is managed on a team basis. Ms. Fay, a Chartered Financial Analyst, joined Bernstein in 1990 as a research analyst, following the airline, lodging, trucking and retail industries, and has been Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer-Global Value Equities of AllianceBernstein since 2003, overseeing all portfolio management and research activities relating to cross-border and non-US value investment portfolios and chairing the Global Value Investment Policy Group. Until January 2006, Ms. Fay was Co-CIO – European and UK Value Equities. She also serves on AllianceBernstein’s Management Executive Committee, the group of senior professionals responsible for managing the firm, enacting key strategic initiatives and allocating resources.

 

Kevin F. Simms                                                                                                                                                                                 

is a portfolio manager of the Diversified International Fund, which is managed on a team basis. Mr. Simms was named co-CIO – International Value equities in 2003, which he has assumed in addition to his role as director of research – Global and International Value equities, a position he has held since 1999. Between 1998 and 2000, Mr. Simms served as director of research – Emerging Markets Value equities. He joined Bernstein in 1992 as a research analyst, and his industry coverage over the next six years included financial services, telecommunications and utilities.

 

ClearBridge Advisors, LLC (“ClearBridge”), located at 620 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Strategic Balanced Fund. ClearBridge is a recently-organized investment adviser that has been formed to succeed to the equity securities portfolio management business of Citigroup Asset Management, which was acquired by Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”) in December 2005. ClearBridge is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason. As of December 31, 2007, ClearBridge had $101.5 billion in assets under management.

 

John G. Goode and Peter Hable                                                                                                                                               

serve as co-portfolio managers and are responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the portfolio of the Strategic Balanced Fund. Mr. Goode is the Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Davis Skaggs Investment Management (“Davis Skaggs”), a division of ClearBridge, and a managing director of ClearBridge. He has 39 years of investment experience. Mr. Hable is the President of Davis Skaggs and a managing director of ClearBridge. He has 25 years of investment experience.

 

Clover Capital Management, Inc. (“Clover”), located at 400 Meridian Centre, Suite 200, Rochester, New York 14618, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Small Company Value Fund. As of December 31, 2007, Clover, founded in 1984, managed approximately $2.5 billion in assets for individuals, employee benefit plans, endowments and foundations.

 

Lawrence R. Creatura                                                                                                                                                                   

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Value Fund. Mr. Creatura, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a specialist in portfolio construction and risk control. Mr. Creatura conducts investment research in the Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples and Technology sectors and contributes to Clover’s quantitative research work. Prior to joining Clover in 1994, Mr. Creatura spent several years in laser research for medical applications.

 

–  117  –


Michael E. Jones                                                                                                                                                                               

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Value Fund. Mr. Jones, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is the Chief Executive Officer and a co-founder of Clover. Mr. Jones’ primary role is Chief Investment Officer, where he oversees Clover’s portfolio management effort. In addition to his strategy and portfolio management responsibilities, Mr. Jones conducts equity research in the Health Care sector.

 

Stephen K. Gutch                                                                                                                                                                             

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Value Fund. Mr. Gutch, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is Clover’s Director of Research and conducts investment research in the Financial Services sector. Prior to joining Clover in 2003, Mr. Gutch worked as an analyst for Continental Advisors, LLC where he co-managed and conducted research for the firm’s financial services hedge fund. Previous to this, he spent five years with Fulcrum Investment Group, LLC in Chicago where he managed their financial services portfolio.

 

Cooke & Bieler, L.P. (“Cooke & Bieler”), located at 1700 Market Street, Suite 3222, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, manages the investments of the Mid-Cap Value Fund. As of December 31, 2007, Cooke & Bieler had approximately $7.9 billion in assets under management.

 

Michael M. Meyer                                                                                                                                                                            

is a portfolio manager of the Mid-Cap Value Fund. Mr. Meyer, a Chartered Financial Analyst, began his career at Sterling Capital Management as an equity analyst and head equity trader. He joined Cooke & Bieler in 1993 where he is currently a Partner, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst.

 

James R. Norris                                                                                                                                                                                

is a portfolio manager of the Mid-Cap Value Fund. Mr. Norris spent nearly ten years with Sterling Capital Management as Senior Vice President of Equity Portfolio Management. He joined Cooke & Bieler in 1998 where he is currently a Partner, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst.

 

Kermit S. Eck                                                                                                                                                                                    

is a portfolio manager of the Mid-Cap Value Fund. Mr. Eck, a Chartered Financial Analyst, joined Cooke & Bieler in 1980 and left in 1984 to become Director of Product Marketing for Eczel Corp. From 1987 to 1992, he served as Executive Vice President of Keystone Natural Water. He rejoined Cooke & Bieler in 1992 and currently is a Partner, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst.

 

Edward W. O’Connor                                                                                                                                                                    

is a portfolio manager of the Mid-Cap Value Fund. Mr. O’Connor, a Chartered Financial Analyst, spent three years at Cambiar Investors in Denver, Colorado where he served as an equity analyst and portfolio manager and participated in Cambiar’s 2001 management buyout. He joined Cooke & Bieler in 2002 where he is currently a Partner, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst.

 

R. James O’Neil                                                                                                                                                                                

is a portfolio manager of the Mid-Cap Value Fund. Mr. O’Neil, a Chartered Financial Analyst, served as an Investment Officer in the Capital Markets Department at Mellon Bank beginning in 1984. He joined Cooke & Bieler in 1988 where he is currently a Partner, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst.

 

Mehul Trivedi                                                                                                                                                                                    

is a portfolio manager of the Mid-Cap Value Fund. Mr. Trivedi, a Chartered Financial Analyst, was a fixed income analyst at Blackrock Financial Management and then a product manager at PNC Asset Management. He joined Cooke & Bieler in 1998 where he is currently a Partner, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst.

 

–  118  –


Daren C. Heitman                                                                                                                                                                            

is a portfolio manager of the Mid-Cap Value Fund. Mr, Heitman, a Chartered Financial Analyst, worked as an analyst and a portfolio manager at Skyline Asset Management from 1995 to 2000, when he joined Schneider Capital Management as a senior analyst until 2005. He joined Cooke & Bieler in 2005 where he is currently a Partner, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst.

 

Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (“Davis”), located at 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, Arizona 85706 manages the investments of the Large Cap Value Fund. As of December 31, 2007, Davis had approximately $105 billion in assets under management.

 

Christopher C. Davis                                                                                                                                                                     

is a portfolio manager of the Large Cap Value Fund. Mr. Davis serves as portfolio manager for a number of equity funds managed by Davis. Mr. Davis has served as a portfolio manager since 1995. Previously, Mr. Davis served as a research analyst at Davis beginning in 1989.

 

Kenneth C. Feinberg                                                                                                                                                                     

is a portfolio manager of the Large Cap Value Fund. Mr. Feinberg serves as portfolio manager for a number of equity funds managed by Davis. Mr. Feinberg has served as a portfolio manager since 1998. Previously, Mr. Feinberg served as a research analyst at Davis, beginning in 1994.

 

Delaware Management Company (“DMC”), a series of Delaware Management Business Trust, located at 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Aggressive Growth Fund and the Emerging Growth Fund. DMC is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. (“Delaware Investments”). As of December 31, 2007, Delaware Investments had more than $150 billion in assets under management.

 

Jeffrey S. Van Harte                                                                                                                                                                       

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Aggressive Growth Fund. Mr. Van Harte, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer – Focus Growth Equity. He joined Delaware Investments in April 2005 and is the chief investment officer for the firm’s Focus Growth Equity team, which is responsible for large-cap growth, all-cap growth and one smid-cap growth portfolio. Most recently, he was a principal and executive vice president at Transamerica Investment Management. Mr. Van Harte has been managing portfolios and separate accounts for more than 20 years. Before becoming a portfolio manager, Mr. Van Harte was a securities analyst and trader for Transamerica Investment Services, which he joined in 1980.

 

Christopher J. Bonavico                                                                                                                                                                

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Aggressive Growth Fund. Mr. Bonavico joined Delaware Investments in April 2005 and is a senior portfolio manager on the firm’s Focus Growth Equity team, which is responsible for large-cap growth, all-cap growth and one smid-cap growth portfolio. He was most recently a principal and portfolio manager at Transamerica Investment Management, where he managed sub-advised funds and institutional separate accounts. Before joining Transamerica in 1993, he was a research analyst for Salomon Brothers.

 

Christopher M. Ericksen                                                                                                                                                              

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Aggressive Growth Fund. Mr. Ericksen joined Delaware Investments in April 2005 as a portfolio manager on the firm’s Focus Growth Equity team, which is responsible for large-cap growth, all-cap growth and one smid-cap growth portfolio. He was most recently a portfolio manager at Transamerica Investment Management, where he also managed institutional separate accounts. Before joining Transamerica in 2004, he was a vice president at Goldman Sachs. During his 10 years there, he worked in investment banking as well as investment management.

 

Daniel J. Prislin                                                                                                                                                                                 

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Aggressive Growth Fund. Mr. Prislin joined Delaware Investments in April 2005 as a senior portfolio manager on the firm’s Focus Growth Equity team, which is

 

–  119  –


responsible for large-cap growth, all-cap growth and one smid-cap growth portfolio. He was most recently a principal and portfolio manager at Transamerica Investment Management, where he also managed sub-advised funds and institutional separate accounts. Prior to joining Transamerica in 1998, he was a portfolio manager with The Franklin Templeton Group.

 

Marshall T. Bassett                                                                                                                                                                         

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Bassett, a Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer – Emerging Growth Equity, joined Delaware Investments in 1997 and leads the firm’s Emerging Growth Equity team, which focuses on small-, mid- and smid-cap investment products and strategies. Prior to taking over leadership of the Emerging Growth Equity team, Mr. Bassett spent eight years as a portfolio manager and analyst, focusing on consumer and retail stocks in the growth area. From 1989 to 1997, he worked at Morgan Stanley Asset Management Group, where he most recently served as a vice president in its Emerging Growth group, analyzing small-cap companies. Before that, he worked at a community bank in Hopkinsville, Ky., which eventually became part of The Sovran Bank and Trust Company.

 

Barry S. Gladstein                                                                                                                                                                           

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Gladstein, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager. He joined Delaware Investments in 1995 and is a portfolio manager in the energy, industrials and materials sector of the firm’s Emerging Growth Equity team. Prior to joining Delaware Investments, he was director of operational planning at CIGNA Corporation from 1991 to 1995 and a senior accountant with Arthur Young.

 

Christopher M. Holland                                                                                                                                                               

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Holland, a Vice President and Portfolio Manager, joined Delaware Investments in 2001 and is a portfolio manager in the business services sector of the firm’s Emerging Growth Equity team. Prior to joining Delaware Investments, Mr. Holland worked for three years as a municipal fixed income analyst at BlackRock and in private client services at J.P. Morgan Chase for another year.

 

Steven T. Lampe                                                                                                                                                                               

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Lampe, a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Certified Public Accountant, is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager. He joined Delaware Investments in 1995 and is a portfolio manager in the business and financial services and healthcare sectors of the firm’s Emerging Growth Equity team. He previously served as a manager at Pricewaterhouse, specializing in financial services firms.

 

Rudy D. Torrijos III                                                                                                                                                                        

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Torrijos, a Vice President and Portfolio Manager, joined Delaware Investments in July 2005 where he serves as a portfolio manager with a focus on the technology sector for the firm’s Emerging Growth Equity team. He spent the prior two years as a technology analyst at Fiduciary Trust, where he was responsible for sector management of technology stocks for small-cap equity products. From 1997 to 2002 he worked for Neuberger Berman Growth Group, first as an analyst and then as fund manager. Mr. Torrijos worked as a technology analyst at Hellman Jordan Management for three years and he began his career as a marketing/strategic financial planning analyst at Unocal in Los Angeles.

 

Michael S. Tung, M.D.                                                                                                                                                                  

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Emerging Growth Fund. Dr. Tung is a Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Equity Analyst. He handles research and analysis and portfolio management in the healthcare sector for the firm’s Emerging Growth Equity team. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in November 2006 as an equity analyst covering the technology and healthcare sectors for the firm’s Emerging Markets team, Dr. Tung worked for 20 months as a vice president at the Galleon Group, performing fundamental research in the medical technology and biotechnology sectors. From late 2003 to 2005 he was an analyst responsible for investing in healthcare equities for Hambrecht & Quist Capital Management, and he spent

 

–  120  –


most of 2003 as a junior analyst for Durus Capital Management. Dr. Tung began his professional career in the medical field from 2001 to the beginning of 2003, first as a physician at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital of the Tufts University School of Medicine and then as an anesthesiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at the Harvard Medical School.

 

Lori P. Wachs                                                                                                                                                                                    

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Emerging Growth Fund. Ms. Wachs, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager. She joined Delaware Investments in 1992 and is a portfolio manager and analyst for the consumer sector in the firm’s Emerging Growth Equity group. She joined Delaware Investments after serving in the equity-risk arbitrage department of Goldman Sachs from 1990 to 1992.

 

Eagle Asset Management, Inc. (“Eagle”), located at 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Small Company Growth Fund. Eagle is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc., a St. Petersburg, Florida-based financial services company. As of December 31, 2007, Eagle managed approximately $14.2 billion in assets.

 

Bert L. Boksen                                                                                                                                                                                   

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Growth Fund. Mr. Boksen is a Managing Director at Eagle and has over 28 years of investment experience. He has portfolio management responsibilities for all of Eagle’s small cap growth equity accounts. Prior to joining Eagle in 1995, Mr. Boksen was employed for 16 years by Raymond James & Associates, Inc. in its institutional research and sales department. While employed by Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Mr. Boksen served as co-head of Research, Chief Investment Officer and Chairman of the Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Focus List Committee. Mr. Boksen began his investing career as an analyst at Standard and Poor’s.

 

Eric Mintz                                                                                                                                                                                           

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Growth Fund. Mr. Mintz, a Chartered Financial Analyst, has been an Assistant Portfolio Manager since 2008 and a Senior Research Analyst at Eagle since 2005. He assists Mr. Boksen in the responsibilities of managing the Fund and does not have individual discretion over the assets of the Fund. Previously, Mr. Mintz served as Vice President of equity research for the Oakmont Corporation from 1999 to 2005.

 

EARNEST Partners, LLC (“Earnest Partners”), located at 1180 Peachtree Street, Suite 2300, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Small Company Value Fund. Earnest Partners manages small-, mid- and large-cap equity investment products as well as fixed income products. As of December 31, 2007, Earnest Partners advised approximately $23 billion in assets.

 

Paul E. Viera                                                                                                                                                                                      

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Value Fund. Mr. Viera is the founder of Earnest Partners, an investment firm responsible for overseeing over $23 billion. In 1993, he developed Return Pattern Recognition®, the investment methodology used to select equities at Earnest Partners. Previously, Mr. Viera was a Vice President at Bankers Trust in both New York and London. He later joined Invesco, where he became a Global Partner and senior member of its Investment Committee. Mr. Viera is a member of the Atlanta Society of Financial Analysts and has over twenty-eight years of investment experience.

 

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”), located at 32 Old Slip, New York, New York 10005, manages the investments of the Small Cap Core Equity Fund. GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2007, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of $763 billion.

 

Robert C. Jones                                                                                                                                                                                 

is a portfolio manager of the Small Cap Core Equity Fund. Mr. Jones, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Managing Director of GSAM and the Co-CIO of the Quantitative Investment Strategies Group. He has over 27 years of investment experience and developed the original model and investment process for the

 

–  121  –


Global Quantitative Equity Group in the late 1980s and has been responsible for overseeing their continuing development and evolution ever since. Prior to joining GSAM in 1989, Mr. Jones was the Senior Quantitative Analyst in the Investment Research Department and the author of the monthly Stock Selection publication. Before joining Goldman Sachs in 1987, he conducted quantitative research for both a major investment banking firm and an options consulting firm.

 

Melissa R. Brown                                                                                                                                                                             

is a portfolio manager of the Small Cap Core Equity Fund. Ms. Brown, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Managing Director of GSAM and a Co-Head of Global Product Strategy. She is responsible for product development, strategy and communications for the Quantitative Investment Strategies team. Ms. Brown joined GSAM in 1998 as product manager for the Quantitative Equity Group, focusing on U.S. and Global portfolios, and became a Senior Portfolio Manager of the group in 2001, with responsibilities in research and portfolio construction in addition to her role of communicating with clients, prospects and consultants on the investment process. For the 15 years prior to joining GSAM, she was the Director of Quantitative Equity Research for Prudential Securities, where she also served on the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.

 

Andrew W. Alford                                                                                                                                                                           

is a portfolio manager of the Small Cap Core Equity Fund. Mr. Alford is a Managing Director of GSAM and is responsible for the U.S. equity long-only portfolios, as well as the Flex equity long-short strategies. Prior to joining GSAM in 1998, he was a professor at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

 

Mark M. Carhart                                                                                                                                                                             

is a portfolio manager of the Small Cap Core Equity Fund. Mr. Carhart, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Managing Director of GSAM. He has been with GSAM’s Quantitative Strategies Group since September 2007, becoming Co-CIO in January 1998 and most recently assuming the role of Co-CIO of the Quantitative Investment Strategies Group. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, he was Assistant Professor of Finance at the Marshall School of Business at USC and a Senior Fellow of the Wharton Financial Institutions Center, where he studied survivorship and predictability in mutual fund performance.

 

Harris Associates L.P. (“Harris”), located at 2 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602, manages the investments of the Focused Value Fund and a portion of the portfolio of the Overseas Fund. Harris developed and has been investing under the Focused Value strategy since Harris was organized in 1995 to succeed to the business of a previous limited partnership, also named Harris Associates L.P. (the “Former Adviser”), that together with its predecessor, had advised and managed mutual funds since 1970. Harris is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P. (“Natixis”). Natixis is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis Global Asset Management. Harris managed approximately $65.7 billion in assets as of December 31, 2007.

 

Robert Levy                                                                                                                                                                                       

is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Focused Value Fund. Mr. Levy, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is the Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, Domestic Equity, of Harris. He has managed other investment portfolios under the focused value strategy since 1985. Prior to that, he was a portfolio manager and director of Gofen and Glossberg, Inc.

 

Michael J. Mangan                                                                                                                                                                          

assists Mr. Levy in the day-to-day management of the Focused Value Fund. Mr. Mangan, a Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant with over 19 years of investment experience, joined the firm in 1997.

 

David G. Herro                                                                                                                                                                                

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Overseas Fund. Mr. Herro, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is the Chief Investment Officer, International Equities, of Harris. Prior to joining Harris in 1992, Mr. Herro worked as a portfolio manager for The Principal Financial Group from 1986 to 1989 and as a portfolio manager for The State of Wisconsin Investment Board from 1989 to 1992.

 

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Chad M. Clark                                                                                                                                                                                 

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Overseas Fund. Mr. Clark, a Chartered Financial Analyst, joined Harris as an analyst in 1995. Prior to joining Harris, Mr. Clark worked as a financial analyst for William Blair & Company from 1994-1995.

 

Insight Capital Research & Management, Inc. (“Insight Capital”), located at 2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 560, Walnut Creek, California 94596, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Emerging Growth Fund. Insight Capital is an employee-owned investment firm. As of December 31, 2007, Insight Capital had approximately $1.2 billion in assets under management.

 

Lee Molendyk                                                                                                                                                                                    

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Molendyk, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager. He is a Co-Portfolio Manager and Equity Analyst for the All-Cap Growth/Small-Cap Growth Portfolio Team. He is also a member of Insight Capital’s Investment Committee. Prior to joining Insight Capital in 1999, he worked as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley.

 

Lance Swanson                                                                                                                                                                                  

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Swanson, a Vice President and Portfolio Manager, is a Co-Portfolio Manager and Equity Analyst for the All-Cap Growth/Small-Cap Growth Portfolio team. He is also a member of Insight’s Investment Committee. Mr. Swanson first joined Insight in 1996. From late 2000 until early 2002, he worked for Thomas Weisel Partners in San Francisco and then rejoined Insight in 2002.

 

Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. (“Legg Mason”), located at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Diversified Growth Fund. Legg Mason is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc., a financial services holding company. As of December 31, 2007, Legg Mason had approximately $59.6 billion in assets under management.

 

Robert Hagstrom                                                                                                                                                                             

is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the Diversified Growth Fund. Mr. Hagstrom has been employed by one or more subsidiaries of Legg Mason Inc. since 1998. He currently serves as Senior Vice President for Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. Mr. Hagstrom is a Chartered Financial Analyst and is a member of The CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia.

 

Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS), located at 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Overseas Fund. MFS had approximately $197.6 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2007. MFS is a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., which in turn is an indirect majority owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial Inc. (a diversified financial services organization).

 

David R. Mannheim                                                                                                                                                                        

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Overseas Fund. Mr. Mannheim, an Investment Officer of MFS, is a Director of Equity Portfolio Research and serves on MFS’ Non-U.S. Equity Management Committee. Mr. Mannheim joined MFS in 1988 as an equity research analyst following non-U.S. securities before becoming a portfolio manager in 1992. Prior to joining MFS, Mr. Mannheim worked as a lending officer for Midatlantic National Bank.

 

Marcus L. Smith                                                                                                                                                                               

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Overseas Fund. Mr. Smith, an Investment Officer of MFS, is a Director of Asian Equity Research and serves on MFS’ Non-U.S. Equity Management Committee. Mr. Smith joined MFS in 1994 as an equity research analyst following European securities before becoming a portfolio manager in 2001. Prior to joining MFS, Mr. Smith was a Senior Consultant for Andersen Consulting.

 

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Mazama Capital Management, Inc. (“Mazama”), located at One SW Columbia Street, Suite 1500, Portland, Oregon 97258, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Small Company Growth Fund. The firm focuses solely on small cap investing and has managed small cap portfolios since 1993. As of December 31, 2007, Mazama had approximately $6.8 billion in assets under management.

 

Ronald A. Sauer                                                                                                                                                                              

is the senior portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Growth Fund. Mr. Sauer has been the President of Mazama and a Senior Portfolio Manager since 1997. Previously, Mr. Sauer was the President and Director of Research of Black & Company, Inc. from 1983 to 1997 and managed the small cap growth product that Mazama purchased from 1993-1997.

 

Gretchen Novak                                                                                                                                                                                

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Growth Fund. Ms. Novak, a Portfolio Manager and a Chartered Financial Analyst, joined Mazama in 1999. Prior to joining Mazama, Ms. Novak was an Equity Analyst with Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn, LLC in New York. She is responsible for researching small and mid cap growth consumer discretionary and consumer staple companies and participates in the security selection process for the Small Company Growth Fund.

 

Joel Rubenstein                                                                                                                                                                                 

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Growth Fund. Mr. Rubenstein, an Associate Portfolio Manager, joined Mazama in 2003 and has worked as an equity research analyst for Mazama for the last four years. Prior to joining Mazama, Mr. Rubenstein was employed by Banc of America Securities for two years as a senior equity research associate in the technology group. He also spent three years as a senior research analyst at Analysis Group, a leading provider of economic and business strategy consulting services.

 

Northern Trust Investments, N.A. (“NTI”), located at 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603, manages the investments of the Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Fund. It is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. NTI primarily manages assets for defined contribution and benefit plans, investment companies and other institutional investors. NTI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Northern Trust Company (“TNTC”). TNTC is an Illinois state chartered banking organization and a member of the Federal Reserve System. Formed in 1889, TNTC administers and manages assets for individuals, personal trusts, defined contribution and benefit plans and other institutional and corporate clients. TNTC is the principal subsidiary of Northern Trust Corporation, a bank holding company. Northern Trust Corporation, through its subsidiaries, has for more than 100 years managed the assets of individuals, charitable organizations, foundations and large corporate investors. As of December 31, 2007, NTI and its affiliates had assets under custody of $4.1 trillion, and assets under investment management of $757.2 billion.

 

Brent Reeder                                                                                                                                                                                      

is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Fund. Mr. Reeder is a Senior Vice President of NTI where he is responsible for the management of various equity and equity index portfolios. Mr. Reeder joined NTI in 1993, and has been a member of the quantitative management group for domestic index products and manages quantitative equity portfolios.

 

Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (“Pyramis”), located at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, manages the investments of the Value Equity Fund. FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of Pyramis. Pyramis will be primarily responsible for choosing investments for the Fund. As of December 31, 2007, Pyramis had $164 billion in assets under management.

 

Ciaran O’Neill                                                                                                                                                                                   

is the portfolio manager of the Value Equity Fund, which he has managed since August 2006. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1995, Mr. O’Neill has worked as a research analyst and since 2001, he has served as a portfolio manager for mutual funds and other accounts. Mr. O’Neill left Fidelity briefly in April of 2005 to work as a portfolio manager for the Bank of Ireland. Mr. O’Neill returned to Pyramis in May of 2005 as a portfolio manager of mutual funds and separate accounts.

 

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Sands Capital Management, LLC (“Sands Capital”), located at 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 2300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Aggressive Growth Fund. As of December 31, 2007, Sands Capital had approximately $20.6 billion in assets under management.

 

Frank M. Sands, Sr.                                                                                                                                                                        

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Aggressive Growth Fund. Mr. Sands, Sr., Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Sands Capital, has been the portfolio manager for Sands Capital’s large capitalization growth stock strategy since the firm was formed in 1992. He has 39 years of investment management experience and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

David E. Levanson                                                                                                                                                                           

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Aggressive Growth Fund. Mr. Levanson, Senior Portfolio Manager and Director of U.S. Mutual Funds, re-joined Sands Capital in September 2002. Before re-joining the firm, Mr. Levanson was a Research Analyst for MFS Investment Management. Mr. Levanson is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

Frank M. Sands, Jr.                                                                                                                                                                        

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Aggressive Growth Fund. Mr. Sands, Jr., President, Director of Research, and Senior Portfolio Manager, has been with Sands Capital since June 2000. Before joining Sands Capital, he was a Research Analyst, Portfolio Manager, and Principal at Fayez Sarofim & Co. from August 1994 to June 2000. Mr. Sands, Jr. is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

A. Michael Sramek                                                                                                                                                                          

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Aggressive Growth Fund. Mr. Sramek, Senior Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst, has been with Sands Capital since April 2001. Before joining Sands Capital, he was a Senior Research Analyst with Mastrapasqua & Associates and previously an Associate in Plan Sponsor Services with BARRA/RogersCasey from 1995 to 1998. Mr. Sramek is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM”), located at One Lincoln Street, 33rd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, manages the investments of the Small Cap Value Equity Fund. SSgA FM is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company. As of December 31, 2007, SSgA FM had over $144.1 billion in assets under management. This strategy is managed by the SSgA Global Enhanced Equity Team. The portfolio managers identified below jointly and primarily have the most significant day-to-day responsibility for management of the strategy:

 

Ric Thomas                                                                                                                                                                                         

is a Principal of SSgA FM, a Senior Managing Director of SSgA and the Deputy Department Head of the Enhanced Equity Group. Mr. Thomas, a Chartered Financial Analyst, focuses on managing both large-cap and small-cap strategies, as well as providing research on SSgA’s stock-ranking models. Prior to joining SSgA in 1998, he was a quantitative analyst on the portfolio construction team at Putnam Investments. Previously, he was an assistant economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City where he operated the Bank’s econometric forecasting model and reported to the senior staff on national economic conditions. Mr. Thomas has been working in the investment management field since 1990.

 

Chuck Martin                                                                                                                                                                                    

is a Principal of SSgA FM and a Vice President of SSgA. Mr. Martin, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a portfolio manager in the firm’s Global Enhanced Equities group. He provides research and portfolio management support for multiple investment strategies. Prior to joining SSgA, Mr. Martin was an equity analyst at SunTrust Equitable Securities where he covered technology companies. He has also held various positions at Scudder and Putnam Investments. Mr. Martin has worked in the investment industry since 1993.

 

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”), located at 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, manages the investments of the Blue Chip Growth Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund and a portion of the portfolio of the Diversified Growth Fund and the Small Company Value Fund. T. Rowe Price, a wholly-owned

 

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subsidiary of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., a publicly-traded financial services holding company, has been managing assets since 1937. As of December 31, 2007, T. Rowe Price had approximately $400 billion in assets under management.

 

Larry J. Puglia                                                                                                                                                                                  

is the portfolio manager for the Blue Chip Growth Fund and a portion of the Diversified Growth Fund. Mr. Puglia, investment advisory committee chairman of the T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Fund, has day-to-day responsibility for managing the portfolio and works with the committee in developing and executing the portfolio’s investment program. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Certified Public Accountant, and a Vice President of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Mr. Puglia has been the lead portfolio manager for the U.S. Large-Cap Core Growth Strategy for T. Rowe Price since 1997 and has been managing its Large-Cap Core Growth Portfolios since 1993. He also serves on the investment advisory committee of T. Rowe Price’s Institutional U.S. Large-Cap Growth Strategy. Mr. Puglia joined T. Rowe Price in 1990.

 

Brian W.H. Berghuis                                                                                                                                                                      

is a co-portfolio manager for the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund. Mr. Berghuis, investment advisory committee co-chairman, shares day-to-day responsibility for managing the portfolio and works with the committee in developing and executing the portfolio’s investment program. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager for T. Rowe Price Associates. He joined T. Rowe Price in 1985.

 

Donald J. Peters                                                                                                                                                                                

is a co-portfolio manager for the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund. Mr. Peters, investment advisory committee co-chairman, shares day-to-day responsibility for managing the portfolio and works with the committee in developing and executing the portfolio’s investment program. He is also a portfolio manager for major institutional relationships with T. Rowe Price’s structured active and tax-efficient strategies, including the T. Rowe Price Tax-Efficient Balanced, Growth, and Multi-Cap Funds. Mr. Peters is a Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager for T. Rowe Price Associates. He joined T. Rowe Price in 1993.

 

Preston G. Athey                                                                                                                                                                              

is the portfolio manager of a portion of the Small Company Value Fund. Mr. Athey, investment advisory committee chairman, has day-to-day responsibility for managing T. Rowe Price’s portion of the portfolio and works with the committee in developing and executing the portfolio’s investment program. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Chartered Investment Counselor, and a Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager for T. Rowe Price Associates. Mr. Athey has been managing investments since 1982.

 

Turner Investment Partners, Inc. (“Turner”), located at 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund. Founded in 1990, Turner is an independent investment management firm. As of December 31, 2007, Turner had approximately $29.1 billion in assets under management.

 

Christopher K. McHugh                                                                                                                                                              

is the lead portfolio manager of a portion of the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund. Mr. McHugh co-founded Turner in 1990. He is a Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Security Analyst at Turner and has 22 years of experience. Prior to co-founding Turner, Mr. McHugh was employed at Provident Capital Management. Mr. McHugh serves on the Board of Trustees for Philadelphia University and is an affiliate member of CFA Institute and an affiliate member of CFA Society of Philadelphia.

 

Tara R. Hedlund                                                                                                                                                                               

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund. Ms. Hedlund, a CFA and CPA, is a Security Analyst, Portfolio Manager and Principal at Turner and has 13 years of experience. Prior to joining Turner in 2000, Ms. Hedlund was employed at Arthur Andersen LLP. She is a member of PICPA, AICPA, the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia.

 

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Jason D. Schrotberger                                                                                                                                                                    

is a portfolio manager of a portion of the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund. Mr. Schrotberger, a CFA, is a Security Analyst, Portfolio Manager and Principal at Turner and has 14 years of experience. Prior to joining Turner in 2001, Mr. Schrotberger was employed at BlackRock Financial Management, PNC Asset Management and Commonwealth of PA PSERS. He is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia.

 

Victory Capital Management Inc. (“Victory”), located at 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, manages the investments of the Core Opportunities Fund. Victory, a New York corporation registered as an investment adviser with the SEC, is a second-tier subsidiary of KeyCorp. As of December 31, 2007, Victory and its affiliates managed approximately $62.1 billion of assets for individual and institutional clients.

 

Lawrence G. Babin                                                                                                                                                                          

is the lead portfolio manager of the Core Opportunities Fund. Mr. Babin, a Chartered Financial Analyst Charter Holder, is a Chief Investment Officer and Senior Managing Director of Victory and has been with Victory or an affiliate since 1982.

 

Paul D. Danes                                                                                                                                                                                     

is the portfolio manager of the Core Opportunities Fund. Mr. Danes is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of Victory and has been associated with Victory or an affiliate since 1987.

 

Carolyn M. Rains                                                                                                                                                                             

is the associate portfolio manager of the Core Opportunities Fund. Ms. Rains is a Portfolio Manager and a Managing Director of Victory and has been with Victory or an affiliate since 1998.

 

Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company (“Waddell & Reed”), located at 6300 Lamar, Overland Park, Kansas 66202, manages a portion of the portfolio of the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund. As of December 31, 2007, Waddell & Reed had more than $63 billion in assets under management.

 

Mark G. Seferovich                                                                                                                                                                         

is responsible, along with Mr. McQuade, for the day-to-day management of a portion of the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund. Mr. Seferovich, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a senior vice president of Waddell & Reed and the lead portfolio manager of its small cap style. He joined Waddell & Reed in February 1989 as manager of small capitalization growth equity funds. From 1982 to 1988 he was a portfolio manager for Security Management Company and prior to that was security analyst/portfolio manager with Reimer & Koger Associates.

 

Kenneth G. McQuade                                                                                                                                                                   

A vice president and assistant portfolio manager for Waddell & Reed, Mr. McQuade, along with Mr. Seferovich, is responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund. Mr. McQuade is also portfolio manager of the Waddell & Reed Target Small Cap Growth Portfolio and assistant portfolio manager of Waddell & Reed’s small cap style. He joined Waddell & Reed in 1997 as an investment analyst. Prior to joining Waddell & Reed, Mr. McQuade worked as an associate healthcare investment analyst at A.G. Edwards & Sons.

 

Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”), a Massachusetts limited liability partnership with principal offices located at 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, manages the investments of the Fundamental Value Fund and a portion of the portfolio of the Diversified Growth Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund and the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund. Wellington Management is a professional investment counseling firm which provides investment services to investment companies, employee benefit plans, endowments, foundations and other institutions. Wellington Management and its predecessor organizations have provided investment advisory services for over 70 years. As of December 31, 2007, Wellington Management had investment management authority with respect to approximately $588 billion in assets.

 

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Karen H. Grimes                                                                                                                                                                              

has served as portfolio manager of the Fundamental Value Fund since 2008. Ms. Grimes, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management and joined the firm as an investment professional in 1995.

 

John R. Ryan                                                                                                                                                                                     

has served as portfolio manager of the Fundamental Value Fund since 2001. Mr. Ryan, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Senior Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management and joined the firm as an investment professional in 1981. Effective June 30, 2008, Mr. Ryan will no longer manage assets for the Fund.

 

Mammen Chally                                                                                                                                                                               

has served as portfolio manager of a portion of the Diversified Growth Fund since its inception in 2007. Mr. Chally, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management and joined the firm in 1994 and has been an investment professional since 1996.

 

James A. Rullo                                                                                                                                                                                  

has served as portfolio manager of a portion of the Diversified Growth Fund since its inception in 2007. Mr. Rullo, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Senior Vice President of Wellington Management and Director of the Quantitative Investment Group. Mr. Rullo joined Wellington Management as an investment professional in 1994.

 

Michael T. Carmen                                                                                                                                                                         

has served as portfolio manager of a portion of the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund since 2007. Mr. Carmen, a Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant, is a Senior Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management and joined the firm as an investment professional in 1999.

 

Mario E. Abularach                                                                                                                                                                        

has been involved in portfolio management and securities analysis for the portion of the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund managed in the small capitalization growth style since 2006 and for the portion of the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund managed by Wellington Management since 2007. Mr. Abularach, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Vice President and Equity Research Analyst of Wellington Management and joined the firm as an investment professional in 2001.

 

Kenneth L. Abrams                                                                                                                                                                         

has served as portfolio manager of the portion of the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund managed in the small capitalization opportunities style since 2001. Mr. Abrams is a Senior Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management and joined the firm as an investment professional in 1986.

 

Daniel J. Fitzpatrick                                                                                                                                                                       

has been involved in portfolio investment and securities analysis for the portion of the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund managed in the small capitalization opportunities style since 2001. Mr. Fitzpatrick, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Vice President and Equity Research Analyst of Wellington Management and joined the firm as an investment professional in 1998.

 

Steven C. Angeli                                                                                                                                                                                

has served as portfolio manager of the portion of the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund managed in the small capitalization growth style since 2004. Mr. Angeli, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Senior Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management and joined the firm as an investment professional in 1994.

 

Stephen C. Mortimer                                                                                                                                                                      

has been involved in portfolio management and securities analysis for the portion of the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund managed in the small capitalization growth style since 2006. Mr. Mortimer is a Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management and joined the firm as an investment professional in 2001.

 

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Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”), located at 385 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, California 91101, manages the investments of the Strategic Bond Fund and a portion of the portfolio of the Strategic Balanced Fund. Western Asset, which concentrates exclusively on fixed income investments, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc., a NYSE-listed, diversified financial services company based in Baltimore, Maryland. As of December 31, 2007, Western Asset managed $634.4 billion in total fixed income assets. Western Asset’s fixed income discipline emphasizes a team approach that unites groups of specialists dedicated to different market sectors. The investment responsibilities of each sector team are distinct, yet success is derived from the constant interaction that unites the specialty groups into a cohesive whole. This structure ensures that client portfolios benefit from a consensus that draws on the expertise of all team members. As of December 31, 2007, this team consisted of 131 professionals, led by:

 

S. Kenneth Leech                                                                                                                                                                             

is Western’s Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Leech has 31 years of industry experience, 18 of them with the Firm, and prior to becoming CIO was Director of Portfolio Management. Previously, he worked as a portfolio manager at Greenwich Capital Markets, The First Boston Corporation, and the National Bank of Detroit.

 

Stephen A. Walsh                                                                                                                                                                             

is Western’s Deputy Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Walsh has 27 years of industry experience, 17 of them with the Firm, and prior to becoming Deputy CIO was Director of Portfolio Management (after Mr. Leech). Previously, he worked as a portfolio manager at Security Pacific Investment Managers, Inc., and the Atlantic Richfield Company.

 

Carl L. Eichstaedt                                                                                                                                                                            

is also a portfolio manager of the Funds. Mr. Eichstaedt has 22 years of industry experience, 14 of them with the Firm. Previously, he worked as a portfolio manager at Harris Investment Management and Pacific Investment Management Company.

 

Edward A. Moody                                                                                                                                                                            

is also a portfolio manager of the Funds. Mr. Moody has 32 years of industry experience, 23 of them with the Firm. Previously, he worked as a portfolio manager at the National Bank of Detroit.

 

Mark S. Lindbloom                                                                                                                                                                         

is also a portfolio manager of the Funds. Mr. Lindbloom has 30 years of industry experience, 3 of them with the firm. Previously, he worked as a portfolio manager at Citigroup Asset Management and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

 

Western Asset Management Company Limited (“WAML”), a United Kingdom corporation, is located at 10 Exchange Square, London, UK EC2A 2EN. WAML manages the non-U.S. dollar denominated investments of the Strategic Bond Fund and of the portion of the portfolio of the Strategic Balanced Fund managed by Western Asset. WAML provides investment advice to mutual funds and other entities and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. As of December 31, 2007 WAML managed approximately $103.8 billion in assets and had 24 investment professionals.

 

S. Kenneth Leech                                                                                                                                                                             

is Western’s Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Leech has 31 years of industry experience, 18 of them with the Firm, and prior to becoming CIO was Director of Portfolio Management. Previously, he worked as a portfolio manager at Greenwich Capital Markets, The First Boston Corporation, and the National Bank of Detroit.

 

Stephen A. Walsh                                                                                                                                                                             

is Western’s Deputy Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Walsh has 27 years of industry experience, 17 of them with the Firm, and prior to becoming Deputy CIO was Director of Portfolio Management (after Mr. Leech). Previously, he worked as a portfolio manager at Security Pacific Investment Managers, Inc., and the Atlantic Richfield Company.

 

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The Trust’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and each portfolio manager’s ownership of securities in the relevant Fund.

 

MassMutual has received exemptive relief from the SEC to permit MassMutual to change sub-advisers or hire new sub-advisers for one or more Funds from time to time without obtaining shareholder approval. Normally, shareholders are required to approve investment sub-advisory agreements. Several other mutual fund companies have received similar relief. MassMutual believes having this authority is important, because it allows MassMutual to remove and replace a sub-adviser in a quick, efficient and cost-effective fashion when, for example, its performance is inadequate or the sub-adviser no longer is able to meet a Fund’s investment objective and strategies. The shareholders of each Fund have previously approved this arrangement. Pursuant to the exemptive relief, MassMutual will provide to a Fund’s shareholders, within 90 days of the hiring of a new sub-adviser, an information statement describing the new sub-adviser.

 

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About the Classes of Shares – Multiple Class Information

 

Each Fund offers five Classes of shares: Class S, Class Y, Class L, Class A and Class N. The Indexed Equity Fund also offers a sixth Class of shares (Class Z). Class A shares have up-front sales charges and Class N shares have contingent deferred sales charges. Only Class A and Class N shares charge Rule 12b-1 fees.

 

Class S, Class Y, Class L and Class Z shares are primarily offered to institutional investors through institutional distribution channels, such as employer-sponsored retirement plans or through broker-dealers, financial institutions or insurance companies. Class A and N shares are primarily offered through other distribution channels, such as broker-dealers or financial institutions. The different Classes have different fees, expenses and/or minimum investor size requirements. The difference in the fee structures among the Classes is the result of their separate arrangements for shareholder and distribution services and is not the result of any difference in amounts charged by MassMutual for investment advisory services. Accordingly, management fees do not vary by Class. Different fees and expenses of a Class will affect performance of that Class. For actual past expenses of each share class, see the fund-by-fund information earlier in this prospectus. Investors may receive different levels of service in connection with investments in different classes of shares and intermediaries may receive different levels of compensation in connection with each share class. For additional information, call us toll free at 1-888-309-3539 or contact a sales representative or financial intermediary who offers the Classes.

 

Except as described below, all Classes of shares of a Fund have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, preferences, terms and conditions. The only differences among the various Classes are: (a) each Class may be subject to different expenses specific to that Class; (b) each Class has a different Class designation; (c) each Class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters solely affecting such Class; (d) each Class offered in connection with a Rule 12b-1 Plan will bear the expense of the payments that would be made pursuant to that Rule 12b-1 Plan, and only that Class will be entitled to vote on matters pertaining to that Rule 12b-1 Plan; and (e) each Class will have different exchange privileges.

 

Each Class of a Fund’s shares invests in the same portfolio of securities. Because each Class will have different expenses, they will likely have different share prices. All Classes of shares are available for purchase by insurance company separate investment accounts.

 

Each Class of shares of the Funds may also be purchased by the following Eligible Purchasers:

 

· Qualified plans under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the “Code”), Code Section 403(b) plans, Code Section 457 plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, where plan assets of the employer generally exceed or are expected to exceed $50 million for Class S shares, $25 million for Class Z shares (Indexed Equity Fund only), $5 million for Class Y shares and $1 million for Class L shares.

 

Class S shares may also be purchased by:

 

· Registered mutual funds and collective trust funds; and

 

· Other institutional investors with assets generally in excess of $50 million.

 

Class Z shares (Indexed Equity Fund only) may also be purchased by:

 

· Registered mutual funds and collective trust funds; and

 

· Other institutional investors with assets generally in excess of $25 million.

 

Class Y shares may also be purchased by:

 

· Registered mutual funds and collective trust funds; and

 

· Other institutional investors with assets generally in excess of $5 million.

 

Class L shares may also be purchased by:

 

· Other institutional investors with assets generally in excess of $1 million.

 

Class A and Class N shares may also be purchased by:

 

· Individual retirement accounts described in Code Section 408;

 

· Voluntary employees’ beneficiary associations described in Code Section 501(c)(9); and

 

· Other institutional investors.

 

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Additional Information.

 

An institutional investor or plan may be permitted to purchase shares of a class even if the institutional investor or plan does not meet the minimum investment amounts set forth above, if MML Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) or MassMutual, as applicable, determines that the expected size (over time), servicing needs, or distribution or servicing costs for the institutional investor or plan are comparable to those of institutional investors or plans eligible to purchase shares of that class.

 

Eligible Purchasers must have an agreement with MassMutual or a MassMutual affiliate to purchase shares. Class L shares are generally sold in connection with the use of an intermediary performing third party administration and/or other shareholder services. There is no minimum plan or institutional investor size to purchase Class A or Class N shares.

 

Class A and Class N shares may be offered to present or former officers, directors, trustees and employees (and their spouses, parents, children and siblings) of the Funds, MassMutual and its affiliates and retirement plans established by them for their employees.

 

Shareholder and Distribution Fees.  Class S, Z, Y and L shares of each Fund are purchased directly from the Trust without a front-end sales charge. Therefore, 100% of an Investor’s money is invested in the Fund or Funds of its choice. Class S, Z, Y and L shares do not have deferred sales charges or any Rule 12b-1 fees.

 

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees.  Class A shares are sold at net asset value per share plus an initial sales charge. Class N shares are sold at net asset value per share without an initial sales charge. Therefore, for Class N shares, 100% of an Investor’s money is invested in the Fund or Funds of its choice. The Funds have adopted Rule 12b-1 Plans for Class A and Class N shares of the Funds.

 

Under the Class A Rule 12b-1 Plans, each Fund is permitted to pay distribution and service fees at the annual rate of .25%, in the aggregate, of that Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares. Distribution fees may be paid to brokers or other financial intermediaries for providing services in connection with the distribution and marketing of Class A shares and for related expenses. Service fees may be paid to brokers or other financial intermediaries for providing personal services to Class A shareholders and/or maintaining Class A shareholder accounts and for related expenses. Compensation under the Class A Rule 12b-1 Plans for service fees will be paid to MassMutual, through the Distributor, and compensation under the Plans for distribution fees will be paid to the Distributor. MassMutual and the Distributor will be entitled to retain a portion of the fees generated by an account, or may reallow the full amount to the brokers or other intermediaries. MassMutual may pay any Class A Rule 12b-1 service fees to brokers or other financial intermediaries in advance for the first year after the shares are sold. After the shares have been held for a year, MassMutual will pay the service fees on a quarterly basis.

 

Under the Class N Rule 12b-1 Plans, each Fund pays the Distributor an annual distribution fee of .25%. Each Fund also pays .25% in service fees to MassMutual each year under the Class N Rule 12b-1 Plans. MassMutual will be entitled to retain a portion of the fees generated by an account, or may reallow the full amount to brokers or other financial intermediaries for providing personal services to Class N shareholders and/or maintaining Class N shareholder accounts and for related expenses. MassMutual may pay the .25% service fees to brokers or other financial intermediaries in advance for the first year after the shares are sold. After the shares have been held for a year, MassMutual pays the service fees on a quarterly basis. The Distributor will be entitled to retain a portion of the fees generated by an account, or may reallow the full amount to brokers or other financial intermediaries for providing services in connection with the distribution and marketing of Class N shares and for related expenses.

 

Because these fees are paid out of a Fund’s assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the costs of your investment in the Class A and Class N shares and may cost you more than other types of sales charges.

 

Compensation to Intermediaries

 

The Distributor may directly, or through MassMutual, pay a sales concession of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of Class N, Class A and Class L shares to brokers or other financial intermediaries from its own resources at the time of sale. However, the total amount paid to brokers or other financial

 

–  132  –


intermediaries at the time of sale of Class N and Class A shares, including any advance of Rule 12b-1 service fees by MassMutual, may be only 1.00% of the purchase price. In addition, MassMutual may directly, or through the Distributor, pay up to .25% of the amount invested to intermediaries who provide services on behalf of Class S, Class Y, Class L, Class A or Class N shares. This compensation is paid by MassMutual, not from Fund assets. The payments on account of Class S, Class Y, Class L, Class A or Class N shares will be based on criteria established by MassMutual. In the event that amounts paid by the Funds to MassMutual as administrative or management fees are deemed indirect financing of distribution or servicing costs for Class S, Class Y or Class L shares, the Funds have adopted distribution and servicing plans (i.e., Rule 12b-1 Plans) authorizing such payments. No additional fees are paid by the Funds under these plans. Compensation paid by the Funds to brokers or other intermediaries for providing services on account of Class A or Class N shares is described above under “Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees.” Annual compensation paid on account of Class S, Class Y, Class L, Class A or Class N shares will be paid quarterly, in arrears.

 

MassMutual may also make payments, out of its own assets, to intermediaries, including broker-dealers, insurance agents and other service providers, that relate to the sale of the Funds or certain of MassMutual’s variable annuity contracts for which the Funds are underlying investment options.

 

This compensation may take the form of:

 

· Payments to administrative service providers that provide enrollment, recordkeeping and other services to pension plans;

 

· Cash and non-cash benefits, such as bonuses and allowances or prizes and awards, for certain brokers, administrative service providers and MassMutual insurance agents;

 

· Payments to intermediaries for, among other things, training of sales personnel, conference support, marketing or other services provided to promote awareness of MassMutual’s products;

 

· Payments to broker-dealers and other intermediaries that enter into agreements providing the Distributor with access to representatives of those firms or with other marketing or administrative services; and

 

· Payments under agreements with MassMutual not directly related to the sale of specific variable annuity contracts or the Funds, such as educational seminars and training or pricing services.

 

These compensation arrangements are not offered to all intermediaries and the terms of the arrangements may differ among intermediaries. These arrangements may provide an intermediary with an incentive to recommend one mutual fund over another, one share class over another, or one insurance or annuity contract over another. You may want to take these compensation arrangements into account when evaluating any recommendations regarding the Funds or any contract using the Funds as investment options. You may contact your intermediary to find out more information about the compensation they may receive in connection with your investment.

 

–  133  –


Investing In The Funds

 

Buying, Redeeming and Exchanging Shares

 

The Funds sell their shares at a price equal to their net asset value (“NAV”) plus any initial sales charge that applies. The Funds generally determine their NAV at the market close (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) every day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open (“Business Day”). Your purchase order will be priced at the next NAV calculated after the order is received in good form by the transfer agent, MassMutual or another intermediary authorized for this purpose. The Funds will suspend selling their shares during any period when the determination of NAV is suspended. The Funds can reject any purchase order (generally within one business day) and can suspend purchases if it is in their best interest.

 

The Funds redeem their shares at their next NAV computed after your redemption request is received and accepted by the transfer agent, MassMutual or another intermediary. You will usually receive payment for your shares within 7 days after your redemption request is received in good form. If, however, you request redemption of shares recently purchased by check, you may not receive payment until the check has been collected, which may take up to 15 days from time of purchase. The Funds can also suspend or postpone payment, when permitted by applicable law and regulations.

 

You can exchange shares of one Fund for the same class of shares of another Fund. An exchange is treated as a sale of shares in one Fund and a purchase of shares in another Fund at the NAV next determined after the exchange request is received and accepted by the transfer agent, MassMutual or another intermediary. Exchange requests involving a purchase into the Diversified International Fund or Overseas Fund, however, will not be accepted if received by the transfer agent, MassMutual or another intermediary after the earlier of 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time or the market close, on any Business Day. Furthermore, exchange requests involving a purchase into any Fund (except the Strategic Bond Fund, Destination Retirement Income Fund and Destination Retirement 2010 Fund) will not be accepted if you have already made a purchase followed by a redemption involving the same Fund within the last 60 days. Your right to exchange shares is subject to applicable regulatory requirements or contractual obligations. The Funds may limit, restrict or refuse exchange purchases, if, in the opinion of MassMutual:

 

· you have engaged in excessive trading;

 

· a Fund receives or expects simultaneous orders affecting significant portions of the Fund’s assets;

 

· a pattern of exchanges occurs which coincides with a market timing strategy; or

 

· the Fund would be unable to invest the funds effectively based on its investment objectives and policies, or if the Fund would be adversely affected.

 

Purchases and exchanges of shares of the Funds should be made for investment purposes only. The Funds do not accommodate excessive trading and/or market timing activity. Excessive trading and/or market timing activity involving the Funds can disrupt the management of the Funds. These disruptions can result in increased expenses and can have an adverse effect on fund performance.

 

MassMutual has adopted policies and procedures to help identify those individuals or entities MassMutual determines may be engaging in excessive trading and/or market timing trading activities. MassMutual monitors trading activity to enforce these procedures. However, those who engage in such activities may employ a variety of techniques to avoid detection. Therefore, despite MassMutual’s efforts to prevent excessive trading and/or market timing trading activities, there can be no assurance that MassMutual will be able to identify all those who trade excessively or employ a market timing strategy and curtail their trading in every instance.

 

The monitoring process involves scrutinizing transactions in fund shares that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a specified period of time. Trading activity identified by either, or a combination, of these factors, or as a result of any other information actually available at the time, will be evaluated to determine whether such activity might constitute excessive trading and/or market timing activity. When trading activity is determined by a Fund or MassMutual, in their sole discretion, to be excessive in nature, certain account-related privileges, such as the ability to place purchase, redemption and exchange orders over the internet, may be suspended for such account.

 

–  134  –


The Funds reserve the right to modify or terminate the exchange privilege as described above on 60 days written notice.

 

The Funds do not accept purchase, redemption or exchange orders or compute their NAVs on days when the NYSE is closed. This includes: weekends, Good Friday and all federal holidays other than Columbus Day and Veterans Day. Certain foreign markets may be open on days when the Funds do not accept orders or price their shares. As a result, the NAV of a Fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to buy or sell shares.

 

Initial Sales Charges

 

Class A shares are sold at their offering price, which is normally NAV plus an initial sales charge. However, in some cases, as described below, purchases are not subject to an initial sales charge, and the offering price will be the NAV. In other cases, reduced sales charges may be available, as described below. Out of the amount you invest, the Fund receives the net asset value to invest for your account.

 

The sales charge varies depending on the amount of your purchase. A portion of the sales charge may be retained by the Distributor or allocated to your dealer as a concession. The Distributor reserves the right to reallow the entire sales charge as a concession to dealers. The current sales charge rates and concessions paid to dealers and brokers are as follows:

 

Front-End Sales Charge (As a Percentage of Offering Price) /
Front-End Sales Charge (As a Percentage of Net Amount
Invested)/Concession (As a Percentage of Offering Price) for
Different Purchase Amounts:
Price
Breakpoints
     General
Equity
     General
Taxable
Bond
    

Shorter-
Term

Bond

Less than
$25,000

     5.75%/

6.10%/

4.75%

     4.75%/

4.99%/

4.00%

     3.50%/

3.63%/

3.00%

$25,000-
$49,999

     5.50%/

5.82%/

4.75%

     4.75%/

4.99%/

4.00%

     3.50%/

3.63%/

3.00%

$50,000-
$99,999

     4.75%/

4.99%/

4.00%

     4.50%/

4.71%/

3.75%

     3.50%/

3.63%/

3.00%

$100,000-
$249,999

     3.75%/

3.90%/

3.00%

     3.50%/

3.63%/

2.75%

     3.00%/

3.09%/

2.50%

Price
Breakpoints
     General
Equity
     General
Taxable
Bond
    

Shorter-
Term

Bond

$250,000-
$499,999

     2.50%/

2.56%/

2.00%

     2.00%/

2.04%/

2.25%

     2.50%/

2.56%/

2.00%

$500,000-
$999,999

     2.00%/

2.04%/

1.60%

     2.00%/

2.04%/

1.60%

     2.00%/

2.04%/

1.50%

$1,000,000
or more

     None/

None/

1.00%

     None/

None/

1.00%

     None/

None/

.50%

 

A reduced sales charge may be obtained for Class A shares under the Funds’ “Rights of Accumulation” because of the economies of sales efforts and reduction in expenses realized by the Distributor, dealers and brokers making such sales.

 

To qualify for the lower sales charge rates that apply to larger purchases of Class A shares, you can add together:

 

· Current purchases of Class A shares of more than one Fund subject to an initial sales charge to reduce the sales charge rate that applies to current purchases of Class A shares; and

 

· Class A shares of Funds you previously purchased subject to an initial or contingent deferred sales charge to reduce the sales charge rate for current purchases of Class A shares, provided that you still hold your investment in the previously purchased Funds.

 

The Distributor will add the value, at current offering price, of the Class A shares you previously purchased and currently own to the value of current purchases to determine the sales charge rate that applies. The reduced sales charge will apply only to current purchases. You must request the reduced sales charge when you buy Class A shares and inform your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary of Class A shares of any other Funds that you own. Information regarding reduced sales charges can be found on the MassMutual website at http://www.massmutual.com/retire.

 

There is an initial sales charge on the purchase of Class A shares of each of the MassMutual Select Funds.

 

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

 

There is no initial sales charge on purchases of Class A shares of any one or more of the Funds aggregating

 

–  135  –


$1 million or more. The Distributor pays dealers of record concessions in an amount equal to 1.0%, or .50% of purchases of $1 million or more, as shown in the above table. The concession will not be paid on purchases of shares by exchange or that were previously subject to a front-end sales charge and dealer concession.

 

If you redeem any of those shares within a holding period of 18 months from the date of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.0% will be deducted from the redemption proceeds (unless you are eligible for a waiver of that sales charge based on the categories listed below and you advise the transfer agent, MassMutual or another intermediary of your eligibility for the waiver when you place your redemption request).

 

If Class N shares are redeemed within a holding period of 18 months from the date of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.0% will be deducted from the redemption proceeds (unless you are eligible for a waiver of that sales charge based on the categories listed below and you advise the transfer agent, MassMutual or another intermediary of your eligibility for the waiver when you place your redemption request). The Class N contingent deferred sales charge is paid to compensate the Distributor for its expenses of providing distribution-related services to the Funds in connection with the sale of Class N shares.

 

All contingent deferred sales charges will be based on the lesser of the NAV of the redeemed shares at the time of redemption or the original net asset value. A contingent deferred sales charge is not imposed on:

 

· the amount of your account value represented by an increase in net asset value over the initial purchase price,

 

· shares purchased by the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions, or

 

· shares redeemed in the special circumstances described below.

 

To determine whether a contingent deferred sales charge applies to a redemption, the Fund redeems shares in the following order:

 

1. shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, and

 

2. shares held the longest.

 

Contingent deferred sales charges are not charged when you exchange shares of the Fund for shares of any other Fund. However, if you exchange them within the applicable contingent deferred sales charge holding period, the holding period will carry over to the Fund whose shares you acquire. Similarly, if you acquire shares of a Fund by exchanging shares of another Fund that are still subject to a contingent deferred sales charge holding period, that holding period will carry over to the acquired Fund.

 

Waivers of Class A Initial Sales Charges

 

The Class A sales charges will be waived for shares purchased in the following types of transactions:

 

· Purchases into insurance company separate investment accounts.

 

· Purchases into Retirement Plans or other employee benefit plans.

 

· Purchases of Class A shares aggregating $1 million or more of any one or more of the Funds.

 

· Purchases into accounts for which the broker-dealer of record has entered into a special agreement with the Distributor allowing this waiver.

 

· Purchases into accounts for which no sales concession is paid to any broker-dealer or other financial intermediary at the time of sale.

 

· Shares sold to MassMutual or its affiliates.

 

· Shares sold to registered management investment companies or separate accounts of insurance companies having an agreement with MassMutual or the Distributor for that purpose.

 

· Shares issued in plans of reorganization to which the Fund is a party.

 

·

Shares sold to present or former officers, directors, trustees or employees (and their “immediate families1”) of the Fund, MassMutual and its affiliates.

 

· Shares sold to a portfolio manager of the Fund.

 

Waivers of Class A and Class N Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

 

The Class A and Class N contingent deferred sales charges will not be applied to shares purchased in

 

 

1

The term “immediate family” refers to one’s spouse, children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents, parents-in-law, brothers and sisters, sons- and daughters-in-law, a sibling’s spouse, a spouse’s siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; relatives by virtue of a remarriage (step-children, step-parents, etc.) are included.

 

–  136  –


certain types of transactions or redeemed in certain circumstances described below.

 

A.   Waivers for Redemptions in Certain Cases.

 

The Class A and Class N contingent deferred sales charges will be waived for redemptions of shares in the following cases:

 

· Redemptions from insurance company separate investment accounts.

 

· Redemptions from Retirement Plans or other employee benefit plans.

 

· Redemptions from accounts other than Retirement Plans following the death or disability of the last surviving shareholder, including a trustee of a grantor trust or revocable living trust for which the trustee is also the sole beneficiary. The death or disability must have occurred after the account was established, and for disability you must provide evidence of a determination of disability by the Social Security Administration.

 

· Redemptions from accounts for which the broker-dealer of record has entered into a special agreement with the Distributor allowing this waiver.

 

· Redemptions from accounts for which no sales concession was paid to any broker-dealer or other financial intermediary at the time of sale.

 

· Redemptions of Class A and Class N shares under an Automatic Withdrawal Plan from an account other than a Retirement Plan if the aggregate value of the redeemed shares does not exceed 10% of the account’s value annually.

 

· In the case of an IRA, to make distributions required under a divorce or separation agreement described in Section 71(b) of the Code.

 

B.   Waivers for Shares Sold or Issued in Certain Transactions.

 

The contingent deferred sales charge is also waived on Class A and Class N shares sold or issued in the following cases:

 

· Shares sold to MassMutual or its affiliates.

 

· Shares sold to registered management investment companies or separate accounts of insurance companies having an agreement with MassMutual or the Distributor for that purpose.

 

· Shares issued in plans of reorganization to which the Fund is a party.

 

·

Shares sold to present or former officers, directors, trustees or employees (and their “immediate families1”) of the Fund, MassMutual and its affiliates.

 

· Shares sold to a present or former portfolio manager of the Fund.

 

Determining Net Asset Value

 

The Trust calculates the NAV of each class of shares of each Fund separately. The NAV for shares of a class of a Fund is determined by adding the current value of all of the Fund’s assets attributable to that class, subtracting the liabilities attributable to that class and then dividing the resulting number by the total outstanding shares of the class. The assets of each Destination Retirement Fund consist primarily of shares of the Underlying Funds, which are valued at their respective NAVs.

 

Each Fund’s assets are valued based on market value of the Fund’s total portfolio. Securities are typically valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service. However, valuation methods approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees which are intended to reflect fair value may be used by the Trust’s Valuation Committee when pricing service information is not readily available or when a security’s value is believed to have been materially affected by a significant event, such as a natural disaster, an economic event like a bankruptcy filing, or a substantial fluctuation in domestic or foreign markets, that has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market). In such a case, a Fund’s value for a security is likely to be different from the last quoted market price or pricing service information. In addition, for each of the Trust’s foreign funds, a fair value pricing service is used to assist in the pricing of foreign securities. Due to the subjective and variable nature of fair value pricing, it is possible that the value determined for a particular asset may be materially different from the value realized upon such asset’s sale.

 

The Funds’ valuation methods are more fully described in the Statement of Additional Information.

 

How to Invest

 

When you buy shares of a Fund through an agreement with MassMutual, your agreement will describe how you need to submit buy, sell and

 

–  137  –


exchange orders. Purchase orders must be accompanied by sufficient funds. You can pay by check or Federal Funds wire transfer. You must submit any buy, sell or exchange orders in “good form” as described in your agreement.

 

Taxation and Distributions

 

Each Fund intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to Federal income taxes on its ordinary income and net realized capital gain distributed to its shareholders. However, the Fund’s failure to qualify as a regulated investment company would result in corporate level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders. In general, a Fund that fails to distribute at least 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98% of its capital gain net income recognized during the one-year period ending October 31 (or later if the Fund is permitted to elect and so elects) will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the undistributed amount. Certain investors, including most tax qualified plan investors, may be eligible for preferential Federal income tax treatment on distributions received from a Fund and dispositions of Fund shares. This Prospectus does not attempt to describe such preferential tax treatment. Any prospective investor that is a trust or other entity eligible for special tax treatment under the Code that is considering purchasing shares of a Fund, including either directly or indirectly through a life insurance company separate investment account, should consult its tax advisers about the Federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences particular to it, as should persons considering whether to have amounts held for their benefit by such trusts or other entities invested in shares of a Fund.

 

Investors are generally subject to Federal income taxes on distributions received in respect of their shares. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than by how long the shareholder held the shares. Distributions of a Fund’s ordinary income and short-term capital gains (i.e. gains from capital assets held for one year or less) are taxable to a shareholder as ordinary income whether received in cash or additional shares. Certain designated dividends may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders. Designated capital gain dividends (relating to gains from capital assets held by a Fund for more than one year) are taxable as long-term capital gains in the hands of an investor whether distributed in cash or additional shares. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, distributions of investment income designated by a Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain, provided that holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level. Fixed income funds generally do not expect a significant portion of their distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income. Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced, in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.

 

The nature of each Fund’s distributions will be affected by its investment strategies. A Fund whose investment return consists largely of interest, dividends and capital gains from short-term holdings will distribute largely ordinary income. A Fund whose return comes largely from the sale of long-term holdings will distribute largely capital gain dividends. Distributions are taxable to a shareholder even though they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund prior to the shareholder’s investment and thus were included in the price paid by the shareholder for his or her shares.

 

Each Fund intends to pay out as dividends substantially all of its net investment income (which comes from dividends and any interest it receives from its investments). Each Fund also intends to distribute substantially all of its net realized long- and short-term capital gains, if any, after giving effect to any available capital loss carryovers. Distributions, if any, for each Fund are declared and paid at least annually. Distributions may be taken either in cash or in additional shares of the respective Fund at the Fund’s net asset value on the first business day after the record date for the distribution, at the option of the shareholder.

 

Any gain resulting from an exchange or redemption of an investor’s shares in a Fund will generally be subject to tax. A loss incurred with respect to shares of a Fund held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of long-term capital gains dividends received with respect to such shares.

 

–  138  –


A Fund’s investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. In that case, the Fund’s yield on those securities would be decreased. Shareholders of the Funds other than the Diversified International Fund and the Overseas Fund, however, generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to such foreign taxes. Each of the Diversified International Fund and the Overseas Fund may be able to elect to “pass through” to its shareholders foreign income taxes that it pays, in which case a shareholder must include its share of those taxes in gross income as a distribution from the Fund and the shareholder will be allowed to claim a credit (or a deduction, if the shareholder itemizes deductions) for such amounts on its federal tax return subject to certain limitations.

 

In addition, a Fund’s investments in foreign securities (including fixed income securities and derivatives) or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing, amount, or character of the Fund’s distributions.

 

Under current law, dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid by a Fund to a person who is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (a “foreign person”) are generally subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate). Previous legislation provided that for taxable years of a Fund beginning before January 1, 2008, a Fund was not required to withhold any amounts with respect to (i) distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, and (ii) distributions of U.S.-source interest income that would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by a foreign person, in each case to the extent that the Fund properly designated such distributions. This exemption from withholding is no longer effective, but pending legislation could reinstate and extend it for one year.

 

The discussion above is very general. Shareholders should consult their tax adviser for more information about the effect that an investment in a Fund could have on their own tax situation, including possible state, local and foreign taxes. Also, as noted above, this discussion does not apply to Fund shares held through tax-exempt retirement plans.

 

–  139  –


Investment Performance

 

Similar account performance for some of the sub-advisers is provided solely to illustrate that sub-adviser’s performance in managing portfolios with investment objectives, policies and investment strategies substantially similar to the portion of the Fund managed by the sub-adviser. The Funds’ performance would have differed due to factors such as differences in cash flows into and out of each Fund, differences in fees and expenses, and differences in portfolio size and investments. Similar account performance is not indicative of future rates of return. Prior performance of the sub-advisers is no indication of future performance of any of the Funds. In addition, for all of the sub-advisers, as applicable, the private account portfolios are not registered with the SEC and therefore are not subject to the limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions to which the Funds, as registered mutual funds, are subject. The performance of the private accounts may have been adversely affected if they had been registered with the SEC.

 

 

The following chart summarizes the composite performance of each sub-adviser’s investment results for all accounts with investment objectives similar to that of the Funds. Each sub-adviser’s similar account performance has been adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of each of the Funds’ share classes.

 

Sub-Adviser/Fund   Share
Class
 

1 Year Return (%)

as of 12/31/07

   

3 Year Return (%)

as of 12/31/07

   

5 Year Return (%)

as of 12/31/07

   

10 Year Return (%)

as of 12/31/07

 

Western Asset Management Company/

  S   2.88 %   3.42 %   5.17 %   6.28 %

Strategic Bond Fund

  Y   2.83 %   3.37 %   5.12 %   6.23 %
  L   2.77 %   3.35 %   5.10 %   6.23 %
  A   -2.35 %   1.44 %   3.84 %   5.46 %
  N   1.22 %   2.80 %   4.55 %   5.68 %

ClearBridge Advisors, LLC/

  S   0.87 %   7.27 %   13.18 %   8.52 %

Strategic Balanced Fund

  Y   0.82 %   7.22 %   13.13 %   8.47 %
  L   0.67 %   7.07 %   12.97 %   8.32 %
  A   -5.35 %   4.73 %   11.40 %   7.42 %
  N   -0.88 %   6.52 %   12.42 %   7.76 %

Western Asset Management Company/

  S   2.73 %   3.32 %   5.08 %   6.21 %

Strategic Balanced Fund

  Y   2.68 %   3.27 %   5.03 %   6.16 %
  L   2.53 %   3.12 %   4.88 %   6.01 %
  A   -3.60 %   0.86 %   3.34 %   4.96 %
  N   0.98 %   2.57 %   4.39 %   5.64 %

AllianceBernstein L.P./

  Y   -3.59 %   7.59 %   13.20 %   N/A  

Diversified Value Fund

  L   -3.70 %   7.48 %   13.09 %   N/A  
  A   -9.50 %   5.09 %   11.47 %   N/A  
  N   -5.30 %   6.87 %   12.49 %   N/A  

Victory Capital Management Inc./

  S   10.20 %   11.25 %   15.70 %   9.42 %

Core Opportunities Fund

  Y   10.12 %   11.19 %   15.64 %   9.37 %
  L   9.97 %   11.04 %   15.49 %   9.22 %
  A   3.41 %   8.62 %   13.88 %   8.32 %
  N   8.42 %   10.49 %   14.94 %   8.66 %

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc./

  S   13.02 %   9.54 %   13.31 %   6.23 %

Diversified Growth Fund

  Y   12.97 %   9.49 %   13.26 %   6.18 %
  L   12.82 %   9.34 %   13.11 %   6.03 %
  A   6.09 %   6.96 %   11.53 %   5.15 %
  N   11.27 %   8.79 %   12.56 %   5.47 %

 

–  140  –


Sub-Adviser/Fund   Share
Class
 

1 Year Return (%)

as of 12/31/07

   

3 Year Return (%)

as of 12/31/07

   

5 Year Return (%)

as of 12/31/07

   

10 Year Return (%)

as of 12/31/07

 

Wellington Management Company, LLP/

  S   9.91 %   8.68 %   12.30 %   4.73 %

Diversified Growth Fund

  Y   9.86 %   8.63 %   12.25 %   4.68 %
  L   9.71 %   8.48 %   12.10 %   4.52 %
  A   3.17 %   6.12 %   10.53 %   3.65 %
  N   8.16 %   7.93 %   11.55 %   3.96 %

Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc./

  S   15.19 %   6.57 %   16.83 %   9.77 %

Diversified Growth Fund

  Y   15.14 %   6.52 %   16.78 %   9.71 %
  L   14.99 %   6.37 %   16.62 %   9.56 %
  A   8.14 %   4.04 %   15.00 %   8.66 %
  N   13.44 %   5.82 %   16.06 %   9.00 %

Cooke & Bieler, L.P./

  Y   -8.69 %   6.73 %   13.47 %   N/A  

Mid-Cap Value Fund

  L   -8.84 %   6.58 %   13.32 %   N/A  
  A   -14.32 %   4.25 %   11.73 %   N/A  
  N   -10.39 %   6.03 %   12.76 %   N/A  

SSgA Funds Management, Inc./

  S   -12.13 %   4.32 %   15.21 %   N/A  

Small Cap Value Equity Fund

  Y   -12.23 %   4.22 %   15.11 %   N/A  
  L   -12.38 %   4.07 %   14.96 %   N/A  
  A   -17.65 %   1.78 %   13.35 %   N/A  
  N   -13.93 %   3.51 %   14.40 %   N/A  

AllianceBernstein L.P./

  S   7.00 %   19.42 %   25.57 %   N/A  

Diversified International Fund

  Y   6.90 %   19.32 %   25.47 %   N/A  
  L   6.82 %   19.24 %   25.39 %   N/A  
  A   0.45 %   16.66 %   23.67 %   N/A  
  N   5.27 %   18.69 %   24.84 %   N/A  

 

–  141  –


Financial Highlights

 

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years (or shorter periods for newer Funds). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose report, along with the Funds’ financial statements, is included in the Funds’ Annual Report, which is available on request.

 

MASSMUTUAL SELECT STRATEGIC BOND FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Period ended
12/31/04+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.99     $ 9.97     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.46  ***     0.43  ***     0.33  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.08 )     (0.03 )     (0.19 )     -  
                                

Total income from investment operations

     0.38       0.40       0.14       -  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.37 )     (0.38 )     (0.17 )     -  
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.00     $ 9.99     $ 9.97     $ 10.00  
                                

Total Return(a)

     3.95%  (b)     3.99%  (b)     1.37%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 82,172     $ 39,420     $ 20,689     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     1.09%       1.11%       1.21%       -

After expense waiver

     1.00%  #     0.96%  #     1.00%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     4.59%       4.28%       3.25%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     248%       162%       566%       -
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Period ended
12/31/04+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.01     $ 9.98     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.49  ***     0.46  ***     0.39  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.08 )     (0.03 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                

Total income from investment operations

     0.41       0.43       0.16       -  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.39 )     (0.40 )     (0.18 )     -  
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.03     $ 10.01     $ 9.98     $ 10.00  
                                

Total Return(a)

     4.23%       4.31%       1.57%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 29,782     $ 17,942     $ 3,933     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     0.84%       0.86%       0.96%       -

After expense waiver

     0.75%  #     0.71%  #     0.75%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     4.83%       4.53%       3.82%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     248%       162%       566%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2004.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  142  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT STRATEGIC BOND FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Period ended
12/31/04+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.02     $ 9.98     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.49  ***     0.46  ***     0.37  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.08 )     (0.03 )     (0.21 )     -  
                                

Total income from investment operations

     0.41       0.43       0.16       -  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.39 )     (0.39 )     (0.18 )     -  
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.04     $ 10.02     $ 9.98     $ 10.00  
                                

Total Return(a)

     4.26%       4.38%       1.57%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 150,260     $ 109,603     $ 59,396     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     0.69%       0.70%       0.81%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       0.75%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     4.87%       4.53%       3.64%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     248%       162%       566%       -
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Period ended
12/31/04+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.02     $ 9.99     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.50  ***     0.46  ***     0.33  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.08 )     (0.03 )     (0.16 )     -  
                                

Total income from investment operations

     0.42       0.43       0.17       -  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.40 )     (0.40 )     (0.18 )     -  
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.04     $ 10.02     $ 9.99     $ 10.00  
                                

Total Return(a)

     4.32%       4.31%       1.65%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 104,158     $ 71,375     $ 62,533     $ 49,596  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     0.64%       0.65%       0.76%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       0.70%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     4.93%       4.56%       3.23%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     248%       162%       566%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2004.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  143  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT STRATEGIC BOND FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Period ended
12/31/04+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.96     $ 9.96     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.43  ***     0.40  ***     0.28  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.08 )     (0.03 )     (0.18 )     -  
                                

Total income from investment operations

     0.35       0.37       0.10       -  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.35 )     (0.37 )     (0.14 )     -  
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.96     $ 9.96     $ 9.96     $ 10.00  
                                

Total Return(a)

     3.62%  (b)     3.73%  (b)     0.99%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 3,560     $ 2,040     $ 208     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     1.39%       1.41%       1.51%       -

After expense waiver

     1.30%  #     1.26%  #     1.30%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     4.28%       3.99%       2.78%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     248%       162%       566%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2004.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  144  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT STRATEGIC BALANCED FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.42     $ 10.56     $ 10.45     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.26  ***     0.24  ***     0.15  ***     0.11  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.01 )     0.97       0.20       0.42       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.25       1.21       0.35       0.53       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.25 )     (0.24 )     (0.18 )     (0.08 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.56 )     (0.11 )     (0.06 )     -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.81 )     (0.35 )     (0.24 )     (0.08 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.86     $ 11.42     $ 10.56     $ 10.45     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     2.20%  (b)     11.54%  (b)     3.33%  (b)     5.34%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 27,308     $ 32,130     $ 26,267     $ 32,987     $ 1  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.24%       1.23%       1.23%       1.24%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     1.21%  #     1.21%  #     1.21%  (c)#     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.25%       2.16%       1.40%       1.10%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     113%       85%       211%       129%       -
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.45     $ 10.58     $ 10.48     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.29  ***     0.26  ***     0.18  ***     0.13  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.02 )     0.98       0.20       0.43       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.27       1.24       0.38       0.56       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.28 )     (0.26 )     (0.22 )     (0.08 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.56 )     (0.11 )     (0.06 )     -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.84 )     (0.37 )     (0.28 )     (0.08 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.88     $ 11.45     $ 10.58     $ 10.48     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     2.42%       11.73%       3.63%       5.62%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 78,846     $ 94,872     $ 101,151     $ 104,995     $ 1  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.99%       0.98%       0.98%       0.98%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     0.96%  #     0.96%  #     0.96%  (c)#     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.50%       2.39%       1.68%       1.28%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     113%       85%       211%       129%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.
(c) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  145  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT STRATEGIC BALANCED FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.45     $ 10.58     $ 10.48     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.31  ***     0.28  ***     0.19  ***     0.14  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.02 )     0.98       0.20       0.43       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.29       1.26       0.39       0.57       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.32 )     (0.28 )     (0.23 )     (0.09 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.56 )     (0.11 )     (0.06 )     -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.88 )     (0.39 )     (0.29 )     (0.09 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.86     $ 11.45     $ 10.58     $ 10.48     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     2.68%       11.90%       3.76%       5.74%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 78,883     $ 95,028     $ 78,145     $ 99,246     $ 1  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.84%       0.83%       0.83%       0.83%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     0.81%  #     0.81%  #     0.81%  (b)#     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.64%       2.54%       1.82%       1.41%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     113%       85%       211%       129%       -
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.45     $ 10.58     $ 10.49     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.32  ***     0.29  ***     0.20  ***     0.12  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.02 )     0.98       0.19       0.47       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.30       1.27       0.39       0.59       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.34 )     (0.29 )     (0.24 )     (0.10 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.56 )     (0.11 )     (0.06 )     -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.90 )     (0.40 )     (0.30 )     (0.10 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.85     $ 11.45     $ 10.58     $ 10.49     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     2.69%       11.97%       3.85%       5.76%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 29,026     $ 23,044     $ 15,026     $ 13,159     $ 10,001  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.79%       0.78%       0.78%       0.84%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     0.76%  #     0.76%  #     0.76%  (b)#     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.74%       2.60%       1.90%       1.18%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     113%       85%       211%       129%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  146  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT STRATEGIC BALANCED FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.41     $ 10.56     $ 10.46     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.23  ***     0.20  ***     0.12  ***     0.08  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.02 )     0.97       0.21       0.42       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.21       1.17       0.33       0.50       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.24 )     (0.21 )     (0.17 )     (0.04 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.56 )     (0.11 )     (0.06 )     -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.80 )     (0.32 )     (0.23 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.82     $ 11.41     $ 10.56     $ 10.46     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     1.87%  (b)     11.21%  (b)     3.02%  (b)     5.02%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 894     $ 572     $ 419     $ 422     $ 1  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.54%       1.53%       1.53%       1.55%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     1.51%  #     1.51%  #     1.51%  (c)#     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.99%       1.83%       1.13%       0.78%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     113%       85%       211%       129%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.
(c) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  147  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Period ended
12/31/04†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 13.08     $ 11.26     $ 10.93     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.22  ***     0.20  ***     0.14  ***     0.04  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.59 )     2.20       0.54       0.94  
                                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.37 )     2.40       0.68       0.98  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.21 )     (0.17 )     (0.12 )     (0.04 )

From net realized gains

     (0.48 )     (0.41 )     (0.23 )     (0.01 )
                                

Total distributions

     (0.69 )     (0.58 )     (0.35 )     (0.05 )
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 12.02     $ 13.08     $ 11.26     $ 10.93  
                                

Total Return(a)

     (2.90)%  (b)     21.41%  (b)     6.23%  (b)     9.83%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 108,293     $ 82,361     $ 29,953     $ 4,998  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     1.08%       1.08%       1.09%       1.15%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.09%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.64%       1.58%       1.27%       1.99%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     17%       15%       16%       5%  **
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Period ended
12/31/04†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 13.13     $ 11.28     $ 10.93     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.26  ***     0.23  ***     0.17  ***     0.05  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.61 )     2.22       0.54       0.94  
                                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.35 )     2.45       0.71       0.99  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.23 )     (0.19 )     (0.13 )     (0.05 )

From net realized gains

     (0.48 )     (0.41 )     (0.23 )     (0.01 )
                                

Total distributions

     (0.71 )     (0.60 )     (0.36 )     (0.06 )
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 12.07     $ 13.13     $ 11.28     $ 10.93  
                                

Total Return(a)

     (2.67)%       21.82%       6.42%       9.99%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 86,154     $ 57,853     $ 29,455     $ 20,480  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     0.79%       0.79%       0.80%       0.86%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.80%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.93%       1.84%       1.55%       2.28%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     17%       15%       16%       5%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
For the period from October 15, 2004 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2004.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  148  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Period ended
12/31/04†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 13.12     $ 11.27     $ 10.93     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.27  ***     0.24  ***     0.19  ***     0.05  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.59 )     2.22       0.53       0.94  
                                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.32 )     2.46       0.72       0.99  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.25 )     (0.20 )     (0.15 )     (0.05 )

From net realized gains

     (0.48 )     (0.41 )     (0.23 )     (0.01 )
                                

Total distributions

     (0.73 )     (0.61 )     (0.38 )     (0.06 )
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 12.07     $ 13.12     $ 11.27     $ 10.93  
                                

Total Return(a)

     (2.51)%       21.92%       6.61%       9.91%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 132,425     $ 142,836     $ 56,761     $ 1,273  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     0.68%       0.68%       0.69%       0.75%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.69%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.01%       1.95%       1.70%       2.39%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     17%       15%       16%       5%  **
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Period ended
12/31/04†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 13.14     $ 11.28     $ 10.94     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.28  ***     0.25  ***     0.19  ***     0.06  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.59 )     2.23       0.53       0.94  
                                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.31 )     2.48       0.72       1.00  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.26 )     (0.21 )     (0.15 )     (0.05 )

From net realized gains

     (0.48 )     (0.41 )     (0.23 )     (0.01 )
                                

Total distributions

     (0.74 )     (0.62 )     (0.38 )     (0.06 )
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 12.09     $ 13.14     $ 11.28     $ 10.94  
                                

Total Return(a)

     (2.39)%       22.08%       6.59%       10.03%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 316,945     $ 246,598     $ 186,641     $ 173,341  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     0.58%       0.58%       0.59%       0.65%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.59%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.12%       2.02%       1.75%       2.49%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     17%       15%       16%       5%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
For the period from October 15, 2004 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2004.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  149  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 13.09     $ 11.28     $ 10.94     $ 10.00  
                                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.18  ***     0.16  ***     0.11  ***     0.04  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.60 )     2.21       0.52       0.94  
                                

Total income from investment operations

     (0.42 )     2.37       0.63       0.98  
                                

Less distributions to shareholders:

        

From net investment income

     (0.17 )     (0.15 )     (0.06 )     (0.03 )

From net realized gains

     (0.48 )     (0.41 )     (0.23 )     (0.01 )
                                

Total distributions

     (0.65 )     (0.56 )     (0.29 )     (0.04 )
                                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 12.02     $ 13.09     $ 11.28     $ 10.94  
                                

Total Return(a)

     (3.15)%  (b)     21.11%  (b)     5.77%  (b)     9.84%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

        

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 2,486     $ 1,547     $ 147     $ 187  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

        

Before expense waiver

     1.39%       1.39%       1.40%       1.46%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.40%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.33%       1.30%       0.95%       1.63%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     17%       15%       16%       5%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
For the period from October 15, 2004 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2004.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  150  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.28     $ 11.14     $ 10.75     $ 10.01     $ 7.79  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.12  ***     0.11  ***     0.11  ***     0.10  ***     0.10  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.84       2.16       0.65       0.84       2.19  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.96       2.27       0.76       0.94       2.29  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.11 )     (0.11 )     (0.11 )     (0.09 )     (0.07 )

From net realized gains

     (1.37 )     (1.02 )     (0.26 )     (0.11 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.48 )     (1.13 )     (0.37 )     (0.20 )     (0.07 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.76     $ 12.28     $ 11.14     $ 10.75     $ 10.01  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     7.93%  (c)     20.54%  (c)     7.08%  (c)     9.34%  (c)     29.43%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 283,159     $ 310,438     $ 252,362     $ 214,886     $ 129,552  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.23%       1.23%       1.23%       1.23%       1.24%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.22%  (b)#     1.22%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.94%       0.92%       0.97%       0.96%       1.18%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     37%       43%       33%       31%       28%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.33     $ 11.17     $ 10.78     $ 10.03     $ 7.81  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.15  ***     0.14  ***     0.14  ***     0.12  ***     0.13  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.85       2.18       0.64       0.85       2.18  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.00       2.32       0.78       0.97       2.31  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.14 )     (0.14 )     (0.13 )     (0.11 )     (0.09 )

From net realized gains

     (1.37 )     (1.02 )     (0.26 )     (0.11 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.51 )     (1.16 )     (0.39 )     (0.22 )     (0.09 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.82     $ 12.33     $ 11.17     $ 10.78     $ 10.03  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     8.22%       20.90%       7.28%       9.65%       29.56%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 264,796     $ 298,276     $ 231,639     $ 236,583     $ 133,178  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.98%       0.98%       0.98%       0.98%       0.99%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.97%  (b)#     0.97%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.18%       1.18%       1.23%       1.21%       1.44%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     37%       43%       33%       31%       28%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  151  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.34     $ 11.19     $ 10.78     $ 10.03     $ 7.80  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.17  ***     0.16  ***     0.15  ***     0.14  ***     0.14  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.86       2.17       0.66       0.84       2.19  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.03       2.33       0.81       0.98       2.33  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.16 )     (0.16 )     (0.14 )     (0.12 )     (0.10 )

From net realized gains

     (1.37 )     (1.02 )     (0.26 )     (0.11 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.53 )     (1.18 )     (0.40 )     (0.23 )     (0.10 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.84     $ 12.34     $ 11.19     $ 10.78     $ 10.03  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     8.37%       21.05%       7.55%       9.78%       29.82%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 135,962     $ 134,485     $ 85,569     $ 120,769     $ 82,989  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.83%       0.83%       0.83%       0.83%       0.84%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.82%  (b)#     0.82%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.33%       1.32%       1.35%       1.35%       1.60%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     37%       43%       33%       31%       28%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.36     $ 11.20     $ 10.80     $ 10.05     $ 7.81  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.18  ***     0.17  ***     0.16  ***     0.14  ***     0.14  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.85       2.17       0.66       0.85       2.20  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.03       2.34       0.82       0.99       2.34  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.17 )     (0.16 )     (0.16 )     (0.13 )     (0.10 )

From net realized gains

     (1.37 )     (1.02 )     (0.26 )     (0.11 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.54 )     (1.18 )     (0.42 )     (0.24 )     (0.10 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.85     $ 12.36     $ 11.20     $ 10.80     $ 10.05  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     8.50%       21.06%       7.57%       9.80%       29.97%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 560,524     $ 540,185     $ 418,271     $ 325,701     $ 228,535  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.79%       0.79%       0.79%       0.79%       0.80%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.78%  (b)#     0.78%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.38%       1.37%       1.41%       1.40%       1.63%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     37%       43%       33%       31%       28%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  152  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.20     $ 11.07     $ 10.69     $ 9.94     $ 7.76  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.08  ***     0.07  ***     0.07  ***     0.07  ***     0.08  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.85       2.14       0.65       0.84       2.17  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.93       2.21       0.72       0.91       2.25  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.10 )     (0.06 )     (0.08 )     (0.05 )     (0.07 )

From net realized gains

     (1.37 )     (1.02 )     (0.26 )     (0.11 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.47 )     (1.08 )     (0.34 )     (0.16 )     (0.07 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.66     $ 12.20     $ 11.07     $ 10.69     $ 9.94  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     7.68%  (c)     20.09%  (c)     6.76%  (c)     9.10%  (c)     29.03%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 2,807     $ 1,667     $ 1,998     $ 1,644     $ 1,968  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.53%       1.53%       1.53%       1.53%       1.54%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.52%  (b)#     1.52%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.65%       0.62%       0.67%       0.65%       0.83%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     37%       43%       33%       31%       28%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  153  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.07     $ 10.49     $ 10.48     $ 9.55     $ 7.66  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.08  ***     0.07  ***     0.04  ***     0.07  ***     0.08  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.26       1.25       1.02       1.16       1.91  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.34       1.32       1.06       1.23       1.99  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.08 )     (0.06 )     (0.04 )     (0.07 )     (0.10 )

From net realized gains

     (1.25 )     (1.68 )     (1.01 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.33 )     (1.74 )     (1.05 )     (0.30 )     (0.10 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 9.08     $ 10.07     $ 10.49     $ 10.48     $ 9.55  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     3.45%  (c)     12.83%  (c)     10.16%  (c)     12.91%  (c)     25.96%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 19,179     $ 28,143     $ 28,829     $ 25,523     $ 21,341  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.31%       1.31%       1.30%       1.33%       1.29%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.29%  (b)#     1.27%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.76%       0.65%       0.36%       0.69%       0.99%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     145%       177%       94%       161%       66%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.08     $ 10.51     $ 10.50     $ 9.57     $ 7.67  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.11  ***     0.10  ***     0.06  ***     0.09  ***     0.10  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.25       1.25       1.02       1.17       1.92  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.36       1.35       1.08       1.26       2.02  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.11 )     (0.10 )     (0.06 )     (0.10 )     (0.12 )

From net realized gains

     (1.25 )     (1.68 )     (1.01 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.36 )     (1.78 )     (1.07 )     (0.33 )     (0.12 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 9.08     $ 10.08     $ 10.51     $ 10.50     $ 9.57  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     3.70%       13.06%       10.39%       13.16%       26.34%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 12,234     $ 12,075     $ 8,753     $ 7,461     $ 6,313  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.06%       1.06%       1.05%       1.08%       1.04%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.04%  (b)#     1.02%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.04%       0.93%       0.60%       0.94%       1.24%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     145%       177%       94%       161%       66%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  154  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.14     $ 10.55     $ 10.54     $ 9.59     $ 7.68  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.12  ***     0.12  ***     0.08  ***     0.10  ***     0.12  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.26       1.26       1.02       1.19       1.91  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.38       1.38       1.10       1.29       2.03  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.12 )     (0.11 )     (0.08 )     (0.11 )     (0.12 )

From net realized gains

     (1.25 )     (1.68 )     (1.01 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.37 )     (1.79 )     (1.09 )     (0.34 )     (0.12 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 9.15     $ 10.14     $ 10.55     $ 10.54     $ 9.59  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     3.87%       13.33%       10.49%       13.47%       26.40%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 2,913     $ 5,136     $ 4,110     $ 2,891     $ 3,378  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.90%       0.91%       0.90%       0.93%       0.88%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.88%  (b)#     0.86%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.14%       1.06%       0.75%       1.06%       1.42%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     145%       177%       94%       161%       66%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.12     $ 10.54     $ 10.52     $ 9.59     $ 7.68  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.13  ***     0.12  ***     0.09  ***     0.11  ***     0.12  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.25       1.26       1.02       1.17       1.92  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.38       1.38       1.11       1.28       2.04  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.13 )     (0.12 )     (0.08 )     (0.12 )     (0.13 )

From net realized gains

     (1.25 )     (1.68 )     (1.01 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.38 )     (1.80 )     (1.09 )     (0.35 )     (0.13 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 9.12     $ 10.12     $ 10.54     $ 10.52     $ 9.59  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     3.80%       13.40%       10.66%       13.31%       26.63%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 48,593     $ 52,627     $ 55,895     $ 51,940     $ 67,536  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.86%       0.86%       0.85%       0.88%       0.84%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.84%  (b)#     0.82%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.23%       1.11%       0.81%       1.12%       1.45%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     145%       177%       94%       161%       66%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  155  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.09     $ 10.51     $ 10.50     $ 9.56     $ 7.63  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.05  ***     0.04  ***     0.01  ***     0.04  ***     0.06  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.25       1.26       1.01       1.15       1.90  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.30       1.30       1.02       1.19       1.96  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.05 )     (0.04 )     (0.00 )††     (0.02 )     (0.03 )

From net realized gains

     (1.25 )     (1.68 )     (1.01 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.30 )     (1.72 )     (1.01 )     (0.25 )     (0.03 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 9.09     $ 10.09     $ 10.51     $ 10.50     $ 9.56  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     3.10%  (c)     12.59%  (c)     9.83%  (c)     12.51%  (c)     25.73%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 130     $ 142     $ 140     $ 282     $ 315  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.61%       1.61%       1.59%       1.63%       1.58%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.58%  (b)#     1.56%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.48%       0.36%       0.06%       0.39%       0.70%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     145%       177%       94%       161%       66%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
†† Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  156  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.84     $ 11.28     $ 10.39     $ 9.35     $ 7.24  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.08  ***     0.04  ***     0.05  ***     0.04  ***     0.04  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.43       1.56       0.89       1.04       2.10  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.51       1.60       0.94       1.08       2.14  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.09 )     (0.04 )     (0.05 )     (0.04 )     (0.03 )

From net realized gains

     (0.73 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.82 )     (0.04 )     (0.05 )     (0.04 )     (0.03 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.53     $ 12.84     $ 11.28     $ 10.39     $ 9.35  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.04%  (c)     14.21%  (c)     9.05%  (c)     11.55%  (c)     29.61%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 382,049     $ 401,790     $ 354,647     $ 266,753     $ 153,918  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.25%       1.25%       1.25%       1.25%       1.25%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.25%  (b)#     1.24%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.63%       0.37%       0.44%       0.41%       0.45%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     8%       18%       7%       3%       7%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.88     $ 11.32     $ 10.43     $ 9.37     $ 7.26  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.12  ***     0.07  ***     0.07  ***     0.06  ***     0.06  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.44       1.56       0.90       1.06       2.10  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.56       1.63       0.97       1.12       2.16  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.12 )     (0.07 )     (0.08 )     (0.06 )     (0.05 )

From net realized gains

     (0.73 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.85 )     (0.07 )     (0.08 )     (0.06 )     (0.05 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.59     $ 12.88     $ 11.32     $ 10.43     $ 9.37  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.39%       14.42%       9.25%       11.94%       29.79%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 230,678     $ 397,105     $ 369,858     $ 316,841     $ 207,025  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.00%       1.00%       1.00%       1.00%       1.00%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.00%  (b)#     0.99%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.89%       0.63%       0.69%       0.65%       0.70%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     8%       18%       7%       3%       7%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  157  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.91     $ 11.34     $ 10.45     $ 9.39     $ 7.27  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.14  ***     0.09  ***     0.09  ***     0.08  ***     0.07  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.44       1.57       0.89       1.05       2.11  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.58       1.66       0.98       1.13       2.18  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.14 )     (0.09 )     (0.09 )     (0.07 )     (0.06 )

From net realized gains

     (0.73 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.87 )     (0.09 )     (0.09 )     (0.07 )     (0.06 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.62     $ 12.91     $ 11.34     $ 10.45     $ 9.39  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.53%       14.65%       9.37%       12.06%       30.04%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 136,253     $ 218,268     $ 146,699     $ 127,223     $ 78,751  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.85%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.85%  (b)#     0.84%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.05%       0.78%       0.84%       0.81%       0.85%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     8%       18%       7%       3%       7%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.93     $ 11.36     $ 10.46     $ 9.40     $ 7.27  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.15  ***     0.10  ***     0.10  ***     0.09  ***     0.08  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.45       1.57       0.90       1.05       2.12  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.60       1.67       1.00       1.14       2.20  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.16 )     (0.10 )     (0.10 )     (0.08 )     (0.07 )

From net realized gains

     (0.73 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.89 )     (0.10 )     (0.10 )     (0.08 )     (0.07 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.64     $ 12.93     $ 11.36     $ 10.46     $ 9.40  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.68%       14.71%       9.57%       12.11%       30.24%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 655,609     $ 615,354     $ 546,331     $ 436,983     $ 339,287  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.76%       0.76%       0.76%       0.76%       0.76%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.76%  (b)#     0.75%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.11%       0.86%       0.93%       0.88%       0.94%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     8%       18%       7%       3%       7%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  158  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.71     $ 11.17     $ 10.29     $ 9.25     $ 7.21  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.06  ***     0.01  ***     0.02  ***     0.01 ***     0.03  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.43       1.54       0.87       1.03       2.07  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.49       1.55       0.89       1.04       2.10  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       (0.01 )     (0.01 )     -       (0.06 )

From net realized gains

     (0.73 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.73 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     -       (0.06 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.47     $ 12.71     $ 11.17     $ 10.29     $ 9.25  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     3.90%  (c)     13.87%  (c)     8.65%  (c)     11.24% (c)     29.18%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 569     $ 2,596     $ 2,279     $ 2,911     $ 2,891  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.55%       1.55%       1.55%       1.55%       1.57%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.55% #     1.56%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.46%       0.08%       0.15%       0.08%       0.33%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     8%       18%       7%       3%       7%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  159  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT INDEXED EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 13.03     $ 11.47     $ 11.12     $ 10.23     $ 8.09  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.18  ***     0.16  ***     0.13  ***     0.13  ***     0.08  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.45       1.55       0.33       0.89       2.14  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.63       1.71       0.46       1.02       2.22  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.17 )     (0.15 )     (0.11 )     (0.13 )     (0.08 )

Tax return of capital

     -       (0.00 )†     -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.17 )     (0.15 )     (0.11 )     (0.13 )     (0.08 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 13.49     $ 13.03     $ 11.47     $ 11.12     $ 10.23  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.82%  (b)     14.95%  (b)     4.17%  (b)     10.01%  (b)     27.49%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 311,185     $ 297,468     $ 271,778     $ 275,920     $ 160,470  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.85%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85%  

After expense waiver

     0.65%  #     0.67%  #     0.75%  #     0.78%  #     N/A  

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.34%       1.30%       1.13%       1.32%       0.94%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     7%       4%       6%       3%       2%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 13.07     $ 11.50     $ 11.16     $ 10.26     $ 8.11  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.22  ***     0.19  ***     0.15  ***     0.16  ***     0.11  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.45       1.57       0.34       0.89       2.15  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.67       1.76       0.49       1.05       2.26  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.20 )     (0.19 )     (0.15 )     (0.15 )     (0.11 )

Tax return of capital

     -       (0.00 )†     -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.20 )     (0.19 )     (0.15 )     (0.15 )     (0.11 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 13.54     $ 13.07     $ 11.50     $ 11.16     $ 10.26  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.14%       15.28%       4.41%       10.25%       27.88%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 351,221     $ 337,639     $ 282,034     $ 218,755     $ 176,247  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.60%       0.60%       0.60%       0.60%       0.60%  

After expense waiver

     0.40%  #     0.42%  #     0.50%  #     0.53%  #     N/A  

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.59%       1.56%       1.38%       1.52%       1.21%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     7%       4%       6%       3%       2%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  160  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT INDEXED EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 13.12     $ 11.54     $ 11.19     $ 10.29     $ 8.12  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.21  ***     0.19  ***     0.16  ***     0.17  ***     0.12  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.45       1.57       0.34       0.89       2.16  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.66       1.76       0.50       1.06       2.28  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.22 )     (0.18 )     (0.15 )     (0.16 )     (0.11 )

Tax return of capital

     -       (0.00 )†     -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.22 )     (0.18 )     (0.15 )     (0.16 )     (0.11 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 13.56     $ 13.12     $ 11.54     $ 11.19     $ 10.29  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.01%       15.27%       4.49%       10.31%       28.10%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 431,199     $ 494,849     $ 467,422     $ 419,366     $ 299,713  

Net expenses to average daily net assets

     0.45%       0.45%       0.45%       0.45%       0.45%  

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.53%       1.53%       1.43%       1.63%       1.34%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     7%       4%       6%       3%       2%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 13.25     $ 11.65     $ 11.30     $ 10.38     $ 8.19  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.22  ***     0.19  ***     0.16  ***     0.17  ***     0.12  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.44       1.60       0.35       0.91       2.18  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.66       1.79       0.51       1.08       2.30  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.22 )     (0.19 )     (0.16 )     (0.16 )     (0.11 )

Tax return of capital

     -       (0.00 )†     -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.22 )     (0.19 )     (0.16 )     (0.16 )     (0.11 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 13.69     $ 13.25     $ 11.65     $ 11.30     $ 10.38  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.00%       15.35%       4.47%       10.39%       28.10%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 710,278     $ 751,170     $ 677,171     $ 724,614     $ 710,691  

Net expenses to average daily net assets

     0.42%       0.42%       0.42%       0.42%       0.42%  

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.56%       1.56%       1.45%       1.62%       1.37%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     7%       4%       6%       3%       2%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  161  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT INDEXED EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class Z

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 13.25     $ 11.65     $ 11.30     $ 10.38     $ 8.19  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.25  ***     0.22  ***     0.19  ***     0.21  ***     0.15  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.45       1.59       0.34       0.90       2.17  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.70       1.81       0.53       1.11       2.32  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.26 )     (0.21 )     (0.18 )     (0.19 )     (0.13 )

Tax return of capital

     -       (0.00 )†     -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.26 )     (0.21 )     (0.18 )     (0.19 )     (0.13 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 13.69     $ 13.25     $ 11.65     $ 11.30     $ 10.38  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.27%       15.59%       4.72%       10.68%       28.39%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 543,206     $ 373,069     $ 251,403     $ 130,164     $ 42,906  

Net expenses to average daily net assets

     0.20%       0.20%       0.20%       0.20%       0.21%  

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.79%       1.78%       1.68%       1.93%       1.59%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     7%       4%       6%       3%       2%  
    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.90     $ 11.35     $ 11.02     $ 10.15     $ 8.05  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.14  ***     0.12  ***     0.09  ***     0.10  ***     0.06  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.44       1.54       0.34       0.87       2.14  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.58       1.66       0.43       0.97       2.20  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.13 )     (0.11 )     (0.10 )     (0.10 )     (0.10 )

Tax return of capital

     -       (0.00 )†     -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.13 )     (0.11 )     (0.10 )     (0.10 )     (0.10 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 13.35     $ 12.90     $ 11.35     $ 11.02     $ 10.15  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.53%  (b)     14.67%  (b)     3.86%  (b)     9.59%  (b)     27.34%  (b)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 5,193     $ 5,079     $ 4,757     $ 3,710     $ 2,487  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.15%       1.15%       1.15%       1.15%       1.15%  

After expense waiver

     0.95%  #     0.97%  #     1.05%  #     1.07%  #     N/A  

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.03%       1.00%       0.84%       1.00%       0.64%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     7%       4%       6%       3%       2%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  162  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT CORE OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.72     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.06  ***     0.01  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.95       0.74  
                

Total income from investment operations

     1.01       0.75  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.06 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (0.82 )     (0.02 )
                

Total distributions

     (0.88 )     (0.03 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.85     $ 10.72  
                

Total Return(a)

     9.52%  (b)     7.55%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 26,462     $ 9,179  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.37%       1.67%  *

After expense waiver

     1.35%  #     1.35%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.52%       0.13%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     100%       79%  **
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.73     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.09  ***     0.03  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.95       0.74  
                

Total income from investment operations

     1.04       0.77  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.08 )     (0.02 )

From net realized gains

     (0.82 )     (0.02 )
                

Total distributions

     (0.90 )     (0.04 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.87     $ 10.73  
                

Total Return(a)

     9.75%       7.76%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 9,123     $ 8,000  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.12%       1.42%  *

After expense waiver

     1.10%  #     1.10%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.78%       0.43%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     100%       79%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ For the period March 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  163  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT CORE OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.74     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.10  ***     (0.01 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.95       0.79  
                

Total income from investment operations

     1.05       0.78  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.09 )     (0.02 )

From net realized gains

     (0.82 )     (0.02 )
                

Total distributions

     (0.91 )     (0.04 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.88     $ 10.74  
                

Total Return(a)

     9.89%       7.86%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 7,490     $ 4,436  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     0.97%       1.27%  *

After expense waiver

     0.95%  #     0.95%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.92%       (0.08)%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     100%       79%  **
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.74     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.11  ***     0.04  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.96       0.75  
                

Total income from investment operations

     1.07       0.79  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.10 )     (0.03 )

From net realized gains

     (0.82 )     (0.02 )
                

Total distributions

     (0.92 )     (0.05 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.89     $ 10.74  
                

Total Return(a)

     10.05%       7.90%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 11,069     $ 10,349  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     0.87%       1.17%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       0.90%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.01%       0.53%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     100%       79%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ For the period March 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  164  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT CORE OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.71     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.03  ***     (0.02 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.94       0.75  
                

Total income from investment operations

     0.97       0.73  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.01 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.82 )     (0.02 )
                

Total distributions

     (0.83 )     (0.02 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.85     $ 10.71  
                

Total Return(a)

     9.16%  (b)     7.33%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 109     $ 107  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.67%       1.97%  *

After expense waiver

     1.65%  #     1.65%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.23%       (0.22)%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     100%       79%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ For the period March 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  165  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 9.75     $ 9.01     $ 8.74     $ 8.33     $ 6.72  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.00 )***†     (0.01 )***     (0.02 )***     0.03  ***     (0.01 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.19       0.75       0.29       0.41       1.63  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.19       0.74       0.27       0.44       1.62  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.00 )†     -       -       (0.03 )     (0.01 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 10.94     $ 9.75     $ 9.01     $ 8.74     $ 8.33  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     12.23%  (c)     8.21%  (c)     3.09%  (c)     5.32%  (c)     24.09%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 99,385     $ 39,055     $ 36,742     $ 37,377     $ 26,955  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.40%       1.39%       1.39%       1.38%       1.39%  

After expense waiver

     1.30%  #     1.31%  #     N/A       1.38%  (b)#     1.38%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.04)%       (0.12)%       (0.20)%       0.37%       (0.13)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       98%       28%       22%       23%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 9.87     $ 9.10     $ 8.81     $ 8.39     $ 6.76  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.02  ***     0.01  ***     0.00  ***†     0.05  ***     0.01  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.21       0.77       0.29       0.42       1.63  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.23       0.78       0.29       0.47       1.64  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.02 )     (0.01 )     -       (0.05 )     (0.01 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.08     $ 9.87     $ 9.10     $ 8.81     $ 8.39  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     12.46%       8.52%       3.32%       5.58%       24.25%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 455,542     $ 280,094     $ 270,082     $ 301,734     $ 302,292  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.15%       1.14%       1.14%       1.13%       1.13%  

After expense waiver

     1.06%  #     1.06%  #     N/A       1.13%  (b)#     1.12%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.20%       0.13%       0.05%       0.54%       0.14%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       98%       28%       22%       23%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  166  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 9.87     $ 9.11     $ 8.82     $ 8.39     $ 6.77  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.04  ***     0.03  ***     0.01  ***     0.06  ***     0.02  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.21       0.76       0.30       0.43       1.62  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.25       0.79       0.31       0.49       1.64  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.02 )     (0.03 )     (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.02 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.10     $ 9.87     $ 9.11     $ 8.82     $ 8.39  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     12.62%       8.64%       3.46%       5.83%       24.26%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 53,150     $ 44,656     $ 4,732     $ 4,331     $ 3,626  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.03%       1.00%       1.02%       1.01%       1.01%  

After expense waiver

     0.93%  #     0.93%  #     N/A       1.01%  (b)#     1.01%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.36%       0.29%       0.17%       0.68%       0.26%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       98%       28%       22%       23%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 9.91     $ 9.14     $ 8.84     $ 8.42     $ 6.78  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.05  ***     0.03  ***     0.03  ***     0.07  ***     0.03  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.22       0.77       0.30       0.42       1.64  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.27       0.80       0.33       0.49       1.67  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.05 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )     (0.07 )     (0.03 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.13     $ 9.91     $ 9.14     $ 8.84     $ 8.42  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     12.77%       8.74%       3.68%       5.80%       24.58%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 225,943     $ 66,864     $ 71,627     $ 79,072     $ 91,674  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.90%       0.89%       0.88%       0.88%       0.88%  

After expense waiver

     0.81%  #     0.82%  #     N/A       0.87%  (b)#     0.87%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.44%       0.37%       0.30%       0.77%       0.39%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       98%       28%       22%       23%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  167  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 9.63     $ 8.92     $ 8.68     $ 8.27     $ 6.69  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.04 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.04 )***     0.01  ***     (0.03 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.18       0.75       0.28       0.41       1.61  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.14       0.71       0.24       0.42       1.58  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       (0.01 )     (0.00 )†
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 10.77     $ 9.63     $ 8.92     $ 8.68     $ 8.27  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     11.84%  (c)     7.96%  (c)     2.77%  (c)     5.05%  (c)     23.64%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 3,112     $ 3,509     $ 1,957     $ 2,185     $ 1,493  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.70%       1.69%       1.69%       1.68%       1.69%  

After expense waiver

     1.61%  #     1.61%  #     N/A       1.68%  (b)#     1.69%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.35)%       (0.41)%       (0.50)%       0.08%       (0.45)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       98%       28%       22%       23%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  168  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DIVERSIFIED GROWTH FUND

 

      

Class A

   

Class L

   

Class Y

   

Class S

   

Class N

 
       Period ended
12/31/07+
    Period ended
12/31/07+
    Period ended
12/31/07+
    Period ended
12/31/07+
    Period ended
12/31/07+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $ 10.00     $ 10.00     $ 10.00     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                          

Income (loss) from investment operations:

            

Net investment income (loss)

       0.00  ***†     0.00  ***†     0.00  ***†     0.00  ***†     0.00  ***†

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

       (0.00 )†     (0.00 )†     (0.00 )†     (0.00 )†     (0.00 )†
                                          

Total income from investment operations

       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  
                                          

Net asset value, end of period

     $ 10.00     $ 10.00     $ 10.00     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                          

Total Return(a)

       0.00%  (b)**††     0.00%  **††     0.00%  **††     0.00%  **††     (0.10)%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $ 100     $ 100     $ 100     $ 99,074     $ 100  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

            

Before expense waiver

       3.08%  *     2.83%  *     2.69%  *     2.58%  *     3.38%  *

After expense waiver

       1.25%  *#     1.00%  *#     0.85%  *#     0.80%  *#     1.55%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

       0.77%  *     1.01%  *     1.16%  *     0.97%  *     0.46%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

       0%  **†††     0%  **†††     0%  **†††     0%  **†††     0%  **†††

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ For the period December 17, 2007 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2007.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Amount is less than 0.005%.
††† Amount is less than 0.5%.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  169  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 9.88     $ 10.29     $ 9.03     $ 8.48     $ 6.97  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.05 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.02 )***     (0.03 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.32       0.05       1.32       0.57       1.54  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.27       0.00       1.26       0.55       1.51  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (0.80 )     (0.41 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.01 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.81 )     (0.41 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 10.34     $ 9.88     $ 10.29     $ 9.03     $ 8.48  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     12.95%  (c)     (0.02)%  (c)     13.95%  (c)     6.49%  (c)     21.66%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 7,159     $ 8,278     $ 3,452     $ 1,997     $ 1,374  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.36%       1.39%       1.38%       1.37%       1.34%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       1.35%  #     1.25%  (b)#     1.25%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.48)%       (0.55)%       (0.65)%       (0.20)%       (0.34)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93%       98%       83%       68%       47%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.14     $ 10.53     $ 9.09     $ 8.52     $ 6.99  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.03 )***     (0.03 )***     (0.05 )***     0.00  ***†     (0.01 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.35       0.05       1.49       0.57       1.54  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.32       0.02       1.44       0.57       1.53  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       (0.00 )†     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.83 )     (0.41 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.01 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.84 )     (0.41 )     -       (0.00 )†     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 10.62     $ 10.14     $ 10.53     $ 9.09     $ 8.52  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     13.16%       0.17%       15.84%       6.72%       21.89%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 1,572     $ 1,630     $ 1,032     $ 9,272     $ 7,628  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.11%       1.15%       1.09%       1.12%       1.09%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       1.06%  #     1.00%  (b)#     1.00%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.24)%       (0.30)%       (0.55)%       0.04%       (0.08)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93%       98%       83%       68%       47%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions are used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  170  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.05     $ 10.42     $ 9.10     $ 8.53     $ 7.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.01 )***     (0.02 )***     (0.02 )***     0.02  ***     0.01  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.34       0.06       1.34       0.57       1.53  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.33       0.04       1.32       0.59       1.54  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       (0.02 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (0.85 )     (0.41 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.01 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.86 )     (0.41 )     -       (0.02 )     (0.01 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 10.52     $ 10.05     $ 10.42     $ 9.10     $ 8.53  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     13.36%       0.37%       14.51%       6.86%       22.04%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 13,237     $ 10,043     $ 12,099     $ 9,052     $ 7,697  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.96%       0.98%       0.98%       0.97%       0.94%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       0.95%  #     0.85%  (b)#     0.86%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.08)%       (0.19)%       (0.26)%       0.19%       0.08%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93%       98%       83%       68%       47%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.09     $ 10.46     $ 9.14     $ 8.55     $ 7.01  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.00 )***†     (0.02 )***     (0.02 )***     0.01  ***     0.01  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.34       0.06       1.34       0.59       1.54  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.34       0.04       1.32       0.60       1.55  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       (0.01 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (0.85 )     (0.41 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.01 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.86 )     (0.41 )     -       (0.01 )     (0.01 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 10.57     $ 10.09     $ 10.46     $ 9.14     $ 8.55  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     13.45%       0.36%       14.44%       7.08%       22.05%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 23,465     $ 20,909     $ 26,241     $ 18,791     $ 33,787  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.92%       0.94%       0.94%       0.93%       0.90%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       0.91%  #     0.81%  (b)#     0.81%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.04)%       (0.15)%       (0.21)%       0.16%       0.11%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93%       98%       83%       68%       47%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions are used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  171  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 9.86     $ 10.31     $ 9.07     $ 8.42     $ 6.94  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.08 )***     (0.09 )***     (0.09 )***     (0.07 )***     (0.05 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.31       0.05       1.33       0.72       1.53  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.23       (0.04 )     1.24       0.65       1.48  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (0.79 )     (0.41 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.01 )     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.80 )     (0.41 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 10.29     $ 9.86     $ 10.31     $ 9.07     $ 8.42  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     12.59%  (c)     (0.41)%  (c)     13.67%  (c)     7.72%  (c)     21.33%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 1     $ 1     $ 1     $ 5     $ 125  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.65%       1.69%       1.66%       1.67%       1.64%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       1.63%  #     1.56%  (b)#     1.55%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.77)%       (0.93)%       (0.94)%       (0.83)%       (0.63)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93%       98%       83%       68%       47%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  172  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 6.06     $ 6.47     $ 5.89     $ 4.96     $ 3.80  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.05 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.02 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.11       (0.35 )     0.64       0.97       1.18  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.06       (0.41 )     0.58       0.93       1.16  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 7.12     $ 6.06     $ 6.47     $ 5.89     $ 4.96  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.49%  (c)     (6.34)%  (c)     9.85%  (c)     18.75%  (c)     30.53%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 127,729     $ 114,139     $ 137,756     $ 117,232     $ 65,012  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.36%       1.35%       1.35%       1.36%       1.37%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.33%  #     1.27%  #     1.30%  (b)#     1.33%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.83)%       (1.01)%       (1.02)%       (0.67)%       (0.56)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     34%       49%       24%       85%       93%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 6.17     $ 6.56     $ 5.97     $ 5.01     $ 3.82  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.04 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.02 )***     (0.01 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.13       (0.34 )     0.64       0.98       1.20  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.09       (0.39 )     0.59       0.96       1.19  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 7.26     $ 6.17     $ 6.56     $ 5.97     $ 5.01  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.67%       (5.95)%       9.88%       19.16%       31.15%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 135,033     $ 192,839     $ 193,605     $ 152,518     $ 76,120  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.11%       1.10%       1.10%       1.11%       1.12%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.08%  #     1.02%  #     1.05%  (b)#     1.08%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.60)%       (0.76)%       (0.77)%       (0.42)%       (0.32)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     34%       49%       24%       85%       93%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  173  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 6.22     $ 6.61     $ 6.00     $ 5.03     $ 3.83  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.03 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.01 )***     (0.01 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.15       (0.35 )     0.65       0.98       1.21  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.12       (0.39 )     0.61       0.97       1.20  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 7.34     $ 6.22     $ 6.61     $ 6.00     $ 5.03  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     18.01%       (5.90)%       10.17%       19.28%       31.33%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 48,600     $ 53,940     $ 41,705     $ 32,242     $ 17,333  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.96%       0.95%       0.95%       0.96%       0.97%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       0.93%  #     0.87%  #     0.90%  (b)#     0.93%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.44)%       (0.61)%       (0.62)%       (0.27)%       (0.16)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     34%       49%       24%       85%       93%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 6.26     $ 6.65     $ 6.03     $ 5.05     $ 3.84  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.02 )***     (0.03 )***     (0.03 )***     (0.01 )***     (0.00 )***†

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.16       (0.36 )     0.65       0.99       1.21  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.14       (0.39 )     0.62       0.98       1.21  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 7.40     $ 6.26     $ 6.65     $ 6.03     $ 5.05  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     18.21%       (5.86)%       10.28%       19.41%       31.51%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 284,106     $ 239,162     $ 240,002     $ 198,154     $ 108,281  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.86%       0.85%       0.85%       0.86%       0.87%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       0.83%  #     0.77%  #     0.80%  (b)#     0.83%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.32)%       (0.51)%       (0.51)%       (0.17)%       (0.06)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     34%       49%       24%       85%       93%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  174  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 5.96     $ 6.37     $ 5.83     $ 4.92     $ 3.77  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.07 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.04 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.09       (0.33 )     0.62       0.96       1.19  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.02       (0.41 )     0.54       0.91       1.15  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 6.98     $ 5.96     $ 6.37     $ 5.83     $ 4.92  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.11%  (c)     (6.44)%  (c)     9.26%  (c)     18.50%  (c)     30.50%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 944     $ 1,203     $ 1,034     $ 1,144     $ 636  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.66%       1.65%       1.65%       1.66%       1.68%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.63%  #     1.57%  #     1.59%  (b)#     1.64%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (1.13)%       (1.31)%       (1.32)%       (0.99)%       (0.91)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     34%       49%       24%       85%       93%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  175  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT NASDAQ-100 FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 4.37     $ 4.12     $ 4.09     $ 3.74     $ 2.53  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.03 )***     (0.02 )***     (0.02 )***     0.00  ***†     (0.03 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.82       0.27       0.05       0.35       1.24  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.79       0.25       0.03       0.35       1.21  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       (0.00 )†     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 5.16     $ 4.37     $ 4.12     $ 4.09     $ 3.74  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.81%  (b)     6.31%  (b)     0.73%  (b)     9.47%  (b)     47.83%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 22,454     $ 21,627     $ 26,216     $ 32,176     $ 30,349  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.16%       1.15%       1.11%       1.12%       1.17%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       1.12%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.57)%       (0.50)%       (0.50)%       0.12%       (0.86)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     29%       7%       17%       30%       66%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 4.44     $ 4.17     $ 4.13     $ 3.77     $ 2.54  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.02 )***     (0.01 )***     (0.01 )***     0.01  ***     (0.02 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.83       0.28       0.05       0.36       1.25  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.81       0.27       0.04       0.37       1.23  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       (0.01 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 5.25     $ 4.44     $ 4.17     $ 4.13     $ 3.77  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     18.24%       6.47%       0.97%       9.82%       48.43%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 10,335     $ 9,960     $ 13,000     $ 13,101     $ 15,508  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.91%       0.90%       0.86%       0.87%       0.91%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       0.87%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.32)%       (0.26)%       (0.24)%       0.26%       (0.61)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     29%       7%       17%       30%       66%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  176  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT NASDAQ-100 FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 4.47     $ 4.19     $ 4.15     $ 3.79     $ 2.54  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.01 )***     (0.01 )***     (0.00 )***†     0.02  ***     (0.01 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.84       0.29       0.04       0.36       1.26  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.83       0.28       0.04       0.38       1.25  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 5.30     $ 4.47     $ 4.19     $ 4.15     $ 3.79  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     18.57%       6.68%       0.96%       9.98%       48.63%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 3,160     $ 1,495     $ 2,628     $ 3,777     $ 3,827  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.77%       0.75%       0.71%       0.72%       0.77%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       0.73%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.18)%       (0.12)%       (0.11)%       0.49%       (0.45)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     29%       7%       17%       30%       66%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 4.51     $ 4.22     $ 4.17     $ 3.81     $ 2.56  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.00 )***†     (0.00 )***†     (0.00 )***†     0.02  ***     (0.01 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.84       0.29       0.05       0.36       1.26  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.84       0.29       0.05       0.38       1.25  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 5.35     $ 4.51     $ 4.22     $ 4.17     $ 3.81  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     18.63%       6.87%       1.20%       10.00%       48.83%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 21,630     $ 16,179     $ 19,404     $ 25,880     $ 26,424  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.66%       0.65%       0.61%       0.62%       0.67%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       0.63%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.07)%       (0.00)%  ††     (0.01)%       0.45%       (0.36)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     29%       7%       17%       30%       66%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Amount is less than 0.005%.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  177  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT NASDAQ-100 FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 4.31     $ 4.07     $ 4.05     $ 3.71     $ 2.52  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.04 )***     (0.03 )***     (0.03 )***     0.00  ***†     (0.04 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.80       0.27       0.05       0.34       1.23  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.76       0.24       0.02       0.34       1.19  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       (0.00 )†     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 5.07     $ 4.31     $ 4.07     $ 4.05     $ 3.71  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.63%  (b)     5.90%  (b)     0.49%  (b)     9.25%  (b)     47.22%  (b)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 494     $ 445     $ 451     $ 432     $ 150  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.46%       1.45%       1.41%       1.41%       1.46%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       1.42%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.87)%       (0.79)%       (0.79)%       0.11%       (1.15)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     29%       7%       17%       30%       66%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  178  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT FOCUSED VALUE FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 18.08     $ 16.70     $ 17.78     $ 16.92     $ 11.94  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.05  ***     0.25  ***     (0.00 )***†     (0.07 )***     (0.06 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.25       3.02       0.53       1.96       5.45  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.30       3.27       0.53       1.89       5.39  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.03 )     (0.26 )     (0.01 )     -       (0.00 )†

From net realized gains

     (2.26 )     (1.63 )     (1.60 )     (1.03 )     (0.41 )
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.29 )     (1.89 )     (1.61 )     (1.03 )     (0.41 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 16.09     $ 18.08     $ 16.70     $ 17.78     $ 16.92  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     1.52%  (c)     19.65%  (c)     2.98%  (c)     11.33%  (c)     45.13%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 224,393     $ 275,925     $ 252,047     $ 228,871     $ 158,981  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.30%       1.29%       1.30%       1.30%       1.30%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.28%  (b)#     1.29%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.29%       1.39%       (0.01)%       (0.40)%       (0.40)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       31%       32%       31%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 18.34     $ 16.91     $ 17.98     $ 17.05     $ 12.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.08  ***     0.30  ***     0.05  ***     (0.03 )***     (0.02 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.27       3.06       0.53       1.99       5.48  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.35       3.36       0.58       1.96       5.46  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.07 )     (0.30 )     (0.05 )     -       (0.00 )†

From net realized gains

     (2.26 )     (1.63 )     (1.60 )     (1.03 )     (0.41 )
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.33 )     (1.93 )     (1.65 )     (1.03 )     (0.41 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 16.36     $ 18.34     $ 16.91     $ 17.98     $ 17.05  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     1.79%       19.94%       3.26%       11.65%       45.49%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 159,281     $ 203,635     $ 180,827     $ 163,742     $ 114,730  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.05%       1.04%       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.03%  (b)#     1.04%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.39%       1.66%       0.26%       (0.16)%       (0.16)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       31%       32%       31%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  179  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT FOCUSED VALUE FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 18.47     $ 17.02     $ 18.08     $ 17.12     $ 12.03  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.09  ***     0.32  ***     0.07  ***     (0.00 )***†     (0.00 )***†

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.29       3.09       0.55       1.99       5.50  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.38       3.41       0.62       1.99       5.50  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.10 )     (0.33 )     (0.08 )     -       (0.00 )†

From net realized gains

     (2.26 )     (1.63 )     (1.60 )     (1.03 )     (0.41 )
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.36 )     (1.96 )     (1.68 )     (1.03 )     (0.41 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 16.49     $ 18.47     $ 17.02     $ 18.08     $ 17.12  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     1.92%       20.12%       3.44%       11.78%       45.71%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 131,434     $ 144,555     $ 116,392     $ 94,538     $ 78,549  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.90%       0.89%       0.90%       0.90%       0.89%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.88%  (b)#     0.89%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.49%       1.79%       0.40%       (0.01)%       (0.01)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       31%       32%       31%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 18.59     $ 17.11     $ 18.18     $ 17.19     $ 12.06  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.13  ***     0.34  ***     0.09  ***     0.01  ***     0.01  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.28       3.12       0.54       2.01       5.53  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.41       3.46       0.63       2.02       5.54  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.12 )     (0.35 )     (0.10 )     -       (0.00 )†

From net realized gains

     (2.26 )     (1.63 )     (1.60 )     (1.03 )     (0.41 )
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.38 )     (1.98 )     (1.70 )     (1.03 )     (0.41 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 16.62     $ 18.59     $ 17.11     $ 18.18     $ 17.19  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     2.07%       20.28%       3.45%       11.91%       45.94%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 349,391     $ 384,859     $ 354,769     $ 326,445     $ 293,759  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.80%       0.79%       0.80%       0.80%       0.80%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.78%  (b)#     0.79%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.67%       1.89%       0.50%       0.08%       0.09%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       31%       32%       31%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  180  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT FOCUSED VALUE FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 17.79     $ 16.48     $ 17.60     $ 16.81     $ 11.90  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.02 )***     0.18  ***     (0.05 )***     (0.12 )***     (0.11 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.26       2.99       0.53       1.94       5.43  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.24       3.17       0.48       1.82       5.32  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       (0.23 )     -       -       (0.00 )†

Tax return of capital

     -       -       -       -       (0.41 )

From net realized gains

     (2.26 )     (1.63 )     (1.60 )     (1.03 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.26 )     (1.86 )     (1.60 )     (1.03 )     (0.41 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 15.77     $ 17.79     $ 16.48     $ 17.60     $ 16.81  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     1.21%  (c)     19.35%  (c)     2.61%  (c)     11.05%  (c)     44.70%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 2,723     $ 2,567     $ 1,820     $ 1,006     $ 904  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.60%       1.60%       1.60%       1.60%       1.61%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.58%  (b)#     1.60%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.08)%       1.03%       (0.27)%       (0.72)%       (0.70)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       31%       32%       31%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  181  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT MID-CAP VALUE FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.40     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.09  ***     0.02  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.10 )     1.41  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.01 )     1.43  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.04 )     (0.02 )

From net realized gains

     (0.63 )     (0.01 )
                

Total distributions

     (0.67 )     (0.03 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.72     $ 11.40  
                

Total Return(a)

     (8.97)%  (b)     14.27%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 9,490     $ 497  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.30%       2.02%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.38%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.82%       0.45%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       7%  **
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.42     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.11  ***     0.05  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.10 )     1.39  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.99 )     1.44  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.05 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (0.63 )     (0.01 )
                

Total distributions

     (0.68 )     (0.02 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.75     $ 11.42  
                

Total Return(a)

     (8.74)%       14.47%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 74,131     $ 1,628  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.05%       1.77%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.13%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.95%       1.31%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       7%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Amount is less than 0.005%.
+ For the period August 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  182  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT MID-CAP VALUE FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.43     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.17  ***     0.03  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.15 )     1.40  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.98 )     1.43  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.07 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.63 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.70 )     -  
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.75     $ 11.43  
                

Total Return(a)

     (8.66)%       14.42%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 1,163       -  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     0.90%       1.62%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       0.98%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.45%       0.68%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       7%  **
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.42     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.14  ***     0.06  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.10 )     1.39  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.96 )     1.45  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.08 )     (0.02 )

From net realized gains

     (0.63 )     (0.01 )
                

Total distributions

     (0.71 )     (0.03 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.75     $ 11.42  
                

Total Return(a)

     (8.53)%       14.50%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 123,216     $ 60,708  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     0.80%       1.52%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       0.88%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.19%       1.51%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       7%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Amount is less than 0.005%.
+ For the period August 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  183  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT MID-CAP VALUE FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.41     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.00 )***†     (0.00 )†

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.03 )     1.41  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.03 )     1.41  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     -       -  

From net realized gains

     (0.63 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     -       -  
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.75     $ 11.41  
                

Total Return(a)

     (9.13)%  (b)     14.22%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 38       -  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.60%       2.32%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.68%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.00)%  ††     (0.02)%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       7%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
†† Amount is less than 0.005%.
+ For the period August 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  184  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.90     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.18  ***     0.10  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.53 )     0.84  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.35 )     0.94  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.13 )     (0.04 )

From net realized gains

     (0.08 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.21 )     (0.04 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.34     $ 10.90  
                

Total Return(a)

     (12.35)%  (b)     9.32%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 15,737     $ 3,653  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.35%       1.72%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.40%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.74%       1.23%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     68%       63%  **
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.91     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.20  ***     0.13  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.53 )     0.83  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.33 )     0.96  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.14 )     (0.05 )

From net realized gains

     (0.08 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.22 )     (0.05 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.36     $ 10.91  
                

Total Return(a)

     (12.22)%       9.61%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 42,168     $ 1,041  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.10%       1.47%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.15%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.91%       1.69%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     68%       63%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ For the period March 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  185  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.91     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.24  ***     0.10  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.56 )     0.86  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.32 )     0.96  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.15 )     (0.05 )

From net realized gains

     (0.08 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.23 )     (0.05 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.36     $ 10.91  
                

Total Return(a)

     (12.06)%       9.61%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 9,343     $ 2,402  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     0.95%       1.32%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.00%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.27%       1.34%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     68%       63%  **
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.91     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.24  ***     0.11  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.54 )     0.85  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.30 )     0.96  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.16 )     (0.05 )

From net realized gains

     (0.08 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.24 )     (0.05 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.37     $ 10.91  
                

Total Return(a)

     (12.02)%       9.74%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 90,057     $ 29,939  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     0.85%       1.22%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       0.95%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.21%       1.40%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     68%       63%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ For the period March 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  186  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period Ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.91     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.16  ***     0.04  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.54 )     0.87  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.38 )     0.91  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.11 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.08 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.19 )     -  
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.34     $ 10.91  
                

Total Return(a)

     (12.64)%  (b)     9.10%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 284     $ 109  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.65%       2.02%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       1.70%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.52%       0.50%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     68%       63%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ For the period March 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  187  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 15.32     $ 14.28     $ 14.28     $ 11.96     $ 8.66  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.02  ***     (0.03 )***     (0.03 )***     0.00  ***††     0.02  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.36 )     2.07       0.68       2.65       3.31  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.34 )     2.04       0.65       2.65       3.33  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       -       (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (2.39 )     (1.00 )     (0.65 )     (0.33 )     (0.02 )
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.39 )     (1.00 )     (0.65 )     (0.33 )     (0.03 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.59     $ 15.32     $ 14.28     $ 14.28     $ 11.96  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     (2.09)%  (c)     14.46%  (c)     4.56%  (c)     22.30%  (c)     38.66%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 132,697     $ 174,732     $ 136,675     $ 115,807     $ 44,754  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.49%       1.49%       1.49%       1.49%       1.51%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.44%  (b)#     1.41%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.11%       (0.18)%       (0.24)%       (0.02)%       0.17%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     39%       50%       56%       36%       58%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 15.43     $ 14.34     $ 14.31     $ 11.96     $ 8.65  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.05  ***     0.01  ***     0.00  ***††     0.03  ***     0.05  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.36 )     2.08       0.68       2.67       3.31  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.31 )     2.09       0.68       2.70       3.36  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.03 )     -       -       (0.02 )     (0.03 )

From net realized gains

     (2.39 )     (1.00 )     (0.65 )     (0.33 )     (0.02 )
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.42 )     (1.00 )     (0.65 )     (0.35 )     (0.05 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.70     $ 15.43     $ 14.34     $ 14.31     $ 11.96  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     (1.89)%       14.75%       4.76%       22.68%       38.92%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 103,887     $ 163,441     $ 125,631     $ 116,485     $ 37,776  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.24%       1.24%       1.24%       1.24%       1.26%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.19%  (b)#     1.17%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.32%       0.07%       0.00%  †††     0.24%       0.45%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     39%       50%       56%       36%       58%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
†† Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
††† Amount is less than 0.005%.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  188  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 15.53     $ 14.41     $ 14.35     $ 11.99     $ 8.66  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.07  ***     0.04  ***     0.02  ***     0.05  ***     0.06  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.36 )     2.09       0.69       2.67       3.33  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.29 )     2.13       0.71       2.72       3.39  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.05 )     (0.01 )     -       (0.03 )     (0.04 )

From net realized gains

     (2.39 )     (1.00 )     (0.65 )     (0.33 )     (0.02 )
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.44 )     (1.01 )     (0.65 )     (0.36 )     (0.06 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.80     $ 15.53     $ 14.41     $ 14.35     $ 11.99  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     (1.72)%       14.93%       4.96%       22.80%       39.16%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 100,730     $ 174,630     $ 98,126     $ 100,488     $ 46,409  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.09%       1.09%       1.09%       1.09%       1.11%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.04%  (b)#     1.01%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.47%       0.22%       0.13%       0.37%       0.58%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     39%       50%       56%       36%       58%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 15.58     $ 14.46     $ 14.39     $ 12.02     $ 8.67  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.09  ***     0.04  ***     0.03  ***     0.05  ***     0.06  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.38 )     2.09       0.69       2.68       3.35  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.29 )     2.13       0.72       2.73       3.41  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.06 )     (0.01 )     -       (0.03 )     (0.04 )

From net realized gains

     (2.39 )     (1.00 )     (0.65 )     (0.33 )     (0.02 )
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.45 )     (1.01 )     (0.65 )     (0.36 )     (0.06 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.84     $ 15.58     $ 14.46     $ 14.39     $ 12.02  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     (1.68)%       14.97%       5.01%       22.86%       39.37%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 241,742     $ 288,826     $ 221,271     $ 188,743     $ 80,661  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.05%       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%       1.07%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.00%  (b)#     0.97%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.58%       0.26%       0.20%       0.40%       0.58%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     39%       50%       56%       36%       58%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  189  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 15.08     $ 14.11     $ 14.16     $ 11.90     $ 8.63  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.02 )***     (0.07 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.01 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.36 )     2.04       0.68       2.64       3.30  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     (0.38 )     1.97       0.60       2.59       3.29  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       -       -       -       (0.00 )††

From net realized gains

     (2.39 )     (1.00 )     (0.65 )     (0.33 )     (0.02 )
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.39 )     (1.00 )     (0.65 )     (0.33 )     (0.02 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 12.31     $ 15.08     $ 14.11     $ 14.16     $ 11.90  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     (2.40)%  (c)     14.14%  (c)     4.25%  (c)     21.91%  (c)     38.20%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 1,633     $ 1,398     $ 1,251     $ 916     $ 564  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.79%       1.79%       1.79%       1.79%       1.81%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.74%  (b)#     1.72%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.13)%       (0.48)%       (0.54)%       (0.37)%       (0.08)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     39%       50%       56%       36%       58%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
†† Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  190  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL CAP CORE EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.33     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.01  ***     0.02  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.26 )     0.32  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.25 )     0.34  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.01 )     (0.01 )

Tax return of capital

     (0.00 )†     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.07     $ 10.33  
                

Total Return(a)

     (12.10)%  (b)     3.37%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 5,138     $ 792  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.41%       1.99%  *

After expense waiver

     1.40%  #     1.40%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.06%       0.23%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     188%       99%  **
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.34     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.03  ***     0.04  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.26 )     0.32  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.23 )     0.36  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.02 )     (0.02 )

Tax return of capital

     (0.00 )†     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.02 )     (0.02 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.09     $ 10.34  
                

Total Return(a)

     (11.80)%       3.56%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 20,101     $ 2,559  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.16%       1.74%  *

After expense waiver

     1.15%  #     1.15%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.29%       0.57%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     188%       99%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
+ For the period March 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  191  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL CAP CORE EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.36     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.03  ***     0.05  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.27 )     0.33  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.24 )     0.38  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.02 )     (0.02 )

Tax return of capital

     (0.00 )†     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.02 )     (0.02 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.10     $ 10.36  
                

Total Return(a)

     (11.91)%       3.78%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 728     $ 1,707  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.01%       1.59%  *

After expense waiver

     1.00%  #     1.00%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.29%       0.63%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     188%       99%  **
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.35     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.05  ***     0.05  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.25 )     0.32  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.20 )     0.37  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.04 )     (0.02 )

Tax return of capital

     (0.00 )†     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.04 )     (0.02 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.11     $ 10.35  
                

Total Return(a)

     (11.62)%       3.71%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 28,895     $ 20,755  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     0.91%       1.49%  *

After expense waiver

     N/A       0.95%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.50%       0.63%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     188%       99%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
+ For the period March 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  192  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL CAP CORE EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.32     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.01 )***     (0.02 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.27 )     0.34  
                

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.28 )     0.32  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     -       -  

Tax return of capital

     -       -  
                

Total distributions

     -       -  
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.04     $ 10.32  
                

Total Return(a)

     (12.40)%  (b)     3.20%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 470     $ 103  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.71%       2.29%  *

After expense waiver

     1.70%  #     1.70%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.11)%       (0.27)%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     188%       99%  **

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
+ For the period March 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  193  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT MID CAP GROWTH EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended

12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.35     $ 9.82     $ 8.74     $ 7.64     $ 5.87  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.08 )***     0.02  ***     (0.05 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.05 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.08       0.53       1.13       1.15       1.82  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.00       0.55       1.08       1.10       1.77  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       (0.02 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.35     $ 10.35     $ 9.82     $ 8.74     $ 7.64  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     9.66%  (c)     5.47%  (c)     12.47%  (c)     14.40%  (c)     30.15%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 27,120     $ 30,406     $ 34,053     $ 29,642     $ 37,976  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.30%       1.31%       1.30%       1.30%       1.30%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.27%  (b)#     1.26%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.72)%       0.18%       (0.59)%       (0.68)%       (0.78)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     193%       130%       117%       93%       128%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.53     $ 10.00     $ 8.87     $ 7.73     $ 5.93  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.05 )***     0.05  ***     (0.03 )***     (0.03 )***     (0.04 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.10       0.52       1.16       1.17       1.84  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.05       0.57       1.13       1.14       1.80  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       (0.04 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.58     $ 10.53     $ 10.00     $ 8.87     $ 7.73  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     9.97%       5.74%       12.74%       14.75%       30.35%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 38,904     $ 33,742     $ 42,353     $ 39,546     $ 35,668  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.05%       1.06%       1.05%       1.06%       1.05%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.02%  (b)#     1.01%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.48)%       0.43%       (0.35)%       (0.44)%       (0.54)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     193%       130%       117%       93%       128%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce the operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  194  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT MID CAP GROWTH EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.62     $ 10.08     $ 8.94     $ 7.78     $ 5.95  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.03 )***     0.06  ***     (0.02 )***     (0.02 )***     (0.03 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.11       0.54       1.16       1.18       1.86  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.08       0.60       1.14       1.16       1.83  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       (0.06 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.70     $ 10.62     $ 10.08     $ 8.94     $ 7.78  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     10.17%       5.90%       12.86%       14.91%       30.76%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 5,944     $ 19,475     $ 21,345     $ 15,791     $ 16,202  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.90%       0.91%       0.90%       0.90%       0.90%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.87%  (b)#     0.86%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.30)%       0.55%       (0.19)%       (0.29)%       (0.38)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     193%       130%       117%       93%       128%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.65     $ 10.12     $ 8.97     $ 7.79     $ 5.96  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.03 )***     0.06  ***     (0.01 )***     (0.02 )***     (0.02 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.12       0.54       1.16       1.20       1.85  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.09       0.60       1.15       1.18       1.83  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     -       (0.07 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.74     $ 10.65     $ 10.12     $ 8.97     $ 7.79  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     10.23%       5.97%       12.82%       15.15%       30.70%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 86,268     $ 68,251     $ 70,676     $ 50,160     $ 68,504  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.83%       0.84%       0.83%       0.83%       0.83%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.80%  (b)#     0.79%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.26)%       0.59%       (0.12)%       (0.22)%       (0.32)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     193%       130%       117%       93%       128%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce the operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  195  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT MID CAP GROWTH EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.21     $ 9.71     $ 8.67     $ 7.59     $ 5.85  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.11 )***     (0.00 )***††     (0.08 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.07 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.07       0.50       1.12       1.16       1.81  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.96       0.50       1.04       1.08       1.74  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.17     $ 10.21     $ 9.71     $ 8.67     $ 7.59  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     9.40%  (c)     5.15%  (c)     12.00%  (c)     14.23%  (c)     29.74%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 336     $ 246     $ 167     $ 149     $ 137  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.60%       1.61%       1.60%       1.60%       1.60%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.57%  (b)     1.56%  (b)

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (1.02)%       (0.01)%       (0.89)%       (0.99)%       (1.09)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     193%       130%       117%       93%       128%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
†† Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce the operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  196  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT MID CAP GROWTH EQUITY II FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 14.05     $ 14.13     $ 13.09     $ 11.17     $ 8.12  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.07 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.09 )***     (0.10 )***     (0.09 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     2.26       1.01       1.74       2.04       3.14  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     2.19       0.97       1.65       1.94       3.05  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.49 )     (1.05 )     (0.61 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 14.75     $ 14.05     $ 14.13     $ 13.09     $ 11.17  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     15.74%  (c)     6.97%  (c)     12.63%  (c)     17.41%  (c)     37.56%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 397,924     $ 318,260     $ 310,072     $ 208,278     $ 93,526  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.34%       1.35%       1.35%       1.35%       1.35%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.34%  (b)#     1.34%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.47)%       (0.29)%       (0.68)%       (0.89)%       (0.93)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     41%       42%       28%       42%       54%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 14.28     $ 14.34     $ 13.24     $ 11.27     $ 8.17  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.03 )***     (0.01 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.07 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     2.29       1.04       1.77       2.07       3.17  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     2.26       1.03       1.71       1.99       3.10  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.52 )     (1.09 )     (0.61 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 15.02     $ 14.28     $ 14.34     $ 13.24     $ 11.27  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     15.99%       7.28%       12.94%       17.70%       37.94%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 546,924     $ 531,194     $ 508,296     $ 403,972     $ 225,279  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.09%       1.10%       1.10%       1.10%       1.10%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.09%  (b)#     1.09%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.21)%       (0.05)%       (0.43)%       (0.65)%       (0.68)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     41%       42%       28%       42%       54%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with the certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  197  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT MID CAP GROWTH EQUITY II FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 14.43     $ 14.48     $ 13.35     $ 11.34     $ 8.21  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.01 )***     0.01  ***     (0.04 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.05 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     2.32       1.06       1.78       2.09       3.18  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     2.31       1.07       1.74       2.03       3.13  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.55 )     (1.12 )     (0.61 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 15.19     $ 14.43     $ 14.48     $ 13.35     $ 11.34  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     16.15%       7.45%       13.06%       17.94%       38.12%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 229,983     $ 178,542     $ 139,779     $ 99,126     $ 51,284  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.94%       0.95%       0.95%       0.95%       0.95%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.94%  (b)#     0.94%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.07)%       0.10%       (0.28)%       (0.49)%       (0.53)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     41%       42%       28%       42%       54%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 14.50     $ 14.54     $ 13.39     $ 11.37     $ 8.22  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.00 )***††     0.03  ***     (0.03 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.04 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     2.34       1.05       1.79       2.09       3.19  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     2.34       1.08       1.76       2.04       3.15  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.56 )     (1.12 )     (0.61 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 15.28     $ 14.50     $ 14.54     $ 13.39     $ 11.37  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     16.32%       7.55%       13.17%       17.98%       38.32%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 398,427     $ 229,547     $ 273,591     $ 206,865     $ 125,907  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.86%       0.86%       0.86%       0.86%       0.86%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.85%  (b)#     0.85%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.03)%       0.21%       (0.19)%       (0.41)%       (0.44)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     41%       42%       28%       42%       54%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
†† Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with the certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  198  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT MID CAP GROWTH EQUITY II FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 13.84     $ 13.95     $ 12.97     $ 11.10     $ 8.09  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.12 )***     (0.09 )***     (0.13 )***     (0.14 )***     (0.12 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     2.22       1.01       1.72       2.03       3.13  
                                        

Total loss from investment operations

     2.10       0.92       1.59       1.89       3.01  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.44 )     (1.03 )     (0.61 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 14.50     $ 13.84     $ 13.95     $ 12.97     $ 11.10  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     15.36%  (c)     6.68%  (c)     12.28%  (c)     17.07%  (c)     37.21%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 3,923     $ 2,674     $ 1,755     $ 1,096     $ 617  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.65%       1.65%       1.65%       1.65%       1.66%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.64%  (b)#     1.65%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.79)%       (0.63)%       (0.97)%       (1.19)%       (1.22)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     41%       42%       28%       42%       54%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  199  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL CAP GROWTH EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 15.98     $ 15.72     $ 14.22     $ 12.56     $ 8.76  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.14 )***     (0.13 )***     (0.12 )***     (0.13 )***     (0.12 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.63       1.53       1.62       1.79       3.92  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.49       1.40       1.50       1.66       3.80  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.38 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.00 )††     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.38 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 16.09     $ 15.98     $ 15.72     $ 14.22     $ 12.56  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     9.58%  (c)     8.91%  (c)     10.55%  (c)     13.22%  (c)     43.38%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 112,757     $ 114,136     $ 98,945     $ 77,739     $ 67,686  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.51%       1.51%       1.51%       1.52%       1.51%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.48%  (b)#     1.49%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.81)%       (0.80)%       (0.83)%       (1.01)%       (1.11)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     70%       84%       59%       64%       56%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 16.29     $ 15.97     $ 14.41     $ 12.70     $ 8.83  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.10 )***     (0.09 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.10 )***     (0.09 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.67       1.55       1.64       1.81       3.96  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.57       1.46       1.56       1.71       3.87  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.43 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.00 )††     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.43 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 16.43     $ 16.29     $ 15.97     $ 14.41     $ 12.70  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     9.90%       9.15%       10.83%       13.46%       43.83%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 111,010     $ 92,914     $ 108,840     $ 90,941     $ 85,885  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.26%       1.26%       1.26%       1.26%       1.26%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.23%  (b)#     1.24%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.55)%       (0.55)%       (0.58)%       (0.76)%       (0.86)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     70%       84%       59%       64%       56%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
†† Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  200  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL CAP GROWTH EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 16.48     $ 16.11     $ 14.52     $ 12.77     $ 8.87  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.07 )***     (0.07 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.08 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.68       1.58       1.65       1.83       3.98  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.61       1.51       1.59       1.75       3.90  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.45 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.00 )††     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.45 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 16.64     $ 16.48     $ 16.11     $ 14.52     $ 12.77  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     9.99%       9.32%       11.02%       13.70%       43.97%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 121,462     $ 133,777     $ 95,822     $ 92,812     $ 87,801  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.11%       1.11%       1.11%       1.12%       1.11%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.08%  (b)#     1.09%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.41)%       (0.41)%       (0.44)%       (0.61)%       (0.71)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     70%       84%       59%       64%       56%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 16.64     $ 16.24     $ 14.61     $ 12.84     $ 8.91  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.05 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.06 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.71       1.58       1.67       1.83       3.99  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.66       1.54       1.63       1.77       3.93  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.48 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.00 )††     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.48 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 16.82     $ 16.64     $ 16.24     $ 14.61     $ 12.84  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     10.14%       9.49%       11.23%       13.79%       44.11%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 341,265     $ 284,413     $ 288,954     $ 241,673     $ 243,909  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.97%       0.97%       0.97%       0.97%       0.97%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.94%  (b)#     0.95%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.26)%       (0.26)%       (0.29)%       (0.47)%       (0.57)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     70%       84%       59%       64%       56%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
†† Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Account (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  201  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL CAP GROWTH EQUITY FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 15.70     $ 15.51     $ 14.07     $ 12.47     $ 8.72  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.19 )***     (0.18 )***     (0.16 )     (0.16 )     (0.15 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.61       1.51       1.60       1.76       3.90  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.42       1.33       1.44       1.60       3.75  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.34 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  

Tax return of capital

     (0.00 )††     -       -       -       -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.34 )     (1.14 )     -       -       -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 15.78     $ 15.70     $ 15.51     $ 14.07     $ 12.47  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     9.28%  (c)     8.51%  (c)     10.31%  (c)     12.83%  (c)     43.00%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 1,105     $ 990     $ 930     $ 816     $ 149  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.81%       1.81%       1.81%       1.82%       1.81%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.78%  (b)#     1.79%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (1.11)%       (1.11)%       (1.13)%       (1.31)%       (1.41)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     70%       84%       59%       64%       56%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
†† Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these changes.

 

–  202  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.40     $ 9.69     $ 10.05     $ 10.67     $ 6.99  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.11 )***     (0.12 )***     (0.11 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.10 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.52       1.54       (0.02 )     0.20  †     4.30  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.41       1.42       (0.13 )     0.12       4.20  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.03 )     (0.71 )     (0.23 )     (0.74 )     (0.52 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 9.78     $ 10.40     $ 9.69     $ 10.05     $ 10.67  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.09%  (c)     14.95%  (c)     (1.09)%  (c)     1.70%  (c)     60.01%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 49,662     $ 69,380     $ 62,461     $ 66,985     $ 54,038  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.53%       1.55%       1.54%       1.52%       1.58%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       1.52%  #     1.35%  (b)#     1.37%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (1.04)%       (1.15)%       (1.18)%       (0.77)%       (1.00)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82%       102%       149%       220%       141%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.57     $ 9.81     $ 10.14     $ 10.74     $ 7.01  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.09 )***     (0.09 )***     (0.09 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.07 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.54       1.56       (0.01 )     0.19  †     4.32  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.45       1.47       (0.10 )     0.14       4.25  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.06 )     (0.71 )     (0.23 )     (0.74 )     (0.52 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 9.96     $ 10.57     $ 9.81     $ 10.14     $ 10.74  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.39%       15.28%       (0.88)%       1.97%       60.55%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 36,372     $ 31,256     $ 28,468     $ 43,008     $ 35,948  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.28%       1.30%       1.29%       1.27%       1.33%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       1.26%  #     1.10%  (b)#     1.10%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.78)%       (0.89)%       (0.91)%       (0.54)%       (0.72)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82%       102%       149%       220%       141%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the aggregate net realized and unrealized gain (loss) for the period due to the timing of purchases and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  203  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.65     $ 9.87     $ 10.19     $ 10.77     $ 7.02  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.07 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.07 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.05 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.54       1.57       (0.02 )     0.20  †     4.32  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.47       1.49       (0.09 )     0.16       4.27  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.07 )     (0.71 )     (0.23 )     (0.74 )     (0.52 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 10.05     $ 10.65     $ 9.87     $ 10.19     $ 10.77  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.55%       15.39%       (0.68)%       2.06%       60.75%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 9,779     $ 20,226     $ 27,617     $ 40,990     $ 37,730  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.13%       1.15%       1.14%       1.12%       1.18%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       1.12%  #     0.95%  (b)#     0.95%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.65)%       (0.73)%       (0.77)%       (0.40)%       (0.60)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82%       102%       149%       220%       141%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.69     $ 9.90     $ 10.21     $ 10.78     $ 7.02  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.07 )***     (0.07 )***     (0.07 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.05 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.54       1.57       (0.01 )     0.21  †     4.33  
                                        

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.47       1.50       (0.08 )     0.17       4.28  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (1.09 )     (0.71 )     (0.23 )     (0.74 )     (0.52 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 10.07     $ 10.69     $ 9.90     $ 10.21     $ 10.78  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.60%       15.44%       (0.67)%       2.25%       60.66%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 49,168     $ 39,194     $ 24,869     $ 28,081     $ 30,181  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.09%       1.11%       1.10%       1.08%       1.14%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       1.08%  #     0.92%  (b)#     0.92%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.60)%       (0.70)%       (0.74)%       (0.34)%       (0.55)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82%       102%       149%       220%       141%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the aggregate net realized and unrealized gain (loss) for the period due to the timing of purchases and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  204  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05††
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 10.20     $ 9.54     $ 9.93     $ 10.59     $ 6.95  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.14 )***     (0.15 )***     (0.14 )***     (0.11 )***     (0.13 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.51       1.52       (0.02 )     0.19  †     4.29  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.37       1.37       (0.16 )     0.08       4.16  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net realized gains

     (0.96 )     (0.71 )     (0.23 )     (0.74 )     (0.52 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 9.61     $ 10.20     $ 9.54     $ 9.93     $ 10.59  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     3.85%  (c)     14.66%  (c)     (1.41)%  (c)     1.33%  (c)     59.78%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 391     $ 786     $ 931     $ 910     $ 953  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.83%       1.85%       1.84%       1.82%       1.88%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       1.82%  #     1.65%  (b)#     1.68%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (1.34)%       (1.44)%       (1.49)%       (1.06)%       (1.31)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82%       102%       149%       220%       141%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the aggregate net realized and unrealized gain (loss) for the period due to the timing of purchases and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund.
†† Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  205  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT EMERGING GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 6.22     $ 5.90     $ 5.88     $ 5.13     $ 3.53  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.05 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.07 )***     (0.06 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.14       0.38       0.08       0.82       1.66  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.09       0.32       0.02       0.75       1.60  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 7.31     $ 6.22     $ 5.90     $ 5.88     $ 5.13  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.52%  (b)     5.42%  (b)     0.34%  (b)     14.62%  (b)     45.33%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 16,438     $ 13,650     $ 14,956     $ 27,052     $ 26,130  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.45%       1.46%       1.45%       1.47%       1.48%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       1.45%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.71)%       (0.97)%       (1.09)%       (1.32)%       (1.32)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     183%       288%       124%       176%       198%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 6.32     $ 5.99     $ 5.94     $ 5.18     $ 3.55  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.03 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.06 )***     (0.05 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.16       0.37       0.10       0.82       1.68  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.13       0.33       0.05       0.76       1.63  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 7.45     $ 6.32     $ 5.99     $ 5.94     $ 5.18  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.88%       5.51%       0.84%       14.67%       45.92%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 38,458     $ 44,933     $ 63,777     $ 65,342     $ 49,424  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.20%       1.21%       1.21%       1.22%       1.23%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       1.20%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.45)%       (0.73)%       (0.84)%       (1.06)%       (1.07)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     183%       288%       124%       176%       198%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  206  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT EMERGING GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 6.40     $ 6.05     $ 5.99     $ 5.21     $ 3.57  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.02 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.05 )***     (0.04 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.18       0.39       0.10       0.83       1.68  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.16       0.35       0.06       0.78       1.64  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 7.56     $ 6.40     $ 6.05     $ 5.99     $ 5.21  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.94%       6.13%       0.83%       14.97%       45.94%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 1,633     $ 980     $ 4,760     $ 4,427     $ 3,051  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.05%       1.06%       1.05%       1.07%       1.08%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       1.04%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.32)%       (0.57)%       (0.68)%       (0.91)%       (0.91)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     183%       288%       124%       176%       198%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 6.45     $ 6.09     $ 6.03     $ 5.24     $ 3.58  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.02 )***     (0.03 )***     (0.03 )***     (0.04 )***     (0.04 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.18       0.39       0.09       0.83       1.70  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.16       0.36       0.06       0.79       1.66  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 7.61     $ 6.45     $ 6.09     $ 6.03     $ 5.24  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.98%       5.91%       1.00%       15.08%       46.37%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 50,275     $ 50,464     $ 42,591     $ 39,812     $ 41,306  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.95%       0.96%       0.96%       0.97%       0.98%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       0.94%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (0.21)%       (0.46)%       (0.59)%       0.81%       (0.81)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     183%       288%       124%       176%       198%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  207  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT EMERGING GROWTH FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 6.12     $ 5.83     $ 5.82     $ 5.09     $ 3.51  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.07 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.08 )***     (0.07 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.12       0.37       0.09       0.81       1.65  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     1.05       0.29       0.01       0.73       1.58  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 7.17     $ 6.12     $ 5.83     $ 5.82     $ 5.09  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     17.16%  (b)     4.97%  (b)     0.17%  (b)     14.34%  (b)     45.01%  (b)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 207     $ 177     $ 168     $ 168     $ 147  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.75%       1.76%       1.76%       1.77%       1.78%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       1.74%  #

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     (1.01)%       (1.27)%       (1.39)%       (1.61)%       (1.61)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     183%       288%       124%       176%       198%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  208  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DIVERSIFIED INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.06     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.14  ***     0.00  ***†

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.70       0.07  
                

Total income from investment operations

     0.84       0.07  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.21 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (0.21 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.42 )     (0.01 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.48     $ 10.06  
                

Total Return(a)

     8.38%  (b)     0.68%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 394     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.59%       8.81%  *

After expense waiver

     1.42%  #     1.42%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.30%       0.97%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     18%       0%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.06     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.20  ***     0.01  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.66       0.06  
                

Total income from investment operations

     0.86       0.07  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.21 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (0.21 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.42 )     (0.01 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.50     $ 10.06  
                

Total Return(a)

     8.66%       0.70%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 48,459     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.34%       8.56%  *

After expense waiver

     1.17%  #     1.17%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.88%       1.23%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     18%       0%  

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
+ For the period December 14, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  209  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DIVERSIFIED INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.06     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.15  ***     0.01  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.72       0.06  
                

Total income from investment operations

     0.87       0.07  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.23 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (0.21 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.44 )     (0.01 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.49     $ 10.06  
                

Total Return(a)

     8.73%       0.70%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 846     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.19%       8.41%  *

After expense waiver

     1.09%  #     1.09%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.37%       1.32%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     18%       0%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.06     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.21  ***     0.01  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.67       0.06  
                

Total income from investment operations

     0.88       0.07  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.23 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (0.21 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.44 )     (0.01 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.50     $ 10.06  
                

Total Return(a)

     8.86%       0.70%  **

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 114,090     $ 11,404  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.09%       8.30%  *

After expense waiver

     0.99%  #     0.99%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.94%       1.40%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     18%       0%  

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
+ For the period December 14, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  210  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DIVERSIFIED INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Period ended
12/31/06+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.06     $ 10.00  
                

Income (loss) from investment operations:

    

Net investment income (loss)

     0.14  ***     0.00  ***†

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.66       0.07  
                

Total income from investment operations

     0.80       0.07  
                

Less distributions to shareholders:

    

From net investment income

     (0.15 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (0.21 )     -  
                

Total distributions

     (0.36 )     (0.01 )
                

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.50     $ 10.06  
                

Total Return(a)

     8.03%  (b)     0.67%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

    

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 105     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

    

Before expense waiver

     1.89%       9.11%  *

After expense waiver

     1.72%  #     1.72%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.28%       0.67%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     18%       0%  

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
+ For the period December 14, 2006 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  211  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT OVERSEAS FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.80     $ 10.95     $ 10.94     $ 9.55     $ 7.36  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.17  ***     0.21  ***     0.08  ***     0.05  ***     0.02  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.31       2.78       1.15       1.63       2.18  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.48       2.99       1.23       1.68       2.20  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.05 )     (0.19 )     (0.18 )     (0.06 )     (0.01 )

From net realized gains

     (1.90 )     (0.95 )     (1.04 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.95 )     (1.14 )     (1.22 )     (0.29 )     (0.01 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.33     $ 12.80     $ 10.95     $ 10.94     $ 9.55  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     3.71%  (c)     27.38%  (c)     11.17%  (c)     17.53%  (c)     30.27%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 261,364     $ 299,546     $ 198,300     $ 134,927     $ 65,012  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.60%       1.61%       1.62%       1.64%       1.74%  

After expense waiver

     1.50%  #     1.53%  #     N/A       1.63%  (b)#     1.64%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.27%       1.66%       0.69%       0.49%       0.22%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       88%       66%       92%  
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.88     $ 11.00     $ 10.99     $ 9.59     $ 7.35  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.20  ***     0.24  ***     0.11  ***     0.08  ***     0.04  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.33       2.80       1.14       1.63       2.23  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.53       3.04       1.25       1.71       2.27  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.09 )     (0.21 )     (0.20 )     (0.08 )     (0.03 )

From net realized gains

     (1.90 )     (0.95 )     (1.04 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.99 )     (1.16 )     (1.24 )     (0.31 )     (0.03 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.42     $ 12.88     $ 11.00     $ 10.99     $ 9.59  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.05%       27.66%       11.44%       17.77%       30.68%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 328,071     $ 283,387     $ 210,428     $ 175,493     $ 81,542  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.35%       1.36%       1.37%       1.39%       1.49%  

After expense waiver

     1.25%  #     1.28%  #     N/A       1.38%  (b)#     1.39%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.47%       1.90%       0.94%       0.75%       0.44%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       88%       66%       92%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  212  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT OVERSEAS FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.91     $ 11.03     $ 11.01     $ 9.61     $ 7.36  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.24  ***     0.24  ***     0.12  ***     0.09  ***     0.04  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.30       2.81       1.16       1.63       2.25  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.54       3.05       1.28       1.72       2.29  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.10 )     (0.22 )     (0.22 )     (0.09 )     (0.04 )

From net realized gains

     (1.90 )     (0.95 )     (1.04 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.00 )     (1.17 )     (1.26 )     (0.32 )     (0.04 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.45     $ 12.91     $ 11.03     $ 11.01     $ 9.61  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.14%       27.67%       11.69%       17.84%       30.88%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 163,726     $ 248,042     $ 130,666     $ 93,675     $ 72,650  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.20%       1.21%       1.22%       1.24%       1.34%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.23%  (b)#     1.24%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.76%       1.95%       1.05%       0.91%       0.50%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       88%       66%       92%  
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.94     $ 11.05     $ 11.03     $ 9.62     $ 7.37  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.20  ***     0.26  ***     0.13  ***     0.10  ***     0.06  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.35       2.81       1.16       1.63       2.23  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.55       3.07       1.29       1.73       2.29  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.11 )     (0.23 )     (0.23 )     (0.09 )     (0.04 )

From net realized gains

     (1.90 )     (0.95 )     (1.04 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (2.01 )     (1.18 )     (1.27 )     (0.32 )     (0.04 )
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.48     $ 12.94     $ 11.05     $ 11.03     $ 9.62  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.21%       27.77%       11.73%       17.98%       30.87%  

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 505,917     $ 458,067     $ 308,301     $ 211,818     $ 134,965  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.15%       1.16%       1.17%       1.19%       1.29%  

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       1.18%  (b)#     1.19%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.50%       2.05%       1.11%       0.96%       0.69%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       88%       66%       92%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.

 

–  213  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT OVERSEAS FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05†
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Year ended
12/31/03
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 12.67     $ 10.86     $ 10.86     $ 9.50     $ 7.31  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.12  ***     0.17  ***     0.05  ***     0.02  ***     (0.02 )***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.33       2.74       1.13       1.61       2.21  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.45       2.91       1.18       1.63       2.19  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.03 )     (0.15 )     (0.14 )     (0.04 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (1.90 )     (0.95 )     (1.04 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.93 )     (1.10 )     (1.18 )     (0.27 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 11.19     $ 12.67     $ 10.86     $ 10.86     $ 9.50  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     3.47%  (c)     26.91%  (c)     10.86%  (c)     17.12%  (c)     29.96%  (c)

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $ 3,122     $ 2,462     $ 1,693     $ 884     $ 255  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     1.90%       1.91%       1.92%       1.94%       2.04%  

After expense waiver

     1.80%  #     1.83%  #     N/A       1.93%  (b)#     1.94%  (b)#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.91%       1.40%       0.44%       0.17%       (0.22)%  

Portfolio turnover rate

     44%       36%       88%       66%       92%  

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Effective January 1, 2005, rebated brokerage commissions are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions. Prior to January 1, 2005, these amounts were presented as a reduction of expenses. Prior year amounts have not been restated to reflect this change due to immateriality.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) The Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers to rebate a portions of brokerage commissions. The rebated commissions were used to reduce operating expenses of the Fund.
(c) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  214  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT INCOME FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.23     $ 10.18     $ 10.32     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.34  ***     0.33  ***     0.51  ***     0.62  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.18       0.20       (0.22 )     0.01       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.52       0.53       0.29       0.63       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.41 )     (0.33 )     (0.35 )     (0.27 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.39 )     (0.15 )     (0.08 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.80 )     (0.48 )     (0.43 )     (0.31 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.95     $ 10.23     $ 10.18     $ 10.32     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.10%  (b)     5.14%  (b)     2.85%  (b)     6.35%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 52,667     $ 51,843     $ 40,457     $ 11,819     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.48%       0.47%       0.47%       0.50%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.50%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     3.24%       3.22%       4.92%       6.00%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     42%       27%       15%       33%       -
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.27     $ 10.22     $ 10.34     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.36  ***     0.32  ***     0.33  ***     0.34  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.19       0.23       (0.01 )     0.32       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.55       0.55       0.32       0.66       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.44 )     (0.35 )     (0.36 )     (0.28 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.39 )     (0.15 )     (0.08 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.83 )     (0.50 )     (0.44 )     (0.32 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.99     $ 10.27     $ 10.22     $ 10.34     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.43%       5.34%       3.15%       6.62%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 88,901     $ 94,347     $ 102,343     $ 97,859     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.23%       0.22%       0.22%       0.23%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.23%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     3.45%       3.13%       3.19%       3.36%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     42%       27%       15%       33%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  215  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT INCOME FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.27     $ 10.22     $ 10.35     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.31  ***     0.38  ***     0.40  ***     0.45  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.25       0.18       (0.07 )     0.23       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.56       0.56       0.33       0.68       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.45 )     (0.36 )     (0.38 )     (0.29 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.39 )     (0.15 )     (0.08 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.84 )     (0.51 )     (0.46 )     (0.33 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.99     $ 10.27     $ 10.22     $ 10.35     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.47%       5.45%       3.16%       6.80%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 94,210     $ 125,831     $ 105,478     $ 80,590     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.14%       0.12%       0.12%       0.13%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.13%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.92%       3.62%       3.84%       4.38%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     42%       27%       15%       33%       -
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.27     $ 10.22     $ 10.34     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.40  ***     0.35  ***     0.61  ***     0.37  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.16       0.21       (0.27 )     0.30       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.56       0.56       0.34       0.67       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.46 )     (0.36 )     (0.38 )     (0.29 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.39 )     (0.15 )     (0.08 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.85 )     (0.51 )     (0.46 )     (0.33 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.98     $ 10.27     $ 10.22     $ 10.34     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.55%       5.47%       3.29%       6.71%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 10,579     $ 8,773     $ 4,445     $ 1,195     $ 601  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.11%       0.10%       0.09%       0.71%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.12%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     3.79%       3.41%       5.82%       3.64%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     42%       27%       15%       33%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  216  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT INCOME FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.26     $ 10.21     $ 10.34     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.31  ***     0.30  ***     0.30  ***     0.15  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.18       0.20       (0.04 )     0.45       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.49       0.50       0.26       0.60       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

             -  

From net investment income

     (0.38 )     (0.30 )     (0.31 )     (0.22 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.39 )     (0.15 )     (0.08 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.77 )     (0.45 )     (0.39 )     (0.26 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.98     $ 10.26     $ 10.21     $ 10.34     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.78%  (b)     4.83%  (b)     2.50%  (b)     6.02%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 124     $ 121     $ 105     $ 104     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.78%       0.77%       0.77%       1.53%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.80%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     3.01%       2.95%       2.85%       1.52%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     42%       27%       15%       33%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amounts are de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  217  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2010 FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.77     $ 10.57     $ 10.54     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.31  ***     0.33  ***     0.45  ***     0.56  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.27       0.34       (0.05 )     0.18       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.58       0.67       0.40       0.74       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.38 )     (0.31 )     (0.31 )     (0.18 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.33 )     (0.16 )     (0.06 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.71 )     (0.47 )     (0.37 )     (0.20 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.64     $ 10.77     $ 10.57     $ 10.54     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.51%  (b)     6.39%  (b)     3.82%  (b)     7.36%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 72,786     $ 54,312     $ 30,338     $ 7,272     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.51%       0.52%       0.54%       1.13%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     0.50%  #     0.50%  #     0.50%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.77%       3.10%       4.24%       5.34%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       34%       17%       28%       -
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.82     $ 10.60     $ 10.56     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.34  ***     0.36  ***     0.36  ***     1.25  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.27       0.35       0.07       (0.48 )     -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.61       0.71       0.43       0.77       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.41 )     (0.33 )     (0.33 )     (0.19 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.33 )     (0.16 )     (0.06 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.74 )     (0.49 )     (0.39 )     (0.21 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.69     $ 10.82     $ 10.60     $ 10.56     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.82%       6.69%       4.03%       7.68%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 59,582     $ 47,387     $ 35,621     $ 22,880     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.26%       0.27%       0.29%       0.88%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     0.25%  #     0.25%  #     0.25%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     3.02%       3.35%       3.37%       12.10%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       34%       17%       28%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  218  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2010 FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.82     $ 10.61     $ 10.56     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.36  ***     0.39  ***     0.52  ***     0.85  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.26       0.32       (0.07 )     (0.08 )     -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.62       0.71       0.45       0.77       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.42 )     (0.34 )     (0.34 )     (0.19 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.33 )     (0.16 )     (0.06 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.75 )     (0.50 )     (0.40 )     (0.21 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.69     $ 10.82     $ 10.61     $ 10.56     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.84%       6.77%       4.22%       7.69%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 79,314     $ 57,929     $ 30,365     $ 5,605     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.16%       0.17%       0.19%       0.78%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     0.15%  #     0.15%  #     0.15%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     3.23%       3.62%       4.80%       8.17%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       34%       17%       28%       -
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.83     $ 10.61     $ 10.57     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.42  ***     0.40  ***     0.61  ***     0.36  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.21       0.33       (0.17 )     0.42       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.63       0.73       0.44       0.78       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.43 )     (0.35 )     (0.34 )     (0.19 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.33 )     (0.16 )     (0.06 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.76 )     (0.51 )     (0.40 )     (0.21 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.70     $ 10.83     $ 10.61     $ 10.57     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.92%       6.90%       4.15%       7.80%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 38,230     $ 17,935     $ 12,104     $ 2,319     $ 601  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.11%       0.12%       0.14%       0.73%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     0.10%  #     0.10%  #     0.10%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     3.73%       3.66%       5.69%       3.49%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       34%       17%       28%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  219  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2010 FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.80     $ 10.60     $ 10.56     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.43  ***     0.32  ***     0.27  ***     (0.00 )†     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.12       0.32       0.10       0.70       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.55       0.64       0.37       0.70       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.38 )     (0.28 )     (0.27 )     (0.12 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.33 )     (0.16 )     (0.06 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.71 )     (0.44 )     (0.33 )     (0.14 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.64     $ 10.80     $ 10.60     $ 10.56     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.14%  (b)     6.14%  (b)     3.51%  (b)     6.98%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 859     $ 249     $ 134     $ 107     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.81%       0.82%       0.84%       1.43%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     0.80%  #     0.80%  #     0.80%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     3.89%       3.00%       2.50%       0.02%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     43%       34%       17%       28%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  220  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2020 FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.20     $ 10.91     $ 10.75     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.19  ***     0.26  ***     0.37  ***     0.64  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.37       0.57       0.19       0.34       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.56       0.83       0.56       0.98       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.31 )     (0.25 )     (0.27 )     (0.19 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.68 )     (0.29 )     (0.13 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.99 )     (0.54 )     (0.40 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.77     $ 11.20     $ 10.91     $ 10.75     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.14%  (b)     7.72%  (b)     5.23%  (b)     9.76%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 173,715     $ 144,228     $ 89,351     $ 21,577     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.50%       0.50%       0.50%       0.52%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.50%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.63%       2.32%       3.43%       6.11%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       32%       23%       19%       -
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.25     $ 10.96     $ 10.77     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.20  ***     0.25  ***     0.25  ***     0.21  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.40       0.60       0.35       0.79       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.60       0.85       0.60       1.00       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.34 )     (0.27 )     (0.28 )     (0.19 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.68 )     (0.29 )     (0.13 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.02 )     (0.56 )     (0.41 )     (0.23 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.83     $ 11.25     $ 10.96     $ 10.77     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.43%       7.87%       5.50%       10.07%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 266,837     $ 273,584     $ 237,433     $ 212,094     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.25%       0.24%       0.25%       0.26%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.25%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.71%       2.19%       2.31%       1.99%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       32%       23%       19%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  221  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2020 FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.25     $ 10.95     $ 10.77     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.23  ***     0.30  ***     0.45  ***     0.81  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.37       0.58       0.16       0.20       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.60       0.88       0.61       1.01       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.35 )     (0.29 )     (0.30 )     (0.20 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.68 )     (0.29 )     (0.13 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.03 )     (0.58 )     (0.43 )     (0.24 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.82     $ 11.25     $ 10.95     $ 10.77     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.45%       8.08%       5.63%       10.07%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 135,650     $ 105,565     $ 65,716     $ 10,249     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.15%       0.15%       0.14%       0.19%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.15%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.01%       2.66%       4.04%       7.69%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       32%       23%       19%       -
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.26     $ 10.96     $ 10.78     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.25  ***     0.30  ***     0.38  ***     0.52  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.36       0.58       0.23       0.50       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.61       0.88       0.61       1.02       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.35 )     (0.29 )     (0.30 )     (0.20 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.68 )     (0.29 )     (0.13 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.03 )     (0.58 )     (0.43 )     (0.24 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.84     $ 11.26     $ 10.96     $ 10.78     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.59%       8.12%       5.65%       10.19%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 95,204     $ 66,802     $ 35,933     $ 12,389     $ 601  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.10%       0.10%       0.10%       0.21%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.10%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     2.20%       2.69%       3.45%       5.00%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       32%       23%       19%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  222  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2020 FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.22     $ 10.94     $ 10.77     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.19  ***     0.21  ***     0.27  ***     0.06  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.34       0.58       0.27       0.88       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.53       0.79       0.54       0.94       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.29 )     (0.22 )     (0.24 )     (0.13 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.68 )     (0.29 )     (0.13 )     (0.04 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (0.97 )     (0.51 )     (0.37 )     (0.17 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.78     $ 11.22     $ 10.94     $ 10.77     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     4.86%  (b)     7.31%  **(b)     4.99%  (b)     9.39%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 510     $ 309     $ 238     $ 113     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.80%       0.80%       0.80%       1.57%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A       N/A       N/A       0.80%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.69%       1.93%       2.46%       0.55%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     49%       32%       23%       19%       -

 

** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  223  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2030 FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.05     $ 11.50     $ 11.11     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.12  ***     0.15  ***     0.21  ***     0.27  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.57       0.95       0.52       0.95       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.69       1.10       0.73       1.22       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.26 )     (0.18 )     (0.18 )     (0.10 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.99 )     (0.37 )     (0.16 )     (0.01 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.25 )     (0.55 )     (0.34 )     (0.11 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.49     $ 12.05     $ 11.50     $ 11.11     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.76%  (b)     9.70%  (b)     6.56%  (b)     12.24%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 142,956     $ 112,499     $ 63,024     $ 21,459     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.50%       0.50%       0.50%       0.52%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       N/A       0.50%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.96%       1.31%       1.89%       2.58%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     52%       34%       17%       10%       -
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.11     $ 11.55     $ 11.13     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.13  ***     0.15  ***     0.14  ***     0.10  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.59       0.98       0.63       1.15       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.72       1.13       0.77       1.25       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.28 )     (0.20 )     (0.19 )     (0.11 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.99 )     (0.37 )     (0.16 )     (0.01 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.27 )     (0.57 )     (0.35 )     (0.12 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.56     $ 12.11     $ 11.55     $ 11.13     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     6.01%       9.93%       6.92%       12.49%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 217,725     $ 211,382     $ 180,837     $ 168,132     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.26%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       N/A       0.25%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.07%       1.28%       1.26%       0.93%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     52%       34%       17%       10%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  224  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2030 FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.10     $ 11.54     $ 11.13     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.16  ***     0.22  ***     0.32  ***     0.43  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.57       0.93       0.46       0.83       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.73       1.15       0.78       1.26       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.29 )     (0.22 )     (0.21 )     (0.12 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.99 )     (0.37 )     (0.16 )     (0.01 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.28 )     (0.59 )     (0.37 )     (0.13 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.55     $ 12.10     $ 11.54     $ 11.13     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     6.13%       10.05%       6.97%       12.60%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 89,727     $ 68,388     $ 33,819     $ 3,169     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.15%       0.15%       0.15%       0.23%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       N/A       0.15%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.27%       1.82%       2.77%       4.01%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     52%       34%       17%       10%       -
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.11     $ 11.55     $ 11.14     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.18  ***     0.20  ***     0.27  ***     0.33  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.57       0.95       0.51       0.94       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.75       1.15       0.78       1.27       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.30 )     (0.22 )     (0.21 )     (0.12 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.99 )     (0.37 )     (0.16 )     (0.01 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.29 )     (0.59 )     (0.37 )     (0.13 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.57     $ 12.11     $ 11.55     $ 11.14     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     6.18%       10.17%       6.98%       12.71%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 68,224     $ 42,835     $ 18,300     $ 4,245     $ 601  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.10%       0.10%       0.10%       0.45%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       N/A       0.10%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.46%       1.66%       2.42%       3.16%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     52%       34%       17%       10%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  225  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2030 FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.07     $ 11.52     $ 11.13     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.09  ***     0.09  ***     0.14  ***     (0.02 )***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.57       0.98       0.55       1.21       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.66       1.07       0.69       1.19       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.23 )     (0.15 )     (0.14 )     (0.05 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (0.99 )     (0.37 )     (0.16 )     (0.01 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.22 )     (0.52 )     (0.30 )     (0.06 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.51     $ 12.07     $ 11.52     $ 11.13     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.51%  (b)     9.39%  (b)     6.20%  (b)     11.89%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 324     $ 209     $ 162     $ 113     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.80%       0.80%       0.80%       1.47%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       N/A       0.80%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.74%       0.78%       1.26%       (0.24)%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     52%       34%       17%       10%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total Return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  226  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2040 FUND

 

    

Class A

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.39     $ 11.77     $ 11.26     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.11  ***     0.07  ***     0.10  ***     0.20  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.64       1.24       0.73       1.14       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.75       1.31       0.83       1.34       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.26 )     (0.13 )     (0.11 )     (0.06 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (1.12 )     (0.56 )     (0.21 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.38 )     (0.69 )     (0.32 )     (0.08 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.76     $ 12.39     $ 11.77     $ 11.26     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     6.16%  (b)     11.26%  (b)     7.47%  (b)     13.39%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 65,604     $ 46,934     $ 26,913     $ 6,414     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.50%       0.50%       0.50%       0.55%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       0.50%  #     0.50%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.88%       0.59%       0.85%       1.92%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     50%       42%       18%       13%       -
    

Class L

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.45     $ 11.81     $ 11.28     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.13  ***     0.08  ***     0.07  ***     0.04  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.67       1.27       0.80       1.33       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.80       1.35       0.87       1.37       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.29 )     (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.07 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (1.12 )     (0.56 )     (0.21 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.41 )     (0.71 )     (0.34 )     (0.09 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.84     $ 12.45     $ 11.81     $ 11.28     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     6.49%       11.58%       7.75%       13.63%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 142,858     $ 134,968     $ 107,540     $ 101,487     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.27%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       0.25%  #     0.25%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.97%       0.68%       0.60%       0.41%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     50%       42%       18%       13%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  227  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2040 FUND

 

    

Class Y

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.44     $ 11.81     $ 11.28     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.16  ***     0.12  ***     0.16  ***     0.27  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.65       1.23       0.72       1.11       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.81       1.35       0.88       1.38       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.30 )     (0.16 )     (0.14 )     (0.08 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (1.12 )     (0.56 )     (0.21 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.42 )     (0.72 )     (0.35 )     (0.10 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.83     $ 12.44     $ 11.81     $ 11.28     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     6.60%       11.60%       7.88%       13.74%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 47,208     $ 31,379     $ 8,379     $ 596     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.15%       0.15%       0.15%       0.54%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       0.15%  #     0.15%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.27%       0.96%       1.41%       2.55%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     50%       42%       18%       13%       -
    

Class S

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.45     $ 11.82     $ 11.28     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.17  ***     0.08  ***     0.27  ***     0.09  ***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.64       1.28       0.63       1.29       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.81       1.36       0.90       1.38       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.30 )     (0.17 )     (0.15 )     (0.08 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (1.12 )     (0.56 )     (0.21 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.42 )     (0.73 )     (0.36 )     (0.10 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.84     $ 12.45     $ 11.82     $ 11.28     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     6.63%       11.63%       8.00%       13.75%       -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 44,098     $ 27,944     $ 27,274     $ 1,741     $ 601  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.10%       0.10%       0.10%       0.66%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       0.10%  #     0.10%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     1.31%       0.67%       2.37%       0.85%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     50%       42%       18%       13%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.

 

–  228  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2040 FUND

 

    

Class N

 
     Year ended
12/31/07
    Year ended
12/31/06
    Year ended
12/31/05
    Year ended
12/31/04
    Period ended
12/31/03+
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 12.41     $ 11.79     $ 11.28     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.06  ***     0.02  ***     0.07  ***     (0.07 )***     -  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.66       1.25       0.73       1.38       -  
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.72       1.27       0.80       1.31       -  
                                        

Less distributions to shareholders:

          

From net investment income

     (0.22 )     (0.09 )     (0.08 )     (0.01 )     -  

From net realized gains

     (1.12 )     (0.56 )     (0.21 )     (0.02 )     -  
                                        

Total distributions

     (1.34 )     (0.65 )     (0.29 )     (0.03 )     -  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.79     $ 12.41     $ 11.79     $ 11.28     $ 10.00  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     5.90%  (b)     10.91%  (b)     7.11%  (b)     13.03%  (b)     -

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 226     $ 189     $ 142     $ 114     $ 101  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     0.80%       0.80%       0.80%       1.54%       -

After expense waiver

     N/A  ##     N/A       0.80%  #     0.80%  #     -

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     0.49%       0.18%       0.59%       (0.63)%       -

Portfolio turnover rate

     50%       42%       18%       13%       -

 

*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
+ The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003.
Amount is de minimis due to the short period of operations.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
## Amount waived had no impact on the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  229  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT DESTINATION RETIREMENT 2050 FUND

 

    

Class A

   

Class L

   

Class Y

   

Class S

   

Class N

 
     Period ended
12/31/07†
    Period ended
12/31/07†
    Period ended
12/31/07†
    Period ended
12/31/07†
    Period ended
12/31/07†
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.00     $ 10.00     $ 10.00     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
                                        

Income (loss) from investment operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)

     0.05  ***     0.05  ***     0.05  ***     0.05  ***     0.05  ***

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
                                        

Total income from investment operations

     0.04       0.04       0.04       0.04       0.04  
                                        

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.04     $ 10.04     $ 10.04     $ 10.04     $ 10.04  
                                        

Total Return(a)

     0.40%  (b)**     0.40%  **     0.40%  **     0.40%  **     0.40%  (b)**

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

   $ 100     $ 101     $ 101     $ 9,640     $ 100  

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets:

          

Before expense waiver

     13.00%  *     12.75%  *     12.65%  *     12.61%  *     13.30%  *

After expense waiver

     0.50%  *#     0.25%  *#     0.15%  *#     0.10%  *#     0.80%  *#

Net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets

     11.71%  *     11.96%  *     12.08%  *     12.12%  *     11.42%  *

Portfolio turnover rate

     0%       0%       0%       0%       0%  

 

* Annualized.
** Percentage represents results for the period and is not annualized.
*** Per share amount calculated on the average shares method.
For the period December 17, 2007 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2007.
# Computed after giving effect to an agreement by MassMutual to waive certain fees and expenses of the Fund.
(a) Employee retirement benefit plans that invest plan assets in the Separate Investment Accounts (SIAs) may be subject to certain charges as set forth in their respective Plan Documents. Total return figures would be lower for the periods presented if they reflected these charges.
(b) Total return excludes sales charges and would be lower for the period presented if it reflected these charges.

 

–  230  –


ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES

 

AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

 

The Funds, including each of the Destination Retirement Funds, primarily through its investments in the Underlying Funds, may invest in a wide range of investments and engage in various investment-related transactions and practices. These practices are pursuant to non-fundamental policies and therefore may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust without the consent of shareholders. Some of the more significant practices and some associated risks are discussed below. Unless otherwise specified, all Funds may engage in the investment practices and techniques described below to the extent consistent with such Fund’s investment objective and fundamental investment restrictions. Not all Funds necessarily will utilize all or any of these practices and techniques at any one time. For purposes of each of the Destination Retirement Funds, except as otherwise stated, references in this section to “the Funds,” “each Fund” or “a Fund” may relate to the Fund, one or more Underlying Funds, or both.

 

Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

Each Fund may engage in repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a contract pursuant to which a Fund agrees to purchase a security and simultaneously agrees to resell it at an agreed-upon price at a stated time, thereby determining the yield during the Fund’s holding period. A reverse repurchase agreement is a contract pursuant to which a Fund agrees to sell a security and simultaneously agrees to repurchase it at an agreed-upon price at a stated time. The Statement of Additional Information provides a detailed description of repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and related risks.

 

Securities Lending

 

Each Fund may seek additional income by making loans of portfolio securities of not more than 33% of its total assets taken at current value. Although lending portfolio securities may involve the risk of delay in recovery of the securities loaned or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by MassMutual and the Funds’ custodian to be in good standing.

 

Under applicable regulatory requirements and securities lending agreements (which are subject to change), the loan collateral received by a Fund when it lends portfolio securities must, on each business day, be at least equal to the value of the loaned securities. Cash collateral received by a Fund will be reinvested by the Fund’s securities lending agent in high quality, short term instruments, including bank obligations, U.S. Government securities, repurchase agreements, money market funds and U.S. dollar denominated corporate instruments with an effective

maturity of one-year or less, including variable rate and floating rate securities, insurance company funding agreements and asset-backed securities. All investments of cash collateral by a Fund are for the account and risk of that Fund.

 

Hedging Instruments and Derivatives

 

Each Fund may buy or sell forward contracts and other similar instruments and may engage in foreign currency transactions (collectively referred to as “hedging instruments” or “derivatives”), as more fully discussed in the Statement of Additional Information.

 

The Funds may normally use derivatives:

 

· to protect against possible declines in the market value of a Fund’s portfolio resulting from downward trends in the markets (for example, in the debt securities markets generally due to increasing interest rates);

 

· to protect a Fund’s unrealized gains or limit its unrealized losses;

 

· to manage a Fund’s exposure to changing securities prices; and

 

· to generate additional investment returns.

 

The Funds may also use derivatives to establish a position in the debt or equity securities markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities and to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed income securities in a Fund’s portfolio. The Funds do not currently intend to use derivatives for purposes which the Funds’

 

–  231  –


investment adviser or sub-adviser would consider speculative.

 

(1) Forward Contracts – Each Fund may purchase or sell securities on a “when issued” or delayed delivery basis or may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis (“forward contracts”). When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of commitment, but delivery and payment for the securities can take place a month or more after the commitment date. The securities so purchased or sold are subject to market fluctuations and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period. While a Fund also may enter into forward contracts with the initial intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio, it may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement if the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser deems it appropriate to do so.

 

(2) Currency Transactions – The Funds may, but will not necessarily, engage in foreign currency transactions with counterparties in order to hedge the value of portfolio holdings denominated in or exposed to particular currencies against fluctuations in relative value or for the Diversified International Fund to generate additional returns by buying currencies in excess of underlying equities when opportunities arise.

 

For more information about forward contracts and currency transactions and the extent to which tax considerations may limit a Fund’s use of such instruments, see the Statement of Additional Information.

 

There can be no assurance that the use of hedging instruments and derivatives by a Fund will assist it in achieving its investment objective. Risks inherent in the use of these instruments include the following:

 

· the risk that interest rates and securities prices will not move in the direction anticipated;

 

· the imperfect correlation between the prices of a forward contract and the price of the securities being hedged; and

 

· the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser may not have the skills needed to manage these strategies.

 

As to forward contracts, the risk exists that the counterparty to the transaction will be incapable of meeting or unwilling to meet its commitment, in which case the desired hedging protection may not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. As to currency transactions, risks exist that purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments which could result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in settlement of obligations. It also could cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs.

 

In addition, a Fund may buy “structured” notes, which are specially-designed debt investments with principal payments or interest payments that are linked to the value of an index (such as a currency or securities index) or commodity. The terms of the instrument may be “structured” by the purchaser (the Fund) and the borrower issuing the note. The values of these notes will fall or rise in response to the changes in the values of the underlying security or index. They are subject to both credit and interest rate risks. Therefore the Fund could receive more or less than it originally invested when a note matures, or it might receive less interest than the stated coupon payment if the underlying investment or index does not perform as anticipated. The prices of these notes may be very volatile and they may have a limited trading market, making it difficult for the Fund to value them or to sell its investment quickly at an acceptable price.

 

Options and Futures Contracts

 

The Funds may engage in options transactions, such as writing covered put and call options on securities and purchasing put and call options on securities. These strategies are designed to increase a Fund’s portfolio return, or to protect the value of the portfolio, by offsetting a decline in portfolio value through the options purchased. Writing options, however, can only constitute a partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium, and due to transaction costs.

 

The Funds may also write covered call and put options and purchase call and put options on stock indexes in order to increase portfolio income or to protect the Fund against declines in the value of portfolio securities. In addition, the Funds may also purchase and write options on foreign currencies to protect against declines in the dollar value of portfolio securities and against increases in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired.

 

–  232  –


A Fund may also enter into futures contracts, including stock index futures contracts, foreign currency futures contracts and fixed income futures contracts. These transactions are hedging strategies. They are designed to protect a Fund’s current or intended investments from the effects of changes in exchange rates or market declines. They may also be used for other purposes, such as an efficient means of adjusting a Fund’s exposure to certain markets; in an effort to enhance income; and as a cash management tool. A Fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases and sells futures contracts. Futures contracts entail risk of loss in portfolio value if the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser is incorrect in anticipating the direction of exchange rates or the securities markets.

 

A Fund may also purchase and write options on these futures contracts. This strategy also is intended to protect against declines in the values of portfolio securities or against increases in the costs of securities to be acquired. Like other options, options on futures contracts constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, and due to transaction costs.

 

While these strategies will generally be used by a Fund for hedging purposes, there are risks. For example, the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser may incorrectly forecast the direction of exchange rates or of the underlying securities index or markets. When these transactions are unsuccessful, the Fund may experience losses. When a Fund enters into these transactions to increase portfolio value (i.e., other than for hedging purposes), there is a liquidity risk that no market will arise for resale and the Fund could also experience losses. Options and Futures Contracts strategies and risks are described more fully in the Statement of Additional Information.

 

Foreign Securities

 

Investments in foreign securities offer potential benefits not available from investing solely in securities of domestic issuers, such as the opportunity to invest in foreign issuers that appear to offer growth potential, or to invest in foreign countries with economic policies or business cycles different from those of the United States or foreign stock markets that do not move in a manner parallel to U.S. markets, thereby diversifying risks of fluctuations in portfolio value.

 

Investments in foreign securities, however, entail certain risks, such as: the imposition of dividend or interest withholding or confiscatory taxes; currency blockages or transfer restrictions; expropriation, nationalization, military coups or other adverse political or economic developments; less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies; and the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries. Certain markets may require payment for securities before delivery. A Fund’s ability and decision to purchase and sell portfolio securities may be affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility of currencies and repatriation of assets. Further, it may be more difficult for a Fund’s agents to keep currently informed about corporate actions which may affect the prices of portfolio securities. Communications between the United States and foreign countries may be less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities.

 

Trading

 

A Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser may use trading as a means of managing the portfolios of the Fund in seeking to achieve their investment objectives. Transactions will occur when the investment adviser or sub-adviser believes that the trade, net of transaction costs, will improve interest income or capital appreciation potential, or will lessen capital loss potential. Whether the goals discussed above will be achieved through trading depends on the investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s ability to evaluate particular securities and anticipate relevant market factors, including interest rate trends and variations from such trends. If such evaluations and expectations prove to be incorrect, a Fund’s income or capital appreciation could fall and its capital losses could increase. In addition, high portfolio turnover in any Fund can result in additional brokerage commissions to be paid by the Fund and can reduce a Fund’s return. It may also result in higher short-term capital gains that are taxable to shareholders.

 

Indexing v. Active Management

 

Active management involves the sub-adviser buying and selling securities based on research and analysis. Unlike Funds that are actively managed, the Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Fund are “index” funds – they try to match, as closely as possible, the

 

–  233  –


performance of a target index by generally holding either all, or a representative sample of, the securities in the index. Indexing provides simplicity because it is a straightforward market-matching strategy. Index funds generally provide diversification by investing in a wide variety of companies and industries (although many “index” funds are technically non-diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act – see Non-Diversification Risk on page 108). An index fund’s performance is predictable in that the fund’s value is expected to move in the same direction, up or down, as the target index. Index funds also tend to have lower costs because they do not have many of the expenses of actively managed funds such as research; index funds usually have relatively low trading activity and therefore brokerage commissions tend to be lower; and index funds generally realize lower capital gains.

 

Optimization

 

To attempt to match the risk and return characteristics of the S&P 500 Index as closely as possible for the Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Index for the NASDAQ-100 Fund, NTI, the Funds’ sub-adviser, generally invests in a statistically selected sample of the securities found in the S&P 500 Index or NASDAQ-100 Index, as the case may be, using a process known as “optimization.” Each Fund may not hold every one of the stocks in its target index. The Funds utilize “optimization,” a statistical sampling technique, in an effort to run an efficient and effective strategy. This will be most pronounced for the NASDAQ-100 Fund when the Fund does not have enough assets to be fully invested in all securities in the NASDAQ-100 Index. Optimization entails that the Funds first buy the stocks that make up the larger portions of the relevant index’s value in roughly the same proportion as the index. Second, smaller stocks are analyzed and selected. In selecting smaller stocks, the sub-adviser tries to match the industry and risk characteristics of all of the smaller companies in the index without buying all of those stocks. This approach attempts to maximize the Fund’s liquidity and returns while minimizing its costs.

 

Cash Positions/Temporary Defensive Positions

 

Each Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents to provide for expenses and anticipated redemption payments and so that an orderly investment program may be carried out in accordance with the Fund’s investment policies. In certain market conditions, a Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser, except for the Value Equity Fund, may for temporary defensive purposes, invest in investment grade debt securities, government obligations, or money market instruments or cash equivalents. The Value Equity Fund reserves the right to invest for temporary or defensive purposes, without limitation in preferred stock and investment grade debt instruments. These temporary defensive positions may cause the Fund not to achieve its investment objective. These investments may also give the Fund liquidity and allow it to achieve an investment return during such periods, although the Fund still has the possibility of losing money.

 

Under normal circumstances, a Fund will comply with its 80% investment requirement. However, a Fund may (but is not required to), from time to time, depart temporarily from its 80% investment requirement to avoid losses in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, as well as other limited, appropriate circumstances, such as, but not limited to, unusually large cash flows or redemptions. Keep in mind that a temporary defensive strategy still has the possibility of losing money and may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.

 

Zero-Coupon and “Stripped” Securities

 

A Fund may buy government and corporate zero-coupon bonds that pay no interest. They are issued at a substantial discount from their face value. A Fund also can buy “stripped” securities that are the separate income or principal components of a debt security. Some collateralized mortgage obligations or other mortgage-related securities may be stripped, with each component having a different proportion of principal or interest payments. One class might receive all the interest and the other all the principal payments.

 

Zero-coupon and stripped securities are subject to greater fluctuations in price from interest rate changes than interest-bearing securities. A Fund may have to pay out the imputed income on zero-coupon securities without receiving the actual cash currently. The values of interest-only and principal-only mortgage-related securities are also very sensitive to prepayments of underlying mortgages and changes in interest rates. When prepayments tend to fall, the timing of the cash flows to these securities increases, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The market for some of these securities may be

 

–  234  –


limited, making it difficult for the Fund to dispose of its holdings quickly at an acceptable price.

 

Participation Interests in Loans and Loan Investment Pools

 

Participation interests in loans represent an undivided fractional interest in a loan obligation of a borrower. They are typically purchased from banks or dealers that have made the loan or are members of the loan syndicate. A Fund can also buy interests in trusts and other pooled entities that invest primarily or exclusively in loan obligations, including entities sponsored and/or advised by the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser or an affiliate. The loans underlying these investments may include loans to foreign or U.S. borrowers, may be collateralized or uncollateralized and may be rated above or below investment grade or may be unrated.

 

These investments are subject to the risk of default by the borrower, interest rate and prepayment risk, as well as credit risks of the servicing agent of the participation interest or the pooled entity that holds the loan obligations. These risks can cause a Fund to lose money on its investment.

 

Issuer Diversification

 

The Value Equity Fund, the NASDAQ-100 Fund, the Aggressive Growth Fund and the Focused Value Fund are classified as non-diversified, which means that the proportion of each Fund’s assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer is not limited by the 1940 Act. A “diversified” investment company is generally required by the 1940 Act, with respect to 75% of its total assets, to invest not more than 5% of such assets in the securities of a single issuer or own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. Since a relatively high percentage of each Fund’s assets may be invested in the securities of a limited number of issuers, some of which may be within the same economic sector, the Fund’s portfolio may be more sensitive to the changes in market value of a single issuer or industry. However, to meet Federal tax requirements, at the close of each quarter the Fund may not have more than 25% of its total assets invested in any one issuer and, with respect to 50% of total assets, not more than 5% of its total assets invested in any one issuer, and not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. These limitations do not apply to U.S. government securities.

 

Investment in Other Investment Companies

 

A Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, which can include open-end funds, closed-end funds and unit investment trusts, subject to the limits set forth in the 1940 Act that apply to those types of investments. For example, a Fund can invest in Exchange-Traded Funds, which are typically open-end funds or unit investment trusts, listed on a stock exchange. A Fund might do so as a way of gaining exposure to the segments of the equity or fixed-income markets represented by the Exchange-Traded Funds’ portfolios, at times when the Fund may not be able to buy those portfolio securities directly.

 

Investing in another investment company may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such investment company’s portfolio securities and is subject to limitations under the 1940 Act. The Funds do not intend to invest in other investment companies unless MassMutual or a Fund’s Sub-Adviser believes that the potential benefits of the investment justify the payment of any premiums or sales charges. As a shareholder of an investment company, a Fund would be subject to its ratable share of that investment company’s expenses, including its advisory and administration expenses.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities and CMOs

 

The Funds may invest in mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”). These securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans made by lenders such as banks and savings and loan associations. The pools are assembled for sale to investors (such as the Funds) by government agencies and private issuers, which issue or guarantee the securities relating to the pool. Such securities differ from conventional debt securities which generally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed or determinable amounts (usually semi-annually) with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. Some mortgage-backed securities in which a Fund may invest may be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., direct pass-through certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”)); some are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government (e.g., obligations of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation); and some are backed by only the credit of the issuer itself (e.g., private issuer securities). Those guarantees do not extend to the value or yield

 

–  235  –


of the mortgage-backed securities themselves or to the NAV of a Fund’s shares. These issuers may also issue derivative mortgage backed securities such as CMOs.

 

The expected yield on mortgage-backed securities is based on the average expected life of the underlying pool of mortgage loans. The actual life of any particular pool will be shortened by any unscheduled or early payments of principal. Principal prepayments generally result from the sale of the underlying property or the refinancing or foreclosure of underlying mortgages. The occurrence of prepayments is affected by a wide range of economic, demographic and social factors and, accordingly, it is not possible to predict accurately the average life of a particular pool. Yield on such pools is usually computed by using the historical record of prepayments for that pool, or, in the case of newly-issued mortgages, the prepayment history of similar pools. The actual prepayment experience of a pool of mortgage loans may cause the yield realized by a Fund to differ from the yield calculated on the basis of the expected average life of the pool.

 

Prepayments tend to increase during periods of falling interest rates, while during periods of rising interest rates prepayments may likely decline. When prevailing interest rates rise, the value of a pass- through security may decrease as do the values of other debt securities, but, when prevailing interest rates decline, the value of a pass-through security is not likely to rise to the extent that the values of other debt securities rise, because of the risk of prepayment. A Fund’s reinvestment of scheduled principal payments and unscheduled prepayments it receives may occur at times when available investments offer higher or lower rates than the original investment, thus affecting the yield of the Fund. Monthly interest payments received by the Fund have a compounding effect which may increase the yield to the Fund more than debt obligations that pay interest semi-annually. Because of these factors, mortgage-backed securities may be less effective than bonds of similar maturity at maintaining yields during periods of declining interest rates. A Fund may purchase mortgage-backed securities at a premium or at a discount. Accelerated prepayments adversely affect yields for pass-through securities purchased at a premium (i.e., at a price in excess of their principal amount) and may involve additional risk of loss of principal because the premium may not have been fully amortized at the time the obligation is repaid. The opposite is true for pass-through securities purchased at a discount.

 

Asset-Backed Securities

 

These securities, issued by trusts and special purpose entities, are backed by pools of assets, such as automobile and credit-card receivables and home equity loans, which pass through the payments on the underlying obligations to the security holders (less servicing fees paid to the originator or fees for any credit enhancement). The value of an asset-backed security is affected by changes in the market’s perception of the asset backing the security, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans and the financial institution providing any credit enhancement. Value is also affected if any credit enhancement has been exhausted. Payments of principal and interest passed through to holders of asset-backed securities are typically supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety bond, limited guarantee by another entity or by having a priority to certain of the borrower’s other assets. The degree of credit enhancement varies, and generally applies to only a fraction of the asset-backed security’s par value until exhausted. If the credit enhancement of an asset-backed security held by a Fund has been exhausted, and, if any required payments of principal and interest are not made with respect to the underlying loans, the Fund may experience losses or delays in receiving payment.

 

The risks of investing in asset-backed securities are ultimately dependent upon payment of consumer loans by the individual borrowers. As a purchaser of an asset-backed security, the Fund would generally have no recourse to the entity that originated the loans in the event of default by a borrower. The underlying loans are subject to prepayments, which shorten the weighted average life of asset-backed securities and may lower their return, in the same manner as described above for prepayments of a pool of mortgage loans underlying mortgage-backed securities. However, asset-backed securities do not have the benefit of the same security interest in the underlying collateral as do mortgage-backed securities.

 

Dollar Roll Transactions

 

To take advantage of attractive financing opportunities in the mortgage market and to enhance current income, each of the Funds may engage in

 

–  236  –


dollar roll transactions. A dollar roll transaction involves a sale by a Fund of a GNMA certificate or other mortgage backed securities to a financial institution, such as a bank or broker-dealer, concurrent with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase a similar security from the institution at a later date at an agreed upon price. The securities that are repurchased will bear the same interest rate as those sold, but generally will be collateralized by different pools of mortgages with different prepayment histories than those sold. Dollar roll transactions involve potential risks of loss which are different from those related to the securities underlying the transaction. The Statement of Additional Information gives a more detailed description of dollar roll transactions and related risks.

 

Lower Rated Debt Securities

 

While the Funds may invest in investment grade debt securities that are rated in the fourth highest rating category by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (e.g., Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.) or, if unrated, are judged by the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser to be of equivalent quality, such securities have speculative characteristics, are subject to greater credit risk, and may be subject to greater market risk than higher rated investment grade securities.

 

When-Issued Securities

 

The Funds may purchase securities on a “when-issued” or on a “forward delivery” basis, which means securities will be delivered to the Fund at a future date beyond the settlement date. A Fund will not have to pay for securities until they are delivered. While waiting for delivery of the securities, the Fund will segregate sufficient liquid assets to cover its commitments. Although the Funds do not intend to make such purchases for speculative purposes, there are risks related to liquidity and market fluctuations prior to the Fund taking delivery.

 

Changes to Investment Policies

 

For Funds with an 80% “name test” policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days prior notice of any change in the policy.

 

Net Assets

 

For purposes of clarifying the term as used in this Prospectus, “Net Assets” includes any borrowings for investment purposes.

 

–  237  –


MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDS

1295 State Street

Springfield, Massachusetts 01111

 

Learning More About the Funds

 

You can learn more about the Funds by reading the Funds’ Annual and Semiannual Reports and the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). This information is available free upon request. In the Annual and Semiannual Reports, you will find a discussion of market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Fund’s performance during the period covered by the Report and a listing of each Fund’s portfolio securities as of the end of such period. The SAI provides additional information about the Funds and will provide you with more detail regarding the organization and operation of the Funds, including their investment strategies. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is therefore legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

 

How to Obtain Information

 

From MassMutual Select Funds:  You may request information about the Funds (including the Annual/Semiannual Reports and the SAI) or make shareholder inquiries by calling 1-888-309-3539 or by writing MassMutual Select Funds c/o Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0111, Attention: Retirement Services Marketing. You may also obtain copies of the Annual/Semiannual Reports and the SAI free of charge at http://www.massmutual.com/retire.

From the SEC:  You may review and copy information about the Funds (including the SAI) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (call 1-202-942-8090 for information regarding the operation of the SEC’s public reference room). You can get copies of this information, upon payment of a copying fee, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102 or by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov. Alternatively, if you have access to the Internet, you may obtain information about the Funds from the SEC’s EDGAR database on its Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.

 

When obtaining information about the Funds from the SEC, you may find it useful to reference the Funds’ SEC file number: 811-8274.

 


MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDS

1295 State Street

Springfield, Massachusetts 01111

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (“SAI”) IS NOT A PROSPECTUS. IT SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PROSPECTUS OF MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDS (THE “TRUST”) DATED APRIL 1, 2008, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME (THE “PROSPECTUS”). THIS SAI INCORPORATES HEREIN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE FUNDS BY REFERENCE TO THE FUNDS’ ANNUAL REPORT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 (THE “ANNUAL REPORT”). TO OBTAIN A PROSPECTUS OR AN ANNUAL REPORT, CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-309-3539, OR WRITE THE TRUST AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS.

 

This SAI relates to the following Funds:

 

   

MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Diversified Value Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Fundamental Value Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Value Equity Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Large Cap Value Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Indexed Equity Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Large Cap Growth Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund

 

 

 

MassMutual Select NASDAQ-100® Fund (formerly MassMutual Select OTC 100 Fund)

 

   

MassMutual Select Focused Value Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Small Cap Core Equity Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Small Company Growth Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Overseas Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Income Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

 

   

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund

 

No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this SAI or in the related Prospectus, in connection with the offer contained herein, and, if given or made, such other information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or MML Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”). This SAI and the related Prospectus do not constitute an offer by the Trust or by the Distributor to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.

 

Dated April 1, 2008

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

GENERAL INFORMATION

   B-3

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES

   B-4

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

   B-30

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUNDS

   B-32

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

   B-40

COMPENSATION

   B-46

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

   B-47

INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISERS

   B-75

ADMINISTRATOR AND SUB-ADMINISTRATOR

   B-84

THE DISTRIBUTOR

   B-87

CLASS A AND CLASS N DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS

   B-87

CUSTODIAN, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND TRANSFER AGENT

   B-89

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   B-90

CODES OF ETHICS

   B-90

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

   B-90

SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT

   B-94

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

   B-94

REDEMPTION OF SHARES

   B-94

VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

   B-95

TAXATION

   B-96

EXPERTS

   B-104

GLOSSARY

   B-104

APPENDIX A—DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

   B-106

APPENDIX B—PROXY VOTING POLICIES

   B-110

APPENDIX C—ADDITIONAL PORTFOLIO MANAGER INFORMATION

   B-296

 

B-2


GENERAL INFORMATION

 

MassMutual Select Funds (the “Trust”) is a professionally managed, open-end investment company. This SAI describes the following thirty-one separate series of the Trust: (1) MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund (“Strategic Bond Fund”), (2) MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund (“Strategic Balanced Fund”), (3) MassMutual Select Diversified Value Fund (“Diversified Value Fund”), (4) MassMutual Select Fundamental Value Fund (“Fundamental Value Fund”), (5) MassMutual Select Value Equity Fund (“Value Equity Fund”), (6) MassMutual Select Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”) (7) MassMutual Select Indexed Equity Fund (“Indexed Equity Fund”), (8) MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund (“Core Opportunities Fund”), (9) MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund (“Blue Chip Growth Fund”), (10) MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund (“Diversified Growth Fund”), (11) MassMutual Select Large Cap Growth Fund (“Large Cap Growth Fund”), (12) MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund (“Aggressive Growth Fund”), (13) MassMutual Select NASDAQ-100® Fund (formerly MassMutual Select OTC 100 Fund) (“NASDAQ-100 Fund”), (14) MassMutual Select Focused Value Fund (“Focused Value Fund”), (15) MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund (“Mid-Cap Value Fund”), (16) MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund (“Small Cap Value Equity Fund”), (17) MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund (“Small Company Value Fund”), (18) MassMutual Select Small Cap Core Equity Fund (“Small Cap Core Equity Fund”), (19) MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund (“Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund”), (20) MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund (“Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund”), (21) MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity Fund (“Small Cap Growth Equity Fund”), (22) MassMutual Select Small Company Growth Fund (“Small Company Growth Fund”), (23) MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund (“Emerging Growth Fund”), (24) MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund (“Diversified International Fund”), (25) MassMutual Select Overseas Fund (“Overseas Fund”), (26) MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Income Fund (“Destination Retirement Income Fund”), (27) MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund (“Destination Retirement 2010 Fund”), (28) MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund (“Destination Retirement 2020 Fund”), (29) MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund (“Destination Retirement 2030 Fund”), (30) MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund (“Destination Retirement 2040 Fund”) and (31) MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund (“Destination Retirement 2050 Fund”) (each individually referred to as a “Fund” or collectively as the “Funds”). Currently, the Trustees have authorized a total of thirty-four separate series. Additional series may be created by the Trustees from time-to-time.

 

The Trust is organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Massachusetts business trust pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated May 28, 1993, as amended from time to time (the “Declaration of Trust”). The investment adviser for each of the Funds is Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual” or the “Adviser”). The sub-advisers for the Strategic Bond Fund are Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”), located at 385 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, California 91101 and Western Asset Management Company Limited (“WAML”), located at 10 Exchange Square, London, UK EC2A 2EN. The sub-advisers for the Strategic Balanced Fund are ClearBridge Advisors, LLC (“ClearBridge”), located at 620 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018, Western Asset and WAML. The sub-adviser for the Diversified Value Fund is AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”), located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105. The sub-adviser for the Fundamental Value Fund is Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”), located at 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The sub-adviser for the Value Equity Fund is Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (“Pyramis”), located at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The sub-adviser for the Large Cap Value Fund is Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (“Davis”), located at 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, Arizona 85706. The sub-adviser for the Indexed Equity Fund is Northern Trust Investments, N.A. (“NTI”), located at 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. The sub-adviser for the Core Opportunities Fund is Victory Capital Management Inc. (“Victory”), located at 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. The sub-adviser for the Blue Chip Growth Fund is T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”), located at 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The sub-advisers for the Diversified Growth Fund are T. Rowe Price, Wellington Management and Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. (“Legg Mason”), located at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The sub-adviser for the Large Cap Growth Fund is AllianceBernstein. The sub-advisers for the Aggressive Growth Fund are Sands

 

B-3


Capital Management, LLC (“Sands Capital”), located at 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 2300, Arlington, Virginia 22209 and Delaware Management Company (“DMC”), located at 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. The sub-adviser for the NASDAQ-100 Fund is NTI. The sub-adviser for the Focused Value Fund is Harris Associates LP (“Harris”), located at 2 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. The sub-adviser for the Mid-Cap Value Fund is Cooke & Bieler, L.P. (“Cooke & Bieler”), located at 1700 Market Street, Suite 3222, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. The sub-adviser for the Small Cap Value Equity Fund is SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM”), located at One Lincoln Street, 33rd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. The sub-advisers for the Small Company Value Fund are Clover Capital Management, Inc. (“Clover”), located at 400 Meridian Centre, Suite 200, Rochester, New York 14618, T. Rowe Price and EARNEST Partners, LLC (“Earnest Partners”), located at 1180 Peachtree Street, Suite 2300, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The sub-adviser for the Small Cap Core Equity Fund is Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”), located at 32 Old Slip, New York, New York 10005. The sub-advisers for the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund are Wellington Management and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. (“Turner”), located at 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312. The sub-adviser for the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund is T. Rowe Price. The sub-advisers for the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund are Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company (“Waddell & Reed”), located at 6300 Lamar, Overland Park, Kansas 66202 and Wellington Management. The sub-advisers for the Small Company Growth Fund are Mazama Capital Management, Inc. (“Mazama”), located at One SW Columbia Street, Suite 1500, Portland, Oregon 97258 and Eagle Asset Management, Inc. (“Eagle”), located at 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. The sub-advisers for the Emerging Growth Fund are DMC and Insight Capital Research & Management, Inc. (“Insight Capital”), located at 2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 560, Walnut Creek, California 94596. The sub-adviser for the Diversified International Fund is AllianceBernstein. The sub-advisers for the Overseas Fund are Harris and Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS®1), located at 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

 

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES

 

Each Fund has a distinct investment objective which it pursues through separate investment policies, as described in the Prospectus and below. The investment objective, fundamental investment policies and fundamental investment restrictions of a Fund may not be changed without the vote of a majority of that Fund’s outstanding shares (which, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and the rules thereunder and as used in this Statement of Additional Information and in the Prospectus, means the lesser of (l) 67% of the shares of that Fund present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of that Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of that Fund). The Board of Trustees of the Trust may adopt new or amend or delete existing non-fundamental investment policies and restrictions without shareholder approval. There is no guarantee that any Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

The following discussion elaborates on the presentation of each Fund’s investment policies contained in the Prospectus. Unless otherwise specified, each Fund may engage in the investment practices and techniques described below to the extent consistent with such Fund’s investment objective and fundamental investment restrictions. Not all Funds necessarily will utilize all or any of these practices and techniques at any one time. Investment policies and restrictions described below are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without shareholder approval, unless otherwise noted. For a description of the ratings of corporate debt securities and money market instruments in which the various Funds may invest, reference should be made to the Appendix.

 

Each Destination Retirement Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of equity, fixed income and money market funds advised by MassMutual or a control affiliate of MassMutual (“Underlying Funds”)2 using an asset allocation strategy. In managing their portfolios of investments, the


(1)

MFS® is a registered trademark of Massachusetts Financial Services Company.

(2) Underlying Funds can include MassMutual Select Funds, MassMutual Premier Funds and Oppenheimer Funds, which are advised by OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (“OFI”). OFI is a majority owned, indirect subsidiary of MassMutual.

 

B-4


Underlying Funds may purchase various securities, investment related instruments and make use of various investment techniques, including, but not limited to, those described below. For purposes of the Destination Retirement Funds, except as otherwise stated, references on the following pages to “the Funds,” “each Fund” or “a Fund” may relate to the Funds, one or more Underlying Funds, or both.

 

Strategic Balanced Fund

 

While the Fund’s target allocation is 60% equity securities and 40% fixed income securities, the Fund expects to maintain, under normal circumstances, a minimum of 25% equity securities and 25% fixed income securities.

 

Indexed Equity Fund and NASDAQ-100 Fund

 

The Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Fund attempt to match the risk and return characteristics of the S&P 500® Index or the NASDAQ-100 Index®, respectively, as closely as possible. These Funds may employ a statistical sampling technique known as “optimization,” which is described below, in an attempt to match the risk and return characteristics of the Index as closely as possible. The Indexed Equity Fund generally invests in securities of the companies in the S&P 500 Index in proportion to their index weightings. The Fund’s sub-adviser, NTI, seeks a correlation of 98% or better between the performance of the Fund, before expenses, and the S&P 500 Index. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.

 

Optimization.    The Indexed Equity Fund may not hold every one of the stocks in the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ-100 Fund may not hold every one of the stocks in the NASDAQ-100 Index. In an effort to run an efficient and effective strategy, each Fund may use the process of “optimization,” a statistical sampling technique. This will be most pronounced for the NASDAQ-100 Fund when the Fund does not have enough assets to be fully invested in all securities in the NASDAQ-100 Index. Optimization entails that the Funds first buy the stocks that make up the larger portions of the relevant Index’s value in roughly the same proportion as the Index. Second, smaller stocks are analyzed and selected. In selecting smaller stocks, the sub-adviser tries to match the industry and risk characteristics of all of the smaller companies in the Index without buying all of those stocks. This approach attempts to maximize the Fund’s liquidity and returns while minimizing its costs.

 

Each of the Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Fund will generally invest at least 80% of its assets in stocks of companies included in the S&P 500 Index or the NASDAQ-100 Index, respectively. These Funds may hold up to 20% of their assets in short-term debt securities, money market instruments and stock index futures and options. Futures and options are considered derivatives because they “derive” their value from a traditional security (like a stock or bond), asset or index. The Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Fund intend to buy futures in anticipation of buying stocks. Futures and options on futures contracts are used as a low-cost method of gaining exposure to a particular securities market without investing directly in those securities. The Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Fund also invest in derivatives to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to the stock market.

 

Tracking Error.    There are several reasons why the performance of the Indexed Equity Fund or the NASDAQ-100 Fund may not track its respective Index exactly. Unlike an Index, these Funds incur administrative expenses and transaction costs in trading stocks. In addition, the composition of the Index and corresponding Fund’s portfolio may occasionally diverge. Furthermore, the timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying shares could create balances of uninvested cash for a Fund. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of cash outflows to investors selling shares could require ready reserves of uninvested cash. Either situation would likely cause the Funds’ performance to deviate from the “fully invested” Index.

 

Disclaimer.    The Indexed Equity Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s® (“S&P®”). S&P makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Fund or any member of

 

B-5


the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market performance. S&P’s only relationship to the Fund is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of S&P without regard to the Fund. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Fund’s shares or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund’s shares or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund’s shares are to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund’s shares.

 

S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein and S&P shall have no liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions therein. S&P makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, or any other person or entity from the use of the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein. S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall S&P have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

The NASDAQ-100 Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. or its affiliates (together with its affiliates, “NASDAQ”). NASDAQ has not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the Fund contained in the prospectus or this statement of additional information. NASDAQ makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly, or the ability of the NASDAQ-100 Index to track general stock market performance. NASDAQ’s only relationship to the Fund is in the licensing of the NASDAQ®, NASDAQ-100® and NASDAQ-100 Index trademarks, and certain trade names of NASDAQ and the use of the NASDAQ-100 Index, which is determined, composed and calculated by NASDAQ without regard to the Fund. NASDAQ has no obligation to take the needs of the Fund or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the NASDAQ-100 Index. NASDAQ is not responsible for, and has not participated in, the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the net asset value of the Fund’s shares. NASDAQ has no liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

 

NASDAQ DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF THE NASDAQ-100 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NASDAQ MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE FUND, OWNERS OF THE FUND’S SHARES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NASDAQ-100 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NASDAQ MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ-100 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL NASDAQ HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

Banking Relationships

 

NTI and its affiliates, including its parent Northern Trust Corporation, deal, trade and invest for their own account in the types of securities in which the Indexed Equity Fund and NASDAQ-100 Fund may invest and may have deposit, loan and commercial banking relationships with the issuers of securities purchased by these Funds.

 

B-6


Cash Positions

 

Each Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents to provide for expenses and anticipated redemption payments and so that an orderly investment program may be carried out in accordance with the Fund’s investment policies. To provide liquidity, for temporary defensive purposes and to receive a return on uninvested cash during such periods, each Fund may invest in investment grade debt securities, government obligations, or money market instruments or money market mutual funds. In addition to investing for temporary defensive purposes, the equity segment of the Strategic Balanced Fund is permitted to temporarily invest all or a portion of its assets in short-term corporate and government money market instruments, including repurchase agreements with respect to those instruments, when opportunities for capital growth do not appear attractive.

 

Common and Preferred Stocks

 

Stocks represent shares of ownership in a company. Generally, preferred stock has a specified dividend and ranks after bonds and before common stocks in its claim on income for dividend payments and on assets should the company be liquidated. After other claims are satisfied, common stockholders participate in company profits on a pro-rata basis. Profits may be paid out in dividends or reinvested in the company to help it grow. Increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company’s stock price, so common stocks generally have the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential of all corporate securities. While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, preferred stocks may be purchased where the issuer has omitted, or is in the danger of omitting, payment of its dividend. Such investments would be made primarily for their capital appreciation.

 

Concentration Policy

 

For purposes of each Fund’s concentration limitation as disclosed in this SAI, the Funds apply such policy to direct investments in the securities of issuers in a particular industry, as determined by a Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser. A Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and security and assign an industry or sector classification consistent with those characteristics in the event that the third party classification provider used by the investment adviser or sub-adviser does not assign a classification or the investment adviser or sub-adviser, in consultation with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, determines that another industry or sector classification is more appropriate.

 

Convertible Securities

 

The Funds may invest in debt or preferred equity securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, common stock at a stated price or rate. Traditionally, convertible securities have paid dividends or interest at rates higher than common stocks but lower than nonconvertible securities. They generally participate in the appreciation or depreciation of the underlying stock into which they are convertible, but to a lesser degree. In recent years, convertibles have been developed which combine higher or lower current income with options and other features.

 

Derivatives

 

The use of swaps, options, futures contracts, and other derivatives involves risk. Thus, while a Fund may benefit from the use of derivatives, including options, futures, and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices, currency exchange rates, or other underlying assets or reference rates may adversely affect a Fund’s performance.

 

Even if a Fund has the ability to engage in derivatives transactions, no Fund has the obligation to enter into derivatives transactions at any time or under any circumstances. In addition, nothing in this SAI is intended to limit in any way any purpose for which a Fund may enter into any type of derivatives transaction; a Fund may use derivatives transactions for hedging purposes or generally for purposes of enhancing its investment return.

 

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A Fund’s ability to engage in derivatives transactions is limited by the requirements for qualifying as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars.

 

A typical swap agreement involves the exchange by the Fund with another party of commitments to pay or receive cash flows, such as an exchange of floating interest rate payments for fixed interest rate payments with respect to a notional amount of principal. There are various types of swaps, including, for example, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, total return swaps, and caps, floors, and collars.

 

Interest rate swaps.    Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of interest payments, such as an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a notional amount of principal. For example, a Fund may enter into an interest rate swap in order to protect against declines in the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund. In such an instance, the Fund may agree with a counterparty to pay a fixed rate (multiplied by a notional amount) and the counterparty to pay a floating rate multiplied by the same notional amount. If interest rates rise, resulting in a diminution in the value of the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund would receive payments under the swap that would offset, in whole or in part, such diminution in value; if interest rates fall, the Fund would likely lose money on the swap transaction.

 

Credit default swaps.    A credit default swap is an agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that enables the Fund to buy or sell protection against a credit event related to a specified issuer. One party, acting as a “protection buyer,” makes periodic payments to the other party, a “protection seller,” in exchange for a promise by the protection seller to make a payment to the protection buyer if a negative credit event (such as a delinquent payment or default) occurs with respect to a referenced bond or group of bonds. Acting as a protection seller allows the Fund to create an investment exposure similar to owning a bond. Acting as a protection buyer allows the Fund potentially to reduce its credit exposure to a bond it owns or to take a “short” position in a bond it does not own.

 

As the protection buyer in a credit default swap, the Fund may pay a premium (by means of periodic payments) in return for the right to deliver specified bonds or loans (such as those of a U.S. or foreign issuer or a basket of such issuers) to the protection seller and receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value upon default (or similar events) by the reference issuer. If no default occurs, the protection seller would keep the stream of payments and would have no further obligations to the Fund. As the protection buyer, the Fund bears the risk that the investment might expire worthless and/or that the protection seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund in the event of a default (or similar event). In addition, when the Fund is a protection buyer, the Fund’s investment would only generate income in the event of an actual default (or similar event) by the issuer of the underlying reference obligation.

 

The Fund may also use credit default swaps for investment purposes by selling a credit default swap, in which case, the Fund, as the protection seller, would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the protection buyer in the event of a default (or similar event) by the third-party reference issuer. In return for its obligation, the Fund would receive from the protection buyer a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. If no credit event occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the protection seller in a credit default swap, the Fund effectively adds economic leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund is subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

 

Total return swaps.    In a total return swap, payments made by the Fund or the counterparty are based on the total return of an underlying asset(s), which may include an equity or fixed income security, a combination of such securities, or an index. The value of the swap position as well as the payments required to be made by the Fund or the counterparty will increase or decrease depending on the changes in value of the underlying asset(s). In a total return swap, one party will agree to pay to the other the increase in value of an underlying asset in

 

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return for the agreement by the other party to make periodic floating rate payments plus the amount of any decline in the value of the underlying asset.

 

Caps, floors, collars.    The purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the cap to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates or values.

 

Risk Factors in Swap Contracts and Other Two-Party Contracts.    The most significant factor in the performance of swaps, caps, floors, and collars and other similar transactions is the change in the value of the underlying price, rate, or index level that determines the amount of payments to be made under the arrangement. If the investment adviser or sub-adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of such factors, the investment performance of a Fund would be less than what it would have been if these investment techniques had not been used.

 

In addition, a Fund may only close out a swap, cap, floor, collar, or other two-party contract with its particular counterparty, and may only transfer a position with the consent of that counterparty. If the counterparty defaults, a Fund will have contractual remedies, but there can be no assurance that the counterparty will be able to meet its contractual obligations or that the Fund will succeed in enforcing its rights. For example, because the contract for each two-party derivatives transaction is individually negotiated with a specific counterparty, a Fund is subject to the risk that a counterparty may interpret contractual terms (e.g., the definition of default) differently than the Fund when the Fund seeks to enforce its contractual rights. The cost and unpredictability of the legal proceedings required for the Fund to enforce its contractual rights may lead it to decide not to pursue its claims against the counterparty. The Fund, therefore, assumes the risk that it may be unable to obtain payments owed to it under a derivatives contract or that those payments may be delayed or made only after the Fund has incurred the costs of litigation.

 

Options and Futures Strategies.

 

Options on Securities and Indices.    An option on a security or index is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right (but not the obligation) to buy from (in the case of a call) or sell to (in the case of a put) the writer of the option the security underlying the option (or units of the index underlying the option) at a specified price. Upon exercise, the writer of an option on a security generally has the obligation to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security. Upon exercise, the writer of an option on an index is generally required to pay the difference between the cash value of the index and the exercise price multiplied by the specified multiplier for the index option.

 

Purchasing Options on Securities and Indices.    Among other reasons, a Fund may purchase a put option to hedge against a decline in the value of a portfolio security. If such a decline occurs, the put option will permit the Fund to sell the security at the higher exercise price or to close out the option at a profit. By using put options in this manner, the Fund would reduce any profit it might otherwise have realized in the underlying security by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and by its transaction costs. In order for a put option purchased by a Fund to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium paid by the Fund and transaction costs.

 

Among other reasons, a Fund may purchase call options to hedge against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing in the future. If such a price increase occurs, a call option will permit the Fund to purchase the securities at the exercise price or to close out the option at a profit. The premium paid for the call option, plus any transaction costs, will reduce the benefit, if any, that the Fund realizes upon exercise of the option and, unless the price of the underlying security rises sufficiently, the option may expire worthless to

 

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the Fund. Thus, for a call option purchased by a Fund to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must rise sufficiently above the exercise price to cover the premium paid by the Fund to the writer and transaction costs.

 

In the case of both call and put options, the purchaser of an option risks losing the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs if the option expires worthless.

 

Writing Options on Securities and Indices.    Because a Fund receives a premium for writing a put or call option, a Fund may seek to increase its return by writing call or put options on securities or indices. The premium a Fund receives for writing an option will increase the Fund’s return in the event the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a profit. The size of the premium a Fund receives reflects, among other things, the relationship of the market price and volatility of the underlying security or index to the exercise price of the option, the remaining term of the option, supply and demand, and interest rates.

 

A Fund may write a call option on a security or other instrument held by the Fund. In such a case, the Fund limits its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. Alternatively, a Fund may write a call option on securities in which it may invest but that are not currently held by the Fund. During periods of declining securities prices or when prices are stable, writing these types of call options can be a profitable strategy to increase a Fund’s income with minimal capital risk. However, when securities prices increase, the Fund is exposed to an increased risk of loss, because if the price of the underlying security or instrument exceeds the option’s exercise price, the Fund will suffer a loss equal to the amount by which the market price exceeds the exercise price at the time the call option is exercised, minus the premium received. Calls written on securities that the Fund does not own are riskier than calls written on securities owned by the Fund because there is no underlying security held by the Fund that can act as a partial hedge. When such a call is exercised, the Fund must purchase the underlying security to meet its call obligation or make a payment equal to the value of its obligation in order to close out the option. Calls written on securities that the Fund does not own have speculative characteristics and the potential for loss is unlimited. There is also a risk, especially with less liquid preferred and debt securities, that the securities may not be available for purchase.

 

A Fund also may write a put option on a security. In so doing, the Fund assumes the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security for an exercise price higher than its then-current market price, resulting in a loss on exercise equal to the amount by which the market price of the security is below the exercise price minus the premium received.

 

OTC Options.    A Fund may also invest in over-the-counter (“OTC”) options. OTC options differ from exchange-traded options in that they are two-party contracts, with price and other terms negotiated between the buyer and seller, and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-traded options.

 

Closing Options Transactions.    The holder of an option may terminate its position in a put or call option it has purchased by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If an option is American style, it may be exercised on any day up to its expiration date. In contrast, a European style option may be exercised only on its expiration date.

 

In addition, a holder of an option may realize a gain or loss on the option by effecting an offsetting closing transaction. In the case of exchange-traded options, a Fund, as a holder of an option, may effect an offsetting closing sale transaction by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. A Fund would realize a gain from a closing sale transaction if the premium received from the sale of the option is more than the premium paid to purchase the option (plus transaction costs). A Fund would realize a loss from a closing sale transaction if the premium received from the sale of the option is less than the premium paid to purchase the option (plus transaction costs). Similarly, a Fund that has written an option may effect an offsetting closing purchase transaction by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written. A Fund realizes a gain from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the closing purchase transaction (option premium plus

 

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transaction costs) is less than the premium received from writing the option. A Fund realizes a loss from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the closing purchase transaction (option premium plus transaction costs) is greater than the premium received from writing the option.

 

An OTC option may be closed out only with the counterparty, although either party may engage in an offsetting transaction that puts that party in the same economic position as if it had closed out the option with the counterparty.

 

Risk Factors in Options Transactions.    There are various risks associated with transactions in exchange-traded and OTC options. The values of options written by a Fund, which will be priced daily, will be affected by, among other factors, changes in the value of underlying securities (including those comprising an index), changes in the dividend rates of underlying securities (including those comprising an index), changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the stock market and underlying securities, and the remaining time to an option’s expiration. The value of an option also may be adversely affected if the market for the option is reduced or becomes less liquid. In addition, since an American style option allows the holder to exercise its rights any time prior to expiration of the option, the writer of an American style option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligations as a writer of the option. This risk is not present when writing a European style option since the holder may only exercise the option on its expiration date.

 

A Fund’s ability to use options as part of its investment programs depends on the liquidity of the markets in those instruments. In addition, there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a Fund seeks to close out an option position. If a Fund were unable to close out an option that it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit or the option may expire worthless. If a Fund were unable to close out a call option that it had written on a portfolio security owned by the Fund, it may not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise. As the writer of a call option on a portfolio security, during the option’s life, the Fund foregoes the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security underlying the call option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call, but retains the risk of loss (net of premiums received) should the price of the underlying security decline. As the writer of a call option on a security it does not own, the Fund will realize a loss on the option if the price of the security increases above the strike price of the option. Similarly, as the writer of a call option on a securities index, a Fund will realize a loss on the option if the value of the index increases above the level on which the strike price is set.

 

An exchange-traded option may be closed out by means of an offsetting transaction only on a national securities exchange, which generally provides a liquid secondary market for an option of the same series. If a liquid secondary market for an exchange-traded option does not exist, a Fund might not be able to effect an offsetting closing transaction for a particular option as described above. In addition, the hours of trading for options on an exchange may not conform to the hours during which the securities held by a Fund are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that may not be reflected in the options markets.

 

Exchanges have established limits on the maximum number of options an investor or group of investors acting in concert may write. The Fund(s), an investment adviser or sub-adviser, and other clients of the investment adviser or sub-adviser may constitute such a group. These limits restrict a Fund’s ability to purchase or sell particular options.

 

An OTC option is also generally subject to the risks described above under “ Risk Factors in Swap Contracts and Other Two-Party Contracts.”

 

Futures Contracts and Related Options

 

A financial futures contract sale creates an obligation by the seller to deliver the type of financial instrument called for in the contract in a specified delivery month for a stated price. A financial futures contract purchase

 

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creates an obligation by the purchaser to take delivery of the type of financial instrument called for in the contract in a specified delivery month at a stated price. The specific instruments delivered or taken, respectively, at settlement date are not determined until on or near that date. The determination is made in accordance with the rules of the exchange on which the futures contract sale or purchase was made. Futures contracts are traded in the United States only on commodity exchanges or boards of trade—known as “contract markets”—approved for such trading by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), and must be executed through a futures commission merchant or brokerage firm which is a member of the relevant contract market.

 

Although futures contracts (other than index futures) by their terms call for actual delivery or acceptance of commodities or securities, in most cases the contracts are closed out before the settlement date without the making or taking of delivery, but rather by entering into an offsetting contract (a “closing transaction”). If a Fund is unable to enter into a closing transaction, the amount of the Fund’s potential loss may be unlimited.

 

No price is paid or received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering into a contract, a Fund is required to deposit with the broker an amount of liquid assets, to serve as “initial margin.” Initial margin is similar to a performance bond or good faith deposit which is returned to a Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called “variation margin” or “maintenance margin,” to and from the broker are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying security or commodity fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” Futures contracts also involve brokerage costs.

 

Each Fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act (the “CEA”), and therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the CEA.

 

Options on futures contracts.    In return for the premium paid, options on futures contracts give the purchaser the right to assume a position in a futures contract at the specified option exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Options on futures are similar to options on securities except that options on futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer’s futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the futures. If an option is exercised on the last trading day prior to its expiration date, the settlement will be made entirely in cash. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.

 

As with options on securities, the holder or writer of an option may terminate his position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected.

 

A Fund will be required to deposit initial margin and maintenance margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it pursuant to brokers’ requirements similar to those described above in connection with the discussion of futures contracts.

 

Risks of transactions in futures contracts and related options.    Investment in futures contracts involves risk. A purchase or sale of futures contracts may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract. Successful use of futures contracts and related options by a Fund is subject to the investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s ability to predict movements in various factors affecting financial markets. The use of futures and related options strategies involves the risk of imperfect correlation among movements in the prices of the securities, index, or commodity underlying the futures and options purchased and sold by a Fund and in the

 

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prices of the options and futures contracts themselves. Also, in a case where a Fund uses futures and related options for hedging purposes, there is the risk that movements in the prices of the futures and options will not correlate closely with movements in the prices of the securities that are the subject of the hedge. The prices of futures and related options may not correlate perfectly with movements in the underlying securities, index, or commodity due to certain market distortions for a number of reasons. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting transactions which could distort the normal relationship between the underlying securities, index, or commodity and futures markets. Second, margin requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets, and as a result the futures markets may attract more speculators than the securities markets do. Increased participation by speculators in the futures markets may also cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortions in the futures markets and also because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the underlying securities, index, or commodity and movements in the prices of futures and related option, even a correct forecast of general market trends by the investment adviser or sub-adviser may still not result in a profitable position over a short time period.

 

Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of call or put options on futures contracts involves less potential risk to a Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options (plus transaction costs). However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of a call or put option on a futures contract would result in a loss to a Fund when the purchase or sale of a futures contract would not, such as when there is no movement in the prices of the hedged investments. The writing of an option on a futures contract involves risks similar to those risks relating to the sale of futures contracts.

 

There is no assurance that higher than anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not, at times, render certain market clearing facilities inadequate, and thereby result in the institution by exchanges of special procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of customer orders.

 

To reduce or eliminate a position held by a Fund, a Fund may seek to close out such a position. The ability to establish and close out positions will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that this market will develop or continue to exist for a particular futures contract or option.

 

As noted above, a Fund that purchases or sells a futures contract is only required to deposit margin as required by relevant CFTC regulations and the rules of the relevant contract market. Because the purchase of a futures contract obligates the Fund to purchase the underlying security or other instrument at a set price on a future date, the Fund’s net asset value will fluctuate with the value of the security or other instrument as if it were already in the Fund’s portfolio. Futures transactions have the effect of investment leverage to the extent the Fund does not maintain liquid assets equal to the face amount of the contract.

 

U.S. Treasury security futures contracts and options.    U.S. Treasury security futures contracts require the seller to deliver, or the purchaser to take delivery of, the type of U.S. Treasury security called for in the contract at a specified date and price. Options on U.S. Treasury security futures contracts give the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to assume a position in a U.S. Treasury security futures contract at the specified option exercise price at any time during the period of the option.

 

Successful use of U.S. Treasury security futures contracts by a Fund is subject to the investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s ability to predict movements in the direction of interest rates and other factors affecting markets for debt securities. For example, if a Fund has sold U.S. Treasury security futures contracts in order to hedge against the possibility of an increase in interest rates which would adversely affect the values of securities held in its portfolio, and the prices of the Fund’s securities increase instead as a result of a decline in interest rates, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities which it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may

 

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have to sell securities to meet daily maintenance margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

 

There is also a risk that price movements in U.S. Treasury security futures contracts and related options will not correlate closely with price movements in markets for particular securities. For example, if a Fund has hedged against a decline in the values of tax-exempt securities held by it by selling Treasury security futures and the values of Treasury securities subsequently increase while the values of the Fund’s tax-exempt securities decrease, the Fund would incur losses on both the Treasury security futures contracts written by it and the tax-exempt securities held in its portfolio.

 

Index futures contracts.    An index futures contract is a contract to buy or sell units of an index at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Entering into a contract to buy units of an index is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position in the index. Entering into a contract to sell units of an index is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short position. A unit is the current value of the index. A Fund may enter into stock index futures contracts, debt index futures contracts, or other index futures contracts appropriate to its objective(s). A Fund may also purchase and sell options on index futures contracts.

 

For example, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index (“S&P 500”) is composed of 500 selected common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The S&P 500 assigns relative weightings to the common stocks included in the Index, and the value fluctuates with changes in the market values of those common stocks. In the case of the S&P 500, contracts are to buy or sell 500 units. Thus, if the value of the S&P 500 were $150, one contract would be worth $75,000 (500 units x $150). The stock index futures contract specifies that no delivery of the actual stocks making up the index will take place. Instead, settlement in cash must occur upon the termination of the contract, with the settlement being the difference between the contract price and the actual level of the stock index at the expiration of the contract. For example, if a Fund enters into a futures contract to buy 500 units of the S&P 500 at a specified future date at a contract price of $150 and the S&P 500 is at $154 on that future date, the Fund will gain $2,000 (500 units x gain of $4). If a Fund enters into a futures contract to sell 500 units of the stock index at a specified future date at a contract price of $150 and the S&P 500 is at $152 on that future date, the Fund will lose $1,000 (500 units x loss of $2).

 

There are several risks in connection with the use by a Fund of index futures. For example, successful use of index futures by a Fund may be subject to the investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s ability to predict movements in the direction of the market. For example, it is possible that, where a Fund has sold futures to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the index on which the futures are written may advance and the value of securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may decline. If this occurred, a Fund would lose money on the futures and also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities. It is also possible that, if a Fund has hedged against the possibility of a decline in the market adversely affecting securities held in its portfolio and securities prices increase instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of those securities it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so.

 

Options on index futures are similar to options on other financial futures contracts, giving the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in an index futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option.

 

Additional Risks of Options on Securities, Futures Contracts, and Options on Futures Contracts Traded on Foreign Exchanges.    Options on securities and indexes, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and options on currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States and may be subject to greater risks than trading on domestic

 

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exchanges. For example, some foreign exchanges may be principal markets so that no common clearing facility exists and a trader may look only to the broker for performance of the contract. The lack of a common clearing facility creates counterparty risk. If a counterparty defaults, a Fund normally will have contractual remedies against that counterparty, but may be unsuccessful in enforcing those remedies. When seeking to enforce a contractual remedy, a Fund also is subject to the risk that the parties may interpret contractual terms (for example, the definition of default) differently. If a dispute occurs, the cost and unpredictability of the legal proceedings required for the Fund to enforce its contractual rights may lead the Fund to decide not to pursue its claims against the counterparty. A Fund thus assumes the risk that it may be unable to obtain payments owed to it under foreign futures contracts or that those payments may be delayed or made only after the Fund has incurred the costs of litigation. In addition, unless a Fund hedges against fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which trading is done on foreign exchanges, any profits that a Fund might realize in trading could be offset (or worse) by adverse changes in the exchange rate. The value of foreign options and futures may also be adversely affected by other factors unique to foreign investing (see “Foreign Securities” in this SAI).

 

Forward Contracts

 

Each Fund may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis (“forward contracts”). When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of commitment, but delivery and payment for the securities can take place a month or more after the commitment date. The securities so purchased or sold are subject to market fluctuations and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period. At the time of delivery the securities may be worth more or less than the purchase or sale price. While a Fund also may enter into forward contracts with the initial intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio, it may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement if the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser deems it appropriate to do so. The Funds may realize short-term gains or losses upon the sale of forward contracts. If a Fund enters into a forward contract, it will establish a segregated account with its custodian consisting of cash or liquid securities, having a current market value equal to or greater than the aggregate amount of that Fund’s commitment under forward contracts (that is, the purchase price of the underlying security on the delivery date). As one of several alternatives to maintaining all or part of the segregated account, a Fund could buy call or put options to “cover” the forward contracts.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

Foreign currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. They generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets, the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or perceived changes in interest rates, and other complex factors. Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably as a result of intervention (or the failure to intervene) by the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Foreign currencies in which a Fund’s assets are denominated may be devalued against the U.S. dollar, resulting in a loss to the Fund. A Fund may use currency instruments for hedging, investment, or currency risk management.

 

Forward foreign currency contracts are contracts between two parties to purchase and sell a specified quantity of a particular currency at a specified price, with delivery and settlement to take place on a specified future date. A forward foreign currency contract can reduce a Fund’s exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver and can increase its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will receive, for the duration of the contract. The effect on the value of a Fund is similar to the effect of selling securities denominated in one currency and purchasing securities denominated in another currency. Contracts to sell a particular foreign currency would limit any potential gain that might be realized by a Fund if the value of the hedged currency increases.

 

A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the notional difference among two or more currencies and operates similarly to an interest rate swap.

 

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A Fund also may purchase or sell currency futures contracts and related options. Currency futures contracts are contracts to buy or sell a standard quantity of a particular currency at a specified future date and price. However, currency futures can be and often are closed out prior to delivery and settlement. In addition, a Fund may use options on currency futures contracts, which give their holders the right, but not the obligation, to buy (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a specified currency futures contract at a fixed price during a specified period.

 

A Fund also may purchase or sell options on currencies. These give their holders the right, but not the obligation, to buy (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a specified quantity of a particular currency at a fixed price during a specified period. Options on currencies possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and generally operate in a similar manner. They may be traded on an exchange or in the OTC markets. Options on currencies traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits, which may limit the ability of a Fund to reduce foreign currency risk using options.

 

Structured Notes and Hybrid Instruments

 

Structured notes are derivative debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. A hybrid instrument can combine the characteristics of securities, futures, and options. For example, the principal amount or interest rate of a hybrid could be tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some commodity, currency or securities index or another interest rate (each a “benchmark”). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed income securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of a hybrid security may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the benchmark. Hybrids can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, duration management, and increased total return. Hybrids may not bear interest or pay dividends. The value of a hybrid or its interest rate may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the benchmark. These benchmarks may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as commodity shortages and currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the purchaser of a hybrid. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a hybrid could be zero. Thus, an investment in a hybrid may entail significant market risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional, U.S. dollar-denominated bond that has a fixed principal amount and pays a fixed rate or floating rate of interest. The purchase of hybrids also exposes a Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the hybrids. These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the net asset value of a Fund.

 

Dollar Roll Transactions

 

To take advantage of attractive financing opportunities in the mortgage market and to enhance current income, each of the Funds may engage in dollar roll transactions. A dollar roll transaction involves a sale by a Fund of a Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) Certificate or other mortgage-backed securities to a financial institution, such as a bank or broker-dealer, concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase a similar security from the institution at a later date at an agreed upon price. The securities that are repurchased will bear the same interest rate as those sold, but generally will be collateralized by different pools of mortgages with different prepayment histories than those sold. During the period between the sale and repurchase, a Fund will not be entitled to receive the interest and principal payments on the securities sold. Proceeds of the sale will be invested in additional instruments for the Fund. A Fund is compensated for agreeing to repurchase the security by the difference between the current sales price and the price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls may be renewed over a period of several months with a different repurchaser or repurchase price and a cash settlement made at each renewal without physical delivery of securities. Moreover, a Fund may enter into a dollar roll transaction involving a security not then in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

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A Fund will segregate cash or other liquid securities in an amount sufficient to meet its obligations under dollar roll transactions or otherwise cover its obligations as permitted by applicable law. Dollar roll transactions involve potential risks of loss which are different from those related to the securities underlying the transaction. For example, if the counterparty were to become insolvent, the Fund’s right to purchase from the counterparty may be restricted. Additionally, the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the repurchase price of those securities to be purchased.

 

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

 

These are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. A Fund could purchase an ETF to temporarily gain exposure to a portion of the U.S. or a foreign market while awaiting purchase of underlying securities. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in it being more volatile and ETFs have management fees which increase their costs. As a shareholder in an ETF, Fund shareholders would indirectly pay a portion of that ETF’s expenses, including its advisory, administration, brokerage, shareholder servicing and other expenses. At the same time a Fund would continue to pay its own management fees and other expenses.

 

Fixed Income Securities

 

Certain of the debt securities in which the Funds may invest may not offer as high a yield as may be achieved from lower quality instruments having less safety. If a Fund disposes of an obligation prior to maturity, it may realize a loss or a gain. An increase in interest rates will generally reduce the value of portfolio investments, and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of portfolio investments. In addition, investments are subject to the ability of the issuer to make payment at maturity.

 

Although the Funds may invest in investment grade securities, they may also invest in debt securities that are rated below investment grade or, if unrated, are considered by the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser to be of comparable quality. Lower-grade debt securities, which also are known as “junk bonds,” may be subject to greater market fluctuations and greater risks of loss of income and principal than investment grade securities. Securities that are (or have fallen) below investment grade are exposed to a greater risk that the issuers of those securities might not meet their debt obligations. These risks can reduce a Fund’s share prices and the income it earns.

 

As discussed, a decline in prevailing levels of interest rates generally increases the value of debt securities in a Fund’s portfolio, while an increase in rates usually reduces the value of those securities. As a result, to the extent that a Fund invests in debt securities, interest rate fluctuations will affect its net asset value, but not the income it receives from its debt securities. In addition, if the debt securities contain call, prepayment or redemption provisions, during a period of declining interest rates, those securities are likely to be redeemed, and a Fund would probably be unable to replace them with securities having as great a yield.

 

Investment in medium- or lower-grade debt securities involves greater investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default or bankruptcy. An economic downturn could severely disrupt this market and adversely affect the value of outstanding bonds and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest. In addition, lower-quality bonds are less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-quality instruments and generally are more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During a period of adverse economic changes, including a period of rising interest rates, issuers of such bonds may experience difficulty in servicing their principal and interest payment obligations. Furthermore, medium- and lower-grade debt securities tend to be less marketable than higher-quality debt securities because the market for them is less broad. The market for unrated debt securities is even narrower. During periods of thin trading in these markets,

 

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the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly, and a Fund may have greater difficulty selling its portfolio securities. The market value of these securities and their liquidity may be affected by adverse publicity and investor perceptions.

 

All Funds (except for the Aggressive Growth Fund, which is limited to 35% of its total assets) may invest up to 25% of their total assets in these types of securities. Please note that the equity segment of the Strategic Balanced Fund is permitted to invest, to a lesser extent, in investment grade bonds and other debt instruments.

 

Foreign Securities

 

Each Fund is permitted to invest in foreign securities. Foreign securities include securities of foreign companies and foreign governments (or agencies or subdivisions thereof). If a Fund’s securities are held abroad, the countries in which such securities may be held and the sub-custodian holding them must be approved by the Board of Trustees or its delegate under applicable rules adopted by the SEC. In buying foreign securities, each Fund may convert U.S. dollars into foreign currency.

 

The globalization and integration of the world economic system and related financial markets have made it increasingly difficult to define issuers geographically. Accordingly, the Funds intend to construe geographic terms such as “foreign,” “non-U.S.,” “European, “ “Latin American,” “Asian,” and “emerging markets” in the manner that affords to the Funds the greatest flexibility in seeking to achieve the investment objective(s) of the relevant Fund. Specifically, in circumstances where the investment objective and/or strategy is to invest (a) exclusively in “foreign securities,” “non-U.S. securities” “European securities,” “Latin American securities,” “Asian securities,” or “emerging markets” (or similar directions) or (b) at least some percentage of the Fund’s assets in foreign securities, etc., the Fund will take the view that a security meets this description so long as the issuer of a security is tied economically to the particular country or geographic region indicated by words of the relevant investment objective and/or strategy (the “Relevant Language”). For these purposes the issuer of a security is deemed to have that tie if:

 

(i)  the issuer is organized under the laws of the country or a country within the geographic region suggested by the Relevant Language or maintains its principal place of business in that country or region; or

 

(ii)  the securities are traded principally in the country or region suggested by the Relevant Language; or

 

(iii)  the issuer, during its most recent fiscal year, derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the country or region suggested by the Relevant Language or has at least 50% of its assets in that country or region.

 

In addition, the Funds intend to treat derivative securities (e.g., call options) by reference to the underlying security. Conversely, if the investment objective and/or strategy of a Fund limits the percentage of assets that may be invested in “foreign securities,” etc. or prohibits such investments altogether, a Fund intends to categorize securities as “foreign,” etc. only if the security possesses all of the attributes described above in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii).

 

Foreign securities also include securities of foreign issuers represented by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are issued by a U.S. depository institution, but they represent a specified quantity of shares of a non-U.S. stock company. In addition to ADRs, a Fund may invest in sponsored or unsponsored Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) to the extent they become available. GDRs and EDRs are typically issued by foreign depositaries and evidence ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by either a foreign or a U.S. corporation. Holders of unsponsored GDRs and EDRs generally bear all the costs associated with establishing them. The depositary of an unsponsored GDR or EDR is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer or to pass through to the GDR or EDR holders any voting rights with respect to the securities or pools of securities

 

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represented by the GDR or EDR. GDRs and EDRs also may not be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities. Registered GDRs and EDRs are generally designed for use in U.S. securities markets, while bearer form GDRs and EDRs are generally designed for non-U.S. securities markets. Each of the Funds will treat the underlying securities of a GDR or EDR as the investment for purposes of its investment policies and restrictions.

 

Investments in foreign securities involve special risks and considerations. As foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. For example, foreign markets have different clearance and settlement procedures. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of a Fund are uninvested. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause it to miss certain investment opportunities. Foreign securities may also entail certain other risks, such as the possibility of one or more of the following: imposition of dividend or interest withholding or confiscatory taxes, higher brokerage costs, thinner trading markets, currency blockages or transfer restrictions, expropriation, nationalization, military coups or other adverse political or economic developments; less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies; and the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries. Purchases of foreign securities are usually made in foreign currencies and, as a result, a Fund may incur currency conversion costs and may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar. Further, it may be more difficult for a Fund’s agents to keep currently informed about corporate actions which may affect the prices of portfolio securities. Communications between the United States and foreign countries may be less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Certain markets may require payment for securities before delivery. A Fund’s ability and decisions to purchase and sell portfolio securities may be affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility of currencies and repatriation of assets.

 

A number of current significant political, demographic and economic developments may affect investments in foreign securities and in securities of companies with operations overseas. The course of any one or more of these events and the effect on trade barriers, competition and markets for consumer goods and services are uncertain. Similar considerations are of concern with respect to developing countries. For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on foreign economic assistance may be greater in these countries than in developed countries. Management seeks to mitigate the risks associated with these considerations through diversification and active professional management.

 

In addition to the general risks of investing in foreign securities, investments in emerging markets involve special risks. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. Emerging markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result in losses to a Fund due to subsequent declines in values of the portfolio securities, decrease in the level of liquidity in a Fund’s portfolio, or, if a Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, possible liability to the purchaser. Certain markets may require payment for securities before delivery, and in such markets a Fund bears the risk that the securities will not be delivered and that the Fund’s payments will not be returned. Securities prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than in the more developed nations of the world, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, present the risk of nationalization of businesses, or may have restrictions on foreign ownership or prohibitions of repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging

 

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markets may be predominantly based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of substantial holdings difficult or impossible at times. Securities of issuers located in countries with emerging markets may have limited marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements.

 

Certain emerging markets may require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, if a deterioration occurs in an emerging market’s balance of payments or for other reasons, a country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. A Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to that Fund of any restrictions on investments.

 

Investment in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations may be restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times preclude investment in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations and increase the expenses of a Fund.

 

Illiquid Securities

 

Each Fund may invest not more than 15% of its net assets in “illiquid securities,” which are securities that are not readily marketable, including securities whose disposition is restricted by contract or under federal securities laws. A Fund may not be able to dispose of such securities in a timely fashion and for a fair price, which could result in losses to a Fund. In addition, illiquid securities are generally more difficult to value. Illiquid securities may include repurchase agreements with maturities greater than seven days, futures contracts and options thereon for which a liquid secondary market does not exist, time deposits maturing in more than seven calendar days and securities of new and early stage companies whose securities are not publicly traded. The Funds may also purchase securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Such securities may be determined to be liquid by the Board of Trustees, the investment adviser and/or the sub-adviser, if such determination by the investment adviser or the sub-adviser is pursuant to Board-approved guidelines. Such guidelines shall take into account trading activity for such securities and the availability of reliable pricing information, among other factors. If there is a lack of trading interest in particular Rule 144A securities, a Fund’s holdings of those securities may be illiquid, resulting in undesirable delays in selling these securities at prices representing fair value.

 

Investments may be illiquid because there is no active trading market for them, making it difficult to value them or dispose of them promptly at an acceptable price. The sub-advisers monitor holdings of illiquid securities on an ongoing basis to determine whether to sell any holding to maintain adequate liquidity.

 

Index-Related Securities (Equity Equivalents)

 

The Funds may invest in certain types of securities that enable investors to purchase or sell shares in a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of an underlying index or a portion of an index. Such Equity Equivalents include, among others, DIAMONDS (interests in a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average), SPDRs or Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipts (interests in a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of the S&P 500 Index), WEBS or World Equity Benchmark Shares (interests in a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index of a particular foreign country’s stocks), and the Nasdaq-100 Trust (interests in a portfolio of securities of the largest and most actively traded non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market). Such securities are similar to index mutual funds, but they are traded on various stock exchanges or secondary markets. The value of these securities is dependent upon the performance of the underlying index on which they are based. Thus, these securities are subject to the same risks as their underlying indexes as well as the securities

 

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that make up those indices. For example, if the securities comprising an index that an index-related security seeks to track perform poorly, the index-related security will lose value.

 

Equity Equivalents may be used for several purposes, including to simulate full investment in the underlying index while retaining a cash balance for fund management purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs or to seek higher investment returns where an Equity Equivalent is priced more attractively than securities in the underlying index. Because the expense associated with an investment in Equity Equivalents may be substantially lower than the expense of small investments directly in the securities comprising the indices they seek to track, investments in Equity Equivalents may provide a cost-effective means of diversifying the fund’s assets across a broad range of equity securities.

 

The prices of Equity Equivalents are derived and based upon the securities held by the particular investment company. Accordingly, the level of risk involved in the purchase or sale of an Equity Equivalent is similar to the risk involved in the purchase or sale of traditional common stock, with the exception that the pricing mechanism for such instruments is based on a basket of stocks. The market prices of Equity Equivalents are expected to fluctuate in accordance with both changes in the net asset values of their underlying indices and the supply and demand for the instruments on the exchanges on which they are traded. Substantial market or other disruptions affecting an Equity Equivalent could adversely affect the liquidity and value of the shares of the fund investing in such instruments.

 

Inflation-Indexed Bonds

 

Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the Consumer Price Index accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

 

Inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. Treasury have maturities of five, ten, twenty or thirty years, although it is possible that securities with other maturities will be issued in the future. The U.S. Treasury securities pay interest on a semi-annual basis, equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. For example, if a Fund purchased an inflation-indexed bond with a par value of $1,000 and a 3% real rate of return coupon (payable 1.5% semi-annually), and inflation over the first six months were 1%, the mid-year par value of the bond would be $1,010 and the first semi-annual interest payment would be $15.15 ($1,010 times 1.5%). If inflation during the second half of the year resulted in the whole years’ inflation equaling 3%, the end-of-year par value of the bond would be $1,030 and the second semi-annual interest payment would be $15.45 ($1,030 times 1.5%).

 

If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate. The Funds may also invest in other inflation related bonds which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.

 

The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed bonds. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increased at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed bonds.

 

While the values of these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation

 

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(for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.

 

The periodic adjustment of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”), which is calculated monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. Inflation-indexed bonds issued by a foreign government are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable inflation index, calculated by that government. There can be no assurance that the CPI-U or any foreign inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the rate of inflation in a foreign country will be correlated to the rate of inflation in the United States.

 

Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity.

 

Loan Participations and Assignments

 

The purchase of loan participations and assignments entails special risks. A Fund’s ability to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts in connection with loan participations and assignments will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. The failure by the Fund to receive scheduled interest or principal payments on a loan participation or assignment would adversely affect the income of the Fund and would likely reduce the value of its assets. Because loan participations are not generally rated by independent credit rating agencies, a decision by a Fund to invest in a particular loan participation will depend almost exclusively on its investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s credit analysis of the borrower. In addition to the other risks associated with investments in debt securities, participations and assignments involve the additional risk that the insolvency of any financial institution interposed between the Fund and the borrower could delay or prevent the flow of payments from the borrower on the underlying loan. A Fund may have limited rights to enforce the terms of the underlying loan, and the liquidity of loan participations and assignments may be limited.

 

The borrower of a loan in which a Fund holds a participation interest may, either at its own election or pursuant to terms of the loan documentation, prepay amounts of the loan from time to time. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to reinvest the proceeds of any loan prepayment at the same interest rate or on the same terms as those of the original loan participation.

 

Corporate loans in which a Fund may purchase a loan participation or assignment are made generally to finance internal growth, mergers, acquisitions, stock repurchases, leveraged buy-outs, and other corporate activities. The highly leveraged capital structure of the borrowers in certain of these transactions may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions.

 

Certain loan participations or assignments acquired by a Fund may involve unfunded commitments of the lenders or revolving credit facilities under which a borrower may from time to time borrow and repay amounts up to the maximum amount of the facility. In such cases, the Fund would have an obligation to advance its portion of such additional borrowings upon the terms specified in the loan documentation.

 

Other Income-Producing Securities

 

Other types of income-producing securities the Funds may purchase, include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

Variable and floating rate obligations.    These types of securities have variable or floating rates of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with

 

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reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. The floating rate tends to decrease the security’s price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. These types of securities are relatively long-term instruments that often carry demand features permitting the holder to demand payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals prior to maturity.

 

       In order to use these investments most effectively, a Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser must correctly assess probable movements in interest rates. This involves different skills than those used to select most portfolio securities. If the investment adviser or sub-adviser incorrectly forecasts such movements, a Fund could be adversely affected by the use of variable or floating rate obligations.

 

   

Standby commitments.    These instruments, which are similar to a put, give a Fund the option to obligate a broker, dealer or bank to repurchase a security held by the Fund at a specified price.

 

   

Tender option bonds.    Tender option bonds are relatively long-term bonds that are coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a broker, dealer or bank, to grant the holders of such securities the option to tender the securities to the institution at periodic intervals.

 

   

Inverse floaters.    These are debt instruments whose interest bears an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security. Similar to variable and floating rate obligations, effective use of inverse floaters requires skills different from those needed to select most portfolio securities. If movements in interest rates are incorrectly anticipated, a Fund could lose money or the net asset value of its shares could decline by the use of inverse floaters.

 

   

Strip bonds.    Strip bonds are debt securities that are stripped of their interest, usually by a financial intermediary, after the securities are issued. The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities of comparable maturities.

 

Standby commitments, tender option bonds and instruments with demand features are primarily used by the Funds for the purpose of increasing the liquidity of a Fund’s portfolio.

 

Other Investment Companies

 

Certain markets are closed in whole or in part to equity investments by foreigners. A Fund may be able to invest in such markets solely or primarily through governmentally authorized investment vehicles or companies. Each Fund generally may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the aggregate in shares of other investment companies and up to 5% of its assets in any one investment company, as long as no investment represents more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of the acquired investment company at the time of investment; provided that this provision does not apply, however, to any of the Funds relying on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act. Investment in another investment company may involve the payment of a premium above the value of such issuers’ portfolio securities, and is subject to market availability. The Funds do not intend to invest in such vehicles or funds unless, in the judgment of a Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser, and subject to a Fund’s investment restrictions set forth in its Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, the potential benefits of the investment justify the payment of any applicable premium or sales charge. As a shareholder in an investment company, Fund shareholders would indirectly pay a portion of that investment company’s expenses, including its advisory administration, brokerage, shareholder servicing and other expenses. At the same time a Fund would continue to pay its own management fees and other expenses. This section shall not prevent T. Rowe Price from investing the assets of the Blue Chip Growth Fund, Diversified Growth Fund, Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund or Small Company Value Fund, respectively, into money market funds managed by T. Rowe Price pursuant to applicable SEC exemptive orders or a fund from investing its assets in money market funds in compliance with the 1940 Act.

 

Pass-Through Securities

 

The Funds may invest in various types of pass-through securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and participation interests. A pass-through security is a share or certificate of interest in a pool

 

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of debt obligations that have been repackaged by an intermediary, such as a bank or broker-dealer. The purchaser of a pass-through security receives an undivided interest in the underlying pool of securities. The issuers of the underlying securities make interest and principal payments to the intermediary which are passed through to purchasers, such as the Funds. The most common type of pass-through securities are mortgage-backed securities. GNMA Certificates are mortgage-backed securities that evidence an undivided interest in a pool of mortgage loans. GNMA Certificates differ from bonds in that principal is paid back monthly by the borrowers over the term of the loan rather than returned in a lump sum at maturity. The Funds may purchase modified pass-through GNMA Certificates, which entitle the holder to receive a share of all interest and principal payments paid and owned on the mortgage pool, net of fees paid to the issuer and GNMA, regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment. GNMA Certificates are backed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

 

The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) issues two types of mortgage pass-through securities: mortgage participation certificates and guaranteed mortgage certificates. Participation certificates resemble GNMA Certificates in that the participation certificates represent a pro rata share of all interest and principal payments made and owned on the underlying pool. FHLMC guarantees timely payments of interest on the participation certificates and the full return of principal. Guaranteed mortgage certificates also represent a pro rata interest in a pool of mortgages. However, these instruments pay interest semi-annually and return principal once a year in guaranteed minimum payments. This type of security is guaranteed by FHLMC as to timely payment of principal and interest but is not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

 

The Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) issues guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates. FNMA Certificates resemble GNMA Certificates in that each FNMA Certificate represents a pro rata share of all interest and principal payments made and owned on the underlying pool. This type of security is guaranteed by the FNMA as to timely payment of principal and interest but is not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

 

Except for guaranteed mortgage certificates, each of the mortgage-backed securities described above is characterized by monthly payments to the holder, reflecting the monthly payments made by the borrowers who received the underlying mortgage loans. The payments to the securities holders, such as the Funds, like the payments on the underlying loans, represent both principal and interest. Although the underlying mortgage loans are for specified periods of time, such as 20 or 30 years, the borrowers can, and typically do, pay them off sooner. Thus, the security holders frequently receive prepayments of principal in addition to the principal that is part of the regular monthly payments. If applicable, a portfolio manager will consider estimated prepayment rates in calculation of the average weighted maturity of a Fund which owns these securities. A borrower is more likely to prepay a mortgage that bears a relatively high rate of interest. This means that in times of declining interest rates, higher yielding mortgage-backed securities held by a Fund might be converted to cash and the Fund will be forced to accept lower interest rates when that cash is used to purchase additional securities in the mortgage-backed securities sector or in other investment sectors. Additionally, prepayments during such periods will limit a Fund’s ability to participate in as large a market gain as may be experienced with a comparable security not subject to prepayment.

 

The Funds may also invest in Collateralized Loan Obligations, Collateralized Debt Obligations and Collateralized Bond Obligations.

 

Asset-backed securities represent interests in pools of consumer loans and are backed by paper or accounts receivables originated by banks, credit card companies or other providers of credit. Generally, the originating bank or credit provider is neither the obligor nor the guarantor of the security, and interest and principal payments ultimately depend upon payment of the underlying loans by individuals.

 

Portfolio Management

 

A Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser uses trading as a means of managing the portfolio of the Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Transactions will occur when a Fund’s investment adviser or sub-

 

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adviser believes that the trade, net of transaction costs, will improve interest income or capital appreciation potential, or will lessen capital loss potential. Whether the goals discussed above will be achieved through trading depends on the Fund’s investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s ability to evaluate particular securities and anticipate relevant market factors, including interest rate trends and variations from such trends. If such evaluations and expectations prove to be incorrect, a Fund’s income or capital appreciation may be reduced and its capital losses may be increased. In addition, high turnover in a Fund could result in additional brokerage commissions to be paid by that Fund. See also “Taxation” below.

 

The Funds may pay brokerage commissions to affiliates of one or more affiliates of the Funds’ investment advisers or sub-advisers.

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

Although portfolio turnover is not a limiting factor with respect to investment decisions for the Funds, the Funds (other than the Strategic Bond Fund, the Small Cap Core Equity Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund, the portion of the Strategic Balanced Fund managed by Western Asset, the portion of the Diversified Growth Fund and the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund managed by Wellington Management, the portion of the Small Company Growth Fund managed by Mazama and the portion of the Emerging Growth Fund managed by ClearBridge) expect to experience relatively modest portfolio turnover rates. It is anticipated that under normal circumstances the annual portfolio turnover rate of each Fund (other than the Strategic Bond Fund, the Small Cap Core Equity Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund, the portion of the Strategic Balanced Fund managed by Western Asset, the portion of the Diversified Growth Fund and the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund managed by Wellington Management, the portion of the Small Company Growth Fund managed by Mazama and the portion of the Emerging Growth Fund managed by ClearBridge) will generally not exceed 100%. However, in any particular year, market conditions may result in greater turnover rates than the investment adviser or sub-adviser currently anticipates for these Funds. The sub-adviser will make changes to the Strategic Bond Fund’s portfolio, the Small Cap Core Equity Fund’s portfolio, the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund’s portfolio and the applicable portion of the Strategic Balanced Fund’s, Diversified Growth Fund’s, Small Cap Growth Equity Fund’s, Small Company Growth Fund’s and Emerging Growth Fund’s portfolios whenever it believes such changes are desirable and, consequently, anticipates that, as applicable, each such Fund’s, or a portion of each such Fund’s, portfolio turnover may be high. Portfolio turnover involves brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which the relevant Fund will bear directly, and could involve realization of capital gains that would be taxable when distributed to shareholders. To the extent that portfolio turnover results in realization of net short-term capital gains, such gains ordinarily are taxed to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates. Portfolio turnover rates are shown in the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus. See the “Taxation” and “Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage” sections in this SAI for additional information.

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts

 

Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that may be purchased by a Fund include equity REITs, which own real estate directly, mortgage REITs, which make construction, development or long-term mortgage loans, and hybrid REITs, which share characteristics of equity REITs and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs will be affected by, among other things, changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs will be affected by, among other things, the value of the properties to which they have extended credit.

 

Factors affecting the performance of real estate may include excess supply of real property in certain markets, changes in zoning laws, completion of construction, changes in real estate value and property taxes, sufficient level of occupancy, adequate rent to cover operating expenses, and local and regional markets for competing assets. The performance of real estate may also be affected by changes in interest rates, prudent management of insurance risks and social and economic trends. In addition, REITs are dependent upon the skill of each REIT’s management.

 

A Fund could, under certain circumstances, own real estate directly as a result of a default on debt securities it owns or from an in-kind distribution of real estate from a REIT. Risks associated with such ownership could

 

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include potential liabilities under environmental laws and the costs of other regulatory compliance. If a Fund has rental income or income from the direct disposition of real property, the receipt of such income may adversely affect its ability to retain its tax status as a regulated investment company and thus its ability to avoid taxation on its income and gains distributed to its shareholders. REITs are also subject to substantial cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation and the risk of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the regulations thereunder (the “Code”), and/or to maintain exempt status under the 1940 Act. If a Fund invests in REITs, investors would bear not only a proportionate share of the expenses of that Fund, but also, indirectly, expenses of the REITs.

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

A repurchase agreement is a contract under which a Fund acquires a security for a relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to the obligation of the seller to repurchase and the Fund to resell such security at a fixed time and price (representing the Fund’s cost plus interest). Repurchase agreements may also be viewed as loans made by a Fund which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. The investment adviser or sub-adviser will monitor such transactions to ensure that the value of the underlying securities will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including the interest factor. If the seller defaults, a Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of the sale including accrued interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement including interest. In addition, if the seller should be involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, the Fund may incur delay and costs in selling the underlying security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest if the Fund is treated as an unsecured creditor and required to return the underlying collateral to the seller’s estate. There is no limit on the Funds’ investment in repurchase agreements.

 

Restricted Securities

 

Restricted securities are subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to a Fund. Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the 1933 Act, or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the holder of a registered security may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the holder might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

A Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers to enhance return. Reverse repurchase agreements involve sales by a Fund of portfolio securities concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the same securities at a later date at a fixed price. During the reverse repurchase agreement period, the Fund continues to receive principal and interest payments on the securities and also has the opportunity to earn a return on the collateral furnished by the counterparty to secure its obligation to redeliver the securities. A reverse repurchase agreement generally creates investment leverage. If the buyer in a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, a Fund’s use of proceeds from the sale of its securities may be restricted while the other party or its trustee or receiver determines whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities.

 

Securities Lending

 

Each Fund may seek additional income by making loans of portfolio securities of not more than 33% of its total assets taken at current market value although this amount may change if applicable regulatory requirements change. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consist of possible delay in

 

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recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Under applicable regulatory requirements and securities lending agreements (which are subject to change), the loan collateral must, on each business day, be at least equal to the value of the loaned securities and must consist of cash (which may be invested by the Fund in any investment not otherwise prohibited by the Prospectus or this SAI), bank letters of credit or securities of the U.S. Government (or its agencies or instrumentalities), or other cash equivalents in which the Funds are permitted to invest. The borrower pays to the lending Fund an amount equal to any dividends or interest received on the securities lent. The Funds may invest the cash collateral received or may receive a fee from the borrower. All investments of cash collateral by a Fund are for the account and risk of that Fund. Although voting rights or rights to consent with respect to the loaned securities pass to the borrower, each Fund retains the right to call the loans at any time on reasonable notice. The Funds may also call such loans in order to sell the securities involved. The Funds pay various fees in connection with such loans, including shipping fees and reasonable custodian, securities lending agent and placement fees. The terms of a Fund’s loans must also meet certain tests under the Code and must permit the Fund to reacquire loaned securities on five business days’ notice or in time to vote on any important matter.

 

Short Sales

 

A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. When a Fund makes a short sale on a security, it must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to a broker dealer through which it made the short sale as collateral for its obligation to deliver the security upon the conclusion of the sale. A Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to pay over any accrued interest and dividends on such borrowed securities. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time a Fund replaces the borrowed security, a Fund will incur a loss, which could be unlimited, in cases where a Fund is unable for whatever reason to close out its short position; conversely, if the price declines, a Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely impacted by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.

 

Selling short “against-the-box” refers to the sale of securities actually owned by the seller but held in safekeeping. In such short sales, while the short position is open, a Fund must own an equal amount of such securities, or by virtue of ownership of securities have the right, without payment of further consideration, to obtain an equal amount of securities sold short. Short sales against-the-box generally produce current recognition of gain (but not loss) for federal income tax purposes on the constructive sale of securities “in the box” prior to the time the short position is closed out.

 

Short-Term Debt Securities

 

Money Market Instruments Generally.    The Funds may invest in money market securities, including money market funds. Money market securities are high-quality, short-term debt instruments that may be issued by the U.S. Government, corporations, banks or other entities. They may have fixed, variable or floating interest rates. Some money market securities in which the Funds may invest are described below.

 

Bank Obligations.    The Funds may invest in bank obligations, including certificates of deposit, time deposits, banker’s acceptances and other short-term obligations of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, foreign branches of domestic banks, and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan associations and other banking institutions.

 

Certificates of deposit (“CD’s”) are negotiable certificates evidencing the obligations of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period of time. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate. Time deposits which may be held by the Funds will not benefit from insurance from the Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund administered

 

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by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Bankers’ acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include uninsured, direct obligations, bearing fixed, floating- or variable-interest rates.

 

Exceptions.    The restrictions and limitations on the types of short-term instruments, temporary investments, commercial paper and short-term corporate debt instruments described in the following paragraphs are not applicable to the Value Equity Fund, the Large Cap Value Fund, the Core Opportunities Fund, the Blue Chip Growth Fund, the Large Cap Growth Fund, the Aggressive Growth Fund, the Focused Value Fund, the Small Cap Value Equity Fund, the Small Cap Core Equity Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund, the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund, the Small Company Growth Fund and the Emerging Growth Fund.

 

For the Value Equity Fund, for temporary or defensive purposes the Fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets in investment grade short-term fixed income securities or preferred stocks.

 

Short-Term Instruments and Temporary Investments.    The Funds may invest in high-quality money market instruments on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity when there is an unexpected level of shareholder purchases or redemptions. In addition, in adverse market conditions, the Funds may invest in these short-term instruments for temporary, defensive purposes. The instruments in which the Funds may invest include: (i) short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises); (ii) CDs, bankers’ acceptances, fixed time deposits and other obligations of domestic banks (including foreign branches) that have more than $1 billion in total assets at the time of investment and that are members of the Federal Reserve System or are examined by the Comptroller of the Currency or whose deposits are insured by the FDIC; (iii) commercial paper rated at the date of purchase “Prime-1” by Moody’s or “A-1+” or “A-1” by S&P (“Prime-3” by Moody’s or “A-3” by S&P for the Strategic Bond Fund and Strategic Balanced Fund), or, if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the investment advisers or sub-advisers; (iv) non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than one year that are rated, except for the Strategic Bond Fund and the Strategic Balanced Fund, at least “Aa” by Moody’s or “AA” by S&P; (v) repurchase agreements; and (vi) short-term, U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks (including U.S. branches) that, at the time of investment have more than $1 billion, or the equivalent in other currencies, in total assets and in the opinion of the relevant investment adviser or sub-adviser are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks which may be purchased by the Funds.

 

Commercial Paper and Short-Term Corporate Debt Instruments.    The Funds may invest in commercial paper (including variable amount master demand notes) consisting of short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and, other than asset-backed commercial paper, usually has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months. Variable amount master demand notes are demand obligations that permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying market rates of interest pursuant to arrangements between the issuer and a commercial bank acting as agent for the payee of such notes whereby both parties have the right to vary the amount of the outstanding indebtedness on the notes. The investment advisers or sub-advisers monitor on an ongoing basis the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand. The Funds also may invest in non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with not more than one year remaining to maturity at the date of settlement.

 

The Funds may also invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S., local, city and state governments and agencies.

 

The Funds will limit their investments in certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances to U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of U.S. banks and savings and loan associations, London branches of U.S. banks

 

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(“Eurodollar obligations”) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (“Yankeedollar obligations”). In the case of foreign banks, the $1 billion deposit requirement will be computed using exchange rates in effect at the time of the banks’ most recently published financial statements. Eurodollar obligations and Yankeedollar obligations will not be acquired if as a result more than 25% of a Fund’s net assets would be invested in such obligations. Obligations of foreign banks and of foreign branches of U.S. banks may be affected by foreign governmental action, including imposition of currency controls, interest limitations, withholding taxes, seizure of assets or the declaration of a moratorium or restriction on payments of principal or interest. Foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks may provide less public information than, and may not be subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping standards as, domestic banks.

 

Letters of Credit.    Certain of the debt obligations (including municipal securities, certificates of participation, commercial paper and other short-term obligations) which the Funds may purchase may be backed by an unconditional and irrevocable letter of credit of a bank, savings and loan association or insurance company which assumes the obligation for payment of principal and interest in the event of default by the issuer. Only banks, savings and loan associations and insurance companies which, in the opinion of a Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser, are of comparable quality to issuers of other permitted investments of the Fund may be used for letter of credit-backed investments.

 

U.S. Government Securities

 

The Funds may invest in U.S. Government securities. These include obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations (i) may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (as with U.S. Treasury obligations and GNMA certificates) or (ii) may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself (as with FNMA notes). In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment. Such agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities where it is not obligated to do so. U.S. Government securities are subject to interest rate risk, and, in some cases, may be subject to credit risk. As a general matter, the value of debt instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, declines when market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain types of U.S. Government obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or value due to their structure or contract terms.

 

Warrants and Rights

 

A warrant typically gives the holder the right to purchase underlying stock at a specified price for a designated period of time. Warrants may be relatively volatile investments. The holder of a warrant takes the risk that the market price of the underlying stock may never equal or exceed the exercise price of the warrant. A warrant will expire without value if it is not exercised or sold during its exercise period. Rights are similar to warrants, but normally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its shareholders. Warrants and rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends, and give a holder no rights to the assets of the issuer.

 

When-Issued Securities

 

Each Fund may purchase or sell securities on a “when-issued” or on a “forward delivery” basis. When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of commitment, but delivery and payment for the securities can take place a month or more after the commitment date. The securities so purchased or sold are subject to market fluctuations, and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period. At the time of delivery, the securities may be worth more or less than the purchase or sales price. Generally, under normal circumstances, a Fund is expected to take delivery of securities purchased. When a Fund commits to purchase a security on a “when-issued” or on a “forward delivery” basis, it will take actions consistent with SEC policies, which currently recommend that an amount of the Fund’s assets consisting of cash or high-quality debt instruments equal to the

 

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amount of the purchase be held aside or segregated to be used to pay for the commitment. Therefore, a Fund would have liquid assets sufficient to cover any commitments. However, there are risks. For example, a Fund may have to sell assets which have been set aside in order to meet redemptions and the Fund may be unable to meet its current obligations. Also, if a Fund determines it necessary to sell the “when-issued” or “forward delivery” securities before delivery, a Fund may incur a loss because of market fluctuations since the time the commitment to purchase the securities was made.

 

Zero-Coupon, Step Coupon and Pay-In-Kind Securities

 

Other debt securities in which the Funds may invest include zero coupon, step coupon and pay-in-kind instruments. Zero coupon bonds are issued and traded at a discount from their face value. They do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity. Step coupon bonds trade at a discount from their face value and pay coupon interest. The coupon rate is low for an initial period and then increases to a higher coupon rate thereafter. The discount from the face amount or par value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issue. Pay-in-kind bonds normally give the issuer an option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.

 

Current federal income tax law requires holders of zero coupon and step coupon securities to report the portion of the original issue discount on such securities that accrues during a given year as interest income, even though holders receive no cash payments of interest during the year. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, a Fund must distribute its investment company taxable income, including the original issue discount accrued on zero coupon or step coupon bonds. Because a Fund will not receive cash payments on a current basis in respect of accrued original issue discount on zero coupon or step coupon bonds during the period before interest payments begin, in some years that Fund may have to distribute cash obtained from other sources in order to satisfy the distribution requirements under the Code. A Fund might obtain such cash from selling other portfolio holdings which might cause a Fund to incur capital gains or losses on the sale. Additionally, these actions are likely to reduce the assets to which Fund expenses could be allocated and to reduce the rate of return for a Fund. In some circumstances, such sales might be necessary in order to satisfy cash distribution requirements even though investment considerations might otherwise make it undesirable for a Fund to sell the securities at the time.

 

Generally, the market prices of zero coupon, step coupon and pay-in-kind securities are more volatile than the prices of securities that pay interest periodically and in cash and are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than other types of debt securities.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Trustees of the Funds, including a majority of directors who are not “interested persons” of the Funds (as defined in the 1940 Act), have adopted policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio holdings. These policies and procedures generally provide that no disclosure of portfolio holdings information may be made unless publicly disclosed as described below or made as part of the daily investment activities of the Funds to the Funds’ investment adviser, sub-advisers, or any of their affiliates who provide services to the Funds, which by explicit agreement or by virtue of their respective duties to the Funds, are required to maintain confidentiality of the information disclosed. Certain limited exceptions pursuant to the Funds’ policies and procedures are described below. The Funds’ portfolio holdings information may not be disseminated for compensation. Any exceptions to the Funds’ policies and procedures may be made only if approved in writing by the Funds’ Principal Executive Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer as being in the best interests of the relevant Fund, and then only if the recipients are subject to a confidentiality agreement as described below. Any such exceptions must be reported to the Funds’ Board of Trustees at its next regularly scheduled meeting. It was determined that these policies and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that

 

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disclosure of portfolio holdings information is in the best interests of a Fund’s shareholders and appropriately address the potential for conflicts between the interests of a Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of MassMutual or any affiliated person of the Fund or MassMutual on the other.

 

Acting pursuant to the policies and procedures adopted by the Trustees of the Funds, MassMutual and the Funds’ sub-advisers are primarily responsible for compliance with these policies and procedures, which includes maintaining such internal informational barriers (e.g., “Chinese walls”) as each believes are reasonably necessary for preventing the unauthorized disclosure of portfolio holdings information. Pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, the Trustees will periodically (as needed, but at least annually) receive reports from the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer regarding the operation of these policies and procedures, including a confirmation by the Chief Compliance Officer that MassMutual’s and the sub-advisers’ policies, procedures and/or processes are reasonably designed to comply with the Funds’ policies and procedures in this regard.

 

Public Disclosures

 

The Funds’ portfolio holdings are currently disclosed to the public through required filings with the SEC and as described below. The Funds file their portfolio holdings with the SEC for each fiscal quarter on Form N-CSR (with respect to each annual period and semi-annual period) and Form N-Q (with respect to the first and third quarters of the Funds’ fiscal year) no later than 60 days after the end of the applicable quarter. Shareholders may obtain the Funds’ Form N-CSR and N-Q filings on the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the Funds’ Form N-CSR and N-Q filings may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information about the SEC’s Web site or the operation of the public reference room.

 

The Funds’ most recent portfolio holdings as of the end of February, May, August and November are available on http://www.massmutual.com/retire no earlier than 30 days after the end of each of these respective months. In addition, each Fund’s top ten holdings are made available in quarterly reports and on http://www.massmutual.com/retire as soon as possible after each calendar quarter-end.

 

Other Disclosures

 

Acting pursuant to the policies and procedures adopted by the Trustees of the Funds, and to the extent permitted under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, MassMutual and the Funds’ sub-advisers may distribute (or authorize the Funds’ custodian to distribute) information regarding the Funds’ portfolio holdings more frequently than as provided above on a confidential basis to various service providers and others who require such information in order to fulfill their contractual duties with respect to the Funds. These service providers include the Funds’ custodian and sub-administrator (State Street Bank and Trust Company), the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm (Deloitte & Touche LLP), legal counsel (Ropes & Gray LLP), financial printer (R.R. Donnelley), any proxy voting service employed by the Funds, MassMutual, or any of the Funds’ sub-advisers, and any pricing services employed by the Funds. The Funds may also periodically provide non-public information about their portfolio holdings to rating and ranking organizations, such as Lipper Inc. and Morningstar Inc., in connection with those firms’ research on and classification of the Funds and in order to gather information about how the Funds’ attributes (such as volatility, turnover, and expenses) compared with those of peer funds.

 

Such disclosures may be made only if (i) the recipients of such information are subject to a written confidentiality agreement specifying that the Funds’ portfolio holdings information is the confidential property of the Funds and may not be used for any purpose except in connection with the provision of services to the Funds and, in particular, that such information may not be traded upon; and (ii) if the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (or a person designated by the Chief Compliance Officer) determines that, under the circumstances, disclosure is in the best interests of the relevant Fund’s shareholders. The information distributed is limited to the information that MassMutual or the relevant sub-adviser believes is reasonably necessary in connection with the services provided by the service provider receiving the information.

 

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INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUNDS

 

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUNDS

(other than the Indexed Equity Fund, Value Equity Fund and Blue Chip Growth Fund)

 

Each Fund is subject to certain fundamental restrictions on its investments, which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund. Investment restrictions that appear below or elsewhere in this SAl and in the Prospectus which involve a maximum percentage of securities or assets shall not be considered to be violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or encumbrance of securities or assets of, or borrowings by or on behalf of, a Fund. The Trust may not, on behalf of any Fund:

 

(1)  Purchase any security (other than U.S. Treasury securities or U.S. Government Securities) if as a result, with respect to 75% of the Fund’s assets, more than 5% of the value of the total assets (determined at the time of investment) of a Fund would be invested in the securities of a single issuer. This restriction is not applicable to the NASDAQ-100 Fund, the Aggressive Growth Fund and the Focused Value Fund.

 

(2)  Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes not in excess of one-third of the value of a Fund’s assets, except that a Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements or roll transactions. For purposes of calculating this limitation, entering into portfolio lending agreements shall not be deemed to constitute borrowing money. A Fund would not make any additional investments while its borrowings exceeded 5% of its assets.

 

(3)  Issue senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) except for securities representing indebtedness not prevented by paragraph (2) above.

 

(4)  Make short sales, except for sales “against-the-box.”

 

(5)  Act as an underwriter, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, a Fund may be deemed an underwriter under applicable laws.

 

(6)  Invest in oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights, royalty contracts or exploration or development programs, real estate or real estate mortgage loans. This restriction does not prevent a Fund from purchasing readily marketable securities secured or issued by companies investing or dealing in real estate and by companies that are not principally engaged in the business of buying and selling such leases, rights, contracts or programs.

 

(7)  Purchase physical commodities or commodity contracts (except futures contracts, including but not limited to contracts for the future delivery of securities and futures contracts based on securities indices).

 

(8)  Make loans other than by investing in obligations in which a Fund may invest consistent with its investment objective and policies and other than repurchase agreements and loans of portfolio securities.

 

(9)  Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets taken at market to an extent greater than 15% of the total assets of the Fund except in connection with permitted transactions in options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, reverse repurchase agreements and securities lending.

 

(10)  With the exception of the Strategic Bond Fund, the Strategic Balanced Fund, the Diversified Value Fund, the Core Opportunities Fund, the Diversified Growth Fund, the Large Cap Growth Fund, the Aggressive Growth Fund, the Mid-Cap Value Fund, the Small Cap Value Equity Fund, the Small Cap Core Equity Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund, the Emerging Growth Fund, the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund, the Small Company Growth Fund, the Diversified International Fund, the Overseas Fund and the Destination Retirement Funds, purchase any security (other than securities issued, guaranteed or sponsored by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, a Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer. This restriction is applicable to 75% of the assets of the excepted Funds.

 

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(11)  With the exception of the Strategic Bond Fund, the Strategic Balanced Fund, the Diversified Value Fund, the Core Opportunities Fund, the Diversified Growth Fund, the Large Cap Growth Fund, the Aggressive Growth Fund, the Mid-Cap Value Fund, the Small Cap Value Equity Fund, the Small Cap Core Equity Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund, the Emerging Growth Fund, the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund, the Small Company Growth Fund, the Diversified International Fund and the Destination Retirement Funds, purchase or retain securities of any issuer if, to the knowledge of the Trust, more than 5% of such issuer’s securities are beneficially owned by officers and trustees of the Trust or officers and directors of its adviser who individually beneficially own more than  1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer.

 

(12)  Acquire securities of issuers in any one industry (as determined by the Board of Trustees of the Trust) if as a result 25% or more of the value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in such industry, with the following exception:

 

(a)  There is no limitation for securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities.

 

Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions are borrowings subject to limitation (2) above.

 

Notwithstanding limitation (12) above, the NASDAQ-100 Fund may at any time invest more than 25% of its total assets in any industry to the extent that securities of issuers in that industry represent more than 25% of the NASDAQ-100 Index.

 

NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUNDS

(other than the Indexed Equity Fund, Value Equity Fund and Blue Chip Growth Fund)

 

In addition to the fundamental investment restrictions described above, the Board of Trustees of the Trust has voluntarily adopted certain policies and restrictions which are observed in the conduct of the affairs of the Funds. These represent intentions of the Trustees based upon current circumstances. They differ from fundamental investment restrictions in that the following additional investment restrictions may be changed or amended by action of the Trustees without requiring prior notice to or approval of shareholders.

 

In accordance with such policies and guidelines, each Fund may not:

 

(1)  Invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. This restriction does not limit the purchase of securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, provided that such securities are determined to be liquid by MassMutual or the sub-adviser pursuant to Board approved guidelines.

 

(2)  Invest for the purpose of exercising control over, or management of, any company.

 

(3)  With the exception of the Destination Retirement Funds, invest in securities of other investment companies, except by purchase in the open market where no commission or profit to a sponsor or dealer results from such purchase other than the customary broker’s commission, except when such purchase is part of a plan of merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition or except shares of money market funds advised by MassMutual or an affiliate thereof. It is expected that a Fund would purchase shares of such money market funds only if arrangements are made to eliminate duplicate advisory and distribution fees, except this restriction shall not prohibit the investment by the Diversified Growth Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund or the Small Company Value Fund in money market funds managed by T. Rowe Price pursuant to an exemptive order.

 

(4)  To the extent that shares of the Fund are purchased or otherwise acquired by other series of the Trust, acquire any securities of registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, except this restriction shall

 

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not prohibit the investment by the Diversified Growth Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund or the Small Company Value Fund in money market funds managed by T. Rowe Price pursuant to an exemptive order.

 

With respect to limitation (1) above, if there is a lack of trading interest in particular Rule 144A securities, a Fund’s holdings of those securities may be illiquid, resulting in the possibility of undesirable delays in selling these securities at prices representing fair value. If, through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund were in a position where more than 15% of its net assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would consider appropriate steps to protect liquidity.

 

In addition, the Strategic Balanced Fund may not:

 

(1)  Invest more than 5.00% of the value of the Fund’s total assets in the securities of any issuer which has been in continuous operation for less than three years. This restriction does not apply to U.S. government securities.

 

(2)  Purchase warrants if, thereafter, more than 2.00% of the value of the Fund’s net assets would consist of such warrants, but warrants attached to other securities acquired in units by the Fund are not subject to this restriction.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing investment limitations, the Underlying Funds in which the Destination Retirement Funds may invest have adopted certain investment limitations that may be more or less restrictive than those listed above, thereby permitting a Destination Retirement Fund to engage indirectly in investment strategies that are prohibited under the investment limitations listed above.

 

In accordance with each Destination Retirement Fund’s investment program as set forth in the prospectus, a Destination Retirement Fund may invest more than 25% of its assets in any one Underlying Fund. While each Destination Retirement Fund does not intend to concentrate its investments in a particular industry, a Destination Retirement Fund may indirectly concentrate in a particular industry or group of industries through its investments in one or more Underlying Funds.

 

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE INDEXED EQUITY FUND

 

The Indexed Equity Fund is subject to certain fundamental restrictions on its investments, which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Investment restrictions that appear below or elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information and in the Prospectus which involve a maximum percentage of securities or assets shall not be considered to be violated (except with respect to limitation (7) below) unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or encumbrance of securities or assets of, or borrowings by or on behalf of, the Fund. The Trust may not, on behalf of the Fund:

 

(1)  purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activity in the same industry if, immediately after the purchase and as a result thereof, the value of the Fund’s investments in that industry would be 25% or more of the current value of the Fund’s total assets, provided that there is no limitation with respect to investments in (i) obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies of instrumentalities, and (ii) any industry in which the S&P 500® Index becomes concentrated to the same degree during the same period and provided further, that the Fund may invest all its assets in a diversified open-end management investment company, or series thereof, with substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund, without regard for the limitations set forth in this paragraph (1);

 

(2)  purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnerships (other than securities secured by real estate or interests therein or securities issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein);

 

 

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(3)  purchase commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may purchase securities of an issuer which invests or deals in commodities or commodity contracts, and except that the Fund may purchase and sell (i.e., write) options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indexes, and options on futures contracts or indexes;

 

(4)  purchase securities on margin (except for short-term credit necessary for the clearance of transactions and except for margin deposits in connection with options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those related to indexes, and options on futures contracts or indexes);

 

(5)  act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities and provided further, that the purchase buy the Fund of securities issued by a diversified, open-end management investment company, or its series thereof, with substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund shall not constitute acting as an underwriter for purposes of this paragraph (5);

 

(6)  issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act;

 

(7)  borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act currently permits the Fund to borrow from any bank; provided, that immediately after any such borrowing there is an asset coverage of at least 300 per centum for all borrowings of the Fund; and provided further, that in the event that such asset coverage shall at any time fall below 300 per centum the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations, reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300 per centum. For purposes of this investment restriction, the Fund’s entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indexes, and options on futures contracts or indexes shall not constitute borrowing to the extent certain segregated accounts are established and maintained by the Fund;

 

(8)  purchase securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities or other investment companies) if, as a result, with respect to 75% of its total assets (i) more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer or (ii) the Fund’s ownership would be more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; or

 

(9)  make loans, except that the Fund may purchase or hold debt instruments or lend its portfolio securities in accordance with its investment policies, and may enter into repurchase agreements.

 

Reverse repurchase agreements are borrowings subject to limitation (7) above.

 

NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE INDEXED EQUITY FUND

 

In addition to the fundamental investment restrictions described above, the Trustees of the Trust have voluntarily adopted certain policies and restrictions which are observed in the conduct of the affairs of the Indexed Equity Fund. These represent intentions of the Trustees based upon current circumstances. They differ from fundamental investment restrictions in that the following additional investment restrictions may be changed or amended by action of the Trustees without requiring prior notice to or approval of shareholders.

 

In accordance with such policies and guidelines, the Fund:

 

(1)  may not, unless required by its investment strategy of replicating the composition of a published market index, purchase securities of issuers who, with their predecessors, have been in existence less than three years, unless the securities are fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. Government, a state, commonwealth, possession, territory, the District of Columbia or by an entity in existence at least three years, or the securities are backed by the assets and revenues of any of the foregoing if, by reason thereof, the value of its aggregate investments in such securities will exceed 5% of its total assets;

 

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(2)  reserves the right to invest up to 15% of the current value of its net assets in fixed time deposits that are subject to withdrawal penalties and that have maturities of more than seven days, repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, and other illiquid securities, provided that in circumstances where fluctuations in value result in the Fund’s investment in illiquid securities constituting more than 15% of the current value of its net assets, the Fund will take reasonable steps to reduce its investments in illiquid securities until such investments constitute no more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets;

 

(3)  may not purchase, sell or write puts, calls or combinations thereof, except as may be described in this Statement of Additional Information and the Fund’s Prospectus; and

 

(4)  may invest in shares of other open-end, management investment companies, subject to the limitations of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act.

 

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF

THE BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND

 

The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of the Blue Chip Growth Fund’s assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund’s acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

A Fund’s fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be changed without approval by a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in 1940 Act) of the Fund. However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below, the investment policies and limitations described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.

 

The Fund may not:

 

(1)  with respect to 75% of the Fund’s total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, (a) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the Fund would hold more than 10% of the voting securities of that issuer;

 

(2)  issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

 

(3)  borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3 of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation;

 

(4)  underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection with investments in other investment companies;

 

(5)  purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities), if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry;

 

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(6)  purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);

 

(7)  purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities); and

 

(8)  lend any security or make any loan if, as a result, more than 33 1 /3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.

 

(9)  The Fund may, notwithstanding any other fundamental policy or limitation, invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end management investment company managed by the Fund’s sub-adviser or an affiliate or successor with substantially the same fundamental investment objective, policies and limitations as the Fund.

 

NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF

THE BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND

 

In addition to the fundamental investment restrictions described above, the Trustees of the Trust have voluntarily adopted certain policies and restrictions which are observed in the conduct of the affairs of the Blue Chip Growth Fund. These represent intentions of the Trustees based upon current circumstances. They differ from fundamental investment restrictions in that the following additional investment restrictions may be changed or amended by action of the Trustees without requiring prior notice to or approval of shareholders.

 

In accordance with such policies and guidelines, the Fund:

 

(1)  does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.

 

(2)  does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

(3)  may borrow money only (a) from a bank or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for purposes of fundamental investment limitation (3)).

 

(4)  does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued.

 

(5)  does not currently intend to lend assets other than securities to other parties, except by assuming any unfunded commitments in connection with the acquisition of loans, loan participations or other forms of direct debt instruments. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities, to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.)

 

(6)  does not currently intend to invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end management investment company managed by the Fund’s sub-adviser or an affiliate or successor with substantially the same fundamental investment objective, policies and limitations as the Fund.

 

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(7) may not, to the extent that shares of the Fund are purchased or otherwise acquired by other series of the Trust, acquire any securities of registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, except this restriction shall not prohibit the investment by the Fund in money market funds managed by T. Rowe Price pursuant to an exemptive order.

 

With respect to limitation (4), if, through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund were in a position where more than 15% of its net assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would consider appropriate steps to protect liquidity.

 

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of the Value Equity Fund’s assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund’s acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

A Fund’s fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be changed without approval by a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund. However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below, the investment policies and limitations described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.

 

The Fund may not:

 

(1)  issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

 

(2)  borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation;

 

(3)  underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection with investments in other investment companies.

 

(4)  purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities), if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry;

 

(5)  purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);

 

(6)  purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities); and

 

(7)  lend any security or make any loan if, as a result, more than 33 1 /3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.

 

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(8)  The Fund may, notwithstanding any other fundamental policy or limitation, invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end management investment company managed by the Fund’s sub-adviser or an affiliate or successor with substantially the same fundamental investment objective, policies and limitations as the Fund.

 

NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

In addition to the fundamental investment restrictions described above, the Trustees of the Trust have voluntarily adopted certain policies and restrictions which are observed in the conduct of the affairs of the Value Equity Fund. These represent intentions of the Trustees based upon current circumstances. They differ from fundamental investment restrictions in that the following additional investment restrictions may be changed or amended by action of the Trustees without requiring prior notice to or approval of shareholders.

 

In accordance with such policies and guidelines, the Fund:

 

(1)  in order to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, currently intends to comply with certain diversification limits imposed by Subchapter M.

 

(2)  does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.

 

(3)  does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

(4)  may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered investment company or fund for which the Fund’s sub-adviser or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for purposes of fundamental investment limitation (2)).

 

(5)  does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued.

 

(6)  does not currently intend to lend assets other than securities to other parties, except by assuming any unfunded commitments in connection with the acquisition of loans, loan participations or other forms of direct debt instruments. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities, to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.)

 

For purposes of limitation (1), Subchapter M generally requires the Fund to invest no more than 25% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer and to invest at least 50% of its total assets so that (a) no more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in the securities of any one issuer, and (b) the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. However, Subchapter M allows unlimited investments in cash, cash items and government securities (as defined by Subchapter M) and securities of other investment companies. These tax requirements are generally applied at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year.

 

With respect to limitation (5), if, through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund were in a position where more than 15% of its net assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would consider appropriate steps to protect liquidity.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

 

The Trust has a Board of Trustees, a majority of which are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust. The Board of Trustees of the Trust is generally responsible for management of the business and affairs of the Trust. The Trustees formulate the general policies of the Trust and the Funds, approve contracts and authorize Trust officers to carry out the decisions of the Board. To assist them in this role, the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (“Disinterested Trustees”) have retained independent legal counsel. As investment adviser and sub-advisers to the Funds, respectively, MassMutual, AllianceBernstein, ClearBridge, Clover, Cooke & Bieler, Davis, DMC, Eagle, EARNEST Partners, GSAM, Harris, Insight Capital, Legg Mason, Mazama, MFS, NTI, Pyramis, Sands Capital, SSgA FM, T. Rowe Price, Turner, Victory, Waddell & Reed, Wellington Management, Western Asset and WAML may be considered part of the management of the Trust. The Trustees and principal officers of the Trust are listed below together with information on their positions with the Trust, address, age, principal occupations during the past five years and other principal business affiliations.

 

Disinterested Trustees

 

Richard H. Ayers

  Trustee of the Trust

1295 State Street

   

Springfield, MA 01111

   

Age: 65

   

Trustee since 1996

   

Trustee of 55 portfolios in fund complex

   

 

Retired; former adviser to Chairman (1997), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1989-1996) and Director (1985-1996), The Stanley Works (manufacturer of tools, hardware and specialty hardware products); Director, Applera Corporation; Trustee (since 1999), Advisory Board Member (1996-1999), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company).

 

Allan W. Blair

  Trustee of the Trust

1295 State Street

   

Springfield, MA 01111

   

Age: 59

   

Trustee since 2003

   

Trustee of 55 portfolios in fund complex

   

 

President and Chief Executive Officer (since 1996), Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts; President and Chief Executive Officer (1993-2006), Westmass Area Development Corporation; President and Chief Executive Officer (since 1984), Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation; Trustee (since 2003), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company).

 

Mary E. Boland

  Trustee of the Trust

1295 State Street

   

Springfield, MA 01111

   

Age: 68

   

Trustee since 1994

   

Trustee of 55 portfolios in fund complex

   

 

Attorney-at-Law (since 2004); Attorney-at-Law (1965-2004), Egan, Flanagan and Cohen, P.C. (law firm), Springfield, MA; Trustee (since 1973), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company).

 

 

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Richard W. Greene

  Chairman and Trustee of the Trust

1295 State Street

   

Springfield, MA 01111

   

Age: 72

   

Trustee since 1996

   

Trustee of 55 portfolios in fund complex

   

 

Retired; Vice President for Investments and Treasurer (1998-2000), Executive Vice President and Treasurer (1986-1998), University of Rochester (private university); Chairman (since 2005), Trustee (since 1999), Advisory Board Member (1996-1999), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company).

 

R. Alan Hunter, Jr.1

  Trustee of the Trust

1295 State Street

   

Springfield, MA 01111

   

Age: 61

   

Trustee since 2003

   

Trustee of 55 portfolios in fund complex

   

 

Retired; President and Chief Operating Officer (1993-1997), The Stanley Works (manufacturer of tools, hardware and specialty hardware products); Director (since 2007), Actuant Corporation; Trustee (since 2003), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company).

 

F. William Marshall, Jr.

  Trustee of the Trust

1295 State Street

   

Springfield, MA 01111

   

Age: 65

   

Trustee since 1996

   

Trustee of 94 portfolios in fund complex2

   

 

Consultant (since 1999); Chairman (1999), Family Bank, F.S.B. (formerly SIS Bank); Executive Vice President (1999), Peoples Heritage Financial Group; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (1993-1999), SIS Bancorp, Inc. and SIS Bank (formerly, Springfield Institution for Savings); Trustee (since 2000), Board II Oppenheimer Funds; Trustee (since 1996), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company).

 

Interested Trustees

 

Elaine A. Sarsynski3

  Trustee of the Trust

1295 State Street

   

Springfield, MA 01111

   

Age: 52

   

Trustee since 2008

   

Trustee of 55 portfolios in fund complex

   

 

Executive Vice President (since 2005), MassMutual; Managing Director (2005), Babson Capital Management LLC; Chief Executive Officer (2001-2005), Town of Suffield, Connecticut; Trustee (since 2008), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company).


(1) Mr. Hunter is an “Interested Person,” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, of the Small Cap Core Equity Fund through his ownership of common stock of Goldman Sachs. GSAM, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as the sub-adviser to the Small Cap Core Equity Fund.
(2) Board II Oppenheimer Funds is deemed to be part of the Fund Complex because it is managed by OppenheimerFunds, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the Adviser.
(3) Ms. Sarsynski is an Interested Person through her employment with MassMutual.

 

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Robert E. Joyal4

  Trustee of the Trust

1295 State Street

   

Springfield, MA 01111

   

Age: 63

   

Trustee since 2003

   

Trustee of 57 portfolios in fund complex5

   

 

Retired; President (2001-2003), Managing Director (2000-2001) and Executive Director (1999-2000), David L. Babson & Company Inc.; Trustee (since 2003), President (1999-2003), MassMutual Corporate Investors (closed-end investment company); Director (since 2003), Pemco Aviation Group, Inc.; Trustee (since 2003), President (1999-2003), MassMutual Participation Investors (closed-end investment company); Vice Chairman (2005-2007), Trustee (since 2003), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company); Director (since 2006), Jefferies Group, Inc. (investment bank); Director (since 2007), Scottish Re Group Ltd.

 

Principal Officers

 

Eric H. Wietsma

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

Age: 41

Officer since 2006

Officer of 87 portfolios in fund complex

   President of the Trust

 

Corporate Vice President (since 2007), Vice President (2005-2007), MassMutual; Vice President (1999-2005), Hartford Life Insurance Company; Vice President (since 2006), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company); President (since 2008), Vice President (2006-2008), MassMutual Premier Funds (open-end investment company); Vice President (since 2006), MML Series Investment Fund II (open-end investment company).

 

Philip S. Wellman

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

Age: 43

Officer since 2007

Officer of 87 portfolios in fund complex

   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust

 

Vice President, Compliance (since 2007), Assistant Vice President and Associate General Counsel (2006-2007), MassMutual; Director, Office of General Counsel (2005-2006), Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated; Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel (2000-2006), Advest, Inc.; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2007), MassMutual Premier Funds (open-end investment company); Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2007), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company); Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2007), MML Series Investment Fund II (open-end investment company).


(4) Mr. Joyal is an Interested Person through his position as a director of Jefferies Group, Inc., a broker-dealer that may execute portfolio transactions and/or engage in principal transactions with the Funds, other investment companies advised by MassMutual or holding themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment or investor services, or any other advisory accounts over which MassMutual has brokerage placement discretion.
(5) MassMutual Participation Investors and MassMutual Corporate Investors are deemed to be a part of the Fund Complex because they are managed by Babson Capital Management LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Adviser.

 

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Nicholas H. Palmerino

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

Age: 42

Officer since 2006

Officer of 87 portfolios in fund complex

   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Trust

 

Assistant Vice President (since 2006), MassMutual; Vice President (2006), Consultant (2005-2006), JP Morgan Chase Worldwide Securities Services; Senior Vice President (2003-2004), CDC IXIS Asset Management Services, Inc. and CDC IXIS Asset Management Advisers, L.P.; Vice President (1996-2003), Loomis Sayles & Company, L.P.; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), MassMutual Premier Funds (open-end investment company); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), MML Series Investment Fund II (open-end investment company).

 

John E. Deitelbaum

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

Age: 39

Officer since 2006

Officer of 87 portfolios in fund complex

   Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of the Trust

 

Corporate Vice President and Associate General Counsel (since 2007), Vice President and Associate General Counsel (2006-2007), Second Vice President and Associate General Counsel (2000-2006), MassMutual; Vice President, Clerk and Chief Legal Officer (since 2006), MassMutual Premier Funds (open-end investment company); Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (since 2006), MML Series Investment Fund (open-end investment company); Vice President, Clerk and Chief Legal Officer (since 2006), MML Series Investment Fund II (open-end investment company).

 

Each Trustee of the Trust serves until the next meeting of shareholders called for the purpose of electing Trustees and until the election and qualification of his successor or until he dies, resigns or is removed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless the Trustees determine that it is desirable and in the best interest of the Trust that an exception to the retirement policy of the Trust be made, a Trustee shall retire and cease to serve as a Trustee upon the conclusion of the calendar year in which such Trustee attains the age of seventy-two years. However, any Trustee who attained the age of seventy-two years during 2007 shall retire and cease to serve as a Trustee on or before December 31, 2009.

 

The Board of Trustees had four regularly scheduled meetings in 2007.

 

The Trust has an Audit Committee, consisting of Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust. The Audit Committee, whose members are Messrs. Ayers and Hunter and Ms. Boland, makes recommendations to the Trustees as to the engagement or discharge of the Trust’s independent auditors, supervises investigations into matters relating to audit functions, reviews with the Trust’s independent auditors the results of the audit engagement, and considers the audit fees. In 2007, the Audit Committee met five times.

 

The Trust has a Nominating Committee, consisting of each Trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Trust. There are no regular meetings of the Nominating Committee but rather meetings are held as appropriate. The Nominating Committee met twice during 2007. The Nominating Committee evaluates the qualifications of Trustee candidates and nominates candidates to the full Board of Trustees. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees for the position of Trustee recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Nominating Committee in care of the Secretary of the Trust at 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111. The Nominating Committee also considers candidates from among the Trustees to serve as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and periodically reviews the compensation of the Trust’s independent trustees.

 

B-43


The Nominating Committee will consider and evaluate nominee candidates properly submitted by shareholders of the Trust in the same manner as it considers and evaluates candidates recommended by other sources. A recommendation of a shareholder of the Trust must be submitted as described below to be considered properly submitted for purposes of the Nominating Committee’s consideration. The shareholders of the Trust must submit any such recommendation (a “Shareholder Recommendation”) in writing to the Trust’s Nominating Committee, to the attention of the Secretary, at the address of the principal executive offices of the Trust, which is 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111. The Shareholder Recommendation must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Trust at least 60 calendar days before the date of the meeting at which the Nominating Committee is to select a nominee for Independent Trustee. The Shareholder Recommendation must include: (i) a statement in writing setting forth: (A) the name, age, date of birth, phone number, business address, residence address and nationality of the person recommended by the shareholder (the “Shareholder Candidate”); (B) the class or series and number of all shares of the Trust owned of record or beneficially by the Shareholder Candidate, as reported to such shareholder by the Shareholder Candidate; (C) any other information regarding the Shareholder Candidate called for with respect to director nominees by paragraphs (a), (d), (e) and (f) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K or paragraph (b) of Item 22 of Rule 14a-101 (Schedule 14A) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), adopted by the SEC (or the corresponding provisions of any regulation or rule subsequently adopted by the SEC or any successor agency applicable to the Trust); (D) any other information regarding the Shareholder Candidate that would be required to be disclosed if the Shareholder Candidate were a nominee in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for election of trustees or directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (E) whether the recommending shareholder believes that the Shareholder Candidate is or will be an “interested person” of the Trust (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) and, if not an “interested person,” information regarding the Shareholder Candidate that will be sufficient for the Trust to make such determination; (ii) the written and signed consent of the Shareholder Candidate to be named as a nominee, consenting to (1) the disclosure, as may be necessary or appropriate, of such Shareholder Candidate’s information submitted in accordance with (i) above and (2) service as a Trustee if elected; (iii) the recommending shareholder’s name as it appears on the Trust’s books, the number of all shares of each series of the Trust owned beneficially and of record by the recommending shareholder; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the recommending shareholder and the Shareholder Candidate and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the Shareholder Recommendation is being made by the recommending shareholder; and (v) such other information as the Nominating Committee may require the Shareholder Candidate to furnish as it may reasonably require or deem necessary to determine the eligibility of such Shareholder Candidate to serve as a Trustee or to satisfy applicable law.

 

The Trust has a Contract Committee, consisting of each Trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Trust. The Contract Committee met twice during 2007. The Contract Committee performs the specific tasks assigned to independent trustees by the 1940 Act, including the periodic consideration of the Trust’s investment management agreements and sub-advisory agreements.

 

The Trust has a Governance Committee, whose members are Messrs. Blair, Joyal and Marshall, Ms. Boland and Ms. Sarsynski. The Governance Committee met twice during 2007. The Governance Committee oversees board governance issues including, but not limited to, the following: (i) to evaluate the board and committee structure and the performance of Trustees, (ii) to consider and address any conflicts and (iii) to consider the retirement policies of the Board.

 

The Trust has a Valuation Committee, consisting of the Chairman, President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurers, Vice Presidents (except for the CCO), Secretary and Assistant Secretaries of the Trust. The Valuation Committee determines whether market quotations are readily available for investments held by each series of the Trust and determines the fair value of investments held by each series of the Trust for which market quotations are not readily available or are not deemed reliable by the investment adviser. There are no regular meetings of the Valuation Committee but rather meetings are held as appropriate.

 

B-44


The table below sets forth information regarding the Trustees’ beneficial ownership of Fund shares, based on the value of such shares as of December 31, 2007.

 

Name of Trustee


 

The Dollar Range of Equity
Securities Beneficially Owned
in the Trust


 

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


Disinterested Trustees

       

Richard H. Ayers

  None   None

Allan W. Blair

  None   $50,001-$100,000

Mary E. Boland

  None   None

Richard W. Greene

  None   None

R. Alan Hunter, Jr.

  None   None

F. William Marshall, Jr.

  None   None

Interested Trustees

       

Frederick C. Castellani*

  None   None

Robert E. Joyal

  None   None

* Retired as of February 29, 2008.

 

As of December 31, 2007, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, individually and as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any of the Funds.

 

Except as noted below, to the knowledge of the Trust, as of December 31, 2007, the Disinterested Trustees and their immediate family members did not own beneficially or of record securities of an investment adviser, principal underwriter or sponsoring insurance company of the Funds or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser, principal underwriter or sponsoring insurance company of the Funds.

 

As of December 31, 2007, R. Alan Hunter, Jr. owned 1,000 shares of common stock of Goldman Sachs, with a value of approximately $215,050. GSAM, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as sub-adviser to the Small Cap Core Equity Fund.

 

B-45


COMPENSATION

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, pays each of its Trustees who is not an officer or employee of MassMutual a fee of $14,000 per quarter plus a fee of $4,800 per meeting attended in-person. Such Trustees who serve on the Contract Committee of the Trust are paid an additional $4,800 for attending the annual Contract Committee meeting. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees is paid an additional 50% of the quarterly fee, the in-person meeting fee and the Contract Committee meeting fee. No additional fees are paid for attending any other committee meetings or any special telephonic meetings. The Chairperson of the Audit Committee is paid an additional fee of $8,000 annually. The Chairpersons of each of the Contract Committee, the Nominating Committee and the Governance Committee are paid an additional fee of $4,000 annually. Such Trustees who serve on the Audit Committee, other than the Chairperson, are paid an additional fee of $3,200 annually. In addition, the Trust reimburses out-of-pocket business travel expenses to such Trustees. Trustees who are officers or employees of MassMutual receive no fees from the Trust.

 

At the start of the 2007 fiscal year, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, paid each of its Trustees who was not an officer or employee of MassMutual a fee of $6,800 per quarter plus $3,600 per meeting attended in-person or $1,400 per meeting attended by telephone. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees was paid an additional fee of $3,425 per quarter. Such Trustees who served on the Audit Committee or the Contract Committee of the Trust were paid an additional fee of $1,400 per meeting attended. Such Trustees who served on the Nominating Committee or the Governance Committee were paid an additional fee of $700 per meeting attended. The Chairperson of the Audit Committee was paid an additional fee of $1,400 annually. The Chairpersons of each of the Contract Committee, the Nominating Committee and the Governance Committee were paid an additional fee of $700 annually. Effective as of May 9, 2007, the quarterly fee and in-person meeting fee were changed to $8,200 and $4,300, respectively, and the additional quarterly fee paid to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees was changed to $4,125. In addition, retroactive to January 1, 2006, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees was paid an additional 50% meeting fee for each non-telephonic Board meeting attended by him or her. In addition, the Trust reimbursed out-of-pocket business travel expenses to such Trustees. Trustees who are officers or employees of MassMutual received no fees from the Trust.

 

The following table discloses actual compensation paid to Trustees of the Trust during the 2007 fiscal year. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan, but does have a deferred compensation plan. The plan provides for amounts deferred to be credited a rate of interest set by the Board of Trustees from time to time, currently eight percent (8%). Each of the Trustees also serves as Trustee of one other registered investment company managed by MassMutual, MML Series Investment Fund.

 

Name/Position


   Aggregate Compensation
from the Trust


   Deferred Compensation and
Interest accrued as part of
Fund Expenses


   Total Compensation
from the Trust
and Fund Complex


Richard H. Ayers

     —      $ 77,085    $ 110,561

Trustee

                    

Allan W. Blair

   $ 58,315      —      $ 81,664

Trustee

                    

Mary E. Boland

     —      $ 88,685    $ 132,735

Trustee

                    

Richard W. Greene

   $ 86,848      —      $ 121,497

Trustee

                    

R. Alan Hunter, Jr.

     —      $ 76,615    $ 110,425

Trustee

                    

Robert E. Joyal

     —      $ 67,902    $ 98,490

Trustee

                    

F. William Marshall, Jr.

   $ 58,315      —      $ 239,664

Trustee

                    

Frederick C. Castellani1

   $ 0      —      $ 0

(1) Mr. Castellani, as an employee of MassMutual, received no compensation for his role as Trustee to the Trust. Mr. Castellani retired as of February 29, 2008.

 

B-46


The Trust’s shareholders have the right, upon the declaration in writing or vote of at least two-thirds of the votes represented by its outstanding shares, to remove a Trustee. The Trustees shall call a meeting of shareholders to vote on the removal of a Trustee upon the written request of the record holders of shares representing at least 10% of all of the votes represented by all outstanding shares of the Trust. In addition, whenever ten or more shareholders of record who have been such for at least six months preceding the date of application, and who hold in the aggregate either shares having a net asset value of at least $25,000 or at least 1% of the Trust’s outstanding shares, whichever is less, shall apply to the Trustees in writing, stating that they wish to communicate with other shareholders with a view to obtaining signatures for a request for a meeting for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any Trustee or Trustees and accompanied by the form of communication and request which they wish to transmit, the Trustees shall within five business days after receipt of such application either: (1) afford to such applicants access to a list of the names and addresses of all shareholders as recorded on the books of the Trust; or (2) inform such applicants as to the approximate number of shareholders of record, and the approximate cost of mailing to them the proposed communication and form of request. If the Trustees elect to follow the latter course, the Trustees, upon the written request of such applicants, accompanied by a tender of the material to be mailed and of the reasonable expenses of mailing, shall, with reasonable promptness, mail such material to all shareholders of record at their addresses as recorded on the books of the Trust, unless within five business days after such tender the Trustees shall mail to such applicants and file with the SEC, together with a copy of the material to be mailed, a written statement signed by at least a majority of the Trustees to the effect that in their opinion either such material contains untrue statements of fact or omits to state facts necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading, or would be in violation of applicable law, and specifying the basis of such opinion.

 

After opportunity for hearing regarding the objections specified in the written statement so filed, the SEC may, and if demanded by the Trustees or by such applicants shall, enter an order either sustaining one or more of such objections, or refusing to sustain any of them. If the SEC shall enter an order refusing to sustain any such objections or if, after the entry of an order sustaining one or more of such objections, the SEC shall find, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that all objections so sustained have been met, and shall enter an order so declaring, the Trustees shall mail copies of such material to all shareholders with reasonable promptness after the entry of such order and the renewal of such tender.

 

On any matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, all shares of the Trust then entitled to vote shall be voted in the aggregate as a single class without regard to series or class, except that: (i) when required by the 1940 Act or when the Trustees shall have determined that the matter affects one or more of the series or classes materially differently, shares will be voted by individual series or class; and (ii) when the Trustees have determined that any matter affects only the interests of one or more series or classes, then only shareholders of such series or class shall be entitled to vote thereon. Shareholder inquiries should be directed to MassMutual Select Funds, Attn: B379, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of March 1, 2008, to the Trust’s knowledge, the following persons owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the indicated classes of the Funds set forth below. Such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than the owner listed. To the extent that any listed shareholder beneficially owns more than 25% of a Fund, it may be deemed to “control” such Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The effect of such control may be to reduce the ability of other shareholders of the Fund to take actions requiring the affirmative vote of holders of a plurality or majority of the Fund’s shares without the approval of the controlling shareholder.

 

B-47


MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund1

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   78.73 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   14.52 %

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   74.44 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   22.90 %

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100 %

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   90.94 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   9.06 %

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   81.86 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   17.55 %

 

MassMutual Select Diversified Value Fund2

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   72.73 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   20.79 %

 

B-48


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   91.43 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   7.98 %

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100 %

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   65.80 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   7.53 %
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   6.77 %
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   6.54 %
    

Elevator Constructors Annuity and 401K Retirement Plan

19 Campus Blvd., Suite 200

Newton Square, PA 19073-3200

   5.72 %

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   75.99 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   23.98 %

 

B-49


MassMutual Select Fundamental Value Fund3

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   90.59 %

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   89.64 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   6.12 %

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100 %

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   77.46 %
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   6.84 %
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   6.60 %

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   92.15 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   5.30 %

 

MassMutual Select Value Equity Fund4

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   92.03 %

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   96.08 %

 

B-50


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100 %

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100 %

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100 %

 

MassMutual Select Large Cap Value Fund5

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   82.29 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   13.97 %

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   90.49 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   7.16 %

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100 %

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   79.70 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   6.85 %

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   79.74 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   13.51 %

 

B-51


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 
    

Greit Brothers Corporation Plans

c/o State Street Bank

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 02117

   5.47 %

 

MassMutual Select Indexed Equity Fund6

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   76.22 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   17.83 %

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   91.67 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   7.98 %

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100 %

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   83.20 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   7.31 %

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   70.41 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   22.13 %

Class Z

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   76.99 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   20.65 %

 

B-52


MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund7

 

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   74.35%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   18.53%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   76.90%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   23.10%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   83.99%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   16.01%

 

MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund8

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   81.10%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   8.68%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   96.14%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

 

B-53


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class S

   MassMutual    70.59%
    

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

    
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   12.38%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   7.56%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   5.78%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   98.19%

 

MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund9

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.90%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.90%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.90%

Class S

  

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   28.43%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   27.81%

 

B-54


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

   17.13%
    

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

    
    

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   14.40%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   7.74%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.90%

 

MassMutual Select Large Cap Growth Fund10

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   78.29%
    

SEI Private Trust Company

c/o State Street Bank

ATTN Mutual Funds

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, PA 19456

   10.71%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

 

MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund11

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   89.64%

 

B-55


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   94.38%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   63.27%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   11.29%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   10.90%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   7.26%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   65.20%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   34.01%

 

MassMutual Select NASDAQ-100 Fund12

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   84.15%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   11.08%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   98.89%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

 

B-56


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.03%

 

MassMutual Select Focused Value Fund13

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   77.28%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   7.62%
    

NFS IRA Account

2 N. Lasalle Street

Suite 500

Chicago, IL 60602

   6.75%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   91.82%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   84.75%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   90.91%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   6.61%

 

MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund14

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   66.00%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   32.86%

 

B-57


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class L

   MassMutual    99.66%
    

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

    

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   32.41%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   23.51%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   18.35%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   10.45%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   6.22%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   5.68%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   97.09%

 

MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund15

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   89.36%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   7.09%

 

B-58


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

   91.14%
     Springfield, MA 01111     
    

Board of Trust of Stationary Engineers

Local 39 Annuity Trust

1640 South Loop Road

Alameda, CA 94502

   7.51%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   63.85%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   9.10%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   6.99%
    

Elevator Constructors Annuity and 401K Retirement Plan

19 Campus Blvd., Suite 200

Newton Square, PA 19073-3200

   5.63%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   5.20%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.45%

 

MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund16

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   80.07%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   11.41%

 

B-59


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   90.69%
     Taynik & Co.    7.73%
    

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

    

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   73.49%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   15.75%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   87.26%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   7.67%

 

MassMutual Select Small Cap Core Equity Fund17

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   85.45%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   11.79%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.85%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   37.37%

 

B-60


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   33.72%
     MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund    9.94%
    

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

    
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   8.24%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   6.72%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   98.38%

 

MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund18

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   89.22%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   57.53%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   14.45%

 

B-61


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   13.91%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   7.58%

Class Y

   MassMutual    91.66%
    

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

    
    

SEI Private Trust Company

c/o State Street Bank

ATTN Mutual Funds

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, PA 19456

   8.34%

 

MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund19

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   82.91%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   11.52%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   85.73%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   11.41%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   64.75%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   19.71%

 

B-62


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   76.82%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   17.30%

 

MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity Fund20

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   80.90%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   10.53%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   96.99%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   91.44%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   85.36%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   10.07%

 

MassMutual Select Small Company Growth Fund21

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   93.76%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   92.02%

 

B-63


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   6.22%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   65.86%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

   12.21%
     Boston, MA 02116     
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   6.31%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   80.40%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   16.41%

 

MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund22

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   92.74%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.01%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   36.60%

 

B-64


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   34.37%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   16.24%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   7.52%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.89%

 

MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund23

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.70%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   98.57%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   24.82%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   22.58%
    

Elevator Constructors Annuity and 401K Retirement Plan

19 Campus Blvd., Suite 200

Newton Square, PA 19073-3200

   15.32%

 

B-65


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   14.03%
    

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   12.17%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   6.39%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.77%

 

MassMutual Select Overseas Fund24

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   87.73%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   94.78%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   61.35%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   12.50%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   9.89%
    

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

200 Clarendon Street

ATTN Derek Walsh

Boston, MA 02116

   6.56%

 

B-66


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   95.14%

 

MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund25

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class


Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   66.69%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   8.47%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   95.07%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   98.18%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   87.00%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   12.99%

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Income Fund26

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class


Class A

  

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   29.71%
    

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   25.86%
    

NFS IRA Account

FBO Robert Flynn

P.O. Box 995

24 Sea Street, Apt. A

Northeast Harbor, ME 04662

   5.23%

 

B-67


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class


 

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   96.96%  

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%  

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   90.51%  
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   9.48%  

Class Y

  

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   74.24%  
    

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   24.71 %

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund27

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class


Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   50.14%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   17.26%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   89.36%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   10.64%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   90.39%

 

B-68


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class


    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   9.14%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   54.80%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   38.89%
    

Grief State Street Corporation 401K Plan

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 02117

   6.31%

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund28

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

 

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   53.48 %
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   17.60 %

Class L

   MassMutual    95.22 %
    

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

      

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%  

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   86.92%  
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   12.76%  

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   60.27%  
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   32.35%  

 

B-69


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

    

Grief State Street Corporation 401K Plan

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 02117

   7.23%

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund29

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   62.11%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   18.78%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   91.70%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   8.30%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   88.94%
     Taynik & Co.    10.84%
    

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

    

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   55.41%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   36.09%
    

Grief State Street Corporation 401K Plan

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 02117

   8.27%

 

B-70


MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund30

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   67.70%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   17.28%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   93.29%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   6.71%

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   82.08%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

Boston, MA 02117-9130

   17.54%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   45.98%
    

Taynik & Co.

c/o State Street Bank

P.O. Box 9130

   45.96%
    

Boston, MA 02117-9130

    
    

Grief State Street Corporation 401K Plan

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 02117

   7.73%

 

MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund31

 

Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class A

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.74%

Class L

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.87%

 

B-71


Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Percent
of Class

Class N

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   99.90%

Class S

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   100%

Class Y

  

MassMutual

1295 State Street

Springfield, MA 01111

   98.83%

 

1

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 82.83% of MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

2

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 72.64% of MassMutual Select Diversified Value Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

3

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 63.27% of MassMutual Select Fundamental Value Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

4

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 97.68% of MassMutual Select Value Equity Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

5

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 82.22% of MassMutual Select Large Cap Value Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

6

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 79.76% of MassMutual Select Indexed Equity Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

7

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 81.27% of MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

8

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 87.65% of MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

9

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund and MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, owned 28.35% and 27.72%, respectively, of MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund and therefore may each be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund and MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund. MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund and MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund are organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

 

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10

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 96.50% of MassMutual Select Large Cap Growth Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

11

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 76.79% of MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

12

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 93.17% of MassMutual Select NASDAQ-100 Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

13

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 85.13% of MassMutual Select Focused Value Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

14

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 36.04% of MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

15

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 75.20% of MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

16

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 80.69% of MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

17

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 65.97% of MassMutual Select Small Cap Core Equity Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

18

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 73.08% of MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

19

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 78.46%, of MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

20

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 89.58% of MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

21

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield MA 01111, owned 83.28% of MassMutual Select Small Company Growth Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

22

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 69.32% of MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

 

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23

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 55.09% of MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

24

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 79.23% of MassMutual Select Overseas Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

25

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 88.84% of MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

26

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, and Taynik & Co., c/o State Street Bank, P.O. Box 9130, Boston, MA 02117-9130, owned 55.70% and 34.59%, respectively, of MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Income Fund and therefore may each be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual or Taynik & Co. MassMutual and Taynik & Co. are organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

27

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 67.04% of MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

28

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 75.93% of MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

29

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 76.39% of MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

30

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 77.75% of MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

31

As of March 1, 2008, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111, owned 99.94% of MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund and therefore may be presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. However, such ownership may be beneficially held by individuals or entities other than MassMutual. MassMutual is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISERS

 

Investment Adviser

 

MassMutual serves as investment adviser to each Fund pursuant to Investment Management Agreements with the Trust on behalf of the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund and Small Cap Growth Equity Fund, each dated as of May 3, 1999, on behalf of the Indexed Equity Fund, NASDAQ-100 Fund, Aggressive Growth Fund, Focused Value Fund and Emerging Growth Fund, each dated as of May 1, 2000, on behalf of the Large Cap Value Fund dated as of May 1, 2000 and amended as of April 1, 2008, on behalf of the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund dated as of June 1, 2000, on behalf of the Value Equity Fund and Overseas Fund, each dated as of May 1, 2001, on behalf of the Blue Chip Growth Fund dated as of June 1, 2001 and amended as of December 3, 2007, on behalf of the Fundamental Value Fund, Large Cap Growth Fund, Small Company Value Fund and Small Company Growth Fund, each dated as of December 31, 2001, on behalf of the Strategic Balanced Fund dated as of December 31, 2003, on behalf of the Destination Retirement Income Fund, Destination Retirement 2010 Fund, Destination Retirement 2020 Fund, Destination Retirement 2030 Fund and Destination Retirement 2040 Fund, each dated as of December 31, 2003 and amended as of April 1, 2008, on behalf of the Diversified Value Fund dated as of October 11, 2004, on behalf of the Strategic Bond Fund dated as of December 31, 2004, on behalf of the Core Opportunities Fund, Small Cap Value Equity Fund and Small Cap Core Equity Fund, each dated as of March 31, 2006, on behalf of the Mid-Cap Value Fund dated as of August 29, 2006, on behalf of the Diversified International Fund dated as of December 14, 2006, on behalf of the Diversified Growth Fund dated as of December 17, 2007 and on behalf of the Destination Retirement 2050 Fund dated as of December 17, 2007 and amended as of April 1, 2008 (collectively the “Advisory Agreements”). Under each Advisory Agreement, MassMutual is obligated to provide for the management of each Fund’s portfolio of securities, subject to policies established by the Trustees of the Trust and in accordance with each Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions as set forth herein and in the Prospectus, and has the right to select sub-advisers to the Funds pursuant to investment sub-advisory agreements (the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”).

 

Each Advisory Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of any penalty by the Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, or by MassMutual, on sixty days’ written notice. In addition, each Advisory Agreement automatically terminates if it is assigned or if its continuance is not specifically approved at least annually (after its initial 2 year period): (1) by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees or by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund’s shares, and (2) by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust. Under the terms of each Advisory Agreement, each Fund recognizes MassMutual’s control of the name “MassMutual” and the Trust agrees that its right to use such name is nonexclusive and can be terminated by MassMutual at any time. MassMutual’s liability regarding its investment management obligations and duties is limited to situations involving its willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such obligations and duties.

 

MassMutual also serves as investment adviser to: MassMutual Premier Money Market Fund, MassMutual Premier Short-Duration Bond Fund, MassMutual Premier Inflation-Protected Bond Fund, MassMutual Premier Core Bond Fund, MassMutual Premier Diversified Bond Fund, MassMutual Premier Strategic Income Fund, MassMutual Premier High Yield Fund, MassMutual Premier International Bond Fund, MassMutual Premier Balanced Fund, MassMutual Premier Value Fund, MassMutual Premier Core Value Equity Fund, MassMutual Premier Enhanced Index Value Fund, MassMutual Premier Enhanced Index Core Equity Fund, MassMutual Premier Main Street Fund, MassMutual Premier Capital Appreciation Fund, MassMutual Premier Core Growth Fund, MassMutual Premier Enhanced Index Growth Fund, MassMutual Premier Discovery Value Fund, MassMutual Premier Small Capitalization Value Fund, MassMutual Premier Main Street Small Cap Fund, MassMutual Premier Small Company Opportunities Fund, MassMutual Premier Global Fund, MassMutual Premier International Equity Fund and MassMutual Premier Focused International Fund, which are series of MassMutual Premier Funds, an open-end management investment company; MML Large Cap Value Fund, MML Equity Index Fund, MML Growth Equity Fund, MML NASDAQ-100® Fund, MML Small Cap Growth Equity Fund, MML Emerging Growth Fund, MML Asset Allocation Fund, MML Blue Chip Growth Fund, MML Concentrated Growth Fund, MML Equity Income Fund, MML Foreign Fund, MML Global Fund, MML Growth & Income Fund, MML Income & Growth Fund, MML Large Cap Growth Fund, MML Mid Cap Growth Fund, MML Mid Cap Value

 

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Fund, MML Small Cap Index Fund, MML Small Cap Value Fund, MML Conservative Allocation Fund, MML Balanced Allocation Fund, MML Moderate Allocation Fund, MML Growth Allocation Fund and MML Aggressive Allocation Fund, which are series of MML Series Investment Fund, an open-end management investment company; MML Money Market Fund, MML Inflation-Protected Bond Fund, MML Managed Bond Fund, MML Blend Fund, MML Equity Fund, MML Enhanced Index Core Equity Fund, MML Small Cap Equity Fund and MML Small Company Opportunities Fund, which are series of MML Series Investment Fund II, an open-end management investment company; certain wholly owned subsidiaries of MassMutual; and various employee benefit plans and separate investment accounts in which employee benefit plans invest.

 

The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, pays MassMutual an investment advisory fee monthly, at an annual rate based upon the average daily net assets of that Fund as follows: .55% for the Strategic Bond Fund, .60% for the Strategic Balanced Fund, .50% for the Diversified Value Fund, .65% for the Fundamental Value Fund, .70% for the Value Equity Fund, .65% of the first $1.5 billion of the average daily net assets of the Large Cap Value Fund and .60% on assets in excess of $1.5 billion, .10% for the Indexed Equity Fund, .70% for the Core Opportunities Fund, .65% for the Blue Chip Growth Fund, .70% for the Diversified Growth Fund, .65% for the Large Cap Growth Fund, .69% for the Focused Value Fund, .70% for the Mid-Cap Value Fund, .75% for the Small Cap Value Equity Fund, .85% for the Small Company Value Fund, .75% for the Small Cap Core Equity Fund, .73% for the Aggressive Growth Fund, .15% for the NASDAQ-100 Fund, .70% for the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund, .75% for the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund, .82% for the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund, .85% for the Small Company Growth Fund, .79% for the Emerging Growth Fund, .90% for the Diversified International Fund, 1.00% for the Overseas Fund and .05% of the first $500 million of the average daily net assets of each Destination Retirement Fund, .025% on the next $500 million of average daily net assets and .00% on assets in excess of $1 billion.

 

For the last three fiscal years, the Funds have paid the following amounts as investment advisory fees to MassMutual pursuant to each Advisory Agreement:

 

     Management
Fee Paid


   Other
Expenses
Reimbursed


 

Strategic Bond Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 394,896    $ (45,151 )

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,090,605    $ (59,864 )

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,733,477    $ (78,600 )

Strategic Balanced Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,423,352    $ (46,556 )

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,376,843    $ (49,498 )

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,406,994    $ (10,858 )

Diversified Value Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,116,442      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 2,031,423      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 3,216,936      —    

Fundamental Value Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 6,069,055      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 7,539,122      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 8,198,081      —    

Value Equity Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 635,177      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 699,304      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 659,600      —    

Large Cap Value Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 8,388,723      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 9,933,662      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 9,649,512      —    

 

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     Management
Fee Paid


   Other
Expenses
Reimbursed


 

Indexed Equity Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,840,394      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 2,046,600      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 2,387,414      —    

Core Opportunities Fund3

               

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 86,970    $ (36,282 )  

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 331,358    $ (7,257 )

Blue Chip Growth Fund2

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 2,765,227      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 2,807,887    $ (309,219 )

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 3,836,827    $ (524,236 )

Diversified Growth Fund6

               

Period ended 12/31/07

   $ 20,722    $ (52,831 )

Large Cap Growth Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 215,317    $ (10,175 )

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 253,487      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 283,192      —    

Aggressive Growth Fund1

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 3,730,336    $ (408,792 )

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 4,589,362    $ (125,569 )

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 4,105,440      —    

NASDAQ-100 Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 95,693      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 81,295      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 73,619      —    

Focused Value Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 5,964,112      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 6,411,570      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 6,713,340      —    

Mid-Cap Value Fund4

               

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 32,530    $ (29,649 )

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,323,014      —    

Small Cap Value Equity Fund3

               

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 98,736    $ (37,219 )

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 964,894      —    

Small Company Value Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 4,570,377      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 6,283,098      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 6,104,916      —    

Small Cap Core Equity Fund3

               

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 69,995    $ (51,651 )

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 365,361    $ (2,009 )

Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,028,234      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,264,977      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,146,237      —    

 

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     Management
Fee Paid


   Other
Expenses
Reimbursed


 

Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 7,533,832      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 9,800,532      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 10,581,887      —    

Small Cap Growth Equity Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 4,275,351      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 5,261,469      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 5,565,388      —    

Small Company Growth Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,253,994    $ (35,014 )

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,372,570      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,358,523      —    

Emerging Growth Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,016,628      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 976,952      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 852,880      —    

Diversified International Fund5

               

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 4,564    $ (37,105 )

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,146,072    $ (157,669 )

Overseas Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 7,079,399      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 10,838,918      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 13,164,830      —    

Destination Retirement Income Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 110,817      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 131,038      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 136,814      —    

Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 35,284    $ (28,461 )

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 71,076    $ (25,119 )

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 111,176    $ (14,172 )

Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 165,457      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 253,286      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 328,008      —    

Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 116,134      —    

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 181,617      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 248,693    $ (1,975 )

Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

               

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 63,874    $ (944 )

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 105,843      —    

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 141,091      (4,368 )

Destination Retirement 2050 Fund6

               

Period ended 12/31/07

   $ 205      (51,538 )

1

From May 1, 2004 through March 31, 2006, MassMutual agreed to waive .08% of the investment advisory fee.

 

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2

From March 31, 2006 through December 2, 2007, MassMutual agreed to waive .10% of the investment advisory fee. Effective December 3, 2007, MassMutual agreed to waive .05% of the investment advisory fee.

3

Commenced operations on March 31, 2006.

4

Commenced operations on August 29, 2006.

5

Commenced operations on December 14, 2006.

6

Commenced operations on December 17, 2007.

 

Sub-Advisers

 

AllianceBernstein serves as a sub-adviser for the Diversified Value Fund, Large Cap Growth Fund and Diversified International Fund. AllianceBernstein is a leading global investment management firm providing investment management services for many of the largest U.S. public and private employee benefit plans, foundations, public employee retirement funds, pension funds, endowments, banks, insurance companies and high-net-worth individuals worldwide. AllianceBernstein is also one of the largest mutual fund sponsors, with a diverse family of globally distributed mutual fund portfolios. Through its subsidiary, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC, AllianceBernstein provides in-depth research, portfolio strategy and trade execution to the institutional investment community.

 

At December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“Holding”) owned approximately 33.4% of the issued and outstanding AllianceBernstein Units. AXA Financial was the beneficial owner of approximately 62.8% of the AllianceBernstein Units at December 31, 2007 (including those held indirectly through its ownership of approximately 1.7% of the issued and outstanding Holding Units) which, including the general partnership interests in AllianceBernstein and Holding, represent an approximate 63.2% economic interest in AllianceBernstein. AllianceBernstein also provides sub-advisory services for the MML Large Cap Growth Fund and the MML Small Cap Value Fund, each of which are series of MML Series Investment Fund, a registered, open-end investment company for which MassMutual serves as investment adviser, and MML Equity Fund, a series of MML Series Investment Fund II, a registered, open-end investment company for which MassMutual serves as investment adviser.

 

ClearBridge and Western Asset both act as sub-advisers for the Strategic Balanced Fund. ClearBridge and Western Asset are each wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason, Inc.

 

Western Asset also serves as sub-adviser for the Strategic Bond Fund.

 

Wellington Management and Turner both act as sub-advisers for the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund. Turner, founded in 1990, is an independent investment management firm based in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. The firm was founded by Robert E. Turner, Mark D. Turner, and Christopher K. McHugh and began managing assets, including institutional assets, on March 5, 1990 (the effective date of its SEC registration). As of December 31, 2007, Turner had approximately $29.1 billion in assets under management. Currently, Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is 100% employee-owned. Approximately 60% of Turner’s employees are owners as of December 31, 2007. The firm has distributed equity to those professionals who have made significant contributions to the success of the business. Turner is affiliated with, as it serves as adviser and administrator to, the Turner Funds, a family of mutual funds.

 

On September 18, 2007, Turner announced it is planning to offer a minority equity interest in a newly created holding company, Turner Investments, Inc., to the public. Turner expects the offering to be completed on the NASDAQ Stock Market in early 2008. At the time of the initial public offering, the assets and liabilities will be transferred to a new operating company, Turner Investment Partners, LLC.

 

Wellington Management and Waddell & Reed both act as sub-advisers for the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund and both are registered with the SEC as investment advisers. Each sub-adviser will manage a portion of the

 

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net assets of the Fund’s portfolio. Wellington Management and Waddell & Reed also both provide sub-advisory services for the MML Small Cap Growth Equity Fund, a series of MML Series Investment Fund, a registered, open-end investment company for which MassMutual serves as investment adviser.

 

Wellington Management also serves as sub-adviser for the Fundamental Value Fund.

 

Pyramis serves as the sub-adviser for the Value Equity Fund and is primarily responsible for choosing investments. FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of Pyramis. The voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held predominantly by members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family, directly or through trust and limited liability companies, and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting common shares. Series A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Series B shareholders have entered into a shareholders’ voting agreement under which all Series B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of Series B shares. Under the 1940 Act, control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting securities of that company. Therefore, through their ownership of voting common shares and the execution of the shareholders’ voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC.

 

NTI serves as sub-adviser for the Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Fund. NTI is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. It primarily manages assets for defined contribution and benefit plans, investment companies and other institutional investors. NTI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Northern Trust Company (“TNTC”). TNTC is an Illinois state chartered banking organization and a member of the Federal Reserve System. Formed in 1889, TNTC administers and manages assets for individuals, personal trusts, defined contribution and benefit plans and other institutional and corporate clients. TNTC is the principal subsidiary of Northern Trust Corporation, a bank holding company. NTI also provides sub-advisory services for the MML Equity Index Fund, the MML NASDAQ-100 Fund and the MML Small Cap Index Fund, each of which are series of MML Series Investment Fund, a registered, open-end investment company for which MassMutual serves as investment adviser.

 

Victory serves as sub-adviser for the Core Opportunities Fund. Victory is a second-tier subsidiary of KeyCorp.

 

Davis serves as sub-adviser for the Large Cap Value Fund. Davis is controlled by Davis Investments, LLC. Davis also provides sub-advisory services for the MML Large Cap Value Fund, a series of MML Series Investment Fund, a registered, open-end investment company for which MassMutual serves as investment adviser.

 

Harris serves as sub-adviser for the Focused Value Fund. Harris is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P. (“Natixis”). Natixis is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis Global Asset Management. Harris also provides sub-advisory services for the Overseas Fund.

 

Cooke & Bieler serves as sub-adviser for the Mid-Cap Value Fund.

 

Sands Capital and DMC both act as sub-advisers for the Aggressive Growth Fund. DMC, a series of Delaware Management Business Trust, is an indirect subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. (“DMH”), DMH is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, and subject to the ultimate control, of Lincoln National Corporation (“Lincoln”). Lincoln, with headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a diversified organization with operations in many aspects of the financial services industry, including insurance and investment management. Delaware Investments is the marketing name for DMH and its subsidiaries.

 

DMC and Insight Capital both act as sub-advisers for the Emerging Growth Fund. DMC and Insight Capital also both provide sub-advisory services for the MML Emerging Growth Fund, a series of MML Series

 

B-80


Investment Fund, a registered, open-end investment company for which MassMutual serves as investment adviser.

 

T. Rowe Price serves as sub-adviser for the Blue Chip Growth Fund and Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund. T. Rowe Price is a wholly-owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., a publicly traded financial services holding company.

 

T. Rowe Price also provides sub-advisory services for the MML Growth Equity Fund, the MML Equity Income Fund, the MML Blue Chip Growth Fund and the MML Mid Cap Growth Fund, each of which are series of MML Series Investment Fund, a registered, open-end investment company for which MassMutual serves as investment adviser.

 

Clover, T. Rowe Price, and Earnest Partners each act as sub-advisers for the Small Company Value Fund.

 

Legg Mason, T. Rowe Price and Wellington Management each act as sub-advisers for the Diversified Growth Fund. Legg Mason is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc., a global asset management firm structured as a holding company.

 

Legg Mason also provides sub-advisory services for the MML Concentrated Growth Fund, a series of MML Series Investment Fund, a registered, open-end investment company for which MassMutual serves as investment adviser.

 

SSgA FM serves as sub-adviser for the Small Cap Value Equity Fund. SSgA FM is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company. As of December 31, 2007, SSgA FM had over $144.1 billion in assets under management. SSgA FM, State Street and other advisory affiliates of State Street make up State Street Global Advisors (“SSgA”), the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. With over $1.9 trillion under management as of December 31, 2007, SSgA provides complete global investment management services from offices in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. State Street, a 200-year old pioneer and leader in the world of financial services, is one of the largest providers of securities processing and record keeping services for U.S. mutual funds and pension funds.

 

GSAM serves as sub-adviser for the Small Cap Core Equity Fund. Established in 1989, GSAM offers investment solutions to institutions and individuals worldwide. Its clients include pension plans, corporations, insurance companies, central banks, financial institutions, endowments, foundations, Taft-Hartley organizations/unions and high net worth individuals. GSAM is a part of the Investment Management Division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. GSAM also provides sub-advisory services for the MML Small Cap Value Fund, a series of MML Series Investment Fund, a registered, open-end investment company for which MassMutual serves as investment adviser.

 

Mazama and Eagle both act as sub-advisers for the Small Company Growth Fund. Eagle is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc., a St. Petersburg, Florida-based financial services company.

 

Harris and MFS both act as sub-advisers for the Overseas Fund. MFS is a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., which in turn is an indirect majority owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial Inc. (a diversified financial services organization).

 

B-81


For the last three fiscal years, MassMutual paid the following amounts for investment sub-advisory services provided to the Funds:

 

Strategic Bond Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 162,888

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 431,540

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 581,738

Strategic Balanced Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 721,935

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 733,977

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 777,189

Diversified Value Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 501,875

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 880,207

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,348,672

Fundamental Value Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 2,857,358

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 3,507,675

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 3,846,383

Value Equity Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 453,827

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 499,508

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 392,878

Large Cap Value Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 4,018,917

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 4,754,332

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 4,654,338

Indexed Equity Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 156,701

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 171,839

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 198,135

Core Opportunities Fund1

      

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 52,213

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 202,533

Blue Chip Growth Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 2,099,600

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,517,369

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,926,197

Diversified Growth Fund4

      

Period ended 12/31/07

   $ 6,447

Large Cap Growth Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 130,162

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 154,192

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 172,423

Aggressive Growth Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,588,342

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 2,567,045

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 2,510,386

NASDAQ-100 Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 31,518

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 26,836

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 24,149

 

B-82


Focused Value Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 3,727,149

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 4,044,793

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 4,145,711

Mid-Cap Value Fund2

      

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 20,385

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 843,508

Small Cap Value Equity Fund1

      

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 62,250

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 569,968

Small Company Value Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 3,020,407

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 4,083,613

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 4,041,591

Small Cap Core Equity Fund1

      

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 46,750

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 237,804

Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 475,634

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 579,943

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 531,978

Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 4,859,905

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 6,363,190

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 6,849,816

Small Cap Growth Equity Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 3,108,734

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 3,876,272

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 4,254,413

Small Company Growth Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 925,432

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,013,781

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,006,431

Emerging Growth Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 777,851

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 771,199

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 701,671

Diversified International Fund3

      

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,546

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 601,497

Overseas Fund

      

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 3,527,678

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 5,246,454

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 6,348,575

1Commenced

operations on March 31, 2006.

2Commenced

operations on August 29, 2006.

3Commenced

operations on December 14, 2006.

4Commenced

operations on December 17, 2007.

 

B-83


ADMINISTRATOR AND SUB-ADMINISTRATOR

 

MassMutual has entered into an administrative services agreement (the “Administrative Services Agreement”) with the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, pursuant to which MassMutual is obligated to provide all necessary administrative and shareholder services and to bear some expenses of the Funds, such as federal and state registration fees. MassMutual may, at its expense, employ others to supply all or any part of the services to be provided to the Funds pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, pays MassMutual an administrative services fee monthly at an annual rate based upon the average daily net assets of the applicable class of shares of the Funds which range from .1959% to .6744% for Class N shares; .1459% to .6244% for Class A shares; .0459% to .4744% for Class Y shares; .0100% to .3744% for Class S shares; .1459% to .6244% for Class L shares and .0855% for Class Z shares of the Indexed Equity Fund. MassMutual has entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”). As sub-administrator, State Street generally assists in all aspects of fund administration and is compensated by MassMutual for providing administrative services to the Funds.

 

For the last three fiscal years, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has paid the following amounts as administrative services fees to MassMutual pursuant to each Administrative Services Agreement:

 

     Gross

   Waiver

    Net

Strategic Bond Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 59,208    $ (12,433 )   $ 46,775

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 226,491      —       $ 226,491

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 402,665      —       $ 402,665

Strategic Balanced Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 615,784      —       $ 615,784

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 583,840      —       $ 583,840

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 581,678      —       $ 581,678

Diversified Value Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 233,481      —       $ 233,481

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 563,010      —       $ 563,010

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 953,200      —       $ 953,200

Fundamental Value Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 2,059,054      —       $ 2,059,054

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 2,526,758      —       $ 2,526,758

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 2,704,925      —       $ 2,704,925

Value Equity Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 142,952      —       $ 142,952

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 160,091      —       $ 160,091

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 150,227      —       $ 150,227

Large Cap Value Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 2,794,249      —       $ 2,794,249

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 3,257,298      —       $ 3,257,298

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 3,053,612      —       $ 3,053,612

Indexed Equity Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 6,240,360    $ (533,153 )   $ 5,707,207

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 6,688,233    $ (1,040,906 )   $ 5,647,327

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 7,510,298    $ (1,335,841 )   $ 6,174,457

Core Opportunities Fund1

                     

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 19,011      —       $ 19,011

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 104,087      —       $ 104,087

 

B-84


     Gross

   Waiver

   Net

Blue Chip Growth Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,426,432    —      $ 1,426,432

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,450,443    —      $ 1,450,443

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,933,823    —      $ 1,933,823

Diversified Growth Fund4

                  

Period ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,516    —      $ 1,516

Large Cap Growth Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 64,906    —      $ 64,906

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 82,784    —      $ 82,784

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 93,700    —      $ 93,700

Aggressive Growth Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,217,016    —      $ 1,217,016

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,473,216    —      $ 1,473,216

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,253,752    —      $ 1,253,752

NASDAQ-100 Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 342,149    —      $ 342,149

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 292,366    —      $ 292,366

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 261,001    —      $ 261,001

Focused Value Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,875,074    —      $ 1,875,074

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 2,027,079    —      $ 2,027,079

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 2,063,267    —      $ 2,063,267

Mid-Cap Value Fund2

                  

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 3,078    —      $ 3,078

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 288,330    —      $ 288,330

Small Cap Value Equity Fund1

                  

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 10,587    —      $ 10,587

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 187,857    —      $ 187,857

Small Company Value Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,415,350    —      $ 1,415,350

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,892,662    —      $ 1,892,662

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,844,377    —      $ 1,844,377

Small Cap Core Equity Fund1

                  

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 7,843    —      $ 7,843

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 75,681    —      $ 75,681

Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 293,403    —      $ 293,403

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 347,942    —      $ 347,942

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 307,620         $ 307,620

Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 2,576,893    —      $ 2,576,893

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 3,325,918    —      $ 3,325,918

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 3,539,203    —      $ 3,539,203

Small Cap Growth Equity Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,264,126    —      $ 1,264,126

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,536,184    —      $ 1,536,184

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,646,372    —      $ 1,646,372

Small Company Growth Fund

                  

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 426,387    —      $ 426,387

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 463,982    —      $ 463,982

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 446,551    —      $ 446,551

 

B-85


     Gross

   Waiver

    Net

Emerging Growth Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 322,716      —       $ 322,716

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 283,690      —       $ 283,690

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 235,552      —       $ 235,552

Diversified International Fund3

                     

Period ended 12/31/06

   $ 298      —       $ 298

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 179,452      —       $ 179,452

Overseas Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 1,075,400      —       $ 1,075,400

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 1,602,881    $ (407,413 )   $ 1,195,468

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 1,946,995    $ (626,960 )   $ 1,320,035

Destination Retirement Income Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 229,612      —       $ 229,612

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 259,907      —       $ 259,907

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 267,380      —       $ 267,380

Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 92,986      —       $ 92,986

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 175,189      —       $ 175,189

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 265,033      —       $ 265,033

Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 512,292      —       $ 512,292

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 729,167      —       $ 729,167

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 901,878      —       $ 901,878

Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 374,127      —       $ 374,127

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 533,437      —       $ 533,437

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 693,343      —       $ 693,343

Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

                     

Year ended 12/31/05

   $ 193,292      —       $ 193,292

Year ended 12/31/06

   $ 275,279      —       $ 275,279

Year ended 12/31/07

   $ 359,889      —       $ 359,889

Destination Retirement 2050 Fund4

                     

Period ended 12/31/07

   $ 65      —       $ 65

1

Commenced operations on March 31, 2006.

2

Commenced operations on August 29, 2006.

3

Commenced operations on December 14, 2006.

4

Commenced operations on December 17, 2007.

 

B-86


THE DISTRIBUTOR

 

The Funds’ shares are continuously distributed by MML Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), located at 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001, pursuant to a Principal Underwriter Agreement with the Trust dated as of February 6, 2006, as amended (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor pays commissions to its selling dealers as well as the costs of printing and mailing Prospectuses to potential investors and of any advertising incurred by it in connection with distribution of shares of the Funds. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MassMutual.

 

The Distribution Agreement will continue in effect for an initial two-year period, and thereafter for successive one-year periods, provided that each such continuance is specifically approved (i) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the shares of the Trust; and (ii) by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Distribution Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such person, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

The Distributor has also entered into a Sub-Distributor’s Agreement with OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. (the “Sub-Distributor”) dated as of February 7, 2003. The Sub-Distributor is an affiliate of the Distributor and an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of MassMutual.

 

MassMutual may make payments, out of its own assets, to securities dealers and other firms that enter into agreements providing the Distributor with access to representatives of those firms for the sale of shares of the Funds or with other marketing or administrative services with respect to the Funds. These payments may be a specific dollar amount, may be based on the number of customer accounts maintained by a firm, or may be based on a percentage of the value of shares of the Funds sold to, or held by, customers of the firm.

 

CLASS A AND CLASS N DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS

 

The Trust has adopted, with respect to the Class A and Class N shares of each Fund, a Distribution and Service Plan and Agreement (the “Plans”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plans, approved the Class A Plans on May 3, 1999 for the Funds (other than the NASDAQ-100 Fund, the Aggressive Growth Fund, the Large Cap Value Fund, the Focused Value Fund, the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund and the Emerging Growth Fund which were approved February 14, 2000, the Value Equity Fund, Blue Chip Growth Fund and Overseas Fund which were approved April 19, 2001, the Fundamental Value Fund, Large Cap Growth Fund, Small Company Value Fund and Small Company Growth Fund which were approved November 5, 2001, the Strategic Balanced Fund, Destination Retirement Income Fund, Destination Retirement 2010 Fund, Destination Retirement 2020 Fund, Destination Retirement 2030 Fund and Destination Retirement 2040 Fund which were approved November 3, 2003, the Diversified Value Fund which was approved August 9, 2004, the Strategic Bond Fund which was approved November 8, 2004, the Core Opportunities Fund, Small Cap Value Equity Fund and Small Cap Core Equity Fund which were approved February 6, 2006, the Mid-Cap Value Fund which was approved August 7, 2006, the Diversified International Fund which was approved November 6, 2006 and the Diversified Growth Fund and Destination Retirement 2050 Fund which were approved November 6, 2007). The Class N Plans were approved on November 11, 2002 for the Funds (other than the Strategic Balanced Fund, Destination Retirement Income Fund, Destination Retirement 2010 Fund, Destination Retirement 2020 Fund, Destination Retirement 2030 Fund and Destination Retirement 2040 Fund which were approved November 3, 2003, the Diversified Value Fund which was approved August 9, 2004, the Strategic Bond Fund which was approved November 8, 2004, the Core Opportunities Fund, Small Cap Value Equity Fund and Small Cap Core Equity Fund which were approved February 6, 2006, the Mid-Cap Value Fund which was approved August 7, 2006, the Diversified International Fund which was approved November 6, 2006 and the Diversified Growth Fund and Destination Retirement 2050 Fund which were approved November 6, 2007).

 

B-87


Under the terms of each of the Class A Plans, the Trust is permitted to compensate, out of the assets attributable to the Class A shares of a Fund, in an amount up to .25%, in the aggregate, on an annual basis of the average daily net assets attributable to that Class, (i) the Distributor for services provided and expenses incurred by it in connection with the distribution of Class A shares of a Fund (“Distribution Fee”) and (ii) MassMutual for services provided and expenses incurred by it for purposes of maintaining or providing personal services (the “Servicing Fee”) to Class A shareholders. Under the terms of each of the Class N Plans, the Trust is permitted to compensate, out of the assets attributable to the Class N shares of a Fund, (i) a Distribution Fee in an amount up to .25%, in the aggregate, on an annual basis of the average daily net assets attributable to that Class and (ii) a Servicing Fee in an amount up to .25%, in the aggregate, on an annual basis of the average daily net assets attributable to that Class. The Distribution Fee may be spent by the Distributor on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A or Class N shares of a Fund, respectively, including, but not limited to, compensation to, and expenses (including overhead and telephone expenses) of, financial consultants or other employees of the Distributor or of participating or introducing brokers who engage in the distribution of Class A or Class N shares, preparing, printing and delivering prospectuses and reports for other than existing Class A or Class N shareholders, providing facilities to answer questions from other than existing Class A or Class N shareholders, advertising and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature, receiving and answering correspondence, including requests for prospectuses and statements of additional information, and complying with Federal and state securities laws pertaining to the sale of Class A or Class N shares. The Servicing Fee may be spent by MassMutual on personal services rendered to Class A or Class N shareholders of a Fund and/or maintenance of Class A or Class N shareholder accounts. MassMutual’s Servicing Fee expenditures may include, but shall not be limited to, compensation to, and expenses (including telephone and overhead expenses) of agents or employees of MassMutual or the Distributor, pension consultants or participating or introducing brokers and other financial intermediaries who assist investors in completing account forms and selecting dividend and other account options; who aid in the processing of redemption requests for Class A or Class N shares or the processing of dividend payments with respect to Class A or Class N shares; who prepare, print and deliver prospectuses and shareholder reports to Class A or Class N shareholders; who oversee compliance with federal and state laws pertaining to the sale of Class A or Class N shares; who provide information periodically to Class A or Class N shareholders showing their position in Class A or Class N shares; who issue account statements to Class A or Class N shareholders; who furnish shareholder sub-accounting; who forward communications from a Fund to Class A or Class N shareholders; who render advice regarding particular shareholder account options offered by a Fund in light of shareholder needs; who provide and maintain elective shareholder services; who provide and maintain pre-authorized investment plans for Class A or Class N shareholders; who respond to inquiries from Class A or Class N shareholders relating to such services; and/or who provide such similar services as permitted under applicable statutes, rules or regulations.

 

Each Plan provides that it may not be amended to materially increase the costs which Class A or Class N shareholders may bear under the Plan without the approval of a majority of the outstanding Class A or Class N shares of the Fund.

 

Each Plan provides that it may not take effect until approved by vote of a majority of both (i) the Trustees of the Trust and (ii) the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related to it. Each Plan provides that it shall continue in effect so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Trustees of the Trust and (ii) the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related to it. Each Plan provides that MassMutual shall provide to the Trustees, and the Board shall review at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

 

B-88


The following table approximately discloses the 12b-1 fees paid in 2007 by the Trust under its 12b-1 plans for Class A and Class N shares of the Funds:

 

     Class A
12b-1
Servicing
Fees


   Class N
12b-1
Servicing
Fees


   Class N
12b-1
Distribution
Fees


Strategic Bond Fund

   $ 150,999    $ 6,806    $ 6,806

Strategic Balanced Fund

     76,410      1,786      1,786

Diversified Value Fund

     247,541      5,598      5,598

Fundamental Value Fund

     737,876      5,910      5,910

Value Equity Fund

     61,124      366      366

Large Cap Value Fund

     1,004,463      3,949      3,949

Indexed Equity Fund

     783,400      12,175      12,175

Core Opportunities Fund

     51,474      283      283

Blue Chip Growth Fund

     129,424      7,736      7,736

Diversified Growth Fund1

     10      10      10

Large Cap Growth Fund

     19,447      4      4

Aggressive Growth Fund

     294,992      3,006      3,006

NASDAQ-100 Fund

     51,173      1,183      1,183

Focused Value Fund

     634,206      7,245      7,245

Mid-Cap Value Fund

     18,716      107      107

Small Cap Value Equity Fund

     27,919      449      449

Small Company Value Fund

     407,934      4,164      4,164

Small Cap Core Equity Fund

     8,455      665      665

Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

     73,143      745      745

Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund

     925,697      8,813      8,813

Small Cap Growth Equity Fund

     286,784      2,717      2,717

Small Company Growth Fund

     142,037      1,535      1,535

Emerging Growth Fund

     35,874      497      497

Diversified International Fund

     551      271      271

Overseas Fund

     737,887      7,723      7,723

Destination Retirement Income Fund

     133,511      318      318

Destination Retirement 2010 Fund

     171,501      1,374      1,374

Destination Retirement 2020 Fund

     415,292      1,032      1,032

Destination Retirement 2030 Fund

     330,300      691      691

Destination Retirement 2040 Fund

     147,145      547      547

Destination Retirement 2050 Fund1

     10      10      10
    

  

  

     $ 8,105,295    $ 87,715    $ 87,715
    

  

  


1

Commenced operations on December 17, 2007.

 

CUSTODIAN, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND TRANSFER AGENT

 

State Street, located at 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, is the custodian of the Funds’ investments (the “Custodian”) and is the Funds’ transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent (the “Transfer Agent”). As custodian, State Street has custody of the Funds’ securities and maintains certain financial and accounting books and records. The Custodian and the Transfer Agent do not assist in, and are not responsible for, the investment decisions and policies of the Funds.

 

B-89


INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP, located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, is the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

CODES OF ETHICS

 

The Trust, MassMutual, the Distributor, AllianceBernstein, ClearBridge, Clover, Cooke & Bieler, Davis, DMC, Eagle, EARNEST Partners, GSAM, Harris, Insight Capital, Legg Mason, Mazama, MFS, NTI, Pyramis, Sands Capital, SSgA FM, T. Rowe Price, Turner, Victory Waddell & Reed, Wellington Management, Western Asset and WAML have each adopted a code of ethics (the “Codes of Ethics”) pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Codes of Ethics permit Fund personnel to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by a Fund, for their own accounts, but require compliance with various pre-clearance requirements (with certain exceptions). The Codes of Ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

 

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

 

For the Destination Retirement Funds, all orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities (normally, shares of Underlying Funds) are placed on behalf of each Destination Retirement Fund by MassMutual, pursuant to authority contained in each Destination Retirement Fund’s management contract. A Destination Retirement Fund will not incur any commissions or sales charges when it invests in Underlying Funds, but it may incur such costs if it invests directly in other types of securities.

 

Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected by brokers, and each Fund which purchases or sells securities on a securities exchange pays a brokerage commission for this service. In transactions on stock exchanges in the United States, these commissions are negotiated, whereas on many foreign stock exchanges these commissions are fixed. In the over-the-counter markets, 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 primary consideration in placing portfolio security transactions with broker-dealers for execution is to obtain and maintain the availability of execution at the most favorable prices and in the most effective manner possible. Each Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser attempts to achieve this result by selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions on the basis of their professional capability, the value and quality of their brokerage services, including anonymity and trade confidentiality, and the level of their brokerage commissions.

 

Under each Management or Sub-Advisory Agreement and as permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the investment adviser or sub-adviser may cause a Fund to pay a broker-dealer that provides brokerage and research services to the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser an amount of commission for effecting a securities transaction for a Fund in excess of the amount other broker-dealers would have charged for the transaction if the investment adviser or sub-adviser determines in good faith that the greater commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the executing broker-dealer viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or the investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s overall responsibilities to the Trust and to its other clients. The term “brokerage and research services” includes: providing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the availability of securities or of purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing analyses and

 

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reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts; and effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto such as clearance and settlement.

 

Research provided by brokers is used for the benefit of all of the investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s clients and not solely or necessarily for the benefit of the Trust. The investment advisers or sub-advisers attempt to evaluate the quality of Research provided by brokers. Results of this effort are sometimes used by the investment advisers or sub-advisers as a consideration in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio transactions.

 

The investment advisory fee that the Trust pays on behalf of each Fund to MassMutual will not be reduced as a consequence of an investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s receipt of brokerage and research services. To the extent the Trust’s portfolio transactions are used to obtain such services, the brokerage commissions paid by the Trust will exceed those that might otherwise be paid, by an amount which cannot now be determined, provided that the investment adviser or sub-adviser determines in good faith that such excess amounts are reasonable in relation to the services provided. Such services would be useful and of value to an investment adviser or sub-adviser in serving both the Trust and other clients and, conversely, such services obtained by the placement of brokerage business of other clients would be useful to an investment adviser or sub-adviser in carrying out its obligations to the Trust.

 

Subject to the overriding objective of obtaining the best execution of orders, the Funds may use broker-dealer affiliates of their respective investment advisers or sub-advisers to effect portfolio brokerage transactions under procedures adopted by the Trustees. Pursuant to these procedures, the commission rates and other remuneration paid to the affiliated broker-dealer must be fair and reasonable in comparison to those of other broker-dealers for comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold during a comparable time period. This standard would allow the affiliated broker or dealer to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker.

 

The Funds may allocate brokerage transactions to broker-dealers (including affiliates of their respective investment advisers or sub-advisers) who have entered into arrangements with the Trust under which the broker-dealer allocates a portion of the commissions paid back to the Fund. The transaction quality must, however, be comparable to that of other qualified broker-dealers.

 

From time to time the Board of Trustees for the Value Equity Fund will review whether the recapture for the benefit of the Funds of some portion of the compensation paid by the Funds on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and advisable. The Board of Trustees intend to continue to review whether recapture opportunities are available and are legally permissible and, if so, to determine in the exercise of their business judgment whether it would be advisable for the Funds to participate, or continue to participate, in the commission recapture program.

 

The following table discloses the broker commissions paid by the Funds for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005:

 

     Year ended
December 31, 2007


   Year ended
December 31, 2006


   Year ended
December 31, 2005


Strategic Bond Fund

   $ 47,465    $ 24,975    $ 11,317

Strategic Balanced Fund

     77,751      108,471      204,017

Diversified Value Fund

     94,471      24,931      89,954

Fundamental Value Fund

     719,827      910,380      590,988

Value Equity Fund

     127,445      168,636      213,625

Large Cap Value Fund

     364,503      348,550      336,552

Indexed Equity Fund

     63,359      24,717      91,190

 

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     Year ended
December 31, 2007


   Year ended
December 31, 2006


   Year ended
December 31, 2005


Core Opportunities Fund1

   $ 82,589    $ 36,010    $ —  

Blue Chip Growth Fund

     225,905      343,524      283,565

Diversified Growth Fund4

     20,024      —        —  

Large Cap Growth Fund

     47,286      59,094      54,185

Aggressive Growth Fund

     233,145      294,289      165,373

NASDAQ-100 Fund

     13,020      12,531      15,676

Focused Value Fund

     719,424      771,124      744,086

Mid-Cap Value Fund2

     334,736      49,214      —  

Small Cap Value Equity Fund1

     167,267      41,952      —  

Small Company Value Fund

     1,155,500      1,229,365      1,176,221

Small Cap Core Equity Fund1

     41,152      17,494      —  

Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

     216,416      249,575      203,681

Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund

     762,213      1,306,643      621,421

Small Cap Growth Equity Fund

     1,053,908      1,277,223      849,585

Small Company Growth Fund

     491,892      628,162      1,756,846

Emerging Growth Fund

     273,124      541,358      486,994

Diversified International Fund3

     141,651      9,062      —  

Overseas Fund

     1,639,717      1,469,927      1,721,125
    

  

  

     $ 9,113,790    $ 10,860,342    $ 10,295,864
    

  

  


1

Commenced operations on March 31, 2006.

2

Commenced operations on August 29, 2006.

3

Commenced operations on December 14, 2006.

4

Commenced operations on December 17, 2007.

 

The Strategic Balanced Fund paid $512 Jefferies and Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of one of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Strategic Balanced Fund paid $4,522 to Citigroup Global Markets for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. Citigroup Global Markets is an affiliate of one of the Fund’s sub-advisers.

 

The Diversified Value Fund paid $14,765, and $68,338 to Sanford C. Bernstein for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Sanford C. Bernstein is an affiliate of the Fund’s sub-adviser.

 

The Fundamental Value Fund paid $964 and $413 to Jefferies and Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Value Equity Fund paid $1,528, $2,589, and $7,019 to Fidelity Capital Markets for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Fidelity Capital Markets is an affiliate of the Fund’s sub-adviser.

 

The Blue Chip Growth Fund paid $356 to Jefferies and Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Blue Chip Growth Fund paid $4,078 to Fidelity Capital Markets for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. Fidelity Capital Markets is an affiliate of the Fund’s former sub-adviser.

 

The Diversified Growth Fund paid $12 to Jefferies and Company for fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

B-92


The Small Company Value Fund paid $86,675 and $1,112 to Jefferies and Company for fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Small Cap Core Equity Fund paid $1,830 and $548 to Goldman Sachs & Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Goldman Sachs is an affiliate of the Fund’s sub-adviser.

 

The Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund paid $4,200 to Jefferies and Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund paid $2,095, $3,851 and $552 to Jefferies and Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Small Cap Growth Equity Fund paid $4,816, $15,629, and $10,990 to Jefferies and Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Small Company Growth Fund paid $38,500, $28,710, and $18,414 to Jefferies and Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Small Company Growth Fund paid $1,143 to Raymond James for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Raymond James is an affiliate of one of the Fund’s sub-advisers.

 

The Emerging Growth Fund paid $19,705 to Jefferies and Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. Jefferies and Company is an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Overseas Fund paid $15,497 to J.P. Morgan for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. J.P. Morgan is an affiliate of one of the Fund’s sub-advisers.

 

The following table discloses, for those Funds that had trades directed to a third party soft dollar broker during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the dollar value of transactions placed by each such Fund with such soft dollar brokers and dealers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 to recognize “brokerage and research” services, and commissions paid for such transactions:

 

     Dollar Value of Those
Transactions


   Amount of
Commission


Strategic Balanced Fund

   $ 9,515,958    $ 9,632

Diversified Value Fund

     148,675,377      63,578

Fundamental Value Fund

     40,218,047      26,548

Core Opportunities Fund

     7,764,942      11,588

Diversified Growth

     4,881,122      1,029

Value Equity Fund

     257,613,338      121,372

Large Cap Growth Fund

     33,653,224      14,536

Aggressive Growth Fund

     32,905,563      24,400

Focused Value Fund

     139,777,228      158,103

Mid Cap Value Fund

     86,835,741      129,106

Small Company Value Fund

     353,640,528      259,105

Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

     25,790,788      20,611

Small Cap Growth Equity Fund

     140,978,581      203,140

 

B-93


     Dollar Value of Those
Transactions


   Amount of
Commission


Small Company Growth Fund

   $ 19,785,342    $ 35,847

Emerging Growth Fund

     69,230,194      151,980

Diversified International Fund

     1,546,386      859

Overseas Fund

     40,916,804      57,109

 

SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT

 

A Shareholder Investment Account is established for each investor in the Funds. Each account contains a record of the shares of the Fund maintained by the Transfer Agent. No share certificate will be issued. Whenever a transaction takes place in the Shareholder Investment Account, the investor will be mailed a statement showing the transaction and the status of the account.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

The Trust is a series company. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares of multiple classes, in one or more series as the Trustees may authorize, with or without par value as the Trustees may prescribe. Each share of a particular class of a series represents an equal proportionate interest in that series with each other share of the same class, none having priority or preference over another. Each series is preferred over all other series in respect of the assets allocated to that series. Each share of a particular class of a series is entitled to a pro rata share of any distributions declared in respect of that class and, in the event of liquidation, a pro rata share of the net assets of that class remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. When issued, shares are fully paid and nonassessable and have no preemptive or subscription rights. Under the Trust’s Declaration of Trust, the Board of Trustees is authorized to create new series and classes without shareholder approval. To date shares of thirty-four separate series have been authorized, all of which constitute the interests in the Funds described in the Prospectus. Shares of each Fund entitle their holder to one vote for each dollar (or proportionate fractional vote for each fraction of a dollar) of net asset value per share of each Fund or class for each share held as to any matter on which such shareholders are entitled to vote.

 

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Trust’s Declaration of Trust disclaims liability of the shareholders, Trustees, or officers of the Trust for acts or obligations of the Trust, which are binding only on the assets and property of the Trust, and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust property for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is considered remote since it is limited to circumstances in which the disclaimer is inoperative and the Trust itself is unable to meet its obligations.

 

REDEMPTION OF SHARES

 

With respect to each Fund, the Trustees may suspend the right of redemption, postpone the date of payment or suspend the determination of net asset value: (a) for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closing); (b) for any period during which trading in the markets the Fund normally uses is, as determined by the SEC, restricted; (c) when an emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that disposal of the Fund’s investments or a determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable; or (d) for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit for the protection of the Trust’s shareholders. While the Trust’s Declaration of Trust would permit it to redeem shares in cash or other assets of the Fund or both, the Trust has filed an irrevocable election with the SEC to pay in cash all requests for redemption received from any shareholder if the aggregate amount of such requests in any 90-day period does not exceed the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund’s net assets.

 

B-94


VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

 

The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined by the Custodian at the market close (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time), on each day the NYSE is open for trading and the Custodian is open for business. The NYSE currently is not open for trading on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and on occasion is closed early or entirely due to weather or other conditions.

 

Equity securities are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service, authorized by the Board of Trustees, which provides the last reported sale price for securities listed on a national securities exchange or the official closing price on the NASDAQ National Market System, or in the case of over-the-counter securities not so listed, the last reported bid price. Debt securities (other than short-term obligations) are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service, authorized by the Board of Trustees, which determines valuations taking into account appropriate factors such as institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other market data. Short-term securities are valued at either amortized cost or at original cost plus accrued interest, whichever approximates current market value. All other securities and other assets, including futures, options, swaps and debt securities for which the prices supplied by a pricing agent are deemed by the Board of Trustees not to be representative of market values, including restricted securities and securities for which no market quotation is available, are valued at fair value in accordance with procedures approved by the Trustees. Securities are typically valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a primary pricing service or, if no such valuation is available, from a secondary pricing service. However, in certain cases, market quotations for a specific portfolio security are readily available, but the authorized pricing service may not provide prices for that security, or the price provided by such authorized pricing service is deemed unreliable by the investment adviser or sub-adviser. In such cases, market maker quotations provided by an established market maker for that security (i.e. broker quotes) may be used to value the security, if the investment adviser has experience obtaining quotations from the market maker and the investment adviser determines that quotations obtained by it from the market maker in the past have generally been reliable (or, if the investment adviser has no such experience with respect to a market maker, it determines based on other information available to it that quotations to be obtained by it from the market maker are reasonably likely to be reliable); in any such case, the investment adviser shall review any market quotations so obtained, in light of other information in its possession, for their general reliability.

 

In addition, valuation methods approved by the Board of Trustees which are intended to reflect fair value may be used when pricing service information is not readily available, or is not deemed reliable by the investment adviser, or when a security’s value is believed to have been materially affected by a significant event, such as a natural disaster, an economic event like a bankruptcy filing, or a substantial fluctuation in domestic or foreign markets, that has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market). In such a case, the Fund’s value for a security is likely to be different from the last quoted market price or pricing service information. In addition, a fair value pricing service is used to assist in the pricing of foreign securities held by the Trust’s foreign funds. Due to the subjective and variable nature of fair value pricing, it is possible that the value determined for a particular asset may be materially different from the value realized upon such asset’s sale.

 

Portfolio securities traded on more than one national securities exchange are valued at the last price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. All assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at the mean between the buying and selling rates of such currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by any major bank. If such quotations are not available, the rate of exchange is determined in accordance with policies established by the Trustees.

 

Foreign Securities: Because of time zone differences, foreign exchanges and securities markets will usually be closed before the closing of the NYSE. Therefore, the Trust will determine the value of foreign securities as of the closing of those exchanges and securities markets. Events affecting the values of foreign securities, however, may occasionally occur between the closings of such exchanges and securities markets and the time a Fund

 

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determines its net asset value. If an event occurs that a Fund determines materially affects the value of foreign securities during this period, then the Trust will value such securities at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures approved by the Trustees. In addition, the Funds may hold portfolio securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Funds do not accept orders or price their shares. As a result, the value of any such securities held by a Fund may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem that Fund’s shares.

 

The prices of foreign securities are quoted in foreign currencies. The Trust converts the values of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time it determines net asset value. Changes in the exchange rate, therefore, if applicable, will affect the net asset value of shares of a Fund even when there has been no change in the values of the foreign securities measured in terms of the currency in which they are denominated.

 

The proceeds received by each Fund for each issue or sale of its shares, all net investment income, and realized and unrealized gain will be specifically allocated to such Fund and constitute the underlying assets of that Fund. The underlying assets of each Fund will be segregated on the books of account, and will be charged with the liabilities in respect of such Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust. Expenses with respect to any two or more Funds are to be allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the respective Funds except where allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made. Each class of shares of a Fund will be charged with liabilities directly attributable to such class, and other Fund expenses are to be allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the respective classes.

 

TAXATION

 

Taxation of the Funds: In General

 

Each Fund intends to qualify each year and elect to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to qualify as a “regulated investment company,” a Fund must, among other things:

 

  (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from

 

  (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies, and other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies and

 

  (ii) net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined below);

 

  (b) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its taxable net investment income, its net tax-exempt income, and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses for such year; and

 

  (c) diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year,

 

  (i) at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities limited generally with respect to any one issuer to not more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and

 

  (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in (x) the securities of any one issuer or two or more issuers which the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses (other than U.S. Government securities), or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below).

 

For purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income

 

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of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the regulated investment company. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” will be treated as qualifying income. A “qualified publicly traded partnership” is defined as a partnership (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof; and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (a)(i) above. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.

 

For purposes of the diversification requirements described in (c) above, in the case of a Fund’s investment in loan participations, each Fund shall treat both the financial intermediary and the issuer of the underlying loan participation as an issuer. Also for purposes of (c) above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

 

In general, if a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment, that Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends). As a series of a Massachusetts business trust, a Fund under present law will not be subject to any excise or income taxes imposed by Massachusetts.

 

By contrast, if a Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company in any taxable year, that Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates. In addition, all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as dividend income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders or possibly to be treated as qualified dividend income to individual shareholders. Finally, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company.

 

Each Fund intends to distribute at least annually to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and may distribute its net capital gain. Investment company taxable income that is retained by the Fund will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates. If a Fund retains any net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. However, a Fund may designate the retained capital gain amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (i) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of a Fund will be increased by an amount equal under current law to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

 

Treasury regulations permit a regulated investment company, in determining its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, to elect to treat all or part of any net capital loss, any net long-term capital loss, or any net foreign currency loss incurred after October 31 as if it had been incurred in the next year.

 

A nondeductible excise tax at the rate of 4% will be imposed on the excess, if any, of each Fund’s “required distribution” over its actual distributions in any calendar year. Generally, the “required distribution” is 98% of the Fund’s ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98% of its capital gain net income recognized during the one-year period ending on October 31 (or later, if the Fund is permitted to elect and so elects) plus undistributed amounts from prior years. Each Fund intends to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax. Distributions declared by a Fund during October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Fund during the following January will be treated for federal tax purposes as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31 of the year in which declared.

 

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Under current law, a Fund may treat the portion of redemption proceeds paid to redeeming shareholders that represents the redeeming shareholders’ portion of the undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the Fund as a distribution of investment company taxable income and net capital gain on the

Fund’s tax return. This practice, which involves the use of equalization accounting, will have the effect of reducing the amount of income and gains that the Fund is required to distribute as dividends to shareholders in order for the Fund to avoid federal income tax and excise tax. This practice may also reduce the amount of the distributions required to be made to non-redeeming shareholders and the amount of any undistributed income will be reflected in the value of the shares of the Fund; the total return on a shareholder’s investment will not be reduced as a result of the distribution policy.

 

Fund Distributions

 

Except in the case of certain shareholders eligible for preferential tax treatment, e.g., qualified retirement or pension trusts, shareholders of each Fund generally will be subject to federal income taxes on Fund distributions as described herein. Distributions are taxable whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares through a dividend reinvestment plan. A shareholder whose distributions are reinvested in shares will be treated as having received a dividend equal to the fair market value of the new shares issued to the shareholder.

 

Distributions are taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before a shareholder’s investment (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid for his or her shares), even though such dividends and distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder’s investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when a Fund’s net asset value reflects gains that are either unrealized, or realized but not distributed. Such realized gains may be required to be distributed even when the Fund’s net asset value also reflects unrealized losses.

 

Distributions by each Fund of investment income generally will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than by how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. Properly designated distributions of long-term capital gains, if any, will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains. Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have temporarily been reduced—in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% brackets—for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.

 

For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, distributions of investment income designated by the Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that both the shareholder and the Fund meet certain holding period and other requirements. Specifically, in order for some portion of the dividends received by a Fund shareholder to be “qualified dividend income,” the Fund must meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to some portion of the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio and the shareholder must meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s shares. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level) (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or (4) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation that is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States) or (b) treated as a passive foreign investment company.

 

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In general, distributions of investment income designated by each Fund as derived from qualified dividend income will be treated as qualified dividend income by a shareholder taxed as an individual, provided the

shareholder meets the holding period and other requirements described above with respect to the Fund’s shares. If the aggregate qualified dividends received by a Fund during any taxable year are 95% or more of its gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), then 100% of the Fund’s dividends (other than dividends properly designated as Capital Gain Dividends) will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.

 

Dividends of net investment income received by corporate shareholders of each Fund will qualify for the 70% dividends received deduction generally available to corporations to the extent of the amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year. A dividend received by a Fund will not be treated as a qualifying dividend (1) if the stock on which the dividend is paid is considered to be “debt-financed” (generally, acquired with borrowed funds), (2) if it has been received with respect to any share of stock that the Fund has held for less than 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (less than 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date in the case of certain preferred stock) or (3) to the extent that the Fund is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Moreover, the dividends received deduction may be disallowed or reduced (1) if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy the foregoing requirements with respect to its shares of a Fund or (2) otherwise by application of the Code.

 

A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by a Fund may be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by a Fund may be eligible for the dividends received deduction to the extent of the deemed dividend portion of such accrued interest.

 

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

 

Sales, Redemptions, and Exchanges

 

Sales, redemptions and exchanges of each Fund’s shares are taxable events and, accordingly, shareholders subject to federal income taxes may realize gains and losses on these transactions. If shares have been held for more than one year, gain or loss realized generally will be long-term capital gain or loss, provided the shareholder holds the shares as a capital asset. Otherwise, the gain or loss on a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, a loss on the sale of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain dividend paid to the shareholder with respect to such shares. Further, no loss will be allowed on a sale of Fund shares to the extent the shareholder acquired identical shares of the same Fund within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

 

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

 

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Certain Investments in Debt Obligations

 

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and all zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that are acquired by a Fund will be treated as being issued with original issue discount (“OID”). Generally, the amount of the OID is treated as interest income and is included in taxable income (and required to be distributed) over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. Payment-in-kind securities will also give rise to income which is required to be distributed even though a Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

 

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are acquired by a Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. A Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt obligations having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income by the Fund.

 

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance that are acquired by a Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt obligations. Generally, the Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt obligations having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income by the Fund.

 

As indicated above, a Fund that invests in certain debt instruments may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary. The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.

 

Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for a Fund. The Strategic Bond Fund in particular may invest to a significant extent in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating category or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or that are in default. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest. These and other related issues will be addressed by each Fund when, and if, it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

 

Derivative Transactions

 

If a Fund engages in derivative transactions, including transactions in options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swap agreements, foreign currencies, and straddles, or other similar transactions, including for hedging purposes, it will be subject to special tax rules (including constructive sale, mark-to-market, straddle, wash sale, and short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund’s securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains or convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.

 

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A Fund’s transactions in foreign currency-denominated debt instruments and certain of its derivative activities will likely produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If a Fund’s book

income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund’s remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient’s basis in its shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If a Fund’s book income is less than taxable income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company and to eliminate fund-level income tax.

 

Foreign Taxes and Investments

 

Investment income and gains received by a Fund from sources outside the United States might be subject to foreign taxes that are withheld at the source. The effective rate of these foreign taxes cannot be determined in advance because it depends on the specific countries in which a Fund’s assets will be invested, the amount of the assets invested in each such country and the possibility of treaty relief.

 

The Diversified International Fund and Overseas Fund may be eligible to make an election under Section 853 of the Code so that any of their shareholders subject to federal income taxes will be able to claim a credit or deduction on their income tax returns for, and will be required to treat as part of the amounts distributed to them, their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries. If such an election is made, the ability of shareholders of the Fund to claim a foreign tax credit will be subject to limitations imposed by the Code, which in general limits the amount of foreign tax that may be used to reduce a shareholder’s U.S. tax liability to that amount of U.S. tax which would be imposed on the amount and type of income in respect of which the foreign tax was paid. In addition, the ability of shareholders to claim a foreign tax credit is subject to a holding period requirement. A shareholder who for U.S. income tax purposes claims a foreign tax credit in respect of Fund distributions may not claim a deduction for foreign taxes paid by the Fund, regardless of whether the shareholder itemizes deductions. Also, no deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by shareholders who do not itemize deductions on their federal income tax returns. It should also be noted that a tax-exempt shareholder, like other shareholders, will be required to treat as part of the amounts distributed to it a pro rata portion of the income taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries. However, that income will generally be exempt from U.S. taxation by virtue of such shareholder’s tax-exempt status and such a shareholder will not be entitled to either a tax credit or a deduction with respect to such income. The Diversified International Fund and Overseas Fund will notify their shareholders each year of the amount of dividends and distributions and the shareholder’s pro rata share of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries.

 

A Fund may invest in one or more “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). A PFIC is any foreign corporation: (i) 75 percent or more of the income of which for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of the assets of which (generally by value, but by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) that produce or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50 percent. Generally, passive income for this purpose means dividends, interest (including income equivalent to interest), royalties, rents, annuities, the excess of gain over losses from certain property transactions and commodities transactions, and foreign currency gains.

 

Investment by a Fund in PFICs could subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax or other charge on distributions received from PFICs on the proceeds from the sale of its investments in the PFICs. This tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, a Fund may be able to elect to avoid the imposition of that tax. For example, a Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (a “QEF election”), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company’s income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company. A Fund also may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in a PFIC “to the market” as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in the PFIC on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income by the Fund (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by a Fund to avoid

 

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taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require a Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the

recognition of gain and affect a Fund’s total return. Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income.”

 

Finally, a Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.

 

Certain Investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts

 

If a Fund invests in equity securities of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), such investments may require the fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, a Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold. A Fund’s investment in REIT equity securities may at other times result in the fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings. If a Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to the Fund’s shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by a Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.

 

The Funds may invest in REITs, including REITs that hold residual interests in real estate mortgage conduits (“REMICs”), REITs that are themselves taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”) or REITs that invest in TMPs. Under a notice issued by the IRS and Treasury regulations that have not yet been issued, but may apply retroactively, a portion of a Fund’s income from a REIT that is attributable to the REIT’s residual interest in a REMIC or TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as the Funds, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC or TMP residual interest directly.

 

In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on unrelated business income, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a “disqualified organization” (as defined in the Code) is a record holder of a share in a Fund, then that Fund will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, a Fund may elect to allocate any such tax specially to the applicable disqualified organization, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in such Fund. The Funds have not yet determined whether such an election will be made.

 

Unrelated Business Taxable Income

 

Under current law, the Funds generally serve to “block” (that is, prevent the attribution to shareholders of) UBTI from being realized by tax-exempt shareholders. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt shareholder of a Fund could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in a Fund if shares in that Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b). Any investment by a Fund in residual interests of a Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (a “CMO”) that has

 

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elected to be treated as a REMIC can create complex tax problems, especially if the Fund has state or local governments or other tax-exempt organizations as shareholders.

 

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

 

Backup Withholding

 

Each Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable dividends and other distributions paid to and proceeds of share sales, exchanges, or redemptions made by any individual shareholder who fails to furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), who has under-reported dividends or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is 28% for amounts paid through 2010. The backup withholding tax rate will be 31% for amounts paid after December 31, 2010.

 

Non U.S. Shareholders

 

In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid by a Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (such shareholder, a “foreign person”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of thirty percent (30%) (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding.

 

Previous legislation provided that, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2008, a Fund was not required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (w) that had not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner was not a U.S. person, (x) to the extent that the dividend was attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person was the issuer or was a ten percent (10%) shareholder of the issuer, (y) that was within certain foreign countries that had inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (z) to the extent the dividend was attributable to interest paid by a person that was a “related person” of the foreign person and the foreign person was a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income that, in general, would not have been subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions were properly designated by a Fund (an “interest-related dividend”), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to an individual foreign person who was present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, in each case to the extent such distributions were properly designated by a Fund (a “short-term capital gain dividend”). Under this prior legislation, a Fund was also allowed to opt not to designate dividends as interest-related dividends or short-term capital gain dividends to the full extent permitted by the

 

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Code. This exemption is no longer effective. Pending legislation may reinstate and extend this exemption from withholding for one year, but it is unclear at this time whether the legislation will be enacted.

 

If a beneficial holder who is a foreign person has a trade or business in the United States, and the dividends are effectively connected with the conduct by the beneficial holder of a trade or business in the United States, the dividend will be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates.

 

Under U.S. federal tax law, a beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of a Fund or on capital gain dividends unless (i) such gain or capital gain dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States or (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating one hundred eighty-three (183) days or more during the year of the sale or capital gain dividend and certain other conditions are met.

 

General Considerations

 

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

 

The foregoing discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of investment in the Funds is a general and abbreviated summary based on the applicable provisions of the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authority currently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and regulations. The Code and regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion of the federal income tax treatment of the Funds and their shareholders does not describe in any respect the tax treatment of any particular arrangement, e.g., tax-exempt trusts or insurance products, pursuant to which or by which investments in the Funds may be made. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers as to their own tax situation, including possible foreign, state and local taxes.

 

EXPERTS

 

Ropes & Gray LLP, One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 serves as counsel to the Trust.

 

The audited financial statements of the Funds are set forth in the Trust’s Annual Report as of December 31, 2007, and are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing. A copy of the Trust’s Annual Report as of December 31, 2007 is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-888-309-3539.

 

GLOSSARY

 

Duration:    indicates how interest rate changes will affect a debt instrument’s price. As a measure of a fixed income security’s cash flow, duration is an alternative to the concept of “term to maturity” in assessing the price volatility associated with changes in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the more volatility an investor should expect. For example, the market price of a bond with a duration of two years would be expected to decline 2% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same bond would be expected to increase 2% if interest rates fell 1%. The market price of a bond with a duration of four years would be expected to increase or decline twice as much as the market price of a bond with a two-year duration. Duration measures a

 

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security’s maturity in terms of the average time required to receive the present value of all interest and principal payments as opposed to its term to maturity. The maturity of a security measures only the time until final payment is due; it does not take account of the pattern of a security’s cash flow over time, which would include how cash flow is affected by prepayments and by changes in interest rates. Incorporating a security’s yield, coupon interest payments, final maturity and option features into one measure, duration is computed by determining the weighted average maturity of a bond’s cash flows, where the present values of the cash flows serve as weights. Determining duration may involve a Fund’s investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s estimates of future economic parameters, which may vary from actual future values.

 

NRSRO:    means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. For a description of the ratings of three NRSROs, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), see the Appendix to the SAI. For example, the four investment grade ratings in descending order for debt securities as rated by Moody’s are Aaa, Aa, A and Baa- including Baa3. The four investment grade ratings for debt securities as rated by S&P are AAA, AA, A and BBB- including BBB-. For commercial paper, Moody’s two highest ratings are P-1 and P-2 and S&P’s two highest ratings are A-1 and A-2.

 

U.S. Government Securities:    include obligations issued, sponsored, assumed and guaranteed as to principal and interest by the Government of the United States, its agencies and instrumentalities, and securities backed by such obligations, including FHA/VA guaranteed mortgages.

 

The name MassMutual Select Funds is the designation of the Trustees under a Declaration of Trust dated May 28, 1993, as amended from time to time. The obligations of such Trust are not personally binding upon, nor shall resort be had to the property of any of the Trustees, shareholders, officers, employees or agents of such Trust, but only the property of the relevant Fund shall be bound.

 

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APPENDIX A—DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Although the ratings of fixed income securities by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch are a generally accepted measurement of credit risk, they are subject to certain limitations. For example, ratings are based primarily upon historical events and do not necessarily reflect the future. Furthermore, there is a period of time between the issuance of a rating and the update of the rating, during which time a published rating may be inaccurate.

 

The descriptions of the S&P, Moody’s and Fitch’s commercial paper and bond ratings are set forth below.

 

Commercial Paper Ratings:

 

S&P commercial paper ratings are graded into four categories, ranging from A for the highest quality obligations to D for the lowest. Issues assigned the highest rating of A are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are further refined with the designations 1, 2, and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety. The A-1 and A-2 categories are described as follows:

 

  A-1   This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics will be noted with a plus (+) sign designation.

 

  A-2   Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.

 

Moody’s employs three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers. The two highest designations are as follows:

 

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 (or P-1) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 (or P-1) repayment ability will normally be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:

 

   

Leading market positions in well-established industries.

 

   

High rates of return on funds employed.

 

   

Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.

 

   

Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.

 

   

Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

 

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 (or P-2) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

 

Fitch’s Short-Term Credit Ratings are graded into six categories, ranging from ‘F-1’ for the highest quality obligations to ‘D’ for the lowest. The F-1 and F-2 categories are described as follows:

 

“F-1”: Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F-2”: A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

 

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Bond Ratings:

 

S&P describes its four highest ratings for corporate debt as follows:

 

AAA Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

 

AA Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in a small degree.

 

A Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.

 

BBB Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas such debt normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

 

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.

 

Moody’s describes its four highest corporate bond ratings as follows:

 

Aaa Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt-edged.” Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

 

Aa Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they compose what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

 

A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and may be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment in the future.

 

Baa Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

 

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

 

Fitch describes its four highest long-term credit ratings as follows:

 

AAA—“AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

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AA—“AA” ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

A—“A” ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

BBB—“BBB” ratings indicate that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

 

A “+” or “–” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” category or to categories below “CCC”.

 

S&P describes its below investment grade ratings for corporate debt as follows:

 

BB, B, CCC, CC, C—Debt rated “BB”, “B”, “CCC”, “CC” and “C” is regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation, “BB” indicates the lowest degree of speculation and “C” the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

 

BB—Debt rated “BB” has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The “BB” rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “BBB–” rating.

 

B—Debt rated “B” has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The “B” rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “BB” or “BB–” rating.

 

CCC—Debt rated “CCC” has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The “CCC” rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “B” or “B–” rating.

 

CC—The rating “CC” is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “CCC” rating.

 

C—The rating “C” is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied “CCC–” debt rating. The “C” rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service payments are continued.

 

D—Debt rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.

 

Moody’s describes its below investment grade corporate bond ratings as follows:

 

Ba—Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

 

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B—Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

 

Caa—Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.

 

Ca—Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

 

C—Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

 

Fitch describes its below investment grade long-term credit ratings as follows:

 

BB—“BB” ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

 

B—“B” ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

 

CCC, CC, C—Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments. A “CC” rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. “C” ratings signal imminent default.

 

DDD, DD, D—The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization or liquidation of the obligor. While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated with any precision, the following serve as general guidelines. “DDD” obligations have the highest potential for recovery, around 90%-100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest. “DD” indicates potential recoveries in the range of 50%-90% and “D” the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%.

 

Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities rated “DDD” have the highest prospect for resumption of performance or continued operation with or without a formal reorganization process. Entities rated “DD” and “D” are generally undergoing a formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated “DD” are likely to satisfy a higher portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated “D” have a poor prospect of repaying all obligations.

 

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APPENDIX B—PROXY VOTING POLICIES

 

The following represents the proxy voting policies (the “Policies”) of the MassMutual Select Funds (the “Fund”) with respect to the voting of proxies on behalf of each series of the Fund (the “Series”). It is the general policy of the Fund, and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”) as investment manager to the Series, to delegate (with the exception of any “Funds of Funds”) voting responsibilities and duties with respect to all proxies to the investment sub-advisers (the “Sub-Advisers”) of the Series.

 

I.    GENERAL PRINCIPLES

 

In voting proxies, the Sub-Advisers shall be guided by general fiduciary principles and their respective written proxy voting policies. The Sub-Advisers shall act prudently and solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of the accounts they respectively manage, and for the exclusive purpose of providing benefit to such persons.

 

II.    SUB-ADVISERS

 

1.  The Sub-Advisers shall each have the duty to provide a copy of their written proxy voting policies to MassMutual and the Fund annually. The Sub-Advisers’ written proxy voting policies shall maintain procedures that address potential conflicts of interest.

 

2.  The Sub-Advisers shall each maintain a record of all proxy votes exercised on behalf of each series of the Funds for which they act as investment sub-adviser and shall furnish such records to MassMutual and the Fund annually.

 

3.  The Sub-Advisers shall report proxy votes that deviated from their normal proxy voting policies and any exceptions to their proxy voting policies to MassMutual quarterly.

 

4.  The Sub-Advisers shall provide the Fund and MassMutual with all such information and documents relating to the Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting in a timely manner, as shall be necessary for the Fund and MassMutual to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

 

III.    THE FUND AND MASSMUTUAL

 

1.  The Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund shall annually update the Trustees after a review of the Sub-Advisers’ proxy voting policies and actual voting records.

 

2.  The Trustees of the Fund shall not vote proxies on behalf of the Fund or the Series.

 

3.  MassMutual shall not vote proxies on behalf of the Fund or the Series, except that MassMutual shall vote proxies on behalf of any Funds of Funds for which it serves as investment adviser.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, upon request, on the MassMutual website at http://www.massmutual.com/retire and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Investment Adviser Policies and Procedures Manual

 

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

as Investment Adviser to the Fund of Fund Series of the MassMutual Select Funds,

MassMutual Premier Funds, MML Series Investment Fund and MML Series Investment Fund II

(August 31, 2007)

 

General Overview

 

Policy:

 

It is the policy of MassMutual to fulfill its responsibilities under Rule 206(4)-6 (the “Rule”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), with respect to its role as investment adviser to each series of the MassMutual Select Funds, MassMutual Premier Funds, MML Series Investment Fund and MML Series Investment Fund II (each, a “Trust”) operating as a “fund of funds” (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). MassMutual will vote proxies for the Funds in a manner intended to be in the best interest of the Funds and to minimize any material conflicts between the interests of MassMutual and the Funds.

 

Background:

 

MassMutual currently serves as investment adviser to each of the Funds. Each Fund currently invests in other series of the Trusts and may also invest in mutual funds advised by OppenheimerFunds Inc., a MassMutual affiliate.

 

MassMutual will vote proxies of the underlying funds held by the Funds in accordance with the following procedure.

 

Procedure:

 

1. When a Fund holds shares of an underlying fund advised by MassMutual, MassMutual will vote in favor of proposals recommended by the underlying fund’s Board of Trustees and by a majority of the Trustees of the underlying fund who are not interested persons of the underlying fund or of MassMutual. However, MassMutual may alternatively, in its discretion, (i) seek instruction from the Fund’s Board of Trustees (or any member or committee thereof (provided that such member, or each member of such committee, as the case may be, is not an interested person of the underlying fund or of MassMutual) delegated authority to provide such instructions to MassMutual) and vote in accordance with such instructions, or (ii) vote in accordance with the recommendation of an independent consultant retained by MassMutual to provide a recommendation, on the basis solely of the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders, as to the matter; provided, however, that prior to taking the action described in clause (ii) above, MassMutual shall first seek and obtain the prior approval of its Registered Investment Advisor Oversight Committee, or, if it is not possible to obtain a quorum of such committee, of two members of the Registered Investment Advisor Oversight Committee.

 

2. When a Fund holds shares of an underlying fund advised by a control affiliate of MassMutual, MassMutual will generally vote the shares held by the Fund in the same proportions (for, against, abstain) as the votes of all other shareholders (other than MassMutual or a control affiliate of MassMutual) of such underlying fund. However, MassMutual may alternatively, in its discretion, (i) seek instruction from the Fund’s Board of Trustees (or any member or committee thereof (provided that such member, or each member of such committee, as the case may be, is not an interested person of the underlying fund or of MassMutual) delegated authority to provide such instructions to MassMutual) and vote in accordance with such instructions, or (ii) vote in accordance with the recommendation of an independent consultant retained by MassMutual to provide a recommendation, on the basis solely of the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders, as to the matter; provided, however, that prior to taking the action described in clause (ii) above, MassMutual shall first seek and obtain the prior approval of its

 

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Registered Investment Advisor Oversight Committee, or, if it is not possible to obtain a quorum of such committee, of two members of the Registered Investment Advisor Oversight Committee.

 

Operating Procedures

 

MassMutual shall exercise its proxy voting responsibility with respect to the Fund through MassMutual Retirement Services Investment Management (“RS Investment Management”).

 

All proxy statements and proxy cards received by a MassMutual employee relating to a Fund are to be immediately forwarded to RS Investment Management for logging and posting of votes.

 

RS Investment Management, acting through the head of Investment Services or the head of Investment Management is responsible for (i) logging, reviewing and casting the vote for all proxies solicited and received with respect to each Fund, (ii) voting such proxies in a manner consistent with these policies and procedures, (iii) documenting the method followed in determining how to cast the vote, and (iv) maintaining the records required by Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act.

 

Record Retention

 

RS Investment Management will retain for such time periods as set forth in Rule 204-2:

 

   

Copies of all policies and procedures required by the Rule;

 

   

A copy of each proxy statement that MassMutual receives regarding a Fund’s investments;

 

   

A record of each vote cast by MassMutual on behalf of a Fund; and

 

   

A copy of any document created by MassMutual that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies on behalf of a Fund or that memorializes the basis for that decision.

 

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October 2006

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.

 

Statement of Policies and Procedures for Proxy Voting

 

1. Introduction

 

As a registered investment adviser, AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”, “we” or “us”) has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of our clients. We recognize that this duty requires us to vote client securities in a timely manner and make voting decisions that are in the best interests of our clients. Consistent with these obligations, we will disclose our clients’ voting records only to them and as required by mutual fund vote disclosure regulations. In addition, the proxy committees may, after careful consideration, choose to respond to surveys regarding past votes.

 

This statement is intended to comply with Rule 206(4)-6 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. It sets forth our policies and procedures for voting proxies for our discretionary investment advisory clients, including investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This statement applies to AllianceBernstein’s growth, value and blend investment groups investing on behalf of clients in both US and non-US securities.

 

2. Proxy Policies

 

This statement is designed to be responsive to the wide range of proxy voting subjects that can have a significant effect on the investment value of the securities held in our clients’ accounts. These policies are not exhaustive due to the variety of proxy voting issues that we may be required to consider. AllianceBernstein reserves the right to depart from these guidelines in order to avoid voting decisions that we believe may be contrary to our clients’ best interests. In reviewing proxy issues, we will apply the following general policies:

 

2.1. Corporate Governance    AllianceBernstein’s proxy voting policies recognize the importance of good corporate governance in ensuring that management and the board of directors fulfill their obligations to the shareholders. We favor proposals promoting transparency and accountability within a company. We will vote for proposals providing for equal access to the proxy materials so that shareholders can express their views on various proxy issues. We also support the appointment of a majority of independent directors on key committees and separating the positions of chairman and chief executive officer. Finally, because we believe that good corporate governance requires shareholders to have a meaningful voice in the affairs of the company, we will support shareholder proposals that request that companies amend their by-laws to provide that director nominees be elected by an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast.

 

2.2. Elections of Directors    Unless there is a proxy fight for seats on the Board or we determine that there are other compelling reasons for withholding votes for directors, we will vote in favor of the management proposed slate of directors. That said, we believe that directors have a duty to respond to shareholder actions that have received significant shareholder support. We may withhold votes for directors (or vote against in non-US markets) that fail to act on key issues such as failure to implement proposals to declassify boards, failure to implement a majority vote requirement, failure to submit a rights plan to a shareholder vote or failure to act on tender offers where a majority of shareholders have tendered their shares. In addition, we will withhold votes for directors who fail to attend at least seventy-five percent of board meetings within a given year without a reasonable excuse. Finally, we may abstain or vote against directors of non-U.S. issuers where there is insufficient information about the nominees disclosed in the proxy statement.

 

2.3. Appointment of Auditors    AllianceBernstein believes that the company remains in the best position to choose the auditors and will generally support management’s recommendation. However, we recognize that there may be inherent conflicts when a company’s independent auditor performs substantial non-audit related

 

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services for the company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 prohibited certain categories of services by auditors to US issuers, making this issue less prevalent in the US. Nevertheless, in reviewing a proposed auditor, we will consider the fees paid for non-audit services relative to total fees as well as if there are other reasons to question the independence of the auditors.

 

2.4. Changes in Legal and Capital Structure    Changes in a company’s charter, articles of incorporation or by-laws are often technical and administrative in nature. Absent a compelling reason to the contrary, AllianceBernstein will cast its votes in accordance with the company’s management on such proposals. However, we will review and analyze on a case-by-case basis any non-routine proposals that are likely to affect the structure and operation of the company or have a material economic effect on the company. For example, we will generally support proposals to increase authorized common stock when it is necessary to implement a stock split, aid in a restructuring or acquisition or provide a sufficient number of shares for an employee savings plan, stock option or executive compensation plan. However, a satisfactory explanation of a company’s intentions must be disclosed in the proxy statement for proposals requesting an increase of greater than one hundred percent of the shares outstanding. We will oppose increases in authorized common stock where there is evidence that the shares will be used to implement a poison pill or another form of anti-takeover device. We will support shareholder proposals that seek to eliminate dual class voting structures.

 

2.5. Corporate Restructurings, Mergers and Acquisitions    AllianceBernstein believes proxy votes dealing with corporate reorganizations are an extension of the investment decision. Accordingly, we will analyze such proposals on a case-by-case basis, weighing heavily the views of our research analysts that cover the company and our investment professionals managing the portfolios in which the stock is held.

 

2.6. Proposals Affecting Shareholder Rights    AllianceBernstein believes that certain fundamental rights of shareholders must be protected. We will generally vote in favor of proposals that give shareholders a greater voice in the affairs of the company and oppose any measure that seeks to limit those rights. However, when analyzing such proposals we will weigh the financial impact of the proposal against the impairment of shareholder rights.

 

2.7. Anti-Takeover Measures    AllianceBernstein believes that measures that impede corporate transactions such as takeovers or entrench management not only infringe on the rights of shareholders but may also have a detrimental effect on the value of the company. We will generally oppose proposals, regardless of whether they are advanced by management or shareholders, the purpose or effect of which is to entrench management or excessively or inappropriately dilute shareholder ownership. Conversely, we support proposals that would restrict or otherwise eliminate anti-takeover or anti-shareholder measures that have already been adopted by corporate issuers. For example, we will support shareholder proposals that seek to require the company to submit a shareholder rights plan to a shareholder vote. We will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, proposals to completely redeem or eliminate such plans. Furthermore, we will generally oppose proposals put forward by management (including the authorization of blank check preferred stock, classified boards and supermajority vote requirements) that appear to be anti-shareholder or intended as management entrenchment mechanisms.

 

2.8. Executive Compensation    AllianceBernstein believes that company management and the compensation committee of the board of directors should, within reason, be given latitude to determine the types and mix of compensation and benefit awards offered to company employees. Whether proposed by a shareholder or management, we will review proposals relating to executive compensation plans on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the long-term interests of management and shareholders are properly aligned. In general, we will analyze the proposed plan to ensure that shareholder equity will not be excessively diluted taking into account shares available for grant under the proposed plan as well as other existing plans. We generally will oppose plans that have below market value grant or exercise prices on the date of issuance or permit repricing of underwater stock options without shareholder approval. Other factors such as the company’s performance and industry practice will generally be factored into our analysis. We generally will support shareholder proposals seeking

 

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additional disclosure of executive and director compensation. This policy includes proposals that seek to specify the measurement of performance based compensation. In addition, we will support proposals requiring managements to submit severance packages that exceed 2.99 times the sum of an executive officer’s base salary plus bonus that are triggered by a change in control to a shareholder vote. Finally, we will support shareholder proposals requiring companies to expense stock options because we view them as a large corporate expense that should be appropriately accounted for.

 

2.9. Social and Corporate Responsibility    AllianceBernstein will review and analyze on a case-by-case basis proposals relating to social, political and environmental issues to determine whether they will have a financial impact on shareholder value. We will vote against proposals that are unduly burdensome or result in unnecessary and excessive costs to the company. We may abstain from voting on social proposals that do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value.

 

3. Proxy Voting Procedures

 

3.1. Proxy Voting Committees    Our growth and value investment groups have formed separate proxy voting committees to establish general proxy policies for AllianceBernstein and consider specific proxy voting matters as necessary. These committees periodically review these policies and new types of corporate governance issues, and decide how we should vote on proposals not covered by these policies. When a proxy vote cannot be clearly decided by an application of our stated policy, the proxy committee will evaluate the proposal. In addition, the committees, in conjunction with the analyst that covers the company, may contact corporate management and interested shareholder groups and others as necessary to discuss proxy issues. Members of the committee include senior investment personnel and representatives of the Legal and Compliance Department. The committees may also evaluate proxies where we face a potential conflict of interest (as discussed below). Finally, the committees monitor adherence to these policies.

 

3.2. Conflicts of Interest    AllianceBernstein recognizes that there may be a potential conflict of interest when we vote a proxy solicited by an issuer whose retirement plan we manage, or we administer, who distributes AllianceBernstein sponsored mutual funds, or with whom we or an employee has another business or personal relationship that may affect how we vote on the issuer’s proxy. Similarly, AllianceBernstein may have a potential material conflict of interest when deciding how to vote on a proposal sponsored or supported by a shareholder group that is a client. We believe that centralized management of proxy voting, oversight by the proxy voting committees and adherence to these policies ensures that proxies are voted with only our clients’ best interests in mind. Additionally, we have implemented procedures to ensure that our votes are not the product of a material conflict of interests, including: (i) on an annual basis, the proxy committees will take reasonable steps to evaluate the nature of AllianceBernstein’s and our employees’ material business and personal relationships (and those of our affiliates) with any company whose equity securities are held in client accounts and any client that has sponsored or has material interest in a proposal upon which we will be eligible to vote; (ii) requiring anyone involved in the decision making process to disclose to the chairman of the appropriate proxy committee any potential conflict that they are aware of (including personal relationships) and any contact that they have had with any interested party regarding a proxy vote; (iii) prohibiting employees involved in the decision making process or vote administration from revealing how we intend to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties; and (iv) where a material conflict of interests exists, reviewing our proposed vote by applying a series of objective tests and, where necessary, considering the views of third party research services to ensure that our voting decision is consistent with our clients’ best interests.

 

Because under certain circumstances AllianceBernstein considers the recommendation of third party research services, the proxy committees will take reasonable steps to verify that any third party research service is in fact independent based on all of the relevant facts and circumstances. This includes reviewing the third party research service’s conflict management procedures and ascertaining, among other things, whether the third party research service (i) has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues; and (ii) can make such recommendations in an impartial manner and in the best interests of our clients.

 

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3.3. Proxies of Certain Non-US Issuers    Proxy voting in certain countries requires “share blocking.” Shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting with a designated depositary. During this blocking period, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares are returned to the clients’ custodian banks. Absent compelling reasons to the contrary, AllianceBernstein believes that the benefit to the client of exercising the vote does not outweigh the cost of voting (i.e. not being able to sell the shares during this period). Accordingly, if share blocking is required we generally abstain from voting those shares.

 

In addition, voting proxies of issuers in non-US markets may give rise to a number of administrative issues that may prevent AllianceBernstein from voting such proxies. For example, AllianceBernstein may receive meeting notices without enough time to fully consider the proxy or after the cut-off date for voting. Other markets require AllianceBernstein to provide local agents with power of attorney prior to implementing AllianceBernstein’s voting instructions. Although it is AllianceBernstein’s policy to seek to vote all proxies for securities held in client accounts for which we have proxy voting authority, in the case of non-US issuers, we vote proxies on a best efforts basis.

 

3.4. Loaned Securities    Many clients of AllianceBernstein have entered into securities lending arrangements with agent lenders to generate additional revenue. AllianceBernstein will not be able to vote securities that are on loan under these types of arrangements. However, under rare circumstances, for voting issues that may have a significant impact on the investment, we may request that clients recall securities that are on loan if we determine that the benefit of voting outweighs the costs and lost revenue to the client or fund and the administrative burden of retrieving the securities.

 

3.5. Proxy Voting Records    Clients may obtain information about how we voted proxies on their behalf by contacting their AllianceBernstein administrative representative. Alternatively, clients may make a written request for proxy voting information to: Mark R. Manley, Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, AllianceBernstein L.P., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

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CLEARBRIDGE ADVISORS

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

Amended and Restated as of June 26, 2007

 

I. TYPES OF ACCOUNTS FOR WHICH CLEARBRIDGE VOTES PROXIES

 

II. GENERAL GUIDELINES

 

III. HOW CLEARBRIDGE VOTES

 

IV. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

V. VOTING POLICY

 

  (1) Election of directors

 

  (2) Proxy contests

 

  (3) Auditors

 

  (4) Proxy contest defenses

 

  (5) Tender offer defenses

 

  (6) Miscellaneous governance provisions

 

  (7) Capital structure

 

  (8) Executive and director compensation

 

  (9) State of incorporation

 

  (10) Mergers and corporate restructuring

 

  (11) Social and environmental issues

 

  (12) Miscellaneous

 

VI. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

 

  (1) Share Blocking

 

  (2) Securities on Loan

 

VII. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING

 

VIII. RECORDKEEPING AND OVERSIGHT

 

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CLEARBRIDGE ADVISORS’1

 

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

I. Types of Accounts for Which ClearBridge Votes Proxies

 

ClearBridge votes proxies for each client that has specifically authorized us to vote them in the investment management contract or otherwise and votes proxies for each ERISA account unless the plan document or investment advisory agreement specifically reserves the responsibility to vote proxies to the plan trustees or other named fiduciary. These policies and procedures are intended to fulfill applicable requirements imposed on ClearBridge by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations adopted under these laws.

 

II. General Guidelines

 

In voting proxies, we are guided by general fiduciary principles. Our goal is to act prudently, solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of the accounts we manage and, in the case of ERISA accounts, for the exclusive purpose of providing economic benefits to such persons. We attempt to provide for the consideration of all factors that could affect the value of the investment and will vote proxies in the manner that we believe will be consistent with efforts to maximize shareholder values.

 

III. How ClearBridge Votes

 

Section V of these policies and procedures sets forth certain stated positions. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a stated position, we generally vote in accordance with the stated position. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a list of factors set forth in Section V that we consider in voting on such issue, we consider those factors and vote on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles set forth above. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is no stated position or list of factors that we consider in voting on such issue, we vote on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles set forth above. We may utilize an external service provider to provide us with information and/or a recommendation with regard to proxy votes but we are not required to follow any such recommendations. The use of an external service provider does not relieve us of our responsibility for the proxy vote.

 

For routine matters, we usually vote according to our policy or the external service provider’s recommendation, although we are not obligated to do so and an individual portfolio manager may vote contrary to our policy or the recommendation of the external service provider. If a matter is non-routine, e.g., management’s recommendation is different than that of the external service provider and ClearBridge is a significant holder or it is a significant holding for ClearBridge, the issues will be highlighted to the appropriate investment teams and their views solicited by members of the Proxy Committee. Different investment teams may vote differently on the same issue, depending upon their assessment of clients’ best interests.

 

ClearBridge’s proxy voting process is overseen and coordinated by its Proxy Committee.

 

 


1

These policies and procedures pertain to ClearBridge Advisors, LLC, ClearBridge Asset Management Inc. and Smith Barney Fund Management, LLC (collectively, “ClearBridge”)

 

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IV. Conflicts of Interest

 

In furtherance of ClearBridge’s goal to vote proxies in the best interests of clients, ClearBridge follows procedures designed to identify and address material conflicts that may arise between ClearBridge’s interests and those of its clients before voting proxies on behalf of such clients.

 

  (1) Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest

 

ClearBridge relies on the following to seek to identify conflicts of interest with respect to proxy voting:

 

  A. The policy memorandum attached hereto as Appendix A will be distributed periodically to ClearBridge employees. The policy memorandum alerts ClearBridge employees that they are under an obligation (i) to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of ClearBridge with respect to voting proxies on behalf of client accounts both as a result of their personal relationships and due to special circumstances that may arise during the conduct of ClearBridge’s business, and (ii) to bring conflicts of interest of which they become aware to the attention of ClearBridge Compliance.

 

  B. ClearBridge’s finance area shall maintain and make available to ClearBridge Compliance and proxy voting personnel an up- to-date list of all client relationships that have historically accounted for or are projected to account for greater than 1% of ClearBridge’s annual revenues. ClearBridge relies on the policy memorandum directive described in Section IV. (1) A. to identify conflicts of interest arising due to potential client relationships with proxy issuers.

 

  C. As a general matter, ClearBridge takes the position that relationships between a non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate and an issuer (e.g., investment management relationship between an issuer and a non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate) do not present a conflict of interest for ClearBridge in voting proxies with respect to such issuer because ClearBridge operates as an independent business unit from other Legg Mason business units and because of the existence of informational barriers between ClearBridge and certain other Legg Mason business units. Special circumstances, such as contact between ClearBridge and non-ClearBridge personnel, may cause ClearBridge to consider whether non-ClearBridge relationships between Legg Mason and an issuer present a conflict of interest for ClearBridge with respect to such issuer. As noted in Section IV. (1) A., ClearBridge employees are under an obligation to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest in voting proxies and to bring such conflicts of interest, including conflicts of interest which may arise because of such special circumstances (such as any attempt by a Legg Mason business unit or Legg Mason officer or employee to influence proxy voting by ClearBridge) to the attention of ClearBridge Compliance. Also, ClearBridge is sensitive to the fact that a significant, publicized relationship between an issuer and a non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate might appear to the public to influence the manner in which ClearBridge decides to vote a proxy with respect to such issuer. For prudential reasons, ClearBridge treats such significant, publicized relationships as creating a potential conflict of interest for ClearBridge in voting proxies.

 

  D.

Based on information furnished by ClearBridge employees or maintained by ClearBridge Compliance pursuant to Section IV. (1) A. and C. and by ClearBridge Financial Control pursuant to Section IV. (1) B., ClearBridge Compliance shall maintain an up to date list of issuers with respect to which ClearBridge has a potential conflict of interest in voting proxies on behalf of client accounts. ClearBridge shall not vote proxies relating to issuers on such list on behalf of client accounts until it has been determined that the conflict of interest is not material or a method for resolving such conflict of interest has been agreed upon and implemented, as described in Section IV below. Exceptions apply: (i) with respect to a proxy issue that will be voted in accordance with a stated ClearBridge position on such issue, and (ii) with respect to a proxy issue that will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party based on application of the policies set forth herein. Such issues generally are not brought to the attention of the Proxy Committee described in Section IV. (2) Because ClearBridge’s position is that any

 

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conflict of interest issues are resolved by voting in accordance with a pre-determined policy or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party based on application of the policies set forth herein.

 

  (2) Procedures for Assessing Materiality of Conflicts of Interest and for Addressing Material Conflicts of

Interest

 

  A. ClearBridge maintains a Proxy Committee which, among other things, reviews and addresses conflicts of interest brought to its attention. The Proxy Committee shall be comprised of such ClearBridge personnel as are designated from time to time. The current members of the Proxy Committee are set forth on Appendix B hereto.

 

  B. All conflicts of interest identified pursuant to the procedures outlined in Section IV.(1) must be brought to the attention of the Proxy Committee by ClearBridge Compliance for resolution. As noted above, a proxy issue that will be voted in accordance with a stated ClearBridge position on such issue or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party generally is not brought to the attention of the Proxy Committee for a conflict of interest review because ClearBridge’s position is that any conflict of interest issues are resolved by voting in accordance with a pre-determined policy or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party.

 

  C. The Proxy Committee shall determine whether a conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict is likely to influence, or appear to influence, ClearBridge’s decision-making in voting the proxy. All materiality determinations will be based on an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. A written record of all materiality determinations made by the Proxy Committee will be maintained.

 

  D. If it is determined by the Proxy Committee that a conflict of interest is not material, ClearBridge may vote proxies notwithstanding the existence of the conflict.

 

  E. If it is determined by the Proxy Committee that a conflict of interest is material, the Proxy Committee shall determine an appropriate method to resolve such conflict of interest before the proxy affected by the conflict of interest is voted. Such determination shall be based on the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc. Such methods may include:

 

  i. disclosing the conflict to clients and obtaining their consent before voting;

 

  ii. suggesting to clients that they engage another party to vote the proxy on their behalf;

 

  iii. in the case of a conflict of interest resulting from a particular employee’s personal relationships, removing such employee from the decision-making process with respect to such proxy vote; or

 

  iv. such other method as is deemed appropriate given the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc.*

 

A written record of the method used to resolve a material conflict of interest shall be maintained.

 

  (3) Third Party Proxy Voting Firm—Conflicts of Interests

 

With respect to a third party proxy voting firm described herein, the Proxy Committee will periodically review and assess such firm’s policies, procedures and practices with respect to the disclosure and handling of conflicts of interest.

 


* Especially in the case of an apparent, as opposed to actual, conflict of interest, the Proxy Committee may resolve such conflict of interest by satisfying itself that ClearBridge’s proposed vote on a proxy issue is in the best interest of client accounts and is not being influenced by the conflict of interest.

 

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V. Voting Policy

 

These are policy guidelines that can always be superseded, subject to the duty to act solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of accounts, by the investment management professionals responsible for the account holding the shares being voted. There may be occasions when different investment teams vote differently on the same issue. A ClearBridge investment team (e.g., ClearBridge’s Social Awareness Investment team) may adopt proxy voting policies that supplement these policies and procedures. In addition, in the case of Taft-Hartley clients, ClearBridge will comply with a client direction to vote proxies in accordance with Institutional Shareholder Services’ (ISS) PVS Proxy Voting Guidelines, which ISS represents to be fully consistent with AFL-CIO guidelines.

 

  (1) Election of Directors

 

  A. Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections.

 

  1. We withhold our vote from a director nominee who:

 

  (a) attended less than 75 percent of the company’s board and committee meetings without a valid excuse (illness, service to the nation/local government, work on behalf of the company);

 

  (b) were members of the company’s board when such board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of a majority of shares cast for the previous two consecutive years;

 

  (c) received more than 50 percent withheld votes of the shares cast at the previous board election, and the company has failed to address the issue as to why;

 

  (d) is an insider where: (1) such person serves on any of the audit, compensation or nominating committees of the company’s board, (2) the company’s board performs the functions typically performed by a company’s audit, compensation and nominating committees, or (3) the full board is less than a majority independent;

 

  (e) is a member of the company’s audit committee, when excessive non-audit fees were paid to the auditor, or there are chronic control issues and an absence of established effective control mechanisms.

 

  2. We vote for all other director nominees.

 

  B. Chairman and CEO is the Same Person.

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals that would require the positions of the Chairman and CEO to be held by different persons. We would generally vote FOR such a proposal unless there are compelling reasons to vote against the proposal, including:

 

   

Designation of a lead director

   

Majority of independent directors (supermajority)

   

All independent key committees

   

Size of the company (based on market capitalization)

   

Established governance guidelines

   

Company performance

 

  C. Majority of Independent Directors

 

  1.

We vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board be comprised of a majority of independent directors. Generally that would require that the director have no connection to the company other than the board seat. In determining whether an independent director is truly independent (e.g. when voting on a slate of director candidates), we consider certain factors including, but not necessarily limited to, the following: whether the director or his/her

 

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company provided professional services to the company or its affiliates either currently or in the past year; whether the director has any transactional relationship with the company; whether the director is a significant customer or supplier of the company; whether the director is employed by a foundation or university that received significant grants or endowments from the company or its affiliates; and whether there are interlocking directorships.

 

  2. We vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board audit, compensation and/or nominating committees include independent directors exclusively.

 

  D. Stock Ownership Requirements

 

  1. We vote against shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director, or to remain on the board.

 

  E. Term of Office

 

  1. We vote against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of independent directors.

 

  F. Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

 

  1. Subject to subparagraphs 2, 3, and 4 below, we vote for proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection.

 

  2. We vote for proposals to limit and against proposals to eliminate entirely director and officer liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care.

 

  3. We vote against indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligations than mere carelessness.

 

  4. We vote for only those proposals that provide such expanded coverage noted in subparagraph 3 above in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful if: (1) the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and (2) if only the director’s legal expenses would be covered.

 

  G. Director Qualifications

 

  1. We vote case-by-case on proposals that establish or amend director qualifications. Considerations include how reasonable the criteria are and to what degree they may preclude dissident nominees from joining the board.

 

  2. We vote against shareholder proposals requiring two candidates per board seat.

 

  (2) Proxy Contests

 

  A. Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. Considerations include: chronology of events leading up to the proxy contest; qualifications of director nominees (incumbents and dissidents); for incumbents, whether the board is comprised of a majority of outside directors; whether key committees (ie: nominating, audit, compensation) comprise solely of independent outsiders; discussion with the respective portfolio manager(s).

 

  B. Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to provide full reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest. Considerations include: identity of persons who will pay solicitation expenses; cost of solicitation; percentage that will be paid to proxy solicitation firms.

 

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  (3) Auditors

 

  A. Ratifying Auditors

 

  1. We vote for proposals to ratify auditors, unless an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position or there is reason to believe the independent auditor has not followed the highest level of ethical conduct. Specifically, we will vote to ratify auditors if the auditors only provide the company audit services and such other audit-related and non-audit services the provision of which will not cause such auditors to lose their independence under applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

  B. Financial Statements and Director and Auditor Reports

 

  1. We generally vote for management proposals seeking approval of financial accounts and reports and the discharge of management and supervisory board members, unless there is concern about the past actions of the company’s auditors or directors.

 

  C. Remuneration of Auditors

 

  1. We vote for proposals to authorize the board or an audit committee of the board to determine the remuneration of auditors, unless there is evidence of excessive compensation relative to the size and nature of the company.

 

  D. Indemnification of Auditors

 

  1. We vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

  (4) Proxy Contest Defenses

 

  A. Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections

 

  1. We vote against proposals to classify the board.

 

  2. We vote for proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

 

  B. Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors

 

  1. We vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

 

  2. We vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.

 

  3. We vote against proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.

 

  4. We vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.

 

  C. Cumulative Voting

 

  1. If plurality voting is in place for uncontested director elections, we vote for proposals to permit or restore cumulative voting.

 

  2. If majority voting is in place for uncontested director elections, we vote against cumulative voting.

 

  3. If plurality voting is in place for uncontested director elections, and proposals to adopt both cumulative voting and majority voting are on the same slate, we vote for majority voting and against cumulative voting.

 

 

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  D. Majority Voting

 

  1. We vote for non-binding and/or binding resolutions requesting that the board amend a company’s by-laws to stipulate that directors need to be elected with an affirmative majority of the votes cast, provided that it does not conflict with the state law where the company is incorporated. In addition, all resolutions need to provide for a carve-out for a plurality vote standard when there are more nominees than board seats (i.e. contested election). In addition, ClearBridge strongly encourages companies to adopt a post-election director resignation policy setting guidelines for the company to follow to promptly address situations involving holdover directors.

 

  E. Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings

 

  1. We vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.

 

  2. We vote for proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.

 

  F. Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

 

  1. We vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.

 

  2. We vote for proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.

 

  G. Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board

 

  1. We vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.

 

  2. We vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.

 

  H. Advance Notice Proposals

 

  1. We vote on advance notice proposals on a case-by-case basis, giving support to those proposals which allow shareholders to submit proposals as close to the meeting date as reasonably possible and within the broadest window possible.

 

  I. Amendment of By-Laws

 

  1. We vote against proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the by-laws.

 

  2. We vote for proposals giving the board the ability to amend the by-laws in addition to shareholders.

 

  J. Article Amendments (not otherwise covered by ClearBridge Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures).

 

We review on a case-by-case basis all proposals seeking amendments to the articles of association.

 

We vote for article amendments if:

 

   

shareholder rights are protected;

   

there is negligible or positive impact on shareholder value;

   

management provides adequate reasons for the amendments; and

   

the company is required to do so by law (if applicable).

 

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  (5) Tender Offer Defenses

 

  A. Poison Pills

 

  1. We vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.

 

  2. We vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill. Considerations include: when the plan was originally adopted; financial condition of the company; terms of the poison pill.

 

  3. We vote on a case-by-case basis on management proposals to ratify a poison pill. Considerations include: sunset provision—poison pill is submitted to shareholders for ratification or rejection every 2 to 3 years; shareholder redemption feature -10% of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the rights plan.

 

  B. Fair Price Provisions

 

  1. We vote for fair price proposals, as long as the shareholder vote requirement embedded in the provision is no more than a majority of disinterested shares.

 

  2. We vote for shareholder proposals to lower the shareholder vote requirement in existing fair price provisions.

 

  C. Greenmail

 

  1. We vote for proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.

 

  2. We vote on a case-by-case basis on anti-greenmail proposals when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.

 

  D. Unequal Voting Rights

 

  1. We vote against dual class exchange offers.

 

  2. We vote against dual class re-capitalization.

 

  E. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws

 

  1. We vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments.

 

  2. We vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments.

 

  F. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers

 

  1. We vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

  2. We vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

  G. White Squire Placements

 

  1. We vote for shareholder proposals to require approval of blank check preferred stock issues.

 

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  (6) Miscellaneous Governance Provisions

 

  A. Confidential Voting

 

  1. We vote for shareholder proposals that request corporations to adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: in the case of a contested election, management is permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.

 

  2. We vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting subject to the proviso for contested elections set forth in sub-paragraph A.1 above.

 

  B. Equal Access

 

  1. We vote for shareholder proposals that would allow significant company shareholders equal access to management’s proxy material in order to evaluate and propose voting recommendations on proxy proposals and director nominees, and in order to nominate their own candidates to the board.

 

  C. Bundled Proposals

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on bundled or “conditioned” proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, we examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders’ best interests and therefore not in the best interests of the beneficial owners of accounts, we vote against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, we support such proposals.

 

  D. Shareholder Advisory Committees

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee. Considerations include: rationale and cost to the firm to form such a committee. We generally vote against such proposals if the board and key nominating committees are comprised solely of independent/outside directors.

 

  E. Other Business

 

We vote for proposals that seek to bring forth other business matters.

 

  F. Adjourn Meeting

 

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals that seek to adjourn a shareholder meeting in order to solicit additional votes.

 

  G. Lack of Information

 

We vote against proposals if a company fails to provide shareholders with adequate information upon which to base their voting decision.

 

  (7) Capital Structure

 

  A. Common Stock Authorization

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue, except as described in paragraph 2 below.

 

  2. Subject to paragraph 3, below we vote for the approval requesting increases in authorized shares if the company meets certain criteria:

 

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  a) Company has already issued a certain percentage (i.e. greater than 50%) of the company’s allotment.

 

  b) The proposed increase is reasonable (i.e. less than 150% of current inventory) based on an analysis of the company’s historical stock management or future growth outlook of the company.

 

  3. We vote on a case-by-case basis, based on the input of affected portfolio managers, if holding is greater than 1% of an account.

 

  B. Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the split does not result in an increase of authorized but un-issued shares of more than 100% after giving effect to the shares needed for the split.

 

  C. Reverse Stock Splits

 

  1. We vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split, provided that the reverse split does not result in an increase of authorized but unissued shares of more than 100% after giving effect to the shares needed for the reverse split.

 

  D. Blank Check Preferred Stock

 

  1. We vote against proposals to create, authorize or increase the number of shares with regard to blank check preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution and other rights.

 

  2. We vote for proposals to create “declawed” blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense).

 

  3. We vote for proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

 

  4. We vote for proposals requiring a shareholder vote for blank check preferred stock issues.

 

  E. Adjust Par Value of Common Stock

 

  1. We vote for management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

 

  F. Preemptive Rights

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis for shareholder proposals seeking to establish them and consider the following factors:

 

  a) Size of the Company.

 

  b) Characteristics of the size of the holding (holder owning more than 1% of the outstanding shares).

 

  c) Percentage of the rights offering (rule of thumb less than 5%).

 

  2. We vote on a case-by-case basis for shareholder proposals seeking the elimination of pre-emptive rights.

 

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  G. Debt Restructuring

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis for proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt-restructuring plan. Generally, we approve proposals that facilitate debt restructuring.

 

  H. Share Repurchase Programs

 

  1. We vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.

 

  I. Dual-Class Stock

 

  1. We vote for proposals to create a new class of nonvoting or subvoting common stock if:

 

   

It is intended for financing purposes with minimal or no dilution to current shareholders

   

It is not designed to preserve the voting power of an insider or significant shareholder

 

  J. Issue Stock for Use with Rights Plan

 

  1. We vote against proposals that increase authorized common stock for the explicit purpose of implementing a shareholder rights plan (poison pill).

 

  K. Debt Issuance Requests

 

When evaluating a debt issuance request, the issuing company’s present financial situation is examined. The main factor for analysis is the company’s current debt-to-equity ratio, or gearing level. A high gearing level may incline markets and financial analysts to downgrade the company’s bond rating, increasing its investment risk factor in the process. A gearing level up to 100 percent is considered acceptable.

 

We vote for debt issuances for companies when the gearing level is between zero and 100 percent.

 

We view on a case-by-case basis proposals where the issuance of debt will result in the gearing level being greater than 100 percent. Any proposed debt issuance is compared to industry and market standards.

 

  L. Financing Plans

 

We generally vote for the adopting of financing plans if we believe they are in the best economic interests of shareholders.

 

  (8) Executive and Director Compensation

 

In general, we vote for executive and director compensation plans, with the view that viable compensation programs reward the creation of stockholder wealth by having high payout sensitivity to increases in shareholder value. Certain factors, however, such as repricing underwater stock options without shareholder approval, would cause us to vote against a plan. Additionally, in some cases we would vote against a plan deemed unnecessary.

 

  A. OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals

 

  1. Amendments that Place a Cap on Annual Grant or Amend Administrative Features

 

  a) We vote for plans that simply amend shareholder-approved plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

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  2. Amendments to Added Performance-Based Goals

 

  a) We vote for amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  3. Amendments to Increase Shares and Retain Tax Deductions Under OBRA

 

  a) We vote for amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify the plan for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  4. Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans

 

  a) We vote for cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from taxes under the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  B. Expensing of Options

 

We vote for proposals to expense stock options on financial statements.

 

  C. Index Stock Options

 

We vote on a case by case basis with respect to proposals seeking to index stock options. Considerations include whether the issuer expenses stock options on its financial statements and whether the issuer’s compensation committee is comprised solely of independent directors.

 

  D. Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on all shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information. Considerations include: cost and form of disclosure. We vote for such proposals if additional disclosure is relevant to shareholder’s needs and would not put the company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its industry.

 

  2. We vote on a case-by-case basis on all other shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director pay.

 

We have a policy of voting to reasonably limit the level of options and other equity-based compensation arrangements available to management to reasonably limit shareholder dilution and management compensation. For options and equity-based compensation arrangements, we vote FOR proposals or amendments that would result in the available awards being less than 10% of fully diluted outstanding shares (i.e. if the combined total of shares, common share equivalents and options available to be awarded under all current and proposed compensation plans is less than 10% of fully diluted shares). In the event the available awards exceed the 10% threshold, we would also consider the % relative to the common practice of its specific industry (e.g. technology firms). Other considerations would include, without limitation, the following:

 

   

Compensation committee comprised of independent outside directors

   

Maximum award limits

   

Repricing without shareholder approval prohibited

 

  E. Golden Parachutes

 

  1. We vote for shareholder proposals to have golden parachutes submitted for shareholder ratification.

 

  2. We vote on a case-by-case basis on all proposals to ratify or cancel golden parachutes. Considerations include: the amount should not exceed 3 times average base salary plus guaranteed benefits; golden parachute should be less attractive than an ongoing employment opportunity with the firm.

 

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  F. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

 

  1. We vote for proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is “excessive” (i.e., generally greater than five percent of outstanding shares).

 

  G. 401(k) Employee Benefit Plans

 

  1. We vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

 

  H. Stock Compensation Plans

 

  1. We vote for stock compensation plans which provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange.

 

  2. We vote on a case-by-case basis for stock compensation plans which do not provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange using a quantitative model.

 

  I. Directors Retirement Plans

 

  1. We vote against retirement plans for non-employee directors.

 

  2. We vote for shareholder proposals to eliminate retirement plans for non-employee directors.

 

  J. Management Proposals to Reprice Options

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on management proposals seeking approval to reprice options. Considerations include the following:

 

   

Historic trading patterns

   

Rationale for the repricing

   

Value-for-value exchange

   

Option vesting

   

Term of the option

   

Exercise price

   

Participation

 

  K. Shareholder Proposals Recording Executive and Director Pay

 

  1. We vote against shareholder proposals seeking to set absolute levels on compensation or otherwise dictate the amount or form of compensation.

 

  2. We vote against shareholder proposals requiring director fees be paid in stock only.

 

  3. We vote for shareholder proposals to put option repricing to a shareholder vote.

 

  4. We vote on a case-by-case basis for all other shareholder proposals regarding executive and director pay, taking unto account company performance, pay level versus peers, pay level versus industry, and long term corporate outlook.

 

  (9) State/Country of Incorporation

 

  A. Voting on State Takeover Statutes

 

  1. We vote for proposals to opt out of state freeze-out provisions.

 

  2. We vote for proposals to opt out of state disgorgement provisions.

 

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  B. Voting on Re-incorporation Proposals

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to change a company’s state or country of incorporation. Considerations include: reasons for re-incorporation (i.e. financial, restructuring, etc); advantages/benefits for change (i.e. lower taxes); compare the differences in state/country laws governing the corporation.

 

  C. Control Share Acquisition Provisions

 

  1. We vote against proposals to amend the charter to include control share acquisition provisions.

 

  2. We vote for proposals to opt out of control share acquisition statutes unless doing so would enable the completion of a takeover that would be detrimental to shareholders.

 

  3. We vote for proposals to restore voting rights to the control shares.

 

  4. We vote for proposals to opt out of control share cash-out statutes.

 

  (10) Mergers and Corporate Restructuring

 

  A. Mergers and Acquisitions

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on mergers and acquisitions. Considerations include: benefits/advantages of the combined companies (i.e. economies of scale, operating synergies, increase in market power/share, etc…); offer price (premium or discount); change in the capital structure; impact on shareholder rights.

 

  B. Corporate Restructuring

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on corporate restructuring proposals involving minority squeeze outs and leveraged buyouts. Considerations include: offer price, other alternatives/offers considered and review of fairness opinions.

 

  C. Spin-offs

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on spin-offs. Considerations include the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.

 

  D. Asset Sales

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on asset sales. Considerations include the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of diseconomies.

 

  E. Liquidations

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on liquidations after reviewing management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.

 

  F. Appraisal Rights

 

  1. We vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

 

  G. Changing Corporate Name

 

  1. We vote for proposals to change the “corporate name”, unless the proposed name change bears a negative connotation.

 

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  H. Conversion of Securities

 

  1. We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals regarding conversion of securities. Considerations include the dilution to existing shareholders, the conversion price relative to market value, financial issues, control issues, termination penalties, and conflicts of interest.

 

  I. Stakeholder Provisions

 

  1. We vote against proposals that ask the board to consider non-shareholder constituencies or other non-financial effects when evaluating a merger or business combination.

 

  (11) Social and Environmental Issues

 

  A. In general we vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder social and environmental proposals, on the basis that their impact on share value can rarely be anticipated with any high degree of confidence. In most cases, however, we vote for disclosure reports that seek additional information, particularly when it appears the company has not adequately addressed shareholders’ social and environmental concerns. In determining our vote on shareholder social and environmental proposals, we also analyze the following factors:

 

  1. whether adoption of the proposal would have either a positive or negative impact on the company’s short-term or long-term share value;

 

  2. the percentage of sales, assets and earnings affected;

 

  3. the degree to which the company’s stated position on the issues could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to boycott or selective purchasing;

 

  4. whether the issues presented should be dealt with through government or company-specific action;

 

  5. whether the company has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in a proposal;

 

  6. whether the company’s analysis and voting recommendation to shareholders is persuasive;

 

  7. what other companies have done in response to the issue;

 

  8. whether the proposal itself is well framed and reasonable;

 

  9. whether implementation of the proposal would achieve the objectives sought in the proposal; and

 

  10. whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion of the board.

 

  B. Among the social and environmental issues to which we apply this analysis are the following:

 

  1. Energy and Environment

 

  2. Equal Employment Opportunity and Discrimination

 

  3. Product Integrity and Marketing

 

  4. Human Resources Issues

 

  (12) Miscellaneous

 

  A. Charitable Contributions

 

  1. We vote against proposals to eliminate, direct or otherwise restrict charitable contributions.

 

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  B. Operational Items

 

  1. We vote against proposals to provide management with the authority to adjourn an annual or special meeting absent compelling reasons to support the proposal.

 

  2. We vote against proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding unless there are compelling reasons to support the proposal.

 

  3. We vote for by-law or charter changes that are of a housekeeping nature (updates or corrections).

 

  4. We vote for management proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable.

 

  5. We vote against shareholder proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable.

 

  6. We vote against proposals to approve other business when it appears as voting item.

 

  C. Routine Agenda Items

 

In some markets, shareholders are routinely asked to approve:

 

   

the opening of the shareholder meeting

   

that the meeting has been convened under local regulatory requirements

   

the presence of a quorum

   

the agenda for the shareholder meeting

   

the election of the chair of the meeting

   

regulatory filings

   

the allowance of questions

   

the publication of minutes

   

the closing of the shareholder meeting

 

We generally vote for these and similar routine management proposals.

 

  D. Allocation of Income and Dividends

 

We generally vote for management proposals concerning allocation of income and the distribution of dividends, unless the amount of the distribution is consistently and unusually small or large.

 

  E. Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternatives

 

  1. We vote for most stock (scrip) dividend proposals.

 

  2. We vote against proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

 

  (13) ClearBridge has determined that registered investment companies, particularly closed end investment

companies, raise special policy issues making specific voting guidelines frequently inapplicable. To the extent that ClearBridge has proxy voting authority with respect to shares of registered investment companies, ClearBridge shall vote such shares in the best interest of client accounts and subject to the general fiduciary principles set forth herein without regard to the specific voting guidelines set forth in Section V. (1) through (12).

 

The voting policy guidelines set forth in this Section V may be changed from time to time by ClearBridge in its sole discretion.

 

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VI. Other Considerations

 

In certain situations, ClearBridge may determine not to vote proxies on behalf of a client because ClearBridge believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting shares is outweighed by countervailing considerations. Examples of situations in which ClearBridge may determine not to vote proxies on behalf of a client include:

 

  (1) Share Blocking

 

Proxy voting in certain countries requires “share blocking.” This means that shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting (e.g. one week) with a designated depositary. During the blocking period, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares have been returned to client accounts by the designated depositary. In deciding whether to vote shares subject to share blocking, ClearBridge will consider and weigh, based on the particular facts and circumstances, the expected benefit to clients of voting in relation to the detriment to clients of not being able to sell such shares during the applicable period.

 

  (2) Securities on Loan

 

Certain clients of ClearBridge, such as an institutional client or a mutual fund for which ClearBridge acts as a sub-adviser, may engage in securities lending with respect to the securities in their accounts. ClearBridge typically does not direct or oversee such securities lending activities. To the extent feasible and practical under the circumstances, ClearBridge will request that the client recall shares that are on loan so that such shares can be voted if ClearBridge believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting such shares outweighs the detriment to the client of recalling such shares (e.g., foregone income). The ability to timely recall shares for proxy voting purposes typically is not entirely within the control of ClearBridge and requires the cooperation of the client and its other service providers. Under certain circumstances, the recall of shares in time for such shares to be voted may not be possible due to applicable proxy voting record dates and administrative considerations.

 

VII. Disclosure of Proxy Voting

 

ClearBridge employees may not disclose to others outside of ClearBridge (including employees of other Legg Mason business units) how ClearBridge intends to vote a proxy absent prior approval from ClearBridge Legal or Compliance, except that a ClearBridge investment professional may disclose to a third party (other than an employee of another Legg Mason business unit) how it intends to vote without obtaining prior approval from ClearBridge Legal or Compliance if (1) the disclosure is intended to facilitate a discussion of publicly available information by ClearBridge personnel with a representative of a company whose securities are the subject of the proxy, (2) the company’s market capitalization exceeds $1 billion and (3) ClearBridge has voting power with respect to less than 5% of the outstanding common stock of the company.

 

If a ClearBridge employee receives a request to disclose ClearBridge’s proxy voting intentions to, or is otherwise contacted by, another person outside of ClearBridge (including an employee of another Legg Mason business unit) in connection with an upcoming proxy voting matter, he/she should immediately notify ClearBridge Legal/Compliance.

 

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VIII. Record Keeping and Oversight

 

ClearBridge shall maintain the following records relating to proxy voting:

 

  a copy of these policies and procedures;
  a copy of each proxy form (as voted);
  a copy of each proxy solicitation (including proxy statements) and related materials with regard to each vote;
  documentation relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest;
  any documents created by ClearBridge that were material to a proxy voting decision or that memorialized the basis for that decision; and
  a copy of each written client request for information on how ClearBridge voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by ClearBridge to any (written or oral) client request for information on how ClearBridge voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client.

 

Such records shall be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in an appropriate office of the ClearBridge adviser.

 

To the extent that ClearBridge is authorized to vote proxies for a United States Registered Investment Company, ClearBridge shall maintain such records as are necessary to allow such fund to comply with its recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure obligations under applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

In lieu of keeping copies of proxy statements, ClearBridge may rely on proxy statements filed on the EDGAR system as well as on third party records of proxy statements and votes cast if the third party provides an undertaking to provide the documents promptly upon request.

 

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Appendix A

 

Memorandum

 

To: All ClearBridge Employees

 

From: Legal and Compliance

 

Date:

 

Re: Updated ClearBridge Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
     Conflicts of Interest with respect to Proxy Voting

 


 

    ClearBridge Advisors (ClearBridge) currently has in place proxy voting policies and procedures designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of client accounts. Accompanying this memorandum is a copy of ClearBridge’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures that have been updated, effective as of (Date). The proxy voting policies and procedures are designed to comply with the SEC rule under the Investment Advisers Act that addresses an investment adviser’s fiduciary obligation to its clients when voting proxies. AS DISCUSSED IN MORE DETAIL BELOW, CLEARBRIDGE EMPLOYEES ARE UNDER AN OBLIGATION (i) TO BE AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ON THE PART OF CLEARBRIDGE IN VOTING PROXIES ON BEHALF OF CLIENT ACCOUNTS BOTH AS A RESULT OF AN EMPLOYEE’S PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND DUE TO SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY ARISE DURING THE CONDUCT OF CLEARBRIDGE’S BUSINESS, AND (ii) TO BRING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF WHICH THEY BECOME AWARE TO THE ATTENTION OF CLEARBRIDGE COMPLIANCE.

 

The updated proxy voting policies and procedures are substantially similar to the policies and procedures currently in effect in terms of ClearBridge’s stated position on certain types of proxy issues and the factors and considerations taken into account by ClearBridge in voting on certain other types of proxy issues.

 

While, as described in Section IV of the updated policies and procedures, ClearBridge will seek to identify significant ClearBridge client relationships and significant, publicized non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate client relationships1 which could present ClearBridge with a conflict of interest in voting proxies, all ClearBridge employees must play an important role in helping our organization identify potential conflicts of interest that could impact ClearBridge’s proxy voting. ClearBridge employees need to (i) be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of ClearBridge in voting proxies on behalf of client accounts both as a result of an employee’s personal relationships and due to special circumstances that may arise during the conduct of ClearBridge’s business, and (ii) bring conflicts of interest of which they become aware to the attention of a ClearBridge compliance officer.

 

A conflict of interest arises when the existence of a personal or business relationship on the part of ClearBridge or one of its employees or special circumstances that arise during the conduct of ClearBridge’s business might influence, or appear to influence, the manner in which ClearBridge decides to vote a proxy. An example of a personal relationship that creates a potential conflict of interest would be a situation in which a ClearBridge employee (such as a portfolio manager or senior level executive) has a spouse or other close relative who serves as a director or senior executive of a company. An example of “special circumstances” would be explicit or implicit pressure exerted by a ClearBridge relationship to try to influence ClearBridge’s vote on a proxy with respect to which the ClearBridge relationship is the issuer. Another example would be a situation in which there was contact between ClearBridge and non-ClearBridge personnel in which the non-ClearBridge Legg Mason personnel, on their own initiative or at the prompting of a client of a non-ClearBridge unit of Legg

 

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Mason, tried to exert pressure to influence ClearBridge’s proxy vote2. Of course, the foregoing examples are not exhaustive, and a variety of situations may arise that raise conflict of interest questions for ClearBridge. You are encouraged to raise and discuss with ClearBridge Compliance particular facts and circumstances that you believe may raise conflict of interest issues for ClearBridge.

 

As described in Section IV of the updated policies and procedures, ClearBridge has established a Proxy Committee to assess the materiality of conflicts of interest brought to its attention by ClearBridge Compliance as well as to agree upon appropriate methods to resolve material conflicts of interest before proxies affected by the conflicts of interest are voted3. As described in the updated policies and procedures, there are a variety of methods and approaches that the Proxy Committee may utilize to resolve material conflicts of interest. Please note that ClearBridge employees should report all conflicts of interest of which they become aware to ClearBridge Compliance. It is up to the Proxy Committee to assess the materiality of conflicts of interest brought to its attention and to agree upon an appropriate resolution with respect to conflicts of interest determined to be material.

 

The obligation of ClearBridge employees to be sensitive to the issue of conflicts of interest and to bring conflicts of interest to the attention of ClearBridge Compliance is a serious one. Failure to do so can lead to negative legal, regulatory, and reputational consequences for the firm as well as to negative regulatory and disciplinary consequences for the ClearBridge employee. Please consult with a ClearBridge Compliance officer if you have any questions concerning your obligations with respect to conflicts of interest under the updated proxy voting policies and procedures.

 

 


1,2

As a general matter, ClearBridge takes the position that relationships between a non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate and an issuer (e.g. investment management relationship between an issuer and a non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate) do not present a conflict of interest for ClearBridge in voting proxies with respect to such issuer. Such position is based on the fact that ClearBridge is operated as an independent business unit from other Legg Mason business units as well as on the existence of information barriers between ClearBridge and certain other Legg Mason business units. ClearBridge is sensitive to the fact that a significant, publicized relationship between an issuer and a non-ClearBridge Legg Mason affiliate might appear to the public to influence the manner in which ClearBridge decides to vote a proxy with respect to such issuer. As noted, ClearBridge seeks to identify such significant, publicized relationships, and for prudential reasons brings such identified situations to the attention of the Proxy Committee, as described herein. Special circumstances, such as those described in the noted examples, also could cause ClearBridge to consider whether non-ClearBridge relationships between a Legg Mason affiliate and an issuer present a conflict of interest for ClearBridge with respect to such issuer.

3

Exceptions apply: (i) with respect to a proxy issue that will be voted in accordance with a stated ClearBridge position on such issue, and (ii) with respect to a proxy issue that will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party. Such issues are not brought to the attention of the Proxy Committee because ClearBridge’s position is that to the extent a conflict of interest issue exists, it is resolved by voting in accordance with a pre-determined policy or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party.

 

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Appendix B

 

Proxy Committee Members

 

Investment Management Representatives

 

Michael Magee

Eric Thomson, Secretary

Peter Vanderlee, Chairman

 

Legal Representatives

 

Leonard Larrabee

Michael Scanlon

 

Compliance Representatives

 

Barbara Manning

Brian Murphy

 

Operations

 

Denise Corsetti

Tammie Kim

 

At least one representative from each of Investment Management, Legal and Compliance must participate in any deliberations and decisions of the Proxy Committee relating to potential conflicts of interest.

 

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CLOVER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

Policy

 

Clover Capital Management, Inc., as a matter of policy and as a fiduciary to our clients, has responsibility for voting proxies for portfolio securities consistent with the best economic interests of the clients. Our firm maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting and makes appropriate disclosures about our firm’s proxy policies and practices. Our policy and practice includes the responsibility to monitor corporate actions, receive and vote client proxies and disclose any potential conflicts of interest as well as making information available to clients about the voting of proxies for their portfolio securities and maintaining relevant and required records.

 

Clover Capital Management, Inc. (“Clover Capital”) votes the proxies received by it on behalf of its client shareholders unless the client has specifically instructed it otherwise.

 

Clover Capital shall vote proxies related to securities held by any client in a manner solely in the interest of the client. Clover Capital shall consider only those factors that relate to the client’s investment, including how its vote will economically impact and affect the value of the client’s investment. Proxy votes generally will be cast in favor of proposals that maintain or strengthen the shared interests of shareholders and management, increase shareholder value, maintain or increase shareholder influence over the issuer’s board of directors and management, and maintain or increase the rights of shareholders; proxy votes generally will be cast against proposals having the opposite effect. As part of the process, Clover Capital subscribes to an outside proxy consultant, Institutional Shareholder Services “ISS”, and utilizes its data and analysis to augment the work done by Clover Capital’s relevant analyst (i.e. the analyst responsible for that particular security). However, in voting on each and every issue, the relevant analyst will be ultimately responsible for voting proxies in the best interests of Clover Capital’s clients and shall vote in a prudent, diligent fashion and only after a careful evaluation of the issue presented on the ballot.

 

Background

 

Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised.

 

Investment advisers registered with the SEC, and which exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which must include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser’s interests and those of its clients; (b) to disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; (c) to describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) maintain certain records relating to the adviser’s proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority.

 

Responsibility

 

Tracy Kern has the responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of our proxy voting policy, practices, disclosures and record keeping, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures.

 

Procedure

 

Clover Capital Management, Inc. has adopted procedures to implement the firm’s policy and reviews to monitor and insure the firm’s policy is observed, implemented properly and amended or updated, as appropriate, which include the following:

 

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Voting Procedures

 

Unless the power to vote proxies for a client is reserved to that client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan’s trustee or other fiduciaries), Clover Capital, through its relevant analysts, will be responsible for voting the proxies related to that account.

 

All proxies and ballots will be logged in upon receipt and the materials, which include ISS’s proxy voting recommendations, will be forwarded to the appropriate analyst for review. The analyst then votes the proxies which may or may not correspond to the ISS recommendations. In practice, the ISS recommendations correspond with most of Clover Capital’s analysts’ proxy voting decisions.

 

Clover Capital has standard reasons for and against proposals, which have been approved by the Clover Compliance Department. After reviewing the proxy, the analyst will report how he/she wants to vote along with the rationale to be used when voting.

 

Should an analyst respond with a new rationale, it will be approved by the Clover Compliance Department before the vote is cast.

 

Proxies received will be voted promptly in a manner consistent with the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures stated and guidelines (if any) issued by client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan’s trustee or other fiduciaries).

 

Records are kept on how each proxy is voted. Such records may be maintained by a third party proxy consultant that will provide a copy of the documents promptly upon request.

 

On an ongoing basis, the analysts will monitor corporate management of issuers for securities they cover and for which are held in clients’ accounts and where appropriate will communicate with the management of such issuers.

 

Periodically, or at least annually, the Clover Compliance Department will:

 

   

Review our proxy voting process and verify that it is being implemented in a manner consistent with the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and the guidelines (if any) issued by the client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan’s trustee or other fiduciaries);

 

   

When requested by client, report to the client how each proxy sent to Company on behalf of the client was voted, by forwarding a copy of the completed ballot card or in some other written matter;

 

   

Review the files to verify that records of the voting of the proxies have been properly maintained, which is keeping records on site for 2 years and off site in storage thereafter; and

 

   

When requested, prepare a written report for a client regarding compliance with the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

 

   

Review the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures to insure they are up-to-date.

 

Disclosure

 

   

Clover Capital Management, Inc. will provide conspicuously displayed information in its Disclosure Document summarizing this proxy voting policy and procedures, including a statement that clients may request information regarding how Clover Capital Management, Inc. voted a client’s proxies, and that clients may request a copy of these policies and procedures.

 

   

Clover Capital Management, Inc. has also sent a Proxy Voting Policy summary to all existing clients who have previously received Clover Capital Management, Inc.’s Disclosure Document; or Clover

 

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Capital Management, Inc. may send each client the amended Disclosure Document. Either mailing shall highlight the inclusion of information regarding proxy voting.

 

Client Requests for Information

 

   

All client requests for information regarding proxy votes, or policies and procedures, received by any employee should be forwarded to the Compliance Manager.

 

   

In response to any request Clover Capital will prepare a written response to the client with the information requested, and as applicable will include the name of the issuer, the proposal voted upon, and how Clover Capital Management, Inc. voted the client’s proxy with respect to each proposal about which client inquired.

 

Voting Guidelines

 

In the interest of good corporate governance and the best interest of our clients, the following general guidelines will be employed when voting corporate proxies on behalf of Clover Capital’s clients. Clover Capital does, however, recognize that unusual circumstances may merit occasional deviation from these guidelines, but it expects those situations to be the rare exception to the following rules:

 

   

Clover Capital will vote against the authorization of new stock options if the sum of the newly authorized option package and all existing options outstanding unreasonably dilute existing shares. While Clover Capital recognizes the incentive benefits that options can provide, Clover Capital believes that an excessively dilutive effort offsets the benefits.

 

   

Clover Capital will favor the annual election of directors.

 

   

Clover Capital will oppose the re-incorporation of domestic companies into other nations.

 

   

Clover Capital will oppose shareholder resolutions that are motivated by the social beliefs of the resolution’s sponsor rather than designed to maximize shareholder value or improve a company’s governance practices.

 

   

Clover Capital will vote to retain a company’s current public auditor unless we have reason to believe the shareholder will benefit from an auditor change.

 

   

Clover Capital will vote against the creation of so called “poison pills” and for shareholder resolutions calling for their removal.

 

   

Clover Capital will generally favor shareholder proposals which separate the position of Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer.

 

   

Clover Capital will vote in favor of shareholder proposals calling for the expensing of stock options, because failure to do so results in chronic overstatement of earnings, which is not helpful to shareholders.

 

   

Clover Capital will vote in favor of shareholder proposals calling for the replacement of “super majority” vote thresholds with simple majority vote requirements.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Clover Capital stock is not publicly traded, and Clover Capital is not otherwise affiliated with any issuer whose shares are available for purchase by client accounts. Further, no Clover Capital affiliate currently provides brokerage, underwriting , insurance, banking or other financial services to issuers whose shares are available for purchase by client accounts.

 

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Where a client of Clover Capital is a publicly traded company in its own right, Clover Capital may be restricted from acquiring that company’s securities for the client’s benefit. Further, while Clover Capital believes that any particular proxy issues involving companies that engage Clover Capital, either directly or through their pension committee or otherwise, to manage assets on their behalf, generally will not present conflict of interest dangers for the firm or its clients, in order to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, Clover Compliance will determine, by surveying the Firm’s employees or otherwise, whether Clover Capital, an affiliate or any of their officers has a business, familial or personal relationship with the issuer itself or the issuer’s pension plan, corporate directors or candidates for directorships. In the event that any such conflict of interest is found to exist, Clover Capital will ensure that any such conflict of interest does not influence Clover Capital’s vote by adhering to all recommendations made by the outside proxy consultant that Clover Capital utilizes. Clover Capital will seek to resolve any conflicts of interests that may arise prior to voting proxies in a manner that reflects the best interests of its clients.

 

Recordkeeping

 

The proxy coordinator(s) shall retain the following proxy records in accordance with the SEC’s five-year retention requirement.

 

   

These policies and procedures and any amendments;

 

   

Each proxy statement that Clover Capital Management, Inc. receives;

 

   

A record of each vote that Clover Capital Management, Inc. casts;

 

   

Any document Clover Capital Management, Inc. created that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision;

 

   

A copy of each written request from a client for information on how Clover Capital Management, Inc. voted such client’s proxies, and a copy of any written response.

 

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COOKE & BIELER, L.P.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

Proxy Background

 

On January 31, 2003, the SEC adopted a new rule and rule amendments under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 that address an adviser’s fiduciary obligation to clients who have given the adviser authority to vote their proxies. Rule 206(4)-6 requires an adviser that exercises voting authority over client proxies to adopt and implement policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of the client.

 

Statement of Policies and Procedures

 

Pursuant to this new rule and in accordance with our fiduciary duties, Cooke & Bieler has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of our clients for which we have voting authority. Our authority is initially established by our advisory contracts or comparable documents. Clients, however, may change their proxy voting direction at any time.

 

Any material conflicts of interest between Cooke & Bieler and our clients with respect to proxy voting are resolved in the best interest of clients. If any of our clients utilize a securities lending program, we will not vote proxies for those securities that are out on loan.

 

Cooke & Bieler utilizes the services of an outside proxy firm, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), to act as agent for the proxy process and to maintain records on proxy votes for our clients. Proxy statements are thoroughly reviewed by the portfolio manager most familiar with the company to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of our clients. Cooke & Bieler defines the best interest of the client to mean the best economic interest of the shareholders of the company.

 

The compliance officer is responsible for monitoring corporate actions and ensuring that the custodian receives timely notification of our responses.

 

In determining how to vote on a particular issue, the firm may from time to time consider the voting recommendations of third parties, such as proxy services firms or other organizations or associations (e.g., the AFL-CIO or ISS), but these recommendations are not determinative. Further, the firm may consider the views of third parties when revising its proxy voting policies, procedures or guidelines.

 

Cooke & Bieler will generally take the following position on each issue listed below. While we follow these guidelines, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all the relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote.

 

Summary of Positions on Common Issues:

 

Board of Directors


    

A.)

  

Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

   Case-by-Case

B.)

  

Separation of Chairman and CEO

   For

C.)

  

Majority of Independent Directors

   For

D.)

  

Stock Ownership Requirements

   Against

E.)

   Limit Tenure of Outside Directors    Against

F.)

   Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection    Case-by-Case

G.)

   Eliminate or Restrict Charitable Contributions    Against

 

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Proxy Contests


    

A.)

   Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Election    Case-by-Case

B.)

   Reimburse Proxy Solicitation    Case-by-Case
    

Auditors


    

A.)

   Ratifying Auditors    Case-by-Case
    

Proxy Contest Defenses


    
     Board Structure—Classified Board    Against

B.)

   Cumulative Voting    For

C.)

   Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings    For
    

Tender Offer Defenses


    

A.)

   Submit Poison Pill for shareholder ratification    For

B.)

   Fair Price Provisions    For

C.)

   Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement To Amend the Charter or Bylaws    Against

D.)

   Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement To Approve Mergers    Against
     Miscellaneous Governance Provisions     

A.)

   Confidential Voting    For

B.)

   Equal Access    Case-by-Case

C.)

   Bundled Proposals    Case-by-Case
     Capital Structure     

A.)

   Common Stock Authorization    Case-by-Case

B.)

   Stock Splits    For

C.)

   Reverse Stock Splits    Case-by-Case

D.)

   Preemptive Rights    Case-by-Case

E.)

   Share Repurchase Programs    For
     Executive and Director Compensation     

A.)

   Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Directors Pay    Case-by-Case

B.)

   Shareholder Ratification of Golden and Tin Parachutes    For

C.)

   Employee Stock Ownership Plans    Case-by-Case

D.)

   401(k) Employee Benefit Plans    For
     State of Incorporation     

A.)

   Voting on State Takeover Plans    Case-by-Case

B.)

   Voting on Reincorporation Proposals    Case-by-Case
     Mergers and Corporate Restructurings     

A.)

   Mergers and Acquisitions    Case-by-Case

B.)

   Corporate Restructuring    Case-by-Case

C.)

   Spin-Offs    Case-by-Case

D.)

   Liquidations    Case-by-Case
     Social and Environmental Issues     

A.)

   Issues with Social/Moral Implications    Case-by-Case

 

Proxy Voting Process:

 

When a new account is opened and the contract states Cooke & Bieler is responsible for voting proxies, a letter is sent to the custodian informing them that ISS will act as our proxy voting agent for that account. Cooke & Bieler then notifies ISS of the new client and sends them an updated holdings file for each client account. On an ongoing basis, ISS generates reports to identify missing proxies. These proxies are tracked down

 

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by contacting the custodian bank. This procedure is very successful in accounting for missing proxies. ISS also provides quarterly reports showing how each individual client’s proxies were voted. This information is sent to those clients who have requested a copy.

 

ISS is responsible for: notifying Cooke & Bieler in advance of the meeting; providing the appropriate proxies to be voted; and for maintaining records of proxy statements received and votes cast.

 

The compliance officer is responsible for: maintaining the proxy policies and procedures; determining when a potential conflict of interest exists (see examples below); maintaining records of all communications received from clients requesting information on how their proxies were voted; and notifying clients how they can obtain voting records and polices and procedures.

 

The compliance department is responsible for: determining which accounts Cooke & Bieler has proxy voting responsibilities for; obtaining the appropriate guidance from the portfolio manager on how to vote; and maintaining documents created that were material to the voting decision.

 

Resolving Potential Conflicts of Interest:

 

The compliance officer is responsible for identifying potential conflicts of interest in regard to the proxy voting process. Examples of potential conflicts of interest include:

 

   

managing a pension plan for a company whose management is soliciting proxies;

 

   

significant business relationship—having a material business relationship with a proponent of a proxy proposal in which this business relationship may influence how the proxy vote is cast;

 

   

significant personal / family relationship—adviser or principals have a business or personal relationship with participants in a proxy contest, corporate directors or candidates for directorships.

 

In instances where a material conflict of interest exists, it will be Cooke & Bieler’s policy to delegate responsibility for voting these proxies to an independent third party (currently ISS). If it is determined that the independent third party also has a conflict, we will identify another unaffiliated third party to vote the specific proposals. This will ensure that all proxies are voted in the best interests of clients and not the product of the conflict.

 

 

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SUMMARY OF DAVIS ADVISORS’

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

June 2006

 

Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (“Davis Advisors”) votes on behalf of its clients in matters of corporate governance through the proxy voting process. Davis Advisors takes its ownership responsibilities very seriously and believes the right to vote proxies for its clients’ holdings is a significant asset of the clients. Davis Advisors exercises its voting responsibilities as a fiduciary, solely with the goal of maximizing the value of its clients’ investments.

 

Davis Advisors votes proxies with a focus on the investment implications of each issue. For each proxy vote, Davis Advisors takes into consideration its duty to clients and all other relevant facts known to Davis Advisors at the time of the vote. Therefore, while these guidelines provide a framework for voting, votes are ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis.

 

Davis Advisors has adopted written Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and established a Proxy Oversight Group to oversee voting policies and deal with potential conflicts of interest. In evaluating issues, the Proxy Oversight Group may consider information from many sources, including the portfolio manager for each client account, management of a company presenting a proposal, shareholder groups, and independent proxy research services.

 

Clients may obtain a copy of Davis Advisors’ Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, and/or a copy of how their own proxies were voted, by writing to:

 

Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.

Attn: Chief Compliance Officer

2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101

Tucson, Arizona, 85706

 

Guiding Principles

 

Creating Value for Existing Shareholders.    The most important factors that we consider in evaluating proxy issues are: (i) the Company’s or management’s long-term track record of creating value for shareholders. In general, we will consider the recommendations of a management with a good record of creating value for shareholders as more credible than the recommendations of managements with a poor record; (ii) whether, in our estimation, the current proposal being considered will significantly enhance or detract from long-term value for existing shareholders; and (iii) whether a poor record of long term performance resulted from poor management or from factors outside of managements control.

 

Other factors which we consider may include:

 

(a) Shareholder Oriented Management.    One of the factors that Davis Advisors considers in selecting stocks for investment is the presence of shareholder-oriented management. In general, such managements will have a large ownership stake in the company. They will also have a record of taking actions and supporting policies designed to increase the value of the company’s shares and thereby enhance shareholder wealth. Davis Advisors’ research analysts are active in meeting with top management of portfolio companies and in discussing their views on policies or actions which could enhance shareholder value. Whether management shows evidence of responding to reasonable shareholder suggestions, and otherwise improving general corporate governance, is a factor which may be taken into consideration in proxy voting.

 

(b) Allow responsible management teams to run the business.    Because we try generally to invest with “owner oriented” managements (see above), we vote with the recommendation of management on most routine matters, unless circumstances such as long standing poor performance or a change from our initial assessment

 

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indicate otherwise. Examples include the election of directors and ratification of auditors. Davis Advisors supports policies, plans and structures that give management teams appropriate latitude to run the business in the way that is most likely to maximize value for owners. Conversely, Davis Advisors opposes proposals that limit management’s ability to do this. Davis Advisors will generally vote with management on shareholder social and environmental proposals on the basis that their impact on share value is difficult to judge and is therefore best done by management.

 

(c) Preserve and expand the power of shareholders in areas of corporate governance.    Equity shareholders are owners of the business, and company boards and management teams are ultimately accountable to them. Davis Advisors supports policies, plans and structures that promote accountability of the board and management to owners, and align the interests of the board and management with owners. Examples include: annual election of all board members and incentive plans that are contingent on delivering value to shareholders. Davis Advisors generally opposes proposals that reduce accountability or misalign interests, including but not limited to classified boards, poison pills, excessive option plans, and repricing of options.

 

(d) Support compensation policies that reward management teams appropriately for performance.    We believe that well thought out incentives are critical to driving long-term shareholder value creation. Management incentives ought to be aligned with the goals of long-term owners. In our view, the basic problem of skyrocketing executive compensation is not high pay for high performance, but high pay for mediocrity or worse. In situations where we feel that the compensation practices at companies we own are not acceptable, we will exercise our discretion to vote against compensation committee members and specific compensation proposals.

 

Davis Advisors exercises its professional judgment in applying these principles to specific proxy votes. Davis Advisors Proxy Procedures and Policies provides additional explanation of the analysis which Davis Advisors may conduct when applying these guiding principles to specific proxy votes.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

A potential conflict of interest arises when Davis Advisors has business interests that may not be consistent with the best interests of its client. Davis Advisors’ Proxy Oversight Group is charged with resolving material potential conflicts of interest which it becomes aware of. It is charged with resolving conflicts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of clients. There are many acceptable methods of resolving potential conflicts, and the Proxy Oversight Group exercises its judgment and discretion to determine an appropriate means of resolving a potential conflict in any given situation:

 

  (1) Votes consistent with the “General Proxy Voting Policies,” are presumed to be consistent with the best interests of clients;

 

  (2) Davis Advisors may disclose the conflict to the client and obtain the client’s consent prior to voting the proxy;

 

  (3) Davis Advisors may obtain guidance from an independent third party;

 

  (4) The potential conflict may be immaterial; or

 

  (5) Other reasonable means of resolving potential conflicts of interest which effectively insulate the decision on how to vote client proxies from the conflict.

 

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DELAWARE MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS TRUST

 

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

Introduction

 

Delaware Management Business Trust (“DMBT”) is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, (the “Advisers Act”). DMBT consists of the following series of entities: Delaware Management Company, Delaware Investment Advisers, Delaware Capital Management and Delaware Lincoln Cash Management (each an “Adviser”, and together with DMBT, the “Advisers”). The Advisers provide investment advisory services to various types of clients such as registered and unregistered commingled funds, defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, private and public pension funds, foundations, endowment funds and other types of institutional investors. Pursuant to the terms of an investment management agreement between an Adviser and its client or as a result of some other type of specific delegation by the client, the Advisers are often given the authority and discretion to vote proxy statements relating to the underlying securities which are held on behalf of such client. Also, clients sometimes ask the Advisers to give voting advice on certain proxies without delegating full responsibility to the Advisers to vote proxies on behalf of the client. DMBT has developed the following Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Procedures”) in order to ensure that each Adviser votes proxies or gives proxy voting advice that is in the best interests of its clients.

 

Procedures for Voting Proxies

 

To help make sure that the Advisers vote client proxies in accordance with the Procedures and in the best interests of clients, DMBT has established a Proxy Voting Committee (the “Committee”) which is responsible for overseeing each Adviser’s proxy voting process. The Committee consists of the following persons in DMBT: (i) one representative from the legal department; (ii) one representative from the compliance department; (iii) one representative from the client services department; and (iv) two representatives from the portfolio management department. The person(s) representing each department on the Committee may change from time to time. The Committee will meet as necessary to help DMBT fulfill its duties to vote proxies for clients, but in any event, will meet at least quarterly to discuss various proxy voting issues.

 

One of the main responsibilities of the Committee is to review and approve the Procedures on a yearly basis. The Procedures are usually reviewed during the first quarter of the calendar year before the beginning of the “proxy voting season” and may also be reviewed at other times of the year, as necessary. When reviewing the Procedures, the Committee looks to see if the Procedures are designed to allow the Adviser to vote proxies in a manner consistent with the goals of voting in the best interests of clients and maximizing the value of the underlying shares being voted on by the Adviser. The Committee will also review the Procedures to make sure that they comply with any new rules promulgated by the SEC or other relevant regulatory bodies. After the Procedures are approved by the Committee, DMBT will vote proxies or give advice on voting proxies generally in accordance with such Procedures.

 

In order to facilitate the actual process of voting proxies, DMBT has contracted with Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”), a Delaware corporation. Both ISS and the client’s custodian monitor corporate events for DMBT. DMBT gives an authorization and letter of instruction to the client’s custodian who then forwards proxy materials it receives to ISS so that ISS may vote the proxies. On approximately a monthly basis, DMBT will send ISS an updated list of client accounts and security holdings in those accounts, so that ISS can update its database and is aware of which proxies it will need to vote on behalf of DMBT’s clients. If needed, the Committee has access to these records.

 

DMBT provides ISS with the Procedures to use to analyze proxy statements on behalf of DMBT and its clients, and ISS is instructed to vote those proxy statements in accordance with the Procedures. After receiving

 

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the proxy statements, ISS will review the proxy issues and vote them in accordance with DMBT’s Procedures. When the Procedures state that a proxy issue will be decided on a case-by-case basis, ISS will look at the relevant facts and circumstances and research the issue to determine how the proxy should be voted, so that the proxy is voted in the best interests of the client and in accordance with the parameters described in these Procedures generally and specifically with the Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) below. If the Procedures do not address a particular proxy issue, ISS will similarly look at the relevant facts and circumstances and research the issue to determine how the proxy should be voted, so that the proxy is voted in the best interests of the client and pursuant to the spirit of the Procedures provided by DMBT. After a proxy has been voted, ISS will create a record of the vote in order to help the Advisers comply with their duties listed under “Availability of Proxy Voting Records and Recordkeeping” below. If a client provides DMBT with its own proxy voting guidelines, DMBT will forward the client’s guidelines to ISS who will follow the steps above to vote the client’s proxies pursuant to the client’s guidelines.

 

The Committee is responsible for overseeing ISS’s proxy voting activities for DMBT’s clients and will attempt to ensure that ISS is voting proxies pursuant to the Procedures. As part of the Committee’s oversight of ISS, the Committee will periodically review ISS’s conflict of interest procedures and any other pertinent procedures or representations from ISS in an attempt to ensure that ISS will make recommendations for voting proxies in an impartial manner and in the best interests of the Adviser’s clients. There may be times when one of the Advisers believes that the best interests of the client will be better served if the Adviser votes a proxy counter to ISS’s recommended vote on that proxy. In those cases, the Committee will generally review the research provided by ISS on the particular issue, and it may also conduct its own research or solicit additional research from another third party on the issue. After gathering this information and possibly discussing the issue with other relevant parties, the Committee will use the information gathered to determine how to vote on the issue in a manner which the Committee believes is consistent with DMBT’s Procedures and in the best interests of the client.

 

The Advisers will attempt to vote every proxy which they or their agents receive when a client has given the Adviser the authority and direction to vote such proxies. However, there are situations in which the Adviser may not be able to process a proxy. For example, an Adviser may not have sufficient time to process a vote because the Adviser or its agents received a proxy statement in an untimely manner. Use of a third party service, such as ISS, and relationships with multiple custodians help avoid a situation where an Adviser is unable to vote a proxy.

 

Company Management Recommendations

 

When determining whether to invest in a particular company, one of the factors the Advisers may consider is the quality and depth of the company’s management. As a result, DMBT believes that recommendations of management on any issue (particularly routine issues) should be given a fair amount of weight in determining how proxy issues should be voted. Thus, on many issues, DMBT’s votes are cast in accordance with the recommendations of the company’s management. However, DMBT will normally vote against management’s position when it runs counter to the Guidelines, and DMBT will also vote against management’s recommendation when such position is not in the best interests of DMBT’s clients.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

As a matter of policy, the Committee and any other officers, directors, employees and affiliated persons of DMBT may not be influenced by outside sources who have interests which conflict with the interests of DMBT’s clients when voting proxies for such clients. However, in order to ensure that DMBT votes proxies in the best interests of the client, DMBT has established various systems described below to properly deal with a material conflict of interest.

 

Most of the proxies which DMBT receives on behalf of its clients are voted by ISS in accordance with these pre-determined, pre-approved Procedures. As stated above, these Procedures are reviewed and approved by the

 

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Committee at least annually normally during the first quarter of the calendar year and at other necessary times. The Procedures are then utilized by ISS going forward to vote client proxies. The Committee approves the Procedures only after it has determined that the Procedures are designed to help DMBT vote proxies in a manner consistent with the goal of voting in the best interests of its clients. Because the majority of client proxies are voted by ISS pursuant to the pre-determined Procedures, it normally will not be necessary for DMBT to make a real-time determination of how to vote a particular proxy, thereby largely eliminating conflicts of interest for DMBT from the proxy voting process.

 

In the limited instances where DMBT is considering voting a proxy contrary to ISS’s recommendation, the Committee will first assess the issue to see if there is any possible conflict of interest involving DMBT or affiliated persons of DMBT. If there is no perceived conflict of interest, the Committee will then vote the proxy according to the process described in “Procedures for Voting Proxies” above. If at least one member of the Committee has actual knowledge of a conflict of interest, the Committee will normally use another independent third party to do additional research on the particular issue in order to make a recommendation to the Committee on how to vote the proxy in the best interests of the client. The Committee will then review the proxy voting materials and recommendation provided by ISS and the independent third party to determine how to vote the issue in a manner which the Committee believes is consistent with DMBT’s Procedures and in the best interests of the client. In these instances, the Committee must come to a unanimous decision regarding how to vote the proxy or they will be required to vote the proxy in accordance with ISS’s original recommendation. Documentation of the reasons for voting contrary to ISS’s recommendation will generally be retained by DMBT.

 

Availability of Proxy Voting Information and Record Keeping

 

Clients of DMBT will be directed to their client service representative to obtain information from DMBT on how their securities were voted. At the beginning of a new relationship with a client, DMBT will provide clients with a concise summary of DMBT’s proxy voting process and will inform clients that they can obtain a copy of the complete Procedures upon request. The information described in the preceding two sentences will be included in Part II of DMBT’s Form ADV which is delivered to each new client prior to the commencement of investment management services. Existing clients will also be provided with the above information.

 

DMBT will also retain extensive records regarding proxy voting on behalf of clients. DMBT will keep records of the following items: (i) the Procedures; (ii) proxy statements received regarding client securities (via hard copies held by ISS or electronic filings from the SEC’s EDGAR filing system); (iii) records of votes cast on behalf of DMBT’s clients (via ISS); (iv) records of a client’s written request for information on how DMBT voted proxies for the client, and any DMBT written response to an oral or written client request for information on how DMBT voted proxies for the client; and (v) any documents prepared by DMBT that were material to making a decision how to vote or that memorialized the basis for that decision. These records will be maintained in an easily accessible place for at least five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record. For the first two years, such records will be stored at the offices of DMBT.

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

 

The following Guidelines summarize DMBT’s positions on various issues and give a general indication as to how the Advisers will vote shares on each issue. The Proxy Committee has reviewed the Guidelines and determined that voting proxies pursuant to the Guidelines should be in the best interests of the client and should facilitate the goal of maximizing the value of the client’s investments. Although the Advisers will usually vote proxies in accordance with these Guidelines, the Advisers reserve the right to vote certain issues counter to the Guidelines if, after a thorough review of the matter, the Adviser determines that a client’s best interests would be served by such a vote. Moreover, the list of Guidelines below may not include all potential voting issues. To the extent that the Guidelines do not cover potential voting issues, the Advisers will vote on such issues in a manner that is consistent with the spirit of the Guidelines below and that promotes the best interests of the client.

 

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DMBT’s Guidelines are listed immediately below and are organized by votes on proxies for underlying U.S. and non-U.S. portfolio securities and by the types of issues that could potentially be brought up in a proxy statement:

 

U.S Portfolio Security Voting Issues

 

Operational Items

 

Adjourn Meeting

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to provide management with the authority to adjourn an annual or special meeting absent compelling reasons to support the proposal.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals that relate specifically to soliciting votes for a merger or transaction if supporting that merger or transaction. Generally vote AGAINST proposals if the wording is too vague or if the proposal includes “other business”

 

Amend Quorum Requirements

 

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

 

Amend Minor Bylaws

 

Generally vote FOR bylaw or charter changes that are of a housekeeping nature (updates or corrections).

 

Change Company Name

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to change the corporate name.

 

Change Date, Time, or Location of Annual Meeting

 

Generally vote FOR management proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable.

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable.

 

Ratifying Auditors

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply:

   

An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent

   

Fees for non-audit services are excessive, or

   

There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit or limit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking for audit firm rotation, taking into account the tenure of the audit firm, the length of rotation specified in the proposal, any significant audit-related issues at the company, the number of audit committee meetings held each year, the number of financial experts serving on the committee, and whether the company has a periodic renewal process where the auditor is evaluated for both audit quality and competitive price.

 

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Transact Other Business

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to approve other business when it appears as voting item.

 

Board of Directors

 

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

 

Votes CASE-BY-CASE on director nominees examining but not limited to the following factors:

   

Composition of the board and key board committees;

   

Attendance at board and committee meetings;

   

Corporate governance provisions and takeover activity;

   

Disclosures under Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

   

Long-term company performance relative to a market and peer index;

   

Extent of the directors’ investment in the company;

   

Existence of related party transactions;

   

Whether the chairman is also serving as CEO;

   

Whether a retired CEO sits on the board

   

Number of outside boards at which a director serves.

 

Generally WITHHOLD from individual directors who:

 

   

Attend less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse (such as illness, service to the nation, work on behalf of the company);

   

Sit on more than six public company boards

   

Are CEOs of public companies who sit on boards of more than two public companies besides their own—withhold only at their outside boards.

 

Generally WITHHOLD from the entire board of directors (except new nominees, who should be considered on a CASE BY CASE basis) if:

   

The company’s poison pill has a dead-hand or modified dead-hand feature. Generally withhold every year until this feature is removed:

   

The board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval since the beginning of 2005, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote and has not yet been withheld for this issue;

   

The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of the majority of shares outstanding the previous year;

   

The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of the majority of shares cast for the previous two consecutive years;

   

The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

   

At the previous board election, any director received more than 50 percent withhold votes of the shares cast and the company has failed to address the issue(s) that caused the high withhold rate;

   

A Russell 3000 company underperformed its industry group (GICS group). The test will consist of the bottom performers within each industry group (GICS) based on a weighted average TSR. The weightings are as follows: 20 percent weight on 1-year TSR; 30 percent weight on 3-year TSR; and 50 percent weight on 5-year TSR. Company’s response to performance issues will be considered before withholding.

 

Generally WITHHOLD from inside directors and affiliated outside directors when:

   

The inside or affiliated outside director serves on any of the three key committees: audit, compensation, or nominating;

   

The company lacks an audit, compensation, or nominating committee so that the full board functions as that committee;

   

The full board is less than majority independent.

 

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Generally WITHHOLD from the members of the Audit Committee if:

   

The non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive;

   

A material weakness identified in the Section 404 Sarbanes-Oxley Act disclosures rises to a level of serious concern; there are chronic internal control issues and an absence of established effective control mechanisms.

 

Generally WITHHOLD from the members of the Compensation Committee if:

   

There is a negative correlation between chief executive pay and company performance;

   

The company fails to submit one-time transfers of stock options to a shareholder vote;

   

The company fails to fulfill the terms of a burn rate commitment they made to shareholders;

   

The company has poor compensation practices, which include, but are not limited to:

—Egregious employment contracts including excessive severance provisions;

—Excessive perks that dominate compensation;

—Huge bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage;

—Performance metrics that are changed during the performance period;

—Egregious SERP (Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans) payouts;

—New CEO with overly generous new hire package;

—Internal pay disparity;

—Other excessive compensation payouts or poor pay practices at the company.

 

Generally WITHHOLD from directors, individually or the entire board for egregious actions or failure to replace management as appropriate.

 

Age Limits

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder or management proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors through mandatory retirement ages.

 

Board Size

 

Generally vote FOR proposals seeking to fix the board size or designate a range for the board size.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board outside of a specified range without shareholder approval.

 

Classification/Declassification of the Board

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

 

Cumulative Voting

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate cumulative voting. Vote CASE-BY-CASE if the company has in place one of the three corporate governance structures that are listed below.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting. If one of these three structures is present, generally vote AGAINST the proposal:

   

The presence of a majority threshold voting standard

   

A proxy access provision in the company’s by-laws or corporate governance documents; or

   

A counterbalancing governance structure coupled with acceptable relative performance

 

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The counterbalancing governance structure coupled with acceptable relative performance should generally include all of the following:

   

Annually elected board;

   

Two-thirds of the board composed of independent directors;

   

Nominating committee composed solely of independent directors;

   

Confidential voting; however, there may be a provision for suspending confidential voting during proxy contests;

   

Ability of shareholders to call special meetings or act by written consent with 90 days’ notice;

   

Absence of superior voting rights for one or more classes of stock;

   

Board does not have the right to change the size of the board beyond a stated range that has been approved by shareholders;

   

The company has not under-performed its peers and index on a one-year and three-year basis, unless there has been a change in the CEO position within the last three years;

   

No director received WITHHOLD votes of 35% or more of the votes cast in the previous election.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

 

Proposals on director and officer indemnification and liability protection should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, using Delaware law as the standard.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate entirely directors’ and officers’ liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care.

 

Generally vote AGAINST indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligation than mere carelessness.

 

Generally vote FOR only those proposals providing such expanded coverage in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful if both of the following apply:

   

The director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and

   

If only the director’s legal expenses would be covered.

 

Establish/Amend Nominee Qualifications

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals that establish or amend director qualifications. Votes should be based on how reasonable the criteria are and to what degree they may preclude dissident nominees from joining the board.

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring two candidates per board seat.

 

Filling Vacancies/ Removal of Directors

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.

 

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Independent Chair (Separate Chair/CEO)

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requiring the position of chair be filled by an independent director unless there are compelling reasons to recommend against the proposal, such as a counterbalancing governance structure. This should generally include all of the following:

   

Designated lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties. (The role may alternatively reside with a presiding director, vice chairman, or rotating lead director); however the director must serve a minimum of one year in order to qualify as a lead director.) At a minimum these should include:

  - Presides at all meetings of the board at which the chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors,
  - Serves as liaison between the chairman and the independent directors,
  - Approves information sent to the board,
  - Approves meeting agendas for the board,
  - Approves meetings schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items,
  - Has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors,
  - If requested by major shareholders, ensures that he is available for consultation and direct communication;
   

Two-thirds independent board

   

All-independent key committees

   

Established governance guidelines

   

The company does not under-perform its peers.

 

Majority of Independent Directors/Establishment of Committees

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that a majority or more of directors be independent unless the board composition already meets the proposed threshold by ISS’s definition of independence.

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that board audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors if they currently do not meet that standard.

 

Majority Vote Shareholder Proposals

 

Generally vote FOR reasonably crafted shareholders proposals calling for directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast and/or the elimination of the plurality standard for electing directors (including binding resolutions requesting that the board amend the company’s bylaws), provided the proposal includes a carve-out for a plurality voting standard when there are more director nominees than board seats (e.g. contested elections).

 

Consider voting AGAINST the shareholder proposal if the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and provide an adequate response to both new nominees as well as incumbent nominees who fail to receive a majority of votes cast.

 

Policies should generally address the specific circumstances at each company. At a minimum, a company’s policy should generally articulate the following elements to adequately address each director nominee who fails to receive an affirmative of majority of votes cast in an election:

   

Established guidelines disclosed annually in the proxy statement concerning the process to follow for nominees who receive majority withhold votes;

   

The policy needs to outline a clear and reasonable timetable for all decision-making regarding the nominee’s status;

 

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The policy needs to specify that the process of determining the nominee’s status will be managed by independent directors and must exclude the nominee in question;

   

An outline of a range of remedies that can be considered concerning the nominee needs to be in the policy (for example, acceptance of the resignation, maintaining the director but curing the underlying causes of the withheld votes, etc.);

   

The final decision on the nominee’s status should be promptly disclosed via an SEC filing. The policy needs to include the timeframe in which the decision will be disclosed and a full explanation of how the decision was reached.

 

In addition, the company should articulate to shareholders why this alternative to a full majority threshold voting standard is the best structure at this time for demonstrating accountability to shareholders. Also evaluate the company’s history of accountability to shareholders in its governance structure and in its actions. In particular, a classified board structure or a history of ignoring majority supported shareholder proposals will be considered at a company which receives a shareholder proposal requesting the elimination of plurality voting in favor of majority threshold for electing directors.

 

Office of the Board

 

Generally vote FOR shareholders proposals requesting that the board establish an Office of the Board of Directors in order to facilitate direct communications between shareholders and non-management directors, unless the company has all of the following:

   

Established a communication structure that goes beyond the exchange requirements to facilitate the exchange of information between shareholders and members of the board;

   

Effectively disclosed information with respect to this structure to its shareholders;

   

Company has not ignored majority supported shareholder proposals or a majority WITHHOLD on a director nominee; and

   

The company has an independent chairman or a lead/presiding director. This individual must be made available for periodic consultation and direct communication with major shareholders.

 

Open Access

 

Generally vote FOR reasonably crafted shareholder proposals providing shareholders with the ability to nominate director candidates to be included on management’s proxy card, provided the proposal substantially mirrors the SEC’s proposed two-trigger formulation (see the proposed “Security Holder Director Nominations” rule (http://www.sec.gov/rules/proposed/34-48626.htm).

 

Stock Ownership Requirements

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that mandate a minimum amount of stock that directors must own in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board. While stock ownership on the part of directors is desired, the company should determine the appropriate ownership requirement.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking that the company adopt a holding or retention period for its executives (for holding stock after the vesting or exercise of equity awards), taking into account any stock ownership requirements or holding period/retention ratio already in place and the actual ownership level of executives.

 

Term Limits

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder or management proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors through term limits. However, scrutinize boards where the average tenure of all directors exceeds 15 years for independence from management and for sufficient turnover to ensure that new perspectives are being added to the board.

 

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Proxy Contests

 

Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the election of directors in contested elections, considering the following factors:

   

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

   

Management’s track record;

   

Background to the proxy contest;

   

Qualifications of director nominees (both slates);

   

Strategic plan of dissident slate and quality of critique against management;

   

Likelihood that the proposed goals and objectives can be achieved (both slates);

   

Stock ownership positions.

 

Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate, generally vote FOR the reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election.

 

Confidential Voting

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that corporations adopt confidential voting, use independent vote tabulators and use independent inspectors of election, as long as the proposal includes a provision for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents will not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.

 

Generally vote FOR management proposals to adopt confidential voting.

 

Anti-Takeover Defenses and Voting Related Issues

 

Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals/ Nominations

 

Votes on advance notice proposals are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, giving support to those proposals which allow shareholders to submit proposals as close to the meeting date as reasonably possible and within the broadest window possible.

 

Amend Bylaws without Shareholder Consent

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the bylaws.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals giving the board the ability to amend the bylaws in addition to shareholders.

 

Poison Pills

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it UNLESS the company has: (1) A shareholder approved poison pill in place; or (2) The company has adopted a policy concerning the adoption of a pill in the future specifying that the board will only adopt a shareholder rights plan if either:

   

Shareholders have approved the adoption of the plan; or

   

The board, in its exercise of its fiduciary responsibilities, determines that it is in the best interest of shareholders under the circumstances to adopt a pill without the delay in adoption that would result from seeking stockholder approval (i.e. the “fiduciary out” provision). A poison pill adopted under this fiduciary out will be put to a shareholder ratification vote within twelve months of adoption or expire. If the pill is not approved by a majority of the votes cast on this issue, the plan will immediately terminate.

 

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Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for poison pills to be put to a vote within a time period of less than one year after adoption. If the company has no non-shareholder approved poison pill in place and has adopted a policy with the provisions outlined above, generally vote AGAINST the proposal. If these conditions are not met, generally vote FOR the proposal, but with the caveat that a vote within twelve months would be considered sufficient.

 

Vote CASE-by-CASE on management proposals on poison pill ratification, focusing on the features of the shareholder rights plan. Rights plans should generally contain the following attributes:

   

No lower than a 20% trigger, flip-in or flip-over;

   

A term of no more than three years;

   

No dead-hand, slow-hand, no-hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill;

   

Shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause); if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced, ten percent of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill.

 

Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.

 

Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.

 

Supermajority Vote Requirements

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to lower supermajority vote requirements.

 

Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

 

Overall Approach

 

For mergers and acquisitions, review and evaluate the merits and drawbacks of the proposed transaction, balancing various and sometimes countervailing factors generally including:

 

   

Valuation—Is the value to be received by the target shareholders (or paid by the acquirer) reasonable? While the fairness opinion may provide an initial starting point for assessing valuation reasonableness, emphasis is placed on the offer premium, market reaction and strategic rationale.

 

   

Market reaction—How has the market responded to the proposed deal? A negative market reaction should cause closer scrutiny of a deal.

 

   

Strategic rationale—Does the deal make sense strategically? From where is the value derived? Cost and revenue synergies should not be overly aggressive or optimistic, but reasonably achievable. Management should also have a favorable track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions.

 

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Negotiations and process—Were the terms of the transaction negotiated at arm’s-length? Was the process fair and equitable? A fair process helps to ensure the best price for shareholders. Significant negotiation “wins” can also signify the deal makers’ competency. The comprehensiveness of the sales process (e.g., full auction, partial auction, no auction) can also affect shareholder value.

 

   

Conflicts of interest—Are insiders benefiting from the transaction disproportionately and inappropriately as compared to non-insider shareholders? As the result of potential conflicts, the directors and officers of the company may be more likely to vote to approve a merger than if they did not hold these interests. Consider whether these interests may have influenced these directors and officers to support or recommend the merger. The CIC figure presented in the “ISS Transaction Summary” section of this report is an aggregate figure that can in certain cases be a misleading indicator of the true value transfer from shareholders to insiders. Where such figure appears to be excessive, analyze the underlying assumptions to determine whether a potential conflict exists.

 

   

Governance—Will the combined company have a better or worse governance profile than the current governance profiles of the respective parties to the transaction? If the governance profile is to change for the worse, the burden is on the company to prove that other issues (such as valuation) outweigh any deterioration in governance.

 

Appraisal Rights

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

 

Asset Purchases

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on asset purchase proposals, considering the following factors:

   

Purchase price

   

Fairness opinion

   

Financial and strategic benefits

   

How the deal was negotiated

   

Conflicts of interest

   

Other alternatives for the business

   

Non-completion risk

 

Asset Sales

 

Votes on asset sales should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Impact on the balance sheet/working capital

   

Potential elimination of diseconomies

   

Anticipated financial and operating benefits

   

Anticipated use of funds

   

Value received for the asset

   

Fairness opinion

   

How the deal was negotiated

   

Conflicts of interest.

 

Bundled Proposals

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis bundled or “conditional” proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders’ best interests, generally vote AGAINST the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, generally support such proposals.

 

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Conversion of Securities

 

Votes on proposals regarding conversion of securities are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. When evaluating these proposals the investor should review the dilution to existing shareholders, the conversion price relative to market value, financial issues, control issues, termination penalties, and conflicts of interest.

 

Generally vote FOR the conversion if it is expected that the company will be subject to onerous penalties or will be forced to file for bankruptcy if the transaction is not approved.

 

Corporate Reorganization/Debt Restructuring/Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plans/Reverse Leveraged Buyouts/Wrap Plans

 

Votes on proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into consideration the following:

   

Dilution to existing shareholders’ position

   

Terms of the offer

   

Financial issues

   

Management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives

   

Control issues

   

Conflicts of interest.

 

Generally vote FOR the debt restructuring if it is expected that the company will file for bankruptcy if the transaction is not approved.

 

Formation of Holding Company

 

Votes on proposals regarding the formation of a holding company should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into consideration the following:

   

The reasons for the change

   

Any financial or tax benefits

   

Regulatory benefits

   

Increases in capital structure

   

Changes to the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the company.

 

Absent compelling financial reasons to recommend the transaction, generally vote AGAINST the formation of a holding company if the transaction would include either of the following:

   

Increases in common or preferred stock in excess of the allowable maximum as calculated by the ISS Capital Structure model

   

Adverse changes in shareholder rights

 

Going Private Transactions (LBOs, Minority Squeezeouts and Going Dark)

 

Vote going private transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into account the following: offer price/premium, fairness opinion, how the deal was negotiated, conflicts of interest, other alternatives/offers considered, and non-completion risk.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on “going dark” transactions, determining whether the transaction enhances shareholder value by taking into consideration:

   

Whether the company has attained benefits from being publicly-traded (examination of trading volume, liquidity, and market research of the stock);

   

Cash-out value;

   

Whether the interests of continuing and cashed-out shareholders are balanced; and

   

The market reaction to public announcement of transaction.

 

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Joint Ventures

 

Votes CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to form joint ventures, taking into account the following: percentage of assets/business contributed, percentage ownership, financial and strategic benefits, governance structure, conflicts of interest, other alternatives, and non-completion risk.

 

Liquidations

 

Votes on liquidations should be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis after reviewing management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.

 

Generally vote FOR the liquidation if the company will file for bankruptcy if the proposal is not approved.

 

Mergers and Acquisitions/Issuance of Shares to Facilitate Merger or Acquisition

 

Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, determining whether the transaction enhances shareholder value by giving consideration to items listed under “Mergers and Corporate Restructurings: Overall Approach”.

 

Private Placements/Warrants/Convertible Debentures

 

Votes on proposals regarding private placements should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into consideration: dilution to existing shareholders’ position, terms of the offer, financial issues, management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives, control issues, and conflicts of interest.

 

Generally vote FOR the private placement if it is expected that the company will file for bankruptcy if the transaction is not approved.

 

Spin-offs

 

Votes on spin-offs should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering:

   

Tax and regulatory advantages

   

Planned use of the sale proceeds

   

Valuation of spin-off

   

Fairness opinion

   

Benefits to the parent company

   

Conflicts of interest

   

Managerial incentives

   

Corporate governance changes

   

Changes in the capital structure.

 

Value Maximization Proposals

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals seeking to maximize shareholder value by hiring a financial advisor to explore strategic alternatives, selling the company or liquidating the company and distributing the proceeds to shareholders. These proposals should be evaluated based on the following factors: prolonged poor performance with no turnaround in sight, signs of entrenched board and management, strategic plan in place for improving value, likelihood of receiving reasonable value in a sale or dissolution, and whether company is actively exploring its strategic options, including retaining a financial advisor.

 

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State of Incorporation

 

Control Share Acquisition Provisions

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to opt out of control share acquisition statutes unless doing so would enable the completion of a takeover that would be detrimental to shareholders.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to amend the charter to include control share acquisition provisions.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to restore voting rights to the control shares.

 

Control Share Cashout Provisions

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to opt out of control share cashout statutes.

 

Disgorgement Provisions

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to opt out of state disgorgement provisions.

 

Fair Price Provisions

 

Vote proposals to adopt fair price provisions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, evaluating factors such as the vote required to approve the proposed acquisition, the vote required to repeal the fair price provision, and the mechanism for determining the fair price.

 

Generally vote AGAINST fair price provisions with shareholder vote requirements greater than a majority of disinterested shares.

 

Freezeout Provisions

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to opt out of state freezeout provisions.

 

Greenmail

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to adopt antigreenmail charter of bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.

 

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis antigreenmail proposals when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.

 

Reincorporation Proposals

 

Proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, giving consideration to both financial and corporate governance concerns, including the reasons for reincorporating, a comparison of the governance provisions, comparative economic benefits, and a comparison of the jurisdictional laws.

 

Generally vote FOR reincorporation when the economic factors outweigh any neutral or negative governance changes.

 

Stakeholder Provisions

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals that ask the board to consider non-shareholder constituencies or other non-financial effects when evaluating a merger or business combination.

 

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State Antitakeover Statutes

 

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freezeout provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, antigreenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).

 

Capital Structure

 

Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock

 

Generally vote FOR management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

 

Common Stock Authorization

 

Votes on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis using a model developed by ISS.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to approve increases beyond the allowable increase when a company’s shares are in danger of being delisted or if a company’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain.

 

In addition, for capital requests less than or equal to 300 percent of the current authorized shares that marginally fail the calculated allowable cap (i.e., exceed the allowable cap by no more than 5 percent), on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, generally vote FOR the increase based on the company’s performance and whether the company’s ongoing use of shares has shown prudence. Factors should include, at a minimum, the following:

   

Rationale;

   

Good performance with respect to peers and index on a five-year total shareholder return basis;

   

Absence of non-shareholder approved poison pill;

   

Reasonable equity compensation burn rate;

   

No non-shareholder approved pay plans; and

   

Absence of egregious equity compensation practices.

 

Dual-class Stock

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to create a new class of common stock with superior voting rights.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals at companies with dual-class capital structures to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights.

   

It is intended for financing purposes with minimal or no dilution to current shareholders

   

It is not designed to preserve the voting power of an insider or significant shareholder

 

Issue Stock for Use with Rights Plan

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals that increase authorized common stock for the explicit purpose of implementing a non-shareholder approved shareholder rights plan (poison pill).

 

Preemptive Rights

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals that seek preemptive rights. In evaluating proposals on preemptive rights, consider the size of a company, the characteristics of its shareholder base, and the liquidity of the stock.

 

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Preferred Stock

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock).

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to create “declawed” blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense).

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

 

Recapitalization

 

Votes CASE-BY-CASE on recapitalizations (reclassifications of securities), taking into account the following: more simplified capital structure, enhanced liquidity, fairness of conversion terms, impact on voting power and dividends, reasons for the reclassification, conflicts of interest, and other alternatives considered.

 

Reverse Stock Splits

 

Generally vote FOR management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of authorized shares will be proportionately reduced.

 

Generally vote FOR management proposals to implement a reverse stock split to avoid delisting.

 

Votes on proposals to implement a reverse stock split that do not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized for issue should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis using a model developed by ISS.

 

Share Repurchase Programs

 

Generally vote FOR management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.

 

Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends

 

Generally vote FOR management proposals to increase the common share authorization for a stock split or share dividend, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in an excessive number of shares available for issuance as determined using a model developed by ISS.

 

Tracking Stock

 

Votes on the creation of tracking stock are determined on a case-by-case basis, weighing the strategic value of the transaction against such factors as: adverse governance changes, excessive increases in authorized capital stock, unfair method of distribution, diminution of voting rights, adverse conversion features, negative impact on stock option plans, and other alternatives such as spin-off.

 

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Executive and Director Compensation

 

Equity Compensation Plans

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on equity-based compensation plans. Generally vote AGAINST the equity plan if any of the following factors apply:

   

The total cost of the company’s equity plans is unreasonable;

   

The plan expressly permits the repricing of stock options without prior shareholder approval;

   

There is a disconnect between CEO pay and the company’s performance;

   

The company’s three year burn rate exceeds the greater of 2% and the mean plus 1 standard deviation of its industry group; or

   

The plan is a vehicle for poor pay practices.

 

Each of these factors is further described below:

 

Cost of Equity Plans

 

Generally vote AGAINST equity plans if the cost is unreasonable. For non-employee director plans;

 

Generally vote FOR the plan if certain factors are met (see Director Compensation section).

 

Repricing Provisions

 

Generally vote AGAINST plans that expressly permit the repricing of stock options without prior shareholder approval, even if the cost of the plan is reasonable.

 

Generally vote AGAINST plans if the company has a history of repricing options without shareholder approval, and the applicable listing standards would not preclude them from doing so.

 

Pay-for Performance Disconnect

 

Generally vote AGAINST plans in which:

   

there is a disconnect between the CEO’s pay and company performance (an increase in pay and a decrease in performance);

   

the main source of the pay increase (over half) is equity-based, and

   

the CEO is a participant of the equity proposal.

 

Generally WITHHOLD votes from the Compensation Committee members when the company has a pay for performance disconnect.

 

On a CASE-BY-CASE basis, generally vote for equity plans and for compensation committee members with a pay-for-performance disconnect if compensation committee members can present strong and compelling evidence of improved committee performance. This evidence must go beyond the usual compensation committee report disclosure. This additional evidence necessary generally includes all of the following:

   

The compensation committee has reviewed all components of the CEO’s compensation, including the following:

  Base salary, bonus, long-term incentives;
  Accumulative realized and unrealized stock option and restricted stock gains;
  Dollar value of perquisites and other personal benefits to the CEO and the total cost to the company;
  Earnings and accumulated payment obligations under the company’s nonqualified deferred compensation program;
  Actual projected payment obligations under the company’s supplemental executive retirement plan (SERPs).

 

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The compensation committee is committed to providing additional information on the named executives’ annual cash bonus program and/or long-term incentive cash plan for the current fiscal year. The compensation committee will provide full disclosure of the qualitative and quantitative performance criteria and hurdle rates used to determine the payouts of the cash program. From this disclosure, shareholders will know the minimum level of performance required for any cash bonus to be delivered, as well as the maximum cash bonus payable for superior performance.

 

The repetition of the compensation committee report does not meet ISS’ requirement of compelling and strong evidence of improved disclosure. The level of transparency and disclosure is at the highest level where shareholders can understand the mechanics of the annual cash bonus and/or long-term incentive cash plan based on the additional disclosure.

 

The compensation committee is committed to granting a substantial portion of performance-based equity awards to the named executive officers. A substantial portion of performance-based awards would be at least 50 percent of the shares awarded to each of the named executive officers. Performance-based equity awards are earned or paid out based on the achievement of company performance targets. The company will disclose the details of the performance criteria (e.g., return on equity) and the hurdle rates (e.g., 15 percent) associated with the performance targets. From this disclosure, shareholders will know the minimum level of performance required for any equity grants to be made. The performance-based equity awards do not refer to non-qualified stock options1 or performance-accelerated grants.2 Instead, performance-based equity awards are performance-contingent grants where the individual will not receive the equity grant by not meeting the target performance and vice versa.

 

The level of transparency and disclosure is at the highest level where shareholders can understand the mechanics of the performance-based equity awards based on the additional disclosure.

 

The compensation committee has the sole authority to hire and fire outside compensation consultants. The role of the outside compensation consultant is to assist the compensation committee to analyze executive pay packages or contracts and understand the company’s financial measures.

 

Three-Year Burn Rate/Burn Rate Commitment

 

Generally vote AGAINST plans if the company’s most recent three-year burn rate exceeds one standard deviation in excess of the industry mean and is over two percent of common shares outstanding. The three-year burn rate policy does not apply to non-employee director plans unless outside directors receive a significant portion of shares each year.

 

However, generally vote FOR equity plans if the company fails this burn rate test but the company commits in a public filing to a three-year average burn rate equal to its GICS group burn rate mean plus one standard deviation, assuming all other conditions for voting FOR the plan have been met.

 

If a company fails to fulfill its burn rate commitment, generally vote to WITHHOLD from the compensation committee.

 

Poor Pay Practices

 

Generally vote AGAINST equity plans if the plan is a vehicle for poor compensation practices.

 


1 Non-qualified stock options are not performance-based awards unless the grant or the vesting of the stock options is tied to the achievement of a pre-determined and disclosed performance measure. A rising stock market will generally increase share prices of all companies, despite of the company’s underlying performance.

2 Performance-accelerated grants are awards that vest earlier based on the achievement of a specified measure. However, these grants will ultimately vest over time even without the attainment of the goal(s).

 

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Generally WITHHOLD from compensation committee members if the company has poor compensation practices.

 

Poor compensation practices include, but are not limited to, the following:

   

Egregious employment contracts including excessive severance provisions;

   

Excessive perks that dominate compensation;

   

Huge bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage;

   

Performance metrics that are changed during the performance period;

   

Egregious SERP (Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans) payouts;

   

New CEO with overly generous hiring package;

   

Internal pay disparity;

   

Other excessive compensation payouts or poor pay practices at the company.

 

401(k) Employee Benefit Plans

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

 

Director Compensation

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on compensation plans for non-employee directors, based on the cost of the plans against the company’s allowable cap.

 

On occasion, director stock plans that set aside a relatively small number of shares when combined with employee or executive stock compensation plans exceed the allowable cap. Generally vote for the plan if ALL of the following qualitative factors in the board’s compensation are met and disclosed in the proxy statement:

   

Director stock ownership guidelines with a minimum of three times the annual cash retainer.

   

Vesting schedule or mandatory holding/deferral period:

  A minimum vesting of three years for stock options or restricted stock; or
  Deferred stock payable at the end of a three-year deferral period.
   

Mix between cash and equity:

  A balanced mix of cash and equity, for example 40% cash/60% equity or 50% cash/50% equity; or
  If the mix is heavier on the equity component, the vesting schedule or deferral period should be more stringent, with the lesser of five years or the term of directorship.
   

No retirement/benefits and perquisites provided to non-employee directors; and

   

Detailed disclosure provided on cash and equity compensation delivered to each non-employee director for the most recent fiscal year in a table. The column headers for the table may include the following: name of each non-employee director, annual retainer, board meeting fees, committee retainer, committee-meeting fees, and equity grants.

 

Director Retirement Plans

 

Generally vote AGAINST retirement plans for non-employee directors.

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals to eliminate retirement plans for non-employee directors.

 

Disclosure of CEO Compensation-Tally Sheet

 

Encourage companies to provide better and more transparent disclosure related to CEO pay. Consider withhold votes in the future from the compensation committee and voting against equity plans if compensation disclosure is not improved and a tally sheet is not provided.

 

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Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to implement an ESOP or increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, unless the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is excessive (more than five percent of outstanding shares).

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plans—Qualified Plans

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on qualified employee stock purchase plans. Generally vote FOR employee stock purchase plans where all of the following apply:

   

Purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value;

   

Offering period is 27 months or less; and

   

The number of shares allocated to the plan is ten percent or less of the outstanding shares.

 

Generally vote AGAINST qualified employee stock purchase plans where any of the following apply:

   

Purchase price is less than 85 percent of fair market value; or

   

Offering period is greater than 27 months; or

   

The number of shares allocated to the plan is more than ten percent of the outstanding shares.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plans—Non-Qualified Plans

 

Vote CASE-by-CASE on nonqualified employee stock purchase plans. Generally vote FOR nonqualified employee stock purchase plans with all the following features:

   

Broad-based participation (i.e., all employees of the company with the exclusion of individuals with 5 percent or more of beneficial ownership of the company);

   

Limits on employee contribution, which may be a fixed dollar amount or expressed as a percent of base salary;

   

Company matching contribution up to 25 percent of employee’s contribution, which is effectively a discount of 20 percent from market value;

   

No discount on the stock price on the date of purchase since there is a company matching contribution.

 

Generally vote AGAINST nonqualified employee stock purchase plans when any of the plan features do not meet the above criteria. If the company matching contribution exceeds 25 percent of employee’s contribution, evaluate the cost of the plan against its allowable cap.

 

Incentive Bonus Plans and Tax Deductibility Proposals (OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals)

 

Generally vote FOR proposals that simply amend shareholder-approved compensation plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m).

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) unless they are clearly inappropriate.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) as long as the plan does not exceed the allowable cap and the plan does not violate any of the supplemental policies.

 

Generally vote FOR cash or cash and stock bonus plans that are submitted to shareholders for the purpose of exempting compensation from taxes under the provisions of Section 162(m) if no increase in shares is requested.

 

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Option Exchange Programs/Repricing Options

 

Vote CASE-by-CASE on management proposals seeking approval to exchange/reprice options taking into consideration:

   

Historic trading patterns;

   

Rationale for the repricing;

   

Value-for-value exchange;

   

Treatment of surrendered options;

   

Option vesting;

   

Term of the option;

   

Exercise price;

   

Participation.

 

If the surrendered options are added back to the equity plans for re-issuance, then also take into consideration the company’s three-year average burn rate.

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote.

 

Stock Plans in Lieu of Cash

 

Vote CASE-by-CASE on plans which provide participants with the option of taking all or a portion of their cash compensation in the form of stock.

 

Generally vote FOR non-employee director only equity plans which provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange.

 

Vote CASE-by-CASE on plans which do not provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange. In cases where the exchange is not dollar-for-dollar, the request for new or additional shares for such equity program will be considered using the binomial option pricing model. In an effort to capture the total cost of total compensation, ISS will not make any adjustments to carve out the in-lieu-of cash compensation.

 

Transfer Programs of Stock Options

 

One-time Transfers: generally WITHHOLD votes from compensation committee members if they fail to submit one-time transfers for to shareholders for approval.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on one-time transfers. Generally vote FOR if:

   

Executive officers and non-employee directors are excluded from participating;

   

Stock options are purchased by third-party financial institutions at a discount to their fair value using option pricing models such as Black-Scholes or a Binomial Option Valuation or other appropriate financial models;

   

There is a two-year minimum holding period for sale proceeds (cash or stock) for all participants.

 

Additionally, management should provide a clear explanation of why options are being transferred and whether the events leading up to the decline in stock price were beyond management’s control. A review of the company’s historic stock price volatility should indicate if the options are likely to be back “in-the-money” over the near term.

 

Disclosure/Setting Levels or Types of Compensation for Executives and Directors

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals seeking additional disclosure of executive and director pay information, provided the information requested is relevant to shareholders’ needs, would not put the company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its industry, and is not unduly burdensome to the company.

 

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Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals seeking to set absolute levels on compensation or otherwise dictate the amount or form of compensation.

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring director fees be paid in stock only.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on all other shareholder proposals regarding executive and director pay, taking into account company performance, pay level versus peers, pay level versus industry, and long term corporate outlook.

 

Option Expensing

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals asking the company to expense stock options, unless the company has already publicly committed to expensing options by a specific date.

 

Option Repricing

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote.

 

Pension Plan Income Accounting

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals to exclude pension plan income in the calculation of earnings used in determining executive bonuses/compensation.

 

Performance-Based Awards

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals advocating the use of performance-based awards like indexed, premium-priced, and performance-vested options or performance-based shares, unless:

   

The proposal is overly restrictive (e.g., it mandates that awards to all employees must be performance-based or all awards to top executives must be a particular type, such as indexed options);

   

The company demonstrates that it is using a substantial portion of performance-based awards for its top executives, where substantial portion would constitute 50 percent of the shares awarded to those executives for that fiscal year.

 

Severance Agreements for Executives/Golden Parachutes

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals to require golden parachutes or executive severance agreements to be submitted for shareholder ratification, unless the proposal requires shareholder approval prior to entering into employment contracts.

 

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to ratify or cancel golden parachutes. An acceptable parachute should include, but is not limited to, the following:

   

The triggering mechanism should be beyond the control of management;

   

The amount should not exceed three times base amount (defined as the average annual taxable W-2 compensation during the five years prior to the year in which the change of control occurs;

   

Change-in-control payments should be double-triggered, i.e., (1) after a change in control has taken place, and (2) termination of the executive as a result of the change in control. Change in control is defined as a change in the company ownership structure.

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs)

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting to put extraordinary benefits contained in SERP agreements to a shareholder vote unless the company’s executive pension plans do not contain excessive benefits beyond what is offered under employee-wide plans.

 

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Corporate Responsibility

 

Consumer Issues and Public Safety

 

Animal Rights

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to phase out the use of animals in product testing unless:

   

The company is conducting animal testing programs that are unnecessary or not required by regulation;

   

The company is conducting animal testing when suitable alternatives are accepted and used at peer firms;

   

The company has been the subject of recent, significant controversy related to its testing programs.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals seeking a report on the company’s animal welfare standards unless:

   

The company has already published a set of animal welfare standards and monitors compliance

   

The company’s standards are comparable to or better than those of peer firms, and

   

There are no serious controversies surrounding the company’s treatment of animals

 

Drug Pricing

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting that companies implement specific price restraints on pharmaceutical products unless the company fails to adhere to legislative guidelines or industry norms in its product pricing.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting that the company evaluate their product pricing considering:

   

The existing level of disclosure on pricing policies;

   

Deviation from established industry pricing norms;

   

The company’s existing initiatives to provide its products to needy consumers;

   

Whether the proposal focuses on specific products or geographic regions.

 

Genetically Modified Foods

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking companies to voluntarily label genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in their products or alternatively to provide interim labeling and eventually eliminate GE ingredients due to the costs and feasibility of labeling and/or phasing out the use of GE ingredients.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals asking for a report on the feasibility of labeling products containing GE ingredients taking into account:

   

The relevance of the proposal in terms of the company’s business and the proportion of it affected by the resolution

   

The quality of the company’s disclosure on GE product labeling and related voluntary initiatives and how this disclosure compares with peer company disclosure

   

Company’s current disclosure on the feasibility of GE product labeling, including information on the related costs

   

Any voluntary labeling initiatives undertaken or considered by the company.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals asking for the preparation of a report on the financial, legal, and environmental impact of continued use of GE ingredients/seeds. Evaluate the following:

   

The relevance of the proposal in terms of the company’s business and the proportion of it affected by the resolution

   

The quality of the company’s disclosure on risks related to GE product use and how this disclosure compares with peer company disclosure

   

The percentage of revenue derived from international operations, particularly in Europe, where GE products are more regulated and consumer backlash is more pronounced.

 

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Generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking a report on the health and environmental effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Health studies of this sort are better undertaken by regulators and the scientific community.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to completely phase out GE ingredients from the company’s products or proposals asking for reports outlining the steps necessary to eliminate GE ingredients from the company’s products. Such resolutions presuppose that there are proven health risks to GE ingredients (an issue better left to federal regulators) that outweigh the economic benefits derived from biotechnology.

 

Handguns

 

Generally vote AGAINST requests for reports on a company’s policies aimed at curtailing gun violence in the United States unless the report is confined to product safety information. Criminal misuse of firearms is beyond company control and instead falls within the purview of law enforcement agencies.

 

HIV/AIDS

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on requests for reports outlining the impact of the health pandemic (HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis) on the company’s Sub-Saharan operations and how the company is responding to it, taking into account:

   

The nature and size of the company’s operations in Sub-Saharan Africa and the number of local employees

   

The company’s existing healthcare policies, including benefits and healthcare access for local workers

   

Company donations to healthcare providers operating in the region

   

Generally vote against proposals asking companies to establish, implement, and report on a standard of response to the HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria health pandemic in Africa and other developing countries, unless the company has significant operations in these markets and has failed to adopt policies and/or procedures to address these issues comparable to those of industry peers

 

Predatory Lending

 

Vote CASE-BY CASE on requests for reports on the company’s procedures for preventing predatory lending, including the establishment of a board committee for oversight, taking into account:

   

Whether the company has adequately disclosed mechanisms in place to prevent abusive lending practices

   

Whether the company has adequately disclosed the financial risks of its subprime business

   

Whether the company has been subject to violations of lending laws or serious lending controversies

   

Peer companies’ policies to prevent abusive lending practices.

 

Tobacco

 

Most tobacco-related proposals should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into account the following factors:

 

  Second-hand smoke:
   

Whether the company complies with all local ordinances and regulations

   

The degree that voluntary restrictions beyond those mandated by law might hurt the company’s competitiveness

   

The risk of any health-related liabilities.

 

  Advertising to youth:
   

Whether the company complies with federal, state, and local laws on the marketing of tobacco or if it has been fined for violations

   

Whether the company has gone as far as peers in restricting advertising

 

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Whether the company entered into the Master Settlement Agreement, which restricts marketing of tobacco to youth

   

Whether restrictions on marketing to youth extend to foreign countries

 

  Cease production of tobacco-related products or avoid selling products to tobacco companies:
   

The percentage of the company’s business affected

   

The economic loss of eliminating the business versus any potential tobacco-related liabilities

 

  Spin-off tobacco-related businesses:
   

The percentage of the company’s business affected

   

The feasibility of a spin-off

   

Potential future liabilities related to the company’s tobacco business.

 

  Stronger product warnings:

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking stronger product warnings. Such decisions are better left to public health authorities.

 

  Investment in tobacco stocks:

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals prohibiting investment in tobacco equities. Such decisions are better left to portfolio managers.

 

Toxic Chemicals

 

Generally vote FOR resolutions requesting that a company discloses its policies related to toxic chemicals.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on resolutions requesting that companies evaluate and disclose the potential financial and legal risks associated with utilizing certain chemicals, considering:

   

Current regulations in the markets in which the company operates;

   

Recent significant controversy, litigation, or fines stemming from toxic chemicals or ingredients at the company; and

   

The current level of disclosure on this topic.

 

Generally vote AGAINST resolutions requiring that a company reformulate its products within a certain timeframe unless such actions are required by law in specific markets.

 

Environment and Energy

 

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

 

Generally vote AGAINST request for reports outlining potential environmental damage from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), unless:

   

New legislation is adopted allowing development and drilling in the ANWR region;

   

The company intends to pursue operations in the ANWR; and

   

The company does not currently disclose an environmental risk report for their operations in the ANWR.

 

CERES Principles

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to adopt the CERES Principles, taking into account:

   

The company’s current environmental disclosure beyond legal requirements, including environmental health and safety (EHS) audits and reports that may duplicate CERES

   

The company’s environmental performance record, including violations of federal and state regulations, level of toxic emissions, and accidental spills

   

Environmentally conscious practices of peer companies, including endorsement of CERES

   

Costs of membership and implementation.

 

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Concentrated Area Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

 

Generally vote FOR resolutions requesting that companies report to shareholders on the risks and liabilities associated with CAFOs unless:

   

The company has publicly disclosed guidelines for its corporate and contract farming operations, including compliance monitoring; or

   

The company does not directly source from CAFOs.

 

Environmental-Economic Risk Report

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting an economic risk assessment of environmental performance considering:

   

The feasibility of financially quantifying environmental risk factors,

   

The company’s compliance with applicable legislation and/or regulations regarding environmental performance,

   

The costs associated with implementing improved standards,

   

The potential costs associated with remediation resulting from poor environmental performance, and

   

The current level of disclosure on environmental policies and initiatives.

 

Environmental Reports

 

Generally vote FOR requests for reports disclosing the company’s environmental policies unless it already has well-documented environmental management systems that are available to the public.

 

Global Warming

 

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting a report on greenhouse gas emissions from company operations and/or products unless this information is already publicly disclosed or such factors are not integral to the company’s line of business.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals that call for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by specified amounts or within a restrictive time frame unless the company lags industry standards and has been the subject of recent, significant fines or litigation resulting from greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Kyoto Protocol Compliance

 

Generally vote FOR resolutions requesting that companies outline their preparations to comply with standards established by Kyoto Protocol signatory markets unless:

   

The company does not maintain operations in Kyoto signatory markets;

   

The company already evaluates and substantially discloses such information; or,

   

Greenhouse gas emissions do not significantly impact the company’s core businesses.

 

Land Use

 

Generally vote AGAINST resolutions that request the disclosure of detailed information on a company’s policies related to land use or development unless the company has been the subject of recent, significant fines or litigation stemming from its land use.

 

Nuclear Safety

 

Generally vote AGAINST resolutions requesting that companies report on risks associated with their nuclear reactor designs and/or the production and interim storage of irradiated fuel rods unless:

   

The company does not have publicly disclosed guidelines describing its policies and procedures for addressing risks associated with its operations;

 

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The company is non-compliant with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements; or

   

The company stands out amongst its peers or competitors as having significant problems with safety or environmental performance related to its nuclear operations.

 

Operations in Protected Areas

 

Generally vote FOR requests for reports outlining potential environmental damage from operations in protected regions, including wildlife refuges unless:

   

The company does not currently have operations or plans to develop operations in these protected regions; or,

   

The company provides disclosure on its operations and environmental policies in these regions comparable to industry peers.

 

Recycling

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to adopt a comprehensive recycling strategy, taking into account:

   

The nature of the company’s business and the percentage affected

   

The extent that peer companies are recycling

   

The timetable prescribed by the proposal

   

The costs and methods of implementation

   

Whether the company has a poor environmental track record, such as violations of federal and state regulations.

 

Renewable Energy

 

Generally vote FOR requests for reports on the feasibility of developing renewable energy sources unless the report is duplicative of existing disclosure or irrelevant to the company’s line of business.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting that the company invest in renewable energy sources. Such decisions are best left to management’s evaluation of the feasibility and financial impact that such programs may have on the company.

 

Sustainability Report

 

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting the company to report on policies and initiatives related to social, economic, and environmental sustainability, unless:

   

The company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies such as an Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) report; comprehensive Code of Corporate Conduct; and/or Diversity Report; or

   

The company has formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines or a similar standard within a specified time frame.

 

General Corporate Issues

 

Charitable/Political Contributions

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:

   

The company is in compliance with laws governing corporate political activities, and

   

The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and not coercive.

 

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Generally vote AGAINST proposals to publish in newspapers and public media the company’s political contributions as such publications could present significant cost to the company without providing commensurate value to shareholders.

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to improve the disclosure of a company’s political contributions considering:

   

Recent significant controversy or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and

   

The public availability of a policy on political contributions.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions. Businesses are affected by legislation at the federal, state, and local level and barring contributions can put the company at a competitive disadvantage.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals restricting the company from making charitable contributions. Charitable contributions are generally useful for assisting worthwhile causes and for creating goodwill in the community. In the absence of bad faith, self-dealing, or gross negligence, management should determine which contributions are in the best interests of the company.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking for a list of company executives, directors, consultants, legal counsels, lobbyists, or investment bankers that have prior government service and whether such service had a bearing on the business of the company. Such a list would be burdensome to prepare without providing any meaningful information to shareholders.

 

Link Executive Compensation to Social Performance

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to review ways of linking executive compensation to social factors, such as corporate downsizings, customer or employee satisfaction, community involvement, human rights, environmental performance, predatory lending, and executive/employee pay disparities. Such resolutions should be evaluated in the context of:

   

The relevance of the issue to be linked to pay;

   

The degree that social performance is already included in the company’s pay structure and disclosed;

   

The degree that social performance is used by peer companies in setting pay;

   

Violations or complaints filed against the company relating to the particular social performance measure;

   

Artificial limits sought by the proposal, such as freezing or capping executive pay

   

Independence of the compensation committee;

   

Current company pay levels.

 

Outsourcing/Offshoring

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals calling for companies to report on the risks associated with outsourcing, considering:

   

Risks associated with certain international markets;

   

The utility of such a report to shareholders;

   

The existence of a publicly available code of corporate conduct that applies to international operations.

 

Labor Standards And Human Rights

 

China Principles

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to implement the China Principles unless:

   

There are serious controversies surrounding the company’s China operations, and

   

The company does not have a code of conduct with standards similar to those promulgated by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

 

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Country-specific human rights reports

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on requests for reports detailing the company’s operations in a particular country and steps to protect human rights, based on:

   

The nature and amount of company business in that country

   

The company’s workplace code of conduct

   

Proprietary and confidential information involved

   

Company compliance with U.S. regulations on investing in the country

   

Level of peer company involvement in the country.

 

International Codes of Conduct/Vendor Standards

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to implement certain human rights standards at company facilities or those of its suppliers and to commit to outside, independent monitoring. In evaluating these proposals, the following should be considered:

   

The company’s current workplace code of conduct or adherence to other global standards and the degree they meet the standards promulgated by the proponent

   

Agreements with foreign suppliers to meet certain workplace standards

   

Whether company and vendor facilities are monitored and how

   

Company participation in fair labor organizations

   

Type of business

   

Proportion of business conducted overseas

   

Countries of operation with known human rights abuses

   

Whether the company has been recently involved in significant labor and human rights controversies or violations

   

Peer company standards and practices

   

Union presence in company’s international factories

 

Generally vote FOR reports outlining vendor standards compliance unless any of the following apply:

   

The company does not operate in countries with significant human rights violations

   

The company has no recent human rights controversies or violations, or

   

The company already publicly discloses information on its vendor standards compliance.

 

MacBride Principles

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to endorse or increase activity on the MacBride Principles, taking into account:

   

Company compliance with or violations of the Fair Employment Act of 1989

   

Company antidiscrimination policies that already exceed the legal requirements

   

The cost and feasibility of adopting all nine principles

   

The cost of duplicating efforts to follow two sets of standards (Fair Employment and the MacBride Principles)

   

The potential for charges of reverse discrimination

   

The potential that any company sales or contracts in the rest of the United Kingdom could be negatively impacted

   

The level of the company’s investment in Northern Ireland

   

The number of company employees in Northern Ireland

   

The degree that industry peers have adopted the MacBride Principles

   

Applicable state and municipal laws that limit contracts with companies that have not adopted the MacBride Principles.

 

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Military Business

 

Foreign Military Sales/Offsets

 

Generally vote AGAINST reports on foreign military sales or offsets. Such disclosures may involve sensitive and confidential information. Moreover, companies must comply with government controls and reporting on foreign military sales.

 

Landmines and Cluster Bombs

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals asking a company to renounce future involvement in antipersonnel landmine production, taking into account:

   

Whether the company has in the past manufactured landmine components

   

Whether the company’s peers have renounced future production

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals asking a company to renounce future involvement in cluster bomb production, taking into account:

   

What weapons classifications the proponent views as cluster bombs

   

Whether the company currently or in the past has manufactured cluster bombs or their components

   

The percentage of revenue derived from cluster bomb manufacture

   

Whether the company’s peers have renounced future production

 

Nuclear Weapons

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking a company to cease production of nuclear weapons components and delivery systems, including disengaging from current and proposed contracts. Components and delivery systems serve multiple military and non-military uses, and withdrawal from these contracts could have a negative impact on the company’s business.

 

Operations in Nations Sponsoring Terrorism (eg: Iran)

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on requests for a board committee review and report outlining the company’s financial and reputational risks from its operations in a terrorism-sponsoring state, taking into account current disclosure on:

   

The nature and purpose of the operations and the amount of business involved (direct and indirect revenues and expenses) that could be affected by political disruption

   

Compliance with U.S. sanctions and laws

 

Spaced-Based Weaponization

 

Generally vote FOR reports on a company’s involvement in spaced-based weaponization unless:

   

The information is already publicly available or

   

The disclosures sought could compromise proprietary information.

 

Workplace Diversity

 

Board Diversity

 

Generally vote FOR reports on the company’s efforts to diversify the board, unless:

   

The board composition is reasonably inclusive in relation to companies of similar size and business or

   

The board already reports on its nominating procedures and diversity initiatives.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals that would call for the adoption of specific committee charter language regarding diversity initiatives unless the company fails to publicly disclose existing equal opportunity or non-discrimination policies.

 

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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals asking the company to increase the representation of women and minorities on the board, taking into account:

   

The degree of board diversity

   

Comparison with peer companies

   

Established process for improving board diversity

   

Existence of independent nominating committee

   

Use of outside search firm

   

History of EEO violations.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

 

Generally vote FOR reports outlining the company’s affirmative action initiatives unless all of the following apply:

   

The company has well-documented equal opportunity programs

   

The company already publicly reports on its company-wide affirmative initiatives and provides data on its workforce diversity, and

   

The company has no recent EEO-related violations or litigation.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking information on the diversity efforts of suppliers and service providers, which can pose a significant cost and administration burden on the company.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

 

Generally vote FOR reports outlining the company’s affirmative action initiatives unless all of the following apply:

   

The company has well-documented equal opportunity programs

   

The company already publicly reports on its company-wide affirmative initiatives and provides data on its workforce diversity, and

   

The company has no recent EEO-related violations or litigation.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking information on the diversity efforts of suppliers and service providers, which can pose a significant cost and administration burden on the company.

 

Glass Ceiling

 

Generally vote FOR reports outlining the company’s progress towards the Glass Ceiling Commission’s business recommendations, unless:

   

The composition of senior management and the board is fairly inclusive

   

The company has well-documented programs addressing diversity initiatives and leadership development

   

The company already issues public reports on its company-wide affirmative initiatives and provides data on its workforce diversity, and

   

The company has had no recent, significant EEO-related violations or litigation

 

Sexual Orientation

 

Generally vote FOR proposals seeking to amend a company’s EEO statement in order to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, unless the change would result in excessive costs for the company.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to extend company benefits to or eliminate benefits from domestic partners. Benefit decisions should be left to the discretion of the company.

 

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Mutual Fund Proxies

 

Election of Directors

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the election of directors and trustees, following the same guidelines for uncontested directors for public company shareholder meetings. However, mutual fund boards do not usually have compensation committees, so generally do not withhold for the lack of this committee.

 

Convert Closed-end Fund to Open-end Fund

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on conversion proposals, considering the following factors:

   

Past performance as a closed-end fund;

   

Market in which the fund invests;

   

Measures taken by the board to address the discount; and

   

Past shareholder activism, board activity, and votes on related proposals.

 

Proxy Contests

 

Votes on proxy contests should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Past performance relative to its peers

   

Market in which fund invests

   

Measures taken by the board to address the issues

   

Past shareholder activism, board activity, and votes on related proposals

   

Strategy of the incumbents versus the dissidents

   

Independence of directors

   

Experience and skills of director candidates

   

Governance profile of the company

   

Evidence of management entrenchment

 

Investment Advisory Agreements

 

Votes on investment advisory agreements should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Proposed and current fee schedules

   

Fund category/investment objective

   

Performance benchmarks

   

Share price performance compared to peers

   

Resulting fees relative to peers

   

Assignments (where the advisor undergoes a change of control).

 

Approve New Classes or Series of Shares

 

Generally vote FOR the establishment of new classes or series of shares.

 

Preferred Stock Proposals

 

Votes on the authorization for or increase in preferred shares should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Stated specific financing purpose

   

Possible dilution for common shares

   

Whether the shares can be used for anti-takeover purposes.

 

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1940 Act Policies

 

Votes on 1940 Act policies should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Potential competitiveness

   

Regulatory developments

   

Current and potential returns

   

Current and potential risk.

 

Generally vote FOR these amendments as long as the proposed changes do not fundamentally alter the investment focus of the fund and do comply with the current SEC interpretation.

 

Change Fundamental Restriction to Non-fundamental Restriction

 

Proposals to change a fundamental restriction to a non-fundamental restriction should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

The fund’s target investments

   

The reasons given by the fund for the change

   

The projected impact of the change on the portfolio.

 

Change Fundamental Investment Objective to Non-fundamental

 

Proposals to change a fund’s fundamental investment objective to non-fundamental should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Name Change Proposals

 

Votes on name change proposals should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Political/economic changes in the target market

   

Consolidation in the target market

   

Current asset composition

 

Change in Fund’s Sub-classification

 

Votes on changes in a fund’s sub-classification should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Potential competitiveness

   

Current and potential returns

   

Risk of concentration

   

Consolidation in target industry

 

Disposition of Assets/ Termination/Liquidation

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Strategies employed to salvage the company

   

The fund’s past performance

   

Terms of the liquidation.

 

Changes to the Charter Document

 

Votes on changes to the charter document should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

The degree of change implied by the proposal

   

The efficiencies that could result

 

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The state of incorporation

   

Regulatory standards and implications.

 

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis for any of the following changes after considering appropriate factors in connection therewith:

   

Removal of shareholder approval requirement to reorganize or terminate the trust or any of its series

   

Removal of shareholder approval requirement for amendments to the new declaration of trust

   

Removal of shareholder approval requirement to amend the fund’s management contract, allowing the contract to be modified by the investment manager and the trust management, as permitted by the 1940 Act

   

Allow the trustees to impose other fees in addition to sales charges on investment in a fund, such as deferred sales charges and redemption fees that may be imposed upon redemption of a fund’s shares

   

Removal of shareholder approval requirement to engage in and terminate subadvisory arrangements

   

Removal of shareholder approval requirement to change the domicile of the fund

 

Change the Fund’s Domicile

 

Vote reincorporations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Regulations of both states

   

Required fundamental policies of both states

   

Increased flexibility available.

 

Authorize the Board to Hire and Terminate Subadvisors Without Shareholder Approval

 

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis for proposals authorizing the board to hire/terminate subadvisors without shareholder approval after considering appropriate factors in connection therewith.

 

Distribution Agreements

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Fees charged to comparably sized funds with similar objectives

   

The proposed distributor’s reputation and past performance

   

The competitiveness of the fund in the industry

   

Terms of the agreement.

 

Master-Feeder Structure

 

Generally vote FOR the establishment of a master-feeder structure.

 

Mergers

 

Vote merger proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Resulting fee structure

   

Performance of both funds

   

Continuity of management personnel

   

Changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights.

 

Shareholder Proposals to Establish Director Ownership Requirement

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that mandate a specific minimum amount of stock that directors must own in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board.

 

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Reimburse Shareholder for Expenses Incurred

 

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When supporting the dissidents, generally vote FOR the reimbursement of the proxy solicitation expenses.

 

Shareholder Proposals to Terminate Investment Advisor

 

Vote to terminate the investment advisor on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

   

Performance of the fund’s NAV

   

The fund’s history of shareholder relations

   

The performance of other funds under the advisor’s management.

 

Non-U.S. Proxy Voting Guidelines

 

Financial Results/Director and Auditor Reports

 

Generally vote FOR approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports, unless:

   

There are concerns about the accounts presented or audit procedures used; or

   

The company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed.

 

Appointment of Auditors and Auditor Compensation

 

Generally vote FOR the reelection of auditors and proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees, unless:

   

There are serious concerns about the accounts presented or the audit procedures used;

   

The auditors are being changed without explanation; or

   

Nonaudit-related fees are substantial or are routinely in excess of standard annual audit fees.

 

Generally vote AGAINST the appointment of external auditors if they have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

 

Generally ABSTAIN if a company changes its auditor and fails to provide shareholders with an explanation for the change.

 

Appointment of Internal Statutory Auditors

 

Generally vote FOR the appointment or reelection of statutory auditors, unless:

   

There are serious concerns about the statutory reports presented or the audit procedures used;

   

Questions exist concerning any of the statutory auditors being appointed; or

   

The auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

 

Allocation of Income

 

Generally vote FOR approval of the allocation of income, unless:

   

The dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30 percent without adequate explanation; or

   

The payout is excessive given the company’s financial position.

 

Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternative

 

Generally vote FOR most stock (scrip) dividend proposals.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

 

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Amendments to Articles of Association

 

Vote amendments to the articles of association on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Change in Company Fiscal Term

 

Generally vote FOR resolutions to change a company’s fiscal term unless a company’s motivation for the change is to postpone its AGM.

 

Lower Disclosure Threshold for Stock Ownership

 

Generally vote AGAINST resolutions to lower the stock ownership disclosure threshold below five percent unless specific reasons exist to implement a lower threshold.

 

Amend Quorum Requirements

 

Vote proposals to amend quorum requirements for shareholder meetings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Transact Other Business

 

Generally vote AGAINST other business when it appears as a voting item.

 

Director Elections

 

Generally vote FOR management nominees in the election of directors, unless:

   

Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner;

   

There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements;

   

There have been questionable transactions with conflicts of interest;

   

There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests; and

   

The board fails to meet minimum corporate governance standards.

 

Generally vote FOR individual nominees unless there are specific concerns about the individual, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities.

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder nominees unless they demonstrate a clear ability to contribute positively to board deliberations.

 

Generally vote AGAINST individual directors if repeated absences at board meetings have not been explained (in countries where this information is disclosed).

 

Generally vote AGAINST labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee, as they are not required to be on those committees.

 

Director Compensation

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors unless the amounts are excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.

 

Vote non-executive director compensation proposals that include both cash and share-based components on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Vote proposals that bundle compensation for both non-executive and executive directors into a single resolution on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to introduce retirement benefits for non-executive directors.

 

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Discharge of Board and Management

 

Generally vote FOR discharge of the board and management, unless:

   

There are serious questions about actions of the board or management for the year in question; or

   

Legal action is being taken against the board by other shareholders.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to remove approval of discharge of board and management from the agenda.

 

Director, Officer, and Auditor Indemnification and Liability Provisions

 

Vote proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and officers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

Board Structure

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to fix board size.

 

Generally vote AGAINST the introduction of classified boards and mandatory retirement ages for directors.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to alter board structure or size in the context of a fight for control of the company or the board.

 

Share Issuance Requests

 

General Issuances:

 

Generally vote FOR issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100 percent over currently issued capital.

 

Generally vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20 percent of currently issued capital.

 

Specific Issuances:

 

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on all requests, with or without preemptive rights.

 

Increases in Authorized Capital

 

Generally vote FOR nonspecific proposals to increase authorized capital up to 100 percent over the current authorization unless the increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding.

 

Generally vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital to any amount, unless:

   

The specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet ISS guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or

   

The increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding after adjusting for all proposed issuances.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

 

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Reduction of Capital

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to reduce capital for routine accounting purposes unless the terms are unfavorable to shareholders.

 

Vote proposals to reduce capital in connection with corporate restructuring on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Capital Structures

 

Generally vote FOR resolutions that seek to maintain or convert to a one share, one vote capital structure.

 

Generally vote AGAINST requests for the creation or continuation of dual class capital structures or the creation of new or additional supervoting shares.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Generally vote FOR the creation of a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50 percent of issued capital unless the terms of the preferred stock would adversely affect the rights of existing shareholders.

 

Generally vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets ISS’s guidelines on equity issuance requests.

 

Generally vote AGAINST the creation of a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares.

 

Generally vote AGAINST the creation of blank check preferred stock unless the board clearly states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

 

Vote proposals to increase blank check preferred authorizations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Debt Issuance Requests

 

Vote nonconvertible debt issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with or without preemptive rights.

 

Generally vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible debt instruments as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets ISS’s guidelines on equity issuance requests.

 

Generally vote FOR proposals to restructure existing debt arrangements unless the terms of the restructuring would adversely affect the rights of shareholders.

 

Pledging of Assets for Debt

 

Vote proposals to approve the pledging of assets for debt on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Increase in Borrowing Powers

 

Vote proposals to approve increases in a company’s borrowing powers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Share Repurchase Plans

 

Generally vote FOR share repurchase plans, unless:

   

Clear evidence of past abuse of the authority is available; or

   

The plan contains no safeguards against selective buybacks.

 

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Reissuance of Shares Repurchased

 

Generally vote FOR requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of this authority in the past.

 

Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issues/Increase In Par Value

 

Generally vote FOR requests to capitalize reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase par value.

 

Reorganizations/Restructurings

 

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Mergers and Acquisitions

 

Generally vote FOR mergers and acquisitions, unless:

   

The impact on earnings or voting rights for one class of shareholders is disproportionate to the relative contributions of the group; or

   

The company’s structure following the acquisition or merger does not reflect good corporate governance.

 

Generally vote AGAINST if the companies do not provide sufficient information upon request to make an informed voting decision.

 

Generally ABSTAIN if there is insufficient information available to make an informed voting decision.

 

Mandatory Takeover Bid Waivers

 

Vote proposals to waive mandatory takeover bid requirements on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Reincorporation Proposals

 

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Expansion of Business Activities

 

Generally vote FOR resolutions to expand business activities unless the new business takes the company into risky areas.

 

Related-Party Transactions

 

Vote related-party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Compensation Plans

 

Vote compensation plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Anti-takeover Mechanisms

 

Generally vote AGAINST all anti-takeover proposals unless they are structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on any proposal or offer.

 

Shareholder Proposals

 

Vote all shareholder proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

B-187


Generally vote FOR proposals that would improve the company’s corporate governance or business profile at a reasonable cost.

 

Generally vote AGAINST proposals that limit the company’s business activities or capabilities or result in significant costs being incurred with little or no benefit.

 

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EAGLE ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND GUIDELINES

 

The exercise of proxy voting rights is an important element in the successful management of clients’ investments. Eagle Asset Management recognizes its fiduciary responsibility to vote proxies solely in the best interests of both its ERISA and non-ERISA clients. We have therefore adopted the following proxy voting guidelines as a part of our overall goal of maximizing the growth of our clients’ assets.

 

Eagle generally votes proxies in furtherance of the long-term economic value of the underlying securities. We consider each proxy proposal on its own merits, and we make an independent determination of the advisability of supporting or opposing management’s position. We believe that the recommendations of management should be given substantial weight, but we will not support management proposals which we believe are detrimental to the underlying value of our clients’ positions.

 

We usually oppose proposals which dilute the economic interest of shareholders, and we also oppose those that reduce shareholders’ voting rights or otherwise limit their authority. With respect to takeover offers, Eagle calculates a “going concern” value for every holding. If the offer approaches or exceeds our value estimate, we will generally vote for the merger, acquisition or leveraged buy-out.

 

The following guidelines deal with a number of specific issues, particularly in the area of corporate governance. While they are not exhaustive, they do provide a good indication of Eagle’s general approach to a wide range of issues. A list of Eagle’s detailed voting guidelines is attached as appendix A and incorporates routine and non-routine proxy issues. On occasion we may vote a proxy otherwise than suggested by the guidelines, but departures from the guidelines will be rare, and we will explain the basis for such votes in our reports to clients.

 

If you have any questions about these guidelines, or about how we voted, or may vote, on a particular issue, please contact our Compliance Department at 1-800-237-3101.

 

I.    Directors and Auditors

 

Eagle generally supports the management slate of directors, although we may withhold our votes if the board has adopted excessive anti-takeover measures. (App. R1)

 

We favor inclusion of the selection of auditors on the proxy as a matter for shareholder ratification. As a general rule, in the absence of any apparent conflict of interest, we will support management’s selection of auditors. (App. R8)

 

II.    Corporate Governance

 

In the area of corporate governance, Eagle will generally support proxy measures which we believe tend to increase shareholder rights.

 

  A. Confidential Voting. We generally support proposals to adopt confidential voting and independent vote tabulation practices, which we believe lessen potential management pressure on shareholders and thus allow shareholders to focus on the merits of proxy proposals. (App S31)

 

  B. Greenmail. Unless they are part of anti-takeover provisions, we usually support anti-greenmail proposals because greenmail tends to discriminate against shareholders other than the greenmailer and may result in a decreased stock price. (App S23)

 

  C. Indemnification of Directors. We usually vote in favor of charter or by-law amendments which expand the indemnification of directors or limit their liability for breaches of care, because we believe such measures are important in attracting competent directors and officers. (App R4)

 

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  D. Cumulative Voting Rights. We usually support cumulative voting as an effective method of guaranteeing minority representation on a board. (App N17, S24)

 

  E. Opt Out of Delaware. We usually support by-law amendments requiring a company to opt out of the Delaware takeover statute because it is undemocratic and contrary to the principle that shareholders should have the final decision on merger or acquisition. (App S15, S46)

 

  F. Increases in Common Stock. We will generally support an increase in common stock of up to three times the number of shares outstanding and scheduled to be issued, including stock options, provided the increase is not intended to implement a poison pill defense. (App R18)

 

Eagle generally votes against the following anti-takeover proposals, as we believe they diminish shareholder rights.

 

  A. Fair Price Amendments. We generally oppose fair price amendments because they may deter takeover bids, but we will support those that consider only a two year price history and are not accompanied by a supermajority vote requirement. (App N3)

 

  B. Classified Boards. We generally oppose classified boards because they limit shareholder control. (App N4)

 

  C. Blank Check Preferred Stock. We generally oppose the authorization of blank check preferred stock because it limits shareholder rights and allows management to implement anti-takeover policies without shareholder approval. (App N2)

 

  D. Supermajority Provisions. We usually oppose supermajority-voting requirements because they often detract from the majority’s rights to enforce its will. (App N5, S32)

 

  E. Golden Parachutes. We generally oppose golden parachutes, as they tend to be excessive and self-serving, and we favor proposals which require shareholder approval of golden parachutes and similar arrangements. (App S18)

 

  F. Poison Pills. We believe poison pill defenses tend to depress the value of shares. Therefore, we will vote for proposals requiring (1) shareholder ratification of poison pills, (2) sunset provision for existing poison pills, and (3) shareholder vote on redemption of poison pills. (App N1)

 

  G. Reincorporation. We oppose reincorporation in another state in order to take advantage of a stronger anti-takeover statute. (App S15)

 

  H. Shareholder Rights. We oppose proposals which would eliminate, or limit, the rights of shareholders to call special meetings and to act by written consent because they detract from basic shareholder authority. (App S26-S30)

 

Eagle generally votes on other corporate governance issues as follows:

 

  A. Other Business. Absent any compelling grounds, we usually authorize management to vote in its discretion. (App R22)

 

  B. Differential Voting Rights. We usually vote against the issuance of new classes of stock with differential voting rights, because such rights can dilute the rights of existing shares. (App N27)

 

  C. Directors—Share Ownership. While we view some share ownership by directors as having a positive effect, we will usually vote against proposals requiring directors to own a specific number of shares. (App S5)

 

  D. Independent Directors. While we oppose proposals which would require that a board consist of a majority of independent directors, we may support proposals which call for some independent positions on the board. (App S11)

 

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  E. Preemptive Rights. We generally vote against preemptive rights proposals, as they may tend to limit share ownership, and they limit management’s flexibility to raise capital. (App N21, S25)

 

  F. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). We evaluate ESOPs on a case-by-case basis. We usually vote for unleveraged ESOPs if they provide for gradual accumulation of moderate levels of stock. For leveraged ESOPs, we examine the company’s state of incorporation, existence of supermajority vote rules in the charter, number of shares authorized for ESOP and number of shares held by insiders. We may also examine where the ESOP shares are purchased and the dilutive effect of the purchase. We vote against leveraged ESOPs if all outstanding loans are due immediately upon a change in control or if the ESOP appears to be primarily designed as an anti-takeover device. (App R21)

 

III.    Compensation and Stock Option Plans

 

We review compensation plan proposals on a case-by-case basis. We believe that strong compensation programs are needed to attract, hold and motivate good executives and outside directors, and so we generally tend to vote with management on these issues. However, if the proposals appear excessive, or bear no rational relation to company performance, we may vote in opposition.

 

With respect to compensation plans which utilize stock options or stock incentives, our analyses generally have lead us to vote with management. However, if the awards of options appear excessive, or if the plans reserve an unusually large percentage of the company’s stock for the award of options, we may oppose them because of concerns regarding the dilution of shareholder value. Compensation plans that come within the purview of this guideline include long-range compensation plans, deferred compensation plans, long-term incentive plans, performance stock plans, and restricted stock plans and share option arrangements. (App N7)

 

IV.    Social Issues

 

Eagle has a fiduciary duty to vote on all proxy issues in furtherance of the long-term economic value of the underlying shares. Consistent with that duty, we have found that management generally analyzes such issues on the same basis, and so we generally support management’s recommendations on social issue proposals. (App S40-S65)

 

Examples of proposals in this category include:

  1. Anti-Abortion.
  2. Affirmative Action.
  3. Animal Rights.
  a. Animal Testing.
  b. Animal Experimentation.
  c. Factory Farming.
  4. Chemical Releases.
  5. El Salvador.
  6. Environmental Issues.
  a. CERES Principles.
  b. Environmental Protection.
  7. Equal Opportunity.
  8. Discrimination.
  9. Government Service.
  10. Infant Formula.
  11. Israel.
  12. Military Contracts.
  13. Northern Ireland.
  a. MacBride Principles.

 

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  14. Nuclear Power.
  a. Nuclear Waste.
  b. Nuclear Energy Business.
  15. Planned Parenthood Funding.
  16. Political Contributions.
  17. South Africa.
  a. Sullivan Principles.
  18. Space Weapons.
  19. Tobacco-Related Products.
  20. World Debt.

 

VII.    Conflicts of Interest

 

Investment advisers who vote client proxies may, from time to time, be faced with situations which present the adviser with a potential conflict of interest. For example, a conflict of interest could exist where Eagle, or an affiliate, provides investment advisory services, or brokerage or underwriting services, to a company whose management is soliciting proxies, and a vote against management could harm Eagle’s, or the affiliate’s, business relationship with that company. Potential conflicts of interest may also arise where Eagle has business or personal relationships with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, or corporate directors or candidates for directorships.

 

Eagle addresses the potential conflict of interest issue primary by voting proxies in accordance with the predetermined set of Guidelines described above. With very few exceptions, Eagle’s proxy votes are cast as prescribed by our guidelines. On the rare occasion where a portfolio manager may recommend a vote contrary to Eagle’s Guidelines, Eagle’s Compliance Department will review the proxy issue and the recommended vote to ensure that the vote is cast in compliance with Eagle’s overriding obligation to vote proxies in the best interests of clients and to avoid conflicts of interest. By limiting the discretionary factor in the proxy voting process, Eagle is confident that potential conflicts of interest will not affect the manner in which proxy voting rights are exercised.

 

VIII.    Record Keeping

 

The following documents related to Proxy Voting are kept by Eagle Compliance in accordance with Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act.

 

  Ø Copy of each proxy statement received.

 

  Ø Record of each vote cast.

 

  Ø Copy of any documents created by Eagle that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies on behalf of a client or that memorializes the basis for that decision.

 

  Ø Copy of each written client request for information on how Eagle voted proxies on behalf of the client.

 

  Ø Copy of all written responses by Eagle to client who requested (written or oral) information on how the Eagle voted proxies on behalf of the client.

 

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EARNEST PARTNERS, LLC

 

Proxy Policies

 

The best interest of clients and plan participants (the “Client”) will be the sole consideration of EARNEST Partners (the “Adviser”) when voting proxies of portfolio companies. Each proxy issue will receive individual consideration based on the relevant facts and circumstances. As a general rule, the Adviser will vote against actions which would reduce the rights or options of shareholders, reduce shareholder influence over the board of directors and management, reduce the alignment of interests between management and shareholders, or reduce the value of shareholders’ investments. Following is a partial list of issues that require special attention: classified boards, change of state of incorporation, poison pills, unequal voting rights plans, provisions requiring supermajority approval of a merger, executive severance agreements, and provisions limiting shareholder rights.

 

In addition, the following will be adhered to unless the Adviser is instructed otherwise in writing by the Client:

 

   

The Adviser will not actively engage in conduct that involves an attempt to change or influence the control of a portfolio company.

 

   

The Adviser will not announce its voting intentions or the reasons for a particular vote.

 

   

The Advisor will not participate in a proxy solicitation or otherwise seek proxy voting authority from any other portfolio company shareholder.

 

   

The Adviser will not act in concert with any other portfolio company shareholders in connection with any proxy issue or other activity involving the control or management of a portfolio company.

 

   

All communications with portfolio companies or fellow shareholders will be for the sole purpose of expressing and discussing the Adviser’s concerns for its Clients’ interests and not in an attempt to influence the control of management.

 

With respect to ERISA accounts, the Adviser will act prudently, solely in the interest of plan participants and beneficiaries and for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to them. It is the Adviser’s policy to fully comply with all ERISA provisions regarding proxy voting for ERISA accounts and to the extent possible, amend its policies and procedures from time to time to reflect the Department of Labor’s views of the proxy voting duties and obligations imposed by ERISA with respect to ERISA accounts.

 

Proxy Procedures

 

The Adviser has designated a Proxy Director. The Proxy Director will consider each issue presented on each portfolio company proxy. The circumstances underlying each proxy issue will be given careful individual attention. The Proxy Director will also use all available resources, including proxy evaluation services, to assist in the analysis of proxy issues. Proxy issues presented to the Proxy Director will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the Proxy Director, taking into account the general policies outlined above and the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Guidelines. Therefore, it is possible that actual votes may differ from these general policies and the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Guidelines. In the case where the Adviser has a material conflict of interest with a Client, the Proxy Director will utilize the services of outside third party professionals (such as Institutional Shareholder Services) to assist in its analysis of voting issues and the actual voting of proxies to ensure that a decision to vote the proxies was based on the Client’s best interest and was not the product of a conflict of interest. In the event the services of an outside third party professional are not available in connection with a conflict of interest, the Adviser will seek the advice of the Client.

 

A detailed description of the Adviser’s specific Proxy Voting Guidelines will be furnished upon request. You may also obtain information about how the Adviser has voted with respect to portfolio company securities by calling, writing, or emailing us at:

 

EARNEST Partners

1180 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2300

Atlanta, GA 30309

invest@earnestpartners.com

404-815-8772

 

The Adviser reserves the right to change these policies and procedures at any time without notice.

 

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GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT

 

POLICY ON PROXY VOTING

 

FOR INVESTMENT ADVISORY CLIENTS

 

Goldman Sachs Asset Management (“GSAM”) has adopted the policies and procedures set out below regarding the voting of proxies on securities held in client accounts (the “Policy”). These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that where GSAM has the authority to vote proxies, GSAM complies with its legal, fiduciary, and contractual obligations.

 

Guiding Principles

 

Proxy voting and the analysis of corporate governance issues in general are important elements of the portfolio management services we provide to our advisory clients who have authorized us to address these matters on their behalf. Our guiding principles in performing proxy voting are to make decisions that (i) favor proposals that tend to maximize a company’s shareholder value and (ii) are not influenced by conflicts of interest. These principles reflect GSAM’s belief that sound corporate governance will create a framework within which a company can be managed in the interests of its shareholders.

 

Public Equity Investments

 

To implement these guiding principles for investments in publicly-traded equities, we follow the Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) Standard Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), except in circumstances as described below. The Guidelines embody the positions and factors GSAM generally considers important in casting proxy votes. They address a wide variety of individual topics, including, among other matters, shareholder voting rights, anti-takeover defenses, board structures, the election of directors, executive and director compensation, reorganizations, mergers, and various shareholder proposals. Recognizing the complexity and fact-specific nature of many corporate governance issues, the Guidelines often do not direct a particular voting outcome, but instead identify factors ISS considers in determining how the vote should be cast.

 

In connection with each proxy vote, ISS prepares a written analysis and recommendation (an “ISS Recommendation”) that reflects ISS’s application of Guidelines to the particular proxy issues. Where the Guidelines do not direct a particular response and instead list relevant factors, the ISS Recommendation will reflect ISS’s own evaluation of the factors. As explained more fully below, however, each GSAM equity portfolio management team (“Portfolio Management Team”) may on any particular proxy vote decide to diverge from the Guidelines or an ISS Recommendation. In such cases, our procedures require: (i) the requesting Portfolio Management Team to set forth the reasons for their decision; (ii) the approval of the Local Chief Investment Officer for the requesting Portfolio Management Team; (iii) notification to the Global Chief Investment Officer and other appropriate GSAM personnel; (iv) a determination that the decision is not influenced by any conflict of interest; and (v) the creation of a written record reflecting the process.

 

The principles and positions reflected in this Policy are designed to guide us in voting proxies, and not necessarily in making investment decisions. Portfolio Management Teams base their determinations of whether to invest in a particular company on a variety of factors, and while corporate governance may be one such factor, it may not be the primary consideration.

 

Senior management of GSAM periodically reviews this Policy, including our use of the Guidelines, to ensure it continues to be consistent with our guiding principles.

 

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Implementation by Portfolio Management Teams

 

General Overview

 

While it is GSAM’s policy generally to follow the Guidelines and the ISS Recommendations, the active-equity and quantitative-equity Portfolio Management Teams have developed different approaches for using the Guidelines and ISS Recommendations in light of their different investment philosophies and processes.

 

Active Equity

 

Our active-equity Portfolio Management Teams view the analysis of corporate governance practices as an integral part of the investment research and stock valuation process. Therefore, on a case-by-case basis and subject to the approval process described above, each active-equity Portfolio Management Team may vote differently from the Guidelines or a particular ISS Recommendation. In forming their views on particular matters, our active-equity Portfolio Management Teams are permitted to consider applicable regional rules and practices, including codes of conduct and other guides, regarding proxy voting, in addition to the Guidelines and ISS Recommendations.

 

In our active-equity investment research process, responsibility for analyzing corporate board structures and the corporate governance practices of portfolio companies in connection with proxy voting decisions lies with the relevant Portfolio Management Team. Accordingly, each active-equity Portfolio Management Team is charged with performing these functions for the portfolio companies as part of the team’s research efforts.

 

As part of that research process, each active-equity Portfolio Management Team has regular internal research meetings to discuss the companies held in a particular team’s investment portfolio. Among the topics that may be discussed at these meetings are issues pertaining to a portfolio company’s record and policies on corporate governance practices that may affect shareholder value.

 

Each active-equity Portfolio Management Team determines how to allocate responsibility for analyzing corporate governance issues and proxy voting decisions among the team’s members. Under each arrangement, the work related to proxy voting is integrated into our research process. Each active-equity Portfolio Management Team remains responsible for ensuring that corporate governance issues are analyzed and proxy votes are cast in a manner consistent with our guiding principles.

 

Quantitative Equity

 

Our quantitative-equity Portfolio Management Teams, by contrast, have decided to follow the Guidelines and ISS Recommendations exclusively, based on such Portfolio Management Teams’ investment philosophy and approach to portfolio construction, as well as the evaluation of ISS’s services and methodology in analyzing shareholder and corporate governance matters. Nevertheless, our quantitative-equity Portfolio Management Teams retain the authority to revisit this position, with respect to both their general approach to proxy voting (subject to the approval of GSAM senior management) and any specific shareholder vote (subject to the approval process described above).

 

Use of Third-Party Service Providers

 

We utilize independent service providers, such as ISS, to assist us in developing substantive proxy voting positions. ISS also updates and revises the Guidelines on a periodic basis, and any such revisions are reviewed by GSAM to determine whether they are consistent with our guiding principles. In addition, ISS assists us in the proxy voting process by providing operational, recordkeeping and reporting services.

 

GSAM’s decision to retain ISS to perform the services described in this Policy is based principally on the view the services ISS provides will result in proxy voting decisions that are consistent with our guiding

 

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principles. GSAM management is responsible for reviewing our relationship with ISS and for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of the various services provided by ISS to assist us in satisfying our proxy voting responsibilities.

 

GSAM may hire other service providers to replace or supplement ISS with respect to any of the services GSAM currently receives from ISS. In addition, individual Portfolio Management Teams may supplement the information and analyses ISS provides from other sources.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Pursuant to this Policy, GSAM has implemented procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing its proxy voting decisions. These procedures include our use of the Guidelines and ISS Recommendations. Proxy votes cast by GSAM in accordance with the Guidelines and ISS Recommendations will not present any conflicts of interest because GSAM casts such votes in accordance with a pre-determined policy based upon the recommendations of an independent third party.

 

Our procedures also prohibit the influence of conflicts of interest where an active-equity Portfolio Management Team decides to vote against an ISS Recommendation. In general, conflicts of interest between GSAM and other businesses within Goldman Sachs should not affect GSAM in light of the information barrier policies separating GSAM from those other businesses. In addition, in any particular case, the approval process for a decision to vote against an ISS Recommendation, as described above, includes an inquiry into potential conflicts of interest, and GSAM senior management will not approve decisions that are based on the influence of such conflicts.

 

Fixed Income and Private Investments

 

Voting decisions with respect to client investments in fixed income securities and the securities of privately-held issuers generally will be made by the relevant portfolio managers based on their assessment of the particular transactions or other matters at issue.

 

External Managers

 

Where GSAM places client assets with managers outside of GSAM, whether through separate accounts, funds-of-funds or other structures, such external managers generally will be responsible for voting proxies in accordance with the managers’ own policies. GSAM may, however, retain such responsibilities where it deems appropriate.

 

Client Direction

 

Clients may choose to vote proxies themselves, in which case they must arrange for their custodians to send proxy materials directly to them. GSAM can also accommodate individual clients that have developed their own guidelines with ISS or another proxy service. Clients may also discuss with GSAM the possibility of receiving individualized reports or other individualized services regarding proxy voting conducted on their behalf.

 

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HARRIS ASSOCIATES L.P.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES, GUIDELINES, AND PROCEDURES

 

I. PROXY VOTING POLICY

 

Harris Associates L.P. (“Harris”, “the Firm” or “we”) believes that proxy voting rights are valuable portfolio assets and an important part of our investment process, and we exercise our voting responsibilities as a fiduciary solely with the goal of serving the best interests of our clients in their capacity as shareholders of a company. As an investment manager, Harris is primarily concerned with maximizing the value of its clients’ investment portfolios. Harris has long been active in voting proxies on behalf of shareholders in the belief that the proxy voting process is a significant means of addressing crucial corporate governance issues and encouraging corporate actions that are believed to enhance shareholder value. We have a Proxy Committee comprised of investment professionals that reviews and recommends policies and procedures regarding our proxy voting and ensures compliance with those policies.

 

The proxy voting guidelines below summarize Harris’ position on various issues of concern to investors and give a general indication of how proxies on portfolio securities will be voted on proposals dealing with particular issues. We will generally vote proxies in accordance with these guidelines, except as otherwise determined by the Proxy Committee, unless the client has specifically instructed us to vote otherwise. These guidelines are not exhaustive and do not include all potential voting issues. Because proxy issues and the circumstances of individual companies vary, there may be instances when Harris may not vote in strict adherence to these guidelines. Our investment professionals, as part of their ongoing review and analysis of all portfolio holdings, are responsible for monitoring significant corporate developments, including proxy proposals submitted to shareholders, and notifying the Proxy Committee if they believe the economic interests of shareholders may warrant a vote contrary to these guidelines. In such cases, the Proxy Committee will determine how the proxies will be voted.

 

In determining the vote on any proposal, the Proxy Committee will consider the proposal’s expected impact on shareholder value and will not consider any benefit to Harris, its employees, its affiliates or any other person, other than benefits to the owners of the securities to be voted, as shareholders.

 

Harris considers the reputation, experience and competence of a company’s management when it evaluates the merits of investing in a particular company, and we invest in companies in which we believe management goals and shareholder goals are aligned. When this happens, by definition, voting with management is generally the same as voting to maximize the expected value of our investment. Accordingly, on most issues, our votes are cast in accordance with management’s recommendations. This does not mean that we do not care about corporate governance. Rather, it is confirmation that our process of investing with shareholder aligned management is working. Proxy voting is not always black and white, however, and reasonable people can disagree over some matters of business judgment. When we believe management’s position on a particular issue is not in the best interests of our clients, we will vote contrary to management’s recommendation.

 

II. VOTING GUIDELINES

 

The following guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders.

 

Board of Directors Issues

 

Harris believes that boards should have a majority of independent directors and that audit, compensation and nominating committees should generally consist solely of independent directors.

 

Approved by the Proxy Voting Committee on February 11th, 2008

 

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  1. Harris will normally vote in favor of the slate of directors recommended by the issuer’s board provided that a majority of the directors would be independent.

 

  2. Harris will normally vote in favor of proposals to require a majority of directors to be independent.

 

  3. Harris will normally vote in favor of proposals that audit, compensation and nominating committees consist solely of independent directors, and will vote against the election of non-independent directors who serve on those committees.

 

  4. Harris will normally vote in favor of proposals regarding director indemnification arrangements.

 

  5. Harris will normally vote against proposals advocating classified or staggered boards of directors.

 

  6. Harris will normally vote in favor of cumulative voting for directors.

 

Auditors

 

Harris believes that the relationship between an issuer and its auditors should be limited primarily to the audit engagement, although it may include certain closely related activities such as financial statement preparation and tax-related services that do not raise any appearance of impaired independence.

 

  1. Harris will normally vote in favor of ratification of auditors selected by the board or audit committee, subject to the above.

 

  2. Harris will normally vote against proposals to prohibit or limit fees paid to auditors for all non-audit services, subject to the above.

 

  3. Harris will normally vote in favor of proposals to prohibit or limit fees paid to auditors for general management consulting services other than auditing, financial statement preparation and controls, and tax-related services.

 

Equity Based Compensation Plans

 

Harris believes that appropriately designed equity-based compensation plans approved by shareholders can be an effective way to align the interests of long-term shareholders and the interests of management, employees and directors. However, we are opposed to plans that substantially dilute our ownership interest in the company, provide participants with excessive awards or have inherently objectionable structural features.

 

  1. Harris will normally vote against such plans where total potential dilution (including all equity-based plans) exceeds 15% of shares outstanding.

 

  2. Harris will normally vote in favor of plans where total potential dilution (including all equity-based plans) does not exceed 15% of shares outstanding.

 

  3. Harris will normally vote in favor of proposals to require expensing of options.

 

  4. Harris will normally vote against proposals to permit repricing of underwater options.

 

  5. Harris will normally vote against shareholder proposals that seek to limit directors’ compensation to common stock.

 

  6. Harris will normally vote in favor of proposals for employee stock purchase plans, so long as shares purchased through such plans are sold at no less than 85% of current market value.

 

Approved by the Proxy Voting Committee on February 11th, 2008

 

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Corporate Structure and Shareholder Rights

 

Harris generally believes that all shareholders should have an equal voice and that barriers which limit the ability of shareholders to effect change and to realize full value are not desirable.

 

  1. Harris will normally vote in favor of proposals to authorize the repurchase of shares.

 

  2. Harris will normally vote against proposals creating or expanding supermajority voting rights.

 

  3. Harris will normally vote against the adoption of poison pill plans.

 

  4. Harris will normally vote in favor of proposals for stock splits and reverse stock splits.

 

  5. Harris will normally vote against proposals to authorize different classes of stock with different voting rights.

 

  6. Harris will normally vote against proposals to increase authorized shares with preemptive rights if the increase is greater than 100% of currently issued shares.

 

  7. Harris will normally vote for proposals to increase authorized shares with preemptive rights if the increase is less than 100% of currently issued shares.

 

  8. Harris will normally vote against proposals to increase authorized shares without preemptive rights if the increase is greater than 20% of currently issued shares.

 

  9. Harris will normally vote for proposals to increase authorized shares without preemptive rights if the increase is less than 20% of currently issued shares.

 

Routine Corporate Matters

 

Harris will generally vote in favor of routine business matters such as approving a motion to adjourn the meeting, declaring final payment of dividends, approving a change in the annual meeting date and location, approving the minutes of a previously held meeting, receiving consolidated financial statements, change of corporate name and similar matters. However, to the extent that the voting recommendation of Institutional Investor Services (“ISS”), the Firm’s proxy voting service provider, opposes the issuer’s management on the routine matter, the proposal will be submitted to the Proxy Committee for determination.

 

Social Responsibility Issues

 

Harris believes that matters related to a company’s day-to-day business operations are primarily the responsibility of management and should be reviewed and supervised solely by the company’s board of directors. Harris is focused on maximizing long-term shareholder value and will typically vote against shareholder proposals requesting that a company disclose or amend certain business practices unless we believe a proposal would have a substantial positive economic impact on the company.

 

Certain Other Issues

 

Harris may also maintain Supplemental Proxy Voting Guidelines to address certain proposals that are not as enduring as those listed above, but yet may be presented repeatedly by issuers during a given proxy season. For example, companies in a particular industry or country may be affected by a change in the law that requires them to submit a one-time proxy proposal during the proxy season. The Proxy Committee will determine which proposals will be included on the list of Supplemental Proxy Voting Guidelines, and will update the list as needed. The Proxy Committee will provide the list to research analysts and the Proxy Administrator.

 

Approved by the Proxy Voting Committee on February 11th, 2008

 

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III. VOTING SHARES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS

 

Because foreign issuers are incorporated under the laws of countries outside the United States, protection for and disclosures to shareholders may vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Laws governing foreign issuers may, in some cases, provide substantially less protection for shareholders. As a result, the foregoing guidelines, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers. Harris will generally vote proxies of foreign issuers in accordance with the foregoing guidelines where appropriate.

 

In some non-U.S. jurisdictions, sales of securities voted may be prohibited for some period of time, usually between the record and meeting dates (“share blocking”). Since these time periods are usually relatively short in light of our long-term investment strategy, in most cases, share blocking will not impact our voting decisions. However, there may be occasions where the loss of investment flexibility resulting from share blocking will outweigh the benefit to be gained by voting.

 

IV. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

The Proxy Committee, in consultation with the Legal and Compliance Departments, is responsible for monitoring and resolving possible material conflicts of interest with respect to proxy voting. A conflict of interest may exist, for example, when: (i) proxy votes regarding non-routine matters are solicited by an issuer who has an institutional separate account relationship with Harris or Harris is actively soliciting business from the issuer; (ii) when we are aware that a proponent of a proxy proposal has a business relationship with Harris or Harris is actively soliciting such business (e.g., an employee group for which Harris manages money); (iii) when we are aware that Harris has business relationships with participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or director candidates; or (iv) when we are aware that a Harris employee has a personal interest in the outcome of a particular matter before shareholders (e.g., a Harris executive has an immediate family member who serves as a director of a company). Any employee with knowledge of any conflict of interest relating to a particular proxy vote shall disclose that conflict to the Proxy Committee. In addition, if any member of the Proxy Committee has a conflict of interest, he or she will recuse himself or herself from any consideration of the matter, and an alternate member of the committee will act in his or her place.

 

Harris is committed to resolving any such conflicts in its clients’ collective best interest, and accordingly, we will vote pursuant to the Guidelines set forth in this Proxy Voting Policy when conflicts of interest arise. However, if we believe that voting in accordance with a Guideline is not in the best interest of our clients under the particular facts and circumstances presented, or if the proposal is not addressed by the Guidelines, then we will vote in accordance with the guidance of ISS. If ISS has not provided guidance with respect to the proposal or if we believe the recommendation of ISS is not in the best interests of our clients, then the Proxy Committee will refer the matter to (1) the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Harris Associates Investment Trust for a determination of how shares held in The Oakmark Funds will be voted, and (2) the Proxy Voting Conflicts Committee consisting of Harris’ General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer for a determination of how shares held in all other client accounts will be voted. Each of those committees will keep a written record of the basis for its decision.

 

V. VOTING PROCEDURES

 

The following procedures have been established with respect to the voting of proxies on behalf of all clients, including mutual funds advised by Harris, for which Harris has voting responsibility.

 

Approved by the Proxy Voting Committee on February 11th, 2008

 

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Proxy Voting Committee.    The Proxy Voting Committee (the “Committee”) is responsible for recommending proxy voting guidelines, establishing and maintaining policies and procedures for proxy voting, and ensuring compliance with these policies and procedures. The Committee consists of three investment professionals: one domestic portfolio manager, one domestic research analyst, and one international research analyst. Committee members serve for three years with members replaced on a rotating basis. New Committee members are nominated by the Committee and confirmed in writing by Harris’ Chief Executive Officer. The Committee also has two alternate members (one domestic analyst and one international analyst) either of who may serve in the absence of a regular member of the Committee.

 

Proxy Administrator.    The Proxy Administrator is an employee of Harris reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer and is responsible for ensuring that all votes are placed with the proxy voting service provider and that all necessary records, as appropriate, are maintained reflecting such voting.

 

Proxy Voting Service Provider.    Harris has engaged ISS, an independent proxy voting service provider, to assist in voting proxies. ISS provides the Firm with information concerning shareholder meetings, electronic voting, recordkeeping and reporting services, research with respect to companies, and proxy voting guidance and recommendations.

 

Voting Decisions.    As described in the Proxy Voting Policy above, the Firm has established proxy voting guidelines, including supplemental proxy voting guidelines, on various issues. We will generally vote proxies in accordance with these guidelines except as otherwise determined by the Proxy Committee. The Proxy Administrator, or designated back-up, is responsible for alerting the Firm’s research analyst who follows the company about the proxy proposals. If the analyst believes the proxy should be voted in accordance with the Guidelines, he or she will vote the proposal accordingly and indicate his or her initials in the appropriate location of the electronic ballot and submit the vote for further processing by the Proxy Administrator. If the analyst believes the proxy should be voted contrary to the Guidelines, he or she will submit the proposal, along with his or her recommended vote and ISS’s recommended vote, if any, to the Proxy Committee, which reviews the proposal and the analyst’s recommendation and makes a voting decision by majority vote. If a proposal is not explicitly addressed by the Guidelines but the analyst agrees with the voting recommendation of ISS regarding that proposal, he or she will vote the proxy in accordance with such recommendation and indicate his or her initials in the appropriate location of the electronic ballot and submit the vote for further processing by the Proxy Administrator. If a proposal is not explicitly addressed by the Guidelines and the analyst believes the proxy should be voted contrary to the ISS recommendation, he or she will submit the proposal, along with his or her recommended vote and ISS’s recommended vote to the Proxy Committee, which reviews the proposal and the analyst’s recommendation and makes a voting decision by majority vote. If neither the Guidelines nor ISS address the proxy proposal, the analyst will submit the proposal and his or her recommended vote to the Proxy Committee, which makes a voting decision by majority vote. That Proxy Committee decision is reflected in the electronic ballot.

 

In the case where securities that are not on the Firm’s Approved Lists of domestic, international or small cap securities are held in managed accounts, the Proxy Administrator, or designated back-up, will vote all shares in accordance with the Firm’s guidelines or, if the guidelines do not address the particular issue, in accordance with the guidance of ISS.

 

In the case of a conflict of interest, the Proxy Administrator will vote in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Conflicts of Interest provisions described above.

 

Approved by the Proxy Voting Committee on February 11th, 2008

 

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Voting Ballots.    For shares held in The Oakmark Funds and other client accounts, the MIS Department sends a daily holdings file to ISS detailing the holdings in the Funds and other client accounts. ISS is responsible for reconciling this information with the information it receives from the custodians and escalating any discrepancies to the attention of the Proxy Administrator. The Proxy Administrator works with ISS and custodians to resolve any discrepancies to ensure that all shares entitled to vote are voted.

 

Recordkeeping and Reporting.    Much of Harris’ recordkeeping and reporting is maintained electronically on ISS’s systems. In the event that records are not held electronically within ISS’s system, Harris will maintain records of proxy voting proposals received, records of votes cast on behalf of clients, and any documentation material to a proxy voting decision as required by law. Upon request, or on an annual basis for ERISA accounts, Harris will provide clients with the proxy voting record for that client’s account. Beginning in August 2004, on an annual basis, Harris will make available the voting record for The Oakmark Funds for the previous one-year period ended June 30th on The Oakmark Funds website.

 

Approved by the Proxy Voting Committee on February 11th, 2008

 

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INSIGHT CAPITAL RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT, INC.

STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING PROXY VOTING

 

Set forth below are the policies and procedures of the Firm with respect to proxy voting. This Statement does not attempt to describe every regulatory and compliance requirement applicable to proxy voting, but rather summarizes some of the issues involved and establishes general rules and procedures. Although this Statement expressly addresses proxy voting, the policies and procedures set forth herein apply to any solicitation of votes with respect to securities held in a Discretionary Account (as defined below), such as, for example, the solicitation of the consent of the holders of fixed income securities to a proposed restructuring.

 

Some of the terms used herein regarding proxy voting have the following definitions:

 

“Discretionary Account” means any Client Account with respect to which that client has granted the Firm (a) discretionary proxy voting authority, or (b) discretionary investment authority without expressly retaining proxy voting authority, unless the Client has instructed the Client Account’s custodian not to send proxy statements to the Firm.

 

“Non-Discretionary Account” means any Client Account with respect to which that client (a) has granted the Firm discretionary investment authority but has expressly retained proxy voting authority, (b) has not granted the Firm discretionary investment authority or discretionary proxy voting authority, or (c) has instructed the Client Account’s custodian not to send proxy statements to the Firm. Any specific securities in an otherwise Discretionary Account over which a client has retained discretion are considered to be in a Non-Discretionary Account.

 

“Proxy Control Officer” means Lisa Miller.

 

A. Discretionary Accounts.

 

The Firm will vote all proxies on behalf of Discretionary Accounts after carefully considering all proxy solicitation materials and other available facts. The Firm’s Equity Analyst responsible for coverage of the security for which a proxy is received will make all voting decisions on behalf of a Discretionary Account based solely on the voting guidelines established by the Firm’s Investment Committee in the best interests of that Discretionary Account. The Firm will use reasonable efforts to respond to each proxy solicitation by the deadline for such response.

 

The Proxy Control Officer may designate an appropriate employee of the Firm to be responsible for insuring that all proxy statements are received and that the Firm responds to them in a timely manner.

 

1. Company Information. The Firm will review all proxy solicitation materials it receives concerning securities held in a Discretionary Account. The Firm will evaluate all such information and may seek additional information from the party soliciting the proxy and independent corroboration of such information when the Firm considers it appropriate and when it is reasonably available.

 

2. Proxy Voting Policies.

 

a. The Firm will vote FOR a proposal when it believes that the proposal serves the best interests of the Discretionary Account whose proxy is solicited because, on balance, the following factors predominate:

 

(i) the proposal has a positive economic effect on shareholder value;

 

(ii) the dilution, if any, of existing shares that would result from approval of the proposal is warranted by the benefits of the proposal; and

 

(iii) the proposal does not limit or impair accountability to shareholders on the part of management and the board of directors.

 

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b. The Firm will vote AGAINST a proposal if it believes that, on balance, the following factors predominate:

 

(i) the proposal has an adverse economic effect on shareholder value;

 

(ii) the proposal limits the rights of shareholders in a manner or to an extent that is not warranted by the benefits of the proposal;

 

(iii) the proposal causes significant dilution of shares that is not warranted by the benefits of the proposal;

 

(iv) the proposal limits or impairs accountability to the shareholders on the part of management or the board of directors; or

 

(v) the proposal is a shareholder initiative that the Firm believes wastes time and resources of the company or reflects the grievance of one individual.

 

c. The Firm will ABSTAIN from voting proxies when the Firm believes that it is appropriate. Usually, this occurs when the Firm believes that a proposal holds negative but nonquantifiable implications for shareholder value but may express a legitimate concern.

 

d. From time to time, the Firm adopts more detailed proxy voting guidelines in accordance with this section 2, the most recent version of which is attached to this Statement.

 

3. Conflicts of Interest. Due to the size and nature of the Firm’s operations and the Firm’s limited affiliations in the securities industry, the Firm does not expect that material conflicts of interest will arise between the Firm and a Discretionary Account over proxy voting. The Firm recognizes, however, that such conflicts may arise from time to time, such as, for example, when the Firm or one of its affiliates has a business arrangement that could be affected by the outcome of a proxy vote or has a personal or business relationship with a person seeking appointment or re-appointment as a director of a company. If a material conflict of interest arises, the Firm will vote all proxies in accordance with section 2. Under no circumstances will the Firm place its own interests ahead of the interests of its Discretionary Accounts in voting proxies.

 

If the Firm determines that the proxy voting policies in section 2 do not adequately address a material conflict of interest related to a proxy, the Firm will provide the affected client with copies of all proxy solicitation materials received by the Firm with respect to that proxy, notify that client of the actual or potential conflict of interest and of the Firm’s intended response to the proxy request (which response will be in accordance with the policies set forth in section 2(b)), and request that the client consent to the Firm’s intended response. If the client consents to the Firm’s intended response or fails to respond to the notice within a reasonable period of time specified in the notice, the Firm will vote the proxy as described in the notice. If the client objects to the Firm’s intended response, the Firm will vote the proxy as directed by the client.

 

4. Proxy Vote Summaries. At the request of a Discretionary Account client, the Firm will provide that client with a report summarizing all proxy solicitations the Firm received with respect to that Discretionary Account during the period requested by the client and action taken by the Firm on each such proxy.

 

B. Non-Discretionary Accounts.

 

The Firm promptly will forward any proxy solicitation materials concerning securities held in a Non-Discretionary Account that the Firm receives as soon as reasonably practicable to the appropriate client. The Firm will vote any such proxy as directed by that client. At a client’s request, the Firm may, but is not obligated to, advise that client with respect to the voting of any proxy. No advice concerning the voting of any proxy may be provided to any client unless such advice has been approved by the Proxy Control Officer.

 

C. Records.

 

The Firm will keep a copy of (1) each proxy statement it receives regarding securities held in Discretionary Accounts, (2) a record of each vote cast by the Firm with respect to securities in each Discretionary Account,

 

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(3) any document created by the Firm that is material to the Firm’s decision on voting a proxy or that describes the basis for that decision, (4) each written request from a Discretionary Account client for information about how the Firm votes proxies and (5) each written response by the Firm to any oral or written request from a Discretionary Account client for such information. The Firm may delegate to a third party the duty to keep the records identified in clauses (1) and (2) of the preceding sentence, if that third party agrees to furnish such records to the Firm promptly on request. Each such record will be maintained by the Firm or such third party for at least five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry is made in that record, and for the first two years in the Firm’s office. The Firm may elect not to keep a copy of a proxy statement if it can obtain such statement electronically via the SEC’s EDGAR system.

 

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

INSIGHT CAPITAL RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

1. WITHHOLD votes from director nominees IF 51% or more of the directors are employees of the company.

 

2. WITHHOLD votes from director nominees IF 20% or more of the directors are individuals with financial or other ties to the company as reported in the proxy statement.

 

3. WITHHOLD votes from director nominees IF 49% or more of directors serving on the board’s nominating committee are employees of the company.

 

4. WITHHOLD votes from director nominees IF 20% or more of directors serving on the board’s nominating committee are individuals with reported financial or other ties to the company as reported in the proxy statement.

 

5. WITHHOLD votes from director nominees IF 49% or more of directors serving and voting on the board’s compensation committee are employees of the company.

 

6. WITHHOLD votes from director nominees IF 20% or more of directors serving and voting on the board’s compensation committee are individuals with financial ties or other links as reported in the proxy statement.

 

7. WITHHOLD votes from director nominees IF the board will consist of less than 5 directors after the election.

 

8. Vote FOR management proposals to increase authorized preferred stock.

 

9. Vote FOR management proposals to add shares to stock option plans for non-employee directors IF 10% stock appreciation + base = <$75,000.

 

10. Vote AGAINST proposals to add shares to stock option plans for non-employee directors IF the plan allows nonqualified options to be priced at less than 100% of the fair market value on the grant date.

 

11. Vote AGAINST proposals to add shares to stock option plans for non-employee directors IF dilution represented by this proposal is more than 5% of the outstanding voting power.

 

12. Vote AGAINST proposals to add shares to stock option plans for non-employee directors IF minimum potential dilution of all plans, as calculated by IRRC and including this proposal, is more than 5% of the total outstanding voting power.

 

13. Oppose option plans that in total offer dilution of greater than 10%.

 

14. Oppose option plans that allow for immediate vesting.

 

15. Oppose option plans if an insider sits on the Compensation Committee.

 

16. Oppose option plans deemed as excessive or improper in the voting analyst’s opinion.

 

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LEGG MASON CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Firm will exercise its proxy voting responsibilities to serve the best interests of its clients and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Firm recognizes that proxy voting is a valuable right of company shareholders and believes that shareholders are best served by a voting process guided by the principles of preserving and expanding the power of shareholders in areas of corporate governance and allowing responsible management teams to run businesses.

 

Procedures

 

Oversight of Principles and Procedures

 

The Firm’s Chief Investment Officer has full authority to determine the Firm’s proxy voting principles and procedures and vote proxies on behalf of the Firm’s clients. The Chief Investment Officer has delegated oversight and implementation of the proxy voting process, including the principles and procedures that govern it, to the Firm’s Proxy Officers and the Legal and Compliance Department. The Firm will periodically review its existing principles and procedures in light of the Firm’s duties as well as applicable laws and regulations to determine if any changes are necessary.

 

Limitations

 

The Firm recognizes proxy voting as a valuable right of company shareholders. Generally speaking, the Firm will vote all proxies it receives. However, the Firm may refrain from voting in certain circumstances. For instance, the Firm generally intends to refrain from voting a proxy if the company’s shares are no longer held by the Firm’s clients at the time of the meeting. Additionally, the Firm may refrain from voting a proxy if the Firm concludes the potential impact on shareholders’ interests is insignificant while the cost associated with analyzing and voting the proxy may be significant. If the Proxy Administration Officer confirms that shares of a security are on loan as of the record date of the meeting for which a proxy is received, the Firm will be unable to vote those shares for the client. As a general matter, the Firm discourages its clients from loaning the securities the Firm manages.

 

Proxy Administration

 

The Firm will instruct each client custodian to forward proxy materials to the vendor engaged by the Firm to electronically receive ballots and transmit the Firm’s proxy votes, as well as to maintain proxy voting receipts and records (the “Proxy Administration Vendor”). New client custodians will be notified at account inception of their responsibility to deliver proxy materials to the Firm’s Proxy Administration Vendor.

 

Compliance Review

 

A Compliance Officer will review the pending proxies and identify any potential conflicts between the Firm, or its employees, and the Firm’s clients.

 

Identifying Conflicts

 

In identifying conflicts of interest, a Compliance Officer will review the following issues:

 

(i) Whether there are any business or personal relationships between the Firm, or an employee of the Firm, and the officers, directors or shareholder proposal proponents of a company whose securities are held in client accounts that may create an incentive to vote in a manner that is not consistent with the best interests of the Firm’s clients;

 

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(ii) Whether the Firm has any other economic incentive to vote in a manner that is not consistent with the best interests of its clients; and;

 

(iii) Whether the Proxy Officer voting the shares is aware of any business or personal relationship, or other economic incentive that has the potential to influence the manner in which the Proxy Officer votes the shares.

 

Assessing Materiality

 

If it is determined that a conflict exists, the conflict will be deemed to be material if the Compliance Officer determines, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, that the conflict is likely to have an impact on the manner in which the subject shares are voted.

 

If the Compliance Officer determines that the conflict is not material, the proxy issue will be forwarded to the Proxy Officer for voting.

 

If the Compliance Officer determines that the conflict may be material, the following steps will be taken:

 

(i) The Compliance Officer will consult with representatives of the Firm’s senior management to make a final determination of materiality. The Compliance Officer will maintain a record of this determination.

 

(ii) After the determination is made, the following procedures will apply:

 

(a) If the final determination is that the conflict is not material, the proxy issue will be forwarded to the Proxy Officer for voting;

 

(b) If the final determination is that the conflict is material, the following procedures will apply:

 

(1) If the Firm’s Proxy Voting Guidelines (“Guidelines”), a copy of which is included as Schedule 3, definitively address the issues presented for vote, the Firm will vote according to the Guidelines;

 

(2) If the issues presented for vote are not definitively addressed in the Guidelines, the Firm will either (x) follow the vote recommendation of an independent Voting Delegate or (y) disclose the conflict to clients and obtain their consent to vote.

 

Notification to Clients

 

To the extent a client requires notification if a conflict of interest is identified, a Compliance Officer will ensure that notification is carried out in a timely manner.

 

Proxy Officer Duties

 

The Proxy Officer will review proxies and evaluate matters for vote in light of the Firm’s principles and procedures and the Guidelines. The Proxy Officer may seek additional information from the Firm’s Investment Team, company management, independent research services, or other sources to determine how to vote in the best interests of shareholders. Additionally, the Proxy Officer may consult with the Firm’s Chief Investment Officer for guidance on proxy issues. Generally, the Proxy Officer will not consult the Firm’s affiliates during this process. The Firm will maintain all documents that it creates that were material to its process for determining how to vote proxies for its clients or that memorialize the basis for a vote. The Proxy Officer will sign and return to the Proxy Administration Officer all forms indicating the manner in which votes on proxy issues should be cast by the Proxy Administration Officer.

 

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Proxy Administration Officer Duties

 

The Proxy Administration Officer will:

 

(i) Provide custodians with instructions to forward proxies to the Firm’s Proxy Administration Vendor for all clients for whom the Firm is responsible for voting proxies;

 

(ii) When proxy data is received from the Firm’s Proxy Administration Vendor, reconcile the number of shares indicated on the proxy with the Firm’s internal data on shares held as of the record date;

 

a) Other Discrepancies Noted

If any share discrepancies are noted, the Proxy Administration Officer will notify the custodian.

 

1) Manual Voting

 

If the Firm’s Proxy Administration Vendor did not receive a ballot for a client, the Proxy Administration Officer will contact the custodian to obtain a control number and then use the control number to allow the Proxy Administration Vendor to update the ballot, if time permits, or manually vote the shares for that client.

 

(iii) Use best efforts to obtain missing proxies from custodian;

 

(iv) Inform the Legal and Compliance Department and Proxy Administration Officer if the company’s shares are no longer held by Firm clients as of the meeting date;

 

(v) Ensure the Proxy Administration Officer and the Legal and Compliance Department are aware of the timeline to vote a proxy and use best efforts to ensure that votes are cast in a timely manner;

 

(vi) Per instructions from the Proxy Administration Officer or a Compliance Officer, vote proxy issues via the Proxy Administration Vendor’s software, online or via facsimile, and;

 

(vii) Obtain evidence of receipt and maintain records of all proxies voted.

 

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SCHEDULE 3

 

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

The Firm maintains these proxy-voting guidelines, which set forth the manner in which the Firm generally votes on issues that are routinely presented. Please note that for each proxy vote the Firm takes into consideration its duty to its clients, the specific circumstances of the vote and all other relevant facts available at the time of the vote. While these guidelines provide the framework for voting proxies, ultimately proxy votes are cast on a case-by-case basis. Therefore actual votes for any particular proxy issue may differ from the guidelines shown below.

 

Four principal areas of interest to shareholders:

 

1) Obligations of the Board of Directors

 

2) Compensation of management and the Board of Directors

 

3) Take-over protections

 

4) Shareholders’ rights

 

Proxy Issue


  

Firm Guideline


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    

Independence of Boards of Directors: majority of unrelated directors, independent of management

  

For

Nominating Process: independent nominating committee seeking qualified candidates, continually assessing directors and proposing new nominees

  

For

Size and Effectiveness of Boards of Directors: Boards must be no larger than 15 members

  

For

Cumulative Voting for Directors

  

For

Staggered Boards

  

Against

Separation of Board and Management Roles (CEO/Chairman)

  

Case-by-Case

Compensation Review Process: compensation committee comprised of outside, unrelated directors to ensure shareholder value while rewarding good performance

  


For

Director Liability & Indemnification: support limitation of liability and provide indemnification

  

For

Audit Process

  

For

Board Committee Structure: audit, compensation, and nominating and/or governance committee consisting entirely of independent directors

  

For

Monetary Arrangements for Directors: outside of normal board activities amts should be approved by a board of independent directors and reported in proxy

  

For

Fixed Retirement Policy for Directors

  

Case-by-Case

Ownership Requirement: all Directors have direct and material cash investment in common shares of Company

  

For

Proposals on Board Structure: (lead director, shareholder advisory committees, requirement that candidates be nominated by shareholders, attendance at meetings)

  


For

Annual Review of Board/CEO by Board

  

For

Periodic Executive Sessions Without Mgmt (including CEO)

  

For

Votes for Specific Directors

  

Case-by-Case

 

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Proxy Issue


  

Firm Guideline


MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

    

Stock Option and Incentive Compensation Plans:

  

Case-by-Case

Form of Vehicle: grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, phantom shares and restricted stock

  

Case-by-Case

Price

  

Against plans whose underlying securities are to be issued at less than 100% of the current market value

Re-pricing: plans that allow the Board of Directors to lower the exercise price of options already granted if the stock price falls or under-performs the market

  

Against

Expiry: plan whose options have a life of more than ten years

  

Case-by-Case

Expiry: “evergreen” stock option plans

  

Against

Dilution:

  

Case-by-Case—taking into account value creation, commitment to shareholder-friendly policies, etc.

Vesting: stock option plans that are 100% vested when granted

  

Against

Performance Vesting: link granting of options, or vesting of options previously granted, to specific performance targets

  

For

Concentration: authorization to allocate 20% or more of the available options to any one individual in any one year

  

Against

Director Eligibility: stock option plans for directors if terms and conditions are clearly defined and reasonable

  

Case-by-Case

Change in Control: stock option plans with change in control provisions that allow option holders to receive more for their options than shareholders would receive for their shares

  


Against

Change in Control: change in control arrangements developed during a take-over fight specifically to entrench or benefit management

  

Against

Change in Control: granting options or bonuses to outside directors in event of a change in control

  

Against

Board Discretion: plans to give Board broad discretion in setting terms and conditions of programs

  

Against

Employee Loans: Proposals authorizing loans to employees to pay for stock or options

  

Against

Director Compensation: % of directors’ compensation in form of common shares

  

For

Golden Parachutes

  

Case-by-Case

Expense Stock Options

  

For

Severance Packages: must receive shareholder approval

  

For

Lack of Disclosure about Provisions of Stock-based Plans

  

Against

Reload Options

  

Against

Plan Limited to a Small Number of Senior Employees

  

Against

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

  

Case-by-Case

 

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Proxy Issue


  

Firm Guideline


TAKEOVER PROTECTIONS

    

Shareholder Rights Plans: plans that go beyond ensuring the equal treatment of shareholders in the event of a bid and allowing the corp. enough time to consider alternatives to a bid

  


Against

Going Private Transaction, Leveraged Buyouts and Other Purchase Transactions

  

Case-by-Case

Lock-up Arrangements: “hard” lock-up arrangements that serve to prevent competing bids in a takeover situation

  

Against

Crown Jewel Defenses

  

Against

Payment of Greenmail

  

Against

“Continuing Director” or “Deferred Redemption” Provisions: provisions that seek to limit the discretion of a future board to redeem the plan

  

Against

Change Corporation’s Domicile: if reason for re-incorporation is to take advantage of protective statutes (anti-takeover)

  

Against

Poison Pills: receive shareholder ratification

  

For

Redemption/Ratification of Poison Pill

  

For

SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

    

Confidential Voting by Shareholders

  

For

Dual-Class Share Structures

  

Against

Linked Proposals: with the objective of making one element of a proposal more acceptable

  

Against

Blank Check Preferred Shares: authorization of, or an increase in, blank check preferred shares

  

Against

Supermajority Approval of Business Transactions: management seeks to increase the number of votes required on an issue above two-thirds of the outstanding shares

  


Against

Increase in Authorized Shares: provided the amount requested is necessary for sound business reasons

  

For

Shareholder Proposals

  

Case-by-Case

Stakeholder Proposals

  

Case-by-Case

Issuance of Previously Authorized Shares with Voting Rights to be Determined by the Board without Prior Specific Shareholder Approval

  

Against

“Fair Price” Provisions: Measures to limit ability to buy back shares from particular shareholder at higher-than-market prices

  

For

Preemptive Rights

  

For

Actions altering Board/Shareholder Relationship Require Prior Shareholder Approval (including “anti-takeover” measures)

  

For

Allow Shareholder action by written consent

  

For

Allow Shareholders to call Special Meetings

  

For

Social and Environmental Issues

  

As recommended by Company Management

Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses

  

Case-by-Case

 

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MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

March 1, 2008

 

Massachusetts Financial Services Company, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc. and MFS’ other investment adviser subsidiaries (except Four Pillars Capital, Inc.) (collectively, “MFS”) have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures, as set forth below (“MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures”), with respect to securities owned by the clients for which MFS serves as investment adviser and has the power to vote proxies, including the registered investment companies sponsored by MFS, other than the MFS Union Standard Equity Fund (the “MFS Funds”). References to “clients” in these policies and procedures include the MFS Funds and other clients of MFS, such as funds organized offshore, sub-advised funds and separate account clients, to the extent these clients have delegated to MFS the responsibility to vote proxies on their behalf under the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

 

The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures include:

 

  A. Voting Guidelines;

 

  B. Administrative Procedures;

 

  C. Monitoring System;

 

  D. Records Retention; and

 

  E. Reports.

 

A.     VOTING GUIDELINES

 

1.    General Policy; Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

MFS’ policy is that proxy voting decisions are made in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in the interests of any other party or in MFS’ corporate interests, including interests such as the distribution of MFS Fund shares, administration of 401(k) plans, and institutional relationships.

 

In developing these proxy voting guidelines, MFS periodically reviews corporate governance issues and proxy voting matters that are presented for shareholder vote by either management or shareholders of public companies. Based on the overall principle that all votes cast by MFS on behalf of its clients must be in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of such clients, MFS has adopted proxy voting guidelines, set forth below, that govern how MFS generally will vote on specific matters presented for shareholder vote. In all cases, MFS will exercise its discretion in voting on these matters in accordance with this overall principle. In other words, the underlying guidelines are simply that—guidelines. Proxy items of significance are often considered on a case-by-case basis, in light of all relevant facts and circumstances, and in certain cases MFS may vote proxies in a manner different from what otherwise be dictated by these guidelines.

 

As a general matter, MFS maintains a consistent voting position on similar proxy proposals with respect to various issuers. In addition, MFS generally votes consistently on the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple client accounts. However, MFS recognizes that there are gradations in certain types of proposals that might result in different voting positions being taken with respect to different proxy statements. There also may be situations involving matters presented for shareholder vote that are not governed by the guidelines or situations where MFS has received explicit voting instructions from a client for its own account. Some items that otherwise would be acceptable will be voted against the proponent when it is seeking extremely broad flexibility without offering a valid explanation. MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines with respect to a particular shareholder vote when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients.

 

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From time to time, MFS receives comments on these guidelines as well as regarding particular voting issues from its clients. These comments are carefully considered by MFS when it reviews these guidelines each year and revises them as appropriate.

 

These policies and procedures are intended to address any potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that are likely to arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients. If such potential material conflicts of interest do arise, MFS will analyze, document and report on such potential material conflicts of interest (see Sections B.2 and E below), and shall ultimately vote the relevant proxies in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of its clients. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring and reporting with respect to such potential material conflicts of interest.

 

2.    MFS’ Policy on Specific Issues

 

Election of Directors

 

MFS believes that good governance should be based on a board with at least a simple majority of directors who are “independent” of management, and whose key committees (e.g., compensation, nominating, and audit committees) are comprised entirely of “independent” directors. While MFS generally supports the board’s nominees in uncontested elections, we will withhold our vote for, or vote against, as applicable, a nominee to a board of a U.S. issuer if, as a result of such nominee being elected to the board, the board would be comprised of a majority of members who are not “independent” or, alternatively, the compensation, nominating or audit committees would include members who are not “independent.”

 

MFS will also withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, a nominee to a board if we can determine that he or she failed to attend at least 75% of the board and/or relevant committee meetings in the previous year without a valid reason stated in the proxy materials. In addition, MFS will withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, all nominees standing for re-election to a board if we can determine: (1) since the last annual meeting of shareholders and without shareholder approval, the board or its compensation committee has re-priced underwater stock options; or (2) since the last annual meeting, the board has either implemented a poison pill without shareholder approval or has not taken responsive action to a majority shareholder approved resolution recommending that the “poison pill” be rescinded. Responsive action would include the rescission of the “poison pill” (without a broad reservation to reinstate the “poison pill” in the event of a hostile tender offer), or assurance in the proxy materials that the terms of the “poison pill” would be put to a binding shareholder vote within the next five to seven years.

 

MFS will also withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, a nominee (other than a nominee who serves as the issuer’s Chief Executive Officer) standing for re-election if such nominee participated (as a director or committee member) in the approval of senior executive compensation that MFS deems to be “excessive” due to pay for performance issues and/or poor pay practices. In the event that MFS determines that an issuer has adopted “excessive” executive compensation, MFS may also withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, the re-election of the issuer’s Chief Executive Officer as director regardless of whether the Chief Executive Officer participated in the approval of the package. MFS will determine whether senior executive compensation is excessive on a case by case basis. Examples of poor pay practices include, but are not limited to, egregious employment contract terms or pension payouts, backdated stock options, overly generous hiring bonuses for chief executive officers or, excessive perks.

 

MFS evaluates a contested or contentious election of directors on a case-by-case basis considering the long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry, management’s track record, the qualifications of the nominees for both slates, if applicable, and an evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders.

 

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Majority Voting and Director Elections

 

MFS votes for reasonably crafted proposals calling for directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast and/or the elimination of the plurality standard for electing directors (including binding resolutions requesting that the board amend the company’s bylaws), provided the proposal includes a carve-out for a plurality voting standard when there are more director nominees than board seats (e.g., contested elections) (“Majority Vote Proposals”). MFS considers voting against Majority Vote Proposals if the company has adopted, or has proposed to adopt in the proxy statement, formal corporate governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and provide an adequate response to both new nominees as well as incumbent nominees who fail to receive a majority of votes cast. MFS believes that a company’s election policy should address the specific circumstances at that company. In determining whether the issuer has a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard, MFS considers whether a company’s election policy articulates the following elements to address each director nominee who fails to receive an affirmative majority of votes cast in an election:

 

   

Establish guidelines for the process by which the company determines the status of nominees who fail to receive an affirmative majority of votes cast and disclose the guidelines in the annual proxy statement;

 

   

Guidelines should include a reasonable timetable for resolution of the nominee’s status and a requirement that the resolution be disclosed together with the reasons for the resolution;

 

   

Vest management of the process in the company’s independent directors, other than the nominee in question; and

 

   

Outline the range of remedies that the independent directors may consider concerning the nominee.

 

Classified Boards

 

MFS opposes proposals to classify a board (e.g., a board in which only one-third of board members are elected each year). MFS supports proposals to declassify a board.

 

Non-Salary Compensation Programs

 

MFS votes against stock option programs for officers, employees or non-employee directors that do not require an investment by the optionee, that give “free rides” on the stock price, or that permit grants of stock options with an exercise price below fair market value on the date the options are granted.

 

MFS also opposes stock option programs that allow the board or the compensation committee, without shareholder approval, to reprice underwater options or to automatically replenish shares (i.e., evergreen plans). MFS will consider on a case-by-case basis proposals to exchange existing options for newly issued options (taking into account such factors as whether there is a reasonable value-for-value exchange).

 

MFS opposes stock option programs and restricted stock plans that provide unduly generous compensation for officers, directors or employees, or could result in excessive dilution to other shareholders. As a general guideline, MFS votes against restricted stock plans, stock option, non-employee director, omnibus stock plans and any other stock plan if all such plans for a particular company involve potential dilution, in the aggregate, of more than 15%. However, MFS will also vote against stock plans that involve potential dilution, in aggregate, of more than 10% at U.S. issuers that are listed in the Standard and Poor’s 100 index as of December 31 of the previous year.

 

Expensing of Stock Options

 

MFS supports shareholder proposals to expense stock options because we believe that the expensing of options presents a more accurate picture of the company’s financial results to investors. We also believe that companies are likely to be more disciplined when granting options if the value of stock options were treated as an expense item on the company’s income statements.

 

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Executive Compensation

 

MFS believes that competitive compensation packages are necessary to attract, motivate and retain executives. Therefore, MFS opposes shareholder proposals that seek to set restrictions on executive compensation. We believe that the election of an issuer’s compensation committee members is the appropriate mechanism to express our view on a company’s compensation practices, as outlined above MFS also opposes shareholder requests for disclosure on executive compensation beyond regulatory requirements because we believe that current regulatory requirements for disclosure of executive compensation are appropriate and that additional disclosure is often unwarranted and costly. Although we support linking executive stock option grants to a company’s performance, MFS opposes shareholder proposals that mandate a link of performance-based options to a specific industry or peer group stock index. MFS believes that compensation committees should retain the flexibility to propose the appropriate index or other criteria by which performance-based options should be measured.

 

MFS supports reasonably crafted shareholder proposals that (i) require the issuer to adopt a policy to recover the portion of performance-based bonuses and awards paid to senior executives that were not earned based upon a significant negative restatement of earnings unless the company already has adopted a clearly satisfactory policy on the matter, or (ii) expressly prohibit any future backdating of stock options.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

 

MFS supports the use of a broad-based employee stock purchase plans to increase company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value and do not result in excessive dilution.

 

“Golden Parachutes”

 

From time to time, shareholders of companies have submitted proxy proposals that would require shareholder approval of severance packages for executive officers that exceed certain predetermined thresholds. MFS votes in favor of such shareholder proposals when they would require shareholder approval of any severance package for an executive officer that exceeds a certain multiple of such officer’s annual compensation that is not determined in MFS’ judgment to be excessive.

 

Anti-Takeover Measures

 

In general, MFS votes against any measure that inhibits capital appreciation in a stock, including proposals that protect management from action by shareholders. These types of proposals take many forms, ranging from “poison pills” and “shark repellents” to super-majority requirements.

 

MFS generally votes for proposals to rescind existing “poison pills” and proposals that would require shareholder approval to adopt prospective “poison pills.” MFS may consider the adoption of a prospective “poison pill” or the continuation of an existing “poison pill” if we can determine that the following two conditions are met: (1) the “poison pill” allows MFS clients to hold an aggregate position of up to 15% of a company’s total voting securities (and of any class of voting securities); and (2) either (a) the “poison pill” has a term of not longer than five years, provided that MFS will consider voting in favor of the “poison pill” if the term does not exceed seven years and the “poison pill” is linked to a business strategy or purpose that MFS believes is likely to result in greater value for shareholders; or (b) the terms of the “poison pill” allow MFS clients the opportunity to accept a fairly structured and attractively priced tender offer (e.g., a “chewable poison pill” that automatically dissolves in the event of an all cash, all shares tender offer at a premium price). MFS will also consider on a case-by-case basis proposals designed to prevent tenders which are disadvantageous to shareholders such as tenders at below market prices and tenders for substantially less than all shares of an issuer.

 

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Reincorporation and Reorganization Proposals

 

When presented with a proposal to reincorporate a company under the laws of a different state, or to effect some other type of corporate reorganization, MFS considers the underlying purpose and ultimate effect of such a proposal in determining whether or not to support such a measure. While MFS generally votes in favor of management proposals that it believes are in the best long-term economic interests of its clients, MFS may oppose such a measure if, for example, the intent or effect would be to create additional inappropriate impediments to possible acquisitions or takeovers.

 

Issuance of Stock

 

There are many legitimate reasons for the issuance of stock. Nevertheless, as noted above under “Non-Salary Compensation Programs,” when a stock option plan (either individually or when aggregated with other plans of the same company) would substantially dilute the existing equity (e.g. by approximately 15% or more), MFS generally votes against the plan. In addition, MFS votes against proposals where management is asking for authorization to issue common or preferred stock with no reason stated (a “blank check”) because the unexplained authorization could work as a potential anti-takeover device. MFS may also vote against the authorization or issuance of common or preferred stock if MFS determines that the requested authorization is not warranted.

 

Repurchase Programs

 

MFS supports proposals to institute share repurchase plans in which all shareholders have the opportunity to participate on an equal basis. Such plans may include a company acquiring its own shares on the open market, or a company making a tender offer to its own shareholders.

 

Confidential Voting

 

MFS votes in favor of proposals to ensure that shareholder voting results are kept confidential. For example, MFS supports proposals that would prevent management from having access to shareholder voting information that is compiled by an independent proxy tabulation firm.

 

Cumulative Voting

 

MFS opposes proposals that seek to introduce cumulative voting and for proposals that seek to eliminate cumulative voting. In either case, MFS will consider whether cumulative voting is likely to enhance the interests of MFS’ clients as minority shareholders. In our view, shareholders should provide names of qualified candidates to a company’s nominating committee, which (for U.S. listed companies) must be comprised solely of “independent” directors.

 

Written Consent and Special Meetings

 

Because the shareholder right to act by written consent (without calling a formal meeting of shareholders) can be a powerful tool for shareholders, MFS generally opposes proposals that would prevent shareholders from taking action without a formal meeting or would take away a shareholder’s right to call a special meeting of company shareholders.

 

Independent Auditors

 

MFS believes that the appointment of auditors for U.S. issuers is best left to the board of directors of the company and therefore supports the ratification of the board’s selection of an auditor for the company. Some shareholder groups have submitted proposals to limit the non-audit activities of a company’s audit firm or

 

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prohibit any non-audit services by a company’s auditors to that company. MFS opposes proposals recommending the prohibition or limitation of the performance of non-audit services by an auditor, and proposals recommending the removal of a company’s auditor due to the performance of non-audit work for the company by its auditor. MFS believes that the board, or its audit committee, should have the discretion to hire the company’s auditor for specific pieces of non-audit work in the limited situations permitted under current law.

 

Other Corporate Governance, Corporate Responsibility and Social Issues

 

There are many groups advocating social change or changes to corporate governance or corporate responsibility standards, and many have chosen the publicly-held corporation as a vehicle for advancing their agenda. Generally, MFS votes with management on such proposals unless MFS can determine that the benefit to shareholders will outweigh any costs or disruptions to the business if the proposal were adopted. Common among the shareholder proposals that MFS generally votes with management are proposals requiring the company to use corporate resources to further a particular social objective outside the business of the company, to refrain from investing or conducting business in certain countries, to adhere to some list of goals or principles (e.g., environmental standards), to include in the issuer’s proxy statement an annual advisory shareholder vote as to the company’s executive compensation practices during the previous year, to permit shareholders access to the company’s proxy statement in connection with the election of directors, to disclose political contributions made by the issuer, to separate the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions, or to promulgate special reports on various activities or proposals for which no discernible shareholder economic advantage is evident.

 

The laws of various states may regulate how the interests of certain clients subject to those laws (e.g., state pension plans) are voted with respect to social issues. Thus, it may be necessary to cast ballots differently for certain clients than MFS might normally do for other clients.

 

Foreign Issuers

 

Many of the items on foreign proxies involve repetitive, non-controversial matters that are mandated by local law. Accordingly, the items that are generally deemed routine and which do not require the exercise of judgment under these guidelines (and therefore voted in favor) for foreign issuers include the following: (i) receiving financial statements or other reports from the board; (ii) approval of declarations of dividends; (iii) appointment of shareholders to sign board meeting minutes; (iv) discharge of management and supervisory boards; and (v) approval of share repurchase programs.

 

MFS generally supports the election of a director nominee standing for re-election in uncontested elections unless it can be determined that (1) he or she failed to attend at least 75% of the board and/or relevant committee meetings in the previous year without a valid reason given in the proxy materials; (2) since the last annual meeting of shareholders and without shareholder approval, the board or its compensation committee has re-priced underwater stock options; or (3) since the last annual meeting, the board has either implemented a poison pill without shareholder approval or has not taken responsive action to a majority shareholder approved resolution recommending that the “poison pill” be rescinded. MFS will also withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, a director nominee standing for re-election of an issuer that has adopted an excessive compensation package for its senior executives as described above in the section entitled “Voting Guidelines-MFS’ Policy on Specific Issues-Election of Directors.”

 

MFS generally supports the election of auditors, but may determine to vote against the election of a statutory auditor in certain markets if MFS reasonably believes that the statutory auditor is not truly independent. MFS will evaluate all other items on proxies for foreign companies in the context of the guidelines described above, but will generally vote against an item if there is not sufficient information disclosed in order to make an informed voting decision.

 

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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 (“share blocking”). Depending on the country in which a company is domiciled, the blocking period may begin a stated number of days prior to the meeting (e.g., one, three or five days) or on a date established by the company. While practices vary, in many countries the block period can be continued for a longer period if the shareholder meeting is adjourned and postponed to a later date. Similarly, practices vary widely as to the ability of a shareholder to have the “block” restriction lifted early (e.g., in some countries shares generally can be “unblocked” up to two days prior to the meeting whereas in other countries the removal of the block appears to be discretionary with the issuer’s transfer agent). Due to these restrictions, MFS must balance the benefits to its clients of voting proxies against the potentially serious portfolio management consequences of a reduced flexibility to sell the underlying shares at the most advantageous time. For companies in countries with share blocking periods, the disadvantage of being unable to sell the stock regardless of changing conditions generally outweighs the advantages of voting at the shareholder meeting for routine items. Accordingly, MFS will not vote those proxies in the absence of an unusual, significant vote.

 

In limited circumstances, other market specific impediments to voting shares may limit our ability to cast votes, including, but not limited to, power of attorney requirements and late delivery of proxy materials. In these limited instances, MFS votes non-U.S. securities on a best efforts basis in the context of the guidelines described above.

 

B.    ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

 

1.    MFS Proxy Voting Committee

 

The administration of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is overseen by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, which includes senior personnel from the MFS Legal and Global Investment Support Departments. The Proxy Voting Committee does not include individuals whose primary duties relate to client relationship management, marketing, or sales. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee:

 

  a. Reviews these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures at least annually and recommends any amendments considered to be necessary or advisable;

 

  b. Determines whether any potential material conflict of interest exist with respect to instances in which MFS (i) seeks to override these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (ii) votes on ballot items not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (iii) evaluates an excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors; or (iv) requests a vote recommendation from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g. mergers and acquisitions); and

 

  c. Considers special proxy issues as they may arise from time to time.

 

2.    Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that could arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients. Due to the client focus of our investment management business, we believe that the potential for actual material conflict of interest issues is small. Nonetheless, we have developed precautions to ensure that all proxy votes are cast in the best long-term economic interest of shareholders. Other MFS internal policies require all MFS employees to avoid actual and potential conflicts of interests between personal activities and MFS’ client activities. If an employee identifies an actual or potential conflict of interest with respect to any voting decision that employee must recuse himself/herself from participating in the voting process. Additionally, with respect to decisions concerning all Non Standard Votes, as defined below, MFS will review the securities holdings reported by the individuals that participate in such decision to determine whether such person has a direct economic interest in the decision, in which case such person shall not further participate in making the decision. Any

 

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significant attempt by an employee of MFS or its subsidiaries to influence MFS’ voting on a particular proxy matter should also be reported to the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

 

In cases where proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist. In cases where (i) MFS is considering overriding these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (ii) matters presented for vote are not clearly governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (iii) MFS evaluates an excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors, or (iv) a vote recommendation is requested from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g. mergers and acquisitions) (collectively, “Non Standard Votes”); the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will follow these procedures:

 

  a. Compare the name of the issuer of such proxy against a list of significant current and potential (i) distributors of MFS Fund shares, (ii) retirement plans administered by MFS or its affiliate Sun Life Retirement Services, Inc. (“SLRS”), and (iii) MFS institutional clients (the “MFS Significant Client List”);

 

  b. If the name of the issuer does not appear on the MFS Significant Client List, then no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist, and the proxy will be voted as otherwise determined by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee;

 

  c. If the name of the issuer appears on the MFS Significant Client List, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will be apprised of that fact and each member of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will carefully evaluate the proposed vote in order to ensure that the proxy ultimately is voted in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests; and

 

  d. For all potential material conflicts of interest identified under clause (c) above, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will document: the name of the issuer, the issuer’s relationship to MFS, the analysis of the matters submitted for proxy vote, the votes as to be cast and the reasons why the MFS Proxy Voting Committee determined that the votes were cast in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests. A copy of the foregoing documentation will be provided to MFS’ Conflicts Officer.

 

The members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee are responsible for creating and maintaining the MFS Significant Client List, in consultation with MFS’ distribution, institutional business units and SLRS. The MFS Significant Client List will be reviewed and updated periodically, as appropriate.

 

From time to time, certain MFS Funds may own shares of other MFS Funds (the “underlying fund”). If an underlying fund submits a matter to a shareholder vote, the MFS Fund that owns shares of the underlying fund will vote its shares in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the underlying fund.

 

3.    Gathering Proxies

 

Most proxies received by MFS and its clients originate at Automatic Data Processing Corp. (“ADP”) although a few proxies are transmitted to investors by corporate issuers through their custodians or depositories. ADP and issuers send proxies and related material directly to the record holders of the shares beneficially owned by MFS’ clients, usually to the client’s custodian or, less commonly, to the client itself. This material will include proxy cards, reflecting the shareholdings of Funds and of clients on the record dates for such shareholder meetings, as well as proxy statements with the issuer’s explanation of the items to be voted upon.

 

MFS, on behalf of itself and the Funds, has entered into an agreement with an independent proxy administration firm, Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (the “Proxy Administrator”), pursuant to which the Proxy Administrator performs various proxy vote related administrative services, such as vote processing and recordkeeping functions for MFS’ Funds and institutional client accounts. The Proxy Administrator receives

 

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proxy statements and proxy cards directly or indirectly from various custodians, logs these materials into its database and matches upcoming meetings with MFS Fund and client portfolio holdings, which are input into the Proxy Administrator’s system by an MFS holdings datafeed. Through the use of the Proxy Administrator system, ballots and proxy material summaries for all upcoming shareholders’ meetings are available on-line to certain MFS employees and the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

 

4.    Analyzing Proxies

 

Proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Proxy Administrator at the prior direction of MFS automatically votes all proxy matters that do not require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment with respect to these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures as determined by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee. With respect to proxy matters that require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment, MFS considers and votes on those proxy matters. MFS receives research from ISS which it may take into account in deciding how to vote. In addition, MFS expects to rely on ISS to identify circumstances in which a board may have approved excessive executive compensation. Representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee review, as appropriate, votes cast to ensure conformity with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

 

As a general matter, portfolio managers and investment analysts have little or no involvement in specific votes taken by MFS. This is designed to promote consistency in the application of MFS’ voting guidelines, to promote consistency in voting on the same or similar issues (for the same or for multiple issuers) across all client accounts, and to minimize the potential that proxy solicitors, issuers, or third parties might attempt to exert inappropriate influence on the vote. In limited types of votes (e.g., corporate actions, such as mergers and acquisitions), a representative of MFS Proxy Voting Committee may consult with or seek recommendations from MFS portfolio managers or investment analysts.1 However, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee would ultimately determine the manner in which all proxies are voted.

 

As noted above, MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients. Any such override of the guidelines shall be analyzed, documented and reported in accordance with the procedures set forth in these policies.

 

5.    Voting Proxies

 

In accordance with its contract with MFS, the Proxy Administrator also generates a variety of reports for the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, and makes available on-line various other types of information so that the MFS Proxy Voting Committee may review and monitor the votes cast by the Proxy Administrator on behalf of MFS’ clients.

 

C.    MONITORING SYSTEM

 

It is the responsibility of the Proxy Administrator and MFS’ Proxy Voting Committee to monitor the proxy voting process. When proxy materials for clients are received, they are forwarded to the Proxy Administrator and are input into the Proxy Administrator’s system. Through an interface with the portfolio holdings database of MFS, the Proxy Administrator matches a list of all MFS Funds and clients who hold shares of a company’s stock and the number of shares held on the record date with the Proxy Administrator’s listing of any upcoming shareholder’s meeting of that company.

 


1

From time to time, due to travel schedules and other commitments, an appropriate portfolio manager or research analyst is not available to provide a recommendation on a merger or acquisition proposal. If such a recommendation cannot be obtained prior to the cut-off date of the shareholder meeting, certain members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee may determine to abstain from voting.

 

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When the Proxy Administrator’s system “tickler” shows that the voting cut-off date of a shareholders’ meeting is approaching, a Proxy Administrator representative checks that the vote for MFS Funds and clients holding that security has been recorded in the computer system. If a proxy card has not been received from the client’s custodian, the Proxy Administrator calls the custodian requesting that the materials be forwarded immediately. If it is not possible to receive the proxy card from the custodian in time to be voted at the meeting, MFS may instruct the custodian to cast the vote in the manner specified and to mail the proxy directly to the issuer.

 

D.    RECORDS RETENTION

 

MFS will retain copies of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures in effect from time to time and will retain all proxy voting reports submitted to the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and Board of Managers of the MFS Funds for the period required by applicable law. Proxy solicitation materials, including electronic versions of the proxy cards completed by representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, together with their respective notes and comments, are maintained in an electronic format by the Proxy Administrator and are accessible on-line by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee. All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation, including records generated by the Proxy Administrator’s system as to proxies processed, including the dates when proxy ballots were received and submitted, and the votes on each company’s proxy issues, are retained as required by applicable law.

 

E.    REPORTS

 

MFS Funds

 

MFS publicly discloses the proxy voting records of the MFS Funds on an annual basis, as required by law. MFS will also report the results of its voting to the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and Board of Managers of the MFS Funds. These reports will include: (i) a summary of how votes were cast; (ii) a summary of votes against management’s recommendation; (iii) a review of situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the guidelines and the rationale therefore; (iv) a review of the procedures used by MFS to identify material conflicts of interest and any matters identified as a material conflict of interest; and (v) a review of these policies and the guidelines and, as necessary or appropriate, any proposed modifications thereto to reflect new developments in corporate governance and other issues. Based on these reviews, the Trustees, Directors and Managers of the MFS Funds will consider possible modifications to these policies to the extent necessary or advisable.

 

All MFS Advisory Clients

 

At any time, a report can be printed by MFS for each client who has requested that MFS furnish a record of votes cast. The report specifies the proxy issues which have been voted for the client during the year and the position taken with respect to each issue.

 

Except as described above, MFS generally will not divulge actual voting practices to any party other than the client or its representatives (unless required by applicable law) because we consider that information to be confidential and proprietary to the client.

 

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MAZAMA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policy

 

Mazama Capital Management, Inc. (“Mazama”), as a matter of policy and as a fiduciary to our clients, has responsibility for voting proxies for portfolio securities consistent with the best economic interests of the clients. Our firm maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting and makes appropriate disclosures about our firm’s proxy policies and practices. Our policy and practice includes the responsibility to monitor corporate actions, receive and vote client proxies and disclose any potential conflicts of interest as well as making information available to clients about the voting of proxies for their portfolio securities and maintaining relevant and required records.

 

Background

 

Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised. Investment advisers registered with the SEC, and which exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which must include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser’s interests and those of its clients; (b) to disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; (c) to describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) maintain certain records relating to the adviser’s proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority.

 

Guiding Principles

 

Proxy voting procedures must adhere to the following broad principles:

 

  1. Voting rights have economic value and must be treated accordingly. This means the fiduciary (Mazama) has a duty to vote proxies in those cases where fiduciary responsibility has been delegated to Mazama.

 

  2. Fiduciaries must maintain documented voting policies or guidelines to govern proxy voting decisions.

 

  3. Fiduciaries should keep records of proxy voting.

 

Proxy Administration

 

The Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) has the responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of our proxy voting policy, practices, disclosures and record keeping, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures. The CCO is also responsible for determining our firm’s positions on all major corporate issues, creates guidelines and oversees the voting process.

 

Mazama takes an active role in voting proxies on behalf of all accounts for which the firm has been hired as investment manager, unless proxy voting responsibility has been retained by the client. Generally, routine proxies will be voted with management as indicated on the proxy.

 

Mazama has retained Glass Lewis (“GL”), an expert in the proxy voting and corporate governance area, to provide proxy advisory and voting services. These services include in-depth research, analysis, and voting

 

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recommendations as well as vote execution, reporting, auditing and consulting assistance for the handling of proxy voting responsibility and corporate governance-related efforts. GL provides administrative assistance to the proxy voting process by electronically executing the votes while allowing Mazama to retain voting authority.

 

Voting Policies

 

All proxy materials received on behalf of clients are forwarded to Glass Lewis (GL).

 

  1. Absent material conflicts, the CCO will determine how Mazama should vote the proxy in accordance with applicable voting guidelines.

 

  2. Proxy ballots for securities no longer held in client accounts will not be voted.

 

Mazama generally votes in favor of routine issues. Such issues may include but are not limited to:

 

  1. Elect directors

 

  2. Appoint auditors

 

  3. Eliminate preemptive rights

 

  4. Increase authorized shares issued

 

With regard to non-routine issues, Mazama considers many things including, but not limited to:

 

  1. Management’s recommendation;

 

  2. The recommendation of GL; and

 

  3. Mazama’s assessment as to what is best for shareholders

 

With regard to issues which are often included in proxies, Mazama believes as follows:

 

Executive Compensation

 

Mazama’s goal is to assure that a company’s equity-based compensation plan is aligned with shareholders’ long-term interests. While we evaluate most plans on a case-by case basis, Mazama generally opposes compensation packages that provide what we view as excessive awards to a few senior executives or that contain excessively dilutive stock option plans. We generally oppose plans that give a company the ability to re-price options.

 

Anti-takeover and Corporate Governance Issues

 

Mazama generally opposes anti-takeover measures and other proposals designed to limit the ability of shareholders to act on possible transactions. Mazama strongly favors having only independent board members in all sub-committees (compensation, nominating, audit, etc.) and may vote against certain board members if they are affiliated with the company and also members of the sub-committees. When voting on corporate governance proposals, we will consider the dilutive impact to shareholders and the effect on shareholder rights.

 

Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues

 

Mazama generally votes with a company’s management on social issues unless they have substantial economic implications for the company’s business and operations and have not been adequately addressed by management.

 

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Procedure

 

Mazama has adopted procedures to implement the firm’s policy and reviews to monitor and ensure the firm’s policy is observed, implemented properly and amended or updated, as appropriate, which include the following:

 

Voting Procedures

 

  1. All employees will forward any proxy materials received on behalf of clients to the CCO;

 

  2. The CCO will determine which client accounts hold the security to which the proxy relates;

 

  3. Absent material conflicts, the CCO will determine how Mazama should vote the proxy in accordance with applicable voting guidelines, complete the proxy and vote the proxy in a timely and appropriate manner.

 

Disclosure

 

  1. Mazama will provide conspicuously displayed information in its ADV Part II summarizing this proxy voting policy and procedures, including a statement that clients may request information regarding how Mazama voted a client’s proxies, and that clients may request a copy of these policies and procedures.

 

  2. The Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) will also send a copy of this summary to all existing clients who have previously received Mazama’s ADV Part II; or the CCO may send each client the amended ADV Part II. Either mailing shall highlight the inclusion of information regarding proxy voting.

 

Client Requests for Information

 

  1. All client requests for information regarding proxy votes, or policies and procedures, received by any employee should be forwarded to the CCO.

 

  2. In response to any request the CCO will prepare a written response to the client with the information requested, and as applicable will include the name of the issuer, the proposal voted upon, and how Mazama voted the client’s proxy with respect to each proposal about which client inquired.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

  1. Mazama will identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of the adviser and the client by reviewing the relationship of Mazama with the issuer of each security to determine if Mazama or any of its employees has any financial, business or personal relationship with the issuer.

 

  2. If a material conflict of interest exists, CCO will determine whether it is appropriate to disclose the conflict to the affected clients, to give the clients an opportunity to vote the proxies themselves, or to address the voting issue through other objective means such as voting in a manner consistent with a predetermined voting policy or receiving an independent third party voting recommendation.

 

  3. Mazama will maintain a record of the voting resolution of any conflict of interest.

 

Recordkeeping

 

The CCO shall retain the following proxy records in accordance with the SEC’s five-year retention requirement.

 

  1. These policies and procedures and any amendments;

 

  2. A record of each vote that Mazama casts;

 

  3. Any document Mazama created that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision;

 

  4. A copy of each written request from a client for information on how Mazama voted such client’s proxies, and a copy of any written response.

 

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NORTHERN TRUST

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has delegated the voting of portfolio securities to Northern Trust Investments, N.A. (“NTI”) in its capacity as Investment Sub-Adviser. NTI has adopted proxy voting policies and procedures (the “Proxy Voting Policy”) for the voting of proxies on behalf of client accounts for which NTI has voting discretion, including the Funds. Under the Proxy Voting Policy, shares are to be voted in the best interests of the Funds.

 

A Proxy Committee comprised of senior NTI investment and compliance officers has adopted certain guidelines (the “Proxy Guidelines”) concerning various corporate governance issues. The Proxy Committee has the responsibility for the content, interpretation and application of the Proxy Guidelines and may apply these Proxy Guidelines with a measure of flexibility. NTI has retained an independent third party (the “Service Firm”) to review proxy proposals and to make voting recommendations to the Proxy Committee in a manner consistent with the Proxy Guidelines.

 

The Proxy Guidelines provide that NTI will generally vote for or against various proxy proposals, usually based upon certain specified criteria. As an example, the Proxy Guidelines provide that NTI will generally vote in favor of proposals to: (1) repeal existing classified boards and elect directors on an annual basis; (2) adopt a written majority voting or withhold policy (in situations in which a company has not previously adopted such a policy); (3) lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments; (4) lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other business combinations; (5) increase common share authorizations for a stock split; (6) implement a reverse stock split; and (7) approve an ESOP or other broad based employee stock purchase or ownership plan, or increase authorized shares for existing plans. The Proxy Guidelines also provide that NTI will generally vote against proposals to: (1) classify the board of directors; (2) require that poison pill plans be submitted for shareholder ratification; (3) adopt dual class exchange offers or dual class recapitalizations; (4) require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations; (5) require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments; and (6) adopt certain social and environmental proposals. In certain circumstances, the Proxy Guidelines provide that proxy proposals will be addressed on a case-by-case, including those regarding executive and director compensation plans, mergers and acquisitions, poison pills, a change in the company’s state of incorporation and an increase in authorized common stock.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Proxy Voting Policy, the Proxy Committee may vote proxies contrary to the recommendations of the Service Firm if it determines that such action is in the best interests of a Fund. In exercising its discretion, the Proxy Committee may take into account a variety of factors relating to the matter under consideration, the nature of the proposal and the company involved. As a result, the Proxy Committee may vote in one manner in the case of one company and in a different manner in the case of another where, for example, the past history of the company, the character and integrity of its management, the role of outside directors, and the company’s record of producing performance for investors justifies a high degree of confidence in the company and the effect of the proposal on the value of the investment. Similarly, poor past performance, uncertainties about management and future directions, and other factors may lead the Proxy Committee to conclude that particular proposals present unacceptable investment risks and should not be supported. The Proxy Committee also evaluates proposals in context. A particular proposal may be acceptable standing alone, but objectionable when part of an existing or proposed package. Special circumstances may also justify casting different votes for different clients with respect to the same proxy vote.

 

NTI may occasionally be subject to conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies due to business or personal relationships with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain votes. For example, NTI may provide trust, custody, investment management, brokerage, underwriting, banking and related services to accounts owned or controlled by companies whose management is soliciting proxies. Occasionally, NTI may also have business

 

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or personal relationships with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships. NTI may also be required to vote proxies for securities issued by Northern Trust Corporation or its affiliates or on matters in which NTI has a direct financial interest, such as shareholder approval of a change in the advisory fees paid by a Fund. NTI seeks to address such conflicts of interest through various measures, including the establishment, composition and authority of the Proxy Committee and the retention of the Service Firm to perform proxy review and vote recommendation functions. The Proxy Committee has the responsibility to determine whether a proxy vote involves a potential conflict of interest and how the conflict should be addressed in conformance with the Proxy Voting Policy. The Proxy Committee may resolve such conflicts in any of a variety of ways, including the following: voting in accordance with the Proxy Guideline based recommendation of the Service Firm; voting in accordance with the recommendation of an independent fiduciary appointed for that purpose; voting pursuant to client direction by seeking instructions from the Board of Trustees of the Trust; or by voting pursuant to a “mirror voting” arrangement under which shares are voted in the same manner and proportion as shares over which NTI does not have voting discretion. The method selected by the Proxy Committee may vary depending upon the facts and circumstances of each situation.

 

NTI may choose not to vote proxies in certain situations or for a Fund. This may occur, for example, in situations where the exercise of voting rights could restrict the ability to freely trade the security in question (as is the case, for example, in certain foreign jurisdictions known as “blocking markets”). In circumstances in which the Service Firm does not provide recommendations for a particular proxy, the Proxy Committee may obtain recommendations from analysts at NTI who review the issuer in question or the industry in general. The Proxy Committee will apply the Proxy Guidelines as discussed above to any such recommendation.

 

The foregoing is only a summary of the Proxy Voting Policy and Proxy Voting Guidelines. You may obtain, upon request and without charge, a full-version paper copy of the Proxy Voting Policy and Proxy Voting Guidelines by calling 800/595-9111.

 

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PYRAMIS GLOBAL ADVISORS, LLC PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

I. General Principles

 

  A. Voting of shares will be conducted in a manner consistent with the best interests of clients as follows: (i) securities of a portfolio company will generally be voted in a manner consistent with the guidelines; and (ii) voting will be done without regard to any other Pyramis or Fidelity companies’ relationship, business or otherwise, with that portfolio company.

 

  B. FMR Investment Compliance votes proxies on behalf of the clients of Pyramis. In the event an Investment Compliance employee has a personal conflict with a portfolio company or an employee or director of a portfolio company, that employee will withdraw from making any proxy voting decisions with respect to that portfolio company. A conflict of interest arises when there are factors that may prompt one to question whether a Fidelity and/or Pyramis employee is acting solely on the best interests of Pyramis, Fidelity and their customers. Employees are expected to avoid situations that could present even the appearance of a conflict between their interests and the interests of Pyramis, Fidelity and their customers.

 

  C. Except as set forth herein, Pyramis will generally vote in favor of routine management proposals.

 

  D. Non-routine proposals will generally be voted in accordance with the guidelines.

 

  E. Non-routine proposals not covered by the guidelines or involving other special circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with input from the appropriate Pyramis analyst or portfolio manager, as applicable, subject to review by an attorney within the General Counsel’s office and a member of senior management within FMR Investment Compliance. A significant pattern of such proposals or other special circumstances will be referred to the Fund Board Proxy Voting Committee or its designee.

 

  F. Pyramis will vote on shareholder proposals not specifically addressed by the guidelines based on an evaluation of a proposal’s likelihood to enhance the economic returns or profitability of the portfolio company or to maximize shareholder value. Where information is not readily available to analyze the economic impact of the proposal, Pyramis will generally abstain.

 

  G. Many clients invest in voting securities issued by companies that are domiciled outside the United States and are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange. Corporate governance standards, legal or regulatory requirements and disclosure practices in foreign countries can differ from those in the United States. When voting proxies relating to non-U.S. securities, Pyramis will generally evaluate proposals in the context of these guidelines, but Pyramis may, where applicable and feasible, take into consideration differing laws and regulations in the relevant foreign market in determining how to vote shares.

 

  H. In certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, shareholders voting shares of a portfolio company may be restricted from trading the shares for a period of time around the shareholder meeting date. Because such trading restrictions can hinder portfolio management and could result in a loss of liquidity for a client, Pyramis will generally not vote proxies in circumstances where such restrictions apply. In addition, certain non-U.S. jurisdictions require voting shareholders to disclose current share ownership on a fund-by-fund basis. When such disclosure requirements apply, Pyramis will generally not vote proxies in order to safeguard fund holdings information.

 

  I. Where a management-sponsored proposal is inconsistent with the guidelines, Pyramis may receive a company’s commitment to modify the proposal or its practice to conform to the guidelines, and Pyramis will generally support management based on this commitment. If a company subsequently does not abide by its commitment, Pyramis will generally withhold authority for the election of directors at the next election.

 

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II. Definitions (as used in this document)

 

  A. Anti-Takeover Provision—includes fair price amendments; classified boards; “blank check” preferred stock; golden parachutes; supermajority provisions; Poison Pills; restricting the right to call special meetings; and any other provision that eliminates or limits shareholder rights.

 

  B. Golden parachute—Employment contracts, agreements, or policies that include an excise tax gross-up provision; single trigger for cash incentives; or may result in a lump sum payment of cash and acceleration of equity that may total more than three times annual compensation (salary and bonus) in the event of a termination.

 

  C. Greenmail—payment of a premium to repurchase shares from a shareholder seeking to take over a company through a proxy contest or other means.

 

  D. Sunset Provision—a condition in a charter or plan that specifies an expiration date.

 

  E. Permitted Bid Feature—a provision suspending the application of a Poison Pill, by shareholder referendum, in the event a potential acquirer announces a bona fide offer for all outstanding shares.

 

  F. Poison Pill—a strategy employed by a potential take-over / target company to make its stock less attractive to an acquirer. Poison Pills are generally designed to dilute the acquirer’s ownership and value in the event of a take-over.

 

  G. Large Capitalization Company—a company included in the Russell 1000 stock index.

 

  H. Small Capitalization Company—a company not included in the Russell 1000 stock index that is not a Micro-Capitalization Company.

 

  I. Micro-Capitalization Company—a company with market capitalization under US $300 million.

 

III. Directors

 

  A. Incumbent Directors

 

Pyramis will generally vote in favor of incumbent and nominee directors except where one or more such directors clearly appear to have failed to exercise reasonable judgment.

 

Pyramis will also generally withhold authority for the election of all directors or directors on responsible committees if:

 

  1. An Anti-Takeover Provision was introduced, an Anti-Takeover Provision was extended, or a new Anti-Takeover Provision was adopted upon the expiration of an existing Anti-Takeover Provision, without shareholder approval except as set forth below.

 

With respect to Poison Pills, however, Pyramis will consider not withholding authority on the election of directors if all of the following conditions are met when a Poison Pill is introduced, extended, or adopted:

 

  a. The Poison Pill includes a Sunset Provision of less than 5 years;

 

  b. The Poison Pill includes a Permitted Bid Feature;

 

  c. The Poison Pill is linked to a business strategy that will result in greater value for the shareholders, and

 

  d. Shareholder approval is required to reinstate the Poison Pill upon expiration.

 

Pyramis will also consider not withholding authority on the election of directors when one or more of the conditions above are not met if a board is willing to strongly consider seeking shareholder ratification of, or adding above conditions noted a. and b. to an existing Poison Pill. In such a case, if the company does not take appropriate action prior to the next annual shareholder meeting, Pyramis will withhold authority on the election of directors.

 

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  2. The company refuses, upon request by Pyramis, to amend the Poison Pill to allow Fidelity to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company’s total voting securities and of any class of voting securities.

 

  3. Within the last year and without shareholder approval, a company’s board of directors or compensation committee has repriced outstanding options.

 

  4. The company failed to act in the best interests of shareholders when approving executive compensation, taking into accounts such factors as: (i) whether the company used an independent compensation committee; (ii) whether the compensation committee engaged independent compensation consultants; and (iii) whether the company has admitted to or settled a regulatory proceeding relating to options backdating.

 

  5. To gain Pyramis’ support on a proposal, the company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform to these guidelines and the company has failed to act on that commitment.

 

  6. The director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the board or its committees on which the director served during the company’s prior fiscal year, absent extenuating circumstances.

 

  7. The Board is not comprised of a majority of independent directors.

 

  B. Indemnification

 

Pyramis will generally vote in favor of charter and by-law amendments expanding the indemnification of directors and/or limiting their liability for breaches of care unless Pyramis is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of management or the proposal is accompanied by Anti-Takeover Provisions.

 

  C. Independent Chairperson

 

Pyramis will generally vote against shareholder proposals calling for or recommending the appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson. However, Pyramis will consider voting for such proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson appears likely to further the interests of shareholders and to promote effective oversight of management by the board of directors.

 

  D. Majority Director Elections

 

Pyramis will generally vote in favor of proposals calling for directors to be elected by an affirmative majority of votes cast in a board election, provided that the proposal allows for plurality voting standard in the case of contested elections (i.e., where there are more nominees than board seats). Pyramis may consider voting against such shareholder proposals where a company’s board has adopted an alternative measure, such as a director resignation policy, that provides a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and appropriately addresses situations where an incumbent director fails to receive the support of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.

 

IV. Compensation

 

  A. Equity Award Plans (including stock options, restricted stock awards, and other stock awards).

 

Pyramis will generally vote against Equity Award Plans or amendments to authorize additional shares under such plans if:

 

  1. (a) The dilution effect of the shares outstanding and available for issuance pursuant to all plans, plus any new share requests is greater than 10% for a Large Capitalization Company, 15% for a Small Capitalization Company or 20% for a Micro-Capitalization Company; and (b) there were no circumstances specific to the company or the plans that lead Pyramis to conclude that the level of dilution in the plan or the amendments is acceptable.

 

 

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  2. In the case of stock option plans, (a) the offering price of options is less than 100% of fair market value on the date of grant, except that the offering price may be as low as 85% of fair market value if the discount is expressly granted in lieu of salary or cash bonus; (b) the plan’s terms allow repricing of underwater options; or (c) the board/committee has repriced options outstanding under the plan in the past two years.

 

  3. The plan may be materially altered without shareholder approval, including increasing the benefits accrued to participants under the plan; increasing the number of securities which may be issued under the plan; modifying the requirements for participation in the plan; or including a provision allowing the Board to lapse or waive restrictions at its discretion, except in limited cases relating to death, disability, retirement, or change in control.

 

  4. Awards to non-employee directors are subject to management discretion.

 

  5. In the case of stock awards, the restriction period is less than 3 years for non-performance-based awards, and less than 1 year for performance-based awards.

 

Pyramis will consider approving an Equity Award Plan or an amendment to authorize additional shares under such plan if, without complying with the guidelines immediately above, the following two conditions are met:

 

  1. The shares are granted by a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors; and

 

  2. The shares are limited to 5% (large capitalization company) and 10% (small capitalization company) of the shares authorized for grant under the plan.

 

  B. Equity Exchanges and Repricing

 

Pyramis will generally vote in favor of a management proposal to exchange shares or reprice outstanding options if the proposed exchange or repricing is consistent with the interests of shareholders, taking into account such factors as:

 

  1. Whether the proposal excludes senior management and directors;

 

  2. Whether the equity proposed to be exchanged or repriced exceeded Pyramis’ dilution thresholds when initially granted;

 

  3. Whether the exchange or repricing proposal is value neutral to shareholders based upon an acceptable pricing model;

 

  4. The company’s relative performance compared to other companies within the relevant industry or industries;

 

  5. Economic and other conditions affecting the relevant industry or industries in which the company competes; and

 

  6. Any other facts or circumstances relevant to determining whether an exchange or repricing proposal is consistent with the interests of shareholders.

 

  C. Employee Stock Purchase Plans

 

Pyramis will generally vote against employee stock purchase plans if the plan violates any of the criteria in section IV(A) above, except that the minimum stock purchase price may be equal to or greater than 85% of the stock’s fair market value if the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to encourage broad based participation in the company’s equity. In the case of non-U.S. company stock purchase plans, Pyramis may permit a lower minimum stock purchase price equal to the prevailing “best practices” in the relevant non-U.S. market, provided that the minimum stock purchase price must be at least 75% of the stock’s fair market value.

 

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  D. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

 

Pyramis will generally vote in favor of non-leveraged ESOPs. For leveraged ESOPs, Pyramis may examine the company’s state of incorporation, existence of supermajority vote rules in the charter, number of shares authorized for the ESOP, and number of shares held by insiders. Pyramis may also examine where the ESOP shares are purchased and the dilution effect of the purchase. Pyramis will generally vote against leveraged ESOPs if all outstanding loans are due immediately upon change in control.

 

  E. Executive Compensation

 

Pyramis will generally vote against management proposals on stock-based compensation plans or other compensation plans if such proposals are inconsistent with the interests of shareholders, taking into account such factors as: (i) whether the company has an independent compensation committee; and (ii) whether the compensation committee has authority to engage independent compensation consultants.

 

  F. Bonus Plans and Tax Deductibility Proposals

 

Pyramis will generally vote in favor of cash and stock incentive plans that are submitted for shareholder approval in order to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the plan includes well defined and appropriate performance criteria, and with respect to any cash component, that the maximum award per participant is clearly stated and is not unreasonable or excessive.

 

V. Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

Pyramis will generally vote against a proposal to adopt or approve the adoption of an Anti-Takeover Provision unless:

 

  A. The Poison Pill includes the following features:

 

  1. A sunset provision of no greater than 5 years;

 

  2. Linked to a business strategy that is expected to result in greater value for the shareholders;

 

  3. Requires shareholder approval to be reinstated upon expiration or if amended;

 

  4. Contains a Permitted Bid Feature; and

 

  5. Allows Fidelity to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company’s total voting securities and of any class of voting securities.

 

  B. An Anti-Greenmail proposal that does not include other Anti-Takeover Provisions; or

 

  C. It is a fair price amendment that considers a two-year price history or less.

 

Pyramis will generally vote in favor of proposals to eliminate Anti-Takeover Provisions. In the case of proposals to declassify a board of directors, Pyramis will generally vote against such a proposal if the issuer’s Articles of Incorporation or applicable statutes include a provision whereby a majority of directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by written consent, or other reasonable procedures, by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors.

 

VI. Capital Structure / Incorporation

 

  A. Increases in Common Stock

 

Pyramis will generally vote against a provision to increase a Company’s common stock if such increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than 3 times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares, including stock options, except in the case of real estate investment trusts, where an increase that will result in a total number of authorized shares up to 5 times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares is generally acceptable.

 

 

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  B. New Classes of Shares

 

Pyramis will generally vote against the introduction of new classes of stock with differential voting rights.

 

  C. Cumulative Voting Rights

 

Pyramis will generally vote against the introduction and in favor of the elimination of cumulative voting rights.

 

  D. Acquisition or Business Combination Statutes

 

Pyramis will generally vote in favor of proposed amendments to a company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws that enable the company to opt out of the control shares acquisition or business combination statutes.

 

  E. Incorporation or Reincorporation in Another State or Country

 

Pyramis will generally vote against shareholder proposals calling for, or recommending that, a portfolio company reincorporate in the United States and vote in favor of management proposals to reincorporate in a jurisdiction outside the United States if (i) it is lawful under United States, state and other applicable law for the company to be incorporated under the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction and to conduct its business and (ii) reincorporating or maintaining a domicile in the United States would likely give rise to adverse tax or other economic consequences detrimental to the interests of the company and its shareholders. However, Pyramis will consider supporting such shareholder proposals and opposing such management proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, reincorporating in or maintaining a domicile in the relevant foreign jurisdiction gives rise to significant risks or other potential adverse consequences that appear reasonably likely to be detrimental to the interests of the company or its shareholders.

 

VII. Shares of Investment Companies

 

  A. If applicable, when a Fidelity Fund invests in an underlying Fidelity fund with public shareholders, an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), or non-affiliated fund, shares will be voted in the same proportion as all other shareholders of such underlying fund or class (“echo voting”).

 

  B. Certain clients may invest in shares of underlying Fidelity funds, which are held exclusively by Fidelity funds or accounts managed by Pyramis, FMR or an FMR affiliate. Such shares will generally be voted in favor of proposals recommended by the underlying fund’s Board of Trustees.

 

VIII. Other

 

  A. Voting Process

 

Pyramis will generally vote in favor of proposals to adopt confidential voting and independent vote tabulation practices.

 

  B. Regulated Industries

 

Voting of shares in securities of any regulated industry (e.g., U.S. banking) organization shall be conducted in a manner consistent with conditions that may be specified by the industry’s regulator (e.g., the Federal Reserve Board) for a determination under applicable law (e.g., federal banking law) that no client or group of clients has acquired control of such organization.

 

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SANDS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

 

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Implementation Date: November 2006

 

Issue

 

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act requires every investment adviser to adopt and implement written policies and procedures, reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its clients. The procedures must address material conflicts that may arise in connection with proxy voting. The Rule further requires the adviser to provide a concise summary of the adviser’s proxy voting process and offer to provide copies of the complete proxy voting policy and procedures to clients upon request. Lastly, the Rule requires that the adviser disclose to clients how they may obtain information on how the adviser voted their proxies.

 

SCM votes proxies for a great majority of its clients, and therefore has adopted and implemented this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures.

 

Policy

 

It is the policy of SCM to vote client proxies in the best interest of our clients. Proxies are an asset of a client account, which should be treated by SCM with the same care, diligence, and loyalty as any asset belonging to a client. Consideration will be given to both the short and long term implications of the proposal to be voted on when considering the optimal vote.

 

Any general or specific proxy voting guidelines provided by an advisory client or its designated agent in writing will supersede this policy. Clients may wish to have their proxies voted by an independent third party or other named fiduciary or agent, at the client’s cost.

 

Procedures for SCM’s Receipt of Class Actions

 

The following procedures outline SCM’s receipt of “Class Action” documents from clients and custodians. It is SCM’s position not to file these “Class Action” documents, but if received will follow these guidelines:

 

If “Class Action” documents are received by SCM from the Client, SCM will gather, at the client’s request, any requisite information it has and forward to the client, to enable the client to file the “Class Action” at the client’s discretion. SCM will not file “Class Actions” on behalf of any client.

 

Proxy Committee

 

SCM has established a Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee consists of three permanent members (the Chief Operating Officer, Director of Client Services, Compliance Operations Manager) and one or more rotating members (Portfolio Managers). The Proxy Committee meets at least annually and as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities. A majority of the members of the Proxy Committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. The Director of Client Services acts as secretary of the Proxy Committee and maintains a record of Proxy Committee meetings and actions.

 

The Proxy Committee is responsible for (i) the oversight and administration of proxy voting on behalf of the Adviser’s clients, including developing, authorizing, implementing and updating the Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures; (ii) overseeing the proxy voting process; and (iii) engaging and overseeing any third party service provider as voting agent to receive proxy statements and/or to provide information, research or other services intended to facilitate the proxy voting decisions made by the Adviser. The Proxy Committee

 

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typically reviews reports on the Adviser’s proxy voting activity at least annually and as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.

 

The Proxy Committee has developed a set of criteria for evaluating proxy issues. These criteria and general voting guidelines are set forth in the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment C. The Proxy Committee may amend or supplement the Guidelines from time to time. All Guidelines are to be applied generally and not absolutely, such that the Adviser’s evaluation of each proposal will be performed in the context of the Guidelines giving appropriate consideration to the circumstances of the company whose proxy is being voted.

 

Procedures for Identification and Voting of Proxies

 

These proxy voting procedures are designed to enable SCM to resolve material conflicts of interest with clients before voting their proxies.

 

  1. SCM shall maintain a list of all clients for which it votes proxies. The list will be maintained either in hard copy or electronically and updated by the Director of Client Services or a designee who will obtain proxy voting information from client agreements.

 

As part of the account opening procedure, The Director of Client Services will note whether or not SCM is responsible for voting client proxies for the new client.

 

  2. In cases where SCM has been designated to vote client proxies, we shall work with the client to ensure that SCM is the designated party to receive proxy voting materials from companies or intermediaries.

 

  3. The Director of Client Services shall receive all proxy voting materials and will be responsible for ensuring that proxies are voted and submitted in a timely manner.

 

  4. Prior to a proxy voting deadline, the appropriate Research Analyst will make a determination as to how to vote each proxy proposal based on his or her analysis of the proposal and the Guidelines. In evaluating a proxy proposal, an analyst may consider information from many sources, including management of the company, shareholder groups and independent proxy research services.

 

  5. SCM Staff Members will reasonably try to assess any material conflicts between SCM’s interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting by considering the situations identified in the Conflicts of Interest section of this document.

 

  6. So long as there are no material conflicts of interest identified, SCM will vote proxies according to the policy. SCM may also elect to abstain from voting if it deems such abstinence in its clients’ best interests. The rationale for “abstain” votes will be documented and the documentation will be maintained in the permanent file.

 

  7. Upon detection of a conflict of interest, the conflict will be brought to the attention of the Proxy Committee for resolution. See Conflicts of Interest section for additional information.

 

  8. SCM is not required to vote every client proxy and such should not necessarily be construed as a violation of SCM’s fiduciary obligations. SCM shall at no time ignore or neglect its proxy voting responsibilities. However, there may be times when refraining from voting is in the client’s best interest, such as when an adviser’s analysis of a particular client proxy reveals that the cost of voting the proxy may exceed the expected benefit to the client.

 

  9. The Director of Client Services and the Research Analyst will report any attempts by SCM’s personnel to influence the voting of client proxies in a manner that is inconsistent with SCM’s Proxy Policy, as well as, any attempts by persons or entitles outside SCM seeking to influence the voting of client proxies. Such report shall be made to SCM’s CCO, or if the CCO is the person attempting to influence the voting, then to SCM’s CEO.

 

  10. All proxy votes will be recorded and the following information will be maintained:

 

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The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;

 

   

The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security;

 

   

The Council on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the portfolio security;

 

   

The shareholder meeting date;

 

   

The number of shares SCM is voting on firm-wide;

 

   

A brief identification of the matter voted on;

 

   

Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder;

 

   

Whether or not SCM cast its vote on the matter;

 

   

How SCM cast its vote (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors);

 

   

Whether SCM cast its vote with or against management; and

 

   

Whether any client requested an alternative vote of its proxy.

 

In the event that SCM votes the same proxy in two directions, it shall maintain documentation to support its voting (this may occur if a client requires SCM to vote a certain way on an issue, while SCM deems it beneficial to vote in the opposite direction for its other clients) in the permanent file.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Although SCM has not currently identified any material conflicts of interest that would affect its proxy voting decisions, it is aware of the following potential conflicts that could exist in the future:

 

   

Conflict: SCM is retained by an institutional client, or is in the process of retaining an institutional client that is affiliated with an issuer that is held in SCM’s client portfolios.

 

   

Conflict: SCM retains a client, or is in the process of retaining a client that is an officer or director of an issuer that is held in SCM’s client portfolios. The similar conflicts of interest exist in this relationship as discussed above.

 

   

Conflict: SCM’s Staff Members maintain a personal and/or business relationship (not an advisory relationship) with issuers or individuals that serve as officers or directors of issuers. For example, the spouse of an SCM Staff Member may be a high-level executive of an issuer that is held in SCM’s client portfolios. The spouse could attempt to influence SCM to vote in favor of management.

 

   

Conflict: SCM or a Staff Member(s) personally owns a significant number of an issuer’s securities that are also held in SCM’s client portfolios. For any number of reasons, a Staff Member(s) may seek to vote proxies in a different direction for his/her personal holdings than would otherwise be warranted by the proxy voting policy. The Staff Member(s) could oppose voting the proxies according to the policy and successfully influence SCM to vote proxies in contradiction to the policy.

 

Resolution:

 

SCM realizes that due to the difficulty of predicting and identifying all material conflicts, it must rely on its Staff Members to notify the Director of Client Services and/or the CCO of any material conflict that may impair SCM’s ability to vote proxies in an objective manner. Upon such notification, the Director of Client Services and or the CCO will notify the Proxy Committee of the conflict.

 

In the event that the Proxy Committee determines that the SCM has a conflict of interest with respect to a proxy proposal, the Proxy Committee shall also determine whether the conflict is “material” to that proposal. The

 

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Proxy Committee may determine on a case-by-case basis that a particular proposal does not involve a material conflict of interest. To make this determination, the Proxy Committee must conclude that the proposal is not directly related to the Adviser’s conflict with the issuer. If the Proxy Committee determines that a conflict is not material, then the Adviser may vote the proxy in accordance with the recommendation of the analyst.

 

In the event that the Proxy Committee determines that SCM has a material conflict of interest with respect to a proxy proposal, SCM will vote on the proposal in accordance with the determination of the Proxy Committee. Prior to voting on the proposal, the Adviser may (i) contact an independent third party (such as another plan fiduciary) to recommend how to vote on the proposal and vote in accordance with the recommendation of such third party (or have the third party vote such proxy); or (ii) with respect to client accounts that are not subject to ERISA, fully disclose the nature of the conflict to the client and obtain the client’s consent as to how the Adviser will vote on the proposal (or otherwise obtain instructions from the client as to how the proxy should be voted).

 

Recordkeeping

 

SCM must maintain the documentation described in the following section for a period of not less than five (5) years, the first two (2) years at its principal place of business. Director of Client Services will be responsible for the following procedures and for ensuring that the required documentation is retained.

 

Client request to review proxy votes:

 

   

Any request, whether written (including e-mail) or oral, received by any Staff Member of SCM, must be promptly reported to the Director of Client Services. All written requests must be retained in the permanent file.

 

   

The Director of Client Services will record the identity of the client, the date of the request, and the disposition (e.g., provided a written or oral response to client’s request, referred to third party, not a proxy voting client, other dispositions, etc.) in a suitable place.

 

   

Clients are permitted to request the proxy voting record for the 5 year period prior to their request.

 

Proxy statements received regarding client securities:

 

   

Upon receipt of a proxy, copy or print a sample of the proxy statement or card and maintain the copy in a central file along with a sample of the proxy solicitation instructions.

 

Note: SCM is permitted to rely on proxy statements filed on the SEC’s EDGAR system instead of keeping its own copies.

 

Proxy voting records:

 

   

Documents prepared or created by SCM that were material to making a decision on how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision.

 

   

Documentation or notes or any communications received from third parties, other industry analysts, third party service providers, company’s management discussions, etc. that were material in the basis for the decision.

 

Disclosure

 

   

SCM will ensure that Part II of Form ADV is updated as necessary to reflect: (i) all material changes to the Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures; and (ii) information about how clients may obtain information on how SCM voted their securities.

 

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Proxy Solicitation

 

As a matter of practice, it is SCM’s policy to not reveal or disclose to any client how SCM may have voted (or intends to vote) on a particular proxy until after such proxies have been counted at a shareholder’s meeting.

 

The Director of Client Services is to be promptly informed of the receipt of any solicitation from any person to vote proxies on behalf of clients. At no time may any Staff Member accept any remuneration in the solicitation of proxies. The Director of Client Services shall handle all responses to such solicitations.

 

Responsibility

 

The Director of Client Services is responsible for overseeing and implementing this policy.

 

 

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Attachment C

 

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

One of the primary factors SCM considers when determining the desirability of investing in a particular company is the quality and depth of its management. Accordingly, SCM believes that the recommendation of management on any issue should be given substantial weight in determining how proxy issues are resolved. As a matter of practice, SCM will vote on most issues presented in a portfolio company proxy statement in accordance with the position of the company’s management, unless SCM determines that voting in accordance with management’s recommendation would adversely affect the investment merits of owning the stock. However, SCM will consider each issue on its own merits, and will not support the position of the company’s management in any situation where, in SCM’s judgment, it would not be in the best interests of the client to do so.

 

I.    The Board of Directors

 

A.    Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

 

Votes on director nominees are made on a case-by-case basis, and may consider the following factors:

 

   

Long-term corporate performance record relative to a market index;

 

   

Composition of board and key board committees;

 

   

Corporate governance provisions and takeover activity;

 

   

Board decisions regarding executive pay;

 

   

Director compensation;

 

B.    Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

 

Proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 

C.    Voting for Director Nominees in Contest Elections

 

Votes in a contested election of directors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and may consider the following factors:

 

   

long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry;

 

   

management’s track record;

 

   

background to the proxy contest;

 

   

qualifications of director nominees (both slates);

 

   

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

 

   

stock ownership positions.

 

D.    Size of the Board

 

Proposals to limit the size of the Board should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 

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II.    Auditors

 

Ratifying Auditors

 

We generally vote for proposals to ratify auditors, unless: an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position.

 

III.    Proxy Contest Defenses

 

Cumulative Voting

 

We vote against proposals to eliminate cumulative voting.

 

We vote for proposals to permit cumulative voting.

 

IV.    Anti-Takeover Issues

 

We generally oppose anti-takeover measures because they reduce shareholder rights. However, as with all proxy issues, we conduct and independent review of each anti-takeover proposal. On occasion, we may vote with management when it is concluded that the proposal is not onerous and would not harm clients’ interests as shareholders. Anti-takeover issues include the following:

 

A.    Poison Pills

 

The “poison pill” entitles shareholders to purchase certain securities at discount prices in the event of a change in corporate control. Such a measure would make a potential takeover prohibitively expensive to the acquirer.

 

We review on a case-by-case basis management proposals to ratify a poison pill.

 

B.    Fair Price Provisions

 

Fair price provisions attempt to ensure approximately equal treatment for all shareholders in the event of a full-scale takeover. Typically, such a provision requires would-be acquirers that have established threshold positions in target companies at given per-share prices to pay at least as much if they opt for complete control, unless certain conditions are met.

 

We vote for fair price proposals, as long as the shareholder vote requirement embedded in the provision is no more than a majority of disinterested shares.

 

We vote for shareholder proposals to lower the shareholder vote requirement in existing fair price provisions.

 

C.    Greenmail

 

Proposals relating to the prohibition of “greenmail” are designed to disallow the repurchase of stock from a person or group owning 5% or more of the company’s common stock, unless approved by the disinterested holders of two-thirds or more of the outstanding stock. They could also prevent the company from repurchasing

 

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any class of stock at a price more than 5% above the current fair market price, unless an offer is made to all shareholders.

 

We vote for proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.

 

We review on a case-by-case basis anti-greenmail proposals when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.

 

D.    Superstock

 

Another takeover defense is superstock, i.e., shares that give holders disproportionate voting rights. For example, one company proposed authorizing a class of preferred stock which “could be issued in a private placement with one or more institutional investors” and “could be designated as having voting rights which might dilute or limit the present voting rights of the holders of common stock….” The purpose of this additional class of stock would be to give insiders an edge in fending off an unsolicited or hostile takeover attempt.

 

We will review on case-by-case basis proposals that would authorize the creation of new classes of “superstock”.

 

E.    Supermajority Rules

 

Supermajority provisions require approval by holders of minimum amounts of the common shares (usually 75% to 80%). While applied mainly to merger bids, supermajority rules also may be extended to cover substantive transfers of corporate assets, liquidations, reverse splits and removal of directors for reasons other than cause. A supermajority provision would make it nearly impossible in some cases for shareholders to benefit from a takeover attempt.

 

1. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers

 

We vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

We vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

2. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws

 

We vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments.

 

We vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments.

 

F.    Board Classification

 

High on the agenda of defense-minded corporate executives are staggered terms for directors, whereby only some (typically one-third) of the directors are elected each year. The “staggered board” acts as a bar to unwelcome takeover bids. An aggressive, affluent acquirer would need two years to gain a working majority of directors at a company whose board members are elected to staggered three-year terms of office.

 

We vote against proposals to classify the board.

 

We vote for proposals to repeal classified boards and elect all directors annually.

 

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IV.    Miscellaneous Governance Provision

 

Bundled Proposals

 

We review on a case-by-case basis bundled or “conditioned” proxy proposals. In this case where items are conditioned upon each other, we examine the benefits and costs of the packages items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholder’s best interests, we vote against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, we support such proposals.

 

V.    Capital Structure

 

A.    Common Stock Authorization

 

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

 

B.    Debt Restructuring

 

We review on a case-by-case basis proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan.

 

VI.    Executive and Director Compensation

 

In general, we vote on a case-by-case basis on executive and director compensation plans, including stock option plans, with the view that viable compensation programs reward the creation of stockholder wealth.

 

VII.    State of Incorporation

 

A.    Voting on State Takeover Statutes

 

We review on a case-by-case basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freeze-out provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, anti-greenmail provisions and disgorgement provisions).

 

B.    Voting on Reincorporation Proposals

 

Proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation are examined on a case-by-case basis.

 

VIII.    Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

 

A.    Mergers and Acquisitions

 

Votes on mergers and acquisitions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

B.    Corporate Restructuring

 

Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including minority squeezeouts, leveraged buyout, spin-offs, liquidations and asset sales are considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

C.    Spin-offs

 

Votes on spin-offs are considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

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D.    Changing Corporate Name

 

We generally vote for changing the corporate name.

 

IX.    Social and Environmental Issues

 

Consistent with its fiduciary duty to clients, SCM will vote on social issues with a view toward promoting good corporate citizenship. However, SCM realizes that it cannot require a portfolio company to go beyond applicable legal requirements or put itself in a non-competitive position. Social responsibility issues may include proposals regarding the following:

 

   

Ecological issues, including toxic hazards and pollution of the air and water;

 

   

Employment practices, such as the hiring of women and minority groups;

 

   

Product quality and safety;

 

   

Advertising practices;

 

   

Animal rights, including testing, experimentation and factory farming;

 

   

Military and nuclear issues; and

 

   

International politics and operations, including the world debt crisis, infant formula, U.S. corporate activity in Northern Ireland, and the policy of apartheid in South Africa.

 

We review on a case-by-case basis proposals regarding social or environmental issues.

 

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SSgA FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

Proxy Voting Policy

Introduction

 

SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“FM”) seeks to vote proxies for which it has discretionary authority in the best interests of its clients. This entails voting proxies in a way which FM believes will maximize the monetary value of each portfolio’s holdings with respect to proposals that are reasonably anticipated to have an impact on the current or potential value of a security. Absent unusual circumstances or specific client instructions, we vote proxies on a particular matter in the same way for all clients, regardless of their investment style or strategies. FM takes the view that voting in a manner consistent with maximizing the value of our clients’ holdings will benefit our direct clients (e.g. investment funds) and, indirectly, the ultimate owners and beneficiaries of those clients (e.g. fund shareholders).

 

Oversight of the proxy voting process is the responsibility of the State Street Global Advisors (“SSgA”) Investment Committee. The SSgA Investment Committee reviews and approves amendments to the FM Proxy Voting Policy and delegates authority to vote in accordance with this policy to the FM Proxy Review Committee, a subcommittee of the SSgA Investment Committee. FM retains the final authority and responsibility for voting. In addition to voting proxies, FM:

 

  1) describes its proxy voting procedures to its clients in Part II of its Form ADV;

 

  2) provides the client with this written proxy policy, upon request;

 

  3) discloses to its clients how they may obtain information on how FM voted the client’s proxies;

 

  4) matches proxies received with holdings as of record date;

 

  5) reconciles holdings as of record date and rectifies any discrepancies;

 

  6) generally applies its proxy voting policy consistently and keeps records of votes for each client;

 

  7) documents the reason(s) for voting for all non-routine items; and

 

  8) keeps records of such proxy voting available for inspection by the client or governmental agencies.

 

Process

 

The FM Manager of Corporate Governance is responsible for monitoring proxy voting on behalf of our clients and executing the day to day implementation of this Proxy Voting Policy. As stated above, oversight of the proxy voting process is the responsibility of the SSgA Investment Committee.

 

In order to facilitate our proxy voting process, FM retains Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”), a firm with expertise in the proxy voting and corporate governance fields. ISS assists in the proxy voting process, including acting as our voting agent (i.e. actually processing the proxies), advising us as to current and emerging governance issues that we may wish to address, interpreting this policy and applying it to individual proxy items, and providing analytical information concerning specific issuers and proxy items as well as governance trends and developments. This Policy does not address all issues as to which we may receive proxies nor does it seek to describe in detail all factors that we may consider relevant to any particular proposal. To assist ISS in interpreting and applying this Policy, we meet with ISS at least annually, provide written guidance on certain topics generally on an annual basis and communicate more regularly as necessary to discuss how specific issues should be addressed. This guidance permits ISS to apply this Policy without consulting us as to each proxy but in a manner that is consistent with our investment view and not their own governance opinions. If an issue raised by a proxy is not addressed by this Policy or our prior guidance to ISS, ISS refers the proxy to us for direction on voting. On issues that we do not believe affect the economic value of our portfolio holdings or are considered by us to be routine matters as to which we have not provided specific guidance, we have agreed with ISS to act as our voting agent in voting such proxies in accordance with its own recommendations which, to the extent possible, take into

 

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account this Policy and FM’s general positions on similar matters. The Manager of Corporate Governance is responsible, working with ISS, for submitting proxies in a timely manner and in accordance with our policy. The Manager of Corporate Governance works with ISS to establish and update detailed procedures to implement this policy.

 

From time to time, proxy votes will be solicited which fall into one of the following categories:

 

  (i) proxies which involve special circumstances and require additional research and discussion (e.g. a material merger or acquisition, or a material governance issue with the potential to become a significant precedent in corporate governance); or

 

  (ii) proxies which are not directly addressed by our policies and which are reasonably anticipated to have an impact on the current or potential value of a security or which we do not consider to be routine.

 

These proxies are identified through a number of methods, including but not limited to notification from ISS, concerns of clients, review by internal proxy specialists, and questions from consultants. The role of third parties in identifying special circumstances does not mean that we will depart from our guidelines; these third parties are all treated as information sources. If they raise issues that we determine to be prudent before voting a particular proxy or departing from our prior guidance to ISS, we will weigh the issue along with other relevant factors before making an informed decision. In all cases, we vote proxies as to which we have voting discretion in a manner that we determine to be in the best interest of our clients. As stated above, if the proposal has a quantifiable effect on shareholder value, we seek to maximize the value of a portfolio’s holdings. With respect to matters that are not so quantifiable, we exercise greater judgment but still seek to maximize long-term value by promoting sound governance policies. The goal of the Proxy Voting Committee is to make the most informed decision possible.

 

In instances of special circumstances or issues not directly addressed by our policies or guidance to ISS, the FM Manager of Corporate Governance will refer the item to the Chairman of the Investment Committee for a determination of the proxy vote. The first determination is whether there is a material conflict of interest between the interests of our client and those of FM or its affiliates (as explained in greater detail below under “Potential Conflicts”). If the Manager of Corporate Governance and the Chairman of the Investment Committee determine that there is a material conflict, the process detailed below under “Potential Conflicts” is followed. If there is no material conflict, we examine the proposals that involve special circumstances or are not addressed by our policy or guidance in detail in seeking to determine what vote would be in the best interests of our clients. At this point, the Chairman of the Investment Committee makes a voting decision in our clients’ best interest. However, the Chairman of the Investment Committee may determine that a proxy involves the consideration of particularly significant issues and present the proxy item to the Proxy Review Committee and/or to the entire Investment Committee for a final decision on voting the proxy. The Investment Committee will use the same rationale for determining the appropriate vote.

 

FM reviews proxies of non-US issuers in the context of these guidelines. However, FM also endeavors to show sensitivity to local market practices when voting these proxies, which may lead to different votes. For example, in certain foreign markets, items are put to vote which have little or no effect on shareholder value, but which are routinely voted on in those jurisdictions; in the absence of material effect on our clients, we will follow market practice. FM votes in all markets where it is feasible to do so. Note that certain custodians utilized by our clients do not offer proxy voting in every foreign jurisdiction. In such a case, FM will be unable to vote such a proxy.

 

Voting

 

For most issues and in most circumstances, we abide by the following general guidelines. However, it is important to remember that these are simply guidelines. As discussed above, in certain circumstances, we may determine that it would be in the best interests of our clients to deviate from these guidelines.

 

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I.  Generally, FM votes for the following ballot items:

 

Board of Directors

 

   

Elections of directors who (i) we determine to be adequately independent of management and (ii) do not simultaneously serve on an unreasonable (as determined by FM) number of other boards (other than those affiliated with the issuer). Factors that we consider in evaluating independence include whether the nominee is an employee of or related to an employee of the issuer or its auditor, whether the nominee provides professional services to the issuer, or whether the nominee receives non-board related compensation from the issuer

 

   

Directors’ compensation, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other issuers in the market or industry. In making such a determination, we review whether the compensation is overly dilutive to existing shareholders.

 

   

Proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or expand indemnification of directors, provided that a director shall only be eligible for indemnification and liability protection if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office

 

   

Discharge of board members’ duties*, in the absence of pending litigation, governmental investigation, charges of fraud or other indicia of significant concern

 

   

The establishment of annual elections of the board of directors unless the board is composed by a majority of independent directors, the board’s key committees (auditing, nominating and compensation) are composed of independent directors, and there are no other material governance issues or performance issues.

 

   

Mandates requiring a majority of independent directors on the Board of Directors

 

   

Mandates that Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committee members should all be independent directors

 

   

Mandates giving the Audit Committee the sole responsibility for the selection and dismissal of the auditing firm and any subsequent result of audits are reported to the audit committee

 

   

Elimination of cumulative voting

 

   

Establishment of confidential voting

 

Auditors

 

   

Approval of auditors, unless the fees paid to auditors are excessive; auditors’ fees will be deemed excessive if the non-audit fees for the prior year constituted 50% or more of the total fees paid to the auditors

 

   

Auditors’ compensation, provided the issuer has properly disclosed audit and non-audit fees relative to market practice and that non-audit fees for the prior year constituted no more than 50% of the total fees paid to the auditors

 

   

Discharge of auditors*

 

   

Approval of financial statements, auditor reports and allocation of income

 

   

Requirements that auditors attend the annual meeting of shareholders

 

   

Disclosure of Auditor and Consulting relationships when the same or related entities are conducting both activities


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

 

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Establishment of a selection committee responsible for the final approval of significant management consultant contract awards where existing firms are already acting in an auditing function

 

Capitalization

 

   

Dividend payouts that are greater than or equal to country and industry standards; we generally support a dividend which constitutes 30% or more of net income

 

   

Authorization of share repurchase programs, unless the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase

 

   

Capitalization changes which eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights

 

   

Changes in capitalization authorization for stock splits, stock dividends, and other specified needs which are no more than 50% of the existing authorization for U.S. companies and no more than 100% of existing authorization for non-U.S. companies.

 

   

Elimination of pre-emptive rights for share issuance of less than a certain percentage (country specific—ranging from 5% to 20%) of the outstanding shares, unless even such small amount could have a material dilutive effect on existing shareholders (e.g. in illiquid markets)

 

Anti-Takeover Measures

 

   

Elimination of shareholder rights plans (“poison pill”)

 

   

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

 

   

Adoption or renewal of a non-US issuer’s shareholder rights plans (“poison pill”) if the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no “dead hand,” “slow hand,” “no hand” or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, and (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced

 

   

Reduction or elimination of super-majority vote requirements, unless management of the issuer was concurrently seeking to or had previously made such reduction or elimination

 

   

Mandates requiring shareholder approval of a shareholder rights plans (“poison pill”)

 

   

Repeals of various anti-takeover related provisions

 

Executive Compensation/Equity Compensation

 

   

Stock purchase plans with an exercise price of not less that 85% of fair market value

 

   

Stock option plans which are incentive based and not excessively dilutive. In order to assess the dilutive effect, we divide the number of shares required to fully fund the proposed plan, the number of authorized but unissued shares, and the issued but unexercised shares by fully diluted share count. We review that number in light of certain factors, including the industry of the issuer, in order to make our determination as to whether the dilution is excessive.

 

   

Other stock-based plans which are not excessively dilutive, using the same process set forth in the preceding bullet

 

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

 

   

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

 

Routine Business Items

 

   

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

 

   

Change in Corporation Name

 

   

Mandates that amendments to bylaws or charters have shareholder approval

 

Other

 

   

Adoption of anti-”greenmail” provisions, provided that the proposal: (i) defines greenmail; (ii) prohibits buyback offers to large block holders (holders of at least 1% of the outstanding shares and in certain cases, a greater amount, as determined by the Proxy Review Committee) not made to all shareholders or not approved by disinterested shareholders; and (iii) contains no anti-takeover measures or other provisions restricting the rights of shareholders

 

   

Repeals or prohibitions of “greenmail” provisions

 

   

“Opting-out” of business combination provision

 

II.  Generally, FM votes against the following items:

 

Board of Directors

 

   

Establishment of classified boards of directors, unless 80% of the board is independent

 

   

Proposals requesting re-election of insiders or affiliated directors who serve on audit, compensation, or nominating committees

 

   

Limits to tenure of directors

 

   

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

 

   

Restoration of cumulative voting in the election of directors

 

   

Removal of a director, unless we determine the director (i) is not adequately independent of management or (ii) simultaneously serves on an unreasonable (as determined by FM) number of other boards (other than those affiliated with the issuer). Factors that we consider in evaluating independence include whether the director is an employee of or related to an employee of the issuer or its auditor, whether the director provides professional services to the issuer, or whether the director receives non-board related compensation from the issuer Elimination of Shareholders’ Right to Call Special Meetings

 

   

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

 

   

Approval of Directors who have failed to act on a shareholder proposal that has been approved by a majority of outstanding shares

 

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Directors at companies where prior non-cash compensation was improperly “backdated” or “springloaded” where one of the following scenarios exists:

 

 

¡     (i)

it is unknown whether the Compensation Committee had knowledge of such backdating at the time, (ii) the Compensation Committee was not independent at the time, and (iii) the director seeking reelection served on the Compensation Committee at the time; or

 

 

¡     (i)

it is unknown whether the Compensation Committee had knowledge of such backdating at the time, (ii) the Compensation Committee was independent at the time, and (iii) sufficient controls have not been implemented to avoid similar improper payments going forward; or

 

 

¡     (i)

the Compensation Committee had knowledge of such backdating at the time, and (ii) the director seeking reelection served on the Compensation Committee at the time; or

 

 

¡     (i)

the Compensation Committee did not have knowledge of such backdating at the time, and (ii) sufficient controls have not been implemented to avoid similar improper payments going forward

 

Capitalization

 

   

Capitalization changes that add “blank check” classes of stock (i.e. classes of stock with undefined voting rights) or classes that dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders

 

   

Capitalization changes that exceed 100% of the issuer’s current authorized capital unless management provides an appropriate rationale for such change

 

Anti-Takeover Measures

 

   

Anti-takeover and related provisions that serve to prevent the majority of shareholders from exercising their rights or effectively deter appropriate tender offers and other offers

 

   

Adjournment of Meeting to Solicit Additional Votes

 

   

Shareholder rights plans that do not include a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced

 

   

Adoption or renewal of a US issuer’s shareholder rights plan (“poison pill”)

 

Executive Compensation/Equity Compensation

 

   

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

 

   

Retirement bonuses for non-executive directors and auditors

 

   

Proposals requiring the disclosure of executive retirement benefits if the issuer has an independent compensation committee

 

Routine Business Items

 

   

Amendments to bylaws which would require super-majority shareholder votes to pass or repeal certain provisions

 

   

Reincorporation in a location which has more stringent anti-takeover and related provisions

 

   

Proposals asking the board to adopt any form of majority voting, unless the majority standard indicated is based on a majority of shares outstanding.

 

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Other

 

   

Requirements that the company provide costly, duplicative, or redundant reports, or reports of a non-business nature

 

   

Restrictions related to social, political, or special interest issues which affect the ability of the company to do business or be competitive and which have significant financial or best-interest impact

 

   

Proposals which require inappropriate endorsements or corporate actions

 

   

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

 

III.  FM evaluates Mergers and Acquisitions on a case-by-case basis. Consistent with our proxy policy, we support management in seeking to achieve their objectives for shareholders. However, in all cases, FM uses its discretion in order to maximize shareholder value. FM generally votes as follows:

 

   

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

 

   

Against offers when we believe that reasonable prospects exist for an enhanced bid or other bidders

 

   

Against offers where, at the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price

 

   

For proposals to restructure or liquidate closed end investment funds in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value

 

   

For offers made at a premium where no other higher bidder exists

 

Protecting Shareholder Value

 

We at FM agree entirely with the United States Department of Labor’s position that “where proxy voting decisions may have an effect on the economic value of the plan’s underlying investment, plan fiduciaries should make proxy voting decisions with a view to enhancing the value of the shares of stock” (IB 94-2). Our proxy voting policy and procedures are designed with the intent that our clients receive the best possible returns on their investments. We meet directly with corporation representatives and participate in conference calls and third-party inquiries in order to ensure our processes are as fully informed as possible. However, we use each piece of information we receive—whether from clients, consultants, the media, the issuer, ISS or other sources—as one part of our analysis in seeking to carry out our duties as a fiduciary and act in the best interest of our clients. We are not unduly influenced by the identity of any particular source, but use all the information to form our opinion as to the best outcome for our clients.

 

Through our membership in the Council of Institutional Investors as well as our contact with corporate pension plans, public funds, and unions, we are also able to communicate extensively with other shareholders regarding events and issues relevant to individual corporations, general industry, and current shareholder concerns.

 

In addition, FM monitors “target” lists of underperforming companies prepared by various shareholder groups, including: California Public Employee Retirement System, The City of New York—Office of the Comptroller, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and Council of Institutional Investors. Companies, so identified, receive an individual, systematic review by the FM Manager of Corporate Governance and the Proxy Review Committee, as necessary.

 

As an active shareholder, FM’s role is to support corporate policies that serve the best interests of our clients. Though we do not seek involvement in the day-to-day operations of an organization, we recognize the need for conscientious oversight of and input into management decisions that may affect a company’s value. To that end, our monitoring of corporate management and industry events is substantially more detailed than that of

 

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the typical shareholder. We have demonstrated our willingness to vote against management-sponsored initiatives and to support shareholder proposals when appropriate. To date we have not filed proposals or initiated letter-writing or other campaigns, but have used our active participation in the corporate governance process—especially the proxy voting process—as the most effective means by which to communicate our and our clients’ legitimate shareholder concerns. Should an issue arise in conjunction with a specific corporation that cannot be satisfactorily resolved through these means, we shall consider other approaches.

 

Potential Conflicts

 

As discussed above under Process, from time to time, FM will review a proxy which may present a potential conflict of interest. As a fiduciary to its clients, FM takes these potential conflicts very seriously While FM’s only goal in addressing any such potential conflict is to ensure that proxy votes are cast in the clients’ best interests and are not affected by FM’s potential conflict, there are a number of courses FM may take. Although various relationships could be deemed to give rise to a conflict of interest, we have determined that two categories of relationships present a sufficiently serious concern to warrant an alternative process: customers of FM or its affiliates which are among the top 100 clients of FM and its affiliates based upon revenue; and the 10 largest broker-dealers used by SSgA, based upon revenue (a “Material Relationship”).

 

When the matter falls clearly within the polices set forth above or the guidance previously provided by FM to ISS and the proxy is to be voted in accordance with that guidance, we do not believe that such decision represents a conflict of interest and no special procedures are warranted.

 

In circumstances where either (i) the matter does not fall clearly within the policies set forth above or the guidance previously provided to ISS, or (ii) FM determines that voting in accordance with such policies or guidance is not in the best interests of its clients, the Manager of Corporate Governance will compare the name of the issuer against a list of the top 100 revenue generating clients of State Street Corporation and its affiliates and a list of the top 10 broker-dealer relationships to determine if a Material Relationship exists. (These lists are updated quarterly.) If the issuer’s name appears on either list and the pre-determined policy is not being followed, FM will employ the services of a third party, wholly independent of FM, its affiliates and those parties involved in the proxy issue, to determine the appropriate vote. However, in certain circumstances the Proxy Review Committee may determine that the use of a third party fiduciary is not necessary or appropriate, either because the matter involved does not involve a material issue or because the issue in question affects the underlying value of the portfolio position and it is appropriate for FM, notwithstanding the potential conflict of interest, to vote the security in a manner that it determines will maximize the value to its client. In such situations, the Proxy Committee, or if a broader discussion is warranted, the SSgA Investment Committee, shall make a decision as to the voting of the proxy. The basis for the voting decision, including the basis for the determination that the decision is in the best interests of FM’s clients, shall be formalized in writing as a part of the minutes to the Investment Committee.

 

Recordkeeping

 

In accordance with applicable law, FM shall retain the following documents for not less than five years from the end of the year in which the proxies were voted, the first two years in FM’s office:

 

  1) FM’s Proxy Voting Policy and any additional procedures created pursuant to such Policy;

 

  2) a copy of each proxy statement FM receives regarding securities held by its clients (note: this requirement may be satisfied by a third party who has agreed in writing to do so or by obtaining a copy of the proxy statement from the EDGAR database);

 

  3) a record of each vote cast by FM (note: this requirement may be satisfied by a third party who has agreed in writing to do so);

 

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  4) a copy of any document created by FM that was material in making its voting decision or that memorializes the basis for such decision; and

 

  5) a copy of each written request from a client, and response to the client, for information on how FM voted the client’s proxies.

 

Disclosure of Client Voting Information

 

Any client who wishes to receive information on how its proxies were voted should contact its FM client service officer.

 

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T. ROWE PRICE ASSOCIATES, INC

T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL, INC

T. ROWE PRICE GLOBAL INVESTMENT SERVICES, LTD

T. ROWE PRICE GLOBAL ASSET MANAGEMENT, LTD

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

RESPONSIBILITY TO VOTE PROXIES

 

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, Inc., T. Rowe Price Global Investment Services Limited, and T. Rowe Price Global Asset Management Limited (“T. Rowe Price”) recognize and adhere to the principle that one of the privileges of owning stock in a company is the right to vote in the election of the company’s directors and on matters affecting certain important aspects of the company’s structure and operations that are submitted to shareholder vote. As an investment adviser with a fiduciary responsibility to its clients, T. Rowe Price analyzes the proxy statements of issuers whose stock is owned by the U.S.-registered investment companies which it sponsors and serves as investment adviser (“T. Rowe Price Funds”) and by institutional and private counsel clients who have requested that T. Rowe Price be involved in the proxy process. T. Rowe Price has assumed the responsibility for voting proxies on behalf of the T. Rowe Price Funds and certain counsel clients who have delegated such responsibility to T. Rowe Price. In addition, T. Rowe Price makes recommendations regarding proxy voting to counsel clients who have not delegated the voting responsibility but who have requested voting advice.

 

T. Rowe Price has adopted these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Policies and Procedures”) for the purpose of establishing formal policies and procedures for performing and documenting its fiduciary duty with regard to the voting of client proxies.

 

Fiduciary Considerations

 

It is the policy of T. Rowe Price that decisions with respect to proxy issues will be made in light of the anticipated impact of the issue on the desirability of investing in the portfolio company from the viewpoint of the particular client or Price Fund. Proxies are voted solely in the interests of the client, Price Fund shareholders or, where employee benefit plan assets are involved, in the interests of plan participants and beneficiaries. Our intent has always been to vote proxies, where possible to do so, in a manner consistent with our fiduciary obligations and responsibilities. Practicalities and costs involved with international investing may make it impossible at times, and at other times disadvantageous, to vote proxies in every instance.

 

Consideration Given Management Recommendations

 

One of the primary factors T. Rowe Price considers when determining the desirability of investing in a particular company is the quality and depth of its management. The Policies and Procedures were developed with the recognition that a company’s management is entrusted with the day-to-day operations of the company, as well as its long-term direction and strategic planning, subject to the oversight of the company’s board of directors. Accordingly, T. Rowe Price believes that the recommendation of management on most issues should be given weight in determining how proxy issues should be voted. However, the position of the company’s management will not be supported in any situation where it is found to be not in the best interests of the client, and the portfolio manager may always elect to vote contrary to management when he or she believes a particular proxy proposal may adversely affect the investment merits of owning stock in a portfolio company.

 

ADMINISTRATION OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

Proxy Committee

 

T. Rowe Price’s Proxy Committee (“Proxy Committee”) is responsible for establishing positions with respect to corporate governance and other proxy issues, including those involving corporate and social responsibility issues. The Proxy Committee also reviews questions and responds to inquiries from clients and

 

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mutual fund shareholders pertaining to proxy issues. While the Proxy Committee sets voting guidelines and serves as a resource for T. Rowe Price portfolio management, it does not have proxy voting authority for any Price Fund or counsel client. Rather, this responsibility is held by the Chairperson of the Fund’s Investment Advisory Committee or counsel client’s portfolio manager.

 

Investment Services Group

 

The Investment Services Group is responsible for administering the proxy voting process as set forth in the Policies and Procedures.

 

Proxy Administrator

 

The Investment Services Group will assign a Proxy Administrator who will be responsible for ensuring that all meeting notices are reviewed and important proxy matters are communicated to the portfolio managers for consideration.

 

HOW PROXIES ARE REVIEWED, PROCESSED AND VOTED

 

In order to facilitate the proxy voting process, T. Rowe Price has retained RiskMetrics Group (“RMG”), formerly known as Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”), as an expert in the proxy voting and corporate governance area. RMG specializes in providing a variety of fiduciary-level proxy advisory and voting services. These services include in-depth research, analysis, and voting recommendations as well as vote execution, reporting, auditing and consulting assistance for the handling of proxy voting responsibility and corporate governance-related efforts. While the Proxy Committee relies upon RMG research in establishing T. Rowe Price’s proxy voting guidelines, and many of our guidelines are consistent with RMG positions, T. Rowe Price deviates from RMG recommendations on some general policy issues and a number of specific proxy proposals.

 

Meeting Notification

 

T. Rowe Price utilizes RMG’s voting agent services to notify us of upcoming shareholder meetings for portfolio companies held in client accounts and to transmit votes to the various custodian banks of our clients. RMG tracks and reconciles T. Rowe Price holdings against incoming proxy ballots. If ballots do not arrive on time, RMG procures them from the appropriate custodian or proxy distribution agent. Meeting and record date information is updated daily, and transmitted to T. Rowe Price through Governance Analytics, RMG’s web-based application. RMG is also responsible for maintaining copies of all proxy statements received by issuers and to promptly provide such materials to T. Rowe Price upon request.

 

Vote Determination

 

RMG provides comprehensive summaries of proxy proposals, publications discussing key proxy voting issues, and specific vote recommendations regarding portfolio company proxies to assist in the proxy research process. The final authority and responsibility for proxy voting decisions remains with T. Rowe Price. Decisions with respect to proxy matters are made primarily in light of the anticipated impact of the issue on the desirability of investing in the company from the viewpoint of our clients.

 

Portfolio managers may decide to vote their proxies consistent with T. Rowe Price’s policies as set by the Proxy Committee and instruct our Proxy Administrator to vote all proxies accordingly. Alternatively, portfolio managers may request to review the vote recommendations and sign-off on all the proxies before the votes are cast, or may choose only to sign-off on those votes cast against management. The portfolio managers are also given the option of reviewing and determining the votes on all proxies without utilizing the vote guidelines of the Proxy Committee. In all cases, the portfolio managers may elect to receive current reports summarizing all proxy votes in his or her client accounts. Portfolio managers who vote their proxies inconsistent with T. Rowe Price guidelines are required to document the rationale for their votes. The Proxy Administrator is responsible for maintaining this documentation and assuring that it adequately reflects the basis for any vote which is cast in opposition to T. Rowe Price policy.

 

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T. Rowe Price Voting Policies

 

Specific voting guidelines have been adopted by the Proxy Committee for routine anti-takeover, executive compensation and corporate governance proposals, as well as other common shareholder proposals, and are available to clients upon request. The following is a summary of the significant T. Rowe Price policies:

 

Election of Directors

 

T. Rowe Price generally supports slates with a majority of independent directors. T. Rowe Price withholds votes for outside directors that do not meet certain criteria relating to their independence and who serve on key board committees. We withhold votes from directors who are unable to dedicate sufficient time to their board duties due to their commitments to other boards. We also withhold votes for inside directors serving on key board committees and for directors who miss more than one-fourth of the scheduled board meetings. We may also withhold votes from inside directors for failing to establish a formal nominating committee. We support efforts to elect all board members annually because boards with staggered terms act as deterrents to takeover proposals. To strengthen boards’ accountability to shareholders, T. Rowe Price supports proposals calling for a majority vote threshold for the election of directors.

 

Anti-takeover, Capital Structure and Corporate Governance Issues

 

T. Rowe Price generally opposes anti-takeover measures since they adversely impact shareholder rights and limit the ability of shareholders to act on possible transactions. Such anti-takeover mechanisms include classified boards, supermajority voting requirements, dual share classes, and poison pills. We also oppose proposals that give management a “blank check” to create new classes of stock with disparate rights and privileges. When voting on capital structure proposals, T. Rowe Price will consider the dilutive impact to shareholders and the effect on shareholder rights. We generally support shareholder proposals that call for the separation of the Chairman and CEO positions unless there are sufficient governance safeguards already in place. With respect to proposals for the approval of a company’s auditor, we typically oppose auditors who have a significant non-audit relationship with the company.

 

Executive Compensation Issues

 

T. Rowe Price’s goal is to assure that a company’s equity-based compensation plan is aligned with shareholders’ long-term interests. While we evaluate plans on a case-by-case basis, T. Rowe Price generally opposes compensation packages that provide what we view as excessive awards to a few senior executives or that contain excessively dilutive stock option grants based on a number of criteria such as the costs associated with the plan, plan features, burn rates which are excessive in relation to the company’s peers, dilution to shareholders and comparability to plans in the company’s peer group. We generally oppose efforts to reprice options in the event of a decline in value of the underlying stock. For companies with particularly egregious pay practices such as excessive severance packages, perks, and bonuses (despite under- performance), or moving performance targets (to avoid poor payouts), we may withhold votes from compensation committee members.

 

Mergers and Acquisitions

 

T. Rowe Price considers takeover offers, mergers, and other extraordinary corporate transactions on a case-by-case basis to determine if they are beneficial to shareholders’ current and future earnings stream and to ensure that our Price Funds and clients are receiving fair compensation in exchange for their investment.

 

Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues

 

Vote recommendations for corporate responsibility issues are generated by the Global Corporate Governance Analyst using RMG’s proxy research. T. Rowe Price generally votes with a company’s management

 

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on social, environmental and corporate responsibility issues unless the issue has substantial investment implications for the company’s business or operations which have not been adequately addressed by management. T. Rowe Price may support well-targeted shareholder proposals that call for enhanced disclosure by companies on environmental and other public policy issues that are particularly relevant to their businesses.

 

Global Portfolio Companies

 

RMG applies a two-tier approach to determining and applying global proxy voting policies. The first tier establishes baseline policy guidelines for the most fundamental issues, which span the corporate governance spectrum without regard to a company’s domicile. The second tier takes into account various idiosyncrasies of different countries, making allowances for standard market practices, as long as they do not violate the fundamental goals of good corporate governance. The goal is to enhance shareholder value through effective use of shareholder franchise, recognizing that application of policies developed for U.S. corporate governance issues are not necessarily appropriate for all markets. The Proxy Committee has reviewed RMG’s general global policies and has developed international proxy voting guidelines which in most instances are consistent with RMG recommendations.

 

Votes Against Company Management

 

Where RMG recommends a vote against management on any particular proxy issue, the Proxy Administrator ensures that the portfolio manager reviews such recommendations before a vote is cast. Consequently, if a portfolio manager believes that management’s view on a particular proxy proposal may adversely affect the investment merits of owning stock in a particular company, he/she votes contrary to management. Also, our research analysts present their voting recommendations in such situations to our portfolio managers.

 

Index and Passively Managed Accounts

 

Proxy voting for index and other passively-managed portfolios is administered by the Investment Services Group using T. Rowe Price’s policies as set by the Proxy Committee. If a portfolio company is held in both an actively managed account and an index account, the index account will default to the vote as determined by the actively managed proxy voting process.

 

Divided Votes

 

In the unusual situation where a decision is made which is contrary to the policies established by the Proxy Committee, or differs from the vote for any other client or T. Rowe Price Fund, the Investment Services Group advises the portfolio managers involved of the divided vote. The persons representing opposing views may wish to confer to discuss their positions. In such instances, it is the normal practice for the portfolio manager to document the reasons for the vote if it is against T. Rowe Price policy. The Proxy Administrator is responsible for assuring that adequate documentation is maintained to reflect the basis for any vote which is cast in opposition to T. Rowe Price policy.

 

Shareblocking

 

Shareblocking is the practice in certain foreign countries of “freezing” shares for trading purposes in order to vote proxies relating to those shares. In markets where shareblocking applies, the custodian or sub-custodian automatically freezes shares prior to a shareholder meeting once a proxy has been voted. Shareblocking typically takes place between one and fifteen (15) days before the shareholder meeting, depending on the market. In markets where shareblocking applies, there is a potential for a pending trade to fail if trade settlement takes place during the blocking period. T. Rowe Price’s policy is generally to abstain from voting shares in shareblocking countries unless the matter has compelling economic consequences that outweigh the loss of liquidity in the blocked shares.

 

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Securities on Loan

 

The T. Rowe Price Funds and our institutional clients may participate in securities lending programs to generate income. Generally, the voting rights pass with the securities on loan; however, lending agreements give the lender the right to terminate the loan and pull back the loaned shares provided sufficient notice is given to the custodian bank in advance of the voting deadline. T. Rowe Price’s policy is generally not to vote securities on loan unless the portfolio manager has knowledge of a material voting event that could affect the value of the loaned securities. In this event, the portfolio manager has the discretion to instruct the Proxy Administrator to pull back the loaned securities in order to cast a vote at an upcoming shareholder meeting.

 

Vote Execution and Monitoring of Voting Process

 

Once the vote has been determined, the Proxy Administrator enters votes electronically into RMG’s Governance Analytics system. RMG then transmits the votes to the proxy agents or custodian banks and sends electronic confirmation to T. Rowe Price indicating that the votes were successfully transmitted.

 

On a daily basis, the Proxy Administrator queries the Governance Analytics system to determine newly announced meetings and meetings not yet voted. When the date of the stockholders’ meeting is approaching, the Proxy Administrator contacts the applicable portfolio manager if the vote for a particular client or Price Fund has not yet been recorded in the computer system.

 

Should a portfolio manager wish to change a vote already submitted, the portfolio manager may do so up until the deadline for vote submission, which varies depending on the company’s domicile.

 

Monitoring and Resolving Conflicts of Interest

 

The Proxy Committee is also responsible for monitoring and resolving possible material conflicts between the interests of T. Rowe Price and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting. We have adopted safeguards to ensure that our proxy voting is not influenced by interests other than those of our fund shareholders. While membership on the Proxy Committee is diverse, it does not include individuals whose primary duties relate to client relationship management, marketing, or sales. Since T. Rowe Price’s voting guidelines are pre-determined by the Proxy Committee using recommendations from RMG, an independent third party, application of the T. Rowe Price guidelines by fund portfolio managers to vote fund proxies should in most instances adequately address any possible conflicts of interest. However, the Proxy Committee reviews all proxy votes that are inconsistent with T. Rowe Price guidelines to determine whether the portfolio manager’s voting rationale appears reasonable. The Proxy Committee also assesses whether any business or other relationships between T. Rowe Price and a portfolio company could have influenced an inconsistent vote on that company’s proxy. Issues raising possible conflicts of interest are referred to designated members of the Proxy Committee for immediate resolution prior to the time T. Rowe Price casts its vote. With respect to personal conflicts of interest, T. Rowe Price’s Code of Ethics and Conduct requires all employees to avoid placing themselves in a “compromising position” in which their interests may conflict with those of our clients and restricts their ability to engage in certain outside business activities. Portfolio managers or Proxy Committee members with a personal conflict of interest regarding a particular proxy vote must recuse themselves and not participate in the voting decisions with respect to that proxy.

 

Specific Conflict of Interest Situations

 

Voting of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. common stock (sym: TROW) by certain T. Rowe Price Index Funds will be done in all instances in accordance with T. Rowe Price policy, and votes inconsistent with policy will not be permitted. In addition, T. Rowe Price has voting authority for proxies of the holdings of certain T. Rowe Price funds that invest in other T. Rowe Price funds. In cases where the underlying fund of a T. Rowe Price fund-of -funds holds a proxy vote, T. Rowe Price will mirror vote the fund shares held by the fund-of-funds in the same proportion as the votes cast by the shareholders of the underlying funds.

 

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REPORTING AND RECORD RETENTION

 

Vote Summary Reports will be generated for each client that requests T. Rowe Price to furnish proxy voting records. The report specifies the portfolio companies, meeting dates, proxy proposals, and votes which have been cast for the client during the period and the position taken with respect to each issue. Reports normally cover quarterly or annual periods. All client requests for proxy information will be recorded and fulfilled by the Proxy Administrator.

 

T. Rowe Price retains proxy solicitation materials, memoranda regarding votes cast in opposition to the position of a company’s management, and documentation on shares voted differently. In addition, any document which is material to a proxy voting decision such as the T. Rowe Price voting guidelines, Proxy Committee meeting materials, and other internal research relating to voting decisions will be kept. Proxy statements received from issuers (other than those which are available on the SEC’s EDGAR database) are kept by RMG in its capacity as voting agent and are available upon request. All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation are retained for six years.

 

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TURNER INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC.

TURNER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC

 

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

 

Turner Investment Partners, Inc., as well as its investment advisory affiliate, Turner Investment Management LLC (collectively, Turner), act as fiduciaries in relation to their clients and the assets entrusted by them to their management. Where the assets placed in Turner’s care include shares of corporate stock, and except where the client has expressly reserved to itself or another party the duty to vote proxies, it is Turner’s duty as a fiduciary to vote all proxies relating to such shares.

 

Duties with Respect to Proxies:

 

Turner has an obligation to vote all proxies appurtenant to shares of corporate stock owned by its client accounts in the best interests of those clients. In voting these proxies, Turner may not be motivated by, or subordinate the client’s interests to, its own objectives or those of persons or parties unrelated to the client. Turner will exercise all appropriate and lawful care, skill, prudence and diligence in voting proxies, and shall vote all proxies relating to shares owned by its client accounts and received by Turner. Turner shall not be responsible, however, for voting proxies that it does not receive in sufficient time to respond.

 

Delegation:

 

In order to carry out its responsibilities in regard to voting proxies, Turner must track all shareholder meetings convened by companies whose shares are held in Turner client accounts, identify all issues presented to shareholders at such meetings, formulate a principled position on each such issue and ensure that proxies pertaining to all shares owned in client accounts are voted in accordance with such determinations.

 

Consistent with these duties, Turner has delegated certain aspects of the proxy voting process to Institutional Shareholder Services, and its Proxy Voter Services (PVS) subsidiary. PVS is a separate investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Under an agreement entered into with Turner, PVS has agreed to vote proxies in accordance with recommendations developed by PVS and overseen by Turner, except in those instances where Turner has provided it with different direction.

 

Review and Oversight:

 

Turner has reviewed the methods used by PVS to identify and track shareholder meetings called by publicly traded issuers throughout the United States and around the globe. Turner has satisfied itself that PVS operates a system reasonably designed to identify all such meetings and to provide Turner with timely notice of the date, time and place of such meetings. Turner has further reviewed the principles and procedures employed by PVS in making recommendations on voting proxies on each issue presented, and has satisfied itself that PVS’s recommendations are: (i) based upon an appropriate level of diligence and research, and (ii) designed to further the interests of shareholders and not serve other unrelated or improper interests. Turner, either directly or through its duly-constituted Proxy Committee, shall review its determinations as to PVS at least annually.

 

Notwithstanding its belief that PVS’s recommendations are consistent with the best interests of shareholders and appropriate to be implemented for Turner’s client accounts, Turner has the right and the ability to depart from a recommendation made by PVS as to a particular vote, slate of candidates or otherwise, and can direct PVS to vote all or a portion of the shares owned for client accounts in accordance with Turner’s preferences. PVS is bound to vote any such shares subject to that direction in strict accordance with all such instructions. Turner, through its Proxy Committee, reviews on a regular basis the overall shareholder meeting agenda, and seeks to identify shareholder votes that warrant further review based upon either (i) the total number of shares of a particular company stock that Turner holds for its clients accounts, or (ii) the particular subject matter of a shareholder vote, such as board independence or shareholders’ rights issues. In determining whether to depart

 

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from a PVS recommendation, the Turner Proxy Committee looks to its view of the best interests of shareholders, and provides direction to PVS only where in Turner’s view departing from the PVS recommendation appears to be in the best interests of Turner’s clients as shareholders. The Proxy Committee keeps minutes of its determinations in this regard.

 

Conflicts of Interest:

 

Turner stock is not publicly traded, and Turner is not otherwise affiliated with any issuer whose shares are available for purchase by client accounts. Further, no Turner affiliate currently provides brokerage, underwriting, insurance, banking or other financial services to issuers whose shares are available for purchase by client accounts.

 

Where a client of Turner is a publicly traded company in its own right, Turner may be restricted from acquiring that company’s securities for the client’s benefit. Further, while Turner believes that any particular proxy issues involving companies that engage Turner, either directly or through their pension committee or otherwise, to manage assets on their behalf, generally will not present conflict of interest dangers for the firm or its clients, in order to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, the Proxy Committee will determine, by surveying the Firm’s employees or otherwise, whether Turner, an affiliate or any of their officers has a business, familial or personal relationship with a participant in a proxy contest, the issuer itself or the issuer’s pension plan, corporate directors or candidates for directorships. In the event that any such relationship is found to exist, the Proxy Committee will take appropriate steps to ensure that any such relationship (or other potential conflict of interest), does not influence Turner’s or the Committee’s decision to provide direction to PVS on a given vote or issue. Further to that end, Turner will adhere to all recommendations made by PVS in connection with all shares issued by such companies and held in Turner client accounts, and, absent extraordinary circumstances that will be documented in writing, will not subject any such proxy to special review by the Proxy Committee. Turner will seek to resolve any conflicts of interests that may arise prior to voting proxies in a manner that reflects the best interests of its clients.

 

Securities Lending:

 

Turner will generally not vote nor seek to recall in order to vote shares on loan in connection with client administered securities lending programs, unless it determines that a vote is particularly significant. Seeking to recall securities in order to vote them even in these limited circumstances may nevertheless not result in Turner voting the shares because the securities are unable to be recalled in time from the party with custody of the securities, or for other reasons beyond Turner’s control.

 

Obtaining Proxy Voting Information:

 

To obtain information on how Turner voted proxies, please contact:

 

Andrew Mark, Director of Operations

and Technology Administration

c/o Turner Investment Partners, Inc.

1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100

Berwyn, PA 19312

 

Recordkeeping:

 

Turner shall retain its (i) proxy voting policies and procedures; (ii) proxy statements received regarding client statements; (iii) records or votes it casts on behalf of clients; (iv) records of client requests for proxy voting information, and (v) any documents prepared by Turner that are material in making a proxy voting decision. Such records may be maintained with a third party, such as PVS, that will provide a copy of the documents promptly upon request.

 

Adopted: July 1, 2003

Last revised: April 1, 2007

 

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VICTORY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

 

Effective Date: August 18, 2003

Revised Date: September 25, 2007

 

Proxy Voting Policy

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Topic


   Pages

Proxy Voting Policy

   B-262

Statement of Corporate Governance

   B-262

Proxy Voting Procedure

   B-263

Voting Guidelines

   B-263

Corporate Governance

   B-263

Board of Directors

   B-266

Takeover Defense and Related Actions

   B-268

Compensation Plan

   B-269

Capital Structure, Classes of Stock And Recapitalization

   B-270

Social Issues

   B-271

International Corporate Governance

   B-271

Additional Topics

   B-272

Material Conflicts of Interest

   B-272

Recordkeeping

   B-272

Glossary

   B-273

Executive Compensation Terms

   B-275

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICY

 

When Victory client accounts hold stock that Victory is obligated to vote, the voting authority will be exercised in accordance with:

 

   

the direction and guidance, if any, provided by the document establishing the account relationship

 

   

principles of fiduciary law and Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Both require Victory to act in the best interests of the account. In voting such stock, Victory will exercise the care, skill, prudence, and diligence a prudent person would use, considering the aims, objectives, and guidance provided by the documents governing the account

 

Victory votes client securities in the best interests of the client. In general, this entails voting client proxies with the objective of increasing the long-term economic value of client assets.* In determining the best interests of the account, Victory considers, among other things, the effect of the proposal on the underlying value of the securities (including the effect on marketability of the securities and the effect of the proposal on future prospects of the issuer), the composition and effectiveness of the issuer’s board of directors, the issuer’s corporate governance practices, and the quality of communications from the issuer to its shareholders.

 

Where Victory has an obligation to vote client proxies:

 

   

reasonable efforts will be made to monitor and keep abreast of corporate actions

 

   

all stock, whether by proxy or in person, will be voted, provided there is sufficient time and information available

 

   

a written record of such voting will be kept by Victory or its designated affiliate

 

   

the Proxy and Corporate Activities Committee (the “Proxy Committee”) will supervise the voting of client securities (subject to the review of Victory’s appropriate Chief Investment Officer)

 

Proxy Recall for Securities Lending, as required:

 

Victory will use reasonable efforts to determine if the recall of a security on loan is warranted in time to vote proxies if the fund knows that a vote concerning a “material” event will occur.

 

   

Victory may utilize the services of an independent third-party to assist in the process of recalling loaned out shares including, but not limited to, assisting Victory to anticipate record dates for upcoming high profile meetings for which it may recall shares in advance of voting.

 

   

Appropriate information will be sent to the Securities Lending Group with the specific record date of the security that needs to be recalled. Once the security is recalled, the proxy will flow into Victory’s normal voting procedures.

 

Note: “Clients” include, without limitation, separately managed accounts, mutual funds, and other accounts and funds for which Victory serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser.

 

Victory’s entire Policy and Procedures are available upon request via our website at www.victoryconnect.com, or by e-mailing us at Compliance_Victory@victoryconnect.com.

 

STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The rights associated with stock ownership are as valuable as any other financial assets. As such, they must be managed in the same manner. Victory has established voting guidelines that seek to protect these rights while attempting to maximize the value of the underlying securities.

 

 

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PROXY VOTING PROCEDURE

 

The Proxy Committee determines how proxies will be voted, or in those instances where Victory has sole or shared voting authority over client securities, recommendations will be made. Proxy’s are presented to the committee through the Corporate Actions Department. Actual votes are submitted by the Corporate Actions Department and/or the Proxy Committee. Decisions are based exclusively with the best interest with the shareholders in mind.

 

Voting may be executed through administrative screening per established guidelines with oversight by the Proxy Committee or upon vote by a quorum of the Proxy Committee.

 

Victory’s investment research department’s opinion concerning the management and prospects of the issuer may be taken into account in determining whether a vote for or against a proposal is in the client’s best interests. Insufficient information, onerous requests or vague, ambiguous wording may indicate that a vote against a proposal is appropriate, even when the general principal appears to be reasonable.

 

The Proxy Committee is comprised of at least the following: Chief Administration Officer, a Senior Equity Analyst, Victory and Key Private Bank Senior Portfolio Managers, and Head of Fund Administration. Quorum exists when at least three voting committee members are either in attendance or participate remotely via video or teleconference. Approval is based on majority votes of committee.

 

VOTING GUIDELINES

 

The following guidelines are intended to assist in voting proxies and are not to be considered rigid rules. The Proxy Committee is directed to apply these guidelines as appropriate. On occasion, however, a contrary vote may be warranted when such action is in the best interests of the account or if it is required under the documents governing the account.

 

The committee may also take into account independent third-party, general industry guidance or other governance board review sources when making decisions. The committee may additionally seek guidance from other senior internal sources with special expertise on a given topic, where it is appropriate.

 

When the Proxy Committee decides to vote against a proposal which is generally approved, or votes in favor of a proposal which is generally opposed, the reason for the exception will be recorded.

 

The following is a discussion of selected proxy proposals which are considered periodically at annual meetings. Victory’s general position with regard to such proposals is also included.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Confidential Voting    Generally Approved

 

Confidential voting eliminates the possibility for management to apply pressure to institutional shareholders with which a business relationship exists. It should be noted that the Department of Labor’s “Avon Letter” and the investigation of proxy voting violations in 1988 may have lessened the need for confidential voting.

 

Equal Access Proposals    Generally Approved

 

As owners of the company, shareholders should have access to a company’s proxy in order to vote on issues of importance.

 

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Cumulative Voting    Generally Opposed

 

Cumulative voting may prevent the majority of shareholders from electing a majority of the board. Cumulative voting requires fewer votes to obtain a board seat, therefore, it promotes single interest representation on the board which may not be representative of the interests and concerns of all shareholders.

 

Unequal Voting Rights    Generally Opposed

 

Victory would vote against any provisions that would dilute the current voting power of shareholders, since one of the assets of a shareholder is the ability to effect change through proxy voting. Victory firmly believes all shareholders should be treated equitably. One share, one vote.

 

Super-Majority Vote Requirements    Generally Opposed

 

Victory is opposed to proposals requiring a vote of more than two-thirds of the shareholders to amend any bylaws or charter provisions, or to approve a merger or other business combination. Super-majority vote provisions may stifle bidder interest in the issuer and thereby devalue its stock.

 

Majority Voting Proposals    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory generally supports reasonably crafted shareholder proposals calling for directors to be elected through an affirmative majority of votes cast and/or the elimination of the plurality standard in uncontested elections, unless the company has adopted meaningful alternatives within their formal corporate governance process.

 

By-Laws Amended By Board Of Directors Without Shareholder Approval    Generally Opposed

 

Since one of the rights of a shareholder is the ability to effect change through proxy voting, it would not be in their best interest to allow the board to influence policy and change the by-laws of the company without shareholder input. Victory would vote against any action taken by the board to prevent shareholders from deciding policy.

 

Amendments To By-Laws Or Charters    Case-by-Case

 

In general, Victory approves technical amendments for companies with a solid track record of good corporate governance. However, Victory reserves the right to oppose issues for companies with questionable practices relating to governance issues.

 

Blank-Check Preferred Stock    Generally Opposed

 

Blank-check preferred stock provides flexibility in financing, and can be used as an entrenchment device. The issuing company can use this tactic as a poison pill when distributed to stockholders with rights attached, or it can be issued with superior voting rights to friendly parties.

 

Pre-Emptive Rights    Generally Approved

 

Pre-emptive rights provide existing shareholders with the first opportunity to purchase shares or new issues of company stock. Victory may not recommend exercising the rights for several reasons, including lack of liquidity or the transaction may not be in the best interest of client’s accounts. However, in certain cases the rights are transferable and Victory may recommend selling. The primary reason for the approval of rights offerings is to limit the amount of dilution new shares cause current shareholders.

 

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Expensing Options    Generally Approved

 

Victory believes shareholders should have an accurate picture of a company’s financial picture, therefore, the company should fully account for stock options.

 

Eliminate Shareholders’ Right To Call A Special Meeting    Generally Opposed

 

In general, Victory opposes proposals to eliminate the right of shareholders to call a special meeting or the position that a minimum of 25% of the shareholders are required to call a special meeting. Reason: shareholders may lose the right to remove directors or initiate a shareholder resolution without waiting for the next regularly scheduled meeting, especially if shareholders do not have the right to act by written consent.

 

Restriction of Shareholder Action By Written Consent    Generally Opposed

 

Victory generally opposes proposals to restrict or prohibit a shareholders’ ability to take action by written consent. Shareholders may lose the ability to remove directors or initiate a shareholder resolution if they must wait for the next scheduled meeting.

 

Appointment Of Auditors    Generally Approved

 

Victory expects a company to have completed its due diligence on the auditors; therefore, selection is approved. However, in cases where auditors have failed to render accurate financial statements, votes are withheld. A favorable position is given to auditors who receive more compensation from their audit engagement than other services with the company.

 

Corporate Name Change    Generally Approved

 

A name change often is used to reflect the brand and image of the business. Under most circumstances, this change is a marketing initiative, has no effect on governance and does not infringe on shareholders’ rights.

 

Expansion of Business Activity    Review Case-by-Case

 

Existing shareholders should approve any restatement of the business purposes or fundamental change in operations. In addition, shareholders should review any expansion or development of company objectives and activities.

 

Change In The Date Or Location Of Annual Meetings    Generally Approved

 

Victory supports provisions that encourage changes in the date and location of annual meetings. A rotating schedule enables shareholders across the nation to attend the meetings and express their views.

 

Change In Investment Company Agreements With Advisors    Generally Approved

 

Victory approves a change in the investment company’s agreement with the advisor when it is in the long-term best economic interest of the shareholders.

 

For Investment Companies, Continuation Of Company Management, Administration or Investment Advisor    Generally Approved

 

Victory supports contracts when performance of the investment companies is relatively close to the appropriate benchmark.

 

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Converting Closed-end Fund To Open-end Fund    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory supports such conversions when it is in the long-term best economic interest of the shareholders. Some of the factors reviewed would include: past performance, the level of discount or premium compared to the NAV, expense structure and the overall effect on competitiveness and future prospects within the market that the fund invests.

 

Changing Investment Company Fundamental Investment Restrictions    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory generally reviews such proposals based on factors that include, but are not limited to: the nature of the restriction to be changed, reasons given for such a change, the likely impact to the overall portfolio and long-term best economic interests of the shareholders.

 

Transaction Of Such Other Business As May Properly Come Before The Meeting    Generally Opposed

 

Victory generally opposes proposals requesting voting approval in the form of other business.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Required Majority Of Independent Directors    Generally Approved

 

Victory believes shareholders are best served when the Board of Directors includes a significant number (preferably a majority) of individuals who are independent and outside of the firm. Independent directors can bring the most objective and fresh perspective to the issues facing the company. Independent directors are less hampered when fulfilling their obligations to monitor top management performance and responsiveness to shareholders and are less likely to be involved in conflict of interest situations.

 

Change In The Number Of Directors    Generally Approved

 

Victory approves a change in the number of directors as long as a satisfactory explanation is provided and the number of directors is reasonable.

 

Classified Boards    Review Case-by-Case

 

Classified boards do provide stability and continuity. However, Victory may oppose this position under the certain circumstance, such as: a proxy fight is won and one-third of the directors are replaced. Running the company with a board that is one-third hostile is very difficult and the vote would be perceived as a loss of confidence in management.

 

Outside Director Stock Option Plan    Review Case-by-Case

 

The interest of outside directors should be aligned with both shareholders and inside directors. Victory supports the position whereby directors hold a minimum level of stock in the company. Another way to ensure the interests of shareholders are matched with those of the outside directors is to award options as a part of compensation. However, Victory would vote against any plan that awards any director excessively.

 

Election of Management’s Nominees for Directors    Generally Approved

 

Victory supports management’s recommendation for any qualified individual to represent the shareholders. Factors considered include: attendance at meetings, company performance, stock ownership, and the independence of each director.

 

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Corporate Board Diversity    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory supports voluntary efforts by shareholders and board members to increase diversity on corporate boards. Support also is given to the appointment of qualified directors with diverse backgrounds; however, the issue of quotas is not supported.

 

Indemnification Of Directors    Generally Approved

 

In general, indemnification is necessary to attract qualified board nominees in today’s litigious environment; however, monetary liability generally is not eliminated, or limited, for breach of duty, lack of loyalty, acts or omissions not performed in good faith, or any transaction in which the director derived an improper benefit.

 

Removal Of A Director Only For Cause    Generally Approved

 

In cases such as gross negligence or fraud, dismissal from the board is warranted. Victory fully supports this position.

 

Severance Packages    Review Case-by-Case

 

Severance packages for outside directors may be appropriate when a merger is planned for the best interest of shareholders; however, severance packages tailored solely as incentives to approve a merger generally are not approved. Since severance packages for outside directors could be viewed as buying their vote and not sound corporate governance, Victory will generally oppose these issues.

 

Share Ownership    Generally Approved

 

Directors are encouraged to be shareholders in order to better align their goals with those of the rest of the shareholders; however, an absolute level of ownership is not supported. Given the tenure and financial position of the director, reasonable efforts to hold the shares should be expected.

 

Advisory Committee    Review Case-by-Case

 

A major privilege of a shareholder is the right to express one’s views to management and the board of directors. If communication between shareholders and management does not take place effectively, an advisory committee can effectively express the equity holder’s views. The scope of responsibility of the advisory committee should be limited to subjects involving corporate governance issues. Victory rejects measures that would allow the advisory committee input into the day-to-day management of the company.

 

Director Liability    Generally Approved

 

Without the assurance a director’s personal assets will be protected in case of legal action, companies may have a difficult time retaining and attracting good directors. Victory favors proposals that expand coverage where directors were found to have acted in good faith; however, directors should be held accountable for their actions, and Victory would be against any proposals that reduce or eliminate personal liability when current litigation is pending against the board.

 

Limit Director Tenure    Generally Opposed

 

Term limits could result in the dismissal of directors who significantly contribute to the company’s success and represent shareholder’s interests effectively. Victory recognizes the position may take a director a number of years to fully understand the details of the company and the nuances of serving on the board.

 

Minimum Stock Ownership    Generally Approved

 

Victory believes stock ownership requirements more closely align the director’s interests with those of the shareholders they were elected to represent.

 

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Separate Chair Person and CEO    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory may support proposals requiring that the position of chair be filled by an independent director, depending upon the particular circumstance and relevant considerations. Examples of considerations include, but are not limited to, having: a designated independent lead director, a two-thirds independent board, key committees that are comprised of independent directors and a company that does not materially under-perform its peers.

 

Approve Directors Fees Paid In Stock and Cash    Generally Approved

 

Victory supports proposals that allow directors to have their annual fees paid in both cash and stock. Directors also should be shareholders in order to align their interests with those they represent.

 

TAKEOVER DEFENSE AND RELATED ACTIONS

 

Mergers Or Other Combinations    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory votes in the best long-term economic interest of the shareholders. When making recommendations, the following considerations are made: the premium received, the trend of the stock, prior to the announcement, for both sides of the transaction, the leverage, the effects on the credit rating of the merger and the reasons for the merger. Also, a number of ratios and factors are reviewed prior to making our recommendation.

 

Leverage Buyout    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory would support a buyout if the shareholders receive the appropriate premium and/or it was in the best long-term economic interest of the company.

 

Fair Price Provisions    Generally Opposed

 

In general, Victory opposes the following when accompanied by a super-majority provision: a clause requiring a super-majority shareholder vote to alter or repeal the fair price provision, in excess of two-thirds. Victory also generally opposes if the pricing formula is such that the price required is unreasonably high and/or designed to prevent a two-tier, front-end-loaded hostile tender offer. Since shareholders do not want to get caught in the second tier, they act selfishly and tender their shares in the first tier so that, effectively, all shareholders are coerced into accepting the offer.

 

Change In The Number Of Authorized Common Shares    Generally Approved

 

It is important for companies to have a cushion for acquisitions, for public offerings, fund stock splits and dividends and for other ordinary business purposes. However, the authorization could raise a corporate governance issue such as targeted share placement. Victory is opposed to this issue if the targeted share placement was for the sole purpose of defeating an appropriately valued offer.

 

Anti-Greenmail Provision    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory favors equal treatment for all shareholders, but anti-greenmail provisions may severely limit management’s flexibility (for example, share repurchase programs Class shares with special features.) Victory may approve if it is determined that the Greenmail may prevent an acquisition that would be detrimental to the long-term interests of shareholders.

 

Approval of Poison Pills    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory generally opposes poison pills used to prevent takeover bids that are in the best interest of shareholders. Certain shareholder rights plans, however, protect the interest of shareholders by enabling the board to respond to unsolicited bids.

 

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Proposals To Opt Out Of State Anti-Takeover Laws    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory approves measures that benefit current shareholders. Proposals that are overwhelmingly in favor of the board at the expense of shareholders would be opposed.

 

Reincorporation    Generally Approved

 

In general, Victory approves reincorporation actions; however, when a change of state of incorporation increases the capacity of management to resist hostile takeovers, the action should be closely examined.

 

COMPENSATION PLAN

 

Executive Stock Option Plans    Generally Approved

 

Generally, Victory supports the adoption of Executive Stock Option Plans. Provisions that accelerate option plans in the event of change of control are also generally approved. Victory will, however, oppose plans where the exercise price drops below market price and/or the dilution is greater than 10%, particularly if the company is mature or executive compensation is excessive. In the case of rapidly growth, cash-short companies with reasonable executive salaries, Victory may approve a plan where dilution exceeds 10%.

 

Adopt Restricted Stock Plan    Review Case-by-Case

 

Restricted stock plans should be kept at minimum levels because they cost more when compared to traditional stock option plans. Additionally, incentives are less than the established plans.

 

Repricing Of Outstanding Options    Generally Opposed

 

Generally, Victory opposes any proposal that would reprice outstanding stock options. Such actions are not in the best interest of shareholders, because it is not appropriate to allow option holders to profit from stock underperformance.

 

Equity Based Compensation Plan    Review Case-by-Case

 

Awards other than stock options and RSAs (Restricted Stock Award) should be identified as being granted to officers/directors and the number of shares awarded should be reasonable.

 

Golden Parachutes    Review Case-by-Case

 

When a takeover is considered likely, it would be difficult for a company to attract and retain top managers without severance payments for involuntary termination or significant reduction in compensation, duties, or relocation after a change in control. However, parachutes in excess of 2.99 times the previous year’s salary and bonus combined are considered exorbitant and generally would be opposed.

 

Cap On Executive Pay    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory would vote against any absolute limit on executive compensation. However, compensation that better matches management and shareholder interests is supported. Additionally, executive compensation needs to be linked to the overall performance of the company.

 

Link Pay To Performance    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory supports plans that align compensation with operational and financial performance. Proposals that link compensation to performance measurements such as peer groups are generally approved. Plans that reward executives regularly and excessively for company underperformance compared to its peer group are not supported.

 

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Loans Or Guarantees Of Loans To Officers And Directors    Generally Opposed

 

In the wake of a number of different scandals involving loans to officer and directors, Victory believes it is in the best interest of shareholders to vote against any loans or guarantees to officers or directors.

 

CAPITAL STRUCTURE, CLASSES OF STOCK AND RECAPITALIZATION

 

Restructure/Recapitalize    Review Case-by-Case

 

Generally, Victory approves proposals that are in a company’s best long-term economic interest, as well as those that protect a client’s position. These proposals involve the alteration of a corporation’s capital structure, such as an exchange of bonds for stock.

 

Spin-Offs    Review Case-by-Case

 

In cases of spin-offs, Victory reviews whether the transaction is in the best long-term economic interest of the shareholder.

 

Tracking Stock    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory would consider the compensation shareholders receive in the event a tracking stock is released. If the company is trying to unlock or spin-off segments that are underperforming or inhibit overall performance, the transaction is reviewed to determine whether value is created for our positions. If the subsidiary has little corporate governance, excessive dilution to current shareholders is present, or any other signs of malfeasance is present, Victory would take an opposing position.

 

Changes To Preferred Stock    Review Case-by-Case

 

Preferred stock can be used as a sound management tool to raise capital and/or increase financial flexibility. However, in instances where it is being used as a part of an anti-takeover package, Victory would oppose the changes.

 

Share Buyback    Generally Approved

 

Generally, Victory approves buybacks that are “at or above” the current market price. However, when management uses this as an entrenching tool to prevent hostile takeovers, or in cases where management uses buyback to prevent acquisitions, Victory would take an opposing position.

 

Authority To Issue Additional Debt    Review Case-by-Case

 

The issuance of additional debt may be beneficial to a company under certain circumstances. However, Victory may vote against any excessive issuance of debt that would cause, for example, a drop in the rating of the company’s debt and the company itself.

 

Stock Splits And Stock Dividends    Generally Approved

 

Victory supports stock splits and stock dividends if they are in the best long-term economic interest of the shareholders. Splits are considered positive because they increase liquidity and allow a greater number of people to hold the shares. Dividends are considered positive because they return capital and enhance returns for shareholders.

 

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SOCIAL ISSUES

 

Social Issues In General    Review Case-by-Case

 

When evaluating social issues such as human rights, labor and employment, the environment, and tobacco, Victory considers such proposals based on the expected impact to the shareholder and their long-term economic best interest. As applicable, Victory may additionally factor corporate governance concerns, reasonableness of each request and related business exposure to the company when analyzing the expected potential impact to shareholders.

 

Equal Opportunity    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory will generally support reports outlining a company’s affirmative action initiatives unless the requests are considered excessive or costly beyond their expected benefit to shareholders. However, Victory may vote against such proposals if relevant actions are already reasonably being met. A few examples would be that the company has well documented equal opportunity programs or the company already publicly reports on its initiatives and provides data on workforce diversity.

 

Sustainability Reporting    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory will generally support proposals requesting that a company report on policies and initiatives related to relevant social, economic, and environmental sustainability, unless such proposals are considered excessive or costly beyond their expected benefit to shareholders. However, Victory may vote against such proposals if relevant actions are already reasonably being met. A few examples would be: that the company already discloses similar information through existing reports, policies or codes of conduct; or, the company has formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on industry accepted guidelines within a reasonable timeframe.

 

Political Contributions    Review Case-by-Case

 

Victory may support proposals that are reasonable in request, cost and information availability, related to the disclosure of corporate contributions. Victory will generally not support political contribution proposals considered excessive, costly or structured to require disclosure beyond political action committee regulations.

 

INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Victory will follow the established Proxy Voting Policy guidelines already in place, unless otherwise noted below when voting International Corporate Governance proxies. Any issue not covered within the guidelines will be evaluated by the Proxy Committee on a case-by-case basis.

 

Receiving and/or Approving Financial Reports    Generally Approved

 

Typically, it is customary for international firms to approve audited financial reports (prior) at the annual meeting. However, this may be opposed in cases where there are (serious) concerns regarding practices of the Board or (audit) committees appointed by the Board.

 

Payment of Final Dividends/ Return of Capital    Generally Approved

 

Stock dividends are generally approved and in the best long-term economic interest of the shareholders. Dividends (are considered positive because they) return capital and enhance returns for shareholders.

 

Share Repurchase Plan    Generally Approved

 

Vote FOR a plan by which the company buys back its own shares, if the plan is offered to all shareholders.

 

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Share Issuance Requests    Review Case-By-Case

 

Victory will generally support share issuance request with preemptive rights. However, Victory may vote on a case-by-case basis on specific issuances with or without preemptive rights.

 

Victory will vote proxies for international holdings in the best interests of its shareholders. Victory will attempt to process every proxy it receives for all International foreign proxies. However, there may be situations in which Victory may vote against, withhold a vote or cannot vote at all. For example, Victory may not receive a meeting notice in enough time to vote or Victory may not be able to obtain enough information on the international security, in which case we will vote against.

 

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

 

Any issue not covered within the guidelines will be evaluated by the Proxy Committee on a case-by-case basis.

 

MATERIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

In the event a material conflict of interest arises between Victory’s interests and those of a client during the course of voting client’s proxies, the Proxy Committee shall:

 

   

We vote the proxy in accordance with the Proxy Voting Guidelines unless such guidelines are judged by the Proxy Committee to be inapplicable to the proxy matter at issue

 

   

In the event that the Proxy Voting Guidelines are inapplicable, determine whether a vote for, or against, the proxy is in the best interest of the client’s account

 

   

document the nature of the conflict and the rationale for the recommended vote

 

   

solicit the opinions of KeyCorp’s Chief Risk Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, or their designee, or consult an external, independent adviser

 

   

If a member of the Proxy Committee has a conflict (e.g. – family member on board of company) – he/she will not vote (or recluse themselves from voting).

 

   

Report to the Board any proxy votes that took place with a material conflict situation present, including the nature of the conflict and the basis or rationale for the voting decision made. Such a report should be given at the next scheduled Board Meeting or other appropriate timeframe as determined by the Board.

 

RECORDKEEPING

 

In accordance with Rule 204-2(c)(2) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, Victory will retain the following records with respect to proxy voting:

 

   

copies of all policies and procedures required by Rule 206(4)-6

 

   

a written record of votes cast on behalf of clients

 

   

any documents prepared by Victory or the Proxy Committee germane to the voting decision

 

   

a copy of each written client request for information on how Victory voted proxies on such client’s behalf

 

   

a copy of any written response by Victory to any written or verbal client request for information on how Victory voted such client’s proxies

 

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GLOSSARY

 

Blank Check Preferred Stock—A popular term for preferred stock in which the board of directors is given broad discretion to establish voting, conversion, dividend and other rights of preferred stock at the time the board issues the stock. Some boards that have authority to issue blank check preferred stock have used it to create takeover defenses.

 

Bylaw—Bylaws supplement each company’s charter, spelling out in more specific detail general provisions contained in the charter. Board of Directors often have the power to change bylaw provisions without shareholder approval.

 

Charter—Also known as the articles of incorporation, the charter sets forth the respective rights and duties of shareholders, officers, and directors. The charter constitutes the fundamental governing rules for each corporation. Shareholder approval is required to amend a company’s charter.

 

Classified Board—A classified board is a board that is divided into separate classes, with directors serving overlapping terms. A company with a classified board usually divides the board into three classes; each year, one-third of the directors stand for election. A classified board makes it difficult to change control of the board through a proxy contest, since it would normally take two years to gain control of a majority of board seats.

 

Confidential Voting—Also known as closed voting or voting by secret ballot, under confidential voting procedures, all proxies, ballots and voting tabulations that identify shareholders are kept confidential. Independent vote tabulators and inspectors of election are responsible for examining individual ballots, while management and shareholders are only told vote totals.

 

Corporate Governance—Corporate governance is the framework within which corporations exist. Its focus is the relationship among officers, directors, shareholders, stakeholders and government regulators, and how these parties interact to oversee the operations of a company.

 

Cumulative Voting—Normally, shareholders cast one vote for each director for each share of stock owned. Cumulative voting permits shareholders to apportion the total number of votes they have in any way they wish among candidates for the board. Where cumulative voting is in effect, a minority of shares may be able to elect one or more directors by giving all of their votes to one or several candidates.

 

Fair Price Requirements—Fair price requirements compel anyone acquiring control of a corporation to pay all shareholders the highest price that the acquirer pays to any shareholder during a specified period of time. Fair price requirements are intended to deter two-tier tender offers in which shareholders who tender their shares first receive a higher price for their shares than other shareholders.

 

Greenmail—Greenmail refers to the practice of repurchasing shares from a bidder at an above-market price in exchange for the bidder’s agreement not to acquire the target company. Greenmail is widely considered to a form of blackmail. Some companies have attempted to deter greenmail by adding anti-greenmail provisions to their chargers.

 

Indemnification—Indemnification permits corporations to reimburse officers and directors for expenses they incur as a result of being named as defendants in lawsuits brought against the corporation. Indemnification often covers judgment awards and settlements as well as expenses. Without indemnifications, or directors’ liability insurance, most companies would be unable to attract outside directors to serve on their boards.

 

Majority Voting—The standard whereby a director or nominee will be elected only if receiving an affirmative majority of votes cast, even if running unopposed for an open seat. In contrast, the plurality standard holds that a nominee or director will be elected based on having received the most votes, whether or not having received an affirmative majority of votes cast.

 

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Poison Pill—The popular term for a takeover defense that permits all shareholders other than an acquirer to purchase shares in a company at a discount if the company becomes a takeover target. A company with a pill (also known as a shareholder rights plan) usually distributes warrants or purchase rights that become exercisable when a triggering event occurs. The triggering event occurs when an acquirer buys more than a specified amount of a target company’s stock without permission of the target company’s board. Once the pill is triggered, shareholders (except for the acquirer) usually have the right to purchase shares directly from the target company at a 50 percent discount, diluting both ownership interest and voting rights. Most pills have provisions that permit the board to cancel the pill by redeeming the outstanding warrants or rights at nominal cost. Pills can force acquirers to bargain directly with a target company’s board, but they can also be used to deter or to block acquisition bids altogether. Corporations are not required by law to submit their poison pills for shareholder approval, and very few companies have chosen to seek shareholder approval.

 

Pre-emptive Rights—pre-emptive rights are intended to allow existing shareholders to maintain their proportionate level of ownership by giving them the opportunity to purchase additional shares pro rata before they are offered to the public. pre-emptive rights are something of an anachronism today because shareholders of publicly traded companies who want to maintain their proportionate ownership interest may do so by purchasing shares in the open market. Many companies whose charters have pre-emptive rights provisions have asked shareholders to amend their charters to abolish pre-emptive rights.

 

Proxy—The granting of authority by shareholders to others, most often corporate management, to vote their shares at an annual or special shareholders’ meeting.

 

Proxy Contest—Proxy contests take different forms. The most common type of proxy contest is an effort by dissident shareholders to elect their own directors. A contest may involve the entire board, in which case the goal is to oust incumbent management and take control of the company. Or, it may involve a minority of board seats, in which case dissidents seek a foothold position to change corporate strategy without necessarily changing control. Proxy contests may also be fought over corporate policy questions; dissidents may, for example, wage a proxy contest in support of a proposal to restructure or sell a corporation. Many proxy contests are today waged in conjunction with tender offers as a means of putting pressure on a target company’s board to accept the tender offer. In a well-financed proxy contest, dissidents usually print and distribute their own proxy materials, including their own proxy card. Proxy contests usually feature letter writing and advertisement campaigns to win shareholder support.

 

Proxy Recall—Recalling of loaned out securities before record date to exercise voting rights.

 

Proxy Statement—A document in which parties soliciting shareholder proxies provide shareholders with information on the issues to be voted on at an annual or special shareholder’s meeting. The soliciting party generally presents arguments as to why shareholders should grant them their proxy. The information that must be disclosed to shareholders is set forth in Schedule 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for a proxy solicited by the company and in Schedule 14B for the act for proxies solicited by others.

 

Recapitalization Plan—A recapitalization plan is any plan in which a company changes its capital structure. Recapitalization can result in larger or smaller numbers of shares outstanding, or in creation of new classes of stock in addition to common stock. Recapitalization plans must be approved by shareholders.

 

Reincorporation—Reincorporation refers to changing the state of incorporation. A company that reincorporates must obtain shareholder approval for the move and for the new charter it adopts when it shifts its state of incorporation. Many reincorporations involve moves to Delaware to take advantage of Delaware’s flexible corporate laws.

 

Restricted Stock—Stock that must be traded in compliance with special SEC regulations concerning its purchase and resale from affiliate ownership, M&A activity and underwriting activity.

 

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Restructuring Plan—A restructuring plan is any plan that involves a significant change in a company’s capital structure. This would include a recapitalization plan, a leveraged buyout, or a major sale of assets. Restructuring plans after shareholder approval before they can be implemented.

 

Rights of Appraisal—Rights of appraisal provide shareholders who do not approve of the terms of certain corporate transactions the right to demand a judicial review in order to determine the fair value for their shares. The right of appraisal generally applies to mergers, sales of essentially all assets of the corporation, and charter amendments that may have a materially adverse effect on the rights of dissenting shareholders.

 

Share Repurchase Plan—A repurchase plan is a program by which a Company buys back its own shares from the market, thereby, reducing the number of outstanding shares. This is generally an indication that the Company thinks the shares are undervalued.

 

Stakeholder Laws—In essence, stakeholder laws state that corporate directors owe a duty to a host of constituencies beyond shareholders: local communities, employees, suppliers, creditors, and others. This is in contrast to the traditional model of the publicly held corporation in law and economics which says that corporate directors have a legally enforceable duty to one constituency—their shareowners.

 

Street Name/Nominee Name—Holding a customer’s stock ‘in street name’ is when broker-dealers, banks, or voting trustees register the shares held for customer accounts in their own names. Such a system makes it more difficult to obtain shareholder information. Note that often the legal owners are not the beneficial owners of the stock and therefore may not have the power to vote or direct the voting of the stock. The beneficial owners direct the brokers and banks as to whether their identity may be disclosed.

 

Supermajority—Most state corporation laws require that mergers, acquisitions and amendments to the corporate charter be approved by a majority of the outstanding shares. A company may, however, set a higher requirement by obtaining shareholder approval for a higher threshold. Some supermajority requirements apply to mergers and acquisitions. Others apply to amendments to the charter itself—that is, the charter, or certain parts of it, may be amended in the future only if the amendments receive the specified supermajority level of support.

 

Sustainability Report—A company report on policies and initiatives related to social, economic or environmental issues.

 

Unequal Voting—Corporations with dual class capitalization plans usually have two classes of stock with different voting and dividend rights. Typically, one class of stock has higher voting rights and lower dividend rights. Insiders owning the higher voting shares are able to maintain control, even though they usually own only a fraction of the outstanding shares.

 

Written Consent—The ability to act by written consent to allow shareholders to take action collectively without a shareholders’ meeting. The written consent procedure was developed originally to permit closely held corporations to act quickly by obtaining consents from their shareholders. The procedure is, however, available in many states to publicly traded companies as well, unless prohibited or restricted in a company’s charter. Many companies have sought shareholder approval to restrict or abolish the written consent procedure; their principal reason for doing so is to prevent takeovers opposed by the incumbent board and management.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TERMS

 

At-the-Money Option—An option with exercise price equal to the current market price.

 

Bonus Shares—Share awards which in some cases may not vest until various performance goals are met or the employee has remained with the company for a minimum number of years.

 

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Call Option—The right, but not the obligation, to buy shares at a predetermined exercise price before a predetermined expiration date. Holders are rewarded when the option has a ‘positive’ spread, or difference between its exercise price and its market price.

 

Change-in-Control Provision—A provision in a stock option plan that allows for immediate vesting of outstanding options if certain events take place which may be deemed a change in control, such as the purchase of a majority of the company’s outstanding shares by a third party.

 

Cliff Vesting—A plan feature providing that all awards vest in full after a specified date. If the employee leaves the company’s employ prior to the vesting date, no partial vesting will occur.

 

Deferred Stock—A share grant in which the participant receives a specified amount of shares, granted at no cost, if he remain employed with the company for a certain period of time. The participant does not have voting or dividend rights prior to vesting, though dividends typically accumulate until vesting.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan—A plan qualified under Section 423 of the IRS Code, which allows employees to purchase shares of stock through payroll deductions.

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)—A qualified defined contribution plan under the IRS Code which allows the ESOP plan trustees to invest up to 100 percent of the plan’s assets in shares or its own company stock. Variants of these plans include the stock bonus plan, the leveraged stock bonus plan (where the trust can borrow money from lending sources to buy more stock), and matching ESOP’s (in which employees match the contribution that the company makes). ESOP’s offer employees tax deferral benefits and companies a tax deduction.

 

Evergreen Plan—A plan provision that typically increases the number of shares available for the issue under the plan on an annual basis by a predetermined percentage of the company’s common stock outstanding. Such plans often have no termination date and permit the plan to operate indefinitely without further shareholder approval.

 

Exercise Price—Sometimes referred to as the strike price, this is the price at which shares may be exercised under a plan. Exercise prices may be fixed, variable or tied to a formula.

 

Formula-Based Stock Incentive Plan—A plan where the participant receives phantom stock or stock-based units, the value of which is based on a formula. This type of plan is similar to a performance share or performance unit plan.

 

Gun-Jumping Grants—Grants of awards made under a plan or plan amendment prior to shareholder approval of the plan or amendment.

 

Incentive Stock Options (ISO’s)—Also referred to as qualified stock options, these rights permit the participant to buy shares before the expiration date at a predetermined exercise price set at or above fair market value at grant date. The term of such awards may be ten years or longer. The company is not allowed to take a tax deduction for ISO’s unless a disqualifying disposition takes place.

 

Indexed Option—The right, but not the obligation, to purchase shares at an exercise price that periodically adjusts upward or downward in relation to a market or industry indicator.

 

In-the-Money Option—An option with an exercise price below the current market price.

 

Limited Stock Appreciation Rights (LSAR’s)—These rights are triggered by a change in the ownership or control and are generally granted in tandem with ISO’s or NSO’s. The rights permit the holder to receive a cash

 

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payment equal to the difference between the exercise price and the market price without having to make a person cash outlay to exercise the option. The design of these rights permits the holder to receive the higher offer in a two-tier tender offer.

 

Nonqualified Stock Options (NSO’s)—Also referred to as discounted stock options, these rights permit the participant to buy shares before the expiration date at a predetermined exercise price set at or below fair market value at grant date. The term of such awards may be longer or shorter than ten years. The company receives the tax deduction at the time the executive receives income.

 

Omnibus Plan—A stock-based incentive plan providing significant flexibility by authorizing the issue of a number of award types, which may include incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, SAR’s, restricted stock, performance shares, performance units, stock grants, and cash.

 

Out-of-the-Money Option—An option with an exercise price above the current market price.

 

Performance Shares—Stock grants contingent upon the achievement of specified performance goals. The number of shares available typically varies with performance as measured over a specified period. Few companies clearly identify the criteria used to select performance measures or the specific hurdle rates that must be met. Performance periods typically extend for a three- to five-year period.

 

Performance Units—Cash awards contingent upon the achievement of specified performance goals. The amount of cash payable typically varies with performance as measured over a specified period. Few companies clearly identify the criteria used to select performance measures or the specific hurdle rates that must be met. Performance periods typically extend for a three- to five-year period.

 

Phantom Stock—An award ‘unit’ corresponding in number and value to a specified number of shares of the company’s stock. These units do not represent an ownership interest. The grant of units entitles the employee to a bonus based on any corresponding increase in the value of the stock.

 

Premium-Priced Options—An option whose exercise price is set above fair market value on grant date.

 

Put Option—The right, but not the obligation, to sell shares at a predetermined exercise price before a predetermined expiration date.

 

Pyramiding—A cashless exercise method whereby a portion of the shares under option is used as payment for the exercise price of other options.

 

Reload Options—Options granted to replace shares owned outright that have been swapped as payment of the option exercise price. At the time of the swap, the company grants a new stock option equal to the number of shares swapped. The reloaded options generally have a new vesting period and the same expiration date as the original options.

 

Repricing—An amendment to a previously granted stock option contract that reduces the option exercise price. Options can also be repriced through cancellations and regrants. The typical new grant would have a ten-year term, new vesting restrictions, and a lower exercise price reflecting the current lower market price.

 

Restricted Stock—A grant of stock, subject to restrictions, with little or not cost to the participant. Such shares are usually subject to forfeiture if the holder leaves the company before a specified period of time; thus, the awards are often used to retain employees. The restrictions usually lapse after three to five years, during which time the holder cannot sell the shares. Typically, the holder is entitled to vote the stock and receives dividends on the shares.

 

Section 162(m)—The IRS Code Section that limits the deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million to a named executive officer unless certain prescribed actions are taken.

 

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Shareholder Value Transfer (SVT)—A dollar-based cost which measures the amount of shareholders’ equity flowing out of the company to executives as options are exercised. The strike price of an option is paid at the time of exercise and flows back to the company. The profit spread, or the difference between the exercise price and the market price, represents a transfer of shareholders’ equity to the executive. The time value of money is also a significant cost impacting shareholders’ equity.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)—An award paid in cash or shares to the employee equal to the stock price appreciation from the time of grant to the exercise date. When granted in tandem with options, the exercise of the SAR cancels the option.

 

Stock Purchase Right—The right to purchase shares of stock at a discount for a set period of time.

 

Vesting Schedule—A holding period following grant date during which time options may not be exercised.

 

Volatility—The potential dispersion of a company’s stock price over the life on an option.

 

Voting Power Dilution (VPD)—The relative reduction in voting power as stock-based incentives are exercised and existing shareholders’ proportional ownership in the company is diluted.

 

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WADDELL & REED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY

 

PROXY VOTING POLICY

 

The Fund has delegated all proxy voting responsibilities to WRIMCO. WRIMCO has established guidelines that reflect what it believes are desirable principles of corporate governance.

 

Listed below are several reoccurring issues and WRIMCO’s corresponding positions.

 

Board of Directors Issues:

 

WRIMCO generally supports proposals requiring that a majority of the board of directors consist of outside, or independent, directors.

 

WRIMCO generally votes against proposals to limit or eliminate liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care.

 

WRIMCO generally votes against indemnification proposals that would expand coverage to more serious acts such as negligence, willful or intentional misconduct, derivation of improper personal benefit, absence of good faith, reckless disregard for duty, and unexcused pattern of inattention. The success of a corporation in attracting and retaining qualified directors and officers, in the best interest of shareholders, is partially dependent on its ability to provide some satisfactory level of protection from personal financial risk. WRIMCO will support such protection so long as it does not exceed reasonable standards.

 

WRIMCO generally votes against proposals requiring the provision for cumulative voting in the election of directors as cumulative voting may allow a minority group of shareholders to cause the election of one or more directors.

 

Corporate Governance Issues:

 

WRIMCO generally supports proposals to ratify the appointment of independent accountants/auditors unless reasons exist which cause it to vote against the appointment.

 

WRIMCO generally votes against proposals to restrict or prohibit the right of shareholders to call special meetings.

 

WRIMCO generally votes against proposals which include a provision to require a supermajority vote to amend any charter or bylaw provision, or to approve mergers or other significant business combinations.

 

WRIMCO generally votes for proposals to authorize an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock.

 

WRIMCO generally votes against proposals for the adoption of a Shareholder Rights Plan (sometimes referred to as “Purchase Rights Plan”). It believes that anti-takeover proposals are generally not in the best interest of shareholders. Such a Plan gives the board of directors virtual veto power over acquisition offers which may well offer material benefits to shareholders.

 

Executive/Employee Issues:

 

WRIMCO will generally vote for proposals to establish an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) as long as the size of the ESOP is reasonably limited.

 

Political Activity:

 

WRIMCO will generally vote against proposals relating to corporate political activity or contributions, or requiring the publication of reports on political activity or contributions made by political action committees (PACs) sponsored or supported by the corporation. PAC contributions are generally made with funds contributed

 

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voluntarily by employees, and provide positive individual participation in the political process of a democratic society. In addition, Federal and most state laws require full disclosure of political contributions made by PACs. This is public information and available to all interested parties. Requiring reports in newspaper publications results in added expense without commensurate benefit to shareholders.

 

Conflicts of Interest Between WRIMCO and the Fund:

 

WRIMCO will use the following three-step process to address conflicts of interest: (1) WRIMCO will attempt to identify any potential conflicts of interest; (2) WRIMCO will then determine if the conflict as identified is material; and (3) WRIMCO will follow the procedures established below to ensure that its proxy voting decisions are based on the best interests of the Fund and are not the product of a material conflict.

 

I. Identifying Conflicts of Interest:    WRIMCO will evaluate the nature of its relationships to assess which, if any, might place its interests, as well as those of its affiliates, in conflict with those of the Fund’s shareholders on a proxy voting matter. WRIMCO will review any potential conflicts that involve the following four general categories to determine if there is a conflict and if so, if the conflict is material:

 

   

Business Relationships—WRIMCO will review any situation for a material conflict where WRIMCO provides investment advisory services for a company or an employee group, manages pension assets, administers employee benefit plans, leases office space from a company, or provides brokerage, underwriting, insurance, banking or consulting services to a company or if it is determined that WRIMCO (or an affiliate) otherwise has a similar significant relationship with a third party such that the third party might have an incentive to encourage WRIMCO to vote in favor of management.

 

   

Personal Relationships—WRIMCO will review any situation where it (or an affiliate) has a personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors, or candidates for directorships to determine if a material conflict exists.

 

   

Familial Relationships—WRIMCO will review any situation where it (or an affiliate) has a known familial relationship relating to a company (for example, a spouse or other relative who serves as a director of a public company or is employed by the company) to determine if a material conflict exists.

 

WRIMCO will designate an individual or committee to review and identify proxies for potential conflicts of interest on an ongoing basis.

 

II. “Material Conflicts”:    WRIMCO will review each relationship identified as having a potential conflict based on the individual facts and circumstances. For purposes of this review, WRIMCO will attempt to detect those relationships deemed material based on the reasonable likelihood that they would be viewed as important by the average shareholder.

 

III. Procedures to Address Material Conflicts:    WRIMCO will use the following techniques to vote proxies that have been determined to present a “Material Conflict.”

 

   

Use a Proxy Voting Service for Specific Proposals—As a primary means of voting material conflicts, WRIMCO will vote in accordance with the recommendation of an independent proxy voting service (Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) or another independent third party if a recommendation from ISS is unavailable).

 

   

Client directed—If the Material Conflict arises from WRIMCO’s management of a third party account and the client provides voting instructions on a particular vote, WRIMCO will vote according to the directions provided by the client.

 

   

Use a Predetermined Voting Policy—If no directives are provided by either ISS or the client, WRIMCO may vote material conflicts pursuant to the pre-determined Proxy Voting Policies, established herein, should such subject matter fall sufficiently within the identified subject matter. If the

 

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issue involves a material conflict and WRIMCO chooses to use a predetermined voting policy, WRIMCO will not be permitted to vary from the established voting policies established herein.

 

   

Seek Board Guidance—If the Material Conflict does not fall within one of the situations referenced above, WRIMCO may seek guidance from the Board on matters involving a conflict. Under this method, WRIMCO will disclose the nature of the conflict to the Board and obtain the Board’s consent or direction to vote the proxies. WRIMCO may use the Board guidance to vote proxies for its non-mutual fund clients.

 

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WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLP

 

Global Proxy Policies and Procedures

 

Introduction

 

Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”) has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best economic interests of its clients around the world.

 

Wellington Management’s Proxy Voting Guidelines (the Guidelines), which are incorporated by reference to these Global Proxy Policies and Procedures, set forth the sets of guidelines that Wellington Management uses in voting specific proposals presented by the boards of directors or shareholders of companies whose securities are held in client portfolios for which Wellington Management has voting discretion. While the Guidelines set forth general sets of guidelines for voting proxies, it should be noted that these are guidelines and not rigid rules. Many of the Guidelines are accompanied by explanatory language that describes criteria that may affect our vote decision. The criteria as described are to be read as part of the guideline, and votes cast according to the criteria will be considered within guidelines. In some circumstances, the merits of a particular proposal may cause us to enter a vote that differs from the Guidelines.

 

Statement of Policies

 

As a matter of policy, Wellington Management:

 

  1 Takes responsibility for voting client proxies only upon a client’s written request.

 

  2 Votes all proxies in the best interests of its clients as shareholders, i.e., to maximize economic value.

 

  3 Develops and maintains broad guidelines setting out positions on common proxy issues, but also considers each proposal in the context of the issuer, industry, and country or countries in which its business is conducted.

 

  4 Evaluates all factors it deems relevant when considering a vote, and may determine in certain instances that it is in the best interest of one or more clients to refrain from voting a given proxy ballot.

 

  5 Identifies and resolves all material proxy-related conflicts of interest between the firm and its clients in the best interests of the client.

 

  6 Believes that sound corporate governance practices can enhance shareholder value and therefore encourages consideration of an issuer’s corporate governance as part of the investment process.

 

  7 Believes that proxy voting is a valuable tool that can be used to promote sound corporate governance to the ultimate benefit of the client as shareholder.

 

  8 Provides all clients, upon request, with copies of these Global Proxy Policies and Procedures, the Proxy Voting Guidelines, and related reports, with such frequency as required to fulfill obligations under applicable law or as reasonably requested by clients.

 

  9 Reviews regularly the voting record to ensure that proxies are voted in accordance with these Global Proxy Policies and Procedures and the set of Proxy Voting Guidelines selected by the client from those provided by Wellington Management; and ensures that procedures, documentation, and reports relating to the voting of proxies are promptly and properly prepared and disseminated.

 

Responsibility and Oversight

 

Wellington Management has a Corporate Governance Committee, established by action of the firm’s Executive Committee, that is responsible for the review and approval of the firm’s written Global Proxy Policies

 

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and Procedures and its Proxy Voting Guidelines, and for providing advice and guidance on specific proxy votes for individual issuers. The firm’s Legal Services Department monitors regulatory requirements with respect to proxy voting on a global basis and works with the Corporate Governance Committee to develop policies that implement those requirements. Day-to-day administration of the proxy voting process at Wellington Management is the responsibility of the Corporate Governance Group within the Corporate Operations Department. In addition, the Corporate Governance Group acts as a resource for portfolio managers and research analysts on proxy matters, as needed.

 

Statement of Procedures

 

Wellington Management has in place certain procedures for implementing its proxy voting policies.

 

General Proxy Voting

 

Authorization to Vote Wellington Management will vote only those proxies for which its clients have affirmatively delegated proxy-voting authority.

 

Receipt of Proxy Proxy materials from an issuer or its information agent are forwarded to registered owners of record, typically the client’s custodian bank. If a client requests that Wellington Management votes proxies on its behalf, the client must instruct its custodian bank to deliver all relevant voting material to Wellington Management or its voting agent. Wellington Management, or its voting agent, may receive this voting information by mail, fax, or other electronic means.

 

Reconciliation To the extent reasonably practicable, each public security proxy received by electronic means is matched to the securities eligible to be voted and a reminder is sent to any custodian or trustee that has not forwarded the proxies as due. Although proxies received for private securities, as well as those received in non-electronic format, are voted as received, Wellington Management is not able to reconcile these proxies to holdings, nor does it notify custodians of non-receipt.

 

Research In addition to proprietary investment research undertaken by Wellington Management investment professionals, the firm conducts proxy research internally, and uses the resources of a number of external sources to keep abreast of developments in corporate governance around the world and of current practices of specific companies.

 

Proxy Voting Following the reconciliation process, each proxy is compared against the set of Proxy Voting Guidelines selected by the client, and handled as follows:

 

   

Generally, issues for which explicit proxy voting guidance is provided in the Proxy Voting Guidelines (i.e., “For”, “Against”, “Abstain”) are reviewed by the Corporate Governance Group and voted in accordance with the Proxy Voting Guidelines.

 

   

Issues identified as “case-by-case” in the Proxy Voting Guidelines are further reviewed by the Corporate Governance Group. In certain circumstances, further input is needed, so the issues are forwarded to the relevant research analyst and/or portfolio manager(s) for their input.

 

   

Absent a material conflict of interest, the portfolio manager has the authority to decide the final vote. Different portfolio managers holding the same securities may arrive at different voting conclusions for their clients’ proxies.

 

Material Conflict of Interest Identification and Resolution Processes Wellington Management’s broadly diversified client base and functional lines of responsibility serve to minimize the number of, but not prevent, material conflicts of interest it faces in voting proxies. Annually, the Corporate Governance Committee sets standards for identifying material conflicts based on client, vendor, and lender relationships, and publishes those

 

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standards to individuals involved in the proxy voting process. In addition, the Corporate Governance Committee encourages all personnel to contact the Corporate Governance Group about apparent conflicts of interest, even if the apparent conflict does not meet the published materiality criteria. Apparent conflicts are reviewed by designated members of the Corporate Governance Committee to determine if there is a conflict, and if so whether the conflict is material.

 

If a proxy is identified as presenting a material conflict of interest, the matter must be reviewed by designated members of the Corporate Governance Committee, who will resolve the conflict and direct the vote. In certain circumstances, the designated members may determine that the full Corporate Governance Committee should convene. Any Corporate Governance Committee member who is himself or herself subject to the identified conflict will not participate in the decision on whether and how to vote the proxy in question.

 

Other Considerations

 

In certain instances, Wellington Management may be unable to vote or may determine not to vote a proxy on behalf of one or more clients. While not exhaustive, the following list of considerations highlights some potential instances in which a proxy vote might not be entered.

 

Securities Lending Wellington Management may be unable to vote proxies when the underlying securities have been lent out pursuant to a client’s securities lending program. In general, Wellington Management does not know when securities have been lent out and are therefore unavailable to be voted. Efforts to recall loaned securities are not always effective, but, in rare circumstances, Wellington Management may recommend that a client attempt to have its custodian recall the security to permit voting of related proxies.

 

Share Blocking and Re-registration Certain countries require shareholders to stop trading securities for a period of time prior to and/or after a shareholder meeting in that country (i.e., share blocking). When reviewing proxies in share blocking countries, Wellington Management evaluates each proposal in light of the trading restrictions imposed and determines whether a proxy issue is sufficiently important that Wellington Management would consider the possibility of blocking shares. The portfolio manager retains the final authority to determine whether to block the shares in the client’s portfolio or to pass on voting the meeting.

 

In certain countries, re-registration of shares is required to enter a proxy vote. As with share blocking, re-registration can prevent Wellington Management from exercising its investment discretion to sell shares held in a client’s portfolio for a substantial period of time. The decision process in blocking countries as discussed above is also employed in instances where re-registration is necessary.

 

Lack of Adequate Information, Untimely Receipt of Proxy Materials, or Excessive Costs Wellington Management may be unable to enter an informed vote in certain circumstances due to the lack of information provided in the proxy statement or by the issuer or other resolution sponsor, and may abstain from voting in those instances. Proxy materials not delivered in a timely fashion may prevent analysis or entry of a vote by voting deadlines. In addition, Wellington Management’s practice is to abstain from voting a proxy in circumstances where, in its judgment, the costs exceed the expected benefits to clients. Requirements for Powers of Attorney and consularization are examples of such circumstances.

 

Additional Information

 

Wellington Management maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and other applicable laws.

 

Wellington Management’s Global Proxy Policies and Procedures may be amended from time to time by Wellington Management. Wellington Management provides clients with a copy of its Global Proxy Policies and

 

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Procedures, including the Proxy Voting Guidelines, upon written request. In addition, Wellington Management will make specific client information relating to proxy voting available to a client upon reasonable written request.

 

Dated: April 1, 2007

 

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WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLP

 

Global Proxy Voting Guidelines

 

Introduction

 

Upon a client’s written request, Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”) votes securities that are held in the client’s account in response to proxies solicited by the issuers of such securities. Wellington Management established these Global Proxy Voting Guidelines to document positions generally taken on common proxy issues voted on behalf of clients.

 

These guidelines are based on Wellington Management’s fiduciary obligation to act in the best economic interest of its clients as shareholders. Hence, Wellington Management examines and votes each proposal so that the long-term effect of the vote will ultimately increase shareholder value for our clients. Because ethical considerations can have an impact on the long-term value of assets, our voting practices are also attentive to these issues and votes will be cast against unlawful and unethical activity. Further, Wellington Management’s experience in voting proposals has shown that similar proposals often have different consequences for different companies. Moreover, while these Global Proxy Voting Guidelines are written to apply globally, differences in local practice and law make universal application impractical. Therefore, each proposal is evaluated on its merits, taking into account its effects on the specific company in question, and on the company within its industry. It should be noted that the following are guidelines, and not rigid rules, and Wellington Management reserves the right in all cases to vote contrary to guidelines where doing so is judged to represent the best economic interest of its clients.

 

Following is a list of common proposals and the guidelines on how Wellington Management anticipates voting on these proposals. The “(SP)” after a proposal indicates that the proposal is usually presented as a Shareholder Proposal.

 

Voting Guidelines

 

Composition and Role of the Board of Directors

 

   

Election of Directors: Case-by-Case

Wellington Management believes that shareholders’ ability to elect directors annually is the most important right shareholders have. We generally support management nominees, but will withhold votes from any director who is demonstrated to have acted contrary to the best economic interest of shareholders. We may also withhold votes from directors who failed to implement shareholder proposals that received majority support, implemented dead-hand or no-hand poison pills, or failed to attend at least 75% of scheduled board meetings.

 

   

Classify Board of Directors: Against

We will also vote in favor of shareholder proposals seeking to declassify boards.

 

   

Adopt Director Tenure/Retirement Age (SP): Against

 

   

Adopt Director & Officer Indemnification: For

We generally support director and officer indemnification as critical to the attraction and retention of qualified candidates to the board. Such proposals must incorporate the duty of care.

 

   

Allow Special Interest Representation to Board (SP): Against

 

   

Require Board Independence: For

Wellington Management believes that, in the absence of a compelling counter-argument or prevailing market norms, at least 65% of a board should be comprised of independent directors, with independence defined by the local market regulatory authority. Our support for this level of independence may include withholding approval for non-independent directors, as well as votes in support of shareholder proposals calling for independence.

 

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Require Key Board Committees to be Independent: For

Key board committees are the Nominating, Audit, and Compensation Committees. Exceptions will be made, as above, in respect of local market conventions.

 

   

Require a Separation of Chair and CEO or Require a Lead Director: For

 

   

Approve Directors’ Fees: For

 

   

Approve Bonuses for Retiring Directors: Case-by-Case

 

   

Elect Supervisory Board/Corporate Assembly: For

 

   

Elect/Establish Board Committee: For

 

   

Adopt Shareholder Access/Majority Vote on Election of Directors (SP): Case-by-Case

Wellington Management believes that the election of directors by a majority of votes cast is the appropriate standard for companies to adopt and therefore generally will support those proposals that seek to adopt such a standard. Our support for such proposals will extend typically to situations where the relevant company has an existing resignation policy in place for directors that receive a majority of “withhold” votes. We believe that it is important for majority voting to be defined within the company’s charter and not simply within the company’s corporate governance policy.

 

Generally we will not support proposals that fail to provide for the exceptional use of a plurality standard in the case of contested elections. Further, we will not support proposals that seek to adopt a majority of votes outstanding (i.e., total votes eligible to be cast as opposed to actually cast) standard.

 

Management Compensation

 

   

Adopt/Amend Stock Option Plans: Case-by-Case

 

   

Adopt/Amend Employee Stock Purchase Plans: For

 

   

Approve/Amend Bonus Plans: Case-by-Case

In the US, Bonus Plans are customarily presented for shareholder approval pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1992 (“OBRA”). OBRA stipulates that certain forms of compensation are not tax-deductible unless approved by shareholders and subject to performance criteria. Because OBRA does not prevent the payment of subject compensation, we generally vote “for” these proposals. Nevertheless, occasionally these proposals are presented in a bundled form seeking 162 (m) approval and approval of a stock option plan. In such cases, failure of the proposal prevents the awards from being granted. We will vote against these proposals where the grant portion of the proposal fails our guidelines for the evaluation of stock option plans.

 

   

Approve Remuneration Policy: Case-by-Case

 

   

Exchange Underwater Options: Case-by-Case

Wellington Management may support value-neutral exchanges in which senior management is ineligible to participate.

 

   

Eliminate or Limit Severance Agreements (Golden Parachutes): Case-by-Case

We will oppose excessively generous arrangements, but may support agreements structured to encourage management to negotiate in shareholders’ best economic interest.

 

   

Shareholder Approval of Future Severance Agreements Covering Senior Executives (SP): Case-by-Case

We believe that severance arrangements require special scrutiny, and are generally supportive of proposals that call for shareholder ratification thereof. But, we are also mindful of the board’s need for flexibility in recruitment and retention and will therefore oppose limitations on board compensation policy where respect for industry practice and reasonable overall levels of compensation have been demonstrated.

 

   

Expense Future Stock Options (SP): For

 

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Shareholder Approval of All Stock Option Plans (SP): For

 

   

Disclose All Executive Compensation (SP): For

 

Reporting of Results

 

   

Approve Financial Statements: For

 

   

Set Dividends and Allocate Profits: For

 

   

Limit Non-Audit Services Provided by Auditors (SP): Case-by-Case

We follow the guidelines established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding permissible levels of non-audit fees payable to auditors.

 

   

Ratify Selection of Auditors and Set Their Fees: Case-by-Case

Wellington Management will generally support management’s choice of auditors, unless the auditors have demonstrated failure to act in shareholders’ best economic interest.

 

   

Elect Statutory Auditors: Case-by-Case

 

   

Shareholder Approval of Auditors (SP): For

 

Shareholder Voting Rights

 

   

Adopt Cumulative Voting (SP): Against

We are likely to support cumulative voting proposals at “controlled” companies (i.e., companies with a single majority shareholder), or at companies with two-tiered voting rights.

 

   

Shareholder Rights Plans Case-by-Case

Also known as Poison Pills, these plans can enable boards of directors to negotiate higher takeover prices on behalf of shareholders. However, these plans also may be misused to entrench management. The following criteria are used to evaluate both management and shareholder proposals regarding shareholder rights plans.

 

– We generally support plans that include:

– Shareholder approval requirement

– Sunset provision

– Permitted bid feature (i.e., bids that are made for all shares and demonstrate evidence of financing must be submitted to a shareholder vote).

 

Because boards generally have the authority to adopt shareholder rights plans without shareholder approval, we are equally vigilant in our assessment of requests for authorization of blank check preferred shares (see below).

 

   

Authorize Blank Check Preferred Stock: Case-by-Case

We may support authorization requests that specifically proscribe the use of such shares for anti-takeover purposes.

 

   

Eliminate Right to Call a Special Meeting: Against

 

   

Increase Supermajority Vote Requirement: Against

We likely will support shareholder and management proposals to remove existing supermajority vote requirements.

 

   

Adopt Anti-Greenmail Provision: For

 

   

Adopt Confidential Voting (SP): Case-by-Case

We require such proposals to include a provision to suspend confidential voting during contested elections so that management is not subject to constraints that do not apply to dissidents.

 

   

Remove Right to Act by Written Consent: Against

 

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Capital Structure

 

   

Increase Authorized Common Stock: Case-by-Case

We generally support requests for increases up to 100% of the shares currently authorized. Exceptions will be made when the company has clearly articulated a reasonable need for a greater increase. Conversely, at companies trading in less liquid markets, we may impose a lower threshold.

 

   

Approve Merger or Acquisition: Case-by-Case

 

   

Approve Technical Amendments to Charter: Case-by-Case

 

   

Opt Out of State Takeover Statutes: For

 

   

Authorize Share Repurchase: For

 

   

Authorize Trade in Company Stock: For

 

   

Approve Stock Splits: Case-by-Case

We approve stock splits and reverse stock splits that preserve the level of authorized, but unissued shares.

 

   

Approve Recapitalization/Restructuring: Case-by-Case

 

   

Issue Stock with or without Preemptive Rights: For

 

   

Issue Debt Instruments: Case-by-Case

 

Social Issues

 

   

Endorse the Ceres Principles (SP): Case-by-Case

 

   

Disclose Political and PAC Gifts (SP): Case-by-Case

Wellington Management generally does not support imposition of disclosure requirements on management of companies in excess of regulatory requirements.

 

   

Require Adoption of International Labor Organization’s Fair Labor Principles (SP): Case-by-Case

 

   

Report on Sustainability (SP): Case-by-Case

 

Miscellaneous

 

   

Approve Other Business: Against

 

   

Approve Reincorporation: Case-by-Case

 

   

Approve Third-Party Transactions: Case-by-Case

 

Dated: December 6, 2007

 

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WESTERN ASSET

 

PROXY VOTING

 

BACKGROUND

 

Western Asset Management Company (“WA”) and Western Asset Management Company Limited (“WAML”) (together “Western Asset”) have adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). Our authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established through investment management agreements or comparable documents, and our proxy voting guidelines have been tailored to reflect these specific contractual obligations. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.

 

In exercising its voting authority, Western Asset will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (except that WA and WAML may so consult and agree with each other) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.

 

POLICY

 

Western Asset’s proxy voting procedures are designed and implemented in a way that is reasonably expected to ensure that proxy matters are handled in the best interest of our clients. While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration Western Asset’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent Western Asset deems appropriate).

 

The Western Asset Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.

 

Client Authority

 

Prior to August 1, 2003, all existing client investment management agreements (“IMAs”) will be reviewed to determine whether Western Asset has authority to vote client proxies. At account start-up, or upon amendment of an IMA, the applicable client IMA are similarly reviewed. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Client Account Transition Team maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.

 

Proxy Gathering

 

Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Prior to August 1, 2003, Proxy Recipients of existing clients will be reminded of the appropriate routing to Corporate Actions for proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an

 

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existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.

 

Proxy Voting

 

Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:

 

  a. Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted.

 

  b. Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority.

 

  c. Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.)

 

  d. If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party.

 

  e. Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on a case-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Compliance Department.

 

  f. Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials.

 

Timing

 

Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.

 

Recordkeeping

 

Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin 94-2. These records include:

 

  a. A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures.

 

  b. Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities.

 

  c. A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies.

 

  d. Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written client requests.

 

  e. A proxy log including:
  1. Issuer name;

 

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  2. Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted;

 

  3. Council on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted;

 

  4. A brief identification of the matter voted on;

 

  5. Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer;

 

  6. Whether a vote was cast on the matter;

 

  7. A record of how the vote was cast; and

 

  8. Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team.

 

Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.

 

Disclosure

 

Part II of both the WA Form ADV and the WAML Form ADV contain a description of Western Asset’s proxy policies. Prior to August 1, 2003, Western Asset will deliver Part II of its revised Form ADV to all existing clients, along with a letter identifying the new disclosure. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

All proxies are reviewed by the Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:

 

  1. Whether Western Asset (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company;

 

  2. Whether Western Asset or an officer or director of Western Asset or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and

 

  3. Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders.

 

Voting Guidelines

 

Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.

 

Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.

 

I.  Board Approved Proposals

 

The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate

 

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governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:

 

1.  Matters relating to the Board of Directors

 

Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:

 

  a. Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors.

 

  b. Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director.

 

  c. Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences.

 

  d. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors.

 

2.  Matters relating to Executive Compensation

 

Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:

 

  a. Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution.

 

  b. Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options.

 

  c. Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price.

 

  d. Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less.

 

3.  Matters relating to Capitalization

 

The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.

 

  a. Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock.

 

  b. Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits).

 

  c. Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs.

 

4.  Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions

 

Western Asset votes these issues on a case-by-case basis on board-approved transactions.

 

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5.  Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures

 

Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:

 

  a. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans.

 

  b. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions.

 

6.  Other Business Matters

 

Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.

 

  a. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws.

 

  b. Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting.

 

II.  Shareholder Proposals

 

SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:

 

  1. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans.

 

  2. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals.

 

  3. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.

 

III.  Voting Shares of Investment Companies

 

Western Asset may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.

 

  1. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios.

 

  2. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided.

 

IV.  Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers

 

In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held in foreign issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.

 

  1. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management.

 

  2. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees.

 

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  3. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated.

 

  4. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights.

 

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APPENDIX C—ADDITIONAL PORTFOLIO MANAGER INFORMATION

 

AllianceBernstein L.P.

 

Diversified Value Fund

 

Team Description:

 

The management of and investment decisions for the Fund’s portfolio are made by the US Value Investment Policy Group, comprised of senior US Value Investment Team members. The US Value Investment Policy Group relies heavily on the fundamental analysis and research of AllianceBernstein’s large internal research staff. No one person is principally responsible for making recommendations for the Fund’s portfolio. The members of the US Value Investment Policy Group with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio are: Marilyn Fedak, John Mahedy, John Phillips and Chris Marx.

 

Marilyn Fedak

 

Registered Investment Companies:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     149

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 89,225,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     3

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 12,345,000,000

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

      

Total Number of Accounts:

     139

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 34,433,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     5

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 762,000,000

Other Accounts:*

      

Total Number of Accounts:

     44,668

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 181,312,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     103

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 17,446,000,000
John Mahedy       
Registered Investment Companies:*       

Total Number of Accounts:

     147

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 88,192,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     3

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 12,345,000,000

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

      

Total Number of Accounts:

     138

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 34,242,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     5

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 762,000,000

 

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Other Accounts:*

      

Total Number of Accounts:

     44,647

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 178,096,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     99

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 16,786,000,000
John Phillips       
Registered Investment Companies:*       

Total Number of Accounts:

     30

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 32,436,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     1

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 6,706,000,000

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

      

Total Number of Accounts:

     19

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 3,505,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     0

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 0

Other Accounts:*

      

Total Number of Accounts:

     43,884

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 53,720,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     12

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 2,543,000,000
Chris Marx       
Registered Investment Companies:*       

Total Number of Accounts:

     30

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 32,436,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     1

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 6,706,000,000

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

      

Total Number of Accounts:

     19

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 3,505,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     0

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 0

Other Accounts:*

      

Total Number of Accounts:

     43,884

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 53,720,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     12

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 2,543,000,000

* Information as of 12/31/07.

 

Ownership of Securities:    The portfolio managers do not own any shares of the Diversified Value Fund.

 

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Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Team Description:

 

The management of and investment decisions for the Fund’s portfolio are made by AllianceBernstein’s US Large Cap Growth Team, which is responsible for management of all of the Adviser’s US Large Cap Growth accounts. The US Large Cap Growth Investment Team relies heavily on the fundamental analysis and research of AllianceBernstein’s large internal research staff. While all members of the team work jointly to determine the investment strategy, including security selection, Ms. Stephanie Simon and Mr. Jason Ley are responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Stephanie Simon

 

Registered Investment Companies:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     13

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 10,102,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     1

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 50,000,000

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     18

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $   1,275,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     0

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 0

 

Other Accounts:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     39,276

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 35,456,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     10

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 1,934,000,000

 

Jason Ley

 

Registered Investment Companies:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     13

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 10,102,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     1

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 50,000,000

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     18

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $   1,275,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     0

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 0

 

Other Accounts:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     39,276

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 35,456,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     10

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $   1,934,000,000

* Information as of 12/31/07.

 

Ownership of Securities:    The portfolio managers do not own any shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund.

 

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Diversified International Fund

 

Team Description:

 

The management of and investment decisions for the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Global Value Investment Policy Group, comprised of senior Global Value Investment Team members. The Global Value Investment Policy Group relies heavily on the fundamental analysis and research of AllianceBernstein’s large internal research staff. No one person is principally responsible for making recommendations for the Fund’s portfolio. The members of the Global Value Investment Policy Group with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio are: Henry D’Auria, Sharon Fay, Marilyn Fedak, John Mahedy and Kevin Simms.

 

Henry D’Auria

 

Registered Investment Companies:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     89

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 56,683,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     2

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 5,639,000,000

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     101

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 38,394,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     6

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 1,505,000,000

 

Other Accounts:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     878

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 163,171,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     128

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 26,339,000,000

 

Sharon Fay

 

Registered Investment Companies:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     160

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 92,631,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     3

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 12,345,000,000

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     151

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 44,312,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     7

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 1,506,000,000

 

Other Accounts:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     44,767

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 217,805,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     140

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 28,882,000,000

 

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Marilyn Fedak

 

Registered Investment Companies:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     149

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 89,706,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     3

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 12,345,000,000

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     139

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 34,433,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     5

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 762,000,000

 

Other Accounts:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     44,668

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 181,312,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     103

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 17,446,000,000

 

John Mahedy

 

Registered Investment Companies:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     147

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 88,674,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     3

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 12,345,000,000

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     138

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 34,242,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     5

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 762,000,000

 

Other Accounts:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     44,647

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 178,096,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     99

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 16,786,000,000

 

Kevin Simms

 

Registered Investment Companies:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     160

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 92,631,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     3

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 12,345,000,000

 

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Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     163

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 50,391,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     8

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 2,661,000,000

 

Other Accounts:*

Total Number of Accounts:

     44,767

Total Assets in Accounts:

   $ 217,805,000,000

Number of Performance-Based Accounts:

     140

Total Assets in Performance-Based Accounts:

   $ 28,882,000,000

* Information as of 12/31/07.

 

Ownership of Securities:    The portfolio managers do not own any shares of the Diversified International Fund.

 

Investment Professional Conflict of Interest Disclosure.

 

As an investment adviser and fiduciary, Alliance owes its clients and shareholders an undivided duty of loyalty. We recognize that conflicts of interest are inherent in our business and accordingly have developed policies and procedures (including oversight monitoring) reasonably designed to detect, manage and mitigate the effects of actual or potential conflicts of interest in the area of employee personal trading, managing multiple accounts for multiple clients, including AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and allocating investment opportunities. Investment professionals, including portfolio managers and research analysts, are subject to the above-mentioned policies and oversight monitoring to ensure that all clients are treated equitably. We place the interests of our clients first and expect all of our employees to meet their fiduciary duties.

 

Employee Personal Trading.

 

Alliance has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is designed to detect and prevent conflicts of interest when investment professionals and other personnel of Alliance own, buy or sell securities which may be owned by, or bought or sold for, clients. Personal securities transactions by an employee may raise a potential conflict of interest when an employee owns or trades in a security that is owned or considered for purchase or sale by a client, or recommended for purchase or sale by an employee to a client. Subject to the reporting requirements and other limitations of its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Alliance permits its employees to engage in personal securities transactions, and also allows them to acquire investments in the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds through direct purchase, 401K/profit sharing plan investment and/or notionally in connection with deferred incentive compensation awards. Alliance’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires disclosure of all personal accounts and maintenance of brokerage accounts with designated broker-dealers approved by Alliance. The Code also requires preclearance of all securities transactions and imposes a one-year holding period for securities purchased by employees to discourage short-term trading.

 

Managing Multiple Accounts for Multiple Clients.

 

Alliance has compliance policies and oversight monitoring in place to address conflicts of interest relating to the management of multiple accounts for multiple clients. Conflicts of interest may arise when an investment professional has responsibilities for the investments of more than one account because the investment professional may be unable to devote equal time and attention to each account. The investment professional or investment professional teams for each client may have responsibilities for managing all or a portion of the investments of multiple accounts with a common investment strategy, including other registered investment companies, unregistered investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, pension plans, separate accounts, collective

 

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trusts and charitable foundations. Among other things, Alliance’s policies and procedures provide for the prompt dissemination to investment professionals of initial or changed investment recommendations by analysts so that investment professionals are better able to develop investment strategies for all accounts they manage. In addition, investment decisions by investment professionals are reviewed for the purpose of maintaining uniformity among similar accounts and ensuring that accounts are treated equitably. No investment professional that manages client accounts carrying performance fees is compensated directly or specifically for the performance of those accounts. Investment professional compensation reflects a broad contribution in multiple dimensions to long-term investment success for our clients and is not tied specifically to the performance of any particular client’s account, nor is it directly tied to the level or change in level of assets under management.

 

Allocating Investment Opportunities.

 

Alliance has policies and procedures intended to address conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that information relevant to investment decisions is disseminated promptly within its portfolio management teams and investment opportunities are allocated equitably among different clients. The investment professionals at Alliance routinely are required to select and allocate investment opportunities among accounts. Portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar accounts, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities. Nevertheless, investment opportunities may be allocated differently among accounts due to the particular characteristics of an account, such as size of the account, cash position, tax status, risk tolerance and investment restrictions or for other reasons.

 

Alliance’s procedures are also designed to prevent potential conflicts of interest that may arise when Alliance has a particular financial incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, relating to an account. An investment professional may perceive that he or she has an incentive to devote more time to developing and analyzing investment strategies and opportunities or allocating securities preferentially to accounts for which Alliance could share in investment gains.

 

To address these conflicts of interest, Alliance’s policies and procedures require, among other things, the prompt dissemination to investment professionals of any initial or changed investment recommendations by analysts; the aggregation of orders to facilitate best execution for all accounts; price averaging for all aggregated orders; objective allocation for limited investment opportunities (e.g., on a rotational basis) to ensure fair and equitable allocation among accounts; and limitations on short sales of securities. These procedures also require documentation and review of justifications for any decisions to make investments only for select accounts or in a manner disproportionate to the size of the account.

 

Portfolio Manager Compensation.

 

Alliance’s compensation program for investment professionals is designed to be competitive and effective in order to attract and retain the highest caliber employees. The compensation program for investment professionals is designed to reflect their ability to generate long-term investment success for our clients, including shareholders of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. Investment professionals do not receive any direct compensation based upon the investment returns of any individual client account, nor is compensation tied directly to the level or change in level of assets under management. Investment professionals’ annual compensation is comprised of the following:

 

  (i) Fixed base salary: This is generally the smallest portion of compensation. The base salary is a relatively low, fixed salary within a similar range for all investment professionals. The base salary is determined at the outset of employment based on level of experience, does not change significantly from year-to-year and hence, is not particularly sensitive to performance.

 

  (ii)

Discretionary incentive compensation in the form of an annual cash bonus: Alliance’s overall profitability determines the total amount of incentive compensation available to investment

 

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professionals. This portion of compensation is determined subjectively based on qualitative and quantitative factors. In evaluating this component of an investment professional’s compensation, Alliance considers the contribution to his/her team or discipline as it relates to that team’s overall contribution to the long-term investment success, business results and strategy of Alliance. Quantitative factors considered include, among other things, relative investment performance (e.g., by comparison to competitor or peer group funds or similar styles of investments, and appropriate, broad-based or specific market indices), and consistency of performance. There are no specific formulas used to determine this part of an investment professional’s compensation and the compensation is not tied to any pre-determined or specified level of performance. Alliance also considers qualitative factors such as the complexity and risk of investment strategies involved in the style or type of assets managed by the investment professional; success of marketing/business development efforts and client servicing; seniority/length of service with the firm; management and supervisory responsibilities; and fulfillment of Alliance’s leadership criteria.

 

 

(iii)

Discretionary incentive compensation in the form of awards under Alliance’s Partners Compensation Plan (“deferred awards”): Alliance’s overall profitability determines the total amount of deferred awards available to investment professionals. The deferred awards are allocated among investment professionals based on criteria similar to those used to determine the annual cash bonus. There is no fixed formula for determining these amounts. Deferred awards, for which there are various investment options, vest over a four-year period and are generally forfeited if the employee resigns or Alliance terminates his/her employment. Investment options under the deferred awards plan include many of the same AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds offered to mutual fund investors, thereby creating a close alignment between the financial interests of the investment professionals and those of Alliance’s clients and mutual fund shareholders with respect to the performance of those mutual funds. Alliance also permits deferred award recipients to allocate up to 50% of their award to investments in Alliance’s publicly traded equity securities.1

 

  (iv) Contributions under Alliance’s Profit Sharing/401(k) Plan: The contributions are based on Alliance’s overall profitability. The amount and allocation of the contributions are determined at the sole discretion of Alliance.

 

 


1

Prior to 2002, investment professional compensation also included discretionary long-term incentive in the form of restricted grants of AllianceBernstein’s Master Limited Partnership Units.

 

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ClearBridge Advisors, LLC

 

The portfolio managers for the Strategic Balanced Fund are John G. Goode and Peter Hable.

 

Other Accounts Managed (as of 12/31/07):

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

John Goode

           

Registered investment companies:

   8    $ 5.89 billion

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   4    $ 0.36 billion

Other accounts:

   47,666    $ 11.31 billion

There is one managed account included above with advisory fees based on performance with $10,000,000 in total assets.

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

Peter Hable

           

Registered investment companies:

   10    $ 7.66 billion

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   4    $ 0.36 billion

Other accounts:

   47,666    $ 11.31 billion

There is one managed account included above with advisory fees based on performance with $10,000,000 in total assets.

 

Portfolio Manager Compensation

 

ClearBridge Advisors, LLC (“ClearBridge”) investment professionals receive base salary and other employee benefits and are eligible to receive incentive compensation. Base salary is fixed and typically determined based on market factors and the skill and experience of individual investment personnel.

 

ClearBridge has implemented an investment management incentive and deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) for its investment professionals, including the fund’s portfolio manager(s). Each investment professional works as a part of an investment team. The Plan is designed to align the objectives of ClearBridge investment professionals with those of fund shareholders and other ClearBridge clients. Under the Plan a “base incentive pool” is established for each team each year as a percentage of ClearBridge’s revenue attributable to the team (largely management and related fees generated by funds and other accounts). A team’s revenues are typically expected to increase or decrease depending on the effect that the team’s investment performance as well as inflows and outflows have on the level of assets in the investment products managed by the team. The “base incentive pool” of a team is reduced by base salaries paid to members of the team and other employee expenses attributable to the team.

 

The investment team’s incentive pool is then adjusted to reflect its ranking among a “peer group” of non-ClearBridge investment managers and the team’s pre-tax investment performance against the applicable product benchmark (e.g. a securities index and, with respect to a fund, the benchmark set forth in the fund’s prospectus to which the fund’s average annual total returns are compared or, if none, the benchmark set forth in the fund’s annual report). Longer-term (5- year) performance will be more heavily weighted than shorter-term (1- year) performance in the calculation of the performance adjustment factor. The incentive pool for a team may also be adjusted based on other qualitative factors by the applicable ClearBridge Chief Investment Officer.). The incentive pool will be allocated by the applicable ClearBridge chief investment officer to the team leader and, based on the recommendations of the team leader, to the other members of the team.

 

Up to 20% of an investment professional’s annual incentive compensation is subject to deferral. Of that principal deferred award amount, 25% will accrue a return based on the hypothetical returns of the investment

 

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fund or product that is the primary focus of the investment professional’s business activities with the Firm, 25% will accrue a return based on the hypothetical returns of an employee chosen composite fund, and 50% may be received in the form of Legg Mason restricted stock shares.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when a Fund’s portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the portfolio managers listed in the table above.

 

The investment adviser and the fund(s) have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to address various conflicts of interest that may arise for the investment adviser and the individuals that it employs. For example, ClearBridge seeks to minimize the effects of competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by assigning portfolio managers to manage funds and accounts that share a similar investment style. ClearBridge has also adopted trade allocation procedures that are designed to facilitate the fair allocation of limited investment opportunities among multiple funds and accounts. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by ClearBridge and the fund(s) will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear.

 

These potential conflicts include:

 

Allocation of Limited Time and Attention. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts. As a result, the portfolio manager may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if he or she were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single fund. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.

 

Allocation of Limited Investment Opportunities. If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds and/or accounts, the opportunity may be allocated among these several funds or accounts, which may limit a fund’s ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity.

 

Pursuit of Differing Strategies. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and/or accounts for which he or she exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and/or accounts.

 

Variation in Compensation. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the funds and/or accounts that he or she manages. If the structure of the investment adviser’s management fee and/or the portfolio manager’s compensation differs among funds and/or accounts (such as where certain funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the portfolio manager might be motivated to help certain funds and/or accounts over others. The portfolio manager might be motivated to favor funds and/or accounts in which he or she has an interest or in which the investment advisor and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager’s performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the portfolio manager to lend preferential treatment to those funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager.

 

Selection of Broker/Dealers. Portfolio managers may be able to select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the funds and/or accounts that they

 

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supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might otherwise be available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the sub-adviser determines in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the fund, a decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts managed. For this reason, the sub-adviser has formed a brokerage committee that reviews, among other things, the allocation of brokerage to broker/dealers, best execution and soft dollar usage.

 

Related Business Opportunities. The investment adviser or its affiliates may provide more services (such as distribution or recordkeeping) for some types of funds or accounts than for others. In such cases, a portfolio manager may benefit, either directly or indirectly, by devoting disproportionate attention to the management of fund and/or accounts that provide greater overall returns to the investment manager and its affiliates.

 

Portfolio Manager Securities Ownership:

 

The portfolio managers do not own any shares of the Fund.

 

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Clover Capital Management, Inc.

 

The portfolio managers of the Small Company Value Fund are Michael E. Jones, Lawrence R. Creatura and Stephen K. Gutch.

 

Compensation:

 

As Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jones is compensated with a base salary and he earns dividends through his ownership of Clover Capital Management, Inc. stock.

 

As Portfolio Manager, Mr. Creatura is compensated with a base salary and participates in a bonus plan. The bonus varies based on performance of their respective strategy(s) against the product’s stated benchmark. The bonus amount is calculated and paid at the end of each calendar quarter. Mr. Creatura is also a shareholder of Clover Capital Management, Inc. in which he earns dividends based upon his percentage of ownership of the Firm. Additionally, Mr. Creatura is entitled to a cash bonus based upon a combination of net revenues and Fund performance for a limited partnership managed by Clover.

 

As Portfolio Manager, Mr. Gutch is compensated with a base salary and participates in a bonus plan. The bonus varies based on performance of their respective strategy(s) against the product’s stated benchmark. The bonus amount is calculated and paid at the end of each calendar quarter. Mr. Gutch is also a shareholder of Clover Capital Management, Inc. in which he earns dividends based upon his percentage of ownership of the Firm.

 

Ownership of Securities:    The portfolio managers do not own any shares of the Small Company Value Fund.

 

Other accounts managed as of December 31, 2007:

 

Michael E. Jones

      

Registered investment companies

     2

Total Assets

     $251.3 million

Other pooled investment vehicles

     5

Total Assets

     $53.3 million

 

Other Accounts

 

Please note there are other privately managed accounts for which Mr. Jones is only responsible for creating the investment model, but we employ a team of portfolio coordinators who are charged with the day-to-day management of these other privately managed accounts.

 

The advisory fees on all of the accounts referenced above are based on assets under management. There are three accounts included above with assets of approximately $49.3 million that may pay Clover Capital an additional fee based upon the performance of the account.

 

Other accounts managed as of December 31, 2007:

 

 

Lawrence R. Creatura

        

Registered investment companies

       1

Total Assets

     $ 142.1 million

Other pooled investment vehicles

       2

Total Assets

     $ 28.0 million

 

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Other Accounts

 

Please note there are other privately managed accounts for which Mr. Creatura is only responsible for creating the investment model, but we employ a team of portfolio coordinators who are charged with the day-to-day management of these other privately managed accounts.

 

The advisory fees on all of the accounts referenced above are based on assets under management. There is one account included above with assets of approximately $22.5 million that may pay Clover Capital an additional fee based upon the performance of the account.

 

Other accounts managed as of December 31, 2007:

 

Stephen K. Gutch

      

Registered investment companies

     1

Total Assets

   $ 142.1 million

Other pooled investment vehicles

     1

Total Assets

   $ 5.5 million

 

Other Accounts

 

Please note there are other privately managed accounts for which Mr. Gutch is only responsible for creating the investment model, but we employ a team of portfolio coordinators who are charged with the day-to-day management of these other privately managed accounts.

 

The advisory fees on all of the accounts referenced above are based on assets under management.

 

Conflicts of Interest:    With respect to potential conflicts between various types of portfolios managed by Clover Capital, the Firm avoids such conflict since its portfolios are broken out by capitalization ranges, and the investment opportunities are allocated accordingly. With respect to potential conflicts among accounts within a specific portfolio, the Firm utilizes a rotational trading system among the accounts, thereby ensuring fair and impartial treatment of the accounts.

 

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Cooke & Bieler, L.P.

 

The portfolio managers of the Mid-Cap Value Fund are: Michael M. Meyer, James R. Norris, Kermit S. Eck, Edward W. O’Connor, R. James O’Neil, Mehul Trivedi and Daren C. Heitman.

 

Information below is as of 12/31/07.

 

     # of
Registered
Investment
Companies
Managed


   # of Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
Managed


   # of Other
Accounts
Managed


The Portfolio Managers listed above manage the following types of accounts:

     6      1      202

Total assets of above accounts ($)

   $ 2.0 billion    $ 28.4 million    $ 4.9 billion

 

     Registered
Investment
Companies


   Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles


   Other
Accounts


Advisory fee is based on performance for:

                    

Number of above accounts

     0      0      3

Total assets of above accounts ($)

   $ 0    $ 0    $ 478.8 million

 

There are no material conflicts that may arise in connection with Cooke & Bieler’s management of the Fund’s investments and the other accounts. The Portfolio Managers manage accounts on a team basis. Performance and allocation of securities are closely monitored to ensure equal treatment. Accordingly, the Portfolio Managers have not experienced material conflicts of interest in managing multiple accounts.

 

Type of compensation

How compensation

is determined


   Salary

   Bonus

   Deferred
Compensation


   Pension and
Retirement
Plan


   Other
(explain)

Fixed

   X    ¨    X    ¨    X

Pre-Tax Performance

   ¨    X    ¨    ¨    ¨

After-Tax Performance

   ¨    ¨    ¨    ¨    ¨

Cash

   ¨    ¨    ¨    ¨    ¨

Non-Cash

   ¨    ¨    ¨    ¨    ¨

 

Current Performance Benchmarks:

 

Russell Midcap Value Index

 

Compensation is based on the following:

 

base salary

 

annual bonus based upon performance from the bonus pool

 

partners of Cooke & Bieler receive a return proportionate to their investment based upon the firm’s overall success.

 

Bonus allocations are determined by an annual peer review process conducted by the investment team. Allocations vary, depending primarily on the 4 year rolling investment results attributed to each individual.

 

Securities Ownership of Portfolio Managers:

 

     None

   $1 -
$10,000


   $10,001-
$50,000


   $50,001-
$100,000


   $100,001-
$500,000


   $100,001-
$500,000


   $500,001-
$1,000,000


   Over
$1,000,000


Fund Name

                                                     

Mid-Cap Value Fund

   X    ¨      ¨      ¨      ¨      ¨      ¨      ¨  

 

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Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.

 

The Portfolio Managers of the Large Cap Value Fund are Christopher Davis and Kenneth Feinberg. They are the persons primarily responsible for investing the Fund’s assets on a daily basis.

 

Other Accounts Managed:    As of December 31, 2007 Christopher Davis served as portfolio manager for (i) 27 registered investment companies with approximately $82.8 billion in total net assets, (ii) 11 other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $1.2 billion in total net assets, and approximately 132 other accounts (wrap accounts have been counted at the sponsor level) with approximately $12.7 billion in total net assets. None of these accounts pays Davis Advisors a performance fee.

 

As of December 31, 2007 Kenneth Feinberg served as portfolio manager for (i) 25 registered investment companies with approximately $82.5 billion in total net assets, (ii) 10 other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $1.1 billion in total net assets, and approximately 132 other accounts (wrap accounts have been counted at the sponsor level) with approximately $12.7 billion in total net assets. None of these accounts pays Davis Advisors a performance fee.

 

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

 

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

 

  Ø If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one portfolio or other account, a portfolio may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible portfolios and other accounts. To deal with these situations, Davis Advisors has adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts.

 

  Ø With respect to securities transactions for the portfolios, Davis Advisors determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as mutual funds for which Davis Advisors other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), Davis Advisors may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, Davis Advisors may place separate, non-simultaneous, transactions for a portfolio and another account which may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of the portfolio or the other account.

 

  Ø Finally, substantial investment of Davis Advisor or Davis Family assets in certain mutual funds may lead to conflicts of interest. To mitigate these potential conflicts of interest, Davis Advisors has adopted policies and procedures intended to ensure that all clients are treated fairly overtime. Davis Advisors does not receive an incentive based fee on any account.

 

Structure of Compensation:    Kenneth Feinberg’s compensation as a Davis Advisors employee consists of (i) a base salary, (ii) an annual bonus equal to a percentage of growth in Davis Advisors’ profits, (iii) awards of equity (“Units”) in Davis Advisors including Units, options on Units, and/or phantom Units, and (iv) an incentive plan whereby Davis Advisors purchases shares in selected funds managed by Davis Advisors. At the end of

 

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specified periods, generally five-years following the date of purchase, some, all, or none of the fund shares will be registered in the employee’s name based on fund performance after expenses on a pre-tax basis versus the S&P 500 Index and versus peer groups as defined by Morningstar or Lipper. Davis Advisors’ portfolio managers are provided benefits packages including life insurance, health insurance, and participation in company 401(k) plan comparable to that received by other company employees.

 

Christopher Davis’ annual compensation as an employee and general partner of Davis Advisors consists of a base salary. Davis Advisors’ portfolio managers are provided benefits packages including life insurance, health insurance, and participation in company 401(k) plan comparable to that received by other company employees.

 

Ownership of Fund Shares:    Neither Christopher Davis nor Kenneth Feinberg own any shares of the Large Cap Value Fund. However, both portfolio managers have over $1.0 million invested in the Davis Funds which are managed in a similar style.

 

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Delaware Management Company

 

The portfolio managers of the Aggressive Growth Fund are Jeffrey S. Van Harte, Christopher J. Bonavico, Christopher M. Ericksen and Daniel J. Prislin. They are the persons primarily responsible for investing the Fund’s assets on a daily basis.

 

The portfolio managers of the Emerging Growth Fund are Marshall T. Bassett, Barry S. Gladstein, Christopher M. Holland, Steven T. Lampe, Rudy D. Torrijos III, Michael S. Tung, M.D. and Lori P. Wachs. They are the persons primarily responsible for investing the Fund’s assets on a daily basis.

 

Other Accounts Managed

 

I. Portfolio Managers—Delaware Management Company

 

  A. The following chart lists certain information about types of other accounts for which each portfolio manager is primarily responsible as of December 31, 2007. Any accounts managed in a personal capacity appear under “Other Accounts” along with other accounts managed on a professional basis. The personal account information is current as of the most recent calendar quarter-end for which account statements are available.

 

     No. of
Accounts

   Total Assets
Managed


   No. of Accounts with
Performance-Based
Fees


   Total Assets in
Accounts with
Performance-
Based Fees


Jeffrey S. Van Harte

                       

Registered Investment Companies

   15    $ 4.64 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   60    $ 10.3 billion    2    $ 758.0 million

Christopher J. Bonavico

                  

Registered Investment Companies

   16    $ 4.74 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   66    $ 10.3 billion    2    $ 758.0 million

Christopher M. Ericksen

                  

Registered Investment Companies

   15    $ 4.74 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   59    $ 10.2 billion    2    $ 758.0 million

Daniel J. Prislin

                       

Registered Investment Companies

   15    $ 4.64 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   60    $ 10.3 billion    2    $ 758.0 million

Marshall T. Bassett

                       

Registered Investment Companies

   16    $ 3.26 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   17    $ 761.5 million    1    $ 101.0 million

Barry S. Gladstein

                       

Registered Investment Companies

   16    $ 3.26 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   8    $ 757.2 million    1    $ 101.0 million

Christopher M. Holland

                  

Registered Investment Companies

   16    $ 3.26 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   5    $ 64,678    1    $ 101.0 million

 

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     No. of
Accounts

   Total Assets
Managed


   No. of Accounts with
Performance-Based
Fees


   Total Assets in
Accounts with
Performance-
Based Fees


Steven T. Lampe

                       

Registered Investment Companies

   16    $ 3.26 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   12    $ 757.1 million    1    $ 101.0 million

Rudy D. Torrijos III

                       

Registered Investment Companies

   16    $ 3.26 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   6    $ 757.0 million    1    $ 101.0 million

Michael S. Tung, M.D.

                       

Registered Investment Companies

   16    $ 3.26 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   7    $ 757.0 million    1    $ 101.0 million

Lori P. Wachs

                       

Registered Investment Companies

   16    $ 3.26 billion    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   15    $ 760.1 million    1    $ 101.0 million

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

Individual portfolio managers may perform investment management services for other accounts similar to those provided to the Funds and the investment action for each account and fund may differ. For example, one account or fund may be selling a security, while another account or fund may be purchasing or holding the same security. As a result, transactions executed for one account and fund may adversely affect the value of securities held by another account. Additionally, the management of multiple accounts and funds may give rise to potential conflicts of interest, as a portfolio manager must allocate time and effort to multiple accounts and funds. A portfolio manager may discover an investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one account or fund. The investment opportunity may be limited, however, so that all accounts and funds for which the investment would be suitable may not be able to participate. Delaware Investments has adopted procedures designed to allocate investments fairly across multiple accounts.

 

Three of the accounts managed by the portfolio managers have a performance-based fee. This compensation structure presents a potential conflict of interest. The portfolio manager has an incentive to manage this account so as to enhance its performance, to the possible detriment of other accounts for which the investment manager does not receive a performance-based fee.

 

A portfolio manager’s management of personal accounts also may present certain conflicts of interest. While Delaware Investments’ code of ethics is designed to address these potential conflicts, there is no guarantee that it will do so.

 

Compensation

 

Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of the following:

 

BASE SALARY—Each named portfolio manager receives a fixed base salary. Salaries are determined by a comparison to industry data prepared by third parties to ensure that portfolio manager salaries are in line with salaries paid at peer investment advisory firms.

 

BONUS (Mr. Van Harte, Mr. Bonavico, Mr. Ericksen and Mr. Prislin)—Each named portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, which is based upon quantitative and qualitative factors. Generally of

 

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the total potential cash compensation for a portfolio manager, 50% or more is in the form of a bonus and is therefore at risk. The total amount available for payment of bonuses is based on the revenues associated with the products managed by the Focus Growth Team. The amount of this “bonus pool” is determined by taking a pre-determined percentage of such revenues (minus appropriate expenses associated with this product and the investment management team).

 

Various members of the team have the ability to earn a percentage of the bonus pool with the most senior contributors having the largest share. The pool is allotted based on subjective factors (50%) and objective factors (50%). The subjective portion of the pool is allocated to team members within the discretion of senior management. There is a minimum guaranteed fixed payout amount associated with this portion of the pool for the years ending December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006.

 

The allocation of the remaining 50% of the pool is based upon objective factors. Performance is measured as a result of the team’s standing relative to a large cap growth composite of a nationally recognized publicly available database, for five successive calendar years. Performance rankings are in quartiles as follows: top decile, top quartile, second quartile, third quartile and bottom quartile. An average is taken of the five year relative performance data to determine the multiplier to be applied in calculating the portion of the pool that will be paid out. To the extent there was less than a complete payout of the “objective” portion of the bonus pool over the previous five years, there is an opportunity to recoup these amounts if the multiplier is in excess of 100%, in the discretion of senior management.

 

Individual allocations of the bonus pool are based on individual performance measurements, both objective and subjective, as determined by senior management.

 

In addition, there is a potential one-time value creation payment that may be allocated on or about December 31, 2009 to the extent the value added by the team exceeds the relative value of their holdings in the Delaware Investments U.S. Stock Option Plan. This amount, if any, would be paid out to the team under a deferred compensation arrangement. The value creation payment, if any, would be paid out to individual team members in proportion to the shares granted to that team member under the Plan.

 

BONUS (Mr. Bassett, Mr. Gladstein, Mr. Holland, Mr. Lampe, Mr. Torrijos, Dr. Tung and Ms. Wachs)—Each named portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus. The bonus pool is determined by the revenues associated with the products a portfolio manager manages. Delaware Investments keeps a percentage of the revenues and the remaining percentage of revenues (minus appropriate direct expenses associated with this product and the investment management team) create the “bonus pool” for a product. Various members of the team have the ability to earn a percentage of the bonus pool with the most senior contributors having the largest share. The pool is allotted based on subjective factors (50%) and objective factors (50%). The primary objective factors are the performance of the funds managed relative to the appropriate Lipper peer groups and the performance of the institutional composite relative to the appropriate index. Performance is measured as the result of one’s standing in the Lipper peer groups on a one-year, three-year and five-year basis. Three-year and five-year performance are weighted more heavily and there is no objective award for a fund that falls below the 50th percentile for a given time period.

 

Individual allocations of the bonus pool are based on individual performance measurements, both objective and subjective, as determined by senior management.

 

DEFERRED COMPENSATION—Each named portfolio manager is eligible to participate in the Lincoln National Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, which is available to all employees whose income exceeds a designated threshold. The Plan is a non-qualified unfunded deferred compensation plan that permits participating employees to defer the receipt of a portion of their cash compensation.

 

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STOCK OPTION INCENTIVE PLAN/EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN—Portfolio managers may be awarded options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units relating to the underlying shares of common stock of Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan. In addition, certain managers may be awarded restricted stock units, or “performance shares,” in Lincoln National Corporation. Delaware Investments U.S., Inc., is an indirect subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. Delaware Management Holdings, Inc., is in turn an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation.

 

The Amended and Restated Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan was established in 2001 in order to provide certain employees of Delaware Investments with a more direct means of participating in the growth of the investment manager. Under the terms of the plan, stock options typically vest in 25% increments on a four-year schedule and expire ten years after issuance. Subject to the terms of the plan, restricted stock units typically vest in 25% increments on a four-year schedule, and shares of common stock underlying the restricted stock awards will be issued after vesting. Awards are granted under the plan from time to time by the investment manager in its full discretion. Awards may be based in part on seniority. The fair market value of the shares of Delaware Investments U.S., Inc., is normally determined as of each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. Shares issued upon the exercise of such options or vesting of restricted stock units must be held for six months and one day, after which time the shareholder may put them back to the issuer or the shares may be called back from the shareholder from time to time, as the case may be.

 

Portfolio managers who do not participate in the Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. Stock Option Plan are eligible to participate in Lincoln’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, which is designed to provide a long-term incentive to officers of Lincoln. Under the plan, a specified number of performance shares are allocated to each unit and are awarded to participants in the discretion of their managers in accordance with recommended targets related to the number of employees in a unit that may receive an award and the number of shares to be awarded. The performance shares have a three year vesting schedule and, at the end of the three years, the actual number of shares distributed to those who received awards may be equal to, greater than or less than the amount of the award based on Lincoln’s achievement of certain performance goals relative to a pre-determined peer group.

 

OTHER COMPENSATION—Portfolio managers may also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees.

 

Ownership of Securities

 

As of December 31, 2007, none of the portfolio managers owned shares of the Aggressive Growth Fund or the Emerging Growth Fund.1


1

Includes Fund shares beneficially owned by portfolio manager and immediate family members sharing the same household.

 

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Eagle Asset Management, Inc.

 

The portfolio managers of the Small Company Growth Fund are Bert Boksen and Eric Mintz.

 

Other Accounts Managed and Potential Conflicts of Interest:

 

Bert Boksen

 

     Number of
Accounts*

   Total
Assets*

Ø registered investment companies:

   11    $ 805,653,220
    
  

Ø other pooled investment vehicles:

   2    $ 42,359,015
    
  

Ø other accounts:

   2,744    $ 1,615,541,213
    
  


*12/31/07

 

Eric Mintz

 

     Number of
Accounts*


   Total
Assets*


Ø registered investment companies:

   11    $ 722,475,825
    
  

Ø other pooled investment vehicles:

   2    $ 39,592,388
    
  

Ø other accounts:

   2,874    $ 2,124,776,891
    
  


*3/14/08

 

Potential Conflicts

 

Eagle currently holds a 51% ownership interest in EB Management I, LLC, which acts as the general partner to a limited partnership formed for investment purposes. Bert Boksen is a 49% owner of EB Management and the Portfolio Manager for the Eagle Aggressive Growth Partners Fund I L.P. Eagle also provides administrative and investment research services for the general partner. Certain officers and employees of Eagle have investment interests in the limited partnership.

 

On occasion, orders for the securities transactions of the limited partnership may be aggregated with orders for Eagle’s client accounts. In such instances, Eagle will ensure that the allocation of securities among Eagle’s clients and the partnership is equitable; price averaging may be used for trades executed in a series of transactions on the same day.

 

Eagle does not invest assets of clients’ accounts in such limited partnership. Officers and employees of Raymond James Financial, Inc. and it’s subsidiaries may have investment interest in such investment partnership.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Eagle’s portfolio managers manage other accounts with investment strategies similar to the Portfolio. Certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple portfolios. As noted above, fees vary among these accounts and the portfolio manager may personally invest in some of these accounts. This could create potential conflicts of interest where a portfolio manager may favor certain accounts over others, resulting in other accounts outperforming the Portfolio. Other potential conflicts include conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities and aggregated trading. However, Eagle has developed and implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure that all clients are treated equitably. In addition, compliance oversight

 

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and monitoring ensures adherence to policies designed to avoid conflicts. Also, as indicated in Eagle’s Code of Ethics, there are certain procedures in place to avoid conflicts of interest when the Manager and other investment personnel of Eagle buy or sell securities also owned by, or bought or sold for Clients.

 

Securities Ownership of Portfolio Manager:

 

Portfolio

Manager


   none

   $1-$10,000

   $10,001-
$50,000


   $50,001-
$100,000


   $100,001-
$500,000


   $500,001-
$1,000,000


   over
$1,000,000

Bert Boksen

   ü                                

Eric Mintz

   ü                                

 

Information about the Portfolio Manager’s compensation:

 

Mr. Boksen is paid a base salary that is competitive with other portfolio managers in the industry, based on industry surveys;

 

Mr. Boksen, along with other Portfolio managers, participates in a revenue-sharing program that provides incentives to build a successful investment program over the long term;

 

Additional deferred compensation plans are provided to key investment professionals;

 

Mr. Boksen, along with all employees, receives benefits from Eagle’s parent company including a 401(k) plan, profit sharing, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

There is no difference between the method used to determine Mr. Boksen’s compensation with respect to the Fund and other Funds managed by Mr. Boksen.

 

Mr. Boksen’s additional compensation includes receipt of 50% of the net profits generated by the General Partner EB Management I.

 

Mr. Boksen also receives Stock option awards as part of his annual Bonus. These stock option awards vest over a three year period.

 

Mr. Boksen’s compensation is based upon all accounts managed and performance is evaluated annually. Performance is evaluated on the entire composite of accounts and is pre-tax and account weighted.

 

Mr. Boksen’s benchmarks for evaluation purposes include LipperFund Index for Mutual Fund performance and the Russell 2000 Index for separate accounts, along with peer group rankings such as Callan Associates and Mercer Investment Consulting.

 

Mr. Mintz is paid a base salary and a bonus that is competitive with other similarly situated investment professionals in the industry, based on industry surveys. Mr. Mintz, along with all Eagle employees, receives benefits from Eagle’s parent company including a 401(k) plan, profit sharing, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Compensation is based on individual performance as a research analyst, as well as contribution to the results of Eagle’s investment products. In addition, Mr. Mintz may receive additional compensation for his contribution as Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Fund and other similarly managed accounts. Mr. Mintz may also receive an allocation of a portion of the incentive fee earned, if any, by EB Management I, LLC.

 

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EARNEST Partners, LLC

 

The portfolio manager for the Small Company Value Fund is Paul Viera.

 

The following table sets forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio manager for the Fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of December 31, 2007.

 

A. Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager.  The table below identifies, for the portfolio manager, the number of accounts managed and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts whose fees are based on performance is indicated in italics typeface.

 

Portfolio


  

Portfolio Manager


   Registered
Investment
Companies

   Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles

   Other
Accounts

Small Company Value Fund    Paul E. Viera    8 Registered
Mutual Funds
with $1,773
million in total
assets under
management.
   9 Unregistered
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles with
$31 million in
assets under
management.
   273 Other
Accounts with
$16,613 million
in total assets
under
management.
          None    1 Unregistered
Pooled
Investment
Vehicle with

$2.7 million in
assets under
management.

   11 Other
Accounts with
$861 million in
total assets under
management.

 

Compensation:

 

All EARNEST Partners personnel are paid a salary and a discretionary bonus. A portion of the bonus may consist of profit sharing and/or deferred compensation. The Company also matches a portion of employees’ 401(k) contributions, if any. The bonus is a function of client satisfaction with respect to investment results and service.

 

Equity ownership is another component of compensation for the portfolio manager. The Firm is employee-owned.

 

Conflicts of Interest:

 

No material conflicts of interest have been identified. All accounts are managed to model portfolios that are approved by the investment committee, and trades are allocated pro-rata to all accounts so that no one account is advantaged over another pursuant to trade allocation policies and procedures.

 

Ownership of Securities:    The portfolio manager does not own any shares of the Fund.

 

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Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

 

Robert C. Jones, Melissa R. Brown, Andrew W. Alford and Mark M. Carhart are the portfolio managers of the Small Cap Core Equity Fund.

 

Other Accounts Managed:

 

       Number of Other Accounts Managed
and Total Assets (in millions) by Account Type *


     Number of Accounts and Total Assets
(in millions) for Which Advisory Fee
is Performance-Based*


Name of
Portfolio
Manager


     Registered
Investment
Companies

     Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles


     Other
Accounts

     Registered
Investment
Companies

     Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles


     Other
Accounts

Melissa R. Brown

     $ 26,146(66)      $ 19,558(37)      $ 75,953(705)      $ 211(1)      $ 1,766(5)      $ 10,502(38)

Robert C. Jones

     $ 26,146(66)      $ 19,558(37)      $ 75,953(705)      $ 211(1)      $ 1,766(5)      $ 10,502(38)

Andrew W. Alford

     $ 26,146(66)      $ 19,558(37)      $ 75,953(705)      $ 211(1)      $ 1,766(5)      $ 10,502(38)

Mark M. Carhart

     $ 26,146(66)      $ 19,558(37)      $ 75,953(705)      $ 211(1)      $ 1,766(5)      $ 10,502(38)

*The information is provided as of 12/31/07.

 

Quantitative Domestic Equity Portfolio Management Team Base Salary and Performance Bonus:

 

Goldman Sachs Asset Management (“GSAM”) provides generous compensation packages for its investment professionals, which are comprised of a base salary and a performance bonus. The year-end performance bonus is a function of each professional’s individual performance; his or her contribution to the overall performance of the group; the performance of GSAM; the profitability of Goldman Sachs; and anticipated compensation levels among competitor firms.

 

Portfolio management teams are rewarded for their ability to outperform a benchmark while managing risk exposure. An individual’s compensation depends on his/her contribution to the team as well as his/her ability to work as a member of the team.

 

The portfolio management team’s performance measures are aligned with GSAM’s goals to:

 

(1)  Exceed benchmark over one-year and three-year periods;

 

(2)  Manage portfolios within a defined range around a targeted tracking error;

 

(3)  Perform consistently with objectives and client commitments;

 

(4)  Achieve top tier rankings and ratings; and

 

(5)  Manage all similarly mandated accounts in a consistent manner.

 

Performance-related remuneration for portfolio managers is significantly influenced by the following criteria:

 

(1)  Overall portfolio performance and consistency of performance over time;

 

(2)  Consistency of performance across accounts with similar profiles;

 

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(3)  Compliance with risk budgets; and

 

(4)  Communication with other portfolio managers within the research process.

 

In addition, detailed portfolio attribution is critical to the measurement process.

 

The benchmark for this Fund is the Russell 2000 Index.

 

Other Compensation:

 

In addition to base salary and performance bonus, GSAM has a number of additional benefits/deferred compensation programs for all portfolio managers in place including (i) a 401(k) program that enables employees to direct a percentage of their pretax salary and bonus income into a tax-qualified retirement plan; (ii) a profit sharing program to which Goldman, Sachs & Co. makes a pretax contribution; and (iii) investment opportunity programs in which certain professionals are eligible to participate subject to certain net worth requirements. Portfolio managers may also receive grants of restricted stock units and/or stock options as part of their compensation.

 

Certain GSAM portfolio managers may also participate in the firm’s Partner Compensation Plan, which covers many of the firm’s senior executives. In general, under the Partner Compensation Plan, participants receive a base salary and a bonus (which may be paid in cash or in the form of an equity-based award) that is linked to Goldman Sachs’ overall financial performance.

 

Conflicts of Interest:

 

GSAM’s portfolio managers are often responsible for managing one or more of the Funds as well as other accounts, including proprietary accounts, separate accounts and other pooled investment vehicles, such as unregistered hedge funds. A portfolio manager may manage a separate account or other pooled investment vehicle which may have materially higher fee arrangements than the Fund and may also have a performance-based fee. The side-by-side management of these funds may raise potential conflicts of interest relating to cross trading, the allocation of investment opportunities and the aggregation and allocation of trades.

 

GSAM has a fiduciary responsibility to manage all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner. It seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and aggregate and then allocate securities to client accounts in a fair and timely manner. To this end, GSAM has developed policies and procedures designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from side-by-side management. In addition, GSAM has adopted policies limiting the circumstances under which cross-trades may be effected between the Fund and another client account. GSAM conducts periodic reviews of trades for consistency with these policies.

 

Securities Ownership of Portfolio Managers:

 

None of the portfolio managers own shares of the Fund.

 

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Harris Associates L.P.

 

Robert M. Levy and Michael J. Mangan are portfolio managers of the Focused Value Fund, and David G. Herro and Chad M. Clark are portfolio managers of the Overseas Fund (collectively, the “Funds”).

 

Portfolio Managers’ Management of Other Accounts:

 

The Portfolio Managers of the Funds managed other accounts in addition to managing the Funds. The following table sets forth the number and total assets of the mutual funds and other accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager as of December 31, 2007. None of these accounts has an advisory fee based on the performance of the account.

 

Fund


  Name of Portfolio
Manager


  Registered Investment
Companies (other than
MassMutual Funds)


  Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles


  Other Accounts1

    Number
of
Accounts


  Total Assets

  Number
of
Accounts


  Total Assets

  Number
of
Accounts


  Total Assets

Focused Value Fund

  Robert M. Levy   5   $ 3,510,035,134   10   $ 392,427,277   4462   $ 4,425,841,818
    Michael J.
Mangan
  8   $ 3,904,044,612   3   $ 147,814,778   148   $ 2,493,948,316

Overseas Fund

  David Herro   9   $ 13,166,896,790   12   $ 2,547,753,130   13   $ 2,803,900,748
    Chad Clark   5   $ 2,304,947,416   2   $ 1,937,069,165   8   $ 1,703,162,947

 

Material Conflicts of Interest:

 

Conflicts of interest may arise in the allocation of investment opportunities and the allocation of aggregated orders among the Funds and the other accounts managed by the portfolio managers. A portfolio manager potentially could give favorable treatment to some accounts for a variety of reasons, including favoring larger accounts, accounts that have a different advisory fee arrangement (including any accounts that pay performance-based fees), accounts of affiliated companies, or accounts in which the portfolio manager has a personal investment. With respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, Harris makes decisions to recommend, purchase, sell or hold securities for all of its client accounts, including the Funds, based on the specific investment objectives, guidelines, restrictions and circumstances of each account. It is Harris’ policy to allocate investment opportunities to each account, including the Funds, over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis relative to its other accounts. With respect to the allocation of aggregated orders, each account that participates in the aggregated order will participate at the average share price, and where the order has not been completely filled, each institutional account, including the Funds, will generally participate on a pro rata basis.

 


1

Personal investment accounts of portfolio managers and their families are not reflected.

2

This number includes approximately 326 accounts that are managed pursuant to a “model portfolio” and involve no direct client communications. It also includes many client relationships with multiple accounts, and therefore the number of accounts greatly exceeds the number of relationships.

 

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Harris has compliance policies and procedures in place that it believes are reasonably designed to mitigate these conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may arise.

 

Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure:

 

Each of the Funds’ portfolio managers is compensated solely by Harris Associates L.P. (the “Firm”), a sub-adviser. Compensation for each of the portfolio managers is based on the Firm’s assessment of the individual’s long-term contribution to the investment success of the Firm and is structured as follows:

 

  (1) Base salary. The base salary is a fixed amount, and each portfolio manager receives the same base salary.

 

  (2) Participation in a discretionary bonus pool. A discretionary bonus pool for each of the Firm’s domestic and international investment groups is divided among the senior level employees of each group and is paid annually.

 

  (3) Participation in a long-term compensation plan that provides current compensation to certain key employees of the Firm and deferred compensation to both current and former key employees. The compensation plan consists of bonus units awarded to participants that vest and pay out over a period of time.

 

The determination of the amount of each portfolio manager’s participation in the discretionary bonus pool and the long-term compensation plan is based on a variety of qualitative and quantitative factors. The factor given the most significant weight is the subjective assessment of the individual’s contribution to the overall investment results of the Firm’s domestic or international investment group, whether as a portfolio manager, a research analyst, or both.

 

The quantitative factors considered in evaluating the contribution of a portfolio manager include the performance of the portfolios managed by that individual relative to benchmarks, peers and other portfolio managers, as well as the assets under management in the accounts managed by the portfolio manager. The portfolio managers’ compensation is not based solely on an evaluation of the performance of the funds or the amount of fund assets. Performance is measured in a number of ways, including by accounts and by strategy, and is compared to one or more of the following benchmarks: S&P500, Russell Mid-Cap Value, Russell 1000 Value, Lipper Balanced, 60/40 S&P/Lehman (60% S&P500 and 40% Lehman Bond Index), Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) World Index, MSCI World ex-U.S. Index and the Firm’s approved lists of stocks, depending on whether the portfolio manager manages accounts in the particular strategy to which these benchmarks would be applicable. Performance is measured over shorter- and longer-term periods, including one year, three years, five years, ten years, since a funds’ inception or since a portfolio manager has been managing a fund, as applicable. Performance is measured on a pre-tax and after-tax basis to the extent such information is available.

 

If a portfolio manager also serves as a research analyst, then his compensation is also based on the contribution made to the Firm in that role. The specific quantitative and qualitative factors considered in evaluating a research analyst’s contributions include, among other things, new investment ideas, the performance of investment ideas covered by the analyst during the current year as well as over longer-term periods, the portfolio impact of the analyst’s investment ideas, other contributions to the research process, and an assessment of the quality of analytical work. In addition, an individual’s other contributions to the Firm, such as a role in investment thought leadership and management, are taken into account in the overall compensation process.

 

Ownership of Securities:

 

Robert M. Levy owns over $1,000,000 of the Funds.

 

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Insight Capital Research & Management, Inc.

 

The portfolio managers of the Emerging Growth Fund are Lee Molendyk, CFA and Lance Swanson.

 

Other Accounts Managed (as of 12/31/07)

 

Name


   No. of
Accounts


   Total Assets
Managed


   No. of
Accounts with
Performance-
Based Fees


   Total Assets in
Accounts with
Performance-
Based Fees


Lee Molendyk and Lance Swanson

                       

Registered Investment Companies

   1    $ 12.08 million    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other Accounts

   1,114    $ 814.72 million    0    $ 0

 

Compensation

 

Mr. Molendyk and Mr. Swanson are compensated by Insight Capital. Each receives a fixed base salary plus an annual bonus based on the performance of the Emerging Growth Fund and other accounts. For purposes of determining the bonus, the pre-tax performance of the Emerging Growth Fund and other accounts for the one year period is compared to the pre-tax performance of their Peer Group for the same period. Each Portfolio Manager also shares in revenues of the Concentrated Emerging Growth strategy which includes receiving 25% of the asset based fee received by Insight Capital, paid quarterly and 20% of the incentive fee received by Insight Capital, which is based on a percentage of net gains of the applicable accounts in the strategy, paid after the calendar year end. Mr. Molendyk and Mr. Swanson have received and are eligible to receive additional non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of Insight Capital’s stock. Each also receives certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to all of the Insight Capital’s employees.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Because Insight Capital engages in an investment advisory business and manages more than one advisory account, including Insight Capital’s own proprietary accounts, there may be conflicts of interest over Insight Capital’s time devoted to managing any one account or over Insight Capital’s allocation of investment opportunities among all accounts it manages. Insight Capital attempts to resolve all such conflicts in a manner that is generally fair to all of its clients’ accounts.

 

Due to the nature of Insight Capital’s investment selection process, significant overlaps in securities held in various accounts may occur, even for accounts using different investment strategies. However, Insight Capital’s decisions to use a security for any one investment strategy versus another investment strategy are based on, among other things, the particulars of the various strategies, analyses of the security and the attractiveness of the security versus existing holdings in the accounts using the different investment strategies, and may result in investment timing differences between strategies and accounts (i.e., different purchase or sell dates for the same security).

 

In addition, as appropriate to the investment strategy and upon the recommendations of Insight Capital’s investment committee, certain accounts whose investment strategy focus on investments in small cap securities may have priority for investment opportunities in small cap securities over other accounts whose investment strategies do not focus on small cap securities, e.g., a mid-cap strategy. Furthermore, due to the unique investment and trading strategy and potentially much shorter investment horizon of Insight Capital’s Concentrated Emerging Growth strategy (in which, like all of Insight Capital’s strategies, Insight Capital’s employees may invest), Insight Capital’s decision to invest in or sell a security for this strategy may or may not occur before other investment strategies, including even before Insight Capital includes it on other investment strategies’ buy lists. There is an additional special potential conflict of interest in that, beginning in 2008, the

 

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portfolio managers who manage the Emerging Growth Fund also manage the Concentrated Emerging Growth strategy and have a share in Insight Capital’s revenues from the Concentrated Growth Strategy as described in the Compensation section. This revenue sharing may pose a special incentive to direct investment opportunities to the Concentrated Emerging Growth strategy rather than to the Emerging Growth Fund. However, Insight Capital believes its allocation procedures address this potential conflict to provide for fair allocation of investment opportunities appropriate for each strategy as described below.

 

In the allocation of investment opportunities among all accounts managed by Insight Capital, Insight Capital may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients’ or its proprietary accounts that may differ from advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to any other account so long as it is Insight Capital’s policy, to the extent practicable, to allocate investment opportunities over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis relative to other accounts. Procedures to implement fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities include but are not limited to periodic investment management team meetings to identify and maintain buying opportunities as they arise (reviewing opportunities for accounts based on factors such as the overall market, price of the security and Insight Capital’s research), preparing written allocations of trade orders in advance of execution and with best execution principles in mind, averaging prices over block trade orders and allocating partially filled trade orders to accounts on a pro rata basis or on a statistically random basis, and documenting the reasons for any non-pro-rata allocations.

 

Ownership of Securities

 

The portfolio managers do not own any shares of the Emerging Growth Fund.

 

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Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc.

 

Robert Hagstrom is the portfolio manager of the Diversified Growth Fund.

 

Other Accounts Managed:

 

As of December 31, 2007, Mr. Hagstrom served as portfolio manager for 5 registered investment companies with $2.87 billion in total assets, 2 pooled investment vehicles with $0.20 billion in total assets, and 25 other accounts with $3.08 billion in total assets. None of the accounts listed are subject to a performance-based fee.

 

Conflicts of Interest:

 

The portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibility for multiple accounts, which may include mutual funds, separately managed advisory accounts, commingled trust accounts, offshore funds, and insurance company separate accounts. The management of multiple accounts by the portfolio manager may create the potential for conflicts to arise. For example, even though all accounts in the same investment style are managed similarly, the portfolio manager make investment decisions for each account based on the investment guidelines, cash flows, and other factors that the manager believes are applicable to that account. Consequently, the portfolio manager may purchase (or sell) the same security for multiple accounts at different times. A portfolio manager may also manage accounts whose style, objectives, and policies differ from those of the Fund. Trading activity appropriate for one account managed by the portfolio manager may have adverse consequences for another account managed by the portfolio manager. For example, if an account were to sell a significant position in a security, that sale could cause the market price of the security to decrease, while the Fund maintained its position in the security. A potential conflict may also arise when a portfolio manager is responsible for accounts that have different advisory fees—the difference in the fees may create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another, for example, in terms of access to investment opportunities of limited availability. This conflict may be heightened where an account is subject to a performance-based fee. A portfolio manager’s personal investing may also give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. has adopted brokerage, trade allocation, personal investing and other policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to address the potential conflicts of interest described above.

 

Structure of Compensation:

 

The portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary and a bonus. Bonus compensation is reviewed annually and is determined by a number of factors, including the annual performance of the portfolio manager’s accounts relative to the S&P 500 Composite Stock Index (with dividends reinvested), the portfolio manager’s performance over various other time periods, the total value of the assets managed by the portfolio manager, the portfolio manager’s contribution to the investment manager’s research process, the profitability of the investment manager and the portfolio manager’s contribution to profitability, and trends in industry compensation levels and practices.

 

The portfolio manager is also eligible to receive stock options from Legg Mason based upon an assessment of the portfolio manager’s contribution to the success of the company, as well as employee benefits, including, but not limited to, health care and other insurance benefits, participation in the Legg Mason 401(k) program, and participation in other Legg Mason deferred compensation plans.

 

Ownership of Fund Shares:

 

None

 

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Massachusetts Financial Services Company

 

The portfolio managers for the Overseas Fund (the “Fund”) are David Mannheim and Marcus Smith.

 

Other Accounts Managed*:

 

David Mannheim                    

‘40 Act
#Funds


  TNA

  Other
Pooled
#Funds


  TNA

  Non-Pooled
#Funds


  TNA

15

  $ 10.9 billion   5   $ 2.3 billion   89   $ 24.4 billion

Performance Based:

            12   $ 3.2 billion

Marcus Smith

                   

‘40 Act
#Funds


  TNA

  Other
Pooled
#Funds


  TNA

  Non-Pooled
#Funds


  TNA

11

  $ 9.3 billion   2   $ 120 million   26   $ 6.8 billion

Performance Based:

            1   $ 455 million

* As of 12/31/07

TNA = Total Net Assets

 

Compensation:

 

Portfolio manager total cash compensation is a combination of base salary and performance bonus:

 

   

Base Salary—Base salary represents a smaller percentage of portfolio manager total cash compensation (generally below 33%) than incentive compensation.

 

   

Performance Bonus—Generally, incentive compensation represents a majority of portfolio manager total cash compensation. The performance bonus is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, with more weight given to the former (generally over 60%) and less weight given to the latter.

 

The quantitative portion is based on pre-tax performance of all of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager (which includes the Fund and any other accounts managed by the portfolio manager) over a one-, three- and five-year period relative to the appropriate Lipper peer group universe and/or benchmark index, with respect to each account. (Generally the benchmark index used is a benchmark index set forth in the Fund’s prospectus to which the Fund’s performance is compared. With respect to funds with multiple portfolio managers, the index used may differ for each portfolio manager, and may not be a benchmark index set forth in the Fund’s prospectus, but will be an appropriate benchmark index based on the respective portfolio manager’s role in managing the Fund. Additional or different appropriate peer group or benchmark indices may also be used. Primary weight is given to portfolio performance over three-year and five-year time periods with lesser consideration given to portfolio performance over a one-year period (adjusted as appropriate if the portfolio manager has served for less than five years).

 

The qualitative portion is based on the results of an annual internal peer review process (conducted by other portfolio managers, analysts and traders) and management’s assessment of overall portfolio manager contributions to investor relations and the investment process (distinct from portfolio and other account performance).

 

Portfolio managers also typically benefit from the opportunity to participate in the MFS Equity Plan. Equity interests and/or options to acquire equity interests in MFS or its parent company are awarded by management, on a discretionary basis, taking into account tenure at MFS, contribution to the investment process and other factors.

 

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Finally, portfolio managers are provided with a benefits package including a defined contribution plan, health coverage and other insurance, which are available to other employees of MFS on substantially similar terms. The percentage such benefits represent of any portfolio manager’s compensation depends upon the length of the individual’s tenure at MFS and salary level as well as other factors.

 

Ownership of Fund Shares:

 

None

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest:

 

MFS seeks to identify potential conflicts of interest resulting from a portfolio manager’s management of both the Fund and other accounts and has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such potential conflicts.

 

The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives and strategies, benchmarks, time horizons and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In certain instances there may be securities which are suitable for the Fund’s portfolio as well as for accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries with similar investment objectives. A Fund’s trade allocation policies may give rise to conflicts of interest if the Fund’s orders do not get fully executed or are delayed in getting executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of the Fund’s investments. Investments selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform investments selected for the Fund.

 

When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed by MFS to be fair and equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Fund is concerned. In most cases, however, MFS believes that the Fund’s ability to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Fund. MFS does not receive a performance fee for its management of the Fund. MFS and/or a portfolio manager may have an incentive to allocate favorable or limited opportunity investments or structure the timing of investments to favor accounts other than the Fund — for instance, those that pay a higher advisory fee and/or have a performance fee.

 

B-327


Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company

 

Committee Description:

 

MassMutual, as each Destination Retirement Fund’s investment adviser, administers the asset allocation program for each Destination Retirement Fund. This function is performed by MassMutual’s Retirement Services Asset Allocation Committee (“the Committee”), led by Bruce Picard Jr., CFA. The other regular member of the Committee is Frederick (Rick) Schulitz.

 

Other Accounts Managed (as of December 31, 2007):

 

     Number of Accounts

   Total Assets

Bruce Picard Jr.

           

Rick Schulitz

           

Registered investment companies:

   0      N/A

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   8    $ 1,780,701,318

Other accounts:

   0      N/A

 

Ownership of Securities: Messrs. Picard and Schulitz do not own any shares of these Funds.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest:

 

A conflict of interest may arise due to differences in the investment adviser’s net management fee among the underlying funds in which these Funds invest such that the Committee might be motivated to invest in certain funds over others. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management in certain underlying funds could influence the Committee to lend preferential treatment to those funds. In addition, the Committee might be motivated to favor affiliated underlying funds over non-affiliated underlying funds.

 

Compensation:

 

The Committee’s members are paid the same as other employees of the adviser such that their compensation consists of a base salary and an annual discretionary bonus. The adviser also matches a portion of employees’ 401(k) contributions, if any.

 

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Mazama Capital Management, Inc.

 

The portfolio managers of the Small Company Growth Fund are Ronald A. Sauer, Gretchen Novak and Joel Rubenstein.

 

Other accounts managed (as of 12/31/07):

 

Registered investment companies

 

Number of accounts:

     11

Total assets:

     $1,352,595,773

 

Other pooled investment vehicles

 

        

Number of accounts:

     1

Total assets:

     $       4,900,237

 

Other accounts

 

Number of accounts:

     76

Total assets:

     $5,489,587,127

 

For the accounts listed above, two accounts with total assets of $134,993,129 have an advisory fee which is based on the performance of the account.

 

Mazama’s Investment Team consists of three Portfolio Managers, five Sector Portfolio Managers and three Research Analysts, each of whom conducts research and plays an active role in portfolio decision making for the Fund. The Portfolio Managers oversee investment decision making across all industry groups and sectors, while each Sector Portfolio Manager is responsible for one or more of the five primary sectors in the portfolio (Technology, Financial Services, Consumer Discretionary, Healthcare and Producer Durables). The additional Research Analysts support the primary Portfolio Managers and Sector Portfolio Managers in identifying investments for the Fund. Each member of the Investment Team utilizes the firm’s proprietary Price Performance Model (“PPM”) to evaluate investments as part of the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

Compensation

 

Mazama’s compensation structure is designed to attract and retain highly skilled investment professionals. The compensation is structured to maximize performance and keep the interests of each member of our portfolio management team aligned with those of our clients.

 

The incentive compensation structure keeps each member of the team focused on the relative performance of each strategy versus its respective benchmark. Each Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst receives a base salary representing 20-30% of cash compensation and a performance based incentive representing 70-80% of cash compensation. Performance based incentive compensation is based on: i) the portfolio management fees received by Mazama for all accounts under management; and ii) achieving specific annual excess return targets. The Investment Team does not distinguish between different accounts within each investment style/strategy with respect to compensation. Cash compensation increases as assets under management increase, whether by appreciation or by attracting new clients, both of which are accomplished by achieving higher than average excess returns. Excess returns are measured as the difference between our portfolio returns and the returns of the benchmark for the portion of the Fund managed by Mazama (i.e. Russell 2000 Growth Index, Russell 2500 Growth Index, Russell Mid Cap Growth or Russell 3000 Growth Index).

 

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Equity based incentives have been a significant part of Mazama’s compensation plan since the firm’s inception. In total, our Investment Team represents over 70% of the equity of the firm on a fully diluted basis. Every member of the Investment Team is either a direct equity owner or an option holder or both.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

As every member of the Investment Team has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one account and more than one investment strategy, actual or apparent conflicts may arise.

 

The compensation paid to Mazama for managing the Fund is based on a percentage of assets under management rather than a share of the gains. As described above, members of the Investment Team, as equity owners and by receiving a share of portfolio management fees, benefit from Mazama’s revenues and profitability. Conflicts of interest can arise to the extent that larger client accounts generate more fees and potentially larger profits for Mazama compared to small accounts. Two accounts pay fees based on a percentage of assets that can increase and decrease based on performance against a benchmark index. These two accounts are managed consistently with their stated investment strategy. Despite these differences, Mazama believes that its trade allocation and other compliance procedures effectively address any related conflicts of interest. Otherwise, no member of the Investment Team is compensated in a way that would add to those conflicts of interest by creating an incentive to favor particular accounts over other accounts.

 

Execution and research services provided by brokers may not always be utilized in connection with the Fund or with other client accounts that may have paid the commission or a portion of the commission to the broker providing the services. Mazama allocates brokerage commissions for these services in a manner that it believes is fair and equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to each of its clients.

 

If a member of the Investment Team identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than just the Fund or another client account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity. To mitigate this conflict of interest, Mazama aggregates orders for the Fund with orders from each of its other client accounts participating in the same strategy and allocates these trades on a pro-rata basis in order to ensure that clients are treated fairly and equitably over time and consistent with Mazama’s fiduciary obligations to each of its clients.

 

Mazama has adopted policies and procedures to address and prevent the above conflicts of interest; however there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

 

Ownership of Securities:    Ronald Sauer, Gretchen Novak and Joel Rubenstein do not own any shares of the Small Company Growth Fund.

 

B-330


Northern Trust Investments, N.A.

 

Brent Reeder is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Indexed Equity Fund and the NASDAQ-100 Fund.

 

Other Accounts Managed by Brent Reeder:

 

The table below discloses other accounts for which Brent Reeder was jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management as of December 31, 2007.

 

Indexed Equity Fund

 

Type of Accounts


   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed


   Total Assets

   # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance


   Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance


Registered Investment Companies:

   18    $ 12,648,934,792    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:

   30    $ 72,039,385,857    0    $ 0

Other Accounts:

   79    $ 50,557,125,284    0    $ 0

 

NASDAQ-100 Fund

 

Type of Accounts


   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed


   Total Assets

   # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance


   Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance


Registered Investment Companies:

   18    $ 14,957,943,031    0    $ 0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:

   30    $ 72,039,385,857    0    $ 0

Other Accounts:

   79    $ 50,557,125,284    0    $ 0

 

Conflicts of Interest:

 

NTI’s portfolio managers are often responsible for managing one or more funds, as well as other accounts, including separate accounts and other pooled investment vehicles. A portfolio manager may manage a separate account or other pooled investment vehicle that may have a materially higher or lower fee arrangement. The side-by-side management of these accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest relating to cross trading, the allocation of investment opportunities and the aggregation and allocation of trades. In addition, while portfolio managers generally only manage accounts with similar investment strategies, it is possible that due to varying investment restrictions among accounts that certain investments are made for some accounts and not others or conflicting investment positions are taken among accounts. The portfolio managers have a fiduciary responsibility to manage all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner. NTI seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and aggregate and then allocate securities to client accounts in a fair and timely manner. To this end, NTI has developed policies and procedures designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from side-by-side management. In addition, NTI has adopted policies limiting the circumstances under which cross-trades may be effected. NTI conducts periodic reviews of trades for consistency with these policies.

 

Compensation:

 

The compensation for NTI the index funds’ portfolio managers is based on the competitive marketplace and consists of a fixed base salary plus a variable annual cash incentive award. In addition, non-cash incentives, such as stock options or restricted stock of Northern Trust Corporation, may be awarded from time to time. The annual incentive award is discretionary and is based on the overall financial performance of Northern Trust Corporation,

 

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the overall performance of the investment management unit plus a qualitative evaluation of each portfolio manager’s performance and contribution to his or her respective team. For NTI index funds’ portfolio managers, the annual incentive award is not based on performance of the funds or the amount of assets held in the funds. Moreover, no material differences exist between the compensation structure for mutual fund accounts and other types of accounts.

 

Disclosure of Securities Ownership:

 

A. As of December 31, 2007, please provide in the table below beneficial ownership of shares of the Portfolio by you. Please note that the Portfolio’s Statement of Additional Information will only provide a dollar range of each individual’s holdings in each investment portfolio ($1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, $100,001 to $500,000, $500,001 to $1,000,000, or over $1,000,000).

 

Beneficial ownership of shares exists where a person either: (a) has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest (i.e., the opportunity to profit from a transaction) in such securities (including securities held in a partnership of which the person is a general partner, securities held in a revocable trust and securities that may be acquired upon exercise of an option or other right, or through conversion); or (b) directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power (i.e. the power to vote or direct the vote) or investment power (i.e. the power to buy or sell or direct the purchase or sale) with respect to such securities.

 

     Shares
Beneficially
Owned


   Dollar ($) Value of
Shares Beneficially
Owned by You Because
You Had a Direct or
Indirect Pecuniary
Interest


   Dollar ($) Value of Shares in
Which You Did Not Have a
Direct or Indirect Pecuniary
Interest but Were Beneficially
Owned by You Because You
Had Sole or Shared Voting or
Investment Power or Had the
Right to Acquire Sole or Shared
Voting or Investment Power


Brent Reeder

   0    $ 0    $ 0

 

B-332


Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC

 

Ciaran O’Neill is the portfolio manager of the Value Equity Fund and receives compensation for his services. As of December 31, 2007, portfolio manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a bonus, in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based compensation plans, and, if applicable, relocation plan benefits. A portion of the portfolio manager’s compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by Pyramis or at the election of the portfolio manager.

 

The portfolio manager’s base salary is determined by level of responsibility and tenure at Pyramis or its affiliates. The primary components of the portfolio manager’s bonus are based on the pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager’s fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index assigned to each fund or account and within a defined peer group assigned to each fund or account. The pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager’s fund(s) and account(s) is weighted according to his tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) and the average asset size of those fund(s) and account(s) over his tenure. Each component is calculated separately over the portfolio manager’s tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) over a measurement period that initially is contemporaneous with his tenure, but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to five years for the comparison to a benchmark index and rolling periods of up to three years for the comparison to a peer group. A smaller, subjective component of the portfolio manager’s bonus is based on the portfolio manager’s overall contribution to management of Pyramis. The portion of the portfolio manager’s bonus that is linked to the investment performance of the Value Equity Fund is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the Fund measured against the Russell 1000 Value Index, the pre-tax investment performance of the Fund within the U.S. Equity Large Cap Value universe and the pre-tax investment performance of the Fund within the Morningstar Large Cap Value Category. The portfolio manager also is compensated under equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, Pyramis’ parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in various activities that include fund management, brokerage, retirement, and employer administrative services. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of Pyramis and its affiliates.

 

The portfolio manager’s compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Although investors in the fund may invest through either tax-deferred accounts or taxable accounts, the portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. The portfolio manager’s base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management and a portion of the bonus relates to marketing efforts, which together indirectly link compensation to sales. When a portfolio manager takes over a fund or an account, the time period over which performance is measured may be adjusted to provide a transition period in which to assess the portfolio. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as the portfolio manager must allocate his time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In addition, the fund’s trade allocation policies and procedures may give rise to conflicts of interest if the fund’s orders do not get fully executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts managed by Pyramis or an affiliate. The portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by a fund. Securities selected for other funds or accounts may outperform the securities selected for the fund. Portfolio managers may be permitted to invest in the funds they manage, even if a fund is closed to new investors. Trading in personal accounts, which may give rise to potential conflicts of interest, is restricted by a fund’s Code of Ethics.

 

B-333


The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. O’Neill as of December 31, 2007:

 

     Registered
Investment
Companies


   Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles


   Other Accounts

Number of Accounts Managed

     2      4      8

Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees

     none      none      none

Assets Managed (in millions)

   $ 1,518    $ 693    $ 2,149

Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)

     none      none      none

 

The dollar range of shares of the Value Equity Fund beneficially owned by Mr. O’Neill as of December 31, 2007 was $0.

 

B-334


Sands Capital Management, LLC

 

I. Identification of Portfolio Managers or Management Team MembersMembers who are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Aggressive Growth Fund’s portfolio:

 

Name


  

Title


  

Length of Service


  

Business
Experience
Past 5
Years


Frank M. Sands, Sr., CFA

   CEO, Chief Investment Officer    16 years     

David E. Levanson, CFA

   Senior Research Analyst, Senior Portfolio Manager, Director of U.S. Mutual Funds    6 years     

Frank M. Sands, Jr., CFA

   President, Senior Portfolio Manager, Director of Research    8 years     

A. Michael Sramek, CFA

   Senior Research Analyst, Senior Portfolio Manager    7 years     

 

II. Description of Role of Portfolio Managers or Management Team Members:    Describe below the role of each Portfolio Manager or Management Team Member identified above in Section I. Clarify each member’s role on team, including any limitations on, and relationships among, roles.

 

Frank M. Sands, Sr., CFA

 

Chief Investment Officer and Member of Investment Team. Final decision maker in portfolio decisions for the target portfolio for the firm.

 

David E. Levanson, CFA

 

Senior Research Analyst, Senior Portfolio Manager, Director of U.S. Mutual Funds, and member of Investment Team that makes portfolio decisions with regards to firm’s target portfolio. Responsible for day-to-day management of U.S. Mutual Funds to the firm’s target portfolio and investment of daily cash flows.

 

Frank M. Sands, Jr., CFA

 

President, Director of Research, Senior Portfolio Manager, and member of Investment Team that makes portfolio decisions with regards to firm’s target portfolio. Is back-up portfolio manager to David Levanson on the day-to-day management of U.S. Mutual Funds to the firm’s target portfolio.

 

A. Michael Sramek, CFA

 

Senior Research Analyst, Senior Portfolio Manager, and member of Investment Team that makes portfolio decisions with regards to the firm’s target portfolio. Is back-up portfolio manager to David Levanson on the day-to-day management of U.S. Mutual Funds to the firm’s target portfolio and investment of daily cash flows.

 

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III. Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager or Management Team Member:    Discloses other accounts for which a Portfolio Manager or Management Team Member was jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management as of December 31, 2007.

 

The Investment Team at Sands Capital creates a model portfolio to which all client portfolios are managed. Each member of the Team is primarily a Research Analyst and secondarily, part of a Portfolio Management Team with specific accounts for which they have oversight and are responsible for insuring the portfolio stays identical to the model.

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or
Team Member


 

Type of Accounts


 

Total

# of
Accounts
Managed


  Total Assets

 

# of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance*


  Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance*


1. Frank M. Sands, Sr., CFA

  Registered Investment Companies:  

5

  $ 2,058 million  

1

  $ 603 million
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:  

9

  $ 968 million  

0

  $ 0
    Other Accounts:  

1,043

  $ 15,169 million  

6

  $ 1,353 million

2. David E. Levanson, CFA

  Registered Investment Companies:  

5

  $ 2,058 million  

1

  $ 603 million
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:  

9

  $ 968 million  

0

  $ 0
    Other Accounts:  

1,043

  $ 15,169 million  

6

  $ 1,353 million

3. Frank M. Sands, Jr., CFA

  Registered Investment Companies:  

5

  $ 2,058 million  

1

  $ 603 million
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:  

9

  $ 968 million  

0

  $ 0
    Other Accounts:  

1,043

  $ 15,169 million  

6

  $ 1,353 million

4. A. Michael Sramek, CFA

  Registered Investment Companies:  

5

  $ 2,058 million  

1

  $ 603 million
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:  

9

  $ 968 million  

0

  $ 0
    Other Accounts:  

1,043

  $ 15,169 million  

6

  $ 1,353 million

* Please note: advisory fee is not solely based on performance. Fees are made up of a base fee that can be adjusted based on the accounts’ out performance of a relevant index.

 

Description of any material conflict of interest that may arise in connection with a Portfolio Manger’s or Management Team Member’s management of Fund investments and investments of other accounts. Includes, for example, material conflicts between the investment strategy of the Fund and investment strategy of other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager or Team Member and material conflicts in allocation of investment opportunities between the Fund and other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager or Team Member.

 

As an investment adviser to a variety of clients, Sands Capital recognizes there are actual or potential conflicts of interest inherent in our business. For example, conflicts of interest could result from a portfolio managers’ management of multiple accounts for multiple clients, the allocation and execution of investment opportunities, multiple fee arrangements, and personal trading. Sands Capital has addressed these conflicts by developing policies and procedures it believes are reasonably designed to treat all clients in a fair and equitable manner over time. Sands Capital’s policies and procedures address such issues as execution of portfolio transactions, aggregation and allocation of trades, directed brokerage and soft dollars. Additionally, Sands Capital maintains a Code of Ethics that addresses rules on personal trading and insider information.

 

B-336


IV. Compensation Structure of Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Members

 

Compensation for all employees at Sands Capital is a top priority for management. The goals are to align the firm and the employee’s interest with those of the clients and to strive to attract and keep employees that help the firm deliver on the firm’s basic mission. All employees benefit from (1) a salary competitive in the industry, (2) an annual qualitative bonus based on subjective review of the employees overall contribution, and (3) a standard profit sharing plan and 401(k) plan. Additional incentives for investment professionals and other key employees come through their participation in (4) equity participation. The investment professionals also participate in (5) an investment results bonus.

 

Investment professionals may also receive an investment results bonus. The investment results bonus is based upon one, three and five-year components, calculated by reference to the relative performance of Sands Capital’s Tax Exempt Institutional Equity Composite and the Russell 1000 Growth index over rolling one, three and five year periods.

 

V. Disclosure of Securities Ownership:    None of the portfolio managers or management team members own any shares of the Fund.

 

B-337


SSgA Funds Management, Inc.

 

The Small Cap Value Equity Fund is managed by the SSgA Global Enhanced Equity Team. Portfolio managers Ric Thomas and Chuck Martin jointly and primarily have the most significant day-to-day responsibility for management of the Fund.

 

Accounts Managed as of December 31, 2007:

 

Portfolio Manager*


 

Number and Total Assets of Other
Registered Investment Company
Accounts


 

Number and Total Assets of Other
Pooled Investment Vehicle Accounts


 

Number and Total Assets of Other
Accounts


   

Based on
Performance


 

Not Based on
Performance


 

Based on
Performance


 

Not Based on
Performance


 

Based on
Performance


 

Not Based on
Performance


Team Managed

 

0 accounts

$0

 

8 accounts

$1.19B

 

41 pooled vehicles**

$49.50B

 

43 pooled vehicles

$50.92B

 

30 Accounts

$22.70B

 

73 Accounts

$42.92B


* Please note that our enhanced assets are managed on a team basis. This table refers to SSgA, comprised of all of the investment management affiliates of State Street Corporation, including SSgA Funds Management, Inc.
** Includes those pooled investment vehicles in which SSgA’s advisory fee from at least one investor is based on the account’s performance.

 

Compensation:

 

The compensation of SSgA FM’s investment professionals is based on a number of factors. The first factor considered is external market. Through extensive compensation survey process, SSgA FM seeks to understand what its competitors are paying people to perform similar roles. This data is then used to determine a competitive baseline in the areas of base pay, bonus, and long term incentive (i.e. equity). The second factor taken into consideration is the size of the pool available for this compensation. SSgA FM is a part of State Street Corporation, and therefore works within its corporate environment on determining the overall level of its incentive compensation pool. Once determined, this pool is then allocated to the various locations and departments of SSgA and SSgA FM. The discretionary determination of the allocation amounts to these locations and departments is influenced by the competitive market data, as well as the overall performance of the group. The pool is then allocated on a discretionary basis to individual employees based on their individual performance. There is no fixed formula, benchmark or identifiable criteria for determining these amounts, nor is anyone’s compensation directly tied to the investment performance or asset value of a product or strategy. The same process is followed in determining equity incentive allocations.

 

Conflicts of Interest:

 

A Portfolio Manager may be subject to potential conflicts of interest because he or she is responsible for other accounts in addition to the Fund. Potential conflicts may arise out of (a) the Portfolio Manager’s execution of different investment strategies for various accounts or (b) the allocation of investment opportunities among the Portfolio Manager’s accounts with the same strategy.

 

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

 

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a significant position in a security, which could cause the market price of that security to decrease, while the Fund maintained its position in that security.

 

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

 

The potential conflicts described are applicable to SSgA/SSgA FM as our Portfolio Managers manage several accounts with similar guidelines and differing fee schedules.

 

Ownership of Securities:

 

None of the portfolio managers own shares of the Fund.

 

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T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

 

Information below is as of 12/31/07.

 

The portfolio manager of the Small Company Value Fund is Preston G. Athey.

 

Preston G. Athey:

 

     Number of
Accounts


   Total Assets

Ø registered investment companies:

   6    $ 7,360.6 million

Ø other pooled investment vehicles:

   2    $ 4.6 million

Ø other accounts:

   9    $ 655.1 million

 

Please note that the Small Company Value Fund is not included in the information listed above.

 

None of the accounts listed above have performance-based fees.

 

Conflicts of Interest:

 

Portfolio managers at T. Rowe Price typically manage multiple accounts. These accounts may include, among others, mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, colleges and universities, foundations), and commingled trust accounts. Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each portfolio based on the investment objectives, policies, practices and other relevant investment considerations that the managers believe are applicable to that portfolio. Consequently, portfolio managers may purchase (or sell) securities for one portfolio and not another portfolio. T. Rowe Price has adopted brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures which it believes are reasonably designed to address any potential conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. Also, as disclosed under the “Portfolio Manager’s Compensation” section, our portfolio managers’ compensation is determined in the same manner with respect to all portfolios managed by the portfolio manager.

 

Compensation:

 

Portfolio manager compensation consists primarily of a base salary, a cash bonus, and an equity incentive that usually comes in the form of a stock option grant. Occasionally, portfolio managers will also have the opportunity to participate in venture capital partnerships. Compensation is variable and is determined based on the following factors.

 

Investment performance over one-, three-, five-, and 10-year periods is the most important input. We evaluate performance in absolute, relative, and risk-adjusted terms. Relative performance and risk-adjusted performance are determined with reference to the broad based index (ex. S&P 500) and an applicable Lipper index (ex. Large-Cap Growth), though other benchmarks may be used as well. Investment results are also compared to comparably managed funds of competitive investment management firms.

 

Performance is primarily measured on a pre-tax basis though tax-efficiency is considered and is especially important for tax efficient funds. It is important to note that compensation is viewed with a long term time horizon. The more consistent a manager’s performance over time, the higher the compensation opportunity. The increase or decrease in a fund’s assets due to the purchase or sale of fund shares is not considered a material factor.

 

Contribution to our overall investment process is an important consideration as well. Sharing ideas with other portfolio managers, working effectively with and mentoring our younger analysts, and being good corporate citizens are important components of our long term success and are highly valued.

 

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All employees of T. Rowe Price, including portfolio managers, participate in a 401(k) plan sponsored by T. Rowe Price Group. In addition, all employees are eligible to purchase T. Rowe Price common stock through an employee stock purchase plan that features a limited corporate matching contribution. Eligibility for and participation in these plans is on the same basis as for all employees. Finally, all vice presidents of T. Rowe Price Group, including all portfolio managers, receive supplemental medical/hospital reimbursement benefits.

 

This compensation structure is used for all portfolios managed by the portfolio manager.

 

Ownership of Securities:

 

Portfolio Manager


  

MassMutual Fund
Sub-Advised/Managed


  

Dollar Range of
Equity Securities

Beneficially Owned


Preston Athey

   MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund    None

 

The portfolio managers of the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund are Brian Berghuis and Donald Peters.

 

Brian Berghuis:

 

     Number of
Accounts


   Total Assets

Ø registered investment companies:

   7    $ 21,091.6 million

Ø other pooled investment vehicles:

   1    $ 307.8 million

Ø other accounts:

   5    $ 667.4 million

 

Please note that the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund is not included in the information listed above.

 

Donald Peters:

 

     Number of
Accounts


   Total Assets

Ø registered investment companies:

   12    $ 2,411.0 million

Ø other pooled investment vehicles:

   0    $ 0

Ø other accounts:

   34    $ 1,849.3 million

 

Please note that the Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund is not included in the information listed above.

 

None of the accounts listed above have performance-based fees.

 

Conflicts of Interest:

 

Portfolio managers at T. Rowe Price typically manage multiple accounts. These accounts may include, among others, mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, colleges and universities, foundations), and commingled trust accounts. Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each portfolio based on the investment objectives, policies, practices and other relevant investment considerations that the managers believe are applicable to that portfolio. Consequently, portfolio managers may purchase (or sell) securities for one portfolio and not another portfolio. T. Rowe Price has adopted brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures which it believes are reasonably designed to address any potential conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. Also, as disclosed under the “Portfolio Manager’s Compensation” section, our portfolio managers’ compensation is determined in the same manner with respect to all portfolios managed by the portfolio manager.

 

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Compensation:

 

Portfolio manager compensation consists primarily of a base salary, a cash bonus, and an equity incentive that usually comes in the form of a stock option grant. Occasionally, portfolio managers will also have the opportunity to participate in venture capital partnerships. Compensation is variable and is determined based on the following factors.

 

Investment performance over one-, three-, five-, and 10-year periods is the most important input. We evaluate performance in absolute, relative, and risk-adjusted terms. Relative performance and risk-adjusted performance are determined with reference to the broad based index (ex. S&P 500) and an applicable Lipper index (ex. Large-Cap Growth), though other benchmarks may be used as well. Investment results are also compared to comparably managed funds of competitive investment management firms.

 

Performance is primarily measured on a pre-tax basis though tax-efficiency is considered and is especially important for tax efficient funds. It is important to note that compensation is viewed with a long term time horizon. The more consistent a manager’s performance over time, the higher the compensation opportunity. The increase or decrease in a fund’s assets due to the purchase or sale of fund shares is not considered a material factor.

 

Contribution to our overall investment process is an important consideration as well. Sharing ideas with other portfolio managers, working effectively with and mentoring our younger analysts, and being good corporate citizens are important components of our long term success and are highly valued.

 

All employees of T. Rowe Price, including portfolio managers, participate in a 401(k) plan sponsored by T. Rowe Price Group. In addition, all employees are eligible to purchase T. Rowe Price common stock through an employee stock purchase plan that features a limited corporate matching contribution. Eligibility for and participation in these plans is on the same basis as for all employees. Finally, all vice presidents of T. Rowe Price Group, including all portfolio managers, receive supplemental medical/hospital reimbursement benefits.

 

This compensation structure is used for all portfolios managed by the portfolio manager.

 

Ownership of Securities:

 

Portfolio Manager


  

MassMutual Fund
Sub-Advised/Managed


  

Dollar Range of
Equity Securities

Beneficially Owned


Brian Berghuis

   MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund    None

Donald Peters

   MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund    None

 

The portfolio manager of the Blue Chip Growth Fund is Larry J. Puglia.

 

     Number of
Accounts


  

Total Assets


Larry J. Puglia

         

Registered investment companies

   19   

$20,612.2 million

Other pooled investment vehicles

   3   

$662.6 million

Other accounts

   11   

$1,426.4 million


Please note that the Blue Chip Growth Fund is not included in the information listed above.

 

None of the accounts listed above have performance-based fees.

 

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Conflicts of Interest:

 

Portfolio managers at T. Rowe Price typically manage multiple accounts. These accounts may include, among others, mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, colleges and universities, foundations), and commingled trust accounts. Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each portfolio based on the investment objectives, policies, practices and other relevant investment considerations that the managers believe are applicable to that portfolio. Consequently, portfolio managers may purchase (or sell) securities for one portfolio and not another portfolio. T. Rowe Price has adopted brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures which it believes are reasonably designed to address any potential conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. Also, as disclosed under the “Portfolio Manager’s Compensation” section, our portfolio managers’ compensation is determined in the same manner with respect to all portfolios managed by the portfolio manager.

 

Compensation:

 

Portfolio manager compensation consists primarily of a base salary, a cash bonus, and an equity incentive that usually comes in the form of a stock option grant. Occasionally, portfolio managers will also have the opportunity to participate in venture capital partnerships. Compensation is variable and is determined based on the following factors.

 

Investment performance over one-, three-, five-, and 10-year periods is the most important input. We evaluate performance in absolute, relative, and risk-adjusted terms. Relative performance and risk-adjusted performance are determined with reference to the broad based index (ex. S&P500) and an applicable Lipper index (ex. Large-Cap Growth), though other benchmarks may be used as well. Investment results are also compared to comparably managed funds of competitive investment management firms.

 

Performance is primarily measured on a pre-tax basis though tax-efficiency is considered and is especially important for tax efficient funds. It is important to note that compensation is viewed with a long term time horizon. The more consistent a manager’s performance over time, the higher the compensation opportunity. The increase or decrease in a fund’s assets due to the purchase or sale of fund shares is not considered a material factor.

 

Contribution to our overall investment process is an important consideration as well. Sharing ideas with other portfolio managers, working effectively with and mentoring our younger analysts, and being good corporate citizens are important components of our long term success and are highly valued.

 

All employees of T. Rowe Price, including portfolio managers, participate in a 401(k) plan sponsored by T. Rowe Price Group. In addition, all employees are eligible to purchase T. Rowe Price common stock through an employee stock purchase plan that features a limited corporate matching contribution. Eligibility for and participation in these plans is on the same basis as for all employees. Finally, all vice presidents of T. Rowe Price Group, including all portfolio managers, receive supplemental medical/hospital reimbursement benefits.

 

This compensation structure is used for all portfolios managed by the portfolio manager.

 

Ownership of Securities:

 

Portfolio Manager


  

MassMutual Fund
Sub-Advised/Managed


  

Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned


Larry J. Puglia

   MassMutual Select Blue Chip
Growth Fund
   None

 

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The portfolio manager of the Diversified Growth Fund is Larry J. Puglia.

 

     Number of
Accounts


   Total Assets

Larry J. Puglia

           

Registered investment companies

   19    $ 21,416.7 million

Other pooled investment vehicles

   3    $ 662.6 million

Other accounts

   11    $ 1,426.4 million

Please note that the Diversified Growth Fund is not included in the information listed above.

 

None of the accounts listed above have performance-based fees.

 

Conflicts of Interest:

 

Portfolio managers at T. Rowe Price typically manage multiple accounts. These accounts may include, among others, mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, colleges and universities, foundations), and commingled trust accounts. Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each portfolio based on the investment objectives, policies, practices and other relevant investment considerations that the managers believe are applicable to that portfolio. Consequently, portfolio managers may purchase (or sell) securities for one portfolio and not another portfolio. T. Rowe Price has adopted brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures which it believes are reasonably designed to address any potential conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. Also, as disclosed under the “Portfolio Manager’s Compensation” section, our portfolio managers’ compensation is determined in the same manner with respect to all portfolios managed by the portfolio manager.

 

Compensation:

 

Portfolio manager compensation consists primarily of a base salary, a cash bonus, and an equity incentive that usually comes in the form of a stock option grant. Occasionally, portfolio managers will also have the opportunity to participate in venture capital partnerships. Compensation is variable and is determined based on the following factors.

 

Investment performance over one-, three-, five-, and 10-year periods is the most important input. We evaluate performance in absolute, relative, and risk-adjusted terms. Relative performance and risk-adjusted performance are determined with reference to the broad based index (ex. S&P 500) and an applicable Lipper index (ex. Large-Cap Growth), though other benchmarks may be used as well. Investment results are also compared to comparably managed funds of competitive investment management firms.

 

Performance is primarily measured on a pre-tax basis though tax-efficiency is considered and is especially important for tax efficient funds. It is important to note that compensation is viewed with a long term time horizon. The more consistent a manager’s performance over time, the higher the compensation opportunity. The increase or decrease in a fund’s assets due to the purchase or sale of fund shares is not considered a material factor.

 

Contribution to our overall investment process is an important consideration as well. Sharing ideas with other portfolio managers, working effectively with and mentoring our younger analysts, and being good corporate citizens are important components of our long term success and are highly valued.

 

All employees of T. Rowe Price, including portfolio managers, participate in a 401(k) plan sponsored by T. Rowe Price Group. In addition, all employees are eligible to purchase T. Rowe Price common stock through an employee stock purchase plan that features a limited corporate matching contribution. Eligibility for and participation in these plans is on the same basis as for all employees. Finally, all vice presidents of T. Rowe Price Group, including all portfolio managers, receive supplemental medical/hospital reimbursement benefits.

 

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This compensation structure is used for all portfolios managed by the portfolio manager.

 

Ownership of Securities:

 

Portfolio Manager


   MassMutual Fund
Sub-Advised/Managed


   Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned


Larry J. Puglia

   MassMutual Select Diversified
Growth Fund
   None

 

B-345


Turner Investment Partners, Inc.

 

The portfolio managers of the Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund are Christopher K. McHugh, Jason D. Schrotberger and Tara R. Hedlund.

 

     Number of
Accounts Managed*


   Total Assets*

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based*


  

Total Assets*


Christopher K. McHugh

                   

Registered investment companies

   14    $5.0 billion    3    $1.3 billion

Other pooled investment vehicles

   27    $636 million    2    $4 million

Other accounts

   23    $2.8 billion    2    $162 million

 

     Number of
Accounts Managed*


   Total Assets*

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based*


  

Total Assets*


Jason D. Schrotberger

                   

Registered investment companies

   15    $4.2 billion    1    $103 million

Other pooled investment vehicles

   26    $551 million    2    $4 million

Other accounts

   55    $3.3 billion    4    $264 million

 

     Number of
Accounts Managed*


   Total Assets*

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based*


  

Total Assets*


Tara R. Hedlund

                     

Registered investment companies

   10    $ 3.6 billion    1    $103 million

Other pooled investment vehicles

   20    $ 505 million    2    $4 million

Other accounts

   15    $ 916 million    1    $127 million

 

* The information provided is as of 12/31/07

 

Ownership of Securities:

 

Portfolio Manager


  

MassMutual Fund
Sub-Advised/Managed


  

Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned


Christopher K. McHugh

   Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund    None

Jason D. Schrotberger

   Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund    None

Tara R. Hedlund

   Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund    None

 

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Conflicts of Interest

 

As is typical for many money managers, potential conflicts of interest may arise related to Turner’s management of accounts including the Fund where not all accounts are able to participate in a desired IPO, or other limited opportunity, relating to use of soft dollars and other brokerage practices, related to the voting of proxies, employee personal securities trading, and relating to a variety of other circumstances. In all cases, however, Turner believes it has written policies and procedures in place reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws and to prevent material conflicts of interest from arising. Please also see Turner’s Form ADV, Part II for a description of some of its policies and procedures in this regard.

 

Compensation

 

Turner’s investment professionals receive a base salary commensurate with their level of experience. Turner’s goal is to maintain competitive base salaries through review of industry standards, market conditions, and salary surveys. Bonus compensation, which is a multiple of base salary, is based on the performance of each individual’s sector and portfolio assignments relative to appropriate market benchmarks. In addition, each employee is eligible for equity ownership and equity owners share the firm’s profits. Most of the members of the Investment Team and all Portfolio Managers for The Funds, are equity owners of Turner. This compensation and ownership structure provides incentive to attract and retain highly qualified people, as each member of the firm has the opportunity to share directly in the accomplishments of the business.

 

The objective performance criteria noted above accounts for 90% of the bonus calculation. The remaining 10% is based upon subjective, “good will” factors including teamwork, interpersonal relations, the individual’s contribution to overall success of the firm, media and client relations, presentation skills, and professional development. Portfolio managers/analysts are reviewed on an annual basis. The Chief Investment Officer is responsible for setting base salaries, bonus targets, and making all subjective judgments related to an investment professionals’ compensation. The CIO is also responsible for identifying investment professionals that should be considered for equity ownership on an annual basis.

 

B-347


Victory Capital Management Inc.

 

Portfolio Managers.

 

The portfolio managers for the Core Opportunities Fund are Lawrence Babin, Paul Danes and Carolyn Rains.

 

This section includes information about the Fund’s portfolio managers, including information concerning other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Fund shares they own and how they are compensated. The portfolio managers listed below manage all of the accounts indicated as a team.

 

Other Accounts

 

Portfolio Management Team


   Number of Other Accounts
(Total Assets)* as of December 31, 2007

   Number of Other Accounts
(Total Assets)* Subject to a Performance
Fee as of December 31, 2007


Mr. Lawrence G. Babin, Mr. Paul D. Danes and Ms. Carolyn M. Rains

Other Investment Companies

   5 ($5.5 billion)    None

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   7 ($1.5 billion)    None

Other Accounts

   3,087 ($7.7 billion)          5 ($1.0 billion)

* Rounded to the nearest billion, or million, as relevant

 

In managing other investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts, Victory Capital may employ strategies similar to those employed by the Fund. As a result, these other accounts may invest in the same securities as the Fund.

 

Compensation

 

The portfolio managers of the Fund each receives a base salary plus an annual incentive bonus for managing the Fund, other investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts (including other accounts for which Victory Capital receives a performance fee). A manager’s base salary is dependent on the manager’s level of experience and expertise. Victory Capital monitors each manager’s base salary relative to salaries paid for similar positions with peer firms by reviewing data provided by various consultants that specialize in competitive salary information.

 

A portfolio manager’s annual incentive bonus is based on the manager’s individual and investment performance results. Victory Capital establishes a “target” incentive for each portfolio manager based on the manager’s level of experience and expertise in the manager’s investment style. This target is set at a percentage of base salary, generally ranging from 40% to 150%. Individual performance is based on balanced scorecard objectives established annually during the first quarter of the fiscal year, and is assigned a 50% weighting. Individual performance metrics include portfolio structure and positioning as determined by a consultant, research, asset growth, client retention, presentation skills, marketing to prospective clients and contribution to KeyCorp’s corporate philosophy and values, such as leadership and teamwork. Investment performance is based on investment performance of each portfolio manager’s portfolio or Fund relative to a selected peer group(s), and is assigned a 50% weighting. The overall performance results of the Fund and all similarly-managed investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts are compared to the performance information of a peer group of similarly-managed competitors, as supplied by third party analytical agencies. The manager’s performance versus the peer group then determines the final incentive amount, which generally ranges from zero to 150% of the “target,” depending on results. For example, performance in an upper decile may result in an incentive bonus that is 150% of the “target” while below-average performance may result in an incentive bonus as low as zero. Performance results for a manager are based on the composite performance of all accounts managed by that manager on a combination of one and three year rolling performance. Composite performance is calculated on a pre-tax basis and does not reflect applicable fees.

 

B-348


The Fund’s portfolio managers participate in Victory Capital’s long-term incentive plan, the results for which are based on the Victory Capital’s business results (the “Adviser Incentive Plan”). In addition to the Adviser Incentive Plan, each of the Fund’s portfolio managers may earn long-term incentive compensation based on a percentage of the incremental, year-over-year growth in revenue to Victory Capital attributable to fees paid by all investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts that employ strategies similar to those employed by the Fund.

 

B-349


Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company

 

The portfolio managers for the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund are Mark Seferovich and Kenneth McQuade.

 

Other Accounts managed by Mark Sefereovich and Kenneth McQuade as of December 31, 2007:

 

Breakdown of Assets Under Management for 12/31/07

 

     Number of
Accounts


    Total
Assets

Mark Seferovich

            

Registered Investment Companies:

   3     $ 290,285,638

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   4 *   $ 89,496,740

Other Accounts

   29     $ 1,262,052,591
     Number of
Accounts


    Total
Assets

Kenneth McQuade

            

Registered Investment Companies:

   4     $ 782,840,689

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   4 *   $ 89,496,740

Other Accounts

   28     $ 1,261,787,801

* The four accounts listed under ‘other pooled’ are foreign sub advised mutual funds.

 

Compensation:

 

Integral to the retention of investment professionals are: a) a competitive base salary that is commensurate with the individual’s level of experience and responsibility; b) an attractive bonus structure linked to investment performance, described below; c) eligibility for a stock incentive plan in shares of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. that rewards teamwork; and d) paying for the cost of a leased automobile. Awards of equity-based compensation typically vest over time, so as to create an incentive to retain key talent; and e) to the extent a portfolio manager also manages institutional separate accounts, he or she will share in a percentage of the revenues earned, on behalf of such accounts, by the firm.

 

Portfolio managers can receive significant annual performance-based bonuses. The better the pre-tax performance of portfolios managed by the portfolio manager relative to an appropriate benchmark, the more bonus compensation the manager receives. The primary benchmark is the portfolio manager’s percentile ranking against the performance of managers who manage with the same investment style at other firms. The secondary benchmark is an index of securities matched to the portfolio manager’s investment style. Half of each portfolio manager’s bonus is based upon a three-year period and half is based upon a one-year period. For truly exceptional results, bonuses can be several multiples of base salary. In cases where portfolio managers have more than one portfolio to manage, all the portfolios are similar in investment style and all are taken into account in determining bonuses. Thirty percent of annual performance-based bonuses are deferred for a three-year period. During that time, the deferred portion of bonuses are invested in mutual funds managed by Waddell & Reed, with a minimum of 50% of the deferred bonus required to be invested in a mutual fund managed by the portfolio manager. In addition to the deferred portion of bonuses being invested in Waddell & Reed managed mutual funds, the WDR’s 401(k) plan offers Waddell & Reed managed mutual funds as investment options. No bonus compensation is based upon the amount of the mutual fund assets under management.

 

B-350


Conflicts of Interest:

 

Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one Fund or account, such as the following:

 

   

The management of multiple Funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each Fund and/or other account.

 

   

Simultaneous transactions in the same security are likely when a Fund and other funds and/or accounts are managed by the same portfolio manager. In that situation, the transactions are allocated, both as to amount and price, to the Fund and other funds and/or accounts pursuant to WRIMCO’s Allocation Procedures. In some cases, this method of allocation may adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund and the size of the security position obtainable for the Fund.

 

WRIMCO and the Funds have adopted certain compliance procedures, including the Code of Ethics, which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

 

Securities Ownership of the Fund:    None

 

B-351


Wellington Management Company, LLP

 

The portfolio managers for the Fundamental Value Fund are Karen H. Grimes and John R. Ryan.

 

Other Accounts Managed (as of 12/31/07):

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

   Number Of
Accounts Where
Advisory Fee
is Based
on Fund
Performance


   Total Assets

Karen H. Grimes

                       

Registered investment companies:

   6    $ 2,896,199,308    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Other accounts:

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

   Number Of
Accounts Where
Advisory Fee
is Based
on Fund
Performance


   Total Assets

John R. Ryan

                       

Registered investment companies:

   11    $ 11,671,348,168    3    $ 8,268,203,258

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   4    $ 45,043,404    0    $ 0

Other accounts:

   18    $ 3,906,467,824    0    $ 0

 

The portfolio managers for the Diversified Growth Fund are Mammen Chally and James A. Rullo.

 

Other Accounts Managed (as of 12/31/07):

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

   Number Of
Accounts Where
Advisory Fee
is Based
on Fund
Performance


   Total Assets

Mammen Chally

                       

Registered investment companies:

   6    $ 4,364,908,021    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   13    $ 861,979,912    0    $ 0

Other accounts:

   17    $ 6,959,013,736    2    $ 829,539,546

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

   Number Of
Accounts Where
Advisory Fee
is Based
on Fund
Performance


   Total Assets

James A. Rullo

                       

Registered investment companies:

   4    $ 3,159,407,596    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   14    $ 1,174,848,334    0    $ 0

Other accounts:

   22    $ 7,139,585,711    3    $ 875,600,865

 

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The portfolio managers of the Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund are Michael T. Carmen and Mario E. Abularach.

 

Other Accounts Managed (as of 12/31/07)

 

     Number of
Accounts Managed


   Total Assets

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


   Total Assets

Michael T. Carmen

                       

Registered investment companies

   7    $ 7,170,875,498    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   10    $ 1,005,333,886    4    $ 497,354,315

Other accounts

   6    $ 601,301,989    0    $ 0

 

     Number of
Accounts Managed


   Total Assets

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


   Total Assets

Mario E. Abularach

                       

Registered investment companies

   12    $ 8,826,095,404    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   2    $ 133,705,241    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   7    $ 1,029,839,648    1    $ 103,544,422

 

The portfolio managers for the Small Cap Growth Equity Fund are Kenneth L. Abrams, Daniel J. Fitzpatrick, Steven C. Angeli, Mario E. Abularach and Stephen C. Mortimer.

 

Other Accounts Managed (as of 12/31/07):

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

   Number Of
Accounts Where
Advisory Fee
is Based
on Fund
Performance


   Total Assets

Kenneth L. Abrams

                       

Registered investment companies:

   3    $ 1,704,245,037    2    $ 1,641,559,220

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   7    $ 1,678,969,970    0    $ 0

Other accounts:

   11    $ 1,751,535,116    0    $ 0

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

   Number Of
Accounts Where
Advisory Fee
is Based
on Fund
Performance


   Total Assets

Daniel J. Fitzpatrick

                       

Registered investment companies:

   3    $ 1,704,245,037    2    $ 1,641,559,220

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   3    $ 1,001,149,965    0    $ 0

Other accounts:

   8    $ 1,656,349,043    0    $ 0

 

B-353


     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

   Number Of
Accounts Where
Advisory Fee
is Based
on Fund
Performance


   Total Assets

Steven C. Angeli

                       

Registered investment companies:

   4    $ 1,732,971,761    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles:

   14    $ 1,159,190,031    5    $ 517,743,489

Other accounts:

   32    $ 1,681,197,755    1    $ 103,544,422

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

   Number Of
Accounts Where
Advisory Fee
is Based
on Fund
Performance


   Total Assets

Mario E. Abularach

                       

Registered investment companies

   12    $ 8,727,384,329    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   2    $ 133,705,241    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   7    $ 1,029,839,648    1    $ 103,544,422

 

     Number Of
Accounts


   Total Assets

   Number Of
Accounts Where
Advisory Fee
is Based
on Fund
Performance


   Total Assets

Stephen C. Mortimer

                       

Registered investment companies

   6    $ 3,640,216,995    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   1    $ 131,200,418    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   5    $ 699,169,326    1    $ 103,544,422

 

Securities Ownership of Portfolio Managers:

 

None of the portfolio managers owns shares of the Funds.

 

Description of Compensation:

 

Each Fund pays Wellington Management a fee based on the assets under management of each Fund as set forth in the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements between Wellington Management and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company with respect to each Fund. Wellington Management pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the advisory fees earned with respect to each Fund. The following information relates to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Wellington Management’s compensation structure is designed to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals necessary to deliver high quality investment management services to its clients. Wellington Management’s compensation of the Funds’ managers listed in the prospectus who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund (“Investment Professionals”) includes a base salary and incentive components. The base salary for each Investment Professional who is a partner of Wellington Management is determined by the Managing Partners of the firm. A partner’s base salary is generally a fixed amount that may change as a result of an annual review. The base salaries for the other Investment Professionals are determined by the Investment Professionals’ experience and performance in their roles as Investment Professionals. Base salaries for Wellington Management’s employees are reviewed annually and may be adjusted based on the recommendation of an Investment Professional’s manager, using guidelines established by Wellington Management’s Compensation Committee, which has final oversight responsibility for base salaries of employees of the firm. Each Investment Professional is eligible to receive an incentive payment based on the revenues

 

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earned by Wellington Management from the Fund managed by the Investment Professional and generally each other account managed by such Investment Professional. Each Investment Professional’s incentive payment relating to the Fund is linked to the gross pre-tax performance of the portion of the Fund managed by the Investment Professional compared to the benchmark index and/or peer group identified below over one and three year periods, with an emphasis on three year results. Wellington Management applies similar incentive structures (although the benchmarks or peer groups, time periods and rates may differ) to other portfolios managed by these Investment Professionals, including accounts with performance fees. Portfolio incentives across all accounts managed by an Investment Professional can, and typically do, represent a significant portion of an Investment Professional’s overall compensation; incentive compensation varies significantly by individual and can vary significantly from year to year. The Investment Professionals may also be eligible for bonus payments based on their overall contribution to Wellington Management’s business operations. Senior management at Wellington Management may reward individuals as it deems appropriate based on factors other than account performance. Each partner of Wellington Management is eligible to participate in a partner-funded tax qualified retirement plan, the contributions to which are made pursuant to an actuarial formula, as a partner of the firm. Messrs. Abrams, Angeli, Carmen and Ryan are partners of the firm.

 

Fund


 

Benchmark and/or Peer Group


Fundamental Value Fund

 

Russell 1000 Value Index

Diversified Growth Fund

 

Russell 1000 Growth Index

Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund

 

Russell Mid Cap Growth Index

Small Cap Growth Equity Fund (portfolio managed by Messrs. Abrams and Fitzpatrick)

 

Russell 2000 Index

Small Cap Growth Equity Fund (portfolio managed by Messrs. Angeli, Abularach and Mortimer)

 

Russell 2000 Growth Index

 

Description of Material Conflicts:

 

Individual investment professionals at Wellington Management manage multiple accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, or separately managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries), bank common trust accounts, and hedge funds. Each Fund’s managers listed in the prospectuses who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds (“Investment Professionals”) generally manage accounts in several different investment styles. These accounts may have investment objectives, strategies, time horizons, tax considerations, and risk profiles that differ from those of the relevant Fund. The Investment Professionals make investment decisions for each account, including the relevant Fund, based on the investment objectives, policies, practices, benchmarks, cash flows, tax and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that account. Consequently, the Investment Professionals may purchase or sell securities, including IPOs, for one account and not another account, and the performance of securities purchased for one account may vary from the performance of securities purchased for other accounts. Alternatively, these accounts may be managed in a similar fashion to the relevant Fund and thus the accounts may have similar, and in some cases nearly identical, objectives, strategies and/or holdings to that of the relevant Fund.

 

An Investment Professional or other investment professionals at Wellington Management may place transactions on behalf of other accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made on behalf of the relevant Fund, or make investment decisions that are similar to those made for the relevant Fund, both of which have the potential to adversely impact the Fund depending on market conditions. For example, an investment professional may purchase a security in one account while appropriately selling that same security in another account. Similarly, an investment professional may purchase the same security for the relevant Fund and one or more other accounts at or about the same time, and in those instances the other accounts will have access to their respective holdings prior to the public disclosure of the relevant Funds’ holdings. In addition, some of these portfolios have fee structures, including performance fees, which are or have the potential to be higher, in some cases significantly higher, than the fees paid by the relevant Fund to Wellington Management. Messrs.

 

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Angeli and Carmen also manage hedge funds, which pay performance allocations to Wellington Management or its affiliates. Because incentive payments paid by Wellington Management to the Investment Professionals are tied to revenues earned by Wellington Management, and where noted, to the performance achieved by the manager in each account, the incentives associated with any given account may be significantly higher or lower than those associated with other accounts managed by a given Investment Professional. Finally, the Investment Professionals may hold shares or investments in the other pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts identified above.

 

Wellington Management’s goal is to meet its fiduciary obligation to treat all clients fairly and provide high quality investment services to all of its clients. Wellington Management has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, which it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, Wellington Management monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with primary account guidelines, the allocation of IPOs, and compliance with the firm’s Code of Ethics, and places additional investment restrictions on Portfolio Managers who manage hedge funds and certain other accounts. Furthermore, senior investment and business personnel at Wellington Management periodically review the performance of Wellington Management’s Investment Professionals. Although Wellington Management does not track the time an Investment Professional spends on a single portfolio, Wellington Management does periodically assess whether an Investment Professional has adequate time and resources to effectively manage the Investment Professional’s various client mandates.

 

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Western Asset Management Company

 

A team of investment professionals at Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”), led by Chief Investment Officer S. Kenneth Leech, Deputy Chief Investment Officer Stephen A. Walsh and Portfolio Managers Edward A. Moody, Mark S. Lindbloom and Carl L. Eichstaedt, manages the Strategic Bond Fund’s and the Strategic Balanced Fund’s assets.

 

Messrs. Leech, Walsh, Moody and Eichstaedt have each served as portfolio managers for Western Asset for over 10 years.

 

The Funds are managed by a team of portfolio managers, sector specialists and other investment professionals. Mr. Leech and Mr. Walsh serve as co-team leaders responsible for day-to-day strategic oversight of each Fund’s investments and for supervising the day-to-day operations of the various sector specialist teams dedicated to the specific asset classes in which the Funds invest. Mr. Moody, Mr. Lindbloom and Mr. Eichstaedt are responsible for portfolio structure, including sector allocation, duration weighting and term structure decisions.

 

Other Accounts:

 

As of December 31, 2007, in addition to the Funds, the Portfolio Managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:

 

S. Kenneth Leech

 

Type of Account


   Number of
Accounts
Managed


   Total
Assets
Managed

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


   Assets
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-

Based

Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Bond Fund)

   114    $ 121,427,378,880    0    $ 0

Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Balanced Fund)

   114    $ 121,707,714,761    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   239    $ 211,995,391,168    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   1,069    $ 300,567,840,634    95    $ 32,730,534,560

 

Stephen A. Walsh

 

Type of Account


   Number of
Accounts
Managed


   Total
Assets
Managed

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


   Assets
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-

Based

Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Bond Fund)

   114    $ 121,427,378,880    0    $ 0

Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Balanced Fund)

   114    $ 121,707,714,761    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   239    $ 211,995,391,168    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   1,069    $ 300,567,840,634    95    $ 32,730,534,560

 

B-357


Edward A. Moody

 

Type of Account


   Number of
Accounts
Managed


   Total
Assets
Managed

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


   Assets
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Bond Fund)

   2    $ 450,085,916    0    $ 0

Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Balanced Fund)

   2    $ 730,421,798    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   1    $ 64,451,154    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   88    $ 17,049,446,178    8    $ 3,137,049,788

 

Mark S. Lindbloom

 

Type of Account


   Number of
Accounts
Managed


   Total
Assets
Managed

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


   Assets
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Bond Fund)

   6    $ 2,731,229,151    0    $ 0

Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Balanced Fund)

   6    $ 2,731,229,151    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   3    $ 242,076,056    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   32    $ 7,188,685,801    4    $ 1,302,805,250

 

Carl L. Eichstaedt

 

Type of Account


   Number of
Accounts
Managed


   Total
Assets
Managed

   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


   Assets
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Bond Fund)

   13    $ 3,877,181,597    0    $ 0

Registered Investment Companies
(excluding the Strategic Balanced Fund)

   13    $ 3,877,181,597    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   6    $ 1,841,238,845    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   98    $ 20,235,499,347    3    $ 1,075,804,167

 

 

Note:    The numbers above reflect the overall number of portfolios managed by Western Asset. Mr. Leech and Mr. Walsh are involved in the management of all the Firm’s portfolios, but they are not solely responsible for particular portfolios. Western’s investment discipline emphasizes a team approach that combines the efforts of groups of specialists working in different market sectors. The individuals that have been identified are responsible for overseeing implementation of the Firm’s overall investment ideas and coordinating the work of the various sector teams. This structure ensures that client portfolios benefit from a consensus that draws on the expertise of all team members.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest:

 

Potential conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple accounts (including accounts managed in a personal capacity). These could include potential conflicts of interest related to the

 

B-358


knowledge and timing of a Portfolio’s trades, investment opportunities and broker selection. Portfolio managers may be privy to the size, timing and possible market impact of a Portfolio’s trades.

 

It is possible that an investment opportunity may be suitable for both a Portfolio and other accounts managed by a portfolio manager, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for both the Portfolio and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a Portfolio and another account. A conflict may arise where the portfolio manager may have an incentive to treat an account preferentially as compared to a Portfolio because the account pays a performance-based fee or the portfolio manager, Western Asset or an affiliate has an interest in the account. Western Asset has adopted procedures for allocation of portfolio transactions and investment opportunities across multiple client accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time. All eligible accounts that can participate in a trade share the same price on a pro-rata allocation basis in an attempt to mitigate any conflict of interest. Trades are allocated among similarly managed accounts to maintain consistency of portfolio strategy, taking into account cash availability, investment restrictions and guidelines, and portfolio composition versus strategy.

 

With respect to securities transactions for the Portfolios, Western Asset determines which broker or dealer to use to execute each order, consistent with their duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles that are not registered investment companies and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), Western Asset may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or dealers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker or dealer. In these cases, trades for a Portfolio in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of a Portfolio or the other account(s) involved. Additionally, the management of multiple Portfolios and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each Portfolio and/or other account.

 

It is theoretically possible that portfolio managers could use information to the advantage of other accounts they manage and to the possible detriment of a Portfolio. For example, a portfolio manager could short sell a security for an account immediately prior to a Portfolio’s sale of that security. To address this conflict, Western Asset has adopted procedures for reviewing and comparing selected trades of alternative investment accounts (which may make directional trades such as short sales) with long only accounts (which include the Portfolios) for timing and pattern related issues. Trading decisions for alternative investment and long only accounts may not be identical even though the same Portfolio Manager may manage both types of accounts. Whether Western Asset allocates a particular investment opportunity to only alternative investment accounts or to alternative investment and long only accounts will depend on the investment strategy being implemented. If, under the circumstances, an investment opportunity is appropriate for both its alternative investment and long only accounts, then it will be allocated to both on a pro-rata basis.

 

A portfolio manager may also face other potential conflicts of interest in managing a Portfolio, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict of interest that could be deemed to exist in managing both a Portfolio and the other accounts listed above.

 

Compensation of Portfolio Managers:

 

With respect to the compensation of the portfolio managers, Western Asset’s compensation system assigns each employee a total compensation “target” and a respective cap, which are derived from annual market surveys that benchmark each role with their job function and peer universe. This method is designed to reward employees with total compensation reflective of the external market value of their skills, experience, and ability to produce desired results.

 

Standard compensation includes competitive base salaries, generous employee benefits, and a retirement plan.

 

B-359


In addition, employees are eligible for bonuses. These are structured to closely align the interests of employees with those of Western Asset, and are determined by the professional’s job function and performance as measured by a formal review process. All bonuses are completely discretionary. One of the principal factors considered is a portfolio manager’s investment performance versus appropriate peer groups and benchmarks. Because portfolio managers are generally responsible for multiple accounts (including the Portfolio) with similar investment strategies, they are compensated on the performance of the aggregate group of similar accounts, rather than a specific account. A smaller portion of a bonus payment is derived from factors that include client service, business development, length of service to Western Asset, management or supervisory responsibilities, contributions to developing business strategy and overall contributions to Western Asset’s business.

 

Finally, in order to attract and retain top talent, all professionals are eligible for additional incentives in recognition of outstanding performance. These are determined based upon the factors described above and include Legg Mason, Inc. stock options and long-term incentives that vest over a set period of time past the award date.

 

Portfolio Manager Ownership of Portfolio Securities:

 

The following table provides the dollar range of securities beneficially owned by each portfolio manager as of December 31, 2007:

 

Portfolio Manager


  

Dollar Range of Portfolio Securities Beneficially Owned


S. Kenneth Leech

   None

Stephen A. Walsh

   None

Edward A. Moody

   None

Mark S. Lindbloom

   None

Carl L. Eichstaedt

   None

 

B-360


Western Asset Management Company Limited

 

A team of investment professionals at Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”), led by Chief Investment Officer S. Kenneth Leech and Deputy Chief Investment Officer Stephen A. Walsh, manages the Strategic Bond Fund’s and the Strategic Balanced Fund’s assets.

 

Messrs. Leech and Walsh have each served as portfolio managers for Western Asset for over 10 years.

 

The Funds are managed by a team of portfolio managers, sector specialists and other investment professionals. Mr. Leech and Mr. Walsh serve as co-team leaders responsible for day-to-day strategic oversight of each Fund’s investments and for supervising the day-to-day operations of the various sector specialist teams dedicated to the specific asset classes in which the Funds invest.

 

Other Accounts:

 

As of December 31, 2007, in addition to the Funds, the Portfolio Managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:

 

S. Kenneth Leech

 

Type of Account


   Number of
Accounts
Managed


   Total Assets
Managed


   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


   AssetsManaged for
which Advisory Fee is
Performance-Based


Registered Investment Companies (excluding the Strategic Bond Fund)

   114    $ 121,427,378,880    0    $ 0

Registered Investment Companies (excluding the Strategic Balanced Fund)

   114    $ 121,707,714,761    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   239    $ 211,995,391,168    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   1,069    $ 300,567,840,634    95    $ 32,730,534,560

 

Stephen A. Walsh

 

Type of Account


   Number of
Accounts
Managed


   Total Assets
Managed


   Number of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based


   Assets Managed for
which Advisory Fee is
Performance-Based


Registered Investment Companies (excluding the Strategic Bond Fund)

   114    $ 121,427,378,880    0    $ 0

Registered Investment Companies (excluding the Strategic Balanced Fund)

   114    $ 121,707,714,761    0    $ 0

Other pooled investment vehicles

   239    $ 211,995,391,168    0    $ 0

Other accounts

   1,069    $ 300,567,840,634    95    $ 32,730,534,560

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest:

 

Potential conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple accounts (including accounts managed in a personal capacity). These could include potential conflicts of interest related to the knowledge and timing of a Portfolio’s trades, investment opportunities and broker selection. Portfolio managers may be privy to the size, timing and possible market impact of a Portfolio’s trades.

 

B-361


It is possible that an investment opportunity may be suitable for both a Portfolio and other accounts managed by a portfolio manager, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for both the Portfolio and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a Portfolio and another account. A conflict may arise where the portfolio manager may have an incentive to treat an account preferentially as compared to a Portfolio because the account pays a performance-based fee or the portfolio manager, the Advisers or an affiliate has an interest in the account. The Advisers have adopted procedures for allocation of portfolio transactions and investment opportunities across multiple client accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time. All eligible accounts that can participate in a trade share the same price on a pro-rata allocation basis in an attempt to mitigate any conflict of interest. Trades are allocated among similarly managed accounts to maintain consistency of portfolio strategy, taking into account cash availability, investment restrictions and guidelines, and portfolio composition versus strategy.

 

With respect to securities transactions for the Portfolios, the Advisers determine which broker or dealer to use to execute each order, consistent with their duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles that are not registered investment companies and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Advisers may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or dealers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker or dealer. In these cases, trades for a Portfolio in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of a Portfolio or the other account(s) involved. Additionally, the management of multiple Portfolios and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each Portfolio and/or other account.

 

It is theoretically possible that portfolio managers could use information to the advantage of other accounts they manage and to the possible detriment of a Portfolio. For example, a portfolio manager could short sell a security for an account immediately prior to a Portfolio’s sale of that security. To address this conflict, the Advisers have adopted procedures for reviewing and comparing selected trades of alternative investment accounts (which may make directional trades such as short sales) with long only accounts (which include the Portfolios) for timing and pattern related issues. Trading decisions for alternative investment and long only accounts may not be identical even though the same Portfolio Manager may manage both types of accounts. Whether the Adviser allocates a particular investment opportunity to only alternative investment accounts or to alternative investment and long only accounts will depend on the investment strategy being implemented. If, under the circumstances, an investment opportunity is appropriate for both its alternative investment and long only accounts, then it will be allocated to both on a pro-rata basis.

 

A portfolio manager may also face other potential conflicts of interest in managing a Portfolio, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict of interest that could be deemed to exist in managing both a Portfolio and the other accounts listed above.

 

Compensation of Portfolio Managers:

 

With respect to the compensation of the portfolio managers, the Advisers’ compensation system assigns each employee a total compensation “target” and a respective cap, which are derived from annual market surveys that benchmark each role with their job function and peer universe. This method is designed to reward employees with total compensation reflective of the external market value of their skills, experience, and ability to produce desired results.

 

Standard compensation includes competitive base salaries, generous employee benefits, and a retirement plan.

 

In addition, employees are eligible for bonuses. These are structured to closely align the interests of employees with those of the Advisers, and are determined by the professional’s job function and performance as

 

B-362


measured by a formal review process. All bonuses are completely discretionary. One of the principal factors considered is a portfolio manager’s investment performance versus appropriate peer groups and benchmarks. Because portfolio managers are generally responsible for multiple accounts (including the Portfolio) with similar investment strategies, they are compensated on the performance of the aggregate group of similar accounts, rather than a specific account. A smaller portion of a bonus payment is derived from factors that include client service, business development, length of service to the Adviser, management or supervisory responsibilities, contributions to developing business strategy and overall contributions to the Adviser’s business.

 

Finally, in order to attract and retain top talent, all professionals are eligible for additional incentives in recognition of outstanding performance. These are determined based upon the factors described above and include Legg Mason, Inc. stock options and long-term incentives that vest over a set period of time past the award date.

 

Portfolio Manager Ownership of Portfolio Securities:

 

The following table provides the dollar range of securities beneficially owned by the portfolio managers as of December 31, 2007:

 

Portfolio Manager


  

Dollar Range of Portfolio Securities Beneficially Owned


S. Kenneth Leech

   None

Stephen A. Walsh

   None

 

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PART C

Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.

PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 23: Exhibits

Exhibit A: Copy of Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended June 14, 1993.(1)

Exhibit B: Copy of Registrant’s By-Laws, as now in effect.(1)

Exhibit C: None.

Exhibit D:

(1) Copy of Specimen Investment Management Agreement between Registrant and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”) on behalf of each of Registrant’s series, incorporated by reference as Exhibit D(1) to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 30, 1999.

(2) Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and MassMutual relating to the MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund dated as of December 17, 2007 (8).

(3) Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and MassMutual relating to the MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund dated as of December 17, 2007(8).

(4) Amendment to Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and MassMutual relating to the MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund dated as of December 3, 2007 is filed herein as Exhibit D(4).

(5) Amendment to Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and MassMutual relating to the MassMutual Select Large Cap Value Fund dated as of April 1, 2008 is filed herein as Exhibit D(5).

(6) Amendment to Investment Management Agreements between the Trust and MassMutual relating to the MassMutual Select Destination Retirement Income Fund, MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2010 Fund, MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund, MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund, MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2040 Fund and MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund dated as of April 1, 2008 is filed herein as Exhibit D(6).

(7) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund dated as of November 30, 2007 (8).

(8) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Wellington Management Company, LLP with regard to MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity Fund dated as of November 30, 2007 (8).

(9) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company with respect to MassMutual Small Cap Growth Equity Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity Fund), incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(8) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 30, 1999.

(10) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. with respect to MassMutual Select Large Cap Value Fund effective as of November 15, 2005 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(5) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on January 13, 2006.

(11) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Sands Capital Management, Inc. with respect to MassMutual Aggressive Growth Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund) effective as of February 9, 2004 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(8) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on February 20, 2004.

 

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(12) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Harris Associates L.P. with respect to MassMutual Focused Value Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Focused Value Fund) effective as of March 26, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(10) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on October 16, 2001.

(13) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and T. Rowe Price Associates Inc. with respect to MassMutual Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Equity II Fund) incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(11) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on February 15, 2001.

(14) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Delaware Management Company with regard to MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund dated as of August 7, 2006 (4).

(15) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Northern Trust Investments, Inc. with respect to MassMutual Indexed Equity Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Indexed Equity Fund) dated as of January 31, 2003 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(12) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registration Statement Filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2003.

(16) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Northern Trust Investments, Inc. with regard to MassMutual OTC 100 Fund (now known as MassMutual Select OTC 100 Fund) dated as of January 31, 2003 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(13) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2003.

(17) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund dated as of February 16, 2006 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(12) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2006.

(18) Amendment to Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund dated as of November 28, 2007 (8).

(19) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC with regard to MassMutual Select Value Equity Fund dated as of April 1, 2008 is filed herein as Exhibit D(19).

(20) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Harris Associates L.P. with regard to MassMutual Overseas Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Overseas Fund) dated as of August 6, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(17) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on October 16, 2001.

(21) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Massachusetts Financial Services Company with regard to MassMutual Select Overseas Fund dated as of September 13, 2005 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(15) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on January 13, 2006.

(22) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Wellington Management Company, LLP with regard to MassMutual Small Cap Growth Equity Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Small Cap Growth Equity Fund) dated as of December 3, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(19) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on February 20, 2002.

(23) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Alliance Capital Management L.P. (now known as AllianceBernstein L.P.) with regard to MassMutual Large Cap Growth Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Large Cap Growth Fund) dated as of December 31, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(20) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on February 20, 2002.

 

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(24) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Eagle Asset Management, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Select Small Company Growth Fund dated as of February 17, 2005 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(18) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on January 13, 2006.

(25) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Clover Capital Management, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Small Company Value Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund) dated as of December 31, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(22) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on February 20, 2002.

(26) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Mazama Capital Management, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Small Company Growth Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Small Company Growth Fund) dated as of December 31, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(23) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on February 20, 2002.

(27) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Small Company Value Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund) dated as of December 31, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(24) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on February 20, 2002.

(28) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Wellington Management Company, LLP with regard to MassMutual Fundamental Value Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Fundamental Value Fund) dated as of December 31, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(25) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on February 20, 2002.

(29) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and ClearBridge Advisors, LLC with regard to MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund dated as of November 15, 2006 (5).

(30) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Western Asset Management Company with regard to MassMutual Strategic Balanced Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund) dated as of December 31, 2003 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(28) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on February 20, 2004.

(31) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Cooke & Bieler, L.P. with regard to MassMutual Focused Value Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Focused Value Fund), incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(29) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on July 27, 2004.

(32) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Alliance Capital Management L.P. (now known as AllianceBernstein L.P.) with regard to MassMutual Diversified Value Fund (now known as MassMutual Select Diversified Value Fund) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(30) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on October 8, 2004.

(33) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Western Asset Management Company with regard to MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund dated as of December 31, 2004 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(27) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on December 29, 2004.

(34) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Western Asset Management Company Limited with regard to MassMutual Select Strategic Balanced Fund dated as of September 13, 2005 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(28) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on January 13, 2006.

(35) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Western Asset Management Company Limited with regard to MassMutual Select Strategic Bond Fund dated as of September 13, 2005 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(29) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on January 13, 2006.

(36) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and EARNEST Partners, LLC with regard to MassMutual Select Small Company Value Fund dated as of February 17, 2005 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(30) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on January 13, 2006.

(37) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Victory Capital Management Inc. with regard to MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund dated as of March 31, 2006 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(31) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2006.

(38) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund dated as of March 31, 2006 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(32) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2006.

(39) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. with regard to MassMutual Select Small Cap Core Equity Fund dated as of March 31, 2006 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(33) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2006.

(40) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Delaware Management Company with regard to MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund dated as of June 1, 2006 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit D(34) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on June 14, 2006.

(41) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Insight Capital Research & Management, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund dated as of August 7, 2006 (4).

(42) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Cooke & Bieler, L.P. with regard to MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund dated as of August 29, 2006 (4).

(43) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and AllianceBernstein L.P. with regard to MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund dated as of December 14, 2006 (5).

(44) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund dated as of December 17, 2007 (8).

(45) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. with regard to MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund dated as of December 17, 2007 (8).

(46) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between MassMutual and Wellington Management Company, LLP with regard to MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund dated as of December 17, 2007 (8).

Exhibit E

(1) Principal Underwriter Agreement between the Trust and MML Distributors, LLC dated as of February 6, 2006 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit E(1) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2006.

(2) Sub-Distributor’s Agreement between MML Distributors, LLC and OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. dated as of February 7, 2003 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit E(2) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2003.

Exhibit F

Deferred Compensation Plan for Trustees of Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit F of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on May 1, 2000.

Exhibit G:

(1) Custodian Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) dated as of January 1, 2008 (9).

 

Exhibit H:

(1) Transfer Agency Agreement among the Trust, MassMutual and State Street dated as of January 1, 2008 (9).

(2) Specimen Administrative and Shareholder Servicing Agreement between MassMutual and the Trust on behalf of each Registrant’s series, incorporated by reference as Exhibit G(3) to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 30, 1999.

(3) Amendment, dated as of February 6, 2006, to Administrative and Shareholder Services Agreements is incorporated by reference to Exhibit G(3) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2006.

(4) Sub-Administration Agreement between MassMutual and State Street dated as of January 1, 2008 (9).

 

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(5) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and MassMutual with respect to the MassMutual Select Indexed Equity Fund, MassMutual Select Core Opportunities Fund, MassMutual Select Mid-Cap Value Fund, MassMutual Select Small Cap Value Equity Fund, MassMutual Select Small Cap Core Equity Fund, MassMutual Select Diversified International Fund and MassMutual Select Overseas Fund is filed herein as Exhibit H(5).

(6) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and MassMutual with respect to the MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund (8).

(7) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and MassMutual with respect to the MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund and MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2050 Fund (8).

(8) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and MassMutual with respect to the MassMutual Select Blue Chip Growth Fund (9).

Exhibit I:

(1) Consent of Ropes & Gray previously filed as Exhibit 10 to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement filed August 30, 1994.

(2) Opinion of Counsel, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 filed via EDGAR on February 9, 1998.

(3) Opinion of Counsel, incorporated by reference to Exhibit I(2) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 30, 1999.

(4) Opinion of Counsel and Consent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit I(3) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on May 1, 2000.

(5) Opinion of Counsel and Consent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit I(4) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2001.

(6) Opinion of Counsel and Consent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit I(6) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2002.

(7) Opinion of Counsel and Consent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit I(7) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on December 30, 2003.

(8) Opinion of Counsel and Consent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit I(8) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on December 29, 2004.

(9) Opinion of Counsel and Consent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit I(9) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2005.

(10) Opinion of Counsel and Consent is incorporated by reference to Exhibit I(10) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2006.

(11) Opinion of Counsel and Consent (4).

(12) Opinion of Counsel and Consent (5).

(13) Opinion of Counsel and Consent (8).

Exhibit J:

(1) Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP is filed herein as Exhibit J(1).

(2) Power of Attorney for Richard H. Ayers, Allan W. Blair, Mary E. Boland, Frederick C. Castellani, Richard W. Greene, R. Alan Hunter, Jr., Robert E. Joyal and F. William Marshall, Jr. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit J(2) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2006.

(3) Power of Attorney for Elaine A. Sarsynski is filed herein as Exhibit J(3).

Exhibit K: Not Applicable

Exhibit L: Not Applicable

Exhibit M:

(1) Form of Class A Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Plan for all series of the Trust incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on June 29, 1999.

(2) Form of Class Y Rule 12b-1 Plans, incorporated by reference as Exhibit M(4) to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 30, 1999

(3) Form of Class L Rule 12b-1 Plans, incorporated by reference as Exhibit M(5) to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 30, 1999

(4) Form of Class S Rule 12b-1 Plans, incorporated by reference to Exhibit M(4) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2001.

(5) Form of Class N Rule 12b-1 Plans, incorporated by reference to Exhibit M(5) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on October 15, 2002.

Exhibit N:

 

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Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan effective as of December 17, 2007 (8).

Exhibit O: Not Applicable

Exhibit P:

(1) Code of Ethics for Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (2).

(2) Code of Ethics for Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company is filed herein as Exhibit P(2).

(3) Code of Ethics for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, MML Distributors, LLC and MassMutual Select Funds (5).

(4) Code of Ethics for Northern Trust Investments, N.A. (2).

(5) Code of Ethics for Delaware Management Company is filed herein as Exhibit P(5).

(6) Code of Ethics for T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (2).

(7) Code of Ethics for Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC is filed herein as Exhibit P(7).

(8) Code of Ethics for Harris Associates L.P. is filed herein as Exhibit P(8).

(9) Code of Ethics for Turner Investment Partners, Inc. (8).

(10) Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit P(10).

(11) Code of Ethics for Clover Capital Management, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit P(11).

(12) Code of Ethics for AllianceBernstein L.P. is filed herein as Exhibit P(12).

(13) Code of Ethics for Mazama Capital Management, Inc. (6).

(14) Code of Ethics for Wellington Management Company, LLP. (6).

(15) Code of Ethics for Cooke & Bieler, L.P. is filed herein as Exhibit P(15).

(16) Code of Ethics for Sands Capital Management, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit P(16).

(17) Code of Ethics for ClearBridge Advisors, LLC is filed herein as Exhibit P(17).

(18) Code of Ethics for Western Asset Management Company is filed herein as Exhibit P(18).

(19) Code of Ethics for EARNEST Partners, LLC (2).

(20) Code of Ethics for Eagle Asset Management, Inc. (6).

(21) Code of Ethics for SSgA Funds Management, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit P(21).

(22) Code of Ethics for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. is filed herein as Exhibit P(22).

(23) Code of Ethics for Massachusetts Financial Services Company is filed herein as Exhibit P(23).

(24) Code of Ethics for Insight Capital Research & Management, Inc. (6).

(25) Code of Ethics for Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit P(25).

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on October 2, 1997.

 

(2) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2005.

 

(3) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 31, 2006.

 

(4) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on August 24, 2006.

 

(5) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on December 13, 2006.

 

(6) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on March 30, 2007.

 

(7) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on October 3, 2007.

 

(8) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on December 17, 2007.

 

(9) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the Registration Statement filed via EDGAR on January 25, 2008.

 

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Item 24: Person Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund

At the date of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement, Registrant did not, directly or indirectly, control any person. Registrant was organized by MassMutual primarily to offer investors both the opportunity to pursue long-term investment goals and the flexibility to respond to changes in their investment objectives and economic and market conditions. Currently, the Registrant provides a vehicle for the investment of assets of various separate investment accounts established by MassMutual. The assets in such separate accounts are, under state law, assets of the life insurance companies which have established such accounts. Thus, at any time MassMutual and its life insurance company subsidiaries will own such outstanding shares of Registrant’s series as are purchased with separate account assets. As a result, MassMutual will own a substantial number of the shares of Registrant, probably for a number of years. With the exception of the MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund, as of March 1, 2008, MassMutual owned more than 25% of the outstanding shares of each series of the Trust and therefore is deemed to “control” each such series of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). As of March 1, 2008, each of the MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2020 Fund and MassMutual Select Destination Retirement 2030 Fund owned more than 25% of the outstanding shares of the MassMutual Select Diversified Growth Fund and therefore are deemed to “control” the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act.

The following entities are, or may be deemed to be, controlled by MassMutual through the direct or indirect ownership of such entities’ stock.

 

  1. C.M. Life Insurance Company, a Connecticut corporation that operates as a life and health insurance company, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual.

 

  2. MML Bay State Life Insurance Company, a Connecticut corporation that operates as a life and health insurance company, all the stock of which is owned by C.M. Life Insurance Company.

 

  3. CML Mezzanine Investor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that acts as a blocker entity for C.M. Life Insurance Company, all the stock of which is owned by C.M. Life Insurance Company.

 

  4. The MassMutual Trust Company, a federally chartered stock savings bank that performs trust services, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual.

 

  5. MML Distributors, LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company that operates as a securities broker-dealer. MassMutual has a 99% ownership interest and MassMutual Holding LLC has a 1% ownership interest.

 

  6. MassMutual Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as a holding company for certain MassMutual entities, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual.

 

  7. MassMutual Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that issues commercial paper, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  8. MassMutual Assignment Company, a North Carolina corporation that operates a structured settlement business, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC.

 

  9. MML Investors Services, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation that operates as a securities broker-dealer, all the capital stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC.

 

  10. MML Insurance Agency, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation that operates as an insurance broker, all the stock of which is owned by MML Investors Services, Inc.

 

  11. MMLISI Financial Alliances, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as a securities broker-dealer. MML Investors Services, Inc. has a 51% ownership interest and Series Members have a 49% ownership interest.

 

  12. MassMutual Holding MSC, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation that operates as a holding company for MassMutual positions in investment entities organized outside of the United States. This subsidiary qualifies as a “Massachusetts Security Corporation” under Chapter 63 of the Massachusetts General Laws. MassMutual Holding LLC owns all of the outstanding shares of MassMutual Holding MSC, Inc.

 

  13. MassMutual Corporate Value Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation, 46% of the shares of which are owned by MassMutual Holding MSC, Inc.

 

  14. MassMutual Corporate Value Partners Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a high yield bond fund. MassMutual Corporate Value Limited holds an ownership interest of approximately 88.4% in MassMutual Corporate Value Partners Limited.

 

  15. 9048-5434 Quebec, Inc., a Canadian corporation that operated as the owner of Hotel du Parc in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. MassMutual Holding MSC, Inc. owned all the shares of 9048-5434 Quebec, Inc. This subsidiary is inactive.

 

  16. 1279342 Ontario Limited, a Canadian corporation that operates as the owner of Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada. MassMutual Holding MSC, Inc. owns all of the shares of 1279342 Ontario Limited.

 

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  17. Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as an investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC.

 

  18. MML Realty Management Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation that formerly operated as a manager of properties owned by MassMutual, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC.

 

  19. Cornerstone Office Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that serves as the general partner of Cornerstone Suburban Office, L.P. Cornerstone Office Management, LLC is 50% owned by Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, LLC and 50% owned by MML Realty Management Corporation.

 

  20. Cornerstone Suburban Office, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, that operates as a real estate operating company. Cornerstone Office Management, LLC holds a 1% general partnership interest in this fund and MassMutual holds a 30% limited partnership interest.

 

  21. Babson Capital Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as an investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC.

 

  22. Babson Capital Securities Inc (formerly Babson Securities Corporation), a Massachusetts corporation that operates as a securities broker-dealer, all of the stock of which is owned by Babson Capital Management LLC.

 

  23. Babson Investment Company, a Massachusetts securities corporation used to hedge certain employee benefit obligations of Babson Capital Management LLC, all of the stock of which is owned by Babson Capital Management LLC. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  24. FITech Asset Management, L.P. (“AM”), a Delaware Limited Partnership, formed to manage FITech Domestic Value, L.P. (“the Fund”), a “fund-of-funds” that invests in hedge funds. Babson Capital Management LLC is a limited partner in AM, with a 58% controlling interest.

 

  25. FITech Domestic Partners, LLC (“DP”), a Delaware limited liability company that is a general partner of FITech Asset Management, L.P. (“AM”). Babson Capital Management LLC is a limited partner in DP, holding a 58% controlling interest.

 

  26. Babson Capital Japan KK, formerly known as MassMutual Investment Management Company, a Japanese registered investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by Babson Capital Management LLC.

 

  27. Babson Capital Management Inc., a Delaware corporation that holds a “corporation” real estate license, all the stock of which is owned by Babson Capital Management LLC.

 

  28. Babson Capital Guernsey Limited, an investment management company organized under the laws of the Isle of Guernsey, all the stock of which is owned by Babson Capital Management LLC.

 

  29. Babson Capital Europe Limited (formerly known as Duke Street Capital Debt Management of London), an institutional debt-fund manager organized under the laws of England and Wales, all the stock of which is owned by Babson Capital Guernsey Limited.

 

  30. Almack Holding Partnership GP Limited, an English company that will serve as a general partner of each of Almack Leveraged 1 LP, Almack Unleveraged 1 LP, Almack Leveraged 2 LP and Almack Unleveraged 2 LP, all the stock of which is owned by Babson Capital Europe Limited.

 

  31. Almack Mezzanine Fund Limited, an English company that will serve as general partner of Almack Mezzanine Founder LP and Almack Mezzanine 1 LP, all the stock of which is owned by Babson Capital Europe Limited.

 

  32. Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. (“OAC”), a Delaware corporation that operates as a holding company for the Oppenheimer companies. MassMutual Holding LLC owns 97.9% of the capital stock of OAC.

 

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  33. OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (“OFI”), a Colorado corporation that operates as the investment adviser to the Oppenheimer Funds, all the stock of which is owned by OAC.

 

  34. Centennial Asset Management Corporation, a Delaware corporation that operates as investment adviser and general distributor of the Centennial Funds. OppenheimerFunds, Inc. owns all of the stock of Centennial Asset Management Corporation.

 

  35. OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc., a New York corporation that operated as a securities broker-dealer, all the stock of which is owned by OppenheimerFunds, Inc.

 

  36. Oppenheimer Partnership Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation that operated as a holding company, all the stock of which is owned by OppenheimerFunds, Inc. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  37. Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation that is the sub-adviser to a mutual fund investing in the commodities markets, all the stock of which is owned by OppenheimerFunds, Inc.

 

  38. Shareholder Financial Services, Inc., a Colorado corporation that operates as a transfer agent for mutual funds, all the stock of which is owned by OppenheimerFunds, Inc.

 

  39. Shareholder Services, Inc., a Colorado corporation that operates as a transfer agent for various Oppenheimer Funds and MassMutual Funds, all the stock of which is owned by OppenheimerFunds, Inc.

 

  40. OFI Private Investments, Inc., a New York based corporation that operates as a registered investment adviser, managing smaller separate accounts, commonly known as wrap-fee accounts, which are introduced by unaffiliated broker-dealers on a subadvisory basis for a stated fee. OppenheimerFunds, Inc. owns all of the stock of OFI Private Investments, Inc.

 

  41. OFI Institutional Asset Management, Inc. (formerly known as OAM Institutional, Inc.), a New York based corporation that operates as a registered investment adviser, providing investment supervisory services on a discretionary basis to individual accounts, pension plans, insurance company separate accounts, public funds and corporations for a stated fee. OppenheimerFunds, Inc. owns all of the stock of OFI Institutional Asset Management, Inc.

 

  42. Trinity Investment Management Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation and registered investment adviser that provides portfolio management and equity research services primarily to institutional clients, all the stock of which is owned by OFI Institutional Asset Management, Inc.

 

  43. OFI Trust Company (formerly known as Oppenheimer Trust Company), a New York corporation that conducts the business of a trust company, all the stock of which is owned by OFI Institutional Asset Management, Inc.

 

  44. HarbourView Asset Management Corporation, a New York corporation that operates as an investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by OFI Institutional Asset Management, Inc.

 

  45. OppenheimerFunds International Distributor Limited (formerly known as OppenheimerFunds (Asia) Limited), a Hong Kong mutual fund marketing company that is a subsidiary of OFI Institutional Asset Management, Inc. OppenheimerFunds, Inc. holds a 10% ownership interest and OFI Institutional Asset Management, Inc. holds a 90% ownership interest in OppenheimerFunds (Asia) Limited.

 

  46. OppenheimerFunds International, Ltd. (“OFIL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (“OFI”), is the manager of OppenheimerFunds Real Asset Futures plc and OppenheimerFunds plc, each a Dublin-based investment company for which OFI provides portfolio management services as an investment adviser.

 

  47. Tremont Group Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Tremont Capital Management, Inc. (which was formerly Tremont Advisers, Inc.)), a New York-based investment services provider that specializes in hedge funds, all the stock of which is owned by Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp.

 

  48. Tremont (Bermuda), Ltd., a Bermuda-based investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by Tremont Group Holdings, Inc.

 

  49. Tremont Partners, Inc. (formerly Tremont Advisers, Inc.), a Connecticut corporation that operates as a registered investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by Tremont Group Holdings, Inc.

 

  50. Tremont Capital Management Limited, a company based in the United Kingdom, all the stock of which is owned by Tremont Group Holdings, Inc.

 

- 8 -


  51. Tremont Securities, Inc., a New York Company that acts as a registered broker-dealer, all the stock of which is owned by Tremont Group Holdings, Inc.

 

  52. Tremont Capital Management Corp., a New York Company, 77% of which is owned by Tremont Group Holdings, Inc.

 

  53. Tremont Capital Management (Asia) Limited, a Hong Kong Company, all the stock of which is owned by Tremont Group Holdings, Inc.

 

  54. Tremont Capital Management (Ireland) Limited, the manager of an Irish umbrella trust that manages a series of non-U.S. strategy based funds, all the stock of which is owned by Tremont Group Holdings, Inc.

 

  55. Tremont GP, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, all the stock of which is owned by Tremont Group Holdings, Inc.

 

  56. HYP Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as the “LLC Manager” of MassMutual High Yield Partners II LLC, a high yield bond fund. MassMutual Holding LLC owns all of the outstanding stock of HYP Management LLC.

 

  57. MassMutual High Yield Partners II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as a high yield bond fund. MassMutual holds approximately 2.49%, MMHC Investment LLC holds approximately 34.11% and HYP Management, Inc. holds approximately 6.82% for an approximate total of 43.42% of the ownership interest in MassMutual High Yield Partners II LLC.

 

  58. MassMutual Benefits Management, Inc. (formerly known as Westheimer 335 Suites, Inc.), a Delaware corporation that supports MassMutual with benefit plan administration and planning services. MassMutual Holding LLC owns all of the outstanding stock of MassMutual Benefits Management, Inc.

 

  59. MMHC Investment LLC (formerly known as MMHC Investment, Inc.), a Delaware limited liability company that is a passive investor in MassMutual investments. MassMutual Holding LLC owns all of the outstanding stock of MMHC Investment LLC.

 

  60. MassMutual/Darby CBO, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as a fund investing in high yield debt securities of U.S. and emerging market issuers. Babson Capital Management LLC is the Investment Manager. MassMutual owns 1.79%, MMHC Investment LLC owns 50% and MassMutual High Yield Partners LLC owns 2.39% of the ownership interest in MassMutual/Darby CBO LLC. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  61. MassMutual International LLC (formerly known as MassMutual International, Inc.), a Delaware corporation that operates as a holding company for those entities constituting MassMutual’s international insurance operations, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC.

 

  62. MassMutual (Bermuda) Ltd., a corporation organized in Bermuda that operates as an exempted insurance company, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual International LLC. This entity has been sold.

 

  63. MassMutual Europe, S.A., a corporation organized in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg that operates as a life insurance company, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual International LLC.

 

  64. MassMutual Asia Limited, a corporation organized in Hong Kong that operates as a life insurance company, 99.99% of which is owned by MassMutual International LLC and .01% of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC.

 

  65. MassMutual Insurance Consultants Limited, a corporation organized in Hong Kong that operates as a general insurance agent, 99.99% of which is owned by MassMutual Asia Limited and .01% is owned by MassMutual Services Limited.

 

- 9 -


  66. MassMutual Trustees Limited, a corporation organized in Hong Kong that operates as an approved trustee for the mandatory provident funds. MassMutual Asia Limited, MassMutual Services Limited (in trust for MassMutual Asia Limited), MassMutual Guardian Limited (in trust for MassMutual Asia Ltd.), Kenneth Yu (in trust for MassMutual Asia Ltd.) and Protective Capital (International) Limited each hold a 20% ownership interest in MassMutual Trustees Limited.

 

  67. Protective Capital (International) Limited, a corporation organized in Hong Kong that is a dormant investment company, 99.98% of which is owned by MassMutual Asia Limited, .01% by Jones Leung and .01% by Ling Sau Lei. Protective Capital (International) Limited currently holds a 6.38% ownership interest in MassMutual Life Insurance Company in Japan.

 

  68. MassMutual Services Limited, a corporation organized in Hong Kong that provided policyholders with estate planning services. MassMutual Asia Limited holds a 50% interest and Protective Capital (International) Limited holds a 50% interest in MassMutual Services Limited. This company is now inactive.

 

  69. MassMutual Guardian Limited, a corporation organized in Hong Kong that provided policyholders with estate planning services. MassMutual Asia Limited holds a 50% interest and Protective Capital (International) Limited holds a 50% interest in MassMutual Guardian Limited. This company is now inactive.

 

  70. MassMutual Asia Investors Limited, a Hong Kong company that provides investment advisory services, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Asia Limited.

 

  71. MassMutual International Holding MSC, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation that currently acts as a holding company for the interests of MassMutual International LLC in Taiwan, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual International LLC.

 

  72. MassMutual Mercuries Life Insurance Co., a Taiwan corporation that operates as a life insurance company. MassMutual International Holding MSC, Inc. and Mercuries Group each hold a 39.01% ownership interest in MassMutual Mercuries Life Insurance Co. and 21.98% is owned by other shareholders.

 

  73. Fuh Hwa Securities Investment Trust Co. Ltd., a mutual fund firm in Taiwan. MassMutual Mercuries Life Insurance Company holds a 30.71% ownership interest, MassMutual International Holding MSC, Inc. holds a 21.14% ownership interest, Mercuries-Jeantex holds a 8.25% ownership interest, Mercuries-Fubao holds a 9.60% ownership interest, Mercuries & Associates, Ltd. holds a 3.29% ownership interest, Bank SinoPac holds a 4.63% ownership interest, Fuh Hwa employees hold a 10.09% ownership interest and other shareholders hold a 12.29% ownership interest.

 

  74. MassMutual Life Insurance Company, a Japanese corporation that operates as a life insurance company. MassMutual International LLC owns 80.03%, MassMutual Real Estate GK owns 7.64%, Protective Capital (International) Limited owns 6.38%, MassMutual Asia Limited owns 5.93% and MassMutual Life Insurance Company owns 0.02% of the outstanding shares of MassMutual Life Insurance Company (Japan).

 

  75. Hakone Fund LLC, a Delaware limited liability company authorized to purchase, borrow sell and otherwise trade in securities, shares and other financial instruments and contracts of U.S. and non-U.S. entities, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Life Insurance Company.

 

  76. Hakone Fund II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company authorized to purchase, borrow, sell and otherwise trade in securities, shares and other financial instruments and contracts of U.S. and non-U.S. entities, all of the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Life Insurance Company.

 

  77. MM Real Estate GK (formerly known as MM Real Estate Co., Ltd.), a Japanese entity that holds and manages real estate. MassMutual Life Insurance Company (Japan) holds a 4.8% ownership interest and MassMutual International LLC holds a 95% ownership interest in MM Real Estate Co., Ltd.

 

  78. MassMutual Global Wealth Management Limited, a Guernsey company that is the fund manager for its two subsidiary companies (MassMutual Global Allocation Funds PCC Limited and MassMutual Global Wealth Funds PCC Limited), all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual International LLC.

 

  79. MassMutual Global Allocation Funds PCC Limited, an open-ended investment company incorporated in the Guernsey as a protected cell company, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Global Wealth Management Limited. This has been determined to be a fund, not an entity.

 

  80. MassMutual Global Wealth Funds PCC Limited, a limited liability open-ended investment company incorporated as a protected cell company, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Global Wealth Management Limited. This has been determined to be a fund, not an entity.

 

  81. MassMutual Internacional (Chile) Limitada, a corporation organized in the Republic of Chile that operates as a holding company. MassMutual International LLC holds a 79.43% ownership interest, 1279342 Ontario Limited holds a 20.5% ownership interest and MassMutual Holding LLC holds a .07% ownership interest in MassMutual Internacional (Chile) Limitada.

 

  82. MassMutual (Chile) Limitada, a limited liability company organized in the Republic of Chile. MassMutual Internacional (Chile) Limitada holds a 99.99% ownership interest and MassMutual International LLC holds a .01% ownership interest in MassMutual (Chile) Limitada.

 

  83. Compañia de Seguros CorpVida S.A. (formerly known as Compañia de Seguros Vida Corp S.A., (which was formerly Mass Seguros de Vida, S.A.)) a corporation organized in the Republic of Chile that operates as an insurance company. MassMutual (Chile) Limitada owns 33.49%, Corp Group Vida Chile S.A. owns 37.48% and Corp Group Interhold S.A. owns 29.03% of the outstanding shares of Compañia de Seguros Vida Corp S.A.

 

  84. MML Financial, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as a holding company, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC.

 

  85. MML Investment Products, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company licensed to carry on any lawful business purpose or activity not restricted by the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, all the stock of which is owned by MML Financial, LLC. This company primarily makes investments.

 

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  86. MML Assurance, Inc., a New York insurance company, all the stock of which is owned by MML Financial, LLC.

 

  87. Invicta Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that acts as a holding company, all the stock of which is owned by MML Financial, LLC.

 

  88. Invicta Advisors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that will serve as the management entity of Invicta Credit LLC, all the stock of which is owned by Invicta Holdings LLC.

 

  89. Invicta Capital LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that will guarantee the obligations of Invicta Credit LLC, all the stock of which is owned by Invicta Holdings LLC.

 

  90. Invicta Credit LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that will operate as a credit derivative product company selling credit protection using credit default swaps, all the stock of which is owned by Invicta Capital LLC.

 

  91. MassMutual Baring Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that will act as a holding company for certain MassMutual subsidiaries, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holding LLC.

 

  92. MassMutual Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd., a Bermuda company that acts as a holding company for certain MassMutual subsidiaries, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Baring Holding, LLC.

 

  93. Baring Asset Management Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales that acts an investment manager/adviser, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd.

 

  94. Baring Asset Management Life Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales that acts as an authorized representative of NNUK under Section 44 of the Financial Services Act of 1986, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management Limited. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  95. Baring Fund Managers Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales that acts as a manager of BAM UK Collective Investment Schemes, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management Limited.

 

  96. Baring International Investment Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales that acts as an investment manager/adviser, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management Limited.

 

  97. Baring Pension Trustees Limited, a company organized under the laws of England and Wales that acts as a trustee for the pension scheme covering UK-based employees of Baring Asset Management Limited, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management Limited.

 

  98. Baring Private Investment Management Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management Limited. This is a non-trading company. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  99. Baring Investment Services Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales that acts as a service company which supports all the BAM Group operating companies within the UK, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management Limited.

 

  100. Baring International Investment Management Holdings Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales that acts as an intermediate holding company, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management Limited.

 

  101. Baring Asset Management GmbH, a company incorporated under the laws of Germany that provides marketing and client services regarding investment funds and other asset management products of the BAM group, all the stock of which is owned by Baring International Investment Management Holdings Limited.

 

  102. Baring France S.A.S. (formerly known as Baring Asset Management France S.A.), a company incorporated under the laws of France that handles distribution and client services for qualified investors, all the stock of which is owned by Baring International Investment Management Holdings Limited.

 

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  103. Baring Investment Administrative Services (South Africa) Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of South Africa, all the stock of which is owned by Baring International Investment Management Holdings Limited. The company was incorporated to serve as the South African Representative Office for selected collective investment schemes as contemplated in the Regulations made pursuant to Section 37A(1) of the Units Trusts Control Act, 1981, as amended.

 

  104. Baring International Investment Management Limited, an intermediate holding company organized in Hong Kong, all the stock of which is owned by Baring International Investment Management Holdings Limited.

 

  105. Baring Mutual Fund Management S.A., a company organized in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg that acts as the manager of the New Russia Fund, all the stock of which is owned by Baring International Investment Management Limited. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  106. Baring Asset Management UK Holdings Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales that acts as an intermediate holding company, all the stock of which is owned by Baring International Investment Management Limited.

 

  107. Baring Asset Management (CI) Limited, an investment management company organized under the laws of the Isle of Guernsey, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management UK Holdings Limited.

 

  108. Baring International Fund Managers (Ireland) Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland that acts as a manager of BAM Irish Collective Investment Schemes and Funds, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management UK Holdings Limited.

 

  109. Baring Mutual Fund Management (Ireland) Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland that acts as an investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management UK Holdings Limited.

 

  110. Baring Sice (Taiwan) Limited, a regulated company organized in Taiwan, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management UK Holdings Limited.

 

  111. Baring Asset Management (Asia) Holdings Limited, an intermediate holding company organized in Hong Kong, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management UK Holdings Limited.

 

  112. Baring Asset Management (Asia) Limited, a company organized in Hong Kong that acts as an investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management (Asia) Holdings Limited.

 

  113. Baring International Fund Managers (Bermuda) Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda that acts as a trustee of Baring Korea Trust Fund Ltd.’s undistributed funds, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management (Asia) Holdings Limited.

 

  114. Baring Asset Management (Japan) Limited, a company organized in Japan that acts as an investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management (Asia) Holdings Limited.

 

  115. Baring Asset Management (Australia) Pty Limited, an investment adviser incorporated under the laws of Australia, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management (Asia) Holdings Limited.

 

  116. Baring Asset Management Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation that acts as an intermediate holding company, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Baring Holding LLC.

 

  117. Baring Asset Management, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation that acts as an investment adviser, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management Holdings, Inc.

 

  118. Baring Investment Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation that acts as a captive broker-dealer, all the stock of which is owned by Baring Asset Management Holdings, Inc. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  119. MassMutual Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware single-member limited liability company. MassMutual Holding LLC is the sole member.

 

  120. MML Series Investment Fund, a Massachusetts business trust that operates as an open-end investment company. All shares issued by the Trust are owned by MassMutual and certain of its affiliates.

 

  121. MML Series Investment Fund II, a Massachusetts business trust that operates as an open-end investment company. All shares issued by MML Series Investment Fund II are owned by MassMutual and certain of its affiliates.

 

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  122. MassMutual Select Funds, a Massachusetts business trust that operates as an open-end investment company. The majority of shares are owned by MassMutual.

 

  123. MassMutual Premier Funds, a Massachusetts business trust that operates as an open-end investment company. The majority of shares are owned by MassMutual.

 

  124. Panorama Series Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation that operates as an open-end investment company. All shares issued by the fund are owned by MassMutual and certain affiliates.

 

  125. Oppenheimer Series Fund Inc., a Maryland corporation that operates as an investment company of which MassMutual and its affiliates own a majority of certain series of shares issued by the fund.

 

  126. Somers CDO, Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a fund investing in high yield debt securities of primarily U.S. issuers. MMHC Investment LLC holds 37.04% of the subordinated notes of this issue, which are treated as equity for tax purposes. MassMutual is the collateral manager of Somers CDO, Limited. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  127. Saar Holdings CDO, Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a collateralized debt obligation fund investing in high yield debt securities of primarily US issuers including, to a limited extent, convertible high yield bonds. MMHC Investment LLC holds 40% of the mandatorily redeemable preferred shares if this issuer. Such preferred shares are treated as equity for tax purposes. MassMutual is the collateral manager of Saar Holdings CDO, Limited. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser.

 

  128. Perseus CDO I, Limited is a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a collateralized debt obligation fund investing in a diversified portfolio of assets including high yield bonds, senior secured loans, a limited amount of equity securities and certain other assets. MMHC Investment LLC holds 33.4% of the Class D subordinated notes issued by Perseus CDO I Limited. Such notes are treated as equity for tax purposes. MassMutual is the portfolio manager and Perseus Advisors, L.L.C. is the portfolio advisor of Perseus CDO I, Limited. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser.

 

  129. MassMutual Global CBO I Limited is a Cayman Island Corporation that operates as a collateralized bond obligation fund investing in emerging market securities and high yield bonds. As of the closing date of this fund (June 16, 1999), MassMutual and its indirect subsidiary, MMHC Investment LLC, hold in the aggregate approximately 39.7% of the subordinated notes that are treated as equity for tax purposes. MassMutual is the Collateral Manager of MassMutual Global CBO I Limited. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  130. Antares Funding L.P. is a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership that invests primarily in high yield bank loans and public high yield bonds. Antares Capital Corporation, formerly an indirect subsidiary of MassMutual, is the collateral manager of Antares Funding LP. Antares Capital Corporation manages the selection, acquisition and disposition of the Loan Collateral Debt Securities. MassMutual manages the High Yield Collateral Debt Securities and Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser.

 

  131. Simsbury CLO Limited is a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a collateralized bond obligations fund that invests primarily in bank loans and high yield bonds. MassMutual is investment adviser and Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser. MassMutual and its affiliated subsidiaries own 34.35% of the Junior Subordinated Notes.

 

  132. Enhanced Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund Limited is a special purpose company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman Islands, investing primarily in mortgage-backed securities. Babson Capital Management LLC is the investment manager. MassMutual holds all of the Class B notes and has covenanted to hold at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Class C Certificates directly or through a wholly owned affiliate.

 

  133. MML Private Placement Investment Company I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual.

 

  134. MML Private Equity Fund Investor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that acts as a blocker entity for MassMutual and holds private equity fund investments, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual.

 

  135. MML Mezzanine Investor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that acts as a blocker entity for MassMutual, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual.

 

  136. MMC Equipment Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company established to engage primarily in equipment finance and leasing activities, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual.

 

  137. MassMutual Asset Finance LLC (formerly known as Winmark Equipment Finance, LLC) an equipment financing company that provides collateralized lending, financing and leasing services nationwide, all the stock of which is owned by MMC Equipment Finance LLC.

 

  138. Winmark Special Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that acquires equipment loans and leases and the related equipment, participation and other interests in such assets, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Asset Finance LLC.

 

  139. Winmark Limited Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that acquires equipment loans and leases and the related equipment, participation and other interests in such assets, and then issues non-recourse promissory notes that are secured by such assets (excluding residual interests), all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Asset Finance LLC.

 

  140. WEF Seller LLC 2006-A, a Delaware limited liability company that previously held a portfolio of rights in equipment loans, equipment leases, related equipment and related rights, all the stock of which is owned by MassMutual Asset Finance LLC.

 

  141. WEF Issuer LLC 2006-A, a Delaware limited liability company that holds and manages equipment-related assets and makes payments on certain notes, all the stock of which is owned by WEF Seller LLC 2006-A.

 

  142. Special Value Continuation Fund, LLC

 

  143. Special Value Continuation Partners, LLC

 

  144. Special Value Opportunities Fund, LLC

 

  145. Tennenbaum Opportunities Fund V, LLC

 

  146. The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.

 

  147. The Greater China Fund, Inc.

 

  148. OFI Institutional Asset Management, Ltd., a limited liability company formed in England, all the stock of which is owned by OppenheimerFunds International, Ltd.

MassMutual or Babson Capital acts as the investment adviser of the following investment companies, and as such may be deemed to control them.

 

  1. MML Series Investment Fund II, a Massachusetts business trust that operates as an open-end investment company. All shares issued by MML Series Investment Fund II are owned by MassMutual and certain of its affiliates. MassMutual acts as adviser for MML Series Investment Fund II and Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser to certain series.

 

  2. MassMutual Premier Funds, a Massachusetts business trust that operates as an open-end investment company. All shares issued by the Trust are owned by MassMutual. MassMutual acts as adviser for each series and Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser to certain series. OppenheimerFunds, Inc. and Baring International Investment Limited also act as sub-advisers to certain series.

 

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  3. MassMutual Corporate Investors (“CI”), a Massachusetts business trust that operates as a closed-end investment company. Babson Capital Management LLC is the investment adviser to CI.

 

  4. MassMutual Participation Investors (“PI”), a Massachusetts business trust which operates as a closed end investment company. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as the investment adviser to PI.

 

  5. Antares Funding L.P. is a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership that invests primarily in high yield bank loans and public high yield bonds. Antares Capital Corporation, formerly an indirect subsidiary of MassMutual, is the collateral manager of Antares Funding LP. Antares Capital Corporation manages the selection, acquisition and disposition of the Loan Collateral Debt Securities. MassMutual manages the High Yield Collateral Debt Securities and Babson Capital Management LLC acts a sub-adviser.

 

  6. MassMutual Corporate Value Partners Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a high-yield bond fund. MassMutual Corporate Value Limited holds an ownership interest of approximately 88.4% in MassMutual Corporate Value Partners Limited.

 

  7. MassMutual High Yield Partners II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as a high yield bond fund. MassMutual holds approximately 2.49%, MMHC Investment LLC holds approximately 34.11%, and HYP Management, Inc. holds approximately 6.82% for an approximate total of 43.42% of the ownership interest in this company.

 

  8. MassMutual/Darby CBO, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as a fund investing in high yield debt securities of U.S. and emerging market issuers. Babson Capital Management LLC is the Investment Manager. MassMutual holds 1.79%, MMHC Investment LLC holds 50% and MassMutual High Yield Partners LLC holds 2.39% of the ownership interest in MassMutual/Darby CBO, LLC. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  9. Somers CDO, Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a fund investing in high yield debt securities of primarily U.S. issuers. MMHC Investment LLC holds 37.04% of the subordinated notes of this issue, which are treated as equity for tax purposes. MassMutual is the collateral manager of Somers CDO, Limited. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  10. Saar Holdings CDO, Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a collateralized debt obligation fund investing in high yield debt securities of primarily U.S. issuers including, to a limited extent, convertible high yield bonds. MMHC Investment LLC holds 40% of the mandatorily redeemable preferred shares of this issuer. Such preferred shares are treated as equity for tax purposes. MassMutual is the collateral manager of Saar Holdings CDO, Limited. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser.

 

  11. Perseus CDO I, Limited is a Cayman Island Corporation that operates as a collateralized debt obligation fund investing in a diversified portfolio of assets including high yield bonds, senior secured loans, a limited amount of equity securities and certain other assets. MMHC Investment LLC holds 33.4% of the Class D subordinated notes issued by Perseus CDO I Limited. Such notes are treated as equity for tax purposes. MassMutual is the portfolio manager and Perseus Advisors, L.L.C. is the portfolio advisor of Perseus CDO I, Limited. Babson Capital Management LLC is the sub-adviser.

 

  12. MassMutual Global CBO I Limited is a Cayman Island Corporation that operates as a collateralized bond obligation fund investing in emerging market securities and high yield bonds. As of the closing date of this fund (June 16, 1999), MassMutual and its indirect subsidiary, MMHC Investment LLC hold in the aggregate approximately 39.7% of the subordinated notes that are treated as equity for tax purposes. MassMutual is the Collateral Manager of MassMutual Global CBO I Limited. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser. This entity has been dissolved.

 

  13. Suffield CLO, Limited is a Cayman Islands Corporation that operates as a collateralized loan obligations fund that invests primarily in domestic bank loans and high yield bonds. Babson Capital Management LLC is the investment adviser. MassMutual holds 23.13% of the preferred shares.

 

  14. Wilbraham CBO Ltd. is a Cayman Islands limited liability company that operates as collateralized bond obligations fund that invests primarily in bank loans and high yield bonds. Babson Capital Management LLC is the investment manager. MassMutual owns 33.99% of the preferred shares.

 

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  15. Enhanced Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund Limited is a special purpose company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman Islands, investing primarily in mortgage-backed securities. Babson Capital Management LLC is the investment manager. MassMutual holds all of the Class B notes and has covenanted to hold at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Class C Certificates directly or through a wholly owned affiliate.

 

  16. Special Value Bond Fund II, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company that operates as a high yield bond fund. Babson Capital Management LLC is co-manager of the fund. MassMutual owns 20% of the subordinated notes.

 

  17. Leland Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership that has made investments in a diversified international fund. Babson Capital Management LLC is the investment manager. MassMutual holds 70.47% of the ownership interest in this entity.

 

  18. Longmeadow CDO Debt Fund I, Limited, a fund investing in collateralized debt obligation securities that is managed by Babson Capital Management LLC.

 

  19. Hampden CBO Ltd, a cash/flow CDO investing in investment-grade bonds and loans, primarily U.S. MassMutual holds a 23% interest in the fund, which is managed by Babson Capital Management LLC.

 

  20. Phoenix Funding Limited, a cash/flow CDO that is managed by Babson Capital Management LLC.

 

  21. PALMYRA Funding Limited, a fund investing in credit default swaps that is managed by Babson Capital Management LLC.

 

  22. PALMYRA Funding II Limited, a fund investing in credit default swaps that is managed by Babson Capital Management LLC.

 

  23. Enhanced Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund Limited III is a special purpose company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman Islands, investing primarily in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, debt securities and derivative instruments. Mass Mutual holds approximately 90% of the equity in the Fund. Babson Capital Management LLC serves as the investment manager.

 

  24. Connecticut Valley Structured Credit CDO I, Ltd., a fund investing in CBO debt securities. Babson Capital Management LLC serves as the investment manager. MassMutual currently has a 28% interest in the fund.

 

  25. Storrs CDO Ltd., a special purpose corporation organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, that invests primarily in residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, debt issued by real estate investment trusts and collateralized debt obligations. MassMutual holds a 20% equity interest in the company. Babson Capital Management LLC serves as investment adviser.

 

  26. Phoenix LINRA Limited, a public limited liability company incorporated and registered in Jersey, Channel Islands, that invests primarily in synthetic investment grade bonds using credit default swaps. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as a financial sub agent.

 

- 15 -


  27. Newton CDO Limited, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, that primarily invests in bank loans and high yield bonds. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as a collateral manager.

 

  28. Tower Square Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership organized by Babson Capital Management LLC Capital Management LLC to invest primarily in mezzanine debt securities, and to a lesser extent in senior debt and/or private equity securities. MassMutual and its affiliates own, directly or indirectly, approximately 71% of the equity interests, of which a subsidiary of Babson Capital Management LLC is the general partner. MassMutual has purchased 33% of the Limited Partnership Interests in Tower Square Capital Partners, L.P. Babson Capital Management LLC serves as the Investment Manager.

 

  29. Quantitative Enhanced Decisions Fund, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership and Quantitative Enhanced Decisions Offshore Fund, Ltd is an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Substantially all of the capital of these entities is invested through a master feeder structure in Quantitative Enhanced Decisions Master Fund, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership. These funds, organized in 2002, seek to achieve returns through investments primarily in investment-grade fixed income assets, including mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities, and derivative instruments. MassMutual currently owns approximately 60% of the equity in the domestic fund. Babson Capital Management LLC acts as an adviser through its relationship in the GP adviser.

 

  30. MassMutual/Boston Capital Mezzanine Partners II, L.P. (“Fund II”) is a Delaware limited partnership that operates as a fund investing in junior and senior mortgage loans, mezzanine investments, preferred equity interests and other real estate assets located primarily in the United States. MassMutual is a limited partner and owns 28.7% of Fund II. Boston Mass II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is the investment advisor and general partner. Babson Capital Management LLC is a co-manager and owns 50% of Boston Mass II LLC. CM Life is a 1.04% limited partner of Fund II.

 

  31. Special Value Absolute Return Fund, LLC, a market value high yield/special situations CDO, organized under the laws of Delaware—Babson Capital Management LLC is a Co-Manager and a 7.5% Member of the Managing Member—MassMutual owns 7.5% of the equity in the fund (as a Member).

 

  32. Mill River Capital Partners, LP, a Convertible Arbitrage hedge fund (feeder fund), organized under the laws of Delaware. Babson Capital Management LLC is the sole member of the GP and is the Investment Manager—GP owns 0.1% of fund, MassMutual owns 99.9% (as the sole limited partner (LP)) (this is the on-shore feeder to the fund next named below).

 

  33. Mill River Master Fund, LP, a Convertible Arbitrage hedge fund (master fund) organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Babson Capital Management LLC is the sole member of the GP and is the Investment Manager—GP owns 0.1% of fund, feeder owns 99.9%.

 

  34. Connecticut Valley Structured Credit CDO II, Ltd., a cash flow CDO investing in CDO debt securities that is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Babson Capital Management LLC is Portfolio Manager—MassMutual owns 22.24% of preference shares.

 

  35. Tower Square Capital Limited—Mezzanine debt and equity fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, an offshore feeder for Tower Square fund.

 

  36. Freedom Collateralized Holding 1999 CDO, Ltd., a cash flow high yield bond CDO organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Babson Capital Management LLC serves as Investment Manager.

 

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  37. Freedom Collateralized Holding 2000 CDO, Ltd, a cash flow high yield bond CDO organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Babson Capital Management LLC serves as Investment Manager. MassMutual owns 26% of the preference shares.

 

  38. Babson CLO Ltd. 2003-I is a Cayman Islands exempted limited liability company that operates as a collateralized loan obligations fund that invests primarily in domestic bank loans. Babson Capital Management LLC is the collateral manager. MassMutual holds 30.36% of the ordinary preferred shares.

 

  39. Jackson Creek CDO, Ltd. a Cayman corporation that operates as a fund investing in high yield debt securities. MassMutual owns 32.5% of the non-voting preferred shares. Babson Capital Management LLC is the collateral manager of Jackson Creek CDO, Ltd.

 

  40. Hakone Fund LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that invests in high yield bank loans, high yield bonds and commercial mortgage loans. MassMutual Life Insurance Company, a majority-owned indirect subsidiary of MassMutual will be the sole investor in Hakone. Babson Capital Management LLC is the investment manager.

 

  41. Enhanced Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund Limited IV is a special purpose company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman Islands, investing primarily in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Mass Mutual holds 38.33% interest in the Fund. Babson Capital Management LLC serves as the investment manager.

 

  42. Babson Capital High Yield LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that is an unregistered, open-end investment fund investing primarily in high yield corporate debt obligations. MassMutual owns approximately 27% of the interests in this fund.

 

  43. Winterset Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership that is a hedge fund. MassMutual holds 100% of the ownership interest in this fund.

 

  44. Winterset Master Fund, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership that operates as a high yield bond and loan and special opportunities hedge fund.

 

  45. Babson CLO Ltd. 2004-I, an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands. MassMutual holds approximately 20% of the ownership interests in this fund in the form of subordinated notes.

 

  46. Hanover/Babson Equity Investors Manager LLC.

 

  47. Babson CLO Ltd. 2004-II.

 

  48. Babson CLO Ltd. 2005-I.

 

  49. Babson CLO Ltd. 2005-II.

 

  50. Great Lakes LLC.

 

  51. J/Z CBO (Delaware), LLC.

 

  52. Tower Square Capital LLC.

 

  53. TSCP Selective, L.P., a United States partnership.

 

  54. Babson Capital Loan Strategies Fund L.P.

 

  55. Pioneer Valley Structured Credit CDO I, Ltd.

 

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  56. Stony Hill CDO I (Cayman), Ltd.

 

  57. Stony Hill CDO II (Cayman), Ltd.

 

  58. Stony Hill CDO III (Cayman), Ltd.

 

  59. Stony Hill CDO IV (Cayman), Ltd.

 

  60. Stony Hill CDO V (Cayman), Ltd.

 

  61. Griffin’s Wharf Fund, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that operates as a long/short equity hedge fund.

 

  62. Griffin’s Wharf Offshore Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a long/short equity hedge fund.

 

  63. Simsbury CLO Limited is a Cayman Islands corporation that operates as a collateralized bond obligations fund that invests primarily in bank loans and high yield bonds. MassMutual is investment adviser and Babson Capital Management LLC acts as sub-adviser. MassMutual and its affiliated subsidiaries own 34.35% of the Junior Subordinated Notes.

 

  64. Babson CLO Ltd. 2005 III

 

  65. Babson Capital Loan Strategies Master Fund, L.P.

 

  66. Cobbs Wharf Fund, L.P.

 

  67. Cobbs Wharf Master Fund, L.P.

 

  68. Osprey Strategies Ltd.

 

  69. Quantitative Enhanced Decisions Master Fund, LP.

 

  70. Quantitative Enhanced Decisions Offshore Fund, Ltd.

 

  71. Quantitative Enhanced Decisions Fund II, Ltd.

 

  72. Special Value Opportunities Fund, LLC

 

  73. Tower Square Capital Partners II, L.P.

 

  74. Tower Square Capital Partners II-A, L.P.

 

  75. Whately CDO I, Ltd.

 

  76. Enhanced Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund V Limited

 

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  77. ELC 1999-II

 

  78. 100.Wrightwood Capital LLC

 

  79. Aaardvark Funding Limited

 

  80. Aaardvark Funding II Limited

 

  81. Aaardvark Funding III Limited

 

  82. Aaardvark Funding IV Limited

 

  83. Aaardvark Funding ABS CDO 2007-1

 

  84. Aaardvark XS Funding Limited

 

  85. Babson Capital Loan Strategies Offshore Fund Ltd.

 

  86. Babson CLO Ltd. 2006-I

 

  87. Babson CLO Ltd. 2006-II

 

  88. Babson CLO Ltd. 2007-I

 

  89. Babson Mezzanine Realty Investors, LP

 

  90. Baring EMEA Absolute Return Fund plc

 

  91. Baring European Smaller Companies Absolute Return Fund plc

 

  92. Baring International Foreign Investment Trust

 

  93. Baring International Investment Limited Active/Passive Index Funds for Employee Trusts

 

  94. Baring International Investment Limited Trust for Employee Benefit Plans

 

  95. Baring Investment Series, LLC

 

  96. Baring Japan Absolute Return Fund plc

 

  97. Blue Chip Multi-Strategy Fund LP

 

  98. Blue Chip Multi-Strategy Management LLC

 

  99. Blue Chip Multi-Strategy Master Fund LP

 

  100. Cobbs Wharf Management LLC

 

  101. Cobbs Wharf Offshore Fund Ltd.

 

  102. Connecticut Valley Structured Credit CDO III, Ltd.

 

  103. Diversified Credit Opportunity Fund 2003-1, LLC

 

  104. Diversified Credit Opportunity Fund 2003-1 (Cayman), LP

 

  105. Fugu Credit PLC

 

  106. Great Lakes II LLC

 

  107. Greylock Synthetic CDO

 

  108. HarbourView CBO I, Limited

 

  109. HarbourView CDO II, Limited

 

  110. HarbourView CDO III, Limited

 

  111. HarbourView CLO IV, Limited

 

  112. HarbourView CLO 2006-1, Limited

 

  113. Iris SPV PLC

 

  114. Leland Fund Master GP, L.P.

 

  115. Leland Fund Multi GP, Ltd.

 

  116. Loan Strategies Management LLC

 

  117. Merryall Fund LP

 

  118. Merryall Management LLC

 

  119. Merryall Master Fund L.P.

 

  120. Mill River Management LLC

 

  121. OFI Institutional Alpha-Plus Fund, LP

 

  122. OFI Institutional Core Fixed Income Fund, LLC

 

  123. OFI Institutional Core Plus Fixed Income Fund, LP

 

  124. OFI Institutional Discovery Small Cap Growth Fund, LLC

 

  125. OFI Institutional Emerging Markets Equity Fund, LP

 

  126. OFI Institutional Enhanced Index Large Cap Growth Fund, LLC

 

  127. OFI Institutional Fundamental Mid Cap Value Fund, LLC

 

  128. OFI Institutional Fundamental Small Cap Growth Fund, LLC

 

  129. OFI Institutional International Equity Fund, LP

 

  130. OFI Institutional Micro Cap Value Fund, LLC

 

  131. OFI Institutional Mid Cap Concentrated Growth Fund, LLC

 

  132. OFI Institutional Mid Cap Growth Fund, LLC

 

  133. OFI Institutional Commodities Strategy Fund I, LLC

 

  134. OFI Institutional Short Duration Fixed Income Fund, LLC

 

  135. OFI Institutional Small Cap Growth Fund, LLC

 

  136. OFI Institutional SMid Cap Core Fund, LLC

 

  137. OFI Institutional Market Neutral Fund, LLC

 

  138. OFI Institutional Mid Cap Value Fund, LLC

 

  139. OFI Institutional Small Cap Core Fund, LLC

 

  140. OFI Institutional Small Cap Value Fund, LLC

 

  141. OFI Institutional Opportunistic Long Short Fund, LLC

 

  142. OFI Institutional Commodities Opportunities Fund, LLC

 

  143. OFI Institutional Commodities Strategy Fund II, LLC

 

  144. OFI Institutional Floating Rate Loan Fund, LLC

 

  145. OFI Institutional Global Opportunities Fund, LP

 

  146. OFI Institutional Baring International Fund, LP

 

  147. OFI Institutional International Index Fund, LP

 

  148. OFI Institutional Large Cap Core Index Fund, LLC

 

  149. OFI Institutional Small Cap Index Fund, LLC

 

  150. Oppenheimer Tremont Opportunity Fund, LLC

 

  151. Oppenheimer Tremont Market Neutral Fund, LLC

 

  152. OFITC Capital Appreciation Fund

 

  153. OFITC Core Fixed Income Fund

 

  154. OFITC Core Plus Fixed Income Fund

 

  155. OFITC Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

  156. OFITC Enhanced Index Large Cap Core Fund

 

  157. OFITC Enhanced Index Large Cap Growth Fund

 

  158. OFITC Enhanced Index Large Cap Value Fund

 

  159. OFITC Fundamental Small Cap Relative Value Fund

 

  160. OFITC Global Fund

 

  161. OFITC Growth & Income Fund

 

  162. OFITC International ADR Fund

 

  163. OFITC International Growth Fund

 

  164. OFITC Intrinsic Value Fund

 

  166. OFITC Large Cap Core Fund

 

  167. OFITC Large Cap Value Fund

 

  168. OFITC Mid Cap Value Fund

 

  169. OFITC Commodities Strategy Fund I

 

  170. OFITC Commodities Strategy Fund II

 

  171. OFITC Commodities Opportunities Fund

 

  172. OFITC Opportunistic Long Short Fund

 

  173. OFITC Short Duration Fixed Income Fund

 

  174. OFITC Small Cap Core Fund

 

  175. OFITC Small Cap Growth Fund

 

  176. OFITC Small Cap Value Fund

 

  177. OFITC SMid Cap Core Fund

 

  178. OFITC SMid Cap Value Fund

 

  179. OFITC Quality Bond Fund

 

  180. OFITC Large Cap Relative Value Fund

 

  181. OFITC High Yield Fund

 

  182. OFITC Small Cap Core Fund II

 

  183. OFITC Money Market Fund

 

  184. OFITC U.S. Government Trust Fund

 

  185. OFI Stable Value Trust

 

  186. Phoenix Funding Limited

 

  187. Rockall CLO B.V.

 

  188. Sapphire Valley CDO I, Ltd.

 

  189. Special Value Absolute Return Fund, LLC

 

  190. Special Value Bond Fund II, LLC

 

  191. Winterset Management LLC

MassMutual or Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC acts as the investment adviser or manager of the following investment companies and limited liability companies, and as such may be deemed to control them.

 

  1. Cornerstone Apartment Fund I, LLC. MassMutual’s ownership interest in this company is 19%.

 

  2. Cornerstone Partners I, LLC. MassMutual’s ownership interest in this company is 35%.

 

  3. Cambridge Hotel, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. MassMutual holds a 65% ownership interest in this company.

 

  4. CAV I, Inc., a Maryland corporation that invests in residential properties. MassMutual holds a 24.1% ownership interest in this corporation.

 

  5. Cornerstone Partners IV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. MassMutual holds a 55% ownership interest in this company.

 

  6. Cornerstone Rotational Fund, LLC, a Delaware diversified, closed-end fund. MassMutual holds 100% of the ownership interest in this fund.

 

  7. CREA/PPC Venture, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. MassMutual is the managing and controlling member of this entity.

 

  8. LVC-APTS, LP, a Delaware limited partnership formed to take title to residential property.

 

  9. Cornerstone Apartment Venture I, LLC is 100% owned by MassMutual on behalf of MassMutual and a MassMutual insurance company separate investment account whose sole contract holder is a New York State Teacher’s Retirement System. The entity was formed for the purpose of acquiring interest in entities that develop, own and operate apartment projects.

 

  10. West Conshohocken, LP, a Pennsylvania limited partnership that owns an office building in suburban Philadelphia. MassMutual wholly owns this entity.

 

  11. West Conshohocken, LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company that is the general partner of West Conshohocken, LP.

 

  12. Rockville Town Center, LLC is a joint venture that owns real property. Because a third party is entitled to a contingent interest in cash flow and sale proceeds after a preferred return is realized, MassMutual holds a variable interest in this limited liability company.

 

  13. Marco Island Condominium, LLC, a Florida limited liability company that was formed for the purpose of developing and selling condominiums constructed in Marco Island, Florida. This entity is 100% owned by MassMutual.

 

  14. 300 Third Street, LLC is a joint venture that owns real property. Because a third party is entitled to a contingent interest in cash flow and sale proceeds after a preferred return is realized, MassMutual holds a variable interest in this limited liability company.

 

  15. Hickory Creek Industrial, LLC is a joint venture that owns real property. Because a third party is entitled to a contingent interest in cash flow and sale proceeds after a preferred return is realized, MassMutual holds a variable interest in this limited liability company.

 

  16. VPRH, LLC is a joint venture that owns real property. Because a third party is entitled to a contingent interest in cash flow and sale proceeds after a preferred return is realized, MassMutual holds a variable interest in this limited liability company.

 

  17. Corporate Crossing, LLC is a joint venture that owns real property. Because a third party is entitled to a contingent interest in cash flow and sale proceeds after a preferred return is realized, MassMutual holds a variable interest in this limited liability company.

 

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Item 25: Indemnification

Article VIII of Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides for the indemnification of Registrant’s Trustees and officers. Registrant undertakes to apply the indemnification provisions of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust in a manner consistent with Securities and Exchange Commission Release No. IC-11330 so long as the interpretation of Section 17(h) and 17(i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) set forth in such Release shall remain in effect and be consistently applied.

Trustees and officers of Registrant are also indemnified by MassMutual pursuant to its by-laws which apply to subsidiaries, including Registrant. No indemnification is provided with respect to any liability to any entity which is registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act or to the security holders thereof, where the basis for such liability is willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of office.

MassMutual’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance program, which covers Registrant’s Trustees and officers, consist of two distinct coverages. The first coverage reimburses MassMutual, subject to specified limitations, for amounts which MassMutual is legally obligated to pay out under its indemnification by-law, discussed above. The second coverage directly protects a Trustee or officer of Registrant against liability from shareholder derivative and similar lawsuits which are indemnifiable under the law. There are, however, specific acts giving rise to liability which are excluded from this coverage. For example, no Trustee or officer is insured against personal liability for libel or slander, acts of deliberate dishonesty, fines or penalties, illegal personal profit or advantage at the expense of Registrant or its shareholders, violation of employee benefit plans, regulatory statutes, and similar acts which would traditionally run contrary to public policy and hence reimbursement by insurance.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”) may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Trustee, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such Trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

Item 26: Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

a. The Investment Adviser

MassMutual is the investment adviser for the Registrant. MassMutual is a mutual life insurance company organized as a Massachusetts corporation, which was originally chartered in 1851. As a mutual life insurance company, MassMutual has no shareholders. MassMutual’s primary business is ordinary life insurance. It also provides, directly or through its subsidiaries, a wide range of annuity and disability products, and pension and pension-related products and services, as well as investment services to individuals, and corporations and other institutions, in all 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia. MassMutual is also licensed to transact business in Puerto Rico, and six provinces of Canada, but has no export sales. Effective February 29, 1996, Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company merged into MassMutual. MassMutual’s principal lines of business are (i) the Individual Products business and Annuities business, which provide life insurance including variable and universal life insurance, annuities and

 

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disability income insurance to individuals and small businesses; (ii) Retirement Services, which provides group pension investment products and administrative services, primarily to sponsors of tax qualified retirement plans; and (iii) MassMutual International.

The directors and executive vice presidents of MassMutual, which is located at 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, 01111-0001, their positions with MassMutual, and their other principal business affiliations and business experience for the past two years are as follows:

Directors

ROGER G. ACKERMAN, Director (since 1991), Chairman, Corporate Governance Committee and Member, Executive and Operations Committees

Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (since 2001), Corning Incorporated, P.O. Box 45, Phoenix, New York 13135 (manufacturer of advanced materials, communication equipment and environmental products); Director (since 1991), The Brinks Company (transportation and security services), 1801 Bayberry Ct., P.O. Box 18100, Richmond, Virginia 23226-8100; Member, Business Roundtable (since 1996); Member, The Business Council (since 1997); Member, Executive committee, National Association of Manufacturers (since 1991); and Member, Board of Overseers, Rutgers University Foundation (since 1996).

THOMAS C. BARRY, Director (since 2007) and Member, Audit and Investment Committees

Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 1993), Zephyr Management, L.P., 320 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022; Director, African Capital Alliance, Ltd., Lagos, Nigeria; Member, Council on Foreign Relations, New York, New York; Director, The European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD), Fontainebleau, France; Director, Harvard Business School Alumni Association, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Trustee, The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, Connecticut; Advisory Board President, IMEF (INSEAD’s Charitable Foundation), Fontainebleau, France; Dean’s Council, The John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Board, South African Capital Growth Fund; Chairman, Summer Search, New York, New York; Director, Techno Serve, Norwalk, Connecticut; Director, Trickle Up, New York, New York; Trustee, University School, Cleveland, Ohio; and Member, Yale University President’s Council on International Affairs, New Haven, Connecticut.

JAMES R. BIRLE, Lead Director (since 2007) Chairman (2005-2006), Director (since 1996), Chairman, Executive and Investment Committees and Member, Corporate Governance and Operations Committees Chairman (since 1997), Resolute Partners, LLC; President (1994-1997) and Founder (1994), Resolute Partners, Inc. (private merchant bank), Greenwich, Connecticut.

KATHLEEN A. CORBET, Director (since 2008) and Member, Investment and Operations Committees

Former President (2004-2007), Standard & Poor’s, New York, New York; Trustee, Chair, Committee on University Advancement and Member, Nominations and Governance Committee, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467; Member, Dean’s Executive Advisory Board, New York University Stern School of Business, New York, New York 10012; Member, New Canaan Board of Finance, New Canaan, Connecticut; Treasurer, League of Women Voters of New Canaan (Not for profit), New Canaan, Connecticut; and Member, Investment Advisory Committee, New York Community Trust (Not for profit).

 

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JAMES H. DeGRAFFENREIDT, JR., Director (since 2002) and Member, Audit and Corporate Governance Committees

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (since 1998), Director (since 2001), WGL Holdings, Inc., Washington, D.C., parent company of Washington Gas Light Company (public utility holding company), 101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20080; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (since 1998), Director (since 1994), Washington Gas Light Company; Chairman (since 2007) and Director (since 1998), American Gas Association, Washington, D.C.; Director (since 1996), Harbor Bankshares Corporation (Holding Company), Baltimore, Maryland; Director (1998-2006), MedStar Health, Columbia, Maryland; Co-Chairman of the Board (2004-2006) and Director (since 1998), Alliance to Save Energy, Washington, DC; Trustee (since 1999), Federal City Council, Washington, D.C.; Trustee (since 1995), Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, Maryland; and Trustee (since 1999), Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland.

PATRICIA DIAZ DENNIS, Director (since 1996) and Member, Human Resources and Investment Committees

Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel Labor and Employment (since 2005), Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel (2004-2005), AT&T Services, Inc. (formerly SBC Services, Inc.), San Antonio, Texas; Chair (2003-2005), The Tomas Rivera Policy Institute; Trustee (1993-2005), Radio and Television News Directors Foundation; National First Vice-Chair (2002-2005) and Chairman of the National Board of Directors (2005-2008), Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.; Director (since 2001), UST-NYSE; Director (2001-2005), Entravision-NYSE; Director (2005-2006), CarrAmerica NYSE; Trustee (since 2003), NHPfoundation; Director (since 2006), Matt Foundation, Inc.; and Regent (1999-2005), Texas State University System.

JAMES L. DUNLAP, Director (since 1989) and Member, Audit and Human Resources Committees

Member, Board of Trustees (since 1998), Culver Educational Foundation, 130 Academy Road, Culver, Indiana 46511-1291; Member, Council of Overseers (since 1987), Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Administration, Rice University, MS 531, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005-1891; Member of the Corporation (since 2001), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543; Member, Board of Trustees, Advisor (since 1991), Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 13, 118 Cliff Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554-0013; and Director and Member of Compensation and Governance Committees (since 2003), El Paso Corporation, 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas.

WILLIAM B. ELLIS, Director (since 1996), Chairman, Audit Committee and Member, Executive and Investment Committees.

Lecturer and Resident Fellow (since 1995), Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, New Haven, Connecticut; Director (since 1998), Pew Center on Global Climate Change; Trustee (since 2005), Carnegie Mellon University; and Director (since 1995), Renegy Holdings Inc. (formerly known as Catalytica Energy Systems, Inc.).

ROBERT A. ESSNER, Director (since 2002), Chairman, Human Resources Committee and Member Operations Committees

Chairman (since 2008), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (2006-2007), Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (2003-2006) and Director (since 1997), Wyeth, 5 Giralda Farms, Madison, New Jersey 07940; and Trustee (since 2002), PennMedicine (the entity governing the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Health System).

ROBERT M. FUREK, Director (since 1996) and Member, Corporate Governance and Operations Committees

Partner (since 1997), Resolute Partners LLC (private merchant bank); President (since 2003), CATELECTRIC Corp.; Director, ConnCan (non-profit) (current); Director, Island Country Club Charitable Foundation (non-profit) (current); and Trustee, Chair of the Development Committee (1997-2006), Kingswood-Oxford School.

CAROL A. LEARY, PH.D, Director (since 2004) and Member, Audit and Investment Committees

President (since 1994), Bay Path College, 588 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01106; Director (since 2001), Chair, Compensation Committee (since 2006) and Member, Audit and Governance Committees (since 2001), United Bank, 95 Elm Street, West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089; Past Chair-Chair (2003-2004), Chair of Nominating Committee (2004-2005), the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts; Chair (2004-2006), Member, Personnel Committee (since 2004),

 

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Trustee and Member Compensation Committee (On-going), Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts; Director/Trustee (since 2002) and Treasurer (since 2005), Women’s College Coalition; Member, Board of Trustees (since 2003) and Member, Compensation Committee, The Frank Stanley Beveridge Foundation, Inc.; Member (since 1995), Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (Massachusetts); Director (since 2002), Economic Development Council; Trustee (since 1994), Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield (Massachusetts); and Founding Trustee (since 2004), Go Fit Foundation.

RAYMOND W. LeBOEUF, Director (since 2008) and Member, Investment and Operations Committees

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Retired (1997-2005), PPG Industries, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Director (since 2000) and Member, Audit and Compensation Committees, ITT Corp.; and Director (since 1997), Chairman, Audit Committee and Member, Compensation Committee, Praxair.

WILLIAM B. MARX, JR., Director (since 1990), Chairman, Operations Committee and Member, Corporate Governance Committee

Senior Executive Vice President, Retired (since 1996), Lucent Technologies (public telecommunications systems and software), 600 Mountain Avenue, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07947.

JOHN F. MAYPOLE, Director (since 1996) and Member, Corporate Governance and Operations Committees

Managing Partner, (since 1984), Peach State Real Estate Holding Company, LLP (Real Estate Investment Company); Co-owner of family businesses (including Maypole Chevrolet, Inc.) (since 1984); Director (1992-2005), Chair-Nominating, Corporate Committees, Member, Governance & Compensation Committee and Member, Audit Committee, Dan River, Inc. (textile manufacturer); Director (1998-2005) and Member, Compensation Committee, Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. (formerly American Bumper & Mfg. Co.) (manufacturer of automotive/truck components); Director (1999-2006) and Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (household product/personal care and specialty chemical (Arm & Hammer)) Princeton, New Jersey; Director (since 2002), Chair, Auditing and Investment Committees, and Member, Board Governance, and Compensation & Development Committees, National Captioning Institute, 1900 Gallows Road, Suite 3000, Vienna, Virginia 22182; and Director (since 2004) and Chair, Audit Committee, Knoll, Inc. (design and manufacturer of office furniture and textiles).

MARC F. RACICOT, Director (since 2001) and Member, Audit and Human Resources Committees

President (since 2005), American Insurance Association, 1130 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20036; Partner (2001-2005), Bracewell & Giuliani, L.L.P., 2000 K Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20006-1872; Director (since 2001), Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation; Chairman (since 1999) and Member (since 1993), Jobs for America’s Graduates; Co-Chairman and Member (2001-2005), United States Consensus Council; and Director (2001-2006), Siebel Systems.

STUART H. REESE, Director (since 2005) and Member, Corporate Governance, Executive, Operations and Investment Committees

Executive Officer

WILLIAM T. SPITZ, Director (since 2007) and Member, Audit and Investment Committees

Vice Chancellor for Investments Emeritus (since 1997) and Vice Chancellor and Chief Investment Officer, Vanderbilt University, 2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203; Founder and Director (since 1995), Diversified Trust Company; Director (since 2007), Acadia Realty Trust; Director (since 2007), Cambium Global Timberland Ltd.; and Member, Bessemer Trust Company.

STUART H. REESE, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2007), President and Chief Executive Officer (2005-2006), Director (since 2005), Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (1999-2005), MassMutual; Chairman (2000-2005) Member of the Board of Managers and Chief Executive Officer (1999-2005), and President (1999-2001 and 2003-2005), Babson Capital Management LLC, Independence Wharf, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210-2208; Chairman and Trustee (1999-2005), MML Series Investment Fund and MassMutual Select Funds (open-end investment companies); Chairman (1999-2005) and Trustee (1999-2005), MassMutual Participation Investors and MassMutual Corporate Investors (closed-end investment companies); Chairman (2001-2005), MMCI Subsidiary Trust and MMPI Subsidiary Trust; Director (1994-2005), MassMutual Corporate Value Partners Limited, (investment company); Member of the Advisory Board (1996-2005), MassMutual High Yield Partners II LLC (investment company); President (1996-2005), HYP Management LLC; Chairman, Director (1996-2006) and President and Chief Executive Officer (2003-2006), Charter Oak Capital Management, Inc.; Director (2003-2005), Babson Capital Securities Inc (broker-dealer); Director and Member, Compensation and Audit Committees (1999-2005), Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; Director (since 1999), MLDP Holdings; President (1996-2005), MMHC Investment LLC (formerly known as MMHC Investment, Inc.); Chairman, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2005) and Executive Vice President-Investments (1996-2005), MML Bay State Life

 

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Insurance Company; Chairman, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2005) and Executive Vice President-Investments (1996-2005), C.M. Life Insurance Company; Chairman, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2005) and Executive Vice President (2000-2005), MassMutual Holding LLC; Director (1999-2005), MassMutual Holding MSC, Inc.; Director (2005-2006), MassMutual International, Inc. (now known as MassMutual International LLC); Director (2004-2005), MassMutual Investment Management Company (Japan); Director (2004-2005), MML Assurance, Inc.; Director and Member of Audit Committee (since 1999), Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp.; Director (1994-2005), MassMutual Corporate Value Limited; Executive Vice President Investments (1996-2005), CM Assurance Company; Executive Vice President Investments (1996-2005), CM Benefit Insurance Company; Director (2001-2005), Antares Asset Management, Inc.; Director and Chairman (1996-2005), Antares Capital Corp.; Director (2003-2005), Babson Investment Company; Director (1999-2005), Merrill Lynch Derivative Products; Advisory Board Member (1995-2006), Kirtland Capital Partners (investment partnership); Director and Member, Finance Committee (since 2006), American Council of Life Insurers; Director, Class B (since 2006), Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; Trustee (since 2008), Gettysburg College; Director (since 2007), Christian Medical Fellowship; and Chair, Advisory Board (since 2006), LRN-RAND Center for Corporate Ethics, Law and Governance.

ROGER W. CRANDALL, Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Co-Chief Operating Officer

Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Co-Chief Operating Officer (since July 2007), Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (June 2005-July 2007) and Member of the Office of the CEO (since June 2005), MassMutual; President (2006-2007) and Chief Executive Officer (since 2005), Chairman (since 2005) and Member of the Board of Managers (since 2003), Vice Chairman (from March 2005 to June 2005) and Managing Director (since 2000), Babson Capital Management LLC; Non-Executive Director (since 2005), Baring Asset Management Limited; Director (since 2004), Babson Capital Europe Limited; Chairman (since 2005), Trustee (since 2003) and President (2003-2005), MassMutual Corporate Investors and MassMutual Participation Investors; Chairman (since 2005), Trustee (since 2003) and President (2003-2005), MMCI Subsidiary Trust and MMPI Subsidiary Trust; Director (since 2005), Babson Capital Japan KK; Chairman and Director (since 2005), Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; Executive Vice President-Investments (since 2005) C.M. Life Insurance Company; Executive Vice President-Investments (since 2005), MML Bay State Life Insurance Company; Director (since 2003), MassMutual Corporate Value Limited; Director (since 2003), MassMutual Corporate Value Partners Limited; Director and Vice President (since 2005), MassMutual Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd.; Director and President (since 2005), MassMutual Holding MSC, Inc.; Director (2003-2005), Antares Capital Corporation; Director (2001-2005), Antares Asset Management, Inc; Director (since 2004) and Executive Committee Member (since 2005), MML Assurance, Inc.; President (since 2003), Director (1996-2006) and Member of the Advisory Board (since 2003), HYP Management LLC; President (1998-2006), MassMutual/Darby CBO IM, Inc.; Director (since 1996) and Senior Vice President (since 2003), MMHC Investment LLC; Director (since 2005), Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp.; Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), MassMutual Capital Partners LLC; Director (since 2006), MassMutual International LLC; Director (since 2004), Jefferies Finance LLC; Director (since 1999), SAAR Holding CDO Ltd.; and Member of Advisory Board (since 2004), MassMutual High Yield Partners II, LLC.

JOHN V. MURPHY, Executive Vice President

Executive Vice President (since 1997) and Member of the Office of the CEO (since 2005), Executive Vice President (since 2000), MassMutual Holding LLC; MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts; Chairman, President (since 2001) and Director, Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. and Oppenheimer Partnership Holdings, Inc.; Director (since 2001), Centennial Asset Management Corporation; Director, OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.; Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; Chairman and Director, Shareholder Services, Inc. and Shareholder Financial Services, Inc.; President and Director, OppenheimerFunds Legacy Program; Director, OFI Institutional Asset Management, Inc., Trinity Investment Management Corporation, Tremont Capital Management, Inc., HarbourView Asset Management Corporation and OFI Private Investments, Inc.; President and Director of Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc.; and member, Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute.

WILLIAM F. GLAVIN, JR., Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer

Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer (since July 2007), Executive Vice President (2006- July 2007) and Member of the Office of the CEO (since 2006), MassMutual; Chief Executive Officer (2005-2006), President (2005-2006), Managing Director (2003-2006), Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer (2003-2006), and Member of the Board of Managers (2003-2006), Babson Capital; Director (2005-2007), Baring Asset Management Limited; Director and Deputy Chairman (since 2005), MassMutual Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd.; Director (2004-2006), Babson Capital Europe Limited; President (2003-2006) and Chief Compliance Officer (2004-2006), Babson Capital Securities Inc.

MARK D. ROELLIG, Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Executive Vice President and General Counsel (since December 2005), MassMutual; Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (2005), Fisher Scientific International Inc.; Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (2002-2005), Storage Technology Corp.; Board Member and Corporate Secretary (2000-2002), Bulletin News Network Inc.; and Executive Vice President Public Policy, Human Resources & Law, Secretary and General Counsel, US WEST, Inc.

MICHAEL T. ROLLINGS, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since 2006), Senior Vice President (2004-2006) and Deputy Chief Financial Officer (2004-2006), MassMutual; Executive Vice President (since 2003), MassMutual Holding LLC; Director (since 2004), MML Assurance, Inc.; Manager (since 2004), MML Financial, LLC; Manager (since 2004), MML Investment Products, LLC; Director (since 2006), MML Investors Services, Inc.; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2002), MassMutual Funding LLC; Director (since 2005), MassMutual Holdings, (Bermuda) Ltd.; Director (since 2005), Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp.; Director (since 2006), Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; Director (since 2006), MassMutual International Holding MSC, Inc.; Director (since 2006) 9048-5434 Quebec Inc.; Director, Tremont Group Holdings, Inc.; Director (since 2006), MassMutual International LLC; Director (since 2006), MMHC Investment LLC; Director (since 2006), HYP Management LLC; Director (since 2006), MassMutual Assignment Company; Director (since 2006), MassMutual Benefits Management, Inc; Director (since 2006), MassMutual Capital Partners LLC; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since 2006), C.M. Life Insurance Company; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since 2006), MML Bay State Life Insurance Company; and Member of the Board of Managers (since 2005), Babson Capital Management LLC.

ELAINE A. SARSYNSKI, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Executive Vice President (Retirement Services Division) (since 2008), Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (June 2006-2008), President and Chief Executive Officer (since July 2006), MassMutual International LLC; Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Community Relations, Corporate Communications, Corporate Human Resources and Corporate Services (since September 2005), MassMutual; and First Selectman and Chief Executive Officer (2001-July 2005), Suffield, Connecticut.

 

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ALLIANCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT L.P. (“ALLIANCE CAPITAL”)

The information with respect to each director and principal executive officer of Alliance Capital Management L.P. is as follows:

Executive Management

Lewis A. Sanders

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Mark R. Manley

Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

Gerald M. Lieberman

President and Chief Operating Officer

Seth J. Masters

Executive Vice President, Head of Blend Strategies Services and Chief Investment Officer of Blend Strategies

Lawrence H. Cohen

Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

Marc O. Mayer

Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein and Executive Managing Director of AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

Laurence E. Cranch

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Douglas J. Peebles

Executive Vice President, Co-Chief Investment Officer of Fixed Income and Director of Global Fixed Income

Edward J. Farrell

Senior Vice President and Controller

Jeffrey S. Phlegar

Executive Vice President, Co-Chief Investment Officer of Fixed Income and Director of U.S. Investment-Grade Fixed Income

Sharon E. Fay

Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Global Value Equities

James G. Reilly

Executive Vice President and US Large Cap Growth Team Leader

Marilyn G. Fedak

Executive Vice President, Head—Bernstein Global Value Equities and Co-Chief Investment Officer—US Large Cap Value

Paul C. Rissman

Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Growth Equities

James A. Gingrich

Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein and Chairman and CEO of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC

Lisa A. Shalett

Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein and Global Research Director of Alliance Growth Equities

Mark R. Gordon

Executive Vice President, Director of Global Quantitative Research, Co-Head of Alternative Investments and Chief Investment Officer of Global Diversified Funds

David A. Steyn

Executive Vice President and Global Head of Client Service and Marketing

Thomas S. Hexner

Executive Vice President and Head of Bernstein Global Wealth Management

Gregory J. Tencza

Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Investments

Robert H. Joseph, Jr

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Christopher M. Toub

Executive Vice President, Chief Executive Officer of AllianceBernstein Limited and Head—Global/International Growth Equities

 

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Board of Directors

Dominique Carrel-Billiard

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

Henri de Castries

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

Christopher M. Condron

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

Denis Duverne

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

Richard S. Dziadzio

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

Peter Etzenbach

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

Deborah S. Hechinger

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

Weston M. Hicks

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

Gerald M. Lieberman

President and Chief Operating Officer

Lewis A. Sanders

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Lorie A. Slutsky

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

A.W. (Pete) Smith, Jr.

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

Peter J. Tobin

Director of AllianceBernstein Corporation

 

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CLEARBRIDGE ADVISORS, LLC (“CLEARBRIDGE”)

Name and Principal Business Address

ClearBridge Advisors, LLC

399 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

 

Name

  

Title or Status

   Date Title or Status Acquired
Terrence James Murphy    Chief Administrative Officer    03/2006

Charles J. Daley, Jr.

  

Chief Financial Officer

   7/2005
   and Senior Vice President and Treasurer    1/2002
Mark Raymond Fetting    Director    12/2005
Brian Scott Posner   

President, Chief Executive Officer,

Co-Chief Investment Officer

   03/2006
Peter Lanning Bain    Director    12/2005
Barbara Brooke Manning    Chief Compliance Officer    02/2006
Harry David Cohen    Co-Chief Investment Officer    03/2006

 

- 27 -


CLOVER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (“CLOVER”)

The following are the names of the principal executive officers of Clover and their positions with Clover and its affiliated entities are:

Michael E. Jones, CFA (Officer – Director, Secretary) Mike is the Chief Executive Officer and a co-founder of the Firm. Mike’s primary role is Chief Investment Officer, where he oversees the Firm’s portfolio management effort. In addition to his strategy and portfolio management responsibilities, Mike conducts equity research in the Health Care sector.

Stephen J. Carl, Esq. (Officer – Director, President & Treasurer) Steve is the Firm’s Chief Operating Officer, managing the day-to-day operations of the Firm, in addition to all Legal & Compliance matters. After practicing law privately for several years, Steve became Legal Counsel to a Family of Companies, including two investment advisors, a mutual fund complex and a trust company. He joined Clover Capital in 2000, broadening his horizons by assuming business management and full operations responsibilities.

Stephen K. Gutch, CFA (Officer – Director) Steve currently serves as the Firm’s Director of Research and conducts research in the Financial Services sector. Prior to joining Clover in 2003, Steve worked as an analyst for Continental Advisors, LLC where he co-managed and conducted research for the firm’s financial services hedge fund. Previous to this, he spent five years with Fulcrum Investment Group, LLC in Chicago where he managed their financial services portfolio.

 

- 28 -


COOKE & BIELER, L.P. (“COOKE & BIELER”)

SAMUEL H. BALLAM, III

Partner

Sam received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami, and then earned his M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management with a double major in Finance and Accounting. Following ten years of corporate financial experience, Sam served as the Treasurer of Thomas Jefferson University overseeing in excess of $300 million of endowment and pension assets. From 1990 to 1997, he was Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Main Line Health, a multi-hospital system, with over $700 million in investment funds. An institutional client of Cooke & Bieler for 13 years, Sam joined the firm in 1997 to lead the client service and business development functions. He is a Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.).

KERMIT S. ECK, CFA

Partner

Kermit graduated with distinction from Montana State University with a B.S. degree in Computer Science, where he was also a member and captain of the varsity tennis team. After receiving his M.B.A. from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business he joined Cooke & Bieler in 1980. He left the firm in 1984 to become Director of Product Marketing for Eczel Corp., a computer products start-up company. From 1987 to 1992, Kermit was part of an investor group purchasing privately held companies, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of one of the businesses, Keystone Natural Water. Kermit rejoined Cooke & Bieler in 1992.

DAREN C. HEITMAN, CFA

Partner

Daren earned his undergraduate degree in Finance in 1989 from Iowa State University. He went on to receive his MBA from the University of Chicago while working at Skyline Asset Management as both an analyst and portfolio manager. Daren joined Cooke & Bieler in 2005 after serving as a senior analyst for five years at Schneider Capital Management in suburban Philadelphia.

JOHN J. MEDVECKIS

Partner

John earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Cincinnati. He taught investments for two years at Purdue University and was admitted to the Indianapolis Society of Financial Analysts. He also served as Officer of the American Fletcher National Bank in Indianapolis where he managed individual trust accounts. John then joined Cooke & Bieler in 1973. John is currently a Trustee of the Curtis Institute of Music as well as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he also serves on the Investment Committee. He presently serves on the Board for the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, the Visual Arts Committee of the U.S. Library of Congress and as a Trustee of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and an Overseer of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology. He is also a fellow and Trustee of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

MICHAEL M. MEYER, CFA

Partner

Mike graduated from Davidson College cum laude in 1987 with distinction in Economics, where he was also a member and captain of the varsity tennis team. After working four years for Sterling Capital Management as an equity analyst and head equity trader, Mike attended The Wharton School of Business graduating with an M.B.A. degree in Finance in 1993. Mike joined Cooke & Bieler in 1993.

 

- 29 -


JAMES R. NORRIS

Partner

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Guilford College where he graduated with high honors, first in his class. Jim received his M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated in the top 5% of his class and was a recipient of the Dean’s Scholar Award. Following graduate school, he spent nearly 10 years with Sterling Capital Management as Senior Vice President of Equity Portfolio Management before joining Cooke & Bieler in 1998.

EDWARD O’ CONNOR, CFA

Partner

Ted graduated cum laude from Colgate University with a bachelor or arts in Economics and Philosophy. He worked as a United States diplomat in Cuba and Guatemala prior to receiving his MBA from the University of Chicago. Ted received his MBA in 1999 with concentrations in Finance and International Business. He then joined Cambiar Investors in Denver, Colorado, where he served as an equity analyst and portfolio manager. Ted also participated in Cambiar’s 2001 management buyout and subsequently joined Cooke & Bieler, L.P. in 2002.

R. JAMES O’NEIL, CFA

Partner

Jamie received his undergraduate degree cum laude with distinction in Economics from Colby College, where he was a member and captain of the varsity soccer team. He was an Investment Officer in the Capital Markets Department at the Mellon Bank for three years before enrolling at the Harvard Business School and receiving his M.B.A. in 1988. He joined Cooke & Bieler in that year.

LINDA N. PERNA

Chief Compliance Officer

Linda graduated magna cum laude from Temple University in 1993 with a B.B.A. degree in Finance & Real Estate. After working five years full time for Cooke & Bieler as a performance specialist, Linda attended the Executive MBA program at Drexel University graduating with an M.B.A. degree in 2000. Linda joined Cooke & Bieler in 1988 and is a member of the National Society of Compliance Professionals and the Philadelphia Compliance Roundtable.

BRUCE A. SMITH

Partner

Bruce graduated from the College of Wooster in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He joined Cooke & Bieler as a research assistant in 1979 after working for the Union Carbide Corporation. After a leave of absence to earn an M.B.A. degree at the University of Michigan in 1984, Bruce returned to Cooke & Bieler.

MEHUL TRIVEDI, CFA

Partner

Mehul graduated magna cum laude with a dual degree from The Wharton School of Business and The College of Arts and Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993. He received a B.S. in Economics with concentration in Finance and Statistics, and a B.A. in International relations. After working as a fixed income financial analyst at Blackrock Financial Management and product manager at PNC Asset Management, Mehul attended The Wharton School of Business graduating with an M.B.A. degree in 1998. Mehul joined Cooke & Bieler in 1998 after serving as a summer intern in 1997.

 

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DAVIS SELECTED ADVISERS, L.P. (“DSA”)

Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (“DSA”) and affiliated companies comprise a financial services organization whose business consists primarily of providing investment management services as the investment adviser and manager for investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, unregistered domestic and off-shore investment companies, and as an investment adviser to institutional and individual accounts. DSA also serves as sub-adviser to other investment companies. Affiliated companies include:

Davis Investments, LLC: the sole general partner of DSA. Controlled by its sole member, Christopher C. Davis.

Venture Advisers, Inc.: is a corporation whose primary purpose is to hold limited partner units in DSA.

Davis Selected Advisers – NY, Inc.: a wholly-owned subsidiary of DSA, is a federally registered investment adviser which serves as sub-adviser for may of DSA’s advisory clients.

Davis Distributors LLC: a wholly owned subsidiary of DSA, is a registered broker-dealer which serves as primary underwriter of the Davis Funds and Selected Funds.

Other business of a substantial nature that directors or officers of DSA are or have been engaged in the last two years:

Andrew A. Davis (6/25/63), 124 East Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Director and President or Vice President of each of the Davis Funds and the Selected Funds. President of Davis Investments, LLC. Also serves as a director and/or senior officer for several companies affiliated with DSA which are described above.

Christopher C. Davis (7/13/65), 609 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Director and President and/or Vice President of each of the Davis Funds and the Selected Funds; President of Clipper Fund, Director, Chairman of Davis Investments, LLC. Also serves as a director and/or senior officer for several companies affiliated with DSA, which are described above. Is an employee of Shelby Cullom Davis & Co., a registered broker/dealer. Director, Washington Post.

Kenneth C. Eich (8/14/53), 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85706. Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer of each of the Davis Funds, Selected Funds, and Clipper Fund; Chief Operating Officer of Davis Investments, LLC. Also serves as a senior officer for several companies affiliated with DSA which are described above.

Douglas Haines (3/4/71) 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85706. Vice President, Treasurer Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer of each of the Davis Funds, the Selected Funds, and Clipper Fund; Vice President of Davis Investments, LLC.

Sharra L. Haynes (9/25/66) 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85706. Vice President Chief Compliance Officer of each of the Davis Funds, the Selected Funds, and Clipper Fund; Vice President of Davis Investments, LLC. Also serves as Chief Compliance Officer for DSA and as a senior officer for several companies affiliated with DSA which are described above.

Thomas D. Tays (03/07/57), 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85706. Vice President, Secretary of each of the Davis Funds, Selected Funds, and Clipper Fund; Vice President Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, Davis Investments, LLC. Also serves as a senior officer for several companies affiliated with DSA which are described above.

Gary Tyc (05/27/56), 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85706. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary of Davis Investments, LLC. Also serves as a senior officer for several companies affiliated with DSA which are described above.

Russell O. Wiese (05/18/66) 609 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Chief Marketing Officer of Davis Investments, LLC. Also serves as a director and/or senior officer for several companies affiliated with DSA which are described above.

 

- 31 -


DELAWARE MANAGEMENT COMPANY (“DMC”)

Name and Principal Business Address.

Delaware Management Company

2005 Market Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser.

Delaware Management Company (the “Manager”), a series of Delaware Management Business Trust, serves as investment manager to the Registrant and also serves as investment manager or sub-advisor to certain of the other funds in the Delaware Investments Funds® (Delaware Group Adviser Funds, Delaware Group Cash Reserve, Delaware Group Equity Funds I, Delaware Group Equity Funds II, Delaware Group Equity Funds III, Delaware Group Equity Funds IV, Delaware Group Equity Funds V, Delaware Group Foundation Funds, Delaware Group Global & International Funds, Delaware Group Government Fund, Delaware Group Income Funds, Delaware Group Limited Term Government Funds, Delaware Group State Tax-Free Income Trust, Delaware Group Tax Free Fund, Delaware Group Tax Free Money Fund, Delaware Investments Municipal Trust, Delaware Pooled Trust, Delaware VIP Trust, Optimum Fund Trust, Voyageur Insured Funds, Voyageur Intermediate Tax-Free Funds, Voyageur Mutual Funds, Voyageur Mutual Funds II, Voyageur Mutual Funds III, Voyageur Tax-Free Funds, Delaware Investments Dividend and Income Fund, Inc., Delaware Investments Global Dividend and Income Fund, Inc., Delaware Investments Arizona Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Delaware Investments Colorado Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Delaware Investments National Municipal Income Fund, Delaware Investments Minnesota Municipal Income Fund II, Inc., and Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend and Income Fund) as well as to certain non-affiliated registered investment companies. In addition, certain officers of the Manager also serve as trustees of other Delaware Investments Funds®, and certain officers are also officers of these other funds. A company indirectly owned by the Manager’s parent company acts as principal underwriter to the mutual funds in the Delaware Investments Funds® and another such company acts as the shareholder services, dividend disbursing, accounting servicing and transfer agent for all of the Delaware Investments Funds.

The following persons serving as directors or officers of the Manager have held the following positions during the past two years. Unless otherwise noted, the principal business address of the directors and officers of the Manager is 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094.

 

Name and Principal Business Address

 

Positions and Offices with Manager

 

Other Positions and Offices Held

Patrick P. Coyne   President  

Mr. Coyne has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

 

President – Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc.

 

Director – Kaydon Corp.

Michael J. Hogan1   Executive Vice President/Head of Equity Investments  

Mr. Hogan has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

 

Executive Vice President/Chief Investment Officer/Head of Equity Investments – Delaware Investment Advisers (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust

John C.E. Campbell   Executive Vice President/Global Marketing & Client Services   Mr. Campbell has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

 

- 32 -


Name and Principal Business Address

 

Positions and Offices with Manager

 

Other Positions and Offices Held

    President/Chief Executive Officer – Optimum Fund Trust
Philip N. Russo   Executive Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer   Mr. Russo has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
See Yeng Quek  

Executive Vice President/Managing Director/Chief Investment Officer,

Fixed Income

 

Mr. Quek has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

 

Executive Vice President/Managing Director/

Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income –Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc.

 

Director/Trustee - HYPPCO Finance Company Ltd.

Douglas L. Anderson   Senior Vice President/Operations   Mr. Anderson has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Marshall T. Bassett   Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer — Emerging Growth Equity   Mr. Bassett has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Joseph R. Baxter   Senior Vice President/Head of Municipal Bond Investments   Mr. Baxter has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Christopher S. Beck   Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager   Mr. Beck has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Michael P. Buckley   Senior Vice President/Director of Municipal Research   Mr. Buckley has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Stephen J. Busch   Senior Vice President/Investment Accounting   Mr. Busch has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Michael F. Capuzzi  

Senior Vice President —

Investment Systems

  Mr. Capuzzi has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Liu-Er Chen2   Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Chief Investment Officer, Emerging Markets   Mr. Chen has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Thomas H. Chow   Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager   Mr. Chow has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Robert F. Collins   Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager   Mr. Collins has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Stephen J. Czepiel   Senior Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Senior Municipal Bond Trader   Mr. Czepiel has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

 

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Name and Principal Business Address

 

Positions and Offices with Manager

 

Other Positions and Offices Held

Chuck M. Devereux   Senior Vice President/Senior Research Analyst   Mr. Devereux has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Roger A. Early3   Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager   Mr. Early has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
James A. Forant   Senior Vice President/Director, Technical Services   Mr. Forant has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Stuart M. George   Senior Vice President/Head of Equity Trading   Mr. George has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Paul Grillo   Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager   Mr. Grillo has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
William F. Keelan   Senior Vice President/Director of Quantitative Research   Mr. Keelan has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Kevin P. Loome4   Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Head of High Yield Investments   Mr. Loome has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Francis X. Morris   Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer — Core Equity   Mr. Morris has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Brian L. Murray, Jr.   Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer  

Mr. Murray has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

 

Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer – Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc.

Susan L. Natalini   Senior Vice President/Marketing & Shared Services   Ms. Natalini has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Zoë Neale5   Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer, International Equity  

Mr. Neale has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

D. Tysen Nutt   Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer, Large Cap Value Equity   Mr. Nutt has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
David P. O’Connor   Senior Vice President/Strategic Investment Relationships and Initiatives/General Counsel  

Mr. O’Connor has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

 

Senior Vice President/ Strategic Investment Relationships and Initiatives/ General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer – Optimum Fund Trust

 

Senior Vice President/ Strategic Investment Relationships and Initiatives/ General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer - Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc.

 

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Name and Principal Business Address

 

Positions and Offices with Manager

 

Other Positions and Offices Held

Philip R. Perkins

  Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager   Mr. Perkins has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Richard Salus   Senior Vice President/ Controller/Treasurer  

Mr. Salus has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

 

Senior Vice President/

Controller/Treasurer - Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc.

 

Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer – Optimum Fund Trust

Jeffrey S. Van Harte6   Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer — Focus Growth Equity   Mr. Van Harte has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments
Babak Zenouzi7   Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager   Mr. Zenouzi has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments

 

1        Managing Director/Global Head of Equity (2004-2007) and Director/Portfolio Strategist (1996-2004), SEI Investments.

2        Managing Director/Senior Portfolio Manager, Evergreen Investment Management Company, 1995.

3        Senior Portfolio Manager, Chartwell Investment Partners, 2003-2007; Chief Investment Officer, Turner Investments, 2002-2003.

4        Portfolio Manager/Analyst, T. Rowe Price, 1996-2007.

5        Portfolio Manager, Thomas Weisel Partners, 2002-2005.

6        Principal/Executive Vice President, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, 1980-2005

7        Senior Portfolio Manager, Chartwell Investment Partners, 1999-2006.

 

- 35 -


EAGLE ASSET MANAGEMENT (“EAGLE”)

The table below lists the name, address, position with Eagle Asset Management and principal occupation during the past five years for the principal executive officers and directors of Eagle Asset Management

 

Name and Address*

  

Position with Eagle Asset Management.

and Principal Occupation

Name

  

Position With Eagle

  

Principal Occupations

Thomas A. James    Director   

March 1984 to present - Mr. James is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eagle Asset Management, Inc.

June 1985 to present - Mr. James is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Family of Mutual Funds.

June 1985 to present - Mr. James is Director of Heritage Asset Management Inc..

     
Richard K. Riess    Chief Executive Officer   

October 1996 to present - Mr. Riess is Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Asset Management, Inc.

May 1998 to present - Mr. Riess is Executive Vice President—Managing Director of Asset Management of Raymond James Financial, Inc.

October 2000 to present - Mr. Riess is President of Heritage Family of Mutual Funds

April 2000 to present - Mr. Riess is Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Asset Management, Inc. October 1996 to March 2000 - Mr. Riess was President of Eagle Asset Management, Inc

July 1988 to present - Mr. Riess is a Director of Eagle Asset Management, Inc.

June 1985 to present - Mr. Riess is a Director of Heritage Asset Management, Inc.

June 1985 to present - Mr. Riess is a Trustee for the Heritage Family of FundsP

     
Stephen G. Hill    President and Chief Operating Officer    Dec 2005 to present – Director of Heritage Fund Distributors, Inc. April 2000 to present - Mr. Hill is President and Chief Operating Officer of Eagle Asset Management, Inc.

 

- 36 -


     

December 2005 to present – Mr. Hill is Director of Heritage Fund Distributors, Inc.

December 2000 to present - Manager, EA Management I, LLC, general partner of investment limited partnerships.

October 1998 to present - Mr. Hill is a Director of Awad Asset Management, Inc.

January 1995 to present - Mr. Hill is a Director of Eagle Asset Management, Inc.

December 1994 to present - Mr. Hill is a Director of Heritage Asset Management, Inc.

November 1991 to March 2000 and from November 2005 to present - Mr. Hill is President of Heritage Mutual Funds.

April 1989 to March 2000 and from November 2005 to present - Mr. Hill is President of Heritage Asset Managment.

     
Richard Rossi    Executive Vice President   

From November 2005 to Present – Mr. Rossi is President and a Director of Heritage Funds Distributor Inc.

From October 1999 to Present - Mr. Rossi is Executive Vice President with Eagle and responsible for Eagle Sales and Marketing.

March 1999 to present - Mr. Rossi is a Registered Representative with Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

     
Stephen W. Faber    Corporate Counsel   

January 1990 to present: Corporate Counsel, Eagle Asset Management, Inc.

.

     
Damian D. Sousa    Chief Compliance Officer   

December 2005 to present – Mr. Sousa is CCO of Heritage Fund Distributors, Inc.

February 2003 to present – Mr. Sousa is CCO of Awad Asset Management.

August 2002 to present - Mr. Sousa is Vice President, Director of Compliance of Eagle Asset

Management, Inc.. February 2003 Mr. Sousa was appointed Chief Compliance Officer.

August 2002 to present - Mr. Sousa is a Registered Representative of Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

December 2000 to August 2002 - Mr. Sousa was Senior Vice President, Compliance Director of Fleet Investment Advisors, Inc.

July 1997 to December 2000 - Mr. Sousa was Vice President, Senior Compliance Manager of FleetBoston Corporate Compliance.

     
Eric C. Wilwant    Treasurer   

February 2003 to present - Mr. Wilwant is Treasurer of Eagle Asset Management.

September 2000 to present - Mr. Wilwant is Vice President of Eagle Asset Management. Responsible for Operations, Trading Operations and Administration.

April 1995 to September 2000 - Mr. Wilwant was Head of Trading and Trading Systems at Dolphin Capital Management.

 

* The address of each person is 880 Carillon Parkway, St Petersburg, Florida, 33716.

EARNEST PARTNERS, LLC (“EARNEST”)

Names and positions of the principal executive officers and directors of EARNEST Partners as of December 31, 2005. The principal address of each individual as it relates to his duties at EARNEST Partners is the same as that of EARNEST Partners.

 

Name

  

Position(s) with EARNEST Partners

Paul E. Viera, Jr.

   Chief Executive Officer and Partner

Matthew Bronfman

   Director and Partner

John G. Whitmore, II

   Chief Operating Officer and Partner

James M. Wilson

   Chief Compliance Officer

 

- 37 -


GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. (“GSAM LP”)

Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM LP”) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (“GSAMI”) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and serve as investment advisers to the Registrant. Set forth below are the names, businesses and business addresses of certain managing directors of GSAM LP and GSAMI who are engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.

Name and Position with

the Investment Advisers

  

Name and Address of Other

Company

  

Connection with

Other Company

Lloyd C. Blankfein

Managing Director-

GSAM LP

  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

85 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004

  

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director

  

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

85 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004

   Managing Director

John S. Weinberg

Managing Director-

GSAM LP

  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

85 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004

  

Vice Chairman

  

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

85 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004

  

Managing Director

Principal Underwriters.

(a) Goldman, Sachs & Co. or an affiliate or a division thereof currently serves as distributor of shares of the Goldman Sachs Trust and for shares of the Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust. Goldman, Sachs & Co., or a division thereof currently serves as administrator and distributor of the units or shares of The Commerce Funds.

(b) Set forth below is certain information pertaining to the Managing Directors of Goldman, Sachs & Co., the Registrant’s principal underwriter, who are members of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.’s Management Committee. None of the members of the management committee holds a position or office with the Registrant.

GOLDMAN SACHS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

Name and Principal

Business Address

 

Position with Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Lloyd C. Blankfein (1)   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Alan M. Cohen (5)   Global Head of Compliance, Managing Director
Gary D. Cohn (1)   Managing Director
Christopher A. Cole (1)   Managing Director
J. Michael Evans (5)   Managing Director
Edward C. Forst (1)   Managing Director
Richard A. Friedman (1)   Managing Director
Richard J. Gnodde (8)   Managing Director
Kevin W. Kennedy (1)   Managing Director
Peter S. Kraus (5)   Managing Director
Masanori Mochida (6)   Managing Director
Gregory K. Palm (1)   General Counsel and Managing Director
John F.W. Rogers (1)   Managing Director
Michael S. Sherwood (7)   Managing Director
David M. Solomon (5)   Managing Director
Esta Stecher (5)   General Counsel and Managing Director
David A. Viniar (4)   Managing Director
John S. Weinberg (1)   Managing Director
Jon Winkelried (3)   Managing Director
David B. Heller (5)   Managing Director
Edward K. Eisler(7)   Managing Director
Pablo J. Salame (7)   Managing Director
Harvey M. Schwartz (5)   Managing Director
Richard M. Ruzika (1)   Managing Director
Donald R. Mullen, Jr. (5)   Managing Director
Yoel Zaoui (3)   Managing Director
Gordon E. Dyal (3)   Managing Director
Gwen R. Libstag (1)   Managing Director
Marc Spilker (5)   Managing Director
Edith Cooper (5)   Managing Director

 

(1) 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004
(2) 32 Old Slip, New York, NY 10004
(3) Peterborough Court, 133 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BB, England
(4) 10 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10005
(5) One New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004
(6) 12-32, Akasaka I-chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 107-6006, Japan
(7) River Court, 120 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2QQ, England
(8) Cheung Kong Center, 68th Floor, 2 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong, China

(c) Not Applicable.

 

- 38 -


HARRIS ASSOCIATES L.P. (“HARRIS ASSOCIATES”)

Harris Associates L.P. (“HALP”) is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The directors and executive officers of Harris Associates have had as their sole business, profession, vocation or employment during the past two years only their duties as executive officers/employees of Harris Associates or its predecessors. Harris Associates Inc. (“HAI”) is the general partner. HALP is affiliated with and a limited partner of Harris Associates Securities L.P. (“HASLP”), a broker-dealer. The business address of Harris Associates is Two North LaSalle Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60602.

Directors and Officers

Name, Address and Position(s) and Age at December 31, 2007 and Principal Occupation(s) during the Past Five Years.

ROBERT LEVY. 57. Chairman, HAI, Chief Investment Officer, Domestic Equity, HALP, since 2001; President and Chief Executive Officer, HAI, HALP and HASLP, 1997-2002; Portfolio Manager, HALP.

HENRY R. BERGHOEF. 58. Vice President and Director of Domestic Research, HAI and HALP, since January 2003; Vice President and Analyst and Portfolio Manager, HALP; Associate Director of Research, HALP, 2001-2002.

DAVID G. HERRO. 47. Director, HAI, Chief Investment Officer, International Equity, HAI and HALP, since 2003; Portfolio Manager, and Analyst, HALP.

JOHN R. RAITT. 53. Director, HAI, President and Chief Executive Officer of HAI, HALP and HASLP, since January 2003; Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, HALP, 2001-2003; Director of Research, 1998-2003, and Associate Director of Research, HALP prior thereto; Analyst, HALP.

JANET L. REALI. 56. Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, HAI, HALP and HASLP, since 2001.

KRISTI L. ROWSELL. 41. Director, HAI, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, HAI, HALP and HASLP, since 1999.

CHAD M. CLARK. 35. Vice President, HAI; Portfolio Manager and International Analyst, HALP since 1995.

CLYDE S. MCGREGOR. 55. Vice President, HAI; Portfolio Manager HALP, since 1981.

MICHAEL J. MANGAN. 44. Vice President, HAI; Portfolio Manager HALP, since 1997.

MICHAEL J. NEARY. 39. Vice President, HAI; Managing Director, Marketing and Client Relations HALP, since 2002; Director, Marketing and Client Relations HALP, since 1995.

WILLIAM C. NYGREN. 49. Vice President, HAI; Portfolio Manager and Analyst HALP since 1983; Director of Research, HALP, 1990-1998.

JOHN N. DESMOND, 46, Chief Operating Officer, HAI and HALP since June 2007; Vice President and Director of Investment Operations for Nuveen Investments 2005-2007; Senior Vice President and Head of Investment Operations and Systems at Scudder Investments 1995-2005.

ROBERT A. TAYLOR, 35, Vice President and Director of International Research, HALP since 2004; Portfolio Manager and Analyst, HALP since 1994.

COLIN P. MCFARLAND, 44, Chief Compliance Officer, HALP since 2005; Senior Manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP, 1997-2005.

PIERRE SERVANT, 52, Director, HAI since 2007; CEO and Member of Executive Committee, Natixis Global Asset Management since 2007; Chief Financial and Risk Officer, Caisses d’Epargne, 2004-2006; Director of Strategy, Finance and Accounting and Group Management Control, Chief Financial Officer of Compagnie Financière Eulia, a jointly owned subsidiary of CDC and the Caisses d’Epargne, Chairman of the Management Board of CDC IXIS, Caisse des Depots et Consignations, 1995-2003. Address: c/o Natixis Global Asset Management, 21, quai d’Austerlitz 75013 Paris, France.

JOHN HAILER, 47, Director, HAI since 2007; President and CEO, Natixis Global Asset Management LLC since 2007, Member, Management Board, Caisse Nationale des Caisses d’Epargne (CNCE) 2004-2006, Chairman of the Management Board, CDC IXIS 2003; CEO, IXIS Asset Management Advisors Group, 1999-2006. Address: c/o Natixis Global Asset Management, 399 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

 

- 39 -


INSIGHT CAPITAL RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT, INC. (“INSIGHT CAPITAL”)

The following are the Executive Officers and Board of Directors

for Insight Capital Research and Management, Inc., a California Corporation.

Mr. Collins Collins, CFA

Chairman, Board of Directors

CEO and Chief Investment Officer

Mr. Collins developed Insight’s investment approach over a 40-year period. He made his first investments in growth stocks in 1956. Mr. Collins began his management career as a mutual fund manager in San Francisco. In the 1970’s, he worked for Wells Fargo Investment Advisors as a Senior Portfolio Manager handling institutional accounts. While at Wells Fargo, Mr. Collins developed quantitative methods for analyzing securities and optimizing portfolios. In 1988, he founded Insight Capital with Lisa Miller to provide money management services to institutional and retail investors.

Mr. Collins brings to the investment process a wealth of business experience. After serving as a Naval Officer, he worked as an engineer for General Electric. After graduating from the Harvard Business School, Mr. Collins joined the Raychem Corporation. In addition to investing in growth companies, Mr. Collins has experience in high-tech venture capital investments and investing in turnaround situations. This is a unique background and it has served Insight’s clients well.

A sought-after speaker on investment topics, Mr. Collins has appeared on Wall Street Week, CNBC, and CNNfn and is frequently quoted by leading financial publications. He holds an MBA from Harvard, a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Lisa K. Miller

Member, Board of Directors

Executive Vice President, COO,

and Chief Compliance Officer

As a founder of Insight, Mrs. Miller has contributed to both the investment management and operational development of the firm. Working side-by-side with Jim Collins at the onset of the firm’s inception, and later as a member of the Investment Committee from its inception until May 2000, she has contributed to Insight’s solid, long-term performance records. Today, Mrs. Miller manages the firm’s overall operations as COO. She also is responsible for administering Insight’s Compliance Program as Chief Compliance Officer.

Prior to co-founding Insight, Mrs. Miller was the manager of administration for a retail franchiser. She joined that company at a time when it was expanding its franchise offerings. By participating in this expansion, Mrs. Miller gained considerable experience in compliance-related issues, client servicing and the value of managing growth for a corporation and its employees. Mrs. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Oregon State University.

Victor Trautwein III

Member, Board of Directors

Mr. Trautwein serves on Insight’s Board of Directors as an outside Director and is not employed by Insight. Currently he is Director of Operations of Kids Alive; Co-Field Director for the Dominican Republic. Prior to his position with this non-profit, he worked as both General Manager and in Business Development for

 

- 40 -


Weyerhaeuser Company in recycling operations, after starting with the firm in their Forest Products division as a Business Analyst. Prior to working with Weyerhaeuser Company, Mr. Trautwein was an Associate at Mercer Management Consulting.

Mr. Trautwein holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Sciences Dartmouth College and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Charles S. Gehring, CFA

Managing Director, Senior Vice President

Director of Investment Management

Mr. Gehring joined Insight Capital in 1992. In his capacity as Director of Investment Management, Mr. Gehring serves as Chairman of the Investment Committee, of which he has been a member since 1994. Mr. Gehring served as Portfolio Manager for the Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio from 1995-2006 and as Portfolio Manager for the Large-Cap Growth Portfolio since 2001. His prior experience at Insight includes trading, financial analysis, and management of other portfolios. Mr. Gehring has contributed to the development of various systems for the monitoring of stocks and the market, trade management and new products.

Prior to joining Insight, Mr. Gehring worked in numerous capacities with HomeFed Bank. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of San Diego. He earned the designation of Personal Financial Planner from the University of California, San Diego Extension Program. Mr. Gehring is a member of the CFA Institute and the Security Analysts of San Francisco. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Philip Hamilton

Managing Director, Director of Marketing

Mr. Hamilton leads Insight’s marketing efforts. Mr. Hamilton is also a member of Insight’s management committee. Prior to joining Insight, Mr. Hamilton worked for Quadra Capital Partners in Boston, where he was responsible for marketing and client servicing to Taft-Hartley and corporate clients. Mr. Hamilton was a Senior Researcher in Finance at Harvard Business School where he spent more than seven years in research and administrative roles. He started his investment career at The Boston Company.

Mr. Hamilton received his Master of Arts degree in Economics from Southern Methodist University and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Maine. He is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association.

 

- 41 -


LEGG MASON CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. (“LEGG MASON”)

Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. (“LMCM”) is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The following is a list of other substantial business activities in which directors, officers or partners of LMCM have been engaged as director, officer, employee, partner, or trustee.

 

Peter L. Bain

   Director, LMCM
   Director, Batterymarch
   Manager, Brandywine
   Director, Brandywine Singapore
   Manager, Clear Adv
   Director, Clear Asset
   Senior Executive Vice President, Legg Mason, Inc.
   Director, Barrett
   Director, Bartlett
   Director, LMFA
   Director, LM Canada Hldg
   Director, LM Funding
   Manager, GAA
   President, LMGE
   Manager, LMIC
   Manager, LMPFA
   Director, LMREI
   Director, LMRESA
   President and Director, LMRC
   President and Director, LMRG
   President and Director, LMRP
   President and Director, LM Tower
   President and Director, LMRCII
   President and Director, LMRC Properties
   Director, PCM I
   Director, PCM II
   Director, Permal
   Manager, Royce
   Director, WAM
   Director, WAMCL
   Director, WAM Tokyo
   Director, WAM Australia
   Director, WAMCO Hldgs Ltd.
   Director, WAM Singapore

Charles J. Daley, Jr.

   Treasurer and Director, LMCM
   President, Treasurer and Director, BMML
   Manager, Clear Adv
   Director, Clear Asset
   Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Legg Mason, Inc.
   Director, LMFA
   Treasurer, LMFunds
   President and Director, LM Funding
   Manager, GAA
   President and Manager, LMIH
   President and Manager, LMIH II
   President and Manager, LMIH Chile
   Manager, LMPFA
   President and Director, LM Properties

 

- 42 -


   Treasurer, LMREI
   President and Director, LMCRES
   President and Treasurer, LMRESA
   Vice President and Treasurer, LMRG
   Vice President and Treasurer, LMRP
   Director, LMTS
   Treasurer, LM Tower
   Vice President and Treasurer, LMRC II
   Vice President and Treasurer, LMRC Properties
   President and Director, LM Canada Hldg

Mark R. Fetting

   Director, LMCM
   Manager, Brandywine
   President, CEO, Chairman and Director, LMFA
   Director, Batterymarch
   Manager, Clear Adv
   Director, Clear Asset
   President, CEO and Director, Legg Mason, Inc.
   Manager, GAA
   President and Managing Director, LMIS
   Manager, LMPFA
   Director, LMFunds
   Director, PCM I
   Director, PCM II
   Manager, Royce

Raymond A. Mason

   Director, LMCM
   Chairman and Director, Legg Mason, Inc.
   Director, LM Tower
   Director, LM Holdings
   Director, PCM I
   Director, PCM II
   Manager, Royce

Thomas C. Merchant

   Secretary, LMCM
   Secretary, Brandywine
   Vice President and Assistant Secretary, Legg Mason, Inc.
   Secretary, Barrett
   Assistant Secretary, Bartlett
   Assistant Secretary, BRE
   Secretary, LMFunds
   Secretary, LMIC
   Vice President and Secretary, LM Funding
   Secretary, LMREI
   Secretary, LMCRES
   Secretary, BMML
   Secretary, LM Canada Hldg
   Secretary, LMIH
   Secretary, LMIH II
   Secretary, LMIH Chile
   Secretary, LM Properties
   Secretary, LMREI
   Secretary, LMRESA
   Secretary, LMRC

 

- 43 -


   Secretary, LMRG
   Secretary, LMRP
   Secretary, LMTS
   Secretary, LM Tower
   Secretary, LMRC II
   Secretary, LMRC Properties

William H. Miller III

   Chairman, CIO and Director, LMCM
   Managing Member, LMM

Jennifer W. Murphy

   Senior Vice President, CFO and Director, LMCM
   COO, LMM

Addresses:

Barrett Associates, Inc. (“Barrett”)

565 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Bartlett & Co. (“Bartlett”)

36 East Fourth Street

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”)

John Hancock Tower

200 Clarendon Street, 49th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

BMML, Inc. (“BMML”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine”)

2929 Arch Street, 8th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Brandywine Global Investment Management (Asia) Pte Ltd. (“Brandywine Singapore”)

36 Robinson House, #18

City House

Singapore

BRE Group, Inc. (“BRE”)

36 East Fourth Street

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Clearbridge Advisors, LLC (“Clear Adv”)

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

Clearbridge Asset Management, Inc. (“Clear Asset”)

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

 

- 44 -


Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. (“LMCM”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Canada Holdings Ltd. (“LM Canada Hldg”)

44 Chipman Hill, 10th Floor

St. John, New Brunswick E2L 4S6

Canada

Legg Mason Fund Adviser, Inc. (“LMFA”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Funding Corp. (“LM Funding”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“GAA”)

300 First Stamford Place, 4th Floor

Stamford, CT 06902

Legg Mason Global Equities, LLC (“LMGE”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason, Inc.

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason International Holdings, LLC (“LMIH”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason International Holdings II, LLC (“LMIH II”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason International Holdings (Chile), LLC (“LMIH Chile”)

El Regidor No 66

Piso 10

Las Condes, Santiago

Chile

Legg Mason Investment Counsel, LLC (“LMIC”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”)

399 Park Ave.

New York, NY 10022

 

- 45 -


Legg Mason Properties, Inc. (“LM Properties”)

5955 Carnegie Boulevard

Suite 200

Charlotte, NC 28209

Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, Inc. (“LMREI”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc. (“LMCRES”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21203

Legg Mason Real Estate Securities Advisors, Inc. (“LMRESA”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Realty Capital, Inc. (“LMRC”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Realty Group, Inc. (“LMRG”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Realty Partners, Inc. (“LMRP”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Technology Services, Inc. (“LMTS”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Tower, Inc. (“LM Tower”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Investment Counsel & Trust Company, N.A. (“LMIC”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

LM Fund Services, Inc. (“LMFunds”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

LM Holdings, Limited (“LM Holdings”)

155 Bishopsgate

London EC2M 3TY

England

LMRC II, Inc. (“LMRC II”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

 

- 46 -


LMRC Properties, Inc. (“LMRC Properties”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

LMM LLC (“LMM”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

PCM Holdings I, Inc. (“PCM I”)

8889 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Suite 500

Naples, FL 34108-7512

PCM Holdings II, LLC (“PCM II”)

8889 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Suite 500

Naples, FL 34108-7512

Permal Asset Management, Inc. (“Permal”)

900 Third Ave. 28th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Royce & Associates, LLC (“Royce”)

1414 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10019

Western Asset Management Company (“WAM”)

385 East Colorado Boulevard

Pasadena, CA 91101

Western Asset Management Company Limited (“WAMCL”)

10 Exchange Square

Primrose Street

London EC2A 2EN

England

Western Asset Management Company Ltd (“WAM Tokyo”)

Ote Center Building

1-1-3 Otemachi Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo 100-0004

Japan

Western Asset Management Company Pty Ltd (“WAM Australia”)

Level 13

120 Collins Street

GPO Box 507

Melbourne Victoria 3000

Australia

Western Asset Management (UK) Holdings Limited (“WAMCO Hldgs Ltd”)

10 Exchange Square

Primrose Street

London EC2A 2EN

England

Western Asset Management Company Pte, Ltd (“WAM Singapore”)

1 George Street, #23-01

Singapore 049145

 

- 47 -


MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY (“MFS”)

MFS serves as investment adviser to the following open-end Funds comprising the MFS Family of Funds: Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund; Massachusetts Investors Trust; MFS Series Trust I (which has seven series: MFS Cash Reserve Fund, MFS Core Equity Fund, MFS Core Growth Fund, MFS New Discovery Fund, MFS Research International Fund, MFS Technology Fund and MFS Value Fund); MFS Series Trust II (which has one series: MFS Emerging Growth Fund); MFS Series Trust III (which has three series: MFS High Income Fund, MFS High Yield Opportunities Fund and MFS Municipal High Income Fund); MFS Series Trust IV (which has three series: MFS Government Money Market Fund, MFS Mid Cap Growth Fund and MFS Money Market Fund); MFS Series Trust V (which has three series: MFS International New Discovery Fund, MFS Research Fund and MFS Total Return Fund); MFS Series Trust VI (which has three series: MFS Global Equity Fund, MFS Global Total Return Fund and MFS Utilities Fund); MFS Series Trust VII (which currently has no series); MFS Series Trust VIII (which has two series: MFS Global Growth Fund and MFS Strategic Income Fund); MFS Series Trust IX (which has six series: MFS Bond Fund, MFS Inflation-Adjusted Bond Fund, MFS Limited Maturity Fund, MFS Municipal Limited Maturity Fund, MFS Research Bond Fund and MFS Research Bond Fund J); MFS Series Trust X (which has 12 series: MFS Aggressive Growth Allocation Fund, MFS Conservative Allocation Fund, MFS Emerging Markets Debt Fund, MFS Emerging Markets Equity Fund, MFS Floating Rate High Income Fund, MFS Growth Allocation Fund, MFS International Diversification Fund, MFS International Growth Fund, MFS International Value Fund, MFS Moderate Allocation Fund, MFS New Endeavor Fund and MFS Strategic Value Fund); MFS Series Trust XI (which has two series: MFS Mid Cap Value Fund and MFS Union Standard Equity Fund); MFS Series Trust XII (which has 6 series: MFS Lifetime Retirement Income Fund, MFS Lifetime 2010 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2020 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2030 Fund; MFS Lifetime 2040 Fund and MFS Sector Rotational Fund; MFS Series Trust XIII (which has 2 series: MFS Government Securities Fund and MFS Diversified Income Fund); MFS Series Trust XIV (which has one series: MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio); MFS Series Trust XV (which has one series: MFS Diversified Target Return Fund) and MFS Municipal Series Trust (which has 16 series: MFS Alabama Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund, MFS California Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Florida Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Georgia Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Maryland Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Mississippi Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Municipal Income Fund, MFS New York Municipal Bond Fund, MFS North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund, MFS South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund, MFS Virginia Municipal Bond Fund and MFS West Virginia Municipal Bond Fund (the “MFS Funds”). The principal business address of each of the MFS Funds is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116.

MFS also serves as investment adviser of the following open-end Funds: MFS Institutional Trust (“MFSIT”) (which has two series) and MFS Variable

 

- 48 -


Insurance Trust (“MVI”) (which has 16 series). The principal business address of each of the aforementioned funds is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116.

In addition, MFS serves as investment adviser to the following closed-end funds: MFS Charter Income Trust, MFS Government Markets Income Trust, MFS Intermediate Income Trust, MFS Multimarket Income Trust, MFS Municipal Income Trust, MFS Special Value Trust, MFS California Insured Municipal Fund, MFS High Income Municipal Trust, MFS InterMarket Income Trust I, MFS Intermediate High Income Fund, MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust and MFS High Yield Municipal Trust (the “MFS Closed-End Funds”). The principal business address of each of the MFS Closed-End Funds is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116.

Lastly, MFS serves as investment adviser to MFS Variable Insurance Trust II (formerly, MFS/Sun Life Series Trust (“MFS/SL”)) (which has 28 series), Capital Appreciation Variable Account, Global Governments Variable Account, Government Securities Variable Account, High Yield Variable Account, Money Market Variable Account and Total Return Variable Account (collectively, the “Accounts”). The principal business address of MFS/SL is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116. The principal business address of each of the aforementioned Accounts is One Sun Life Executive Park, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, 02181.

Robert C. Pozen is Chairman, Director and Chairman of the Board, Robert J. Manning is Director, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and President, Donald A. Stewart, Kevin Dougherty and Thomas A. Bogart are Directors, Martin E. Beaulieu is Executive Vice President and the Director of Global Distribution, Robin A. Stelmach is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Maria F. Dwyer is Executive Vice President, Chief Regulatory Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, Paul T. Kirwan is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Mark N. Polebaum is an Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, David A. Antonelli is Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer - Non-U.S. and Global Equity Investments and Co-Director of Global Research, Michael W. Roberge is Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer - U.S. Investments and Co-Director of Global Research, Elizabeth Petipas is Assistant Treasurer, Daniel W. Finegold, Mitchell C. Freestone, Ethan D. Corey and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries and Timothy Tierney is the Tax Officer.

Massachusetts Investors Trust

Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund

MFS Series Trust I

MFS Series Trust II

MFS Series Trust III

MFS Series Trust IV

MFS Series Trust V

MFS Series Trust VI

 

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MFS Series Trust VII

MFS Series Trust VIII

MFS Series Trust IX

MFS Series Trust X

MFS Series Trust XI

MFS Series Trust XII

MFS Series Trust XIII

MFS Series Trust XIV

MFS Series Trust XV

MFS Municipal Series Trust

MFS Variable Insurance Trust

MFS Institutional Trust

MFS Municipal Income Trust

MFS Multimarket Income Trust

MFS Government Markets Income Trust

MFS Intermediate Income Trust

MFS Charter Income Trust

MFS Special Value Trust

MFS California Insured Municipal Fund

MFS High Income Municipal Trust

MFS High Yield Municipal Trust

MFS InterMarket Income Trust I

MFS Intermediate High Income Fund

MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust

J. Atwood Ives is the Chair, Maria F. Dwyer is President, James O. Yost is Senior Vice President, Tracy A. Atkinson, a Senior Vice President of MFS, is Treasurer, Ellen Moynihan, a Senior Vice President of MFS and David L. DiLorenzo and Mark Fischer, Vice Presidents of MFS, are the Assistant Treasurers, Mark N. Polebaum, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Clerk of MFS, is the Secretary, Brian E. Langenfeld, Assistant Vice President and Counsel of MFS, Christopher R. Bohane, Timothy M. Fagan and Susan A. Pereira, Vice Presidents and Senior Counsels of MFS, Ethan D. Corey, Special Counsel of MFS, Richard S. Weitzel, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of MFS and Susan S. Newton, Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel of MFS are Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Clerks.

MFS Variable Insurance Trust II (formerly, MFS/Sun Life Series Trust)

J. Kermit Birchfield is Chairman, Maria F. Dwyer is President, Tracy A. Atkinson is the Treasurer, James O. Yost, Ellen M. Moynihan, David L. DiLorenzo and Mark Fischer are the Assistant Treasurers, Mark N. Polebaum is the Secretary, Brian E. Langenfeld, Christopher R. Bohane, Ethan D. Corey, Susan A. Pereira, Richard S. Weitzel, Timothy M. Fagan and Susan S. Newton are the Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Clerks.

Money Market Variable Account

High Yield Variable Account

 

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Capital Appreciation Variable Account

Government Securities Variable Account

Total Return Variable Account

Global Governments Variable Account

J. Kermit Birchfield is Chairman, Maria F. Dwyer is President, Tracy A. Atkinson is Treasurer, James O. Yost, Ellen M. Moynihan, David L. DiLorenzo and Mark Fischer are the Assistant Treasurers, Mark N. Polebaum is the Secretary and Brian E. Langenfeld, Christopher R. Bohane, Ethan D. Corey, Susan A. Pereira, Richard S. Weitzel, Timothy M. Fagan and Susan S. Newton are the Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Clerks.

MFS Floating Rate Income Fund - (Cayman Islands Registered Fund)

MFS Meridian Funds, SICAV

Martin E. Beaulieu, Maria F. Dwyer and Robin A. Stelmach are Directors, Tracy A. Atkinson is Treasurer, James O. Yost and Ellen M. Moynihan are the Assistant Treasurers, and Christopher R. Bohane is the Assistant Secretary.

MFS International Ltd. (“MIL Bermuda”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of Bermuda and a subsidiary of MFS, whose principal business address is Canon’s Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda, serves as investment adviser to and distributor for MFS Floating Rate Income Fund and the MFS Meridian Funds, SICAV (“SICAV Funds”). The SICAV Funds are organized in Luxembourg and qualify as an undertaking for collective investments in transferable securities (UCITS). The principal business address of the Funds is 47, Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg. The SICAV Funds include Asia Pacific Ex-Japan Fund, Continental European Equity Fund, Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Euro Reserve Fund, European Bond Fund, European Equity Fund, European Growth Fund, European High Yield Bond Fund, European Smaller Companies Fund, European Value Fund, Global Total Return Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Growth Fund, Global Value Fund, Inflation-Adjusted Bond Fund, Japan Equity Fund, Limited Maturity Fund, Research Bond Fund, Research International Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Technology Fund, U.K. Equity Fund, U.S. Dollar Money Market Fund, U.S. Mid Cap Growth Fund, U.S. Government Bond Fund, U.S. High Yield Bond Fund, U.S. Research Fund, U.S. Large Cap Growth Fund and U.S. Value Fund. The MFS Floating Rate Income Fund is organized as an exempt company under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The principal business address for the MFS Floating Rate Income Fund is P.O. Box 309, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies.

Martin E. Beaulieu is Director and Vice President, James A. Jessee is Director and President, Robert J. Manning is Director and Vice President, Sharon A. Brovelli and Carol W. Geremia are Vice Presidents, Paul T. Kirwan is the Treasurer, Elizabeth Petipas is the Assistant Treasurer, Karen Carson is Secretary, Mitchell C. Freestone, Ethan D. Corey, Mark Polebaum, Daniel W. Finegold and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries, Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer, Sarah Moule is Resident Representative and Appleby Corporate Svs. Ltd. Is Assistant Resident Representative.

 

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MFS International (U.K.) Ltd. (“MIL-UK”), a private limited company registered with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales whose current address is Eversheds, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, England EC4V 4JL, is involved primarily in marketing and investment research activities with respect to private clients and the Cayman Islands Registered Fund and the MFS Meridian Funds, SICAV.

Olivier Lebleu is Managing Director, Mitchell C. Freestone and Barnaby Wiener are Directors. Paul T. Kirwan is the Treasurer, Mark N. Polebaum is the Secretary, Sharon A. Brovelli and Carol W. Geremia are Vice Presidents, Elizabeth Petipas is the Assistant Treasurer and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

MFS Do Brazil Desenvolviment O De Marcaao LTDA (“MIL Brazil”), a private commercial limited liability quota company organized under the laws of Brazil whose current address is Al Campinas, 1070, 7 andar, Sala 15, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, is primarily involved in providing market development services to increment the use of MFS products and services in Brazil as well as being a distributor of the MFS Floating Rate Income Fund and MFS Meridian Funds, SICAV.

Robert J. Manning is the Advisory Board Member and Benedicto D. Filho is the Manager.

MFS Institutional Advisors (Australia) Ltd. (“MFSI-Australia”), a private limited company organized under the Corporations Law of New South Wales, Australia whose current address is Level 27, Australia Square, 264 George Street, Sydney, NSW2000, Australia, is involved primarily in investment management and distribution of Australian superannuation unit trusts and acts as an investment adviser to institutional accounts.

Robert J. Manning and Martin E. Beaulieu are Directors, James H. Bennett is Resident Director, Carol W. Geremia is Director and President, Mark N. Polebaum is Secretary, Amanda J. Hough is Resident Secretary, Paul T. Kirwan is the Treasurer, Elizabeth Petipas is the Assistant Treasurer and Mitchell C. Freestone, Ethan D. Corey, Daniel W. Finegold and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (“MFD”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MFS, serves as distributor for the MFS Funds, MVI and MFSIT.

Robert J. Manning is the Director, Martin E. Beaulieu is a Director and Chairman of the Board, James A. Jessee is President, Paul T. Kirwan is the Treasurer, Elizabeth Petipas is the Assistant Treasurer, Mark N. Polebaum is the Secretary, Mitchell C. Freestone, Daniel W. Finegold, Ethan D. Corey and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

 

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MFS Service Center, Inc. (“MFSC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MFS, serves as shareholder servicing agent to the MFS Funds, the MFS Closed-End Funds, MFSIT and MVI.

Robert J. Manning is Director and Chairman of the Board, Maureen Leary-Jago is a Director and the President, Paul T. Kirwan is Treasurer, Elizabeth Petipas is Assistant Treasurer, Mark N. Polebaum is the Secretary, Mitchell C. Freestone, Ethan D. Corey, Daniel W. Finegold and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc. (“MFSI”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MFS, provides investment advice to substantial private clients.

Robert J. Manning is Chairman of the Board, Chief Investment Officer and a Director, Martin E. Beaulieu is a Director, Carol W. Geremia is the President, Maria Dwyer is Chief Compliance Officer, John F. O’Connor and David J. Picher are Senior Vice Presidents, Mark N. Polebaum is Secretary, Paul T. Kirwan is Treasurer, Elizabeth Petipas is Assistant Treasurer, Ethan D. Corey, Daniel W. Finegold, Mitchell C. Freestone and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries and Timothy F. Tierney is Tax Officer.

Sun Life Retirement Services (U.S.), Inc. (“Sun Life Retirement Services”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial (U.S.) Holdings, Inc., markets MFS products to retirement plans and provides administrative and record keeping services for retirement plans.

Jared A. Collins is a Director, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Friesen and Scott Davis are Directors, Paul T. Kirwan is the Treasurer, Mark N. Polebaum is the Secretary, Mitchell C. Freestone, Ethan D. Corey, Daniel W. Finegold, Mark D. Kaplan and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

MFS Investment Management K.K. (Japan) (“MIMKK”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MFS, is a corporation incorporated in Japan. MIMKK, whose address is 16F Daido Seimei Kasumigaseki Bldg., 1-4-2- Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Japan 100 0013, is involved in investment management activities.

Carol W. Geremia, Robertson G. Mansi and Susan Pereira are Directors, Takafumi Ishii is a Director and Representative Director, Paul T. Kirwan is Statutory Auditor, Sharon A. Brovelli and Carol W. Geremia are Vice Presidents, Elizabeth Petipas is Assistant Treasurer, Mark N. Polebaum is Secretary, Daniel W. Finegold, Ethan D. Corey, Susan S. Newton and Mitchell C. Freestone are Assistant Secretaries. Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

MFS Heritage Trust Company (“MFS Trust”), a New Hampshire-chartered limited-purpose trust company whose current address is 650 Elm Street, Suite 404, Manchester, NH 03101, provides directed trustee services to retirement plans.

Carol W. Geremia is Director and President, Maria F. Dwyer is Chairman, Director and Chairman of the Board, Deborah H. Miller is Director and Investment Officer, Robertson G. Mansi, Christopher Haley and Joseph F. Flaherty, Jr. are Directors, Paul T. Kirwan is the Treasurer, Tracy Atkinson and Elizabeth Petipas are Assistant Treasurers, Kimberly M. Collins is Clerk, William C. Smith, John F. O’Connor, Sharon A. Brovelli, John J. McAree and Kerry J. Lifton are Trust Officers, Nicholas D. Smithie, Matthew W. Ryan, Michael W. Roberge, Barry P. Dargan, Matthew W. Krummell, Jeffrey S. Wakelin, Robert D. Persons, Erik S. Weisman, Thomas Melendez, Simon Todd, Edward O’Dette, Terri A. Vittozzi and Jennifer L. Niceforo are Investment Officers, Ethan D. Corey, Daniel W. Finegold and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Clerks and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

MFS Japan Holdings, LLC, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware whose address is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116, is primarily a holding company and is 50% owned by Massachusetts Financial Services Company and 50% owned by Sun Life Financial (Japan), Inc.

Robert J. Manning and Carol W. Geremia are Managers, Paul T. Kirwan is Treasurer, Elizabeth Petipas is Assistant Treasurer, Mark N. Polebuam is Secretary, Daniel W. Finegold, Mitchell C. Freestone, Ethan D. Corey and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of Delaware whose address is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, is the direct parent company of Massachusetts Financial Services Company.

Robert J. Manning is the Director, Chairman of the Board and President, Donald A. Stewart is a Director, Mark N. Polebaum is the Secretary, Mitchell C. Freestone, Ethan D. Corey, Daniel W. Finegold and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries, Paul T. Kirwan is the Treasurer, Elizabeth Petipas is the Assistant Treasurer and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax officer.

MFS Investment Management Company (LUX) S.A., a joint stock company organized under the laws of Luxembourg whose registered office is 49, Avenue J.F. Kennedy, L-1855, Kirchberg, Luxembourg, is the management company of the MFS Investment Funds, which has 3 portfolios: MFS Investment Funds-Global Equity Ex-Japan Fund, MFS Investment Funds-Global Equity Fund and MFS Investment Funds-Global Equity Eurozone Bias Fund.

Maria F. Dwyer is Director and President, Martin E. Beaulieu and Robin A. Stelmach are Directors, Paul T. Kirwan is Treasurer, Mark D. Fischer, Elizabeth Petipas, David L. DiLorenzo, Ellen M. Moynihan and James O. Yost are Assistant Treasurers, Mark N. Polebaum is the Secretary, Christopher R. Bohane, Daniel W. Finegold, Mitchell C. Freestone, Ethan D. Corey, Timothy M. Fagan, Richard S. Weitzel and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

Four Pillars Capital, Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of Delaware whose address is 500 Boylston Street, 12th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, is the direct parent company of Massachusetts Financial Services Company.

Robert J. Manning is Director and President, Paul T. Kirwan is Director and Treasurer, Elizabeth Petipas is Assistant Treasurer, Mark N. Polebaum is Secretary, Ethan D. Corey, Daniel W. Finegold, Mitchell C. Freestone and Susan S. Newton are Assistant Secretaries and Timothy F. Tierney is the Tax Officer.

MFS Institutional Advisors (Canada), Inc. (MFSIC), a company incorporated under the laws of Canada whose address is 39 Forest Grove Drive, Whitby, Ontario L1R2A6, Canada, is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc. The company is a registered limited market dealer in Ontario.

Carol W. Geremia is President and Director, Martin E. Beaulieu is Director, Sarah E. Donahue is Director and Assistant Secretary, Ethan D. Corey is Secretary and Paul T. Kirwan is Treasurer.

In addition, the following persons, Directors or officers of MFS, have the affiliations indicated:

Donald A. Stewart    Chief Executive Officer, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Sun Life Financial Centre, 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mr. Stewart is also an officer and/or Director of various subsidiaries and affiliates of Sun Life)
Thomas A. Bogart    General Counsel for Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Sun Life Financial Centre, 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Kevin Dougherty    President of Sun Life Global Investments, Sun Life Financial Centre, 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

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MAZAMA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. (“MAZAMA”)

The following are the names of the principal executive officers of Mazama and their positions with Mazama and other entities.

Executive Management/Board of Directors

Ronald A. Sauer

CEO/Chief Investment Officer/Senior Portfolio Manager

Investment experience: since 1980

Firm Experience: since 1993

Mr. Sauer is the founder of Mazama Capital Management. He oversees the investment process and is the lead portfolio manager on all Mazama strategies. Mr. Sauer has been active in small and mid cap investing since 1980. In his role as President and Director of Research for Black & Company, Ron spent 14 years assisting small and mid cap managers with stock selection. Earlier in his career as an analyst at Willamette Management, and now as our lead portfolio manager, Mr. Sauer developed a highly disciplined and successful investment process. He developed Mazama’s proprietary Price Performance Model (PPM) in 1985, and it is a critical component and the underlying discipline of Mazama’s investment approach. Mr. Sauer earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Oregon in 1980. Currently, Mr. Sauer is on the Dean’s Business Advisory Council, Charles H. Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon, as well as the national Board of Directors for the University of Oregon Alumni Association. He is also on the Board of Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation Council of Trustees in Portland, Oregon, a 100 Top Hospitals Award national winner.

Brian P. Alfrey

Director, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer

Investment Experience: since 1987

Firm Experience: since 1997

Mr. Alfrey is a co-founder of Mazama Capital Management and a member of its board of directors. As the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, he oversees all aspects of the firm’s business including operations and trading, business administration, personnel, finance, compliance and risk management. He has been responsible for day-to-day management of Mazama Capital Management since the firm was founded in 1997. Prior to joining Mazama he spent four years as Regional Vice President for BISYS, Inc. where he was responsible for distribution and marketing of US Bancorp’s highly successful Qualivest Fund Family, which he helped launch in 1994. Earlier, he worked as the Compliance Officer for US Bancorp’s Securities Division and as a registered representative for Paine Webber, Inc. Mr. Alfrey earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Portland State University.

Helen M. Degener

Director/Strategic Advisor

Investment Experience: since 1966

Firm Experience: since 1999

As a member of Mazama’s Board of Directors and previously as Mazama’s Chief Investment Officer, Ms. Degener provides strategic advice to the executive management team, drawing upon 40 years of investment management experience. A close colleague of Ron Sauer’s since 1983, Ms. Degener’s career on Wall Street began in 1966 as a Research Analyst at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company and continued to include such positions as Vice President, Portfolio Manager & Director of Research at Lepercq de Neuflize, Portfolio Manager for JPMorgan and Senior Vice President & Portfolio Manager for Fiduciary Trust Company International, Helen also oversaw publicly traded mutual funds at Lepercq de Neuflize, JPMorgan and Fiduciary. Ms. Degener attended graduate school at Clark University and New York University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Lake Erie College in 1963. Ms. Degener is also VP and Portfolio Manager for the The Mathes Company.

 

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Jill R. Collins Eberwein

Director, Strategic Adviser

Investment Experience: since 1987

Firm Experience: since 1995

Ms. Collins Eberwein is a co-founder of Mazama Capital Management, a shareholder and is a Director and strategic advisor to the client service and marketing team. Starting at inception of the firm she led the client service & marketing team efforts for the firm, and set the standard for the high level of service and professionalism on that team. Prior to joining Mazama, Ms. Collins spent 9 years with Marsh & McLennan, Inc., where she focused on large, corporate clients. As Senior Vice President at Marsh, she was responsible for building the company’s West Coast sales organization and leading its efforts to attract and retain new institutional clients. Prior to that, she was the marketing manager for San Francisco-based Fee + Munson Architects. Ms. Collins brings a relationship-driven approach to marketing that is at the heart of Mazama’s focus on client service. Ms. Collins received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon.

Stephen C. Brink, CFA

Director, Strategic Adviser

Investment Experience: since 1977

Firm Experience: since 1997

Mr. Brink is a co-founder of Mazama Capital Management, a shareholder, and serves as a Director and advisor to the investment team. For ten years, starting at inception of the firm, he acted as Director of Research and PM, in this role overseeing the investment process and research information flow and quality. Mr. Brink provided a solid analytical foundation, developed during his extensive experience in the investment industry. Mr. Brink began his career as a research analyst covering public and private companies with Willamette Management. He joined US Trust in 1984, later becoming its Chief Investment Officer of the Pacific Northwest office responsible for the investment advisory services for over $1.5 billion in client assets. He left US Trust in 1997 to join Mazama Capital Management. Mr. Brink earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oregon State University and received his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1982.

Executive Officers

Donald J. Klotter

Senior Vice President, Client Service & Marketing

Investment Experience: since 1988

Firm Experience: since 2001

Mr. Klotter is a senior member of the client service & marketing team working closely with all members of the Mazama client service & marketing team in both ongoing client service functions and external marketing. Prior to joining Mazama, Mr. Klotter spent over four years with State Street Bank Corporation as a Senior Vice President, Managing Director and co-manager of the German office, responsible for building an investment banking division throughout Europe. He was also responsible for sell-side products and relationship management with the largest institutional investors in the region. Before that Mr. Klotter was responsible for the structured finance department at US Bancorp for 5 years, his last two years working as a Senior Vice President and Managing Director. Currently, Mr. Klotter is on the Alumni Advisory Council, Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon, as well as the national Board of Directors for the University of Oregon Alumni Association. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/German Literature from the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon in 1986 and an MA in International Business from Columbia University in 1987.

 

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Shannon M. Lynch

Chief Compliance Officer

Investment Experience: since 2000

Firm Experience: since 2000

Ms. Lynch has been with the firm and in the investment business since 2000. She has been dedicated to compliance since 2002, and with the guidance of Brian Alfrey (Mr. Alfrey maintained the title of CCO from the effective date of Rule 206(4)-7 through 12/31/2006), has developed the firm’s compliance program to accommodate firm growth and additional regulatory requirements. Ms. Lynch dedicates 100% of her time entirely to compliance related matters and continues to work closely with Mr. Alfrey to continue to monitor the firm’s compliance and operational risk. She is a Certified Compliance Specialist, National Regulatory Services and active in the National Society of Compliance Professionals. She earned her BA Speech Communication from Oregon State University.

 

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NORTHERN TRUST INVESTMENTS. N.A. (“NTI”)

Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

Northern Trust Investments, N.A. (“NTI,” formerly known and conducting business as Northern Trust Investments, Inc.) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Northern Trust Company (“TNTC”), an Illinois state chartered bank. TNTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northern Trust Corporation (“NTC”), a bank holding company. NTI is located at 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603. Unless otherwise indicated, NTI and TNTC are referred to collectively as “Northern Trust.” Set forth below is a list of officers and directors of NTI, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years. Most officers and directors of NTI hold comparable positions with TNTC (other than as director), as indicated below, and certain other officers of NTI hold comparable positions with Northern Trust Securities, Inc. (“NTSI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTC. NTSI is located at 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603.

 

Name and Position with Investment Adviser (NTI)

  

Name of Other Company

  

Position with Other Company

Beckman, Carl P.    The Northern Trust Company    Senior Vice President
Treasurer and Senior Vice President      
Carberry, Craig R.    The Northern Trust Company    Senior Attorney
Secretary      
Dudley, Jr., Orie Leslie    The Northern Trust Company    Executive Vice President
Director, Executive    and Northern Trust Corporation    and Chief Investment Officer
Vice President and      
Chief Investment Officer      
Gingras, Donna    Northern Trust Securities, Inc.    Senior Vice President
Vice President & Controller      
Gossett, Mark C.    The Northern Trust Company    Senior Vice President
Director, Chief Operating Officer and      
Senior Vice President      
Logan, Lyle    The Northern Trust Company    Executive Vice President
Executive Vice President & Director      

 

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Mancusi, Stella    The Northern Trust Company    Vice President
Assistant Treasurer &      
Second Vice President      
Meservey, Marilyn J.    The Northern Trust Company    Vice President
Assistant Treasurer & Vice President      

Robertson, Alan W.

   The Northern Trust Company    Senior Vice President

Director & Senior Vice President

     
St. Clair, Joyce    The Northern Trust Company    Executive Vice President
Director      
Vardas, Michael A.    The Northern Trust Company    Senior Vice President
Director & Senior Vice President      
Waddell, Frederick H.    The Northern Trust Company    Executive Vice President
Director, President & CEO      
Wennlund, Lloyd A.    The Northern Trust Company    Executive Vice President
Director and Executive      
Vice President      

PYRAMIS GLOBAL ADVISORS, LLC. (PYRAMIS)

PYRAMIS serves as investment adviser to a number of other investment companies. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held, during the past two fiscal years, the following positions of a substantial nature.

 

Young D. Chin

   President, Chairman, Director of PGA, LLC; President, CIO and Director of PGATC; Director of PC ULC.

William E. Dailey

   CAO, Director of PGA, LLC, PGATC, and PGAHC; Director and CEO of PYR-UK Limited; URP, Director, and President of PC ULC.

Robert J. Haber

   CIO of PGA, LLC, PGATC and PC ULC.

Michael W. Howard

   CFO, Treasurer, Director of PGA, LLC, PGATC, PGAHC and PC ULC; Director of PYR-UK Limited; Treasurer of PDC.

Kenneth A. Rathgaber

   Chief Compliance Officer of PGA, LLC, FMR, FMRC, FMR U.K., FRAC, FIMM, and Strategic Advisers, Inc.

 

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SANDS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC (“SANDS”)

Sands Capital Management, LLC is located at:

1100 Wilson Blvd., Suite 3050, Arlington, VA 22209

Listed below are the names, addresses, and principal occupations during the past five years for the principal executive officers, directors, or general partners of Sands Capital:

 

Name

  

Title

  

Length of Service

  

Business Experience Past 5 Years

Frank M. Sands, Sr., CFA

   Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer    16 years   

David E. Levanson, CFA

   Senior Research Analyst, Senior Portfolio Manager, Director of U.S. Mutual Funds    6 years    Before re-joining Sands Capital in 2002, Mr. Levanson was a research analyst for MFS Investment Management.

Frank M. Sands, Jr., CFA

   President, Senior Portfolio Manager, Director of Research    8 years   

A. Michael Sramek, CFA

   Senior Research Analyst, Senior Portfolio Manager    7 years   

 

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SSgA FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC. (“SsgA FM”)

SSgA FM

Following is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of SSgA FM and their principal occupation. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2900.

Name

 

Principal Occupation

James E. Ross   President of SSgA FM and Senior Managing Director of SSgA, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company
Peter Leahy   Director of SSgA FM; an Executive Vice President of State Street Corporation and Chief Product Officer and Senior Managing Director of SSgA, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company
Thomas Kelly   Treasurer, SSgA FM; Senior Managing Director and Comptroller of SSgA, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company
Beverly DeWitt   Chief Compliance Officer of SSgA FM and Vice President and Interim Chief Compliance Officer of SSgA, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company
Mark Duggan   Director and Chief Legal Officer, SSgA FM; Senior Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel at SSgA, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company

Officers and Directors of SSgA FM

James E. Ross

Jim is a Senior Managing Director of SSgA and President of SSgA FM. He is responsible for Product Development, Marketing and Product Management of all of SSgA’s investment strategies offered through financial intermediaries. Prior to this role, Jim was responsible for the global product development of exchange traded funds. Jim also has extensive experience at both SSgA and State Street in all aspects of fund administration, fund accounting and custody services. Prior to joining State Street in 1992, Jim was employed by Ernst & Young as a senior accountant, responsible for auditing investment companies and insurance companies.

Jim holds a Bachelor degree in Accountancy from Bentley College and has passed Certified Public Accountant exam in Massachusetts.

 

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Peter Leahy

Peter is a Director of SSgA FM. He is an Executive Vice President of State Street Corporation and Chief Product Officer of SSgA. In this role, Peter oversees the New Product Development team, reviewing SSgA’s existing products and strategies as well as managing the array, content and timing of strategies which SSgA seeks to create and distribute. As such, Peter is also responsible for the Absolute Return initiative and oversees Advisor Strategies, SSgA Funds Management, Inc., Fiduciary Services, Global Mergers and Acquisitions, and SSgA’s subsidiary businesses of State Street Global Alliance, LLC and CitiStreet. Peter is a member of SSgA’s Executive Management Group and is Vice-chair of the SSgAInvestment Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for CitiStreet, State Street Global Alliance, LLC, SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and State Street Global Markets.

Joining SSgA in 1991 as a member of the Global Structured Products group, Peter then managed the group from 1996 to 2004. In 2004 he oversaw the Finance, Technology, Operations and Human Resource functions for State Street Global Advisors worldwide. Prior to joining SSgA, Peter worked at Bankers Trust Investment Management in the derivative products and index management groups. Earlier in his career, he was a Research Analyst at Foster, Dykema, Cabot & Company in Boston. Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Middlebury College and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Chicago. He earned the Chartered Financial Analyst Designation, and is a member of the FTSE Equity Index Committee and the S&P Index Advisory Panel.

Thomas Kelly

Tom is a Senior Managing Director of SSgA and Treasurer of SSgA FM. He joined the firm in 1979. Tom manages the team that is responsible for monitoring all aspects of SSgA’s revenue and expense budgets as well as the financial reporting processes. Prior to joining SSgA, he worked for the Chief Financial Officer as Corporate Staff Comptroller. Preceding this, Tom was responsible for managing all administrative activities for the Information Systems division of the firm. Previously, he has also held positions in the Funds Flow Department and the Master Trust Division of State Street Corporation. Tom has been working in the investment management field since 1993.

Tom holds an MBA from Babson College and is a graduate of Bentley College.

Mark Duggan, Esq.

Mark is the Chief Legal Officer of SSgA FM. He is a Senior Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel at SSgA. He joined the firm in 1996. Mark manages a team of nine lawyers and is responsible for all legal issues for SSgA’s business in the United States and Canada, including ERISA, tax, banking, securities laws, investment adviser and mutual fund regulation. Prior to joining SSgA, Mark was in-house Counsel at The Boston Company, Inc., specializing in mutual fund administration and investment advisory work. Prior to this, he was an Associate in the corporate department of the Boston law firm Ropes & Gray, concentrating on mutual funds, investment advisory and other financial services issues.

Mark received a BA from the University of Notre Dame and a JD from the University of Chicago.

Beverly J. DeWitt, Esq.

Beverly became Chief Compliance Officer of SSgA FM on August 15, 2007. She was named Interim Chief Compliance Officer of SSgA on June 18, 2007. She is a Vice President of SSgA. Beverly is a lawyer with seventeen years of legal and compliance experience in the investment adviser and mutual fund industry. In addition to her recent responsibilities of Interim CCO of SSgA, Beverly’s responsibilities include oversight and administration of the combined Code of Ethics for SSgA and SSgA FM. Beverly is also responsible for general compliance and regulatory reporting responsibilities for SSgA FM and SSgA. Prior to joining the firm in November 2005, Beverly was Senior Vice President and Senior Compliance Officer at IXIS Asset Management North America, a Boston-based holding company of investment management affiliates, where she was responsible for oversight of compliance matters at the affiliates.

Beverly began her legal career as an Associate in the corporate department of the Boston law firm, Choate, Hall & Stewart. Prior to law school, Beverly was a registered nurse and nurse practitioner. Beverly received a BA from Florida International University and a JD from the University of Virginia.

 

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T. ROWE PRICE ASSOCIATES, INC. (“T. ROWE PRICE”)

Business and Other Connections of Investment Manager

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (“Group”) owns 100% of the stock of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Group was formed in 2000 as a holding company for the T. Rowe Price affiliated companies.

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“Price Associates”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Group, was incorporated in Maryland in 1947. Price Associates serves as investment adviser to individual and institutional investors, including investment companies. Price Associates is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

T. Rowe Price Savings Bank (“Savings Bank”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in 2000 as a federally chartered savings bank. The Savings Bank provides federally insured bank products to a national customer base.

T. Rowe Price International, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price International”), a Maryland corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of TRP Finance, Inc. T. Rowe Price International was incorporated in Maryland in 1979 and provides investment counsel service with respect to foreign securities for institutional investors. In addition to managing private counsel client accounts, T. Rowe Price International also sponsors and serves as adviser and subadviser to U.S. and foreign registered investment companies which invest in foreign securities, and provides investment advice to the T. Rowe Price Trust Company, trustee of the International Common Trust Fund. T. Rowe Price International, which has offices in London, Baltimore, and other global locations, is an SEC registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and is also registered with the Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) in the United Kingdom, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”), and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (“SFC”).

T. Rowe Price Global Investment Services Limited (“Global Investment Services”), is a U.K. corporation, organized in 2000 and a wholly owned subsidiary of Group. Global Investment Services is a registered investment adviser with the FSA, the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (“KLFB”) and FSA in Japan, and with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Global Investment Services is an investment manager, with primary responsibility for marketing and client servicing for non-U.S. clients. Global Investment Services may delegate investment management responsibilities to Price Associates or T. Rowe Price International. Global Investment Services also acts as sponsor, investment manager, and primary distributor of the TRP Funds SICAV. Global Investment Services is headquartered in London, and has several other global locations.

T. Rowe Price Global Asset Management Limited (“Global Asset Management”), is a U.K. corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Group. Global Asset Management is a registered investment adviser with the FSA and provides investment management services to Japanese investment trusts and other investment products for sale, investors in Japan pursuant to one or more delegation agreements entered into between Daiwa SB Investments, Ltd. and Global Asset Management, or non-U.S. registered collective investment schemes and Global Asset Management. Global Asset Management is also an SEC registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. (“Investment Services”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in Maryland in 1980 for the specific purpose of acting as principal underwriter and distributor for the registered investment companies which Price Associates and T. Rowe Price International sponsor and serve as investment adviser (the “Price Funds”). Investment Services also serves as distributor for any proprietary variable annuity products. Investment Services is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. In 1984, Investment Services expanded its activities to include a brokerage service.

T. Rowe Price Associates Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”) was incorporated in 1981 (and is not a subsidiary of Price Associates). The Foundation’s overall objective is to improve the quality of life in the community at large by making charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations benefiting education, arts and culture, civic and

 

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community, and human services interests. In addition to grant making, the Foundation also has a very generous matching gift program whereby contributions and volunteer service T. Rowe Price employees give to qualifying organizations of their choice are matched according to established guidelines.

T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. (“Price Services”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in Maryland in 1982 and is registered as a transfer agent under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Price Services provides transfer agent, dividend disbursing, and certain other services, including accounting and shareholder services, to the Price Funds, and also provides accounting services to certain affiliates of Price Associates.

T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. (“RPS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in Maryland in 1991 and is registered as a transfer agent under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. RPS provides administrative, recordkeeping, and subaccounting services to administrators of employee benefit plans.

T. Rowe Price Trust Company (“Trust Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in 1983 as a Maryland-chartered limited-service trust company for the purpose of providing fiduciary services. The Trust Company serves as trustee and/or custodian of certain qualified and nonqualified employee benefit plans, individual retirement accounts, and common trust funds.

TRPH Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in 1997 to acquire an interest in a U.K.-based corporate finance advisory firm.

T. Rowe Price Threshold Fund Associates, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in Maryland in 1994 and serves as the general partner of T. Rowe Price Threshold Fund III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership organized in 1995 which invests in private financings of emerging growth companies.

T. Rowe Price Recovery Fund II Associates, L.L.C., is a Maryland limited liability company (with Price Associates and the Trust Company as its members) incorporated in 1996 to serve as General Partner of T. Rowe Price Recovery Fund II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership which invests in financially distressed companies.

T. Rowe Price (Canada), Inc. (“TRP Canada”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, is a Maryland corporation organized in 1988. TRP Canada is registered with the Ontario Securities Commission, as a non-Canadian Advisor, in the categories of Investment Counsel and Portfolio Manager, to provide advisory services to individual and institutional clients residing in Canada. TRP Canada is also registered with the Manitoba Securities Commission as an Investment Counsel (International Adviser) and with the British Columbia Securities Commission as a Portfolio Manager and Investment Counsel (Securities) and with the SEC as a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

T. Rowe Price Insurance Agency, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Group, was incorporated in Maryland in 1994 and licensed to do business in several states to act primarily as a distributor of proprietary variable annuity products.

Since 1983, Price Associates has organized several distinct Maryland limited partnerships, which are informally called the Pratt Street Ventures partnerships, for the purpose of acquiring interests in growth-oriented businesses.

TRP Suburban, Inc. (“TRP Suburban”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in Maryland in 1990. TRP Suburban entered into agreements with McDonogh School and CMANE-McDonogh-Rowe Limited Partnership to construct an office building in Owings Mills, Maryland, which currently houses Price Associates investment technology personnel.

TRP Suburban Second, Inc., a wholly owned Maryland subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in 1995 to primarily engage in the development and ownership of real property located in Owings Mills, Maryland. The corporate campus houses transfer agent, plan administrative services, retirement plan services, and operations support functions.

TRP Colorado Springs, LLC, a wholly owned Maryland subsidiary of Price Associates, was formed in 2006 to

 

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primarily engage in the development and ownership of real property located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

TRP Finance, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Price Associates, was incorporated in Delaware in 1990 to manage certain passive corporate investments and other intangible assets.

T. Rowe Price Advisory Services, Inc., (“Advisory Services”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Group, was incorporated in Maryland in 2000. Advisory Services is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and provides investment advisory services to individuals, including shareholders of the Price Funds.

Directors of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

Listed below are the directors and executive officers of Group who have other substantial businesses, professions, vocations, or employment aside from their association with Price Associates:

James T. Brady, Director of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Mr. Brady is the managing director of MidAtlantic of Ballantrae International, Ltd., a management consulting firm; Nexcen Brands, Inc. an owner, manager, and developer of intellectual property; Constellation Energy Group, a diversified energy company; and McCormick & Company, Inc., a manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of spices and seasonings. Mr. Brady’s address is 5625 Broadmoor Terrace, Ijamsville, Maryland 21754.

J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr., Director of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Mr. Broaddus is a former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and is a member of the American Economic Association and the National Association of Business Economists. He also serves on the board of directors of Owens & Minor, Inc., a medical/surgical supplies distributor; Albemarle Corporation, a specialty chemicals producer; and Markel Corporation, a specialty insurer. Mr. Broaddus’ address is 4114 Hanover Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23221.

Donald B. Hebb, Jr., Director of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Mr. Hebb is the managing general partner of ABS Capital Partners. Mr. Hebb’s address is 400 E. Pratt Street, Suite 910, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

Dr. Alfred Sommer, Director of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Dr. Sommer retired as dean of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in September 2005. He continues to serve as a professor of ophthalmology, epidemiology, and international health at this institution; Director of BD, Inc., a medical technology company; Director of the Academy for Educational Development; Chairman of the MicroNutrient Forum; Director of the Foundation of the National Institutes of Health; Director of the Laser Foundation; and senior medical advisor for Helen Keller International. Dr. Sommer’s address is 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6527, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.

Dwight S. Taylor, Director of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Mr. Taylor is president of Corporate Development Services, LLC, a commercial real estate developer that is a subsidiary of Corporate Office Properties Trust, and a director of MICROS Systems, Inc., a provider of information technology for the hospitality and retail industry. He also serves on the National Board of the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties, and is President of its Maryland chapter. Mr. Taylor is a founding member of Associated Black Charities of Maryland and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Foundation, Capitol College, and Lincoln University. Mr. Taylor’s address is 8815 Centre Park Drive, Suite 400, Columbia, Maryland 21045.

Anne Marie Whittemore, Director of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Mrs. Whittemore is a partner of the law firm of McGuireWoods, L.L.P. and a Director of Owens & Minor, Inc. and Albemarle Corporation. Mrs. Whittemore’s address is One James Center, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

The following are directors or executive officers of Group and/or the investment managers (Price Associates, T. Rowe Price International, Global Investment Services, or Global Asset Management):

 

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Name

 

Company Name

 

Position Held With Company

Edward C. Bernard   T. Rowe Price Advisory Services, Inc.  

Director President

  T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  

Director Vice President

  T. Rowe Price (Canada), Inc.  

Director President

  T. Rowe Price Global Asset Management Limited  

Chairman of the Board Director

  T. Rowe Price Global Investment Services Limited  

Chairman of the Board Director

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Vice Chairman of the Board Director Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Insurance Agency, Inc.  

Director President

  T. Rowe Price International, Inc.  

Director

  T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.  

Chairman of the Board Director President

  T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc.  

Chairman of the Board Director

  T. Rowe Price Savings Bank  

Chairman of the Board Director

  T. Rowe Price Services, Inc.  

Chairman of the Board Director

  T. Rowe Price Trust Company  

Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Officer Director President

Calum Ferguson   T. Rowe Price Global Asset Management Limited  

Chief Compliance Officer Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Global Investment Services Limited  

Chief Compliance Officer Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Vice President

  T. Rowe Price International, Inc.  

Chief Compliance Officer Vice President

John R. Gilner   T. Rowe Price Advisory Services, Inc.  

Chief Compliance Officer

  T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  

Chief Compliance Officer Vice President

  T. Rowe Price (Canada), Inc.  

Chief Compliance Officer Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Vice President

 

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  T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.  

Vice President

James A.C. Kennedy   T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  

Director President

  T. Rowe Price Global Asset Management Limited  

Director

  T. Rowe Price Global Investment Services Limited  

Director

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Chief Executive Officer Director President

  T. Rowe Price International, Inc.  

Director

  T. Rowe Price Threshold Fund Associates, Inc.  

Director Vice President

S. James Mazarakis   T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  

Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Chief Technology Officer Vice President

Kenneth V. Moreland   T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  

Chief Financial Officer

  TRP Colorado Springs, L.L.C.  

President

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Chief Financial Officer Vice President

  TRP Finance, Inc.  

Director President

  TRP Suburban, Inc.  

Director President

  TRP Suburban Second, Inc.  

Director President

Mary J. Miller   T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  

Director Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Trust Company  

Director

Brian C. Rogers   T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  

Chief Investment Officer Director Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Chairman of the Board Chief Investment Officer Director Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Trust Company  

Vice President

R. Todd Ruppert   T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  

Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Global Asset Management Limited  

Chief Executive Officer Director President

  T. Rowe Price Global Investment Services Limited  

Chief Executive Officer Director President

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Vice President

 

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  T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc.  

Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Trust Company  

Vice President

  TRPH Corporation  

Director President

  T. Rowe Price (Canada), Inc.  

Vice President

David J.L. Warren   T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  

Director

  T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.  

Vice President

  T. Rowe Price Global Asset Management Ltd.  

Director

  T. Rowe Price Global Investment Services Ltd.  

Director

  T. Rowe Price International, Inc.  

Chief Executive Officer Director President

Certain directors and officers of Group and Price Associates are also officers and/or directors of one or more of the Price Funds and/or one or more of the affiliated entities listed herein.

See also “Management of the Funds,” in Registrant’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

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TURNER INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC.

 

NAME AND POSITION WITH COMPANY

  

OTHER COMPANY

  

POSITION WITH OTHER COMPANY

Thomas R. Trala

Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Secretary

   Turner Funds    President
   Turner Investment Partners Pty. Ltd.    Board Member & Chief Operating Officer
   Turner Investment Management LLC    Board Member, President & Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer
   Turner International Ltd.    Director

Mark D. Turner

Vice Chairman of the Board; President,

Senior Portfolio Manager

   Turner Investment Management, LLC    Chairman

Robert E. Turner

Chairman of the Board; Chief Investment Officer; Chief Executive Officer

  

Turner Funds

 

Turner Investment Partners Pty. Ltd.

  

Trustee

 

Board Member

   Bradley University (Peoria, IL)    Trustee
   The Crossroads School (Paoli, PA)    Trustee
   Turner International Ltd.    Director

Christopher K. McHugh

Board Member, Vice President,

Senior Portfolio Manager

   Philadelphia University    Trustee

The principal address of Turner Investment Partners and its subsidiaries Turner Investment Management, LLC and Turner Investment Partners Pty. Ltd., is 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, PA, 19312.

The principal address of Turner International Ltd., is Communications House, 26 York Street, London, W1U 6PZ.

 

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VICTORY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC. (“VICTORY”)

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

 

Full Legal Name

 

Title or Status

 

Date Title or Status Acquired

KeyBank N.A.

  Shareholder   7/2003

Babin, Lawrence G.

  CIO, Diversified Product   9/2004

Fox, Kenneth F

  CCO   9/2001

Globits, Leslie Z.

  CIO, Mid Cap Product   3/2007

Janus, Richard A.

  CIO, Convertible Securities Product   1/2005

Koury, Cynthia G.

  CIO, Balanced Product   3/2005

Maronak, Erick F.

  CIO, Large Cap Growth Product   1/2005

Sachdeva, Arvind K.

  CIO, Intrinsic & Deep Value Product   9/2004

Seballos, Lisa

  CFO   1/2007

Miller, Gary

  CIO, Small Cap Product   3/2006

Summers, Mark H.

  CAO   12/2002

Wagner, Robert L.

  President & CEO   3/2005

Zeiger, Richard G.

  Secretary   5/2005

Ruch, Craig E.

  CIO, Fixed Income   11/2007

Brown, David Craig

  Senior Managing Director and COO   1/2006

 

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Lawrence G. Babin, CFA

Chief Investment Officer – Diversified Equity

Senior Portfolio Manager

Senior Managing Director

Mr. Babin is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Managing Director with Victory Capital Management. He is the Chief Investment Officer for Victory’s diversified equity strategy. Mr. Babin joined Victory and/or an affiliate in 1982 following five years prior investment experience. He is the portfolio manager for common, collective and mutual funds as well as portfolios for corporations, endowments, foundations, health care and nonprofits managed in the diversified style.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Babin held a variety of positions including security analyst, investment analyst, and portfolio manager for Detroit Bank & Trust, Joseph Miller & Russell and H. I. Glass.

Mr. Babin is a recognized expert in the financial markets and has been featured, or quoted, in publications and media outlets such as: Barron’s, Dow Jones News, Financial Advisor, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and The Wall Street Journal. In addition, he and his team were awarded the prestigious #1 rating from Lipper for the Victory Diversified Stock Fund. He has a long established track record of providing large cap core clients with superior returns while controlling risk.

Mr. Babin holds a Bachelor of Science from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. In addition, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charterholder.

 

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G. Patrick Dunkerley, CFA

Chief Investment Officer – Mid Cap Core/Relative Value Equity

Senior Portfolio Manager

Managing Director

Mr. Dunkerley is a Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Managing Director with Victory Capital Management.He joined Victory in 2001 following eight years prior investment experience. Mr. Dunkerley is the lead portfolio manager for the Mid Cap Core/Relative Value team which manages common, collective, mutual fund, as well as portfolios for high net worth individuals, corporations, endowments, foundations, healthcare and nonprofit organizations.

Prior to his tenure with the firm, he was a vice president and Director of Equity Research for Securities Corporation of Iowa.

Mr. Dunkerley has been quoted in a variety of media publications, including the “Heard on the Street” column of The Wall Street Journal, and excerpts from his research have been published in Barron’s. He has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Iowa discussing the methodologies of securities analysis.

Mr. Dunkerley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri and a Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate University (California). In addition, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charterholder.

 

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Kenneth F. Fox, Jr.

Chief Compliance Officer

Managing Director

Mr. Fox is Chief Compliance Officer and a Managing Director with Victory Capital Management. He has been with Victory and/or an affiliate since 1997. Previously, he served as a compliance officer and an audit manager with McDonald Investments.

Mr. Fox received a Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University, and a Master of Business Administration from Cleveland State University. In addition, he holds Series 7, 8, 63, and 66 licenses and Ohio Life, Health, and Variable Annuity licenses.

 

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Richard A. Janus, CFA, CFP

Chief Investment Officer – Convertible Securities

Senior Portfolio Manager

Senior Managing Director

Mr. Janus is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Managing Director with Victory Capital Management. He is the Chief Investment Officer for Convertible Securities. He joined Victory and/or an affiliate in 1977 following three years prior investment experience.

Prior to his tenure with the firm, Mr. Janus was a bank examiner with the Treasury Department. Currently, he serves as the lead portfolio manager for several common, collective and mutual funds, as well as individual, high net worth portfolios.

A frequent lecturer on convertible securities, Mr. Janus has written several articles on this subject and has served as a product expert on this unique asset class.

Mr. Janus holds a Bachelor of Science from David N. Myer College and a Master of Economics from Cleveland State University. In addition, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charterholder and a Certified Financial Planner.

 

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Cynthia G. Koury

Chief Investment Officer – Balanced Strategy

Senior Portfolio Manager

Senior Managing Director

Ms. Koury is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Managing Director with Victory Capital Management. She is the Chief Investment Officer for Victory’s Balanced strategy.

Ms. Koury began her investment career with Victory and/or an affiliate in 1996 following seven years prior investment experience. She is the Chief Investment Officer for the balanced team which is responsible for the oversight of all balanced accounts with Victory Capital Management. As team lead, she also chairs the asset allocation committee. Her area of expertise is managing portfolios for foundations, endowments, and nonprofit organizations. Ms. Koury manages several large accounts that require alternative investments such as hedge funds and private equity.

Ms. Koury is a trustee for Applewood Center, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio and ClevelandScores. She is a member of the Financial Advisory Board for The Sisters of the Humility of Mary and the investment committee of St. Paul’s Church, Cleveland, Ohio. She is a member of the Cleveland Society of Security Analysts. She has lectured on socially responsible investing and has appeared on local television programs as a guest expert on asset management.

Ms. Koury holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont and a Master of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University.

 

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Erick F. Maronak

Chief Investment Officer, Victory NewBridge

Senior Managing Director

Mr. Maronak is the Chief Investment Officer and Senior Managing Director with Victory NewBridge Capital Management. Additionally, he is a member of the Investment Policy Committee.

Previously, he was a portfolio manager and the director of research in the Campbell, Cowperthwait division of U.S. Trust Company. Mr. Maronak joined U.S. Trust in February of 1990.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the City University of New York, Queens College in 1990 and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from St. John’s University in 1996.

 

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Arvind K. Sachdeva, CFA

Chief Investment Officer – Intrinsic Large Cap & Deep Value

Senior Portfolio Manager

Senior Managing Director

Mr. Sachdeva is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Managing Director with Victory Capital Management. He is the Chief Investment Officer for Intrinsic Large Cap Value and Deep Value strategies.

He joined Victory and/or an affiliate in 2000 following 16 years prior investment experience. Mr. Sachdeva oversees all elements of the Intrinsic Large Cap Value and Deep Value portfolio construction processes. He is also the portfolio manager for Victory’s Table Pounders equity product.

Prior to his tenure with the firm, Mr. Sachdeva served as Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Director of Research at Dean Investments.

Mr. Sachdeva is a recognized authority on the specific securities which are considered appropriate for the portfolios he manages. He has been quoted in publications and media outlets, including: The Associated Press, Bloomberg Radio, Bloomberg Television, Business Week, Dow Jones News, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal. He a published author who has written on the evolution of the Asian economy, specifically China, and the impact it has on the economy of the United States.

Mr. Sachdeva holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University. In addition, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charterholder.

 

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Catherine Savvas, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Managing Director

Ms. Savvas is a Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer with Victory Capital Management. She is a member of the senior management and pricing committees. Ms. Savvas has been with KeyCorp since 2001 and joined Victory in 2005.

Prior to her tenure as Chief Financial Officer, she was Vice President and Senior Accounting Manager for KeyCorp’s Accounting Policy and Research Group. Additional past responsibilities include Controller for Trion Technologies, Senior Manager of International Business Services for PricewaterhouseCoopers, and various finance and accounting positions for PepsiCo.

Ms. Savvas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Spanish and a Masters in International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) and is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

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Thomas M. Seay

Chief Investment Officer – Fixed Income

Senior Portfolio Manager

Senior Managing Director

Mr. Seay is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Managing Director with Victory Capital Management. He is the Chief Investment Officer for the Fixed Income investment management division.

He joined Victory and/or an affiliate in 1998 following 19 years prior investment experience. He is responsible for all fixed income portfolio management, including mutual funds, commingled funds and separately managed accounts.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Seay was a vice president at Lexington Global Asset Managers, where he was responsible for the active management of all institutional fixed income accounts. Additionally, he spent two years as a portfolio manager with Travelers Asset Management International Corp.

Mr. Seay is a frequent commentator and a recognized and sought-after speaker on Fixed Income investing and the economy. He has been quoted in such publications and media outlets as Bloomberg, Bloomberg News, Dow Jones News Service and The Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Seay holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia.

 

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Mark H. Summers

Chief Administrative Officer

Senior Managing Director

Mr. Summers is a Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer with Victory Capital Management.

He joined Victory in 2002, bringing more than 23 years of financial industry experience to the position. His responsibilities include: overseeing Victory’s equity trading division, operations department, technical support, management information systems and Master Trust, Custody and Corporate Escrow services. In addition, he coordinates corporate support functions (such as training and compliance) as they relate to Victory Capital Management, and is Victory’s primary liaison with KeyCorp for compliance, legal and Sarbanes-Oxley testing and verification. He oversees Victory’s disaster recovery plan as well.

He is a member of the following committees: senior management, pricing, project advisory, compliance and trust oversight.

Mr. Summers spent 17 years with McDonald Investments Inc., rising to the position of Chief Administrative Officer within Key Capital Partners. Prior to joining McDonald, he served as a government bond sales professional for Prescott, Ball and Turben.

Mr. Summers holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and received his Master of Arts from Bowling Green State University. He holds the following securities licenses: Series 7, 63.

 

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Robert Wagner

President & Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Wagner is President & Chief Executive Officer with Victory Capital Management. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Victory’s asset management business and leads the senior management and pricing committees. Mr. Wagner joined the firm in 2004 as President and was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in the spring of 2005.

Previously, Mr. Wagner served as President and CEO of Gartmore Emerging Managers, LLC, as well as Executive Vice President of Institutional Markets. In this capacity, he identified and recruited talented investment teams and built businesses around them. He was responsible for the management and business performance of those teams. As Executive Vice President of Institutional Markets, he oversaw Gartmore’s development and delivery of investment products to Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, Family Office, and Hedge Fund Aggregator clients.

Prior to joining Gartmore in 2002, Mr. Wagner was with JMI Equity Fund and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of one of its privately held venture-backed companies that provided technology and consulting solutions to the financial services market. Prior to JMI, he served as President of the Institutional Markets Division at Pilgrim Baxter & Associates. He also spent 13 years with SEI Investments in a number of executive management positions.

Mr. Wagner received his bachelor’s degree in business from Western Illinois University. He holds the following securities licenses: 7 and 63.

 

- 80 -


WADDELL & REED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY (“WRIMCO”)

Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company (“WRIMCO”) is an indirect subsidiary of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a publicly held company. The address of these companies is 6300 Lamar Avenue, P.O. Box 29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 62201-9217. WRIMCO and/or its predecessor have served as investment manager to each of the registered investment companies in the Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds, W&R Target Funds, Inc. and Waddell & Reed InvestEd Portfolios, Inc. since each company’s inception.

WRIMCO Directors and Officers

HENRY J. HERRMANN

CEO and President (since 1993), Director (since 1998), and Chairman of the Board (since 2005)

Hire Year 1971

Education: New York University – BS 1966 Chartered Financial Analyst

MIKE L. AVERY

Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (since 2005) and Director (since 2007)

Hire Year 1981

Education: University of Missouri – BS, Saint Louis University - MBA 1981

JOHN E. SUNDEEN, JR.

Director (since 2001), Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (since 2004)

Hire Year 1983

Education: University of Kansas – BS 1983, University of Missouri/Kansas City - MBA, 1986 Chartered Financial Analyst

MARK G. SEFEROVICH

Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager (since 1996)

Hire Year 1989

Education: University of Kansas - BA 1969, University of Arkansas – MBA 1971, Chartered Financial Analyst

KENNETH G. MCQUADE

Vice President and Portfolio Manager (since 2003)

Hire Year 1997

Education: Bradley University, Peoria, IL - BS 1992

BRENT K. BLOSS

Treasurer (since 2004)

Hire Year 2002

Education: Southwest Missouri State University-B.S. in Accounting 1991, C.P.A.

 

- 81 -


LAWRENCE J. CIPOLLA

Chief Operations Officer and Senior Vice President (since 2004)

Hire Year 1995

Education: University of Missouri at Warrensburg, University of Missouri at Kansas City, University of

Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking

DANIEL P. CONNEALY

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President (since 2004) and Director (since 2005)

Hire Year 2004

Education: Rockhurst University (1968) - BSBA in Accounting, C.P.A.

WENDY J. HILLS

Associate General Counsel (since 2000), Secretary (since 2004), and Senior Vice President (since 2007)

Hire Year 1998

Education: University of Kansas - BA, 1993, University of Kansas - School of Law 1997

KRISTEN A. RICHARDS

Associate General Counsel (since 2000), Chief Compliance Officer (since 2001), and Senior Vice President (since 2007)

Hire Year 1995

Education: University of Kansas - BA, 1991, University of Kansas - School of Law – JD, 1994.

DANIEL C. SCHULTE

Senior Vice President and General Counsel (since 2000)

Hire Year 1998

Education: Bethel College - BS, 1988 University of Kansas - School of Law – JD, 1992

 

- 82 -


WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLP (“WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT”)

The principal business address of Wellington Management Company, LLP is 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. Wellington Management Company, LLP is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. During the last two fiscal years, no partner of Wellington Management Company, LLP, the Fund’s investment sub-adviser, has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature other than that of the business of investment management.

WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY (“WESTERN ASSET”)

Western Asset Management Company – 385 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101

Western Asset Management Company

Directors

James W. Hirschmann

Peter L. Bain

Jefferey A. Nattans

Officers

 

Bruce D. Alberts

   Chief Financial Officer

Brett B. Canon

   Director of Operations and Risk Management

D. Daniel Fleet

   President

Daniel E. Giddings

   Assistant Secretary

James W. Hirschmann

   Chief Executive Officer

Gavin L. James

   Director of Global Client Services

Charles A. Ruys de Perez

   Secretary, General Counsel and Head of Legal and Compliance

 

- 83 -


WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (“WAML”)

Western Asset Management Company Limited – 10 Exchange Square, Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EN, United Kingdom

 

Western Asset Management Company Limited

Directors

  

James W. Hirschmann

Peter L. Bain

D. Daniel Fleet

Jeffrey A. Nattans

Michael B. Zelouf

  

Officers

  
D. Daniel Fleet    President
James W. Hirschmann    Managing Director
Suzanne Taylor-King    Finance Officer
Michael B. Zelouf    Senior Executive Officer

 

- 84 -


Unless otherwise indicated, no additional offices are held by the persons listed above.

 

Officer/Director

  

Other Offices Held

Peter L. Bain    Director, LMCM
   Manager, Brandywine
   Director, Brandywine Singapore
   Director, LMFM
   Senior Executive Vice President, Legg Mason, Inc.
   Director, Nova Scotia
   Director, Barrett
   Director, Bartlett
   Director, Berkshire
   Vice President, BMML
   Director, LM Funding
   Director, LMIH
   Director, LM Properties
   Director, LMRG
   President, LMCRES
   President and Director, LM Tower
   Director, PCM I
   Director, PCM II
   Director, Permal
   Manager, Royce
   Director, WAM
   Director, WAMCL
   Director, WAM Tokyo
   Director, WAM Australia
   Director, WAMCO Hldgs Ltd.
   Director, WAM Singapore
D. Daniel Fleet   

Director, WAMCL

Director, WAM Tokyo

Director, WAM Australia

Director, WAMCO Hldgs Ltd.

Director, WAM Singapore

Jeffrey A. Nattans    Vice President, Legg Mason, Inc.
  

Director, LMH UK

Director, LM Holdings

Director, WAMCL

Director, WAM Singapore

James W. Hirschmann III

  

Director, WAM

Director, WAMCL

 

- 85 -


Addresses:

(3040692) Nova Scotia Company (“Nova Scotia”)

1959 Upper Water Street

P.O. Box 997

Halifax, Nova Scotia B35 2X2

Barrett Associates, Inc. (“Barrett”)

565 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Bartlett & Co. (“Bartlett”)

36 East Fourth Street

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Berkshire Asset Management, Inc. (“Berkshire”)

46 Public Square, Suite 700

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

BMML, Inc. (“BMML”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine”)

2929 Arch Street, 8th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Brandywine Global Investment Management (Asia) Pte Ltd (“Brandywine Singapore”)

6 Battery Road

#29-01A

Singapore, 049909

Legg Mason Asset Management Australia Limited (“LMAM Australia”)

Level 13

120 Collins Street

Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Australia

Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. (“LMCM”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Canada Holdings Ltd. (“LM Canada Hldg”)

44 Chipman Hill, 10th Floor

St. John, New Brunswick E2L 4S6

Canada

Legg Mason Funds Management, Inc. (“LMFM”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

 

- 86 -


Legg Mason International Equities Limited (“LMIE”)

Citigroup Centre, Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London E14 5LB

England

Legg Mason International Equities (Hong Kong) Limited (“LMIE Hong Kong”)

20/F., Three Exchange Square

8 Connaught Place, Central

Hong Kong

Legg Mason International Equities (Singapore) Pte. Limited (“LMIE Singapore”)

1 George Street #23-01

Singapore 049145

Legg Mason Funding Corp. (“LM Funding”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason, Inc.

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason International Holdings, LLC (“LMIH”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Properties, Inc. (“LM Properties”)

5955 Carnegie Boulevard

Suite 200

Charlotte, NC 28209

Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, Inc. (“LMREI”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc. (“LMCRES”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21203

Legg Mason Realty Group, Inc. (“LMRG”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Tower, Inc. (“LM Tower”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Investment Counsel & Trust Company, N.A. (“LMIC”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

 

- 87 -


Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

LM Fund Services, Inc. (“LMFunds”)

100 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Legg Mason Investments (Hong Kong) Limited (“LMI Hong Kong”)

20/F., Three Exchange Square

8 Connaught Place, Central

Hong Kong

Legg Mason Investments (Taiwan) Limited (“LMI Taiwan”)

Suite E, 55F, Taipei 101 Tower

7 Xin Yi Road, Section 5

Taipei, 110, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Legg Mason Investments (Taiwan) Holdings Limited (“LMIH Taiwan”)

20/F., Three Exchange Square

8 Connaught Place, Central

Hong Kong

Legg Mason Management Services (Hong Kong) Limited (“LMMS Hong Kong”)

20/F., Three Exchange Square

8 Connaught Place, Central

Hong Kong

LM Holdings, Limited (“LM Holdings”)

10 Exchange Square

Primrose Street

London EC2A 2EN

England

Legg Mason Securities (Japan) Co., Ltd. (“LMS Japan”)

Ote Center Building

1-1-3 Otemachi Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo 100-0004

Japan

Legg Mason Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Spolka Akcyjna (“LM Poland”)

ul. Traugutta 7/9

00-067 Warszawa

POLAND

Legg Mason (UK) Holdings PLC (“LMH UK”)

75 King William Street

London EC4N 7BE

England

Legg Mason Zarzadzanie Aktywami Spolka Akcyjna (“LM Poland II”)

ul. Traugutta 7/9

00-067 Warszawa

POLAND

 

- 88 -


PCM Holdings I, Inc. (“PCM I”)

8889 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Suite 500

Naples, FL 34108-7512

PCM Holdings II, LLC (“PCM II”)

8889 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Suite 500

Naples, FL 34108-7512

Permal Group Ltd (“Permal”)

900 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Royce & Associates, LLC (“Royce”)

1414 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10019

Western Asset Management Company (“WAM”)

385 East Colorado Boulevard

Pasadena, CA 91101

Western Asset Management Company Limited (“WAMCL”)

10 Exchange Square

Primrose Street

London EC2A 2EN

England

Western Asset Management Company Ltd (“WAM Tokyo”)

Ote Center Building

1-1-3 Otemachi Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo 100-0004

Japan

Western Asset Management Company Pty Ltd (“WAM Australia”)

Level 13

120 Collins Street

GPO Box 507

Melbourne Victoria 3000

Australia

Western Asset Management (UK) Holdings Limited (“WAMCO Hldgs Ltd”)

10 Exchange Square

Primrose Street

London EC2A 2EN

England

Western Asset Management Company Pte, Ltd (“WAM Singapore”)

1 George Street, #23-01

Singapore 049145

 

- 89 -


Item 27: Principal Underwriters

(a) MML Distributors LLC is the General Distributor of the Trust Shares.

(b) MML Distributors, LLC is the general distributor for the Registrant.

The following are the names and positions of the officers and directors of MML Distributors, LLC, whose principal office is 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001:

William F. Glavin, Chief Executive Officer, President and Springfield OSF Supervisor (since 4/20/2007), MML Distributors, LLC, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001; Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Peter G. Lahaie, Vice President (since 9/21/2007), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 5/9/2005), MML Distributors, LLC.

Michael Fanning, Member Representative (since 1/1/2007), and U.S. Insurance Group Supervisor (since 4/20/2007), MML Distributors, LLC, MassMutual Holding LLC, and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”), 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001; Chief Operating Officer, Service/Operations, U.S. Insurance Group, MassMutual.

Andrew Dickey, Registration Manager (since 3/13/2008), and Member Representative (since 4/20/2007), MML Distributors, LLC, MassMutual and MassMutual Holding LLC, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001; Senior Vice President and Group Managing Director-Retirement Income, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Robert S. Rosenthal, Vice President (since 4/15/2004), Chief Legal Officer (since 9/2004) and Secretary (since 10/26/2006), MML Distributors, LLC; Vice President and Associate General Counsel, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Kevin LaComb, Assistant Treasurer (since 5/6/2003), MML Distributors, LLC; Assistant Treasurer (11/28/2001), MML Investors Services, Inc., 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001; Assistant Vice President, Corporate Tax, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Camille Donald, Assistant Secretary (since 12/5/2006), MML Distributors, LLC; Assistant Vice President, Associate Secretary and Counsel, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Edward K. Duch, III, Assistant Secretary (since 10/15/2004), MML Distributors, LLC; Assistant Vice President and Counsel, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Susan J. Scanlon, Chief Compliance Officer (since 8/21/2006) and Enfield OSJ Supervisor (since 9/8/2006), MML Distributors, LLC; Vice President, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Alan Taylor, Registration Manager (since 7/1/2006), MML Distributors, LLC; Vice President, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Marilyn Edstrom, Entity Contracting Officer (since 5/9/2005), MML Distributors, LLC; Director-Enterprise Distribution Services, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Bruce C. Frisbie, Assistant Treasurer (since 5/9/2005), MML Distributors; Assistant Vice President and Associate Treasurer, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Jennifer L. Lake, Assistant Treasurer (5/9/2005), MML Distributors, LLC; Second Vice President, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Robert Wittneben, Chief Information Officer (since 12/5/2006), MML Distributors, LLC; Second Vice President, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Kathy Rogers, Continuing Education Officer (since 2/27/2006), MML Distributors, LLC; Training Director, MML Investors Services, Inc., 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

 

- 90 -


Donna Watson, Cash and Trading Supervisor (since 5/20/2006) and Assistant Treasurer (5/20/2006), MML Distributors, LLC; Director-RS Fund Operations, MassMutual, 1295 State Street Springfield, MA 01111-0001.

Lenore MacWade, Assistant Treasurer (since 8/21/2006), MML Distributors, LLC; Director-Finance and Commissions, MML Investors Services, Inc., 1295 State Street Springfield, MA 01111-0001.

Denise Kresock, Assistant Treasurer (since 8/21/06), MML Distributors, LLC; Director, Retirement Income, MassMutual, 1295 State Street Springfield, MA 01111-0001.

Cade H. Cherry, Assistant Treasurer (since 8/21/06), MML Distributors, LLC; Assistant Vice President, MassMutual, 1295 State Street Springfield, MA 01111-0001.

Eric H. Wietsma, Retirement Services Supervisor (since 12/5/2006), MML Distributors, LLC; Corporate Vice President, MassMutual, 1295 State Street Springfield, MA 01111-0001.

Ellen Dziura, Retirement Income Supervisor (since 4/20/2007), MML Distributors, LLC; Vice President-Retirement Income, MassMutual, 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

 

- 91 -


(c) Not Applicable

 

Item 28: Location of Accounts and Records

Each account, book or other document required to be maintained by Registrant pursuant to Section 31 (a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules 31a-1 to 31a-3 thereunder are maintained as follows:

(Declaration of Trust and Bylaws)

MassMutual Select Funds

1295 State Street

Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001

(With respect to its services as investment adviser)

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company

1295 State Street

Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001

 

- 92 -


(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

AllianceBernstein L.P.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

ClearBridge Advisors, LLC

620 8th Avenue

New York, New York 10018

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Clover Capital Management, Inc.

400 Meridian Centre, Suite 200

Rochester, New York 14618

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Cooke & Bieler, L.P.

1700 Market Street

Suite 3222

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.

2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101

Tucson, Arizona 85706

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Delaware Management Company

2005 Market Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Eagle Asset Management, Inc.

880 Carillon Parkway

St. Petersburg, Florida 33716

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

EARNEST Partners, LLC

1180 Peachtree Street, Suite 2300

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

32 Old Slip

New York, New York 10005

 

- 93 -


(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Harris Associates LP

2 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60602

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Insight Capital Research & Management, Inc.

2121 N. California Boulevard

Suite 560

Walnut Creek, California 94596

(with respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc.

100 Light Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

500 Boylston Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Mazama Capital Management, Inc.

One SW Columbia Street, Suite 1500

Portland, Oregon 97258

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Northern Trust Investments, N.A.

50 South LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60603

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (“Pyramis”)

82 Devonshire Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Sands Capital Management, LLC

1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 2300

Arlington, Virginia 22209

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

SSgA Funds Management, Inc.

One Lincoln Street

33rd Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02111

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

100 East Pratt Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Turner Investment Partners, Inc.

1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100

Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Victory Capital Management Inc.

127 Public Square

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company

6300 Lamar Avenue

Overland Park, Kansas 66202

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Wellington Management Company, LLP

75 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Western Asset Management Company

385 East Colorado Boulevard

Pasadena, California 91101

(With respect to its services as Sub-Adviser)

Western Asset Management Company Limited

10 Exchange Square

London, UK EC2A 2EN

(With respect to its services as Distributor)

MML Distributors, LLC

1295 State Street

Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001

and, c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company

200 Clarendon Street, P.O. Box 9130

Boston, Massachusetts 02117-9130

(With respect to its services as Sub-Administrator, Transfer Agent and Custodian)

State Street Bank and Trust Company

200 Clarendon Street, P.O. Box 9130

Boston, Massachusetts 02117-9130

(With respect to their services as counsel)

Ropes & Gray

One International Place

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

- 94 -


Item 29: Management Services

Not Applicable.

 

Item 30: Undertakings

(a) The Registrant hereby undertakes to call a meeting of shareholders for the purposes of voting upon the question of removal of a trustee or trustees, and to assist in communications with other shareholders as required by Section 16(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, but only where it is requested to do so by the holders of at least 10% of the Registrant’s outstanding voting securities.

(b) The Registrant undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy of the Registrant’s latest annual report to shareholders, upon request and without charge.

 

- 95 -


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Springfield and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as of the 1st day of April, 2008.

 

MASSMUTUAL SELECT FUNDS

By:

 

/s/    ERIC WIETSMA

  Eric Wietsma
President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities as indicated as of the 1st day of April, 2008.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    ERIC WIETSMA        

Eric Wietsma

  

President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/    NICHOLAS H. PALMERINO        

Nicholas H. Palmerino

  

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

*

Richard W. Greene

  

Chairman and Trustee

*

Robert E. Joyal

  

Trustee

*

Richard H. Ayers

  

Trustee

*

Allan W. Blair

  

Trustee

*

Mary E. Boland

  

Trustee

*

R. Alan Hunter, Jr.

  

Trustee

*

F. William Marshall, Jr.

  

Trustee

*

Elaine A. Sarsynski

  

Trustee

 

*By:  

/s/    ANDREW M. GOLDBERG        

 

Andrew M. Goldberg

Attorney-in-Fact


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Title of Exhibit

D(4)

  Amendment to Investment Management Agreement for Blue Chip Growth Fund

D(5)

 

Amendment to Investment Management Agreement for Large Cap Value Fund

D(6)

 

Amendment to Investment Management Agreements for the Destination Retirement Funds

D(19)

 

Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC for Value Equity Fund

H(5)

 

Expense Limitation Agreement

J(1)

 

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

J(3)

 

Power of Attorney

P(2)

 

Code of Ethics for Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company

P(5)

 

Code of Ethics for Delaware Management Company

P(7)

 

Code of Ethics for Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC

P(8)

 

Code of Ethics for Harris Associates L.P.

P(10)

 

Code of Ethics for Victory Capital Management Inc.

P(11)

 

Code of Ethics for Clover Capital Management, Inc.

P(12)

 

Code of Ethics for AllianceBernstein L.P.

P(15)

 

Code of Ethics for Cooke & Bieler, L.P.

P(16)

 

Code of Ethics for Sands Capital Management, Inc.

P(17)

 

Code of Ethics for ClearBridge Advisors, LLC

P(18)

 

Code of Ethics for Western Asset Management Company

P(21)

 

Code of Ethics for SSgA Funds Management, Inc.

P(22)

 

Code of Ethics for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

P(23)

 

Code of Ethics for Massachusetts Financial Services Company

P(25)

 

Code of Ethics for Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc.