Virtus Investment Trust

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, MA 01301

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

October 28, 2022

Virtus Investment Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company issuing shares in 13 separate series or “Funds”, all of which are publicly offered and described herein.

                   
   

TICKER SYMBOL BY CLASS

FUND

A

C

Institutional

P

Administrative

R6

           

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

AOTAX

AOTCX

AOTIX

AEMPX

 

AEMOX

Virtus Income & Growth Fund

AZNAX

AZNCX

AZNIX

AIGPX

   

Virtus KAR Global Small-Cap Fund

RGSAX

RGSCX

DGSCX

ARSPX

   

Virtus KAR Health Sciences Fund

RAGHX

RCGHX

HLHIX

AAAEX

   

Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund

PNEAX

PNECX

NFJEX

ADJPX

ANDAX

ANDVX

Virtus NFJ International Value Fund

AFJAX

AFJCX

ANJIX

AFVPX

AIVAX

ANAVX

Virtus NFJ Large-Cap Value Fund

PNBAX

PNBCX

ANVIX

ALCPX

ALNFX

VAAGX

Virtus NFJ Mid-Cap Value Fund

PQNAX

PQNCX

PRNIX

ANRPX

PRAAX

ANPRX

Virtus NFJ Small-Cap Value Fund

PCVAX

PCVCX

PSVIX

ASVPX

PVADX

ANFVX

Virtus Silvant Focused Growth Fund

PGWAX

PGWCX

PGFIX

AOGPX

PGFAX

AFGFX

Virtus Silvant Mid-Cap Growth Fund

RMDAX

RMDCX

DRMCX

ARMPX

DRMAX

 

Virtus Small-Cap Fund

AZBAX

AZBCX

AZBIX

AZBPX

 

ASCFX

Virtus Zevenbergen Technology Fund

RAGTX

RCGTX

DRGTX

ARTPX

DGTAX

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) relates to the Class A, Class C, Institutional Class, Class P, Administrative Class and Class R6 shares of the Funds (defined below). This SAI is not a prospectus, and it should be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses for the Funds dated October 28, 2022, as described below and as supplemented and amended from time to time. Each Fund’s Prospectuses are incorporated by reference into this SAI, and the portions of this SAI that relate to each Fund have been incorporated by reference into such Fund’s Prospectuses. The portions of this SAI that do not relate to a Fund do not form a part of such Fund’s SAI, have not been incorporated by reference into such Fund’s Prospectuses and should not be relied upon by investors in such Fund.

The Prospectuses may be obtained by downloading them from virtus.com; by calling VP Distributors, LLC at 800-243-1574; or by writing to the Distributor at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103.

Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the same meanings as those used in the Prospectuses.

The audited financial statements for the Funds appear in each Fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. The financial statements from the foregoing annual report are incorporated herein by reference. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the Fund’s Annual Report dated June 30, 2022, without charge, by calling 800-243-1574 or by downloading it from virtus.com.

Transfer Agent: 800.243.1574
Adviser Consulting Group: 800.243.4361
Telephone Orders: 800.367.5877
Web Site: virtus.com


Table of Contents

Page

   

Glossary

3

General Information and History

7

More Information About Fund Investment Strategies & Related Risks

15

Investment Limitations

66

Management of the Trust

70

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities

91

Investment Advisory and Other Services

91

Distribution Plans

102

Portfolio Managers

106

Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices

112

Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares

114

Investor Account Services and Policies

121

Dividends, Distributions and Taxes

123

Perfromance Information

129

Financial Statements

131

Appendix A — Description of Ratings

A- 1

Appendix B — Control Persons and Principal Shareholders

B- 1

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in this SAI or in the Prospectuses in connection with the offering made by the Prospectuses, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Funds. The Prospectuses do not constitute an offering by the Funds in any jurisdiction in which such offering may not lawfully be made.


GLOSSARY

       

1933 Act

The Securities Act of 1933, as amended

1940 Act

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended

ACH

Automated Clearing House, a nationwide electronic money transfer system that provides for the inter-bank clearing of credit and debit transactions and for the exchange of information among participating financial institutions

Administrator

The Trust’s administrative agent, Virtus Fund Services, LLC

ADRs

American Depositary Receipts

ADSs

American Depositary Shares

Adviser

The investment adviser to the Funds, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.

 

AllianzGI U.S.

Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC, former subadviser to Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Focused Growth Fund, Global Small-Cap Fund, Health Sciences Fund, Income & Growth Fund, Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Small-Cap Fund and Technology Fund

BNY Mellon

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., the sub-administrative and accounting agent and sub-transfer agent for the Funds

Board

The Board of Trustees of Virtus Investment Trust (also referred to herein as the “Trustees”)

 

CCO

Chief Compliance Officer

CDRs

Continental Depositary Receipts (another name for EDRs)

CDSC

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

CEA

Commodity Exchange Act, which is the U.S. law governing trading in commodity futures

CFTC

Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is the U.S. regulator governing trading in commodity futures

Code

The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which is the law governing U.S. federal taxes

Custodian

The custodian of the Funds’ assets, The Bank of New York Mellon

Distributor

The principal underwriter of shares of the Funds, VP Distributors, LLC

Dividend Value Fund

Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund

DST

DST Asset Manager Solutions Inc., sub-transfer agent

EDRs

European Depositary Receipts (another name for CDRs)

 

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

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FHFA

Federal Housing Finance Agency, an independent Federal agency that regulates FNMA, FHLMC and the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks

FHLMC

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as “Freddie Mac”, which is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders

FINRA

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a self-regulatory organization with authority over registered broker-dealers operating in the United States, including VP Distributors

Fitch

Fitch Ratings, Inc.

FNMA

Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as “Fannie Mae”, which is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders and subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

 

Focused Growth Fund

Virtus Silvant Focused Growth Fund

 

Fund Complex

The group of Funds sponsored by Virtus and managed by the Adviser or its affiliates, including the Virtus Mutual Funds, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust and certain other closed-end funds

Funds

The series of the Trust discussed in this SAI

GDRs

Global Depositary Receipts

GICs

Guaranteed Investment Contracts

 

Global Small-Cap Fund

Virtus KAR Global Small-Cap Fund

 

GNMA

Government National Mortgage Association, also known as “Ginnie Mae”, which is a wholly-owned United States Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development

 

Health Sciences Fund

Virtus KAR Health Sciences Fund

 

IMF

International Monetary Fund, an international organization seeking to promote international economic cooperation, international trade, employment and exchange rate stability, among other things

 

Income & Growth Fund

Virtus Income & Growth Fund

 

Independent Trustees

Those members of the Board who are not “interested persons” as defined by the 1940 Act

International Value Fund

Virtus NFJ International Value Fund

 

IRA

Individual Retirement Account

 

IRS

The United States Internal Revenue Service, which is the arm of the U.S. government that administers and enforces the Code

 

KAR

Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC, subadviser to the Global Small-Cap Fund and Health Sciences Fund

KAR Funds

Collectively, Global Small-Cap Fund and Health Sciences Fund

4


     

Large-Cap Value Fund

Virtus NFJ Large-Cap Value Fund

LIBOR

London Interbank Offering Rate, an interest rate at which banks can borrow funds, in marketable size, from other banks in the London interbank market

 

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

Virtus Silvant Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Mid-Cap Value Fund

Virtus NFJ Mid-Cap Value Fund

 

Moody’s

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

NAV

Net Asset Value, which is the per-share price of a Fund

NFJ

NFJ Investment Group, LLC, subadviser to Dividend Value Fund, International Value Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund

NFJ Funds

Collectively, Dividend Value Fund, International Value Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund

 

NYSE

New York Stock Exchange

OCC

Options Clearing Corporation, a large equity derivatives clearing corporation

PERLS

Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities

PNX

Phoenix Life Insurance Company, which is the former parent company of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., and certain of its corporate affiliates

Prospectuses

The prospectuses for the Funds, as amended from time to time

PwC

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust

Regulations

The Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code

RIC

Regulated Investment Company, a designation under the Code indicating a U.S.-registered investment company meeting the specifications under the Code allowing the investment company to be exempt from paying U.S. federal income taxes

S&P

S&P Global Ratings

S&P 500® Index

The Standard & Poor’s 500® Index, which is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies, calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested

SAI

Statement of Additional Information, such as this document, which is a part of a mutual fund registration statement

SEC

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Silvant

Silvant Capital Management LLC, subadviser to the Focused Growth Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund

Silvant Funds

Collectively, Focused Growth Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund

5


   

Small-Cap Fund

Virtus Small-Cap Fund

 

Small-Cap Value Fund

Virtus NFJ Small-Cap Value Fund

SMBS

Stripped Mortgage-backed Securities

 

Technology Fund

Virtus Zevenbergen Technology Fund

 

Transfer Agent

The Trust’s transfer agent, Virtus Fund Services, LLC

 

Trust

Virtus Investment Trust

 

VFS

Virtus Fund Services, LLC, the Administrator and Transfer Agent of the Trust

VIA

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., the Adviser to the funds

 

Virtus

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., which is the parent company of the Adviser, the Distributor, the Administrator/Transfer Agent and each subadviser to the Funds other than Voya

 

Virtus Funds

The family of funds overseen by the Board, consisting of the Funds, The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, the series of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, the series of Virtus Asset Trust, the series of Virtus Equity Trust, the series of Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Retirement Trust, the series of Virtus Strategy Trust and the series of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust

 

Virtus Mutual Funds

The family of funds consisting of the Funds, The Merger Fund®, the series of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, the series of Virtus Asset Trust, the series of Virtus Equity Trust, the series of Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Opportunities Trust and the series of Virtus Strategy Trust

Voya

Voya Investment Management Co., LLC, subadviser to the Income & Growth Fund

Income & Growth Fund

Virtus Income & Growth Fund

 

VP Distributors

VP Distributors, LLC, the Trust’s Distributor

VVIT

Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a separate trust consisting of several series advised by VIA and distributed by VP Distributors

 

Zevenbergen

Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC, subadviser to the Technology Fund

6


GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

Virtus Investment Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company (“mutual fund”) that currently consists of thirteen separate investment series.

This Statement of Additional Information relates to the prospectus for the following series of the Trust: the Dividend Value Fund, the Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, the Focused Growth Fund, the Global Small-Cap Fund, the Health Sciences Fund, the Income & Growth Fund, the International Value Fund, the Large-Cap Value Fund, the Mid-Cap Growth Fund, the Mid-Cap Value Fund, the Small-Cap Fund, the Small-Cap Value Fund and the Technology Fund. The Trust may, from time to time, create additional series offered through new, revised or supplemented prospectuses or private placement memoranda and statements of additional information. There are a number of other funds referred to throughout this Statement of Additional Information that were formerly series of the Trust as noted below.

The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on August 24, 1990. On January 17, 1997, the Trust and PIMCO Advisors Funds, a separate trust, were involved in a transaction in which certain series of PIMCO Advisors Funds reorganized into series of the Trust. In connection with this transaction, the Trust changed its name from PIMCO Funds: Equity Advisors Series to PIMCO Funds: Multi-Manager Series. The Trust changed its name to Allianz Funds effective March 3, 2005. Prior to being known as PIMCO Funds: Equity Advisors Series, the Trust was named PIMCO Advisors Institutional Funds, PFAMCO Funds and PFAMCO Fund. The Global Small-Cap Fund, the Health Sciences Fund, the Mid-Cap Fund and the Technology Fund were reorganized into the Trust on February 1, 2002 when shares of their predecessor funds, each a series of Dresdner RCM Global Funds, Inc., were exchanged for shares of these funds. The Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund was reorganized on August 18, 2006 when the Nicholas-Applegate Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund reorganized into the Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund by transferring substantially all of its assets and liabilities to the Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund in exchange for Institutional Class shares of the Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund.

Effective February 1, 2021, the name of each fund listed in the column entitled “Previous Name” in the table below was changed to the corresponding name listed in the column entitled “Subsequent Name.” In addition, effective February 1, 2021, the name of the Trust changed from “Allianz Funds” to “Virtus Investment Trust.”

   

Previous Name

Subsequent Name

AllianzGI Dividend Value Fund

Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund

AllianzGI Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

AllianzGI Focused Growth Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Focused Growth Fund

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Fund

AllianzGI Health Sciences Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Health Sciences Fund

AllianzGI Income & Growth Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Income & Growth Fund

AllianzGI International Value Fund

Virtus NFJ International Value Fund

AllianzGI Large-Cap Value Fund

Virtus NFJ Large-Cap Value Fund

AllianzGI Mid-Cap Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Mid-Cap Growth Fund

AllianzGI Mid-Cap Value Fund

Virtus NFJ Mid-Cap Value Fund

AllianzGI Small-Cap Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Small-Cap Fund

AllianzGI Small-Cap Value Fund

Virtus NFJ Small-Cap Value Fund

AllianzGI Technology Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Technology Fund

Effective July 25, 2022, the name of each fund listed in the column entitled “Previous Name” in the table below was changed to the corresponding name listed in the column entitled “Subsequent Name.”

   

Previous Name

Subsequent Name

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Income & Growth Fund

Virtus Income & Growth Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Fund

Virtus KAR Global Small-Cap Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Health Sciences Fund

Virtus KAR Health Sciences Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Focused Growth Fund

Virtus Silvant Focused Growth Fund

7


   

Previous Name

Subsequent Name

 

Virtus AllianzGI Mid-Cap Growth Fund

Virtus Silvant Mid-Cap Growth Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Small-Cap Fund

Virtus Small-Cap Fund

Virtus AllianzGI Technology Fund

Virtus Zevenbergen Technology Fund

The Trust’s Prospectuses describe the investment objectives of the funds and the strategies that each fund will employ in seeking to achieve its investment objective. The respective investment objective for Focused Growth Fund is a fundamental policy and may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Fund. The respective investment objective(s) for each of the other funds is a non-fundamental

         

Fund Type

Fund

Investment Objective(s)

   

Equity

Virtus Income & Growth Fund

The fund has an investment objective of total return comprised of current income, current gains and capital appreciation

 

Virtus KAR Health Sciences Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation

 

Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term growth of capital and income

 

Virtus NFJ Large-Cap Value Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term growth of capital and income

 

Virtus NFJ Mid-Cap Value Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term growth of capital and income

 

Virtus NFJ Small-Cap Value Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term growth of capital and income

 

Virtus Silvant Focused Growth Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation

 

Virtus Silvant Mid-Cap Growth Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation

 

Virtus Small-Cap Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation

 

Virtus Zevenbergen Technology Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation

International/Global

Virtus Emerging Opportunities Fund

The fund has an investment objective of maximum long-term capital appreciation

 
 

Virtus KAR Global Small-Cap Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation

 
     
 

Virtus NFJ International Value Fund

The fund has an investment objective of long-term growth of capital and income

 

Capital Stock and Organization of the Trust

The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust established under an Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended and restated on January 14, 1997, and as further amended and restated effective September 9, 2005 and July 16, 2007 (the “Agreement and Declaration of Trust”). The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest each with a par value of $0.0001 or such other amount as may be fixed from time to time by the Trustees. The Board may establish additional series (with different investment objectives and fundamental policies) at any time in the future. Establishment and offering of additional series will not alter the rights of the Trust’s shareholders.

Holders of shares of a fund have equal rights with regard to voting, redemptions, dividends, distributions, and liquidations with respect to that fund. Shareholders of all funds vote on the election of Trustees. On matters affecting an individual fund (such as approval of an investment advisory agreement or a change in fundamental investment policies) and also on matters affecting an individual class (such as approval of matters relating

8


to a Plan of Distribution for a particular class of shares), a separate vote of that fund or class is required. The Trust does not hold regular meetings of shareholders of the funds. The Board will call a meeting of shareholders of a fund when at least 10% of the outstanding shares of that fund entitled to vote on the matter so request in writing. If the Board fails to call a meeting after being so notified, the shareholders may call the meeting. The Board will assist the shareholders by identifying other shareholders or mailing communications, as required under Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act.

Shares are fully paid, nonassessable and redeemable when they are issued. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights, preemptive rights or subscription rights. The assets received by the Trust for the issue or sale of shares of each fund, and any class thereof and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, are allocated to such fund, and class, respectively, subject only to the rights of creditors, and constitute the underlying assets of such fund or class. The underlying assets of each fund are required to be segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged with the expenses in respect to such fund and with a share of the general expenses of the Trust. Any general expenses of the Trust not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular fund or class will be allocated by or under the direction of the Board as it determines to be fair. The Trust is not bound to recognize any transfer of shares of a fund or class until the transfer is recorded on the Trust’s books pursuant to policies and procedures of the Transfer Agent.

Shares begin earning dividends on fund shares the day after the Trust receives the shareholder’s purchase payment. Net investment income from interest and dividends, if any, will be declared and paid quarterly to shareholders of record by the Dividend Value Fund, International Value Fund and Large-Cap Value Fund, and monthly to shareholders of record by the Income & Growth Fund. Net investment income from interest and dividends, if any, will be declared and paid at least annually to shareholders of record by the other funds. Any net capital gains from the sale of portfolio securities will be distributed no less frequently than once annually. Net short-term capital gains may be paid more frequently. Dividend and capital gain distributions of a fund will be reinvested in additional shares of that fund or Portfolio unless the shareholder elects to have the distributions paid in cash.

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations 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 Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of a fund’s property for all loss and expense of any shareholder of that fund held liable on account of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which such disclaimer is inoperative or the fund of which he or she is or was a shareholder is unable to meet its obligations, and thus should be considered remote.

Diversification of Funds

Each Fund is diversified under the 1940 Act with the exception of Technology Fund and Focused Growth Fund which are non-diversified funds. Each Fund also intends to diversify its assets to the extent necessary to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC under the Code. (For information regarding qualification under the Code, see “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” in this SAI.)

Fund Names and Investment Policies

Each of the Funds noted below has a name that suggests a focus on a particular type of investment. In accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, each of these Funds has adopted a policy that it will, under normal circumstances, invest at least 80% of its assets in investments of the type suggested by its name. For this policy, “assets” means net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes. In addition, in appropriate circumstances, synthetic investments may be included in the 80% basket if they have economic characteristics similar to the other investments included in the basket. A Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its assets in such a manner is not a “fundamental” one, which means that it may be changed without a vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares as defined in the 1940 Act. However, under Rule 35d-1, shareholders must be given written notice at least 60 days prior to any change by a Fund of its 80% investment policy.

Each of the Funds listed below has a policy that states at least 80% of its assets will be invested in investments of the type suggested by its name.

   

Dividend Value Fund

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

Mid-Cap Value Fund

Global Small-Cap Fund

Small-Cap Fund

Health Sciences Fund

Small-Cap Value Fund

Large-Cap Value Fund

Technology Fund

Under such policies:

1. The Dividend Value Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies that pay or are expected to pay dividends.

9


2. The Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in the securities of companies that are tied economically to countries with emerging securities markets- that is, countries with securities markets which are, in the opinion of the portfolio managers, less sophisticated than more developed markets in terms of participation by investors, analyst coverage, liquidity and regulation.

3. The Global Small-Cap Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in equity securities of global small-capitalization companies.

4. The Health Sciences Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in health sciences-related companies.

5. The Large-Cap Value Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies with large market capitalizations.

6. The Mid-Cap Growth Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of medium-sized companies.

7. The Mid-Cap Value Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies with medium market capitalizations.

8. The Small-Cap Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in companies with smaller market capitalizations.

9. The Small-Cap Value Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations.

10. The Technology Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in common stocks of U.S. companies and other U.S.-traded equity securities of technology companies.

Portfolio Turnover

The portfolio turnover rate of each Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities during the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the Fund’s securities (excluding all securities, including options, with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less). All long-term securities, including long-term U.S. Government securities, are included. A high rate of portfolio turnover generally involves correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses, which must be borne directly by the Fund. Turnover rates may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year and also may be affected by cash requirements for redemptions of each Fund’s shares by requirements that enable the Trust to receive certain favorable tax treatments. The portfolio turnover rate for each Fund that has completed a fiscal period of operations is set forth in its summary prospectus and under “Financial Highlights” in the statutory prospectus.

Portfolio turnover for the Virtus NFJ International Value Fund rose during fiscal year 2021 as the Subadvisor repositioned the Fund’s investments in response to significant volatility and market dynamics, which presented an opportunity for advantageous trading. Portfolio turnover for the Virtus NFJ International Value Fund during fiscal year 2022 was more in line with the long-term average.

Additional Performance Information

Performance information is computed separately for each class of a fund. Each fund may from time to time include the total return of each class of its shares in advertisements or in information furnished to present or prospective shareholders. The funds may from time to time include the yield and total return of each class of their shares in advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective shareholders. Each fund may from time to time include in advertisements the total return of each class and the ranking of those performance figures relative to such figures for groups of mutual funds categorized by Lipper Inc. or another third party as having the same or similar investment objectives, policies and/or strategies. Information provided to any newspaper or similar listing of the fund’s net asset values and public offering prices will separately present each class of shares. The funds also may compute current distribution rates and use this information in their Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, in reports to current shareholders, or in certain types of sales literature provided to prospective investors.

Investment results of the funds will fluctuate over time, and any representation of the funds’ total return or yield for any prior period should not be considered as a representation of what an investor’s total return or yield may be in any future period. The Trust’s Annual and Semiannual Reports contain additional performance information for the funds and are available upon request, without charge, by calling the telephone numbers listed on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information.

10


Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

The Trustees of the Trust have adopted a policy with respect to the protection of certain non-public information which governs disclosure of the Funds' portfolio holdings. This policy provides that the Funds' portfolio holdings information generally may not be disclosed to any party prior to the information becoming public.

Divulging Fund portfolio holdings to selected third parties is permissible only when the affected party has legitimate business purposes for doing so and the recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality.

Public Disclosures

In accordance with rules established by the SEC, each Fund sends semiannual and annual reports to shareholders that contain a full listing of portfolio holdings as of the second and fourth fiscal quarters, respectively, within 60 days of quarter end. The Funds also disclose complete portfolio holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-PORT, which is filed with the SEC within 60 days of quarter end. The Funds’ shareholder reports are available on Virtus’ Web site at virtus.com. The Funds also make publicly available on Virtus’ Web site a full listing of portfolio holdings as of the end of each month with a 15-day delay, while other of the Funds make such full listings available as of the end of each quarter with a 15-, 30-, 45- or 60-day delay. Portfolio holdings may be released sooner at the Administrator’s discretion. Additionally, each fund provides its top 10 holdings and summary composition data derived from portfolio holdings information on Virtus’ Web site. This information is posted to the Web site at the end of each month with respect to the top 10 holdings, and at the end of each quarter with respect to summary composition information, generally within 10 business days. With respect to certain funds, the top 10 holdings and summary composition information may be reported on a one-month lag. This information will be available on the Web site until full portfolio holdings information becomes publicly available as described above. The Funds also provide publicly-available portfolio holdings information directly to ratings agencies, the frequency and timing of which is determined under the terms of the contractual arrangements with such agencies, and may provide to financial intermediaries, upon request, monthly portfolio holdings for periods included in publicly-available quarterly portfolio holdings disclosures.

Other Disclosures

The Trust and/or the Administrator may authorize the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information under certain limited circumstances. The Funds’ policy provides that non-public disclosures of a Fund’s portfolio holdings may only be made if (i) the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for making such disclosure and (ii) the party receiving the non-public information is subject to a duty of confidentiality. Federal law also prohibits recipients of non-public portfolio holdings information from trading on such information. The Administrator will consider any actual or potential conflicts of interest between Virtus and the Funds’ shareholders and will act in the best interest of the Funds’ shareholders with respect to any such disclosure of portfolio holdings information. If a potential conflict can be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to the Funds’ shareholders, the Administrator may authorize release of portfolio holdings information. Conversely, if the potential conflict cannot be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to the Funds’ shareholders, the Administrator will not authorize such release.

Ongoing Arrangements to Disclose Portfolio Holdings

As previously authorized by the Funds’ Board and/or the Funds’ Administrator, the Funds periodically disclose non-public portfolio holdings on a confidential basis to various service providers that require such information in order to assist the Funds in their day-to-day operations, as well as public information to certain ratings organizations. In addition to Virtus and its affiliates, the entities receiving non-public portfolio holdings as of the date of this SAI are described in the following table. The table also includes information as to the timing of these entities receiving the portfolio holdings information from the Funds.

Non-Public Portfolio Holdings Information

     

Type of Service Provider

Name of Service Provider

Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information

Adviser

VIA

Daily, with no delay

   

Subadviser (Global Small-Cap Fund and Health Sciences Fund)

KAR

Daily, with no delay

   

Subadviser (Dividend Value Fund, International Value Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund)

NFJ

Daily, with no delay

   

Subadviser (Focused Growth Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund)

Silvant

Daily, with no delay

Subadviser (Income & Growth Fund)

Voya

Daily, with no delay

Subadviser (Technology Fund)

Zevenbergen

Daily, with no delay

11


     

Type of Service Provider

Name of Service Provider

Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information

Administrator

VFS

Daily, with no delay

Distributor

VP Distributors

Daily, with no delay

   

Class Action Service Provider

Financial Recovery Technologies and Institutional Shareholder Services

Monthly, with no delay

   

Custodian and Security Lending Agent

The Bank of New York Mellon

Daily, with no delay

Sub-administrative and Accounting Agent and Sub-transfer Agent

BNY Mellon

Daily, with no delay

   

Middle Office for Subadviser (KAR Funds and NFJ Funds)

SS&C, Inc.

Daily, with no delay

Middle Office for Subadviser (Silvant Funds)

Virtus Shared Services

Daily, with no delay

Reconciliation Firm for Subadviser (KAR Funds)

SS&C, Inc.

Daily, with no delay

   

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PwC

Annually, within 15 business days of end of fiscal year.

Performance Analytic Firm

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

Daily, with no delay

Liquidity Management Analytics System

MSCI Group

Daily, with no delay

Back-end Compliance Monitoring System

BNY Mellon

Daily, with no delay.

Code of Ethics

StarCompliance, LLC

Daily, with no delay

Printing Firm for Financial Reports

DFIN

Semiannually, within 60 days of end of reporting period.

Proxy Voting Service

Institutional Shareholder Services

Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly depending on subadviser

Trading system, compliance monitoring, and trade execution analysis

Bloomberg

Daily

   

Analysis and reporting services

IDS GmbH

Daily

   

Execution evaluation

Virtu Financial, Inc. (formerly, Plexus ITG)

Daily

Valuation services

Markit

Varied

These service providers are required to keep all non-public information confidential and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Funds. There is no guarantee that the Funds’ policies on use and dissemination of holdings information will protect the Funds from the potential misuse of holdings by individuals or firms in possession of such information.

Public Portfolio Holdings Information

     

Type of Service Provider

Name of Service Provider

Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information

   

Portfolio Redistribution Firms

Bloomberg, FactSet Research Systems, Inc. and Thompson Reuters

Various frequencies depending on the Fund, which may include: Calendar quarter with 30-day delay, fiscal quarter with a 15 day delay, fiscal quarter with a 30 day delay, fiscal quarter with a 45 day delay, fiscal quarter with a 60-day delay, Monthly with a 15 day delay, and Monthly with 30 day delay.

12


     

Rating Agencies

Lipper Inc. and Morningstar

Various frequencies depending on the Fund, which may include: Calendar quarter with 30-day delay, fiscal quarter with a 15 day delay, fiscal quarter with a 30 day delay, fiscal quarter with a 45 day delay, fiscal quarter with a 60-day delay, Monthly with a 15 day delay, and Monthly with 30 day delay.

Virtus Public Web site

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

Various frequencies depending on the Fund, which may include: Calendar quarter with 30-day delay, fiscal quarter with a 15 day delay, fiscal quarter with a 30 day delay, fiscal quarter with a 45 day delay, fiscal quarter with a 60-day delay, Monthly with a 15 day delay, and Monthly with 30 day delay.

Other Virtus Mutual Funds

In addition to the Funds of the Trust, the funds commonly referred to as “Virtus Mutual Funds” also include The Merger Fund®, the series of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, the series of Virtus Asset Trust, the series of Virtus Equity Trust, the series of Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Opportunities Trust, and the series of Virtus Strategy Trust. Virtus Mutual Funds are generally offered in multiple classes. The following chart shows the share classes offered by each Virtus Mutual Fund as of the date of this SAI:

                     

Trust

Fund

Class/Shares

A

C

I

R6

P

Institutional

Administrative

               

The Merger Fund®

The Merger Fund®

X

 

X

       

Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust

Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund

X

X

X

       

Virtus KAR Long/Short Equity Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Asset Trust

Virtus Ceredex Large-Cap Value Equity Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Ceredex Mid-Cap Value Equity Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Ceredex Small-Cap Value Equity Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Seix Core Bond Fund

X

 

X

X

     

Virtus Seix Corporate Bond Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Seix High Grade Municipal Bond Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Seix High Income Fund

X

 

X

X

     

Virtus Seix High Yield Fund

X

 

X

X

     

Virtus Seix Investment Grade Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Seix Short-Term Bond Fund

X

X

X

       

Virtus Seix Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Seix Total Return Bond Fund

X

 

X

X

     

Virtus Seix U.S. Government Securities Ultra-Short Bond Fund

X

 

X

X

     

Virtus Seix U.S. Mortgage Fund

X

X

X

       

Virtus Seix Ultra-Short Bond Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus SGA International Growth Fund

X

 

X

X

     

Virtus Silvant Large-Cap Growth Stock Fund

X

 

X

X

     

Virtus Silvant Small-Cap Growth Stock Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Zevenbergen Innovative Growth Stock Fund

X

 

X

X

     

Virtus Equity Trust

Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Equity Income Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Global Quality Dividend Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Core Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Growth Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Fund

X

X

X

X

     

13


                 
 

Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus SGA Emerging Markets Growth Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus SGA Global Growth Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus SGA New Leaders Growth Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Tactical Allocation Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Event Opportunities Trust

Virtus Westchester Credit Event Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Westchester Event-Driven Fund

X

 

X

       
               

Virtus Opportunities Trust

Virtus Duff & Phelps Global Infrastructure Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Duff & Phelps International Real Estate Securities Fund

X

X

X

       

Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Asset Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus FORT Trend Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Newfleet Core Plus Bond Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Newfleet High Yield Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Newfleet Low Duration Core Plus Bond Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund*

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Newfleet Senior Floating Rate Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Seix Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

X

X

X

       

Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Corporate Debt Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Debt Allocation Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Debt Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Stone Harbor High Yield Bond Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Stone Harbor Local Markets Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Stone Harbor Strategic Income Fund

X

 

X

       

Virtus Vontobel Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Vontobel Foreign Opportunities Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Vontobel Global Opportunities Fund

X

X

X

X

     

Virtus Vontobel Greater European Opportunities Fund

X

X

X

       

Virtus Strategy Trust

Virtus Convertible Fund

X

X

 

X

X

X

X

Virtus Duff & Phelps Water Fund

X

X

   

X

X

 

Virtus Global Allocation Fund

X

X

 

X

X

X

X

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

X

X

 

X

X

X

X

Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Income Fund

X

X

 

X

X

X

 

Virtus NFJ Emerging Markets Value Fund

X

X

   

X

X

 

Virtus NFJ Global Sustainability Fund

X

     

X

X

 

Virtus Seix High Yield Income Fund

X

X

   

X

X

X

(*) Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund also offers Class C1 Shares.

14


MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES & RELATED RISKS

The following investment strategies and policies supplement each Fund’s investment strategies and policies set forth in the Funds’ prospectuses. Some of the investment strategies and policies described below and in each Fund’s prospectus set forth percentage limitations on a Fund’s investment in, or holdings of, certain types of investments. Unless otherwise required by law or stated in this SAI, compliance with these strategies and policies will be determined immediately after the acquisition of such investments by the Fund. Subsequent changes in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with the Fund’s investment strategies and policies.

Throughout this section, the term “adviser” may be used to refer to a subadviser, if any, and the term the “Fund” may be used to refer to any Fund.

         

Investment Technique

Description and Risks

Fund-Specific Limitations

China-Related Investments

The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging and volatile market. Although China has experienced a relatively stable political environment in recent years, there is no guarantee that such stability will be maintained in the future. As an emerging market, many factors may affect such stability—such as increasing gaps between the rich and poor or agrarian unrest and instability of existing political structures—and may result in adverse consequences to a fund investing in securities and instruments economically tied to China. A small number of companies represent a large portion of the Chinese market as a whole, and prices for securities of these companies may be very sensitive to adverse political, economic, or regulatory developments in China and other Asian countries, and may experience significant losses in such conditions. The value of Chinese currencies may also vary significantly relative to the U.S. dollar, affecting a fund’s investments, to the extent the fund invests in China-related investments.

Historically, China’s central government has exercised substantial control over the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership, the allocation, expropriation or nationalization of resources, by controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, by setting monetary policy and by providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. The emergence of domestic economic demand is still at an early stage, making China’s economic health largely dependent upon exports. China’s growing trade surplus with the U.S. has increased the risk of trade disputes. For example, recent developments in relations between the U.S. and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s, or others countries’, export industry and a commensurately negative impact on a fund that invests in securities and instruments that are economically tied to China. In addition, as China’s economic and political strength has grown in recent years, it has shown a greater willingness to assert itself militarily in the region. Military or diplomatic moves to resolve any issues could adversely affect the economies in the region.

Despite economic reforms that have resulted in less direct central and local government control over Chinese businesses, actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. These activities, which may include central planning, partial state ownership of or government actions designed to substantially influence certain Chinese industries, market sectors or particular Chinese companies, may adversely affect the public and private sector companies in which a fund invests. Government actions may also affect the economic prospects for, and the market prices and liquidity of, the securities of Chinese companies and the payments of dividends and interest by Chinese companies. In addition, currency fluctuations, monetary policies, competition, social instability or political unrest may adversely affect economic growth in China. The Chinese economy and Chinese companies may also be adversely affected by regional security threats, as well as adverse developments in Chinese trade policies, or in trade policies toward China by countries that are trading partners with China. The economies, industries, and securities and currency markets of the China region may also be adversely affected by slow economic activity worldwide, dependence on exports and international trade, increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies, and environmental events and natural disasters that may occur in China.

 

15


         

Investment Technique

Description and Risks

Fund-Specific Limitations

 

In addition, the relationship between China and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between China and Taiwan may present a risk to a fund’s investments in China.

Some funds may invest in certain eligible Chinese securities (“China A Shares”) listed and traded on either the Shanghai Stock Exchange (“SSE”) or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (“SZSE”). Such funds expect to access China A Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program or the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program (each, a “Stock Connect”). The Shanghai Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing program developed by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“SEHK”), SSE, Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited for the establishment of mutual market access between SEHK and SSE that commenced operations in November 2014. The Shenzhen Stock Connect subsequently commenced operations in December 2016. The Stock Connect programs are subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for both SSE, SZSE and SEHK, as applicable, and further regulations or restrictions, such as trading suspensions, may adversely affect the Stock Connects and the value of the China A Shares held by the funds. There is no guarantee that the systems required to operate each Stock Connect will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in the applicable markets or that the relevant exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connects in the future. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through a Stock Connect program could be disrupted. While Stock Connect is not subject to individual investment quotas, daily and aggregate investment quotas apply to the aggregate volume on each Stock Connect, which may restrict or preclude a fund’s ability to invest in Stock Connect securities or to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. In addition, Stock Connect securities generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Stock Connect in accordance with each program’s rules, which may further subject the funds to liquidity risk with respect to China A Shares. A fund may be restricted in its ability to dispose of its China A Shares purchased through a Stock Connect in a timely manner. As an example, the Shanghai Stock Connect is generally available only on business days when both the SEHK and SSE are open. When either the SEHK or SSE is closed, a fund will not be able to trade Stock Connect securities at a time that may otherwise be beneficial to trade. Additionally, the SSE or SZSE may be open at a time when the Stock Connect program is not trading, with the result that prices of China A Shares may fluctuate at times when a fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Because of the way in which China A Shares are held in Stock Connect, a fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the depository of the SSE or SZSE becomes insolvent. Only certain China A Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect program. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they presumably could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect program. Because the Stock Connect program is new, the actual effect on the market for trading China A Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is unknown. Investments in China A Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. The limitations and risks described above with respect to each Stock Connect are specific to the applicable program; however, these and other risks may exist to varying degrees in connection with the funds’ investments through other trading structures, protocols and platforms in other emerging markets.

 

Commodities-Related Investing

Commodity-related companies may underperform the stock market as a whole. The value of securities issued by commodity-related companies may be affected by factors affecting a particular industry or commodity. The operations and financial performance of commodity- related companies may be directly affected by commodity prices, especially those commodity-related companies that own the underlying commodity. The stock prices of such companies may also experience greater price volatility than other types of common stocks. Securities issued by commodity-related companies are sensitive to changes in the supply and demand for, and thus the prices of, commodities. Volatility of commodity prices, which

 

16


     

Investment Technique

Description and Risks

Fund-Specific Limitations

 

may lead to a reduction in production or supply, may also negatively impact the performance of commodity and natural resources companies that are solely involved in the transportation, processing, storing, distribution or marketing of commodities. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for commodity-related companies to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.

Certain types of commodities instruments (such as commodity-linked notes) are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument.

Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of actively traded commodities investments. Commodities may include, among other things, oil, gas, coal, alternative energy, steel, timber, agricultural products, minerals, precious metals (e.g., gold, silver, platinum, and palladium) and other resources. In addition, the funds may invest in companies principally engaged in the commodities industries (such as mining, dealing or transportation companies) with significant exposure to commodities markets or investments in commodities, and through these investments may be exposed to the risks of investing in commodities.

In order to qualify for the special U.S. federal income tax treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders described in “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” below, a fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its income from certain specified sources (such income, “qualifying income”). Income from certain commodity-linked investments does not constitute qualifying income to a fund. The tax treatment of certain other commodity-linked investments is not certain, in particular with respect to whether income and gains from such investments constitute qualifying income. If such income were determined not to constitute qualifying income and were to cause a fund’s non-qualifying income to exceed 10% of the fund’s gross income for any year, the fund would fail the 90% gross income test and fail to qualify as a regulated investment company unless it were eligible to and did pay a tax at the fund level. A fund’s intention to so qualify can therefore limit the manner in or extent to which the fund seeks exposure to commodities.

 

Debt Investing

Each Fund may invest in debt, or fixed income, instruments. Debt, or fixed income, instruments (which include corporate bonds, commercial paper, debentures, notes, government securities, municipal obligations, state- or state agency-issued obligations, obligations of foreign issuers, asset- or mortgage-backed securities, and other obligations) are used by issuers to borrow money and thus are debt obligations of the issuer. Holders of debt instruments are creditors of the issuer, normally ranking ahead of holders of both common and preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest and must repay the amount borrowed at the instrument’s maturity. Some debt instruments, such as zero-coupon bonds (discussed below), do not pay interest but may be sold at a deep discount from their face value.

Yields on debt instruments depend on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money, bond, and note markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity date of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Debt instruments with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changes in market conditions than obligations with shorter maturities. An increase in interest rates generally will reduce the market value of portfolio debt instruments, while a decline in interest rates generally will increase the value of the same instruments. The achievement of a Fund’s investment objective depends in part on the continuing ability of the issuers of the debt instruments in which the Fund invests to meet their obligations for the payment of principal and interest when due. Obligations of issuers of debt instruments

 

17


     

Investment Technique

Description and Risks

Fund-Specific Limitations

 

are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, sovereign immunity, and other laws that affect the rights and remedies of creditors. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the ability of an issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt instruments may be materially affected.

 

Convertible Securities

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specific price or formula. It generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the security matures or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities may have several unique investment characteristics such as (1) higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities, (2) a lesser degree of fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics and (3) the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.

Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities. Convertible securities often rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure and, therefore, are often viewed as entailing less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which this is true depends in large measure on the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. However, because convertible securities are often viewed by the issuer as future common stock, they are often subordinated to other senior securities and therefore are rated one category lower than the issuer’s nonconvertible debt obligations or preferred stock.

A convertible security may be subject to redemption or conversion at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund could be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security and convert it to the underlying common stock. The Fund generally would invest in convertible securities for their favorable price characteristics and total return potential, and would normally not exercise an option to convert. The Fund might be more willing to convert such securities to common stock.

In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible securities would generally be paid before the company’s common stockholders but after holders of any senior debt obligations of the company.

A Fund’s subadviser will select only those convertible securities for which it believes (a) the underlying common stock is an appropriate investment for the Fund and (b) a greater potential for total return exists by purchasing the convertible security because of its higher yield and/or favorable market valuation. However, the Fund may invest in convertible debt securities rated less than investment grade.

Debt securities rated less than investment grade are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” (For information about debt securities rated less than investment grade, see “High-Yield Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds)” under “Debt Investing” in this section of the SAI; for additional information about ratings on debt obligations, see Appendix A to this SAI.)

The funds may also invest in synthetic convertible securities, which involve the combination of separate securities that possess the two principal characteristics of a traditional convertible security (i.e., an income-producing component and a right to acquire an equity security).Synthetic convertible securities are often achieved, in part, through investments in warrants or options to buy common stock (or options on a stock index), and therefore are subject to the risks associated with derivatives.

 

Corporate Debt Securities

Each Fund may invest in debt securities issued by corporations, limited partnerships and other similar entities. A Fund’s investments in debt securities of domestic or foreign corporate issuers include bonds, debentures, notes and other similar corporate debt instruments, including convertible securities that meet the Fund’s minimum ratings criteria or if unrated are, in the Fund’s subadviser’s opinion, comparable in quality to corporate debt securities that meet those criteria. The rate of return or return of principal on some debt

 

18


         

Investment Technique

Description and Risks

Fund-Specific Limitations

 

obligations may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies or to the value of commodities, such as gold.

 

Duration

Duration is a time measure of a bond’s interest-rate sensitivity, based on the weighted average of the time periods over which a bond’s cash flows accrue to the bondholder. Time periods are weighted by multiplying by the present value of its cash flow divided by the bond’s price. (A bond’s cash flows consist of coupon payments and repayment of capital.) A bond’s duration will almost always be shorter than its maturity, with the exception of zero-coupon bonds, for which maturity and duration are equal.

 

Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)

Generally, ETNs are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the ETN until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day’s market benchmark or strategy factor.

ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk, and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When a Fund invests in ETNs it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. The Fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing, and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.

ETNs are also subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how a Fund characterizes and treats ETNs for tax purposes. Further, the IRS and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing and character of income and gains from ETNs.

An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risks as other instruments that use leverage in any form.

The market value of ETNs may differ from that of their market benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETNs at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy.

 

High-Yield Fixed Income Securities (“Junk Bonds”)

Investments in securities rated “BB” or below by S&P or Fitch, or “Ba” or below by Moody’s generally provide greater income (leading to the name “high-yield” securities) and opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility, liquidity, and principal and income risk. These securities are regarded as predominantly speculative as to the issuer’s continuing ability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of lower-quality debt securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher-quality debt securities.

Interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The market values of low-rated securities tend to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher-rated

 

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securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Low-rated securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than higher-rated securities. As a result, they generally involve more credit risks than securities in the higher-rated categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of low-rated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient revenues to meet their payment obligations. The issuer’s ability to service its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate developments, the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of low-rated securities is generally considered to be significantly greater than issuers of higher- rated securities because such securities are usually unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors. Further, if the issuer of a low- rated security defaulted, the applicable Fund might incur additional expenses in seeking recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes would also generally result in increased volatility in the market prices of low-rated securities and thus in the applicable Fund’s NAV.

Low-rated securities often contain redemption, call or prepayment provisions which permit the issuer of the securities containing such provisions to, at its discretion, redeem the securities. During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of low-rated securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance them with debt securities with a lower interest rate. To the extent an issuer is able to refinance the securities or otherwise redeem them, the applicable Fund may have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security which would result in lower returns for the Fund.

A Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain low-rated securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. Because not all dealers maintain markets in all low-rated securities, there is no established retail secondary market for many of these securities. The Funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the market price of the security, and accordingly, the NAV of a particular Fund and its ability to dispose of particular securities when necessary to meet its liquidity needs, or in response to a specific economic event, or an event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its respective portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many low-rated issues only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices for actual sales. During periods of thin trading, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of low-rated securities, especially in a thinly-traded market. If a Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to liquidate a portion of its portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits. Due to the limited liquidity of low-rated securities, the Fund may be forced to liquidate these securities at a substantial discount. Any such liquidation would reduce the Fund’s asset base over which expenses could be allocated and could result in a reduced rate of return for the Fund.

 
   

Interest Rate Environment Risk

Changing interest rates, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from a Fund’s performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates. A low interest rate environment may have an adverse impact on each Fund’s ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders and pay expenses out of Fund assets because of the low yields from the Fund’s portfolio investments. Alternatively, a general rise in interest rates has the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from a Fund that holds large amounts of fixed-income securities. Heavy redemptions could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value and could hurt the

 

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Fund’s performance.

Further, Federal Reserve policy changes may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and may reduce liquidity for certain Fund investments, which could cause the value of a Funds’ investments and a Funds’ share price to decline or create difficulties for the Fund in disposing of investments. A Fund that invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income markets may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a Fund that does not invest in derivatives.

A Fund could also be forced to liquidate its investments at disadvantageous times or prices, thereby adversely affecting the Fund. To the extent a Fund experiences high redemptions because of these policy changes, the Fund may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Fund incurs and lower the Fund’s performance.

 
   

Inverse Floating Rate Obligations

Certain variable rate securities pay interest at a rate that varies inversely to prevailing short-term interest rates (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters). For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security may go down when the underlying index has risen. During periods when short-term interest rates are relatively low as compared to long-term interest rates, the Fund may attempt to enhance its yield by purchasing inverse floaters. Certain inverse floaters may have an interest rate reset mechanism that multiplies the effects of changes in the underlying index. While this form of leverage may increase the security’s yield, it may also increase the volatility of the security’s market value.

Similar to other 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 holding these instruments could lose money and its NAV could decline.

No fund will invest more than 5% of its assets in inverse floaters.

Letters of Credit

Debt obligations, including municipal obligations, certificates of participation, commercial paper and other short-term obligations, may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit of a bank that assumes the obligation for payment of principal and interest in the event of default by the issuer. Only banks that, in the opinion of the relevant Fund’s subadviser, are of investment quality comparable to other permitted investments of the Fund may be used for Letter of Credit-backed investments.

 
   

Loan and Debt Participations and Assignments

A loan participation agreement involves the purchase of a share of a loan made by a bank to a company in return for a corresponding share of the borrower’s principal and interest payments. Loan participations of the type in which the Fund may invest include interests in both secured and unsecured corporate loans. When a Fund purchases loan assignments from lenders, it will acquire direct rights against the borrower, but these rights and the Fund’s obligations may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assignment lender. The principal credit risk associated with acquiring loan participation and assignment interests is the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. There is also a risk that there may not be a readily available market for participation loan interests and, in some cases, this could result in the Fund disposing of such securities at a substantial discount from face value or holding such securities until maturity.

There is typically a limited amount of public information available about loans because loans normally are not registered with the SEC or any state securities commission or listed on any securities exchange. Certain of the loans in which a fund may invest may not be considered “securities,” and therefore the fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws with respect to those loans in the event of fraud or misrepresentation by a borrower. A fund may come into possession of material, non-public information about a borrower as a result of the fund’s ownership of a loan or other floating- rate instrument of the borrower. Because of prohibitions on trading in securities of issuers while in possession of material, non-public information, the fund might be unable to enter into a transaction in a publicly-traded security of the borrower when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so.

Loans trade in an unregulated inter-dealer or inter-bank secondary market. Purchases and

 

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sales of loans are generally subject to contractual restrictions that must be satisfied before a loan can be bought or sold. These restrictions may (i) impede the fund’s ability to buy or sell loans; (ii) negatively affect the transaction price; (iii) affect the counterparty credit risk borne by the fund; (iv) impede the fund’s ability to timely vote or otherwise act with respect to loans; and (v) expose the fund to adverse tax or regulatory consequences.

In the event that a corporate borrower failed to pay its scheduled interest or principal payments on participations held by the Fund, the market value of the affected participation would decline, resulting in a loss of value of such investment to the Fund. Accordingly, such participations are speculative and may result in the income level and net assets of the Fund being reduced. Moreover, loan participation agreements generally limit the right of a participant to resell its interest in the loan to a third party and, as a result, loan participations may be deemed by the Fund to be illiquid investments. A Fund will invest only in participations with respect to borrowers whose creditworthiness is, or is determined by the Fund’s subadviser to be, substantially equivalent to that of issuers whose senior unsubordinated debt securities are rated B or higher by Moody’s or S&P. For the purposes of diversification and/or concentration calculations, both the borrower and issuer will be considered an “issuer.”

The Funds may purchase from banks participation interests in all or part of specific holdings of debt obligations. Each participation interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the selling bank that the relevant Fund’s subadviser has determined meets the prescribed quality standards of the Fund. Thus, even if the credit of the issuer of the debt obligation does not meet the quality standards of the Fund, the credit of the selling bank will.

Loan participations and assignments may be illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)

Large loans to corporations or governments may be shared or syndicated among several lenders, usually banks. A fund may participate in such syndicates, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a direct lender. Participations and assignments involve special types of risk, including liquidity risk and the risks of being a lender. If a fund purchases a participation, it may only be able to enforce its rights through the lender, and may assume the credit risk of the lender in addition to the borrower. With respect to assignments, a fund’s rights against the borrower may be more limited than those held by the original lender.

Certain funds invest significantly in floating rate loans that have interest rate provisions linked to LIBOR. LIBOR is used extensively in the U.S. and globally as a “benchmark.” The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The administrator of LIBOR ceased publication of most LIBOR settings on a representative basis at the end of 2021 and is expected to cease publication of a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings on a representative basis after June 30, 2023. In addition, global regulators have announced that, with limited exceptions, no new LIBOR-based contracts should be entered into after 2021.

Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. Various financial industry groups have been planning for the transition away from LIBOR, but there remains uncertainty regarding the nature of any replacement rate and the impact of the transition from LIBOR on the Funds’ transactions and the financial markets generally. The transition away from LIBOR may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR and may adversely affect the Funds’ performance. The transition may also result in a reduction in the value of certain LIBOR-based investments held by the Funds or reduce the effectiveness of related transactions such as hedges. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses for the Fund. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could also deteriorate during the transition period, effects could occur at any time.

Many loans have interest rate provisions referencing LIBOR that, when drafted, did not

 

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contemplate the permanent discontinuation of LIBOR and, as a result, there may be uncertainty or disagreement over how the loans should be interpreted. For example, loans without fallback language, or with fallback language that does not contemplate the discontinuation of LIBOR, could become less liquid and/or change in value as the date approaches when LIBOR will no longer be updated. Further, the interest rate provisions of these loans may need to be renegotiated. Finally, there may be other risks related to the discontinuation of LIBOR, such as loan price volatility risk and technology or systems risk.

Currently, the U.S. and other countries are working to replace LIBOR with alternative reference rates. The alternative reference rates may be more volatile than LIBOR and may perform erratically until widely accepted within the marketplace. The risks associated with this discontinuation and transition will persist if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.

 
   

Municipal Securities and Related Investments

Tax-exempt municipal securities are debt obligations issued by the various states and their subdivisions (e.g., cities, counties, towns, and school districts) to raise funds, generally for various public improvements requiring long-term capital investment. Purposes for which tax-exempt bonds are issued include flood control, airports, bridges and highways, housing, medical facilities, schools, mass transportation and power, water or sewage plants, as well as others. Tax-exempt bonds also are occasionally issued to retire outstanding obligations, to obtain funds for operating expenses or to loan to other public or, in some cases, private sector organizations or to individuals.

Yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligations and the rating of the issue. Municipal securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to potentially greater capital appreciation and depreciation than obligations with shorter maturities and lower yields. The market prices of municipal securities usually vary, depending upon available yields. 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. The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective is also dependent on the continuing ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the Fund invests to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal when due. The ratings of Moody’s and S&P represent their opinions as to the quality of municipal securities which they undertake to rate. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently, municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon, and rating may have different yields. There are variations in municipal securities, both within a particular classification and between classifications, depending on numerous factors. It should also be pointed out that, unlike other types of investments, municipal securities have traditionally not been subject to regulation by, or registration with, the SEC, although there have been proposals which would provide for such regulation in the future.

The federal bankruptcy statutes relating to the debts of political subdivisions and authorities of states of the United States provide that, in certain circumstances, such subdivisions or authorities may be authorized to initiate bankruptcy proceedings without prior notice to or consent of creditors, which proceedings could result in material and adverse changes in the rights of holders of their obligations.

Lawsuits challenging the validity under state constitutions of present systems of financing public education have been initiated or adjusted in a number of states, and legislation has been introduced to effect changes in public school financing in some states. In other instances there have been lawsuits challenging the issuance of pollution control revenue bonds or the validity of their issuance under state or federal law which could ultimately affect the validity of those municipal securities or the tax-free nature of the interest thereon.

Descriptions of some of the municipal securities and related investment types most commonly acquired by the Funds are provided below. In addition to those shown, other types of municipal investments are, or may become, available for investment by the Funds. For the purpose of each Fund’s investment restrictions set forth in this SAI, the identification of the

 

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“issuer” of a municipal security which is not a general obligation bond is made by the applicable Fund’s subadviser on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation, the most significant of which is the source of funds for the payment of principal and interest on such security.

 

Municipal Bonds

Municipal bonds, which meet longer-term capital needs and generally have maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal classifications: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. Another type of municipal bond is referred to as an industrial development bond.

Pre-refunded municipal bonds are tax-exempt bonds that have been refunded to a call date on or before the final maturity of principal and remain outstanding in the municipal market. The payment of principal and interest of the pre-refunded municipal bonds held by a fund is funded from securities in a designated escrow account that holds U.S. Treasury securities or other obligations of the U.S. Government, including its agencies and instrumentalities (“Agency Securities”). While still tax-exempt, pre-refunded municipal bonds usually will bear a Aaa rating (if a re-rating has been requested and paid for) because they are backed by the U.S. Treasury or Agency Securities. As the payment of principal and interest is generated from securities held in a designated escrow account, the pledge of the municipality has been fulfilled and the original pledge of revenue by the municipality is no longer in place. The escrow account securities pledged to pay the principal and interest of the pre-refunded municipal bonds held by a fund may subject the fund to interest rate risk and market risk. In addition, while a secondary market exists for pre-refunded municipal bonds, if a fund sells pre-refunded municipal bonds prior to maturity, the price received may be more or less than the original cost, depending on market conditions at the time of sale.

 

General Obligation Bonds

Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns, and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide range of public projects, including construction or improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems. The basic security behind general obligation bonds is the issuer’s pledge of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be limited or unlimited as to the rate or amount of special assessments.

 

Industrial Development Bonds

Industrial development bonds, which are considered municipal bonds if the interest paid is exempt from Federal income tax, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports arenas and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility’s user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment.

 

Revenue Bonds

The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or, in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges, and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer’s obligations. Housing finance authorities have a wide range of security; including partially or fully insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a state’s ability (without obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.

 

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Municipal Leases

Each Fund may acquire participations in lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called “lease obligations”) of municipal authorities or entities. Although lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the municipality for which the municipality’s taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation may be backed by the municipality’s covenant to budget for, appropriate, and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain “non- appropriation” clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. In addition to the “non-appropriation” risk, these securities represent a relatively new type of financing that has not yet developed the depth of marketability associated with more conventional bonds. In the case of a “non-appropriation” lease, the Fund’s ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the repossession of the leased property in the event foreclosure might prove difficult. The Fund’s subadviser will evaluate the credit quality of a municipal lease and whether it will be considered liquid. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Investments” in this section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of these investments being considered illiquid.)

 

Municipal Notes

Municipal notes generally are used to provide for short-term working capital needs and generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include bond anticipation notes, construction loan notes, revenue anticipation notes and tax anticipation notes.

 

Bond Anticipation Notes

Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the money for the repayment of the notes.

 

Construction Loan Notes

Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. After successful completion and acceptance, many projects receive permanent financing through FNMA or GNMA.

 

Revenue Anticipation Notes

Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types of revenue, such as Federal revenues available under Federal revenue sharing programs.

 

Tax Anticipation Notes

Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various seasonal tax revenue, such as income, sales, use and business taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes.

 

Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper

Tax-exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is issued by state and local governments or their agencies to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term financing.

 

Participation on Creditors’ Committees

While the Funds do not invest in securities to exercise control over the securities’ issuers, each Fund may, from time to time, participate on committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by the Fund. Such participation may subject the relevant Fund to expenses such as legal fees and may deem the Fund an “insider” of the issuer for purposes of the Federal securities laws, and expose the Fund to material non- public information of the issuer, and therefore may restrict the Fund’s ability to purchase or sell a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation by a Fund on such committees also may expose the Fund to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors. A Fund will participate on such committees only when the Fund’s subadviser believes that such participation is necessary or desirable to enforce the Fund’s rights as a creditor or to protect the value of securities held by the Fund.

 

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Payable in Kind (“PIK”) Bonds

PIK bonds are obligations which provide that the issuer thereof may, at its option, pay interest on such bonds in cash or “in kind”, which means in the form of additional debt securities. Such securities benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash. The Funds will accrue income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the Funds’ distribution obligations. The market prices of PIK bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically, and they are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than would otherwise similar bonds on which regular cash payments of interest are being made.

 

Ratings

The rating or quality of a debt security refers to a rating agency’s assessment of the issuer’s creditworthiness, i.e., its ability to pay principal and interest when due. Higher ratings indicate better credit quality, as rated by independent rating organizations such as Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, which publish their ratings on a regular basis. Appendix A provides a description of the various ratings provided for bonds (including convertible bonds), municipal bonds, and commercial paper.

After a Fund purchases a debt security, the rating of that security may be reduced below the minimum rating acceptable for purchase by the Fund. A subsequent downgrade does not require the sale of the security, but the Fund’s subadviser will consider such an event in determining whether to continue to hold the obligation. To the extent that ratings established by Moody’s or S&P may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, a Fund will invest in securities which are deemed by the Fund’s subadviser to be of comparable quality to securities whose current ratings render them eligible for purchase by the Fund.

Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market-value risk and therefore may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.

 

Sovereign Debt

Each Fund may invest in “sovereign debt,” which is issued or guaranteed by foreign governments (including countries, provinces and municipalities) or their agencies and instrumentalities. Sovereign debt may trade at a substantial discount from face value. The Funds may hold and trade sovereign debt of foreign countries in appropriate circumstances to participate in debt conversion programs. Emerging market country sovereign debt involves a higher degree of risk than that of developed markets, is generally lower-quality debt, and is considered speculative in nature due, in part, to the extreme and volatile nature of debt burdens in such countries and because emerging market governments can be relatively unstable. The issuer or governmental authorities that control sovereign-debt repayment (“sovereign debtors”) may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of the debt. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash-flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy towards the IMF, and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearage on their debt. The commitment of these third parties to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the sovereign debtor’s implementation of economic reforms or economic performance and the timely service of the debtor’s obligations. The sovereign debtor’s failure to meet these conditions may cause these third parties to cancel their commitments

 

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to provide funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair the debtor’s ability or willingness to timely service its debts. In certain instances, the Funds may invest in sovereign debt that is in default as to payments of principal or interest. In the event that the Funds hold non- performing sovereign debt, the Funds may incur additional expenses in connection with any restructuring of the issuer’s obligations or in otherwise enforcing their rights thereunder.

 

Brady Bonds

Each Fund may invest a portion of its assets in certain sovereign debt obligations known as “Brady Bonds.” Brady Bonds are issued under the framework of the Brady Plan, an initiative announced by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a mechanism for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness. The Brady Plan contemplates, among other things, the debtor nation’s adoption of certain economic reforms and the exchange of commercial bank debt for newly issued bonds. In restructuring its external debt under the Brady Plan framework, a debtor nation negotiates with its existing bank lenders as well as the World Bank or the IMF. The World Bank or IMF supports the restructuring by providing funds pursuant to loan agreements or other arrangements that enable the debtor nation to collateralize the new Brady Bonds or to replenish reserves used to reduce outstanding bank debt. Under these loan agreements or other arrangements with the World Bank or IMF, debtor nations have been required to agree to implement certain domestic monetary and fiscal reforms. The Brady Plan sets forth only general guiding principles for economic reform and debt reduction, emphasizing that solutions must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis between debtor nations and their creditors.

Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the “residual risk”). In light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds can be viewed as speculative.

 

Stand-by Commitments

Each Fund may purchase securities together with the right to resell them to the seller or a third party at an agreed-upon price or yield within specified periods prior to their maturity dates. Such a right to resell is commonly known as a stand-by commitment, and the aggregate price which a Fund pays for securities with a stand-by commitment may increase the cost, and thereby reduce the yield, of the security. The primary purpose of this practice is to permit the Fund to be as fully invested as practicable in municipal securities while preserving the necessary flexibility and liquidity to meet unanticipated redemptions. Stand-by commitments acquired by a Fund are valued at zero in determining the Fund’s NAV. Stand-by commitments involve certain expenses and risks, including the inability of the issuer of the commitment to pay for the securities at the time the commitment is exercised, non-marketability of the commitment, and differences between the maturity of the underlying security and the maturity of the commitment.

 

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 maturity.

 

Tender Option Bonds

Tender option bonds are relatively long-term bonds that are coupled with the option to tender the securities to a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and receive the face value of the bond. This investment structure is commonly used as a means of enhancing a security’s liquidity.

 

Variable and Floating Rate Obligations

Each Fund may purchase securities having a floating or variable rate of interest. These securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specific formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate (the “underlying index”). The floating rate tends to decrease the security’s price sensitivity to

 

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changes in interest rates. These securities may carry demand features permitting the holder to demand payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals prior to maturity. Accordingly, as interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or depreciation is less than for fixed-rate obligations.

The floating and variable rate obligations that the Funds may purchase include variable rate demand securities. Variable rate demand securities are variable rate securities that have demand features entitling the purchaser to resell the securities to the issuer at an amount approximately equal to amortized cost or the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, which may be more or less than the price that the Fund paid for them. The interest rate on variable rate demand securities also varies either according to some objective standard, such as an index of short-term, tax-exempt rates, or according to rates set by or on behalf of the issuer.

When a Fund purchases a floating or variable rate demand instrument, the Fund’s subadviser will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the ability of the issuer to pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund’s right to obtain payment at par on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date the Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due that may affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument to make payment when due, except when such demand instrument permits same day settlement. To facilitate settlement, these same day demand instruments may be held in book entry form at a bank other than the Funds’ custodian subject to a sub- custodian agreement between the bank and the Funds’ custodian.

The floating and variable rate obligations that the Funds may purchase also include certificates of participation in such obligations purchased from banks. A certificate of participation gives the Fund an undivided interest in the underlying obligations in the proportion that the Fund’s interest bears to the total principal amount of the obligation. Certain certificates of participation may carry a demand feature that would permit the holder to tender them back to the issuer prior to maturity.

The income received on certificates of participation in tax-exempt municipal obligations constitutes interest from tax-exempt obligations.

Each Fund will limit its purchases of floating and variable rate obligations to those of the same quality as it otherwise is allowed to purchase. Similar to fixed rate debt instruments, variable and floating rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in prevailing market interest rates or changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness.

A floating or variable rate instrument may be subject to a Fund’s percentage limitation on illiquid securities if there is no reliable trading market for the instrument or if the Fund may not demand payment of the principal amount within seven days. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)

 

Zero, Deferred and Step Coupon Debt Securities and Payment-in-Kind Securities

Each Fund may invest in debt obligations that do not make any interest payments for a specified period of time prior to maturity (“deferred coupon” bonds) or until maturity (“zero coupon” bonds). The nonpayment of interest on a current basis may result from the bond’s having no stated interest rate, in which case the bond pays only principal at maturity and is normally initially issued at a discount from face value. Alternatively, the bond may provide for a stated rate of interest, but provide that such interest is not payable until maturity, in which case the bond may initially be issued at par. The value to the investor of these types of bonds is represented by the economic accretion either of the difference between the purchase price and the nominal principal amount (if no interest is stated to accrue) or of accrued, unpaid interest during the bond’s life or payment deferral period.

Because deferred and zero coupon bonds do not make interest payments for a certain period of time, they are generally purchased by a Fund at a deep discount and their value fluctuates more in response to interest rate changes than does the value of debt obligations that make current interest payments. The degree of fluctuation with interest rate changes is greater when the deferred period is longer. Therefore, when a Fund invests in zero or deferred coupon bonds, there is a risk that the value of the Fund’s shares may decline more

 

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as a result of an increase in interest rates than would be the case if the Fund did not invest in such bonds.

Even though zero and deferred coupon bonds may not pay current interest in cash, each Fund is required to accrue interest income on such investments and to distribute such amounts to shareholders. Thus, a Fund would not be able to purchase income-producing securities to the extent cash is used to pay such distributions, and, therefore, the Fund’s current income could be less than it otherwise would have been. Instead of using cash, the Fund might liquidate investments in order to satisfy these distribution requirements.

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. The discount from the face amount or par value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer.

Payment-in-kind securities are debt or preferred securities that require or permit payment of interest in the form of additional securities. Payment-in-kind securities allow the issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments and, as a result, may involve greater risk than securities that pay interest currently or in cash.

 
   

Derivative Instruments

Each Fund may invest in various types of derivatives, which may at times result in significant derivative exposure. A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each Fund may invest in derivative instruments including, but not limited to: futures contracts, put options, call options, options on future contracts, options on foreign currencies, swaps, forward contracts, structured investments, and other equity- linked derivatives.

Each Fund may use derivative instruments for hedging (to offset risks associated with an investment, currency exposure, or market conditions) or in pursuit of its investment objective(s) and policies (to seek to enhance returns). When a Fund invests in a derivative, the risks of loss of that derivative may be greater than the derivative’s cost. No Fund may use any derivative to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly. In addition to other considerations, a Fund’s ability to use derivative instruments may be limited by tax considerations. (See “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” in this SAI.)

Investments in derivatives may subject a Fund to special risks in addition to normal market fluctuations and other risks inherent in investment in securities. Investments in derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Investments in derivatives may not directly correlate with the price movements of the underlying instrument. As a result, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than otherwise would be the case.

SEC Rule 18f-4 (“Rule 18f-4” or the “Derivatives Rule”) regulates the ability of a Fund to enter into derivative transactions and other leveraged transactions. The Derivatives Rule defines the term “derivatives” to include short sales and forward contracts, such as TBA transactions, in addition to instruments traditionally classified as derivatives, such as swaps, futures, and options. Rule 18f-4 also regulates other types of leveraged transactions, such as reverse repurchase transactions and transactions deemed to be “similar to” reverse repurchase transactions, such as certain securities lending transactions in connection with which a Fund obtains leverage. Among other things, under Rule 18f-4, a Fund is prohibited from entering into these derivatives transactions except in reliance on the provisions of the Derivatives Rule. The Derivatives Rule establishes limits on the derivatives transactions that a Fund may enter into based on the value-at-risk (“VaR”) of the Fund inclusive of derivatives. A Fund will generally satisfy the limits under the Rule if the VaR of its portfolio (inclusive of derivatives transactions) does not exceed 200% of the VaR of its “designated reference portfolio.” The “designated reference portfolio” is a

 

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representative unleveraged index or a Fund’s own portfolio absent derivatives holdings, as determined by such Fund’s derivatives risk manager. This limits test is referred to as the “Relative VaR Test.” As a result of the Relative VaR Test, a Fund may not seek returns in excess of 2x the Underlying Index.

In addition, among other requirements, Rule 18f-4 requires a Fund to establish a derivatives risk management program, appoint a derivatives risk manager, and carry out enhanced reporting to the Board, the SEC and the public regarding a Fund’s derivatives activities. These new requirements will apply unless a Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” which the Derivatives Rule defines as a fund that limits its derivatives exposure to 10% of its net assets. It is possible that the limits and compliance costs imposed by the Derivatives Rule may adversely affect a Fund’s performance, efficiency in implementing its strategy, liquidity and/or ability to pursue its investment objectives and may increase the cost of such Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.

 
   

Commodity Interests

Certain of the derivative investment types permitted for the Funds may be considered commodity interests for purposes of the CEA and regulations approved by the CFTC. However, as of the date of this SAI, each Fund intends to limit the use of such investment types as required to qualify for exclusion or exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in commodity interests under such regulations. As a result, each Fund has filed a notice of exclusion under CFTC Regulation 4.5 or exemption under another CFTC regulation.

The CFTC has adopted amendments to its rules that may affect the Funds’ ability to continue to claim exclusion or exemption from regulation. If a Fund’s use of these techniques would cause the Fund to be considered a “commodity pool” under the CEA, then the Adviser would be subject to registration and regulation as the Fund’s commodity pool operator, and the Fund’s subadviser may be subject to registration and regulation as the Fund’s commodity trading advisor. A Fund may incur additional expense as a result of the CFTC’s registration and regulation obligations, and the Fund’s use of these techniques and other instruments may be limited or restricted.

 

Credit-linked Notes

Credit-linked notes are derivative instruments used to transfer credit risk. The performance of the notes is linked to the performance of the underlying reference obligation or reference portfolio (“reference entities”). The notes are usually issued by a special purpose vehicle that sells credit protection through a credit default swap agreement in return for a premium and an obligation to pay the transaction sponsor should a reference entity experience a credit event, such as bankruptcy. The special purpose vehicle invests the proceeds from the notes to cover its contingent obligation. Revenue from the investments and the money received as premium are used to pay interest to note holders. The main risk of credit linked notes is the risk of default to the reference obligation of the credit default swap. Should a default occur, the special purpose vehicle would have to pay the transaction sponsor, subordinating payments to the note holders. Credit linked notes also may not be liquid and may be subject to currency and interest rate risks as well.

 

Equity-linked Derivatives

Each Fund may invest in equity-linked derivative products, the performance of which is designed to correspond generally to the performance of a specified stock index or “basket” of stocks, or to a single stock. Investments in equity-linked derivatives involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the types of securities such products are designed to track. There can be no assurance that the trading price of the equity-linked derivatives will equal the underlying value of the securities purchased to replicate a particular investment or that such basket will replicate the investment.

Investments in equity-linked derivatives may constitute investments in other investment companies. (See “Mutual Fund Investing” in this section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of a Fund investing in other investment companies.)

 

Eurodollar

The Funds may invest in Eurodollar instruments. Eurodollar instruments are dollar-denominated certificates of deposit and time deposits issued outside the U.S. capital

 

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Instruments

markets by foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. A Fund might use Eurodollar instruments to hedge against changes in interest rates or to enhance returns.

Eurodollar obligations are subject to the same risks that pertain to domestic issuers, most notably income risk (and, to a lesser extent, credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk). Additionally, Eurodollar obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a sovereign country might prevent capital, in the form of dollars, from flowing across its borders. Other risks include adverse political and economic developments, the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions, the imposition of foreign withholding taxes, and expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers. However, Eurodollar obligations will undergo the same type of credit analysis as domestic issuers in which a Fund invests.

 

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options

Each Fund may engage in certain derivative foreign currency exchange and option transactions involving investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If a Fund’s subadviser’s predictions of movements in the direction of securities prices or currency exchange rates are inaccurate, the Fund may experience adverse consequences, leaving it in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of option and foreign currency forward and futures contracts include: (1) dependence on the Fund’s subadviser’s ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of securities prices and currency exchange rates; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being hedged; (3) the fact that the skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; and (5) the possible need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. The Fund’s ability to enter into futures contracts is also limited by the requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of this SAI.)

A Fund may engage in currency exchange transactions to protect against uncertainty in the level of future currency exchange rates. In addition, a Fund may write covered put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of increasing its return.

A Fund may enter into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date (“forward contracts”) and purchase and sell foreign currency futures contracts. For certain hedging purposes, the Fund may also purchase exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on foreign currency futures contracts and on foreign currencies. A put option on a futures contract gives the Fund the right to assume a short position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A put option on a currency gives the Fund the right to sell the currency at an exercise price until the expiration of the option. A call option on a futures contract gives the Fund the right to assume a long position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A call option on a currency gives the Fund the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the expiration of the option.

When engaging in position hedging, a Fund enters into foreign currency exchange transactions to protect against a decline in the values of the foreign currencies in which its portfolio securities are denominated (or an increase in the values of currency for securities which the Fund expects to purchase, when the Fund holds cash or short-term investments). In connection with position hedging, the Fund may purchase put or call options on foreign currency and on foreign currency futures contracts and buy or sell forward contracts and foreign currency futures contracts. (A Fund may also purchase or sell foreign currency on a spot basis, as discussed in “Foreign Currency Transactions” under “Foreign Investing” in this section of the SAI.)

The precise matching of the amounts of foreign currency exchange transactions and the value of the portfolio securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements

 

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in the value of those securities between the dates the currency exchange transactions are entered into and the dates they mature. It is also impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration or maturity of a forward or futures contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security or securities being hedged is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver and a decision is made to sell the security or securities and make delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security or securities if the market value of such security or securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.

Hedging techniques do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities which a Fund owns or intends to purchase or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange which one can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally, although these techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain which might result from the increase in value of such currency.

A Fund may seek to increase its return or to offset some of the costs of hedging against fluctuations in currency exchange rates by writing covered put options and covered call options on foreign currencies. In that case, the Fund receives a premium from writing a put or call option, which increases the Fund’s current return if the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a net profit. A Fund may terminate an option that it has written prior to its expiration by entering into a closing purchase transaction in which it purchases an option having the same terms as the option written.

A Fund’s currency hedging transactions may call for the delivery of one foreign currency in exchange for another foreign currency and may at times not involve currencies in which its portfolio securities are then denominated. A Fund’s subadviser will engage in such “cross hedging” activities when it believes that such transactions provide significant hedging opportunities for the Fund. Cross hedging transactions by a Fund involve the risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies to which such transactions relate and changes in the value of the currency or other asset or liability which is the subject of the hedge.

Foreign currency forward contracts, futures and options may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States; may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees; and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the relevant Fund’s ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non- business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading volume.

The types of derivative foreign currency exchange transactions most commonly employed by the Funds are discussed below, although each Fund is also permitted to engage in other similar transactions to the extent consistent with the Fund’s investment limitations and restrictions.

 
   

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

A foreign currency forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (“term”) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.

 

Foreign Currency

Each Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts and options on such futures contracts. Through the purchase or sale of such contracts, a Fund may be able to achieve

 

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Futures Transactions

many of the same objectives attainable through the use of foreign currency forward contracts, but more effectively and possibly at a lower cost.

Unlike forward foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign currency futures contracts and options on foreign currency futures contracts are standardized as to amount and delivery period and are traded on boards of trade and commodities exchanges. It is anticipated that such contracts may provide greater liquidity and lower cost than forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

Purchasers and sellers of foreign currency futures contracts are subject to the same risks that apply to the buying and selling of futures generally. In addition, there are risks associated with foreign currency futures contracts similar to those associated with options on foreign currencies. (See “Foreign Currency Options” and “Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts”, each in this sub-section of the SAI.) The Fund must accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency, through banking arrangements, in accordance with any U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with such delivery which are assessed in the issuing country.

Futures contracts are designed by boards of trade which are designated “contracts markets” by the CFTC. Futures contracts trade on contracts markets in a manner that is similar to the way a stock trades on a stock exchange and the boards of trade, through their clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. As of the date of this SAI, the Funds may invest in futures contracts under specified conditions without being regulated as commodity pools. However, under CFTC rules the Funds’ ability to maintain the exclusions/exemptions from the definition of commodity pool may be limited. (See “Commodity Interests” in this section of the SAI.)

 
   

Foreign Currency Options

A foreign currency option provides the option buyer with the right to buy or sell a stated amount of foreign currency at the exercise price at a specified date or during the option period. A call option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy the currency, while a put option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to sell the currency. The option seller (writer) is obligated to fulfill the terms of the option sold if it is exercised. However, either seller or buyer may close its position during the option period for such options any time prior to expiration.

A call rises in value if the underlying currency appreciates. Conversely, a put rises in value if the underlying currency depreciates. While purchasing a foreign currency option can protect a Fund against an adverse movement in the value of a foreign currency, it does not limit the gain which might result from a favorable movement in the value of such currency. For example, if the Fund were holding securities denominated in an appreciating foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency put to hedge against a decline in the value of the currency, it would not have to exercise its put. Similarly, if the Fund had entered into a contract to purchase a security denominated in a foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency call to hedge against a rise in the value of the currency but instead the currency had depreciated in value between the date of purchase and the settlement date, the Fund would not have to exercise its call but could acquire in the spot market the amount of foreign currency needed for settlement.

The value of a foreign currency option depends upon the value of the underlying currency relative to the other referenced currency. As a result, the price of the option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security, including foreign securities held in a “hedged” investment portfolio. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, the Funds may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.

As in the case of other kinds of options, the use of foreign currency options constitutes only

 

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a partial hedge, and a Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may not necessarily constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates and, in the event of rate movements adverse to the Fund’s position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.

Options on foreign currencies written or purchased by a Fund may be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or over the counter. There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies traded over the counter or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information available is generally representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions (i.e., less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that the options markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that are not reflected in the options market.

For additional information about options transactions, see “Options” under “Derivative Investments” in this section of the SAI.

 

Foreign Currency Warrants

Foreign currency warrants such as currency exchange warrants are warrants that entitle the holder to receive from the issuer an amount of cash (generally, for warrants issued in the United States, in U.S. dollars) that is calculated pursuant to a predetermined formula and based on the exchange rate between two specified currencies as of the exercise date of the warrant. Foreign currency warrants generally are exercisable upon their issuance and expire as of a specified date and time.

Foreign currency warrants may be used to reduce the currency exchange risk assumed by purchasers of a security by, for example, providing for a supplemental payment in the event the U.S. dollar depreciates against the value of a major foreign currency such as the Japanese Yen or Euro. The formula used to determine the amount payable upon exercise of a foreign currency warrant may make the warrant worthless unless the applicable foreign currency exchange rate moves in a particular direction (e.g., unless the U.S. dollar appreciates or depreciates against the particular foreign currency to which the warrant is linked or indexed).

Foreign currency warrants are severable from the debt obligations with which they may be offered, and may be listed on exchanges. Foreign currency warrants may be exercisable only in certain minimum amounts, and an investor wishing to exercise warrants who possesses less than the minimum number required for exercise may be required either to sell the warrants or to purchase additional warrants, thereby incurring additional transaction costs. Upon exercise of warrants, there may be a delay between the time the holder gives instructions to exercise and the time the exchange rate relating to exercise is determined, thereby affecting both the market and cash settlement values of the warrants being exercised. The expiration date of the warrants may be accelerated if the warrants should be delisted from an exchange or if their trading should be suspended permanently, which would result in the loss of any remaining “time value” of the warrants (i.e., the difference between the current market value and the exercise value of the warrants), and, if the warrants were “out-of-the-money,” in a total loss of the purchase price of the warrants.

Warrants are generally unsecured obligations of their issuers and are not standardized foreign currency options issued by the OCC. Unlike foreign currency options issued by OCC, the terms of foreign exchange warrants generally will not be amended in the event of governmental or regulatory actions affecting exchange rates or in the event of the imposition of other regulatory controls affecting the international currency markets. The initial public offering price of foreign currency warrants could be considerably in excess of the price that a commercial user of foreign currencies might pay in the interbank market for a comparable option involving larger amounts of foreign currencies. Foreign currency warrants are subject to significant foreign exchange risk, including risks arising from

 

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complex political or economic factors.

 

Performance Indexed Paper

Performance indexed paper is commercial paper the yield of which is linked to certain currency exchange rate movements. The yield to the investor on performance indexed paper is established at maturity as a function of spot exchange rates between the designated currencies as of or about the time (generally, the index maturity two days prior to maturity). The yield to the investor will be within a range stipulated at the time of purchase of the obligation, generally with a guaranteed minimum rate of return that is below, and a potential maximum rate of return that is above, market yields on commercial paper, with both the minimum and maximum rates of return on the investment corresponding to the minimum and maximum values of the spot exchange rate two business days prior to maturity.

 

Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities (“PERLS”)

PERLS are debt obligations the principal on which is payable at maturity in an amount that may vary based on the exchange rate between the particular currencies at or about that time. The return on “standard” principal exchange rate linked securities is enhanced if the currency to which the security is linked appreciates against the base currency, and is adversely affected by increases in the exchange value of the base currency. “Reverse” PERLS are like the “standard” securities, except that their return is enhanced by increases in the value of the base currency and adversely impacted by increases in the value of other currency. Interest payments on the securities are generally made at rates that reflect the degree of currency risk assumed or given up by the purchaser of the notes (i.e., at relatively higher interest rates if the purchaser has assumed some of the currency exchange risk, or relatively lower interest rates if the issuer has assumed some of the currency exchange risk, based on the expectations of the current market). PERLS may in limited cases be subject to acceleration of maturity (generally, not without the consent of the holders of the securities), which may have an adverse impact on the value of the principal payment to be made at maturity.

 
   

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts

Each Fund may use interest rate, foreign currency, dividend, volatility or index futures contracts. An interest rate, foreign currency, dividend, volatility or index futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, foreign currency, dividend basket or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of these securities is made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering several indexes as well as a number of financial instruments and foreign currencies, and it is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future. Interest rate and volatility futures contracts currently are traded in the United States primarily on the floors of the Chicago Board of Trade and the International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Interest rate futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as the London International Financial Futures Exchange and the Singapore International Monetary Exchange. Volatility futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as Eurex. Dividend futures are also traded on foreign exchanges such as Eurex, NYSE Euronext Liffe, London Stock Exchange and the Singapore International Monetary Exchange.

A Fund may purchase and write call and put options on futures. Futures options possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and indexes discussed above. A futures option gives the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.

Except as otherwise described in this SAI, the Funds will limit their use of futures contracts

 

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and futures options to hedging transactions and in an attempt to increase total return, in accordance with Federal regulations. The costs of, and possible losses incurred from, futures contracts and options thereon may reduce the Fund’s current income and involve a loss of principal. Any incremental return earned by the Fund resulting from these transactions would be expected to offset anticipated losses or a portion thereof.

The Funds will only enter into futures contracts and futures options which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system.

When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Fund, the Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of cash or U.S. Government securities (“initial margin”). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Funds expect to earn interest income on their initial margin deposits. A futures contract held by a Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund pays or receives cash, called “variation margin,” equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. This process is known as “marking to market.” Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily NAV, the Fund will mark to market its open futures positions.

The Funds are also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by them. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option, and other futures positions held by the relevant Fund.

Futures contracts are designed by boards of trade which are designated “contracts markets” by the CFTC. Futures contracts trade on contracts markets in a manner that is similar to the way a stock trades on a stock exchange and the boards of trade, through their clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. A Fund’s ability to claim an exclusion or exemption from the definition of a commodity pool may be limited when the Fund invests in futures contracts. (See “Commodity Interests” in this SAI.)

The requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company also may limit the extent to which a Fund may enter into futures, futures options or forward contracts. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of this SAI.)

Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sales price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.

Positions in futures contracts and related options may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for such contracts or options. The Fund will enter into an option or futures position only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option or futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close out a futures or related option position. In the case of a futures position, in the event of adverse price movements the Fund would continue to be required to make daily margin payments. In this situation, if the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily margin requirements it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet its margin obligations at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may be required to take or make delivery of

 

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the securities underlying the futures contracts it holds. The inability to close out futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s ability to hedge its portfolio effectively.

There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as a hedging device. While hedging can provide protection against an adverse movement in market prices, it can also limit a hedger’s opportunity to benefit fully from a favorable market movement. In addition, investing in futures contracts and options on futures contracts will cause the Fund to incur additional brokerage commissions and may cause an increase in the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate.

The successful use of futures contracts and related options may also depend on the ability of the relevant Fund’s subadviser to forecast correctly the direction and extent of market movements, interest rates and other market factors within a given time frame. To the extent market prices remain stable during the period a futures contract or option is held by a Fund or such prices move in a direction opposite to that anticipated, the Fund may realize a loss on the transaction which is not offset by an increase in the value of its portfolio securities. Options and futures may also fail as a hedging technique in cases where the movements of the securities underlying the options and futures do not follow the price movements of the hedged portfolio securities. As a result, the Fund’s total return for the period may be less than if it had not engaged in the hedging transaction. The loss from investing in futures transactions is potentially unlimited.

Utilization of futures contracts by a Fund involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities which are being hedged. If the price of the futures contract moves more or less than the price of the securities being hedged, the Fund will experience a gain or loss which will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the securities. It is possible that, where a Fund has sold futures contracts to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the market may advance and the value of securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the futures contract and would also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities. Where futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the prices of securities before the Fund is able to invest its cash (or cash equivalents) in securities (or options) in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Fund then determines not to invest in securities (or options) at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures that would not be offset by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.

The market prices of futures contracts may be affected if participants in the futures market elect to close out their contracts through off- setting transactions rather than to meet margin deposit requirements. In such case, distortions in the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets could result. Price distortions could also result if investors in futures contracts opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than to engage in closing transactions because such action would reduce the liquidity of the futures market. In addition, from the point of view of speculators, because the deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the cash market, increased participation by speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortions in the futures market and because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of securities and movements in the prices of futures contracts, a correct forecast of market trends may still not result in a successful hedging transaction.

Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of put or call options on futures contracts involves less potential risk for the 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 an option on a futures contract would result in a loss to the Fund while the purchase or sale of the futures contract would not have resulted in a loss, such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying securities.

 

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In addition to other futures contracts and options thereon, the funds may invest in commodity futures contracts and options thereon. A commodity futures contract is an agreement between two parties, in which one party agrees to buy a commodity, such as an energy, agricultural or metal commodity from the other party at a later date at a price and quantity agreed upon when the contract is made.

A fund will be required to segregate initial margin in the name of the futures broker upon entering into an index future.

For additional information about options transactions, see “Options” under “Derivative Investments” in this section of the SAI.

 
   

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset- Backed Securities

Each Fund may purchase mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, which collectively are securities backed by mortgages, installment contracts, credit card receivables or other financial assets. Asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of assets in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are made periodically, thus in effect “passing through” such payments made by the individual borrowers on the assets that underlie the securities, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities. The average life of asset-backed securities varies with the maturities of the underlying instruments, and the average life of a mortgage-backed instrument, in particular, is likely to be less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities as a result of mortgage prepayments, where applicable. For this and other reasons, an asset-backed security’s stated maturity may be different, and the security’s total return may be difficult to predict precisely.

If an asset-backed security is purchased at a premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity. Conversely, if an asset-backed security is purchased at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase yield to maturity, while slower than expected prepayments will decrease yield to maturity.

Prepayments of principal of mortgage-related securities by mortgagors or mortgage foreclosures affect the average life of the mortgage-related securities in the Fund’s portfolio. Mortgage prepayments are affected by the level of interest rates and other factors, including general economic conditions and the underlying location and age of the mortgage. In periods of rising interest rates, the prepayment rate tends to decrease, lengthening the average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities. The longer the remaining maturity of a security the greater the effect of interest rate changes will be. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market’s perception of its creditworthiness also affect the market value of that issuer’s debt securities.

In periods of falling interest rates, the prepayment rate tends to increase, shortening the average life of a pool. Because prepayments of principal generally occur when interest rates are declining, it is likely that the Fund, to the extent that it retains the same percentage of debt securities, may have to reinvest the proceeds of prepayments at lower interest rates than those of its previous investments. If this occurs, that Fund’s yield will correspondingly decline. Thus, mortgage-related securities may have less potential for capital appreciation in periods of falling interest rates than other fixed income securities of comparable duration, although they may have a comparable risk of decline in market value in periods of rising interest rates. To the extent that the Fund purchases mortgage-related securities at a premium, unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, result in a loss equal to any unamortized premium.

Duration is one of the fundamental tools used by a Fund’s subadviser in managing interest rate risks including prepayment risks. Traditionally, a debt security’s “term to maturity” characterizes a security’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates. “Term to maturity,” however, measures only the time until a debt security provides its final payment, taking no account of prematurity payments. Most debt securities provide interest (“coupon”) payments in addition to a final (“par”) payment at maturity, and some securities have call

 

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provisions allowing the issuer to repay the instrument in full before maturity date, each of which affect the security’s response to interest rate changes. “Duration” therefore is generally considered a more precise measure of interest rate risk than “term to maturity.” Determining duration may involve a subadviser’s estimates of future economic parameters, which may vary from actual future values. Generally fixed income securities with longer effective durations are more responsive to interest rate fluctuations than those with shorter effective durations. For example, if interest rates rise by 1%, the value of securities having an effective duration of three years will generally decrease by approximately 3%.

A fund may purchase privately issued mortgage-related securities that are originated, packaged and serviced by third party entities. It is possible these third parties could have interests that are in conflict with the holders of mortgage-related securities, and such holders (such as a fund) could have rights against the third parties or their affiliates. For example, if a loan originator, servicer or its affiliates engaged in negligence or willful misconduct in carrying out its duties, then a holder of the mortgage-related security could seek recourse against the originator/servicer or its affiliates, as applicable. Also, as a loan originator/servicer, the originator/servicer or its affiliates may make certain representations and warranties regarding the quality of the mortgages and properties underlying a mortgage-related security. If one or more of those representations or warranties is false, then the holders of the mortgage-related securities (such as a fund) could trigger an obligation of the originator/servicer or its affiliates, as applicable, to repurchase the mortgages from the issuing trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, many of the third parties that are legally bound by trust and other documents have failed to perform their respective duties, as stipulated in such trust and other documents, and investors have had limited success in enforcing terms.

Descriptions of some of the different types of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities most commonly acquired by the Funds are provided below. In addition to those shown, other types of mortgage-related and asset-backed investments are, or may become, available for investment by the Funds.

 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”)

CMOs are hybrid instruments with characteristics of both mortgage- backed and mortgage pass-through securities. Interest and prepaid principal on a CMO are paid, in most cases, monthly. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by entities such as GNMA, FHLMC, or FNMA, and their income streams.

CMOs are typically structured in multiple classes, each bearing a different stated maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the prepayment experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a modified form of call protection through a de facto breakdown of the underlying pool of mortgages according to how quickly the loans are repaid. Monthly payment of principal received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including prepayments, is first returned to investors holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the longer maturity classes typically receive principal only after the first class has been retired. An investor may be partially guarded against a sooner than desired return of principal because of the sequential payments.

FHLMC CMOs are debt obligations of FHLMC issued in multiple classes having different maturity dates and are secured by the pledge of a pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by FHLMC. The amount of principal payable on each monthly payment date is determined in accordance with FHLMC’s mandatory sinking fund schedule. Sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the retirement of the individual classes of bonds in the order of their stated maturities. Payments of principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool in excess of the amount of FHLMC’s minimum sinking fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the holders of the CMOs as additional sinking-fund payments. Because of the “pass- through” nature of all principal payments received on the collateral pool in excess of FHLMC’s minimum sinking fund requirement, the rate at which principal of the CMOs is actually repaid is likely to be such that each class of bonds will be retired in advance of its scheduled maturity date. If collection of principal (including prepayments) on

 

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the mortgage loans during any semiannual payment period is not sufficient to meet FHLMC’s minimum sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC agrees to make up the deficiency from its general funds.

 

CMO Residuals

CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. As described above, the cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The “residual” in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and, in particular, the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. In certain circumstances a Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.

CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO residual market currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets. CMO residuals may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds’ limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)

 

Mortgage Pass- through Securities

Mortgage pass-through securities are interests in pools of mortgage loans, assembled and issued by various governmental, government- related, and private organizations. Unlike other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates, these securities provide a monthly payment consisting of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a “pass- through” of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs. “Modified pass-through” securities (such as securities issued by GNMA) entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

The principal governmental guarantor of U.S. mortgage-related securities is GNMA. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the United States Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of Federal Housing Administration insured or Veterans Administration guaranteed mortgages. Government-related guarantors whose obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. FHLMC issues Participation Certificates that represent interests in conventional mortgages from FHLMC’s national portfolio. FNMA and FHLMC guarantee the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on securities they issue, but the securities they issue are neither issued nor guaranteed by the

 

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United States Government.

Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/ or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments for such securities. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers. Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a mortgage- related security meets a Fund’s investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. A Fund may buy mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan experience and practices of the originator/servicers and poolers, the Fund’s subadviser determines that the securities meet the Fund’s quality standards. Securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable and may therefore be subject to the Funds’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)

Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, are not subject to the Funds’ industry concentration restrictions set forth in the “Investment Restrictions” section of this SAI by virtue of the exclusion from the test available to all U.S. Government securities. The assets underlying such securities may be represented by a portfolio of first lien residential mortgages (including both whole mortgage loans and mortgage participation interests) or portfolios of mortgage pass- through securities issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC. Mortgage loans underlying a mortgage-related security may in turn be insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Funds will consider the assets underlying privately-issued, mortgage-related securities, and other asset-backed securities, when determining the industry of such securities for purposes of the Funds’ industry concentration restrictions set forth in the “Investment Restrictions” section of this SAI, and as a result such securities may not be deemed by the Funds to represent the same industry or group of industries. In the case of private issue mortgage-related securities whose underlying assets are neither U.S. Government securities nor U.S. Government-insured mortgages, to the extent that real properties securing such assets may be located in the same geographical region, the security may be subject to a greater risk of default than other comparable securities in the event of adverse economic, political or business developments that may affect such region and, ultimately, the ability of residential homeowners to make payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages.

It is possible that the availability and the marketability (that is, liquidity) of the securities discussed in this section could be adversely affected by the actions of the U.S. Government to tighten the availability of its credit. On September 7, 2008, the FHFA, an agency of the U.S. Government, placed FNMA and FHLMC into conservatorship, a statutory process with the objective of returning the entities to normal business operations. FHFA will act as the conservator to operate FNMA and FHLMC until they are stabilized. The conservatorship is still in effect as of the date of this SAI and has no specified termination date. There can be no assurance as to when or how the conservatorship will be terminated or whether FNMA or FHLMC will continue to exist following the conservatorship or what their respective business structures will be during or following the conservatorship. FHFA, as conservator, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by FNMA or FHLMC prior to its appointment if it

 

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determines that performance of the contract is burdensome and repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of FNMA’s or FHLMC’s affairs. Furthermore, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell any asset or liability of FNMA or FHLMC without any approval, assignment or consent. If FHFA were to transfer any such guarantee obligation to another party, holders of FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guarantee obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.

 

Adjustable Rate Mortgage-Backed Securities

Adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities (“ARMBSs”) have interest rates that reset at periodic intervals. Acquiring ARMBSs permits a fund to participate in increases in prevailing current interest rates through periodic adjustments in the coupons of mortgages underlying the pool on which ARMBSs are based. Such ARMBSs generally have higher current yield and lower price fluctuations than is the case with more traditional fixed income debt securities of comparable rating and maturity. In addition, when prepayments of principal are made on the underlying mortgages during periods of rising interest rates, a fund can reinvest the proceeds of such prepayments at rates higher than those at which they were previously invested. Mortgages underlying most ARMBSs, however, have limits on the allowable annual or lifetime increases that can be made in the interest rate that the mortgagor pays. Therefore, if current interest rates rise above such limits over the period of the limitation, a fund holding an ARMBS does not benefit from further increases in interest rates. Moreover, when interest rates are in excess of coupon rates (i.e., the rates being paid by mortgagors) of the mortgages, ARMBSs behave more like fixed income securities and less like adjustable rate securities and are subject to the risks associated with fixed income securities. In addition, during periods of rising interest rates, increases in the coupon rate of adjustable rate mortgages generally lag current market interest rates slightly, thereby creating the potential for capital depreciation on such securities

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property. The market for commercial mortgage-backed securities developed more recently and in terms of total outstanding principal amount of issues is relatively small compared to the market for residential single- family mortgage-backed securities. Many of the risks of investing in commercial mortgage- backed securities reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. Commercial mortgage-backed securities may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.

Financial assets on which these securities are based include automobile receivables; credit card receivables; loans to finance boats, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes; computer, copier, railcar, and medical equipment leases; and trade, healthcare, and franchise receivables. In general, the obligations supporting these asset-backed securities are of shorter maturities than mortgage loans and are less likely to experience substantial prepayments. However, obligations such as credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the obligors are often entitled to protection under a number of consumer credit laws granting, among other things, rights to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thus reducing the balance due. Other obligations that are secured, such as automobile receivables, may present issuers with difficulties in perfecting and executing on the security interests, particularly where the issuer allows the servicers of the receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations, thus increasing the risk that recoveries on defaulted obligations may not be adequate to support payments on the securities.

 

Other Asset-Backed Securities

Through trusts and other special purpose entities, various types of securities based on financial assets other than mortgage loans are increasingly available, in both pass-through structures similar to mortgage pass-through securities described above and in other structures more like CMOs. As with mortgage-related securities, these asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of financial assets representing the obligations of a

 

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number of different parties. They often include credit-enhancement features similar to mortgage-related securities.

Financial assets on which these securities are based include automobile receivables; credit card receivables; loans to finance boats, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes; computer, copier, railcar, and medical equipment leases; and trade, healthcare, and franchise receivables. In general, the obligations supporting these asset-backed securities are of shorter maturities than mortgage loans and are less likely to experience substantial prepayments. However, obligations such as credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the obligors are often entitled to protection under a number of consumer credit laws granting, among other things, rights to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thus reducing the balance due. Other obligations that are secured, such as automobile receivables, may present issuers with difficulties in perfecting and executing on the security interests, particularly where the issuer allows the servicers of the receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations, thus increasing the risk that recoveries on defaulted obligations may not be adequate to support payments on the securities.

 

Stripped Mortgage- backed Securities (“SMBS”)

SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. They may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class security is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories. The market value of the PO class generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates.

Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds’ limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)

Each Fund may invest in other mortgage-related securities with features similar to those described above, to the extent consistent with the relevant Fund’s investment objectives and policies.

 
   

Options

Each Fund may purchase or sell put and call options on securities, indices and other financial instruments. Options may relate to particular securities, foreign and domestic securities indices, financial instruments, volatility, credit default, foreign currencies or the yield differential between two securities. Such options may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the OCC.

A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and a writer the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price before the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. A premium is paid to the writer by the purchaser in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell and a writer the obligation to buy the security at the stated exercise price before the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.

If the only derivatives in which a Fund invests are covered options, options written by a Fund

 

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will be covered and will remain covered as long as the Fund is obligated as a writer. A call option is “covered” if the Fund owns the underlying security or its equivalent covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration if such cash is segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the Fund holds on a share-for-share or equal principal amount basis a call on the same security as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or greater than the exercise price of the call written if appropriate liquid assets representing the difference are segregated by the Fund. A put option is “covered” if the Fund maintains appropriate liquid securities with a value equal to the exercise price, or owns on a share-for-share or equal principal amount basis a put on the same security as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written.

A Fund’s obligation to sell an instrument subject to a covered call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a secured put option written by it, may be terminated before the expiration of the option by the Fund’s execution of a closing purchase transaction. This means that a Fund buys an option of the same series (i.e., same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. Such a purchase does not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a closing purchase plus related transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Fund will experience a loss. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. A Fund that has written an option and is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument (in the case of a covered call option) or liquidate the segregated assets (in the case of a secured put option) until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. The Fund will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.

Options purchased are recorded as an asset and written options are recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums paid or received. The amount of this asset or liability will be subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option purchased or written. The current value of the traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the current bid price. If an option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a loss equal to the premium paid. If a Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold), and the liability related to such option will be eliminated. If an option written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss.

Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails more complex and potentially greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments and, therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.

There are several other risks associated with options. For example, there are significant differences among the securities, currency, volatility, credit default and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation among these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the- counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons that include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain

 

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options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the OCC may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

Among other trading agreements, certain funds are also party to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Agreements”) with select counterparties that generally govern OTC derivative transactions entered into by such funds. The ISDA Agreements typically include representations and warranties as well as contractual terms related to collateral, events of default, termination events, and other provisions. Termination events include the decline in the net assets of a fund below a certain level over a specified period of time and entitle a counterparty to elect to terminate early with respect to some or all the transactions under the ISDA Agreement with that counterparty. Depending on the relative size of a fund’s derivatives positions, such an election by one or more of the counterparties could have a material adverse impact on a fund’s operations.

The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that options not traded on registered domestic securities exchanges and the assets used to cover the amount of the Fund’s obligation pursuant to such options are illiquid, and are therefore subject to each Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. However, for options written with “primary dealers” in U.S. Government securities pursuant to an agreement requiring a closing transaction at the formula price, the amount considered to be illiquid may be calculated by reference to a formula price. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)

 
   

Options on Indexes and “Yield Curve” Options

Each Fund may enter into options on indexes or options on the “spread,” or yield differential, between two fixed income securities, in transactions referred to as “yield curve” options. Options on indexes and yield curve options provide the holder with the right to make or receive a cash settlement upon exercise of the option. With respect to options on indexes, the amount of the settlement will equal the difference between the closing price of the index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified multiple. With respect to yield curve options, the amount of the settlement will equal the difference between the yields of designated securities.

With respect to yield curve options, a call or put option is covered if a Fund holds another call or put, respectively, on the spread between the same two securities and maintains in a segregated account liquid assets sufficient to cover the Fund’s net liability under the two options. Therefore, the Fund’s liability for such a covered option is generally limited to the difference between the amount of the Fund’s liability under the option it wrote less the value of the option it holds. A Fund may also cover yield curve options in such other manner as may be in accordance with the requirements of the counterparty with which the option is traded and applicable laws and regulations.

The trading of these types of options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, however, yield curve options present risk of loss even if the yield of one of the underlying securities remains constant, if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.

 

Reset Options

In certain instances, a Fund may purchase or write options on U.S. Treasury securities, which provide for periodic adjustment of the strike price and may also provide for the periodic adjustment of the premium during the term of each such option. Like other types of

 

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options, these transactions, which may be referred to as “reset” options or “adjustable strike” options grant the purchaser the right to purchase (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put), a specified type of U.S. Treasury security at any time up to a stated expiration date (or, in certain instances, on such date). In contrast to other types of options, however, the price at which the underlying security may be purchased or sold under a “reset” option is determined at various intervals during the term of the option, and such price fluctuates from interval to interval based on changes in the market value of the underlying security. As a result, the strike price of a “reset” option, at the time of exercise, may be less advantageous than if the strike price had been fixed at the initiation of the option. In addition, the premium paid for the purchase of the option may be determined at the termination, rather than the initiation, of the option. If the premium for a reset option written by a Fund is paid at termination, the Fund assumes the risk that (i) the premium may be less than the premium which would otherwise have been received at the initiation of the option because of such factors as the volatility in yield of the underlying Treasury security over the term of the option and adjustments made to the strike price of the option, and (ii) the option purchaser may default on its obligation to pay the premium at the termination of the option. Conversely, where a Fund purchases a reset option, it could be required to pay a higher premium than would have been the case at the initiation of the option.

 

Swaptions

A Fund may enter into swaption contracts, which give the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset or instrument at a specified strike price on or before a specified date. Over-the-counter swaptions, although providing greater flexibility, may involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options as they are not backed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are traded, and as such, there is a risk that the seller will not settle as agreed. A Fund’s financial liability associated with swaptions is linked to the marked-to- market value of the notional underlying investments. Purchased swaption contracts are exposed to a maximum loss equal to the price paid for the option/swaption (the premium) and no further liability. Written swaptions, however, give the right of potential exercise to a third party, and the maximum loss to the Fund in the case of an uncovered swaption is unlimited.

 
   

Swap Agreements

Each Fund may enter into swap agreements on, among other things, interest rates, indices, securities and currency exchange rates. A Fund’s subadviser may use swaps in an attempt to obtain for the Fund a particular desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods typically ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. The “notional amount” of the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. A Fund’s obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”).

Because swap agreements are two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, they may be considered to be illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds’ limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.) Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. A Fund’s subadviser will cause the Fund to enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that would be eligible for consideration as repurchase agreement counterparties under the Funds’ repurchase agreement guidelines. (See

 

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“Repurchase Agreements” in this section of the SAI.) Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Code may limit the Funds’ ability to use swap agreements. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of this SAI.) The swaps market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the CEA and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations of the CFTC. To qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement must be entered into by eligible participants and must meet certain conditions (each pursuant to the CEA and regulations of the CFTC). However, CFTC rule amendments dictate that certain swap agreements be considered commodity interests for purposes of the CEA. (See “Commodity Interests” in this section of the SAI for additional information regarding the implications of investments being considered commodity interests under the CEA.)

The SEC and the CFTC have developed rules under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for swap transactions. Under the regulations, certain swap transactions will be required to be executed on a regulated trading platform and cleared through a derivatives clearing organization. Additionally, the regulations impose other requirements on the parties entering into swap transactions, including requirements relating to posting margin, and reporting and documenting swap transactions. A Fund engaging in swap transactions may incur additional expenses as a result of these regulatory requirements. The Adviser is continuing to monitor the implementation of these regulations and to assess their impact on the Funds.

 

Credit Default Swap Agreements

Each Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements. A credit default swap is a bilateral financial contract in which one party (the protection buyer) pays a periodic fee in return for a contingent payment by the protection seller following a credit event of a reference issuer. The protection buyer must either sell particular obligations issued by the reference issuer for its par value (or some other designated reference or strike price) when a credit event occurs or receive a cash settlement based on the difference between the market price and such reference price. A credit event is commonly defined as bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, material adverse restructuring of debt, or failure to meet payment obligations when due. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If a Fund is a buyer and no event of default occurs, the Fund loses its investment and recovers nothing; however, if an event of default occurs, the Fund receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value. As a seller, a Fund receives a periodic fee throughout the term of the contract, provided there is no default event; if an event of default occurs, the Fund must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation. The value of the reference obligation received by the Fund as a seller, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value the Fund pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.

Credit default swaps involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. In addition to general market risks, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risks. A Fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties deemed creditworthy by the Fund’s subadviser.

 
   

Dividend Swap Agreements

A dividend swap agreement is a financial instrument where two parties contract to exchange a set of future cash flows at set dates in the future. One party agrees to pay the other the future dividend flow on a stock or basket of stocks in an index, in return for which the other party gives the first call options. Dividend swaps generally are traded over the counter rather than on an exchange.

 

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Inflation Swap Agreements

Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (e.g., the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), while the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swap agreements may be used by a Fund to hedge the inflation risk associated with non-inflation indexed investments, thereby creating “synthetic” inflation-indexed investments. One factor that may lead to changes in the values of inflation swap agreements is a change in real interest rates, which are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates may rise, which may lead to a decrease in value of an inflation swap agreement.

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

“Total return swap” is the generic name for any non-traditional swap where one party agrees to pay the other the “total return” of a defined underlying asset, usually in return for receiving a stream of cash flows based upon an agreed rate. A total return swap may be applied to any underlying asset but is most commonly used with equity indices, single stocks, bonds and defined portfolios of loans and mortgages. A total return swap is a mechanism for the user to accept the economic benefits of asset ownership without utilizing the balance sheet. The other leg of the swap, which is often LIBOR, is spread to reflect the non-balance sheet nature of the product. Total return swaps can be designed with any underlying asset agreed between the two parties. No notional amounts are exchanged with total return swaps.

 

Variance and Correlation Swap Agreements

Variance swap agreements are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on an underlying asset or index. “Actual variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset or index (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. In other words, the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility. Correlation swap agreements are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the differences between the stated and the actual correlation realized on the underlying equity securities within a given equity index. “Correlation” as used here is defined as the weighted average of the correlations between the daily returns of each pair of securities within a given equity index. If two assets are said to be closely correlated, it means that their daily returns vary in similar proportions or along similar trajectories. A Fund may enter into variance or correlation swaps in an attempt to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets.

 

Equity Securities

The Funds may invest in equity securities. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and preference stocks; securities such as bonds, warrants or rights that are convertible into stocks; and depositary receipts for those securities.

Common stockholders are the owners of the company issuing the stock and, accordingly, usually have the right to vote on various corporate governance matters such as mergers. They are not creditors of the company, but rather, in the event of liquidation of the company, would be entitled to their pro rata shares of the company’s assets after creditors (including fixed income security holders) and, if applicable, preferred stockholders are paid. Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. A preferred stockholder is a shareholder in the company and not a creditor of the company as is a holder of the company’s fixed income securities. Dividends paid to common and preferred stockholders are distributions of the earnings or other surplus of the company and not interest payments, which are expenses of the company. Equity securities owned by the Fund may be traded in the over-the-counter market or on a securities exchange and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of securities traded on a major U.S. national securities exchange. As a result, disposition by the Fund of a portfolio security to meet redemptions by shareholders or otherwise may require the Fund to sell the security at less than the reported value of the security, to sell during periods when disposition is not desirable, or to make many small sales over a lengthy period of time. The market value of all

 

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securities, including equity securities, is based upon the market’s perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measure of a company’s worth.

Stock values may fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long- term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than other types of securities. Smaller or newer issuers may be more likely to realize more substantial growth or suffer more significant losses. Investments in these companies can be both more volatile and more speculative. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a Fund invests will cause the NAV of the Fund to fluctuate.

 

Securities of Small and Mid Capitalization Companies

While small and medium-sized issuers in which a Fund invests may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than larger market capitalization issuers, investments in such companies may involve greater risks and thus may be considered speculative. For example, smaller companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In addition, many small and mid-capitalization company stocks trade less frequently and in smaller volume, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements, than stocks of larger companies. The securities of small and mid-capitalization companies may also be more sensitive to market changes than the securities of larger companies. When a Fund invests in small or mid- capitalization companies, these factors may result in above-average fluctuations in the NAV of the Fund’s shares. Therefore, a Fund investing in such securities should be considered as a long-term investment and not as a vehicle for seeking short-term profits. Similarly, an investment in a Fund solely investing in such securities should not be considered a complete investment program.

Market capitalizations of companies in which the Funds invest are determined at the time of purchase.

 

Unseasoned Companies

As a matter of operating policy, each Fund may invest to a limited extent in securities of unseasoned companies and new issues. A Fund's subadviser regards a company as unseasoned when, for example, it is relatively new to, or not yet well established in, its primary line of business. Such companies generally are smaller and younger than companies whose shares are traded on the major stock exchanges. Accordingly, their shares are often traded over-the- counter and their share prices may be more volatile than those of larger, exchange-listed companies. Generally a Fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one company with a record of fewer than three years’ continuous operation (including that of predecessors).

 
   

Foreign Investing

The Funds may invest in a broad range of securities of foreign issuers, including equity, debt and convertible securities and foreign government securities. The Funds may purchase the securities of issuers from various countries, including countries commonly referred to as “emerging markets” or “frontier markets.” The Funds may also invest in domestic securities denominated in foreign currencies. Factors that may be considered when assessing compliance with investment policies that designate a minimum or maximum level of investment in non-U.S. securities include, but are not limited to, whether such securities are securities of companies that are organized and headquartered outside the U.S. (including securities traded in local currencies); non-U.S. equity securities as designated by commonly-recognized market data services; U.S. dollar- or non-U.S. currency-denominated corporate debt securities of non-U.S. issuers; securities of U.S. issuers traded principally in non-U.S. markets; non-U.S. bank obligations; U.S. dollar- or non-U.S. currency-denominated obligations of non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational entities; and securities of other investment companies investing primarily in non-U.S. securities.

Investing in the securities of foreign companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation,

 

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adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions on the flow of international capital. Foreign issuers may become subject to sanctions imposed by the United States or another country, which could result in the immediate freeze of the foreign issuers’ assets or securities. The imposition of such sanctions could impair the market value of the securities of such foreign issuers and limit a Fund’s ability to buy, sell, receive or deliver the securities. Additionally, dividends payable on foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes withheld prior to distribution. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of those securities which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Many of the foreign securities held by a Fund will not be registered with, nor will the issuers thereof be subject to the reporting requirements of, the SEC. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information about the securities and about the foreign company or government issuing them than is available about a domestic company or government entity. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects as growth of Gross National Product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self- sufficiency and balance of payment positions. Finally, the Funds may encounter difficulty in obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers of foreign securities.

Securities of U.S. issuers denominated in foreign currencies may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities issued by domestic issuers and denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies often entails costs not associated with investment in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of U.S. issuers, such as the cost of converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars, higher brokerage commissions, custodial expenses and other fees. Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities may be subject to certain withholding and other taxes of the relevant jurisdiction, which may reduce the yield on the securities to the Funds and which may not be recoverable by the Funds or their investors.

The Trust may use an eligible foreign custodian in connection with its purchases of foreign securities and may maintain cash and cash equivalents in the care of a foreign custodian. The amount of cash or cash equivalents maintained in the care of eligible foreign custodians will be limited to an amount reasonably necessary to effect the Trust’s foreign securities transactions. The use of a foreign custodian invokes considerations which are not ordinarily associated with domestic custodians. These considerations include the possibility of expropriations, restricted access to books and records of the foreign custodian, inability to recover assets that are lost while under the control of the foreign custodian, and the impact of political, social or diplomatic developments.

Settlement procedures relating to the Funds’ investments in foreign securities and to the Funds’ foreign currency exchange transactions may be more complex than settlements with respect to investments in debt or equity securities of U.S. issuers, and may involve certain risks not present in the Funds’ domestic investments. For example, settlement of transactions involving foreign securities or foreign currency may occur within a foreign country, and a Fund may be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying securities or currency in conformity with any applicable U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations, and may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with such delivery. Such investments may also involve the risk that an entity involved in the settlement may not meet its obligations. Settlement procedures in many foreign countries are less established than those in the United States, and some foreign country settlement periods can be significantly longer than those in the United States.

A fund that has significant exposure to certain countries can be expected to be impacted by the political and economic conditions within such countries. There is continuing uncertainty around the future of the euro and the European Union (EU) following the United Kingdom’s vote to exit the EU in June 2016. In March 2017, the United Kingdom invoked a treaty

 

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provision that sets out the basics of a withdrawal from the EU and provides that negotiations must be completed within two years, unless all EU member states agree on an extension. The United Kingdom left the EU on January 31, 2020, followed by a transition period during which businesses and others prepared for the new post-Brexit rules that took effect on January 1, 2021. While a limited deal was reached prior to December 31, 2020, many aspects are still to be determined, including those related to financial services. Significant uncertainty remains in the market regarding the ramifications of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, and the range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic and market outcomes are difficult to predict. Continuing Brexit issues and negotiations may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and increased likelihood of a recession in the United Kingdom. While it is not possible to determine the precise impact these events may have on the Fund, during this period and beyond, the impact on the United Kingdom, EU countries, other countries or parties that transact with the United Kingdom and EU, and the broader global economy could be significant and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. In addition, if one or more countries were to exit the EU or abandon the use of the euro as a currency, the value of investments tied to those countries or the euro could decline significantly and unpredictably.

A fund’s investments in foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and hedging activities will likely produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. This difference could cause a portion of the fund’s income distributions to constitute returns of capital for tax purposes or require the fund to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company for U.S. federal tax purposes. A fund’s use of non-U.S. securities may increase or accelerate the amount of ordinary income recognized by taxable shareholders.

 
   

Depositary Receipts

Each Fund permitted to hold foreign securities may also hold ADRs, ADSs, GDRs and EDRs. ADRs and ADSs typically are issued by an American bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes referred to as CDRs, are issued in Europe typically by foreign banks and trust companies and evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities. GDRs are similar to EDRs and are designed for use in several international financial markets. Generally, ADRs and ADSs in registered form are designed for use in United States securities markets and EDRs in bearer form are designed for use in European securities markets. For purposes of a Fund’s investment policies, its investments in ADRs, ADSs, GDRs and EDRs will be deemed to be investments in the underlying foreign securities.

Depositary Receipts may be issued pursuant to sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities traded in the form of Depositary Receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may be easier to obtain financial information from an issuer that has participated in the creation of a sponsored program. Accordingly, there may be less information available regarding issuers of securities underlying unsponsored programs and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. For purposes of the Fund’s investment policies, investments in Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Thus, a Depositary Receipt representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock.

Depositary Receipts are generally subject to the same sort of risks as direct investments in a foreign country, such as currency risk, political and economic risk, and market risk, because their values generally depend on the performance of a foreign security denominated in its home currency. (The risks of foreign investing are addressed above in this section of the SAI under the heading “Foreign Investing.”) In addition to risks associated with the underlying portfolio of securities, receipt holders also must consider credit standings of the

 

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custodians and broker/dealer sponsors. The receipts are not registered with the SEC and qualify as Rule 144A securities which may make them more difficult and costly to sell. (For information about Rule 144A securities, see “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)

 

Emerging Market Securities

The Funds may invest in countries or regions with relatively low gross national product per capita compared to the world’s major economies, and in countries or regions with the potential for rapid economic growth (emerging markets). Emerging markets will include any country: (i) having an “emerging stock market” as defined by the International Finance Corporation; (ii) with low-to-middle-income economies according to the World Bank; (iii) listed in World Bank publications as developing; or (iv) determined by the subadviser to be an emerging market as defined above.

Certain emerging market countries are either comparatively underdeveloped or are in the process of becoming developed and may consequently be economically dependent on a relatively few or closely interdependent industries. A high proportion of the securities of many emerging market issuers may also be held by a limited number of large investors trading significant blocks of securities. While a Fund’s subadviser will strive to be sensitive to publicized reversals of economic conditions, political unrest and adverse changes in trading status, unanticipated political and social developments may affect the values of the Fund’s investments in such countries and the availability of additional investments in such countries.

The funds may invest in some emerging markets through trading structures or protocols that subject them to risks such as those associated with illiquidity, custodying assets, different settlement and clearance procedures and asserting legal title under a developing legal and regulatory regime to a greater degree than in developed markets or even in other emerging markets. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. Emerging markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. 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 the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of portfolio securities or, if a Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser. 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, restrictions on foreign ownership, or prohibitions of repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries.

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, a country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances, whether because deterioration occurs in an emerging market’s balance of payments or for other reasons. The Funds 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 the Funds of any restrictions on investments.

Investments 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 the Funds.

 

Foreign Currency

Funds that invest directly in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, or in securities that trade in, or

 

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Transactions

receive revenues in, foreign currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the additional risk of currency fluctuations. In the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or non-U.S. governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad.

An adverse change in the value of a particular foreign currency as against the U.S. dollar, to the extent that such change is not offset by a gain in other foreign currencies, will result in a decrease in the Fund’s assets. Any such change may also have the effect of decreasing or limiting the income available for distribution. Foreign currencies may be affected by revaluation, adverse political and economic developments, and governmental restrictions. Further, no assurance can be given that currency exchange controls will not be imposed on any particular currency at a later date.

As a result of its investments in foreign securities, a Fund may receive interest or dividend payments, or the proceeds of the sale or redemption of such securities, in the foreign currencies in which such securities are denominated. In that event, the Fund may convert such currencies into dollars at the then current exchange rate. Under certain circumstances, however, such as where the Fund’s subadviser believes that the applicable rate is unfavorable at the time the currencies are received or the Fund’s subadviser anticipates, for any other reason, that the exchange rate will improve, the Fund may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.

In addition, a Fund may be required to receive delivery of the foreign currency underlying forward foreign currency contracts it has entered into. This could occur, for example, if an option written by the Fund is exercised or the Fund is unable to close out a forward contract. A Fund may hold foreign currency in anticipation of purchasing foreign securities.

A Fund may also elect to take delivery of the currencies’ underlying options or forward contracts if, in the judgment of the Fund’s subadviser, it is in the best interest of the Fund to do so. In such instances as well, the Fund may convert the foreign currencies to dollars at the then current exchange rate, or may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.

While the holding of currencies will permit a Fund to take advantage of favorable movements in the applicable exchange rate, it also exposes the Fund to risk of loss if such rates move in a direction adverse to the Fund’s position. Such losses could reduce any profits or increase any losses sustained by the Fund from the sale or redemption of securities, and could reduce the dollar value of interest or dividend payments received. In addition, the holding of currencies could adversely affect the Fund’s profit or loss on currency options or forward contracts, as well as its hedging strategies.

When a Fund effects foreign currency exchange transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign exchange market, the Fund incurs expenses in converting assets from one currency to another. A Fund may also effect other types of foreign currency exchange transactions, which have their own risks and costs. For information about such transactions, please see “Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options” under “Derivatives” in this section of the SAI.

 

Foreign Investment Companies

Some of the countries in which the Funds may invest may not permit, or may place economic restrictions on, direct investment by outside investors. Investments in such countries may be permitted only through foreign government-approved or -authorized investment vehicles, which may include other investment companies. These funds may also invest in other investment companies that invest in foreign securities. Investing through such vehicles may involve frequent or layered fees or expenses and may also be subject to limitation under the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. Those expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other

 

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expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations. For additional information, see “Mutual Fund Investing” in this section of the SAI.

 

Privatizations

The governments of some foreign countries have been engaged in programs of selling part or all of their stakes in government owned or controlled enterprises (“privatizations”). Privatizations may offer opportunities for significant capital appreciation. In certain foreign countries, the ability of foreign entities such as the Funds to participate in privatizations may be limited by local law, or the terms on which a Fund may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than those for local investors. There can be no assurance that foreign governments will continue to sell companies currently owned or controlled by them or that privatization programs will be successful.

 

Funding Agreements

Each Fund may invest in funding agreements, which are insurance contracts between an investor and the issuing insurance company. For the issuer, they represent senior obligations under an insurance product. For the investor, and from a regulatory perspective, these agreements are treated as securities. These agreements, like other insurance products, are backed by claims on the general assets of the issuing entity and rank on the same priority level as other policy holder claims. Funding agreements typically are issued with a one-year final maturity and a variable interest rate, which may adjust weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Some agreements carry a seven-day put feature. A funding agreement without this feature is considered illiquid and will therefore be subject to the Funds’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.) Funding agreements are regulated by the state insurance board of the state where they are executed.

 

Guaranteed Investment Contracts

Each Fund may invest in GICs issued by U.S. and Canadian insurance companies. A GIC requires the investor to make cash contributions to a deposit fund of an insurance company’s general account. The insurance company then makes payments to the investor based on negotiated, floating or fixed interest rates. A GIC is a general obligation of the issuing insurance company and not a separate account. The purchase price paid for a GIC becomes part of the general assets of the insurance company, and the contract is paid from the insurance company’s general assets. Generally, a GIC is not assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing insurance company, and an active secondary market in GICs does not currently exist. Therefore, these investments may be deemed to be illiquid, in which case they will be subject to the Funds’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)

 

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

Illiquid securities are investments that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid assets. No Fund may acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. Historically, illiquid securities have included securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the 1933 Act (“restricted securities”), securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, such as over-the- counter options, and repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal in seven days. Such securities may offer higher yields than comparable publicly traded securities, and they also may incur higher risks.

Funds with principal investment strategies that involve securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations, non-U.S. securities, Rule 144A securities, derivatives or securities with substantial market and/or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity risk. Additionally, the market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. In such cases, a fund, due to limitations on investments in illiquid securities and the difficulty in purchasing and selling such securities or instruments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain issuer or

 

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sector. Additional legislative or regulatory actions to address perceived liquidity or other issues in markets generally, or in particular markets such as the fixed income securities markets and municipal securities markets, may alter or impair the funds’ ability to pursue their investment objectives or utilize certain investment strategies and techniques.

Repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and time deposits that do not provide for payment to the Fund within seven days may be deemed illiquid securities for this purpose unless such securities are variable amount master demand notes with maturities of nine months or less or unless the Fund’s subadviser has determined that an adequate trading market exists for such securities or that market quotations are readily available.

The Funds may purchase Rule 144A securities sold to institutional investors without registration under the 1933 Act and commercial paper issued in reliance upon the exemption in Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act, for which an institutional market has developed. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on the issuer’s ability to honor a demand for repayment of the unregistered security.

An investment’s contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of the investment and therefore the investments described in this section may be determined to be liquid in accordance with the Fund’s liquidity risk management program approved by the Board. The Trustees have delegated to each Fund’s Adviser the determination of the liquidity of such investments in the respective Fund’s portfolio as administrator of the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. The Fund’s Adviser will take into account relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations when determining whether an investment is illiquid.

If illiquid assets exceed 15% of a Fund’s net assets after the time of purchase, the Fund will take steps to reduce, in accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, its holdings of illiquid securities. Because illiquid securities may not be readily marketable, the relevant Fund’s subadviser may not be able to dispose of them in a timely manner. As a result, the Fund may be forced to hold illiquid securities while their price depreciates. Depreciation in the price of illiquid securities may cause the NAV of the Fund holding them to decline. An investment that is determined by a Fund’s Adviser to be liquid may subsequently revert to being illiquid if not enough buyer interest exists.

Restricted securities ordinarily can be sold by the Fund in secondary market transactions to certain qualified investors pursuant to rules established by the SEC, in privately negotiated transactions to a limited number of purchasers or in a public offering made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. When registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable time may elapse between the decision to sell and the sale date. If, during such period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than the price which prevailed when it decided to sell.

Restricted securities will be priced at fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees or their delegate.

 

Leverage

Each Fund may employ investment techniques that create leverage, either by using borrowed capital to increase the amount invested, or investing in instruments, including derivatives, where the investment loss can exceed the original amount invested. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.

The SEC takes the position that transactions that have a leveraging effect on the capital structure of a mutual fund or are economically equivalent to borrowing can be viewed as constituting a form of borrowing by the fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. These transactions can include buying and selling certain derivatives (such as futures contracts); selling (or writing) put and call options; engaging in sale-buybacks; entering into firm-commitment and stand-by commitment agreements; engaging in when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward-commitment transactions; and other similar trading practices

 

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(additional discussion about a number of these transactions can be found throughout this section of the SAI). As a result, when a Fund enters into such transactions the transactions may be subject to the same requirements and restrictions as borrowing. (See “Borrowing” below for additional information.)

The following are some of the Funds’ permitted investment techniques that are generally viewed as creating leverage for the Funds.

 

Borrowing

A Fund’s ability to borrow money is limited by its investment policies and limitations, by the 1940 Act, and by applicable exemptions, no- action letters, interpretations, and other pronouncements issued from time to time by the SEC and its staff or any other regulatory authority with jurisdiction. Under the 1940 Act, a Fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets made for temporary or emergency purposes. Any borrowings for temporary purposes in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or for other reasons, a Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time.

Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund’s portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by earnings on the securities purchased. A Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with a borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.

 

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Interfund Borrowing and Lending

The Virtus Funds and their investment advisers have received exemptive relief from the SEC which permits the Virtus Funds to participate in an interfund lending program. The interfund lending program allows the participating Virtus Funds to borrow money from and loan money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The program is subject to a number of conditions designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of the participating Virtus Funds, including the following: (1) no Virtus Fund may borrow money through the program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than a rate approximating the lowest interest rate at which bank loans would be available to any of the participating Virtus Funds under a loan agreement; and (2) no Virtus Fund may lend money through the program unless it receives a more favorable return than that available from an investment in overnight repurchase agreements or the yield of any money market fund in which the Virtus Fund could invest. In addition, a Virtus Fund may participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation is consistent with its investment objectives, policies and limitations. Interfund loans and borrowings have a maximum duration of seven days and loans may be called on one business day’s notice.

A participating Virtus Fund may not lend to another Virtus Fund under the interfund lending program if the interfund loan would cause its aggregate outstanding interfund loans to exceed 15% of its current net assets at the time of the loan. Interfund loans by a Virtus Fund to any one Virtus Fund may not exceed 5% of net assets of the lending Virtus Fund.

The restrictions discussed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending Virtus Fund and the borrowing Virtus Fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. If a Virtus Fund borrows money from another Virtus Fund, there is a risk that the interfund loan could be called on one business day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the borrowing Virtus Fund may have to borrow from a bank at higher rates if an interfund loan were not available from another Virtus Fund. A delay in repayment to a lending Virtus Fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs, and interfund loans are subject to the risk that the borrowing Virtus Fund could be unable to repay the loan when due.

 

Mortgage “Dollar- Roll” Transactions

Each Fund may enter into mortgage “dollar-roll” transactions pursuant to which it sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the future and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The Fund is compensated for the lost interest by the difference between the current sales price and the lower price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on, and gains from, the investment of the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The Fund may also be compensated by receipt of a commitment fee. If the income and capital gains from the Fund’s investment of the cash from the initial sale do not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what the performance would have been without the use of the dollar roll.

Dollar-roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker-dealer to whom the Fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the Fund’s right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted. Successful use of dollar rolls may depend upon the Fund’s subadviser’s ability to correctly predict interest rates and prepayments. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed.

 
   

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund sells a security and simultaneously commits to repurchase that security from the buyer, such as a bank or broker-dealer, at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future date. The resale price in a reverse repurchase agreement reflects a market rate of interest that is not related to the coupon rate or maturity of the sold security. For certain demand agreements, there is no

 

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agreed-upon repurchase date and interest payments are calculated daily, often based upon the prevailing overnight repurchase rate.

Generally, a reverse repurchase agreement enables the Fund to recover for the term of the reverse repurchase agreement all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities sold and to keep the interest income associated with those portfolio securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the interest cost to the Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise. In addition, interest costs on the money received in a reverse repurchase agreement may exceed the return received on the investments made by the Fund with those monies. Using reverse repurchase agreements to earn additional income involves the risk that the interest earned on the invested proceeds is less than the expense of the reverse repurchase agreement transaction.

A Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties that the Fund’s subadviser deems creditworthy, but such investments are still subject to the risks of leverage discussed above.

 

Market Volatility Risk

A Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. The value of a security or other instrument may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other instrument, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) that occur from time to time will create uncertainty and may have significant impacts on issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets, to which a Fund and the issuers in which it invests are exposed. As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that once had only local impact are now more likely to have regional or even global effects. Events that occur in one country, region or financial market will, more frequently, impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets, including in established markets such as the United States. These impacts can be exacerbated by failures of governments and societies to adequately respond to an emerging event or threat.

Uncertainty can result in or coincide with: increased volatility in the global financial markets, including those related to equity and debt securities, loans, credit, derivatives and currency; a decrease in the reliability of market prices and difficulty in valuing assets; greater fluctuations in currency exchange rates; increased risk of default (by both government and private issuers); further social, economic, and political instability; nationalization of private enterprises; greater governmental involvement in the economy or in social factors that impact the economy; greater, less or different governmental regulation and supervision of the securities markets and market participants and increased, decreased or different processes for and approaches to monitoring markets and enforcing rules and regulations by governments or self-regulatory organizations; limited, or limitations on the, activities of investors in such markets; controls or restrictions on foreign investment, capital controls and limitations on repatriation of invested capital; inability to purchase and sell assets or otherwise settle transactions (i.e., a market freeze); unavailability of currency hedging techniques; substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation, which can last many years and have substantial negative effects on markets as well as the economy as a whole; recessions; and difficulties in obtaining and/or enforcing legal judgments.

For example, an outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and eventually detected globally. This coronavirus resulted in travel restrictions, closed international borders,

 

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enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of COVID-19 adversely affected the economies of many nations and the entire global economy, individual issuers and capital markets. Future infectious illness outbreaks could affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. In addition, the impact of infectious illnesses in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems. Public health crises may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally.

Although it is impossible to predict the precise nature and consequences of these events, or of any political or policy decisions and regulatory changes occasioned by emerging events or uncertainty on applicable laws or regulations that impact a Fund’s investments, it is clear that these types of events will impact the Funds and the issuers in which each invests. The government response to these events, including emergency health measures, welfare benefit programs, fiscal stimulus, industry support programs, and measures that impact interest rates, among other responses, is also a factor that may impact the financial markets and the value of a Fund’s holdings. The issuers in which a Fund invests could be significantly impacted by emerging events and uncertainty of this type. A Fund will also be negatively affected if the operations and effectiveness of any of its key service providers are compromised or if necessary or beneficial systems and processes are disrupted.

 
   

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”)

An investment in MLP units involves some risks that differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have limited control on matters affecting the partnership. Conflicts of interest exist between common unit holders and the general partner, including those arising from incentive distribution payments. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. The fees that MLPs charge for transportation of oil and gas products through their pipelines are subject to government regulation, which could negatively impact the revenue stream. Investing in MLPs also involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. These include the risk of environmental incidents, terrorist attacks, demand destruction from high commodity prices, proliferation of alternative energy sources, inadequate supply of external capital, and conflicts of interest with the general partner. There are also certain tax risks associated with investment in MLPs. The benefit derived from a Fund’s investment in MLPs is somewhat dependent on the MLP being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, so any change to this status would adversely affect the price of MLP units. Historically, a substantial portion of the gross taxable income of MLPs has been offset by tax losses and deductions reducing gross income received by investors, and any change to these tax rules would adversely affect the price of an MLP unit. Certain MLPs may trade less frequently than other securities, and those with limited trading volumes may display volatile or erratic price movements.

 

Money Market Instruments

Each Fund may invest in money market instruments, which are high- quality short-term investments. The types of money market instruments most commonly acquired by the Funds are discussed below, although each Fund is also permitted to invest in other types of money market instruments to the extent consistent with the Fund’s investment limitations and restrictions.

 

Banker’s Acceptances

A banker’s acceptance is a time draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower usually in connection with an international commercial transaction (to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods). The borrower, as well as the bank, is liable for payment, and the bank unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or less and are traded in secondary

 

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markets prior to maturity.

 

Certificates of Deposit

Certificates of deposit are generally short-term, interest-bearing negotiable certificates issued by banks or savings and loan associations against funds deposited in the issuing institution. They generally may be withdrawn on demand but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which could reduce the Fund’s yield. Deposits subject to early withdrawal penalties or that mature in more than seven days are treated as illiquid securities if there is no readily available market for the securities.

 

Commercial Paper

Commercial paper refers to short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months. The commercial paper purchased by the funds may consist of U.S. dollar- or foreign currency-denominated obligations of domestic or non-U.S. issuers, and may be rated or unrated (see Appendix A for a description of the ratings assigned by various rating agencies to commercial paper). The rate of return on commercial paper may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies.

 

Obligations of Foreign Banks and Foreign Branches of U.S. Banks

The money market instruments in which the Funds may invest include negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits of foreign branches of U.S. banks, foreign banks and their non-U.S. branches (Eurodollars), U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks (Yankee dollars), and wholly-owned banking-related subsidiaries of foreign banks. For the purposes of each Fund’s investment policies with respect to money market instruments, obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks are obligations of the issuing bank and may be general obligations of the parent bank. Such obligations, however, may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by government regulation. As with investment in non-U.S. securities in general, investments in the obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks may subject a Fund to investment risks that are different in some respects from those of investments in obligations of domestic issuers.

 

Time Deposits

Time deposits are deposits in a bank or other financial institution for a specified period of time at a fixed interest rate for which a negotiable certificate is not received.

 

U.S. Government Obligations

Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States Government include a variety of Treasury securities, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. Treasury bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years.

Agencies of the United States Government which issue or guarantee obligations include, among others, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, GNMA, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. Obligations of instrumentalities of the United States Government include securities issued or guaranteed by, among others, FNMA, Federal Home Loan Banks, FHLMC, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Banks for Cooperatives, and the U.S. Postal Service. Some of these securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities, now or in the future, if it is not obligated to do so by law. Accordingly, although these securities have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity, they may involve more risk than securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government because the Fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the securities for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment.

 

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Mutual Fund Investing

Each Fund is authorized to invest in the securities of other investment companies subject to the limitations contained in the 1940 Act.

Investment companies in which the Fund may invest may include ETFs. An ETF is an investment company classified as an open-end investment company or unit investment trust that is traded similarly to a publicly traded company. Most ETFs seek to achieve the same return as a particular market index. That type of ETF is similar to an index fund in that it will primarily invest in the securities of companies that are included in a selected market index. An index-based ETF will invest in all of the securities included in the index, a representative sample of the securities included in the index, or other investments expected to produce returns substantially similar to that of the index. Other types of ETFs include leveraged or inverse ETFs, which are ETFs that seek to achieve a daily return that is a multiple or an inverse multiple of the daily return of a securities index. An important characteristic of these ETFs is that they seek to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis, and their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the multiple or inverse multiple of the index performance over those longer periods of time. ETFs also include actively managed ETFs that pursue active management strategies and publish their portfolio holdings on a frequent basis.

In connection with the management of its daily cash positions, each Fund may invest in securities issued by investment companies that invest in short-term debt securities (which may include municipal obligations that are exempt from Federal income taxes) and that seek to maintain a $1.00 NAV per share.

In certain countries, investments by the Funds may only be made through investments in other investment companies that, in turn, are authorized to invest in the securities that are issued in such countries. (See “Foreign Investment Companies” under “Foreign Investing” in this section of the SAI.)

Under the 1940 Act, a Fund generally may not own more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of an investment company, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, or invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of investment companies. In some instances, a Fund may invest in an investment company in excess of these limits; for instance, with respect to investments in money market funds or investments made pursuant to exemptive rules adopted and/or orders granted by the SEC. The SEC has adopted exemptive rules to permit funds of funds to exceed these limits when complying with certain conditions, which differ depending upon whether the funds in which a fund of funds invests are affiliated or unaffiliated with the fund of funds. Many ETFs have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETF’s shares beyond the statutory limitations discussed above, subject to certain conditions. The Funds may rely on these exemptive rules and/or orders to invest in affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds and/or unaffiliated ETFs. In addition to this, the Trust has obtained exemptive relief permitting the Funds to exceed the limitations with respect to investments in affiliated and unaffiliated funds that are not themselves funds of funds, subject to certain conditions.

The risks associated with investing in other investment companies generally reflect the risks of owning shares of the underlying securities in which those investment companies invest, although lack of liquidity in an investment company could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. For purposes of complying with investment policies requiring a Fund to invest a percentage of its assets in a certain type of investments (e.g., stocks of small capitalization companies), the Fund generally will look through an investment company in which it invests, to categorize the investment company in accordance with the types of investments the investment company holds.

Certain investment companies in which the Funds may invest may be considered commodity pools under the CEA and applicable CFTC regulations. If a Fund invests in such an investment company, the Fund will be required to treat some or all of its holding of the investment company’s shares as a commodity interest for the purposes of determining whether the Fund is qualified to claim exclusion or exemption from regulation by the CFTC. (See “Commodity Interests” in this section of the SAI for additional information regarding

 

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the implications to the Funds of investing in commodity interests.)

Investors in each Fund should recognize that when a Fund invests in another investment company, the Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the expenses the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)

Each Fund may invest in REITs. REITs pool investors’ funds for investment primarily in income producing commercial real estate or real estate related loans. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year.

REITs can generally be classified as follows:

 Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value.

 Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments.

 Hybrid REITs, which combine the characteristics of both equity REITs and mortgage REITs.

REITs are structured similarly to closed-end investment companies in that they are essentially holding companies. An investor should realize that by investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, he will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the underlying REITs. (See “Mutual Fund Investing” in this section of the SAI.)

Selecting REITs requires an evaluation of the merits of each type of asset a particular REIT owns, as well as regional and local economics. Due to the proliferation of REITs in recent years and the relative lack of sophistication of certain REIT managers, the quality of REIT assets has varied significantly. The risks associated with REITs are similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependence on management skill, cash flow dependence, possible lack of availability of long-term mortgage funds, over-building, extended vacancies of properties, decreased occupancy rates and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of the properties to tenants and changes in interest rates.

Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties they own, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally are not diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to potential defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In addition, investment in REITs could cause the Fund to possibly fail to qualify as a regulated investment company. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of the SAI.)

 

Regulation S Securities

A fund may invest in the securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued through private offerings without registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act (“Regulation S Securities”). Offerings of Regulation S Securities may be conducted outside of the United States. Because Regulation S Securities are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, Regulation S Securities may be considered illiquid. If a

 

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Regulation S Security is determined to be illiquid, the investment will be included with a fund’s 15% of net assets limitation on investment in illiquid securities. Furthermore, because Regulation S Securities are generally less liquid than registered securities, a fund may take longer to liquidate these positions than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although Regulation S Securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the price realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid by a fund. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. Accordingly, Regulation S Securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.

 

Repurchase Agreements

Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements by which the Fund purchases portfolio securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon time and price. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase price may be the same, with interest payable to the Fund at a stated rate together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the security.

A repurchase agreement must be collateralized by obligations that could otherwise be purchased by the Fund (except with respect to maturity), and these must be maintained by the seller in a segregated account for the Fund. The value of such collateral will be monitored throughout the term of the repurchase agreement in an attempt to ensure that the market value of the collateral always equals or exceeds the repurchase price (including accrued interest). If the value of the collateral dips below such repurchase price, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, added to the account to maintain full collateralization.

Repurchase agreements will be entered into with commercial banks, brokers and dealers considered by the relevant Fund’s subadviser to be creditworthy. However, the use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks such as default by, or insolvency of, the other party to the transaction. The Fund also might incur disposition costs in connection with liquidating the underlying securities or enforcing its rights.

Typically, repurchase agreements are in effect for one week or less, but they may be in effect for longer periods of time.

Repurchase agreements of more than seven days’ duration are subject to each Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities, which means that no more than 15% of the market value of a Fund’s total assets may be invested in repurchase agreements with a maturity of more than seven days and in other illiquid securities.

 

Securities Lending

Subject to certain investment restrictions, each Fund may, subject to the Trustees’ and Trust Treasurer’s approval, lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions deemed creditworthy and receive, as collateral, cash or cash equivalents which at all times while the loan is outstanding will be maintained in amounts equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral will be invested in short-term securities that will increase the current income of the Fund lending its securities.

A Fund will have the right to regain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting rights and subscription rights. While a securities loan is outstanding, the Fund is to receive an amount equal to any dividends, interest or other distributions with respect to the loaned securities. A Fund may pay reasonable fees to persons unaffiliated with the Trust for services in arranging such loans.

Even though securities lending usually does not impose market risks on the lending Fund, as with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery of the loaned securities and in some cases loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. In addition, the value of the collateral taken as security for the securities loaned may decline in value or may be difficult to convert to cash in the event that a Fund must rely

 

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on the collateral to recover the value of the securities. Moreover, if the borrower of the securities is insolvent, under current bankruptcy law, the Fund could be ordered by a court not to liquidate the collateral for an indeterminate period of time. If the borrower is the subject of insolvency proceedings and the collateral held might not be liquidated, the result could be a material adverse impact on the liquidity of the lending Fund.

No Fund will lend securities having a value in excess of 33 1/3% of its assets, including collateral received for loaned securities (valued at the time of any loan).

 
   

Short Sales

Each Fund may sell securities short as part of its overall portfolio management strategies involving the use of derivative instruments and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire, or that it owns but does not wish to deliver, in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. A short sale is “against the box” to the extent the Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. All other short sales are commonly referred to as “naked” short sales.

When a Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund covers its short position, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the 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 affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.

If a Fund sells securities short against the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises. If a Fund engages in naked short sales, the Fund’s risk of loss could be as much as the maximum attainable price of the security (which could be limitless) less the price paid by the Fund for the security at the time it was borrowed.

 
   

Special Situations

Each Fund may invest in special situations that the Fund’s subadviser believes present opportunities for capital growth. Such situations most typically include corporate restructurings, mergers, and tender offers.

A special situation arises when, in the opinion of the Fund’s subadviser, the securities of a particular company will, within a reasonably estimable period of time, be accorded market recognition at an appreciated value solely by reason of a development particularly or uniquely applicable to that company and regardless of general business conditions or movements of the market as a whole. Developments creating special situations might include, among others, the following: liquidations, reorganizations, recapitalizations, mergers, or tender offers; material litigation or resolution thereof; technological breakthroughs; and new management or management policies. Although large and well-known companies may be involved, special situations often involve much greater risk than is inherent in ordinary investment securities.

 

Temporary Investments

When business or financial conditions warrant, each Fund may assume a temporary defensive position by investing in money-market instruments, including obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of foreign sovereigns, other debt securities, commercial paper including bank obligations, certificates of deposit (including Eurodollar certificates of deposit) and repurchase agreements. (See “Money Market Instruments” in this section of the SAI for more information about these types of investments.)

For temporary defensive purposes, during periods in which a Fund’s subadviser believes

 

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adverse changes in economic, financial or political conditions make it advisable, the Fund may reduce its holdings in equity and other securities and may invest up to 100% of its assets in certain short-term (less than twelve months to maturity) and medium-term (not greater than five years to maturity) debt securities and in cash (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies, or multicurrency units). The short-term and medium-term debt securities in which a Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes will be those that the Fund’s subadviser believes to be of high quality (i.e., subject to relatively low risk of loss of interest or principal). If rated, these securities will be rated in one of the three highest rating categories by rating services such as Moody’s or S&P (i.e., rated at least A).

 

Warrants or Rights to Purchase Securities

Each Fund may invest in or acquire warrants or rights to purchase equity or fixed income securities at a specified price during a specific period of time. A Fund will make such investments only if the underlying securities are deemed appropriate by the Fund’s subadviser for inclusion in the Fund’s portfolio. Included are warrants and rights whose underlying securities are not traded on principal domestic or foreign exchanges. Warrants and stock rights are almost identical to call options in their nature, use and effect except that they are issued by the issuer of the underlying security, rather than an option writer, and they generally have longer expiration dates than call options. (See “Options” in this section of the SAI for information about call options.)

Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. However, unlike convertible securities and preferred stocks, warrants do not pay a fixed dividend. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a Fund holding such warrants to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.

A Fund may purchase put warrants and call warrants whose values vary depending on the change in the value of one or more specified securities indices (“index warrants”). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of exercise. In general, if the value of the underlying index rises above the exercise price of the index warrant, the holder of a call warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the value of the index and the exercise price of the warrant; if the value of the underlying index falls, the holder of a put warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the exercise price of the warrant and the value of the index. The holder of a warrant would not be entitled to any payments from the issuer at any time when, in the case of a call warrant, the exercise price is greater than the value of the underlying index or, in the case of a put warrant, the exercise price is less than the value of the underlying index. If a Fund were not to exercise an index warrant prior to its expiration, then the Fund would lose the amount of the purchase price paid by it for the warrant.

A Fund will normally use index warrants in a manner similar to its use of options on securities indices. The risks of the Fund’s use of index warrants are generally similar to those relating to its use of index options. (See “Options” in this section of the SAI for information about index options.) Unlike most index options, however, index warrants are issued in limited amounts and are not obligations of a regulated clearing agency, but are backed only by the credit of the bank or other institution which issues the warrant. Also, index warrants generally have longer terms than index options. Although a Fund will normally invest only in exchange-listed warrants, index warrants are not likely to be as liquid as certain index options backed by a recognized clearing agency. In addition, the terms of index warrants may limit a Fund’s ability to exercise the warrants at such time, or in such quantities, as the Fund would otherwise wish to do.

 

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When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions

Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. These transactions are also known as delayed delivery transactions. (The phrase “delayed delivery” is not intended to include purchases where a delay in delivery involves only a brief period required by the selling party solely to locate appropriate certificates and prepare them for submission for clearance and settlement in the customary way.) Delayed delivery transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily up to 90 days later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the selling party.

When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable the Fund to lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For example, in periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, the Fund might sell debt securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or similar securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. The Fund will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.

The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value will be reflected in the Fund’s NAV starting on the first business day after the date of the agreement to purchase the securities. The Fund will be subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on the agreement date. However, the Fund will not earn interest on securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and received. A seller’s failure to deliver securities to the Fund could prevent the Fund from realizing a price or yield considered to be advantageous and could cause the Fund to incur expenses associated with unwinding the transaction.

When a Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement will be included in the Fund’s assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities will not be reflected in the Fund’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place up to 90 days after the date of the transaction, but the Fund may agree to a longer settlement period.

The Funds will make commitments to purchase securities on a when- issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. A Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

Fundamental Investment Limitations

Each fund is subject to the investment limitations enumerated in this section, which may be changed with respect to a particular fund only by a vote of the holders of a majority of such fund’s outstanding shares. As used in this SAI and in the Prospectuses, a “majority of the outstanding shares” of a fund means the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares of the particular fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such fund are present in person or by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such fund.

The investment restrictions set forth below are fundamental policies of the Focused Growth Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund and Small-Cap Fund and may not be changed with respect to any such fund without shareholder approval by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that fund. Under these restrictions, each such fund:

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1. may borrow money to the maximum extent permitted by law, including without limitation (i) borrowing from banks or entering into reverse repurchase agreements, or employing similar investment techniques, and pledging its assets in connection therewith, if immediately after each borrowing and continuing thereafter, there is asset coverage of 300%, and (ii) entering into reverse repurchase agreements and transactions in options, futures, options on futures, and forward foreign currency contracts;

2. may not pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets in excess of 10% of such fund’s total assets (taken at cost) and then only to secure borrowings permitted by Restriction (1) above. (The deposit of securities or cash or cash equivalents in escrow in connection with the writing of covered call or put options, respectively, is not deemed to be pledges or other encumbrances.) (For the purpose of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior security.);

3. may not underwrite securities issued by other persons except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of its portfolio investments, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under federal securities laws;

4. may not purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase securities of issuers which deal in real estate, including securities of real estate investment trusts, and may purchase securities which are secured by interests in real estate;

5. may not acquire more than 10% of the voting securities of any issuer, both with respect to any such fund and to the funds to which this policy relates, in the aggregate;

6. may not concentrate more than 25% of the value of its total assets in any one industry

7. may not purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts except that the funds may purchase and sell financial futures contracts and related options;

8. may not make loans, except by purchase of debt obligations or by entering into repurchase agreements or through the lending of the fund’s portfolio securities with respect to not more than 25% of its total assets; and

9. may not issue senior securities, except insofar as such fund may be deemed to have issued a senior security by reason of borrowing money in accordance with the fund’s borrowing policies, and except that for purposes of this investment restriction, collateral, escrow, or margin or other deposits with respect to the making of short sales, the purchase or sale of futures contracts or related options, purchase or sale of forward foreign currency contracts, and the writing of options on securities are not deemed to be an issuance of a senior security.

Notwithstanding the provisions of fundamental investment restrictions (1) and (9) above, each of the above-mentioned funds may borrow money for temporary administrative purposes. To the extent that borrowings for temporary administrative purposes exceed 5% of the total assets of a fund, such excess shall be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirements set forth above.

The investment restrictions set forth below are fundamental policies of each of the Income & Growth Fund, International Value Fund and Large-Cap Value Fund and may not be changed with respect to any such fund without shareholder approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that fund. Under these restrictions, each such fund:

1. may not invest in a security if, as a result of such investment, more than 25% of its total assets (taken at market value at the time of such investment) would be invested in the securities of issuers in any particular industry, except that this restriction does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities (or repurchase agreements with respect thereto);

2. may not purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase securities secured by real estate or interests therein, or securities issued by companies in the real estate industry or which invest in real estate or interests therein;

3. may not purchase or sell commodities, except that the fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options, may enter into foreign exchange contracts, and may enter into swap agreements and other financial transactions not requiring delivery of physical commodities;

4. may borrow money to the maximum extent permitted by law, as interpreted or modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time;

5. may not issue senior securities, except as permitted borrowings or as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act;

6. may not make loans, except that this restriction shall not prohibit the purchase of debt obligations or entering into repurchase agreements or the lending of the fund’s portfolio securities; and

7. may not act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the extent that in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws.

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In determining whether a transaction is permitted under the 1940 Act, Restriction 5 above will be construed not to prohibit any transaction that is permitted under the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

The investment restrictions set forth below are fundamental policies of each of the Dividend Value Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund, and may not be changed with respect to any such fund without shareholder approval by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of that fund. Under these restrictions, each such fund:

1. may not invest in a security if, as a result of such investment, more than 25% of its total assets (taken at market value at the time of such investment) would be invested in the securities of issuers in any particular industry, except that this restriction does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities (or repurchase agreements with respect thereto);

2. may not with respect to 75% of its assets, invest in a security if, as a result of such investment, more than 5% of its total assets (taken at market value at the time of such investment) would be invested in the securities of any one issuer, except that this restriction does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities

3. may not with respect to 75% of its assets, invest in a security if, as a result of such investment, it would hold more than 10% (taken at the time of such investment) of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, except that this restriction does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities;

4. may not purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase securities secured by real estate or interests therein, or securities issued by companies in the real estate industry or which invest in real estate or interests therein;

5. may not purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts (which, for the purpose of this restriction, shall not include foreign currency or forward foreign currency contracts or swap agreements), except that any such fund may engage in interest rate futures contracts, stock index futures contracts, futures contracts based on other financial instruments or one or more groups of instruments, and on options on such futures contracts;

6. may not purchase securities on margin, except for use of short-term credit necessary for clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, but it may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options, futures, and options on futures, and except that effecting short sales will be deemed not to constitute a margin purchase for purposes of this restriction;

7. may borrow money to the maximum extent permitted by law, including without limitation (i) borrowing from banks or entering into reverse repurchase agreements, or employing similar investment techniques, and pledging its assets in connection therewith, if immediately after each borrowing and continuing thereafter, there is asset coverage of 300%, and (ii) entering into reverse repurchase agreements and transactions in options, futures, options on futures, and forward foreign currency contracts;

8. may not issue senior securities, except insofar as such fund may be deemed to have issued a senior security by reason of borrowing money in accordance with the fund’s borrowing policies, and except for purposes of this investment restriction, collateral, escrow, or margin or other deposits with respect to the making of short sales, the purchase or sale of futures contracts or related options, purchase or sale of forward foreign currency contracts, and the writing of options on securities are not deemed to be an issuance of a senior security;

9. may not lend any funds or other assets, except that such fund may, consistent with its investment objective and policies: (a) invest in debt obligations, including bonds, debentures, or other debt securities, bankers’ acceptances and commercial paper, even though the purchase of such obligations may be deemed to be the making of loans, (b) enter into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and (c) lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed one-third of the value of its total assets, provided such loans are made in accordance with applicable guidelines established by the SEC and the Trustees of the Trust; and

10. may not act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the extent that in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws.

Notwithstanding the provisions of fundamental investment restrictions (7) and (8) above, each of the above-mentioned funds may borrow money for temporary administrative purposes. To the extent that borrowings for temporary administrative purposes exceed 5% of the total assets of a fund, such excess shall be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirements set forth above.

Each of the Focused Growth Fund, the Global Small-Cap Fund, the Health Sciences Fund, the Mid-Cap Growth Fund and the Technology Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions that are fundamental policies and that may not be changed without shareholder approval by the vote of a majority of each such fund’s outstanding voting securities.

In the case of the Global Small-Cap Fund, the Health Sciences Fund and the Technology Fund these restrictions provide that each such fund:

1. may not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any one industry, except that (i) the Technology Fund will concentrate more than 25% of its assets in the technology industry and (ii) the Health Sciences Fund will concentrate more than 25% of its assets in the healthcare industry.

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2. may borrow money to the maximum extent permitted by law, as interpreted or modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time;

3. may not make loans, except that this restriction shall not prohibit the purchase of debt obligations or entering into repurchase agreements or the lending of the fund’s portfolio securities;

4. may not act as an underwriter of securities issued by other persons, except insofar as it may be deemed an underwriter under the 1933 Act in selling portfolio securities;

5. may not purchase or sell commodities, except that the fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options, may enter into foreign exchange contracts, and may enter into swap agreements and other financial transactions not requiring delivery of physical commodities;

6. may not issue senior securities, except as permitted borrowings or as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act; and

7. may not purchase or sell real estate; provided that the fund may invest in readily marketable securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein.

In determining whether a transaction is permitted under the 1940 Act, Restriction 6 above will be construed not to prohibit any transaction that is permitted under the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

Global Small-Cap and Technology Funds must invest in companies located in at least three different countries.

In addition, the Health Sciences Fund and the Technology Fund each will measure the percentage of its assets in a particular industry by reference to a customized set of industry and sector groups for classifying securities. This classification approach is based on one or more accepted industry classification models, modified to be what the applicable Fund’s subadviser believes is more representative of a fund’s investment portfolio.

In the case of the Mid-Cap Growth Fund, these restrictions provide that such fund:

1. may not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any one industry (other than the United States of America, its agencies and instrumentalities);

2. may not purchase or sell real estate; provided that the fund may invest in readily marketable securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein;

3. may borrow money to the maximum extent permitted by law, as interpreted or modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time;

4. may not issue senior securities, except as permitted borrowings or as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act;

5. may not make loans, except that this restriction shall not prohibit the purchase of debt obligations or entering into repurchase agreements or the lending of the fund’s portfolio securities;

6. may not underwrite securities issued by other persons except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of its portfolio investments, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under federal securities laws; and

7. may not purchase or sell commodities, except that the fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options, may enter into foreign exchange contracts, and may enter into swap agreements and other financial transactions not requiring the delivery of physical commodities.

In determining whether a transaction is permitted under the 1940 Act, Restriction 4 above will be construed not to prohibit any transaction that is permitted under the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

The investment restrictions set forth below are fundamental policies of the Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund and may not be changed with respect to the fund without shareholder approval by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the fund. Under these restrictions, the fund:

1. may not concentrate more than 25% of the value of its total assets in any one industry;

2. may not purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase securities of issuers which deal in real estate, including securities of real estate investment trusts, and may purchase securities which are secured by interests in real estate;

3. may not make loans, except that this restriction shall not prohibit the purchase of debt obligations or entering into repurchase agreements or the lending of the fund’s portfolio securities;

4. may borrow money to the maximum extent permitted by law, as interpreted or modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time;

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5. may not pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets in excess of 10% of such fund’s total assets (taken at cost) and then only to secure borrowings permitted by Restriction (4) above. (The deposit of securities or cash or cash equivalents in escrow in connection with the writing of covered call or put options, respectively, is not deemed to be pledges or other encumbrances.) (For the purpose of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior security.);

6. may not underwrite securities issued by other persons except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of its portfolio investments, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under federal securities laws;

7. may not issue senior securities, except as permitted borrowings or as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act; and

8. may not purchase or sell commodities, except that the fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options, may enter into foreign exchange contracts, and may enter into swap agreements and other financial transactions not requiring the delivery of physical commodities.

In determining whether a transaction is permitted under the 1940 Act, Restriction 7 above will be construed not to prohibit any transaction that is permitted under the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

The 1940 Act and regulatory interpretations currently permit registered open-end funds to borrow up to one-third of the value of their total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at the lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made. The 1940 Act and regulatory interpretations currently limit the percentage of registered open-end funds’ securities that may be loaned to one-third of the value of total assets. To the extent these are current interpretive positions that do not reflect any formal rule or statutory requirements, they may be changed by regulators without notice.

Non-Fundamental Investment Limitations

Each of the Focused Growth Fund, the Income & Growth Fund, the Small-Cap Fund and the NFJ Funds is also subject to the following non-fundamental restriction and policies (which may be changed without shareholder approval):

1. Subject to any limits set forth in its Prospectus or the SAI, each such fund may engage in short sales to the maximum extent permitted by law.

2. Each such fund may not invest more than 15% of the net assets of a fund (taken at market value at the time of the investment) in “illiquid securities,” illiquid securities being defined to include repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, certain loan participation interests, fixed time deposits which are not subject to prepayment or provide withdrawal penalties upon prepayment (other than overnight deposits), or other securities which legally or in the Adviser’s opinion may be deemed illiquid (other than securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and certain commercial paper that the Adviser has determined to be liquid in accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act).

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

Trustees and Officers

The Board is responsible for the overall supervision of the Trust, including establishing the Funds’ policies and general supervision and review of their investment activities, and performs the various duties imposed on Trustees by the 1940 Act and Delaware statutory trust law. The officers, who administer the Funds’ daily operations, are appointed by the Board and generally are employees of the Administrator or one of its affiliates. The current Trustees and officers of the Trust performing a policy-making function and their affiliations and principal occupations for the past five years are set forth below. The Trust has no employees.

Unless otherwise noted, each Trustee of the Trust also serves as a Trustee of other Virtus Funds and the address of each individual is c/o Virtus Funds, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103. There is no stated term of office for Trustees or officers of the Trust.

Independent Trustees*

                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

Burke, Donald C.
YOB: 1960

 

Since 2021

 

103

 

Private investor (since 2009). Formerly, President and Chief

 

Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor

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Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

           

Executive Officer, BlackRock U.S. Funds (2007 to 2009); Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (2006 to 2009); and Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (1990 to 2006).

 

Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Director (since 2014), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (3 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010).

Cogan, Sarah E. YOB: 1956

 

Since 2019

 

107

 

Retired Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (“STB”) (law firm) (since 2019); Director, Girl Scouts of Greater New York (since 2016); Trustee, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (since 2013); and formerly, Partner, STB (1989 to 2018).

 

Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021 to 2022), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, and Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (February 2021 to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2019), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2019), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology

71


                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

               

Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund, and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2019), PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Energy and Tactical Credit Opportunities Fund, PCM Fund, Inc, PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund, PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund, PIMCO Global StocksPLUS® & Income Fund, PIMCO High Income Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II, PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc., PIMCO Flexible Credit Income Fund and PIMCO Flexible Municipal Income Fund; Trustee (since 2019), PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust (5 portfolios); and Trustee (2019 to 2021), PIMCO Dynamic Credit and Mortgage Income Fund and PIMCO Income Opportunity Fund.

DeCotis, Deborah A.
YOB: 1952

 

Since 2014

 

107

 

Director, Cadre Holdings Inc. (since 2022); Advisory Director, Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. (since 1996); Member, Circle Financial Group (since 2009); Member, Council on Foreign Relations (since 2013); and Trustee, Smith College (since 2017). Formerly, Director, Watford Re (2017 to 2021); Co-Chair Special Projects Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering (2005 to 2015); and Trustee, Stanford University (2010 to

 

Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021 to 2022), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Director, Cadre Holdings Inc. (since 2022); Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The

72


                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

           

2015).

 

Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, and Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (February 2021 to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), PIMCO Dynamic Income Opportunities Fund; Trustee (since 2019), PIMCO Energy and Tactical Credit Opportunities Fund and Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund; Trustee (since 2018), PIMCO Flexible Municipal Income Fund; Trustee (since 2017), PIMCO Flexible Credit Income Fund and Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund; Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund; Trustee (since 2014), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios); Trustee (2013 to 2021), PIMCO Dynamic Credit and Mortgage Income Fund; Trustee (since 2012), PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund; Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund III, PCM Fund, Inc., PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund, PIMCO Global StocksPLUS® & Income Fund, PIMCO High Income Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II, PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc., and PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust (5 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund, and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; and Trustee

73


                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

               

(2011 to 2021), PIMCO Income Opportunity Fund.

Drummond, F. Ford YOB: 1962

 

Since 2006

 

107

 

Owner/Operator (since 1998), Drummond Ranch; and Director (since 2015), Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Formerly Chairman, Oklahoma Nature Conservancy (2019 to 2020); Board Member (2006 to 2020) and Chairman (2016 to 2018), Oklahoma Water Resources Board; Director (1998 to 2008), The Cleveland Bank; and General Counsel (1998 to 2008), BMIHealth Plans (benefits administration).

 

Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021 to 2022), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund, Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund, The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, and Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (February 2021 to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2019), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund; Trustee (since 2017), Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund; Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund and Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund; Trustee (since 2014), Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (since 2011), Bancfirst Corporation; and Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios).

Harris, Sidney E.
YOB: 1949

 

Since 2021

 

100

 

Private Investor (since 2021); Dean Emeritus (since 2015), Professor (2015 to 2021 and 1997 to 2014), Dean (1997 to 2004), J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University.

 

Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund;

74


                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

               

Trustee (since 2019), Mutual Fund Directors Forum; Trustee (since 2017), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios), and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Trustee (2013 to 2020) and Honorary Trustee (since 2020), KIPP Metro Atlanta; Director (1999 to 2019), Total System Services, Inc.; Trustee (2004 to 2017), RidgeWorth Funds; Chairman (2012 to 2017), International University of the Grand Bassam Foundation; Trustee (since 2012), International University of the Grand Bassam Foundation; and Trustee (2011 to 2015), Genspring Family Offices, LLC.

Mallin, John R.
YOB: 1950

 

Since 2021

 

100

 

Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm) Real Property Practice Group; and Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate.

 

Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Director (since 2019), 1892 Club, Inc. (non-profit); Director (2013 to 2020), Horizons, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios).

McDaniel, Connie D.
YOB: 1958

 

Since 2021

 

100

 

Retired (since 2013). Vice President, Chief of Internal Audit, Corporate Audit Department (2009 to 2013); Vice President, Global Finance Transformation (2007 to 2009); and Vice President and Controller (1999 to 2007), The

 

Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy

75


                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

           

Coca-Cola Company.

 

Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Director (since 2019), Global Payments Inc.; Chairperson (since 2019), Governance & Nominating Committee, Global Payments Inc; Trustee (since 2017), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios), and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Director (since 2021), North Florida Land Trust; Director (2014 to 2019), Total System Services, Inc.; Member (since 2011) and Chair (2014 to 2016), Georgia State University, Robinson College of Business Board of Advisors; and Trustee (2005 to 2017), RidgeWorth Funds.

McLoughlin, Philip Chairman

YOB: 1946

 

Since 2021

 

110

 

Private investor since 2010.

 

Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021), Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund and Virtus Convertible & Income Fund; Director and Chairman (since 2016), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director and Chairman (2016 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director and Chairman (2014 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2

76


                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

               

portfolios); Trustee and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (3 funds); Director (1991 to 2019) and Chairman (2010 to 2019), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios).

McNamara, Geraldine M.

YOB: 1951

 

Since 2021

 

103

 

Private investor (since 2006); and Managing Director, U.S. Trust Company of New York (1982 to 2006).

 

Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (3 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios).

Walton, R. Keith
YOB: 1964

 

Since 2021

 

107

 

Venture and Operating Partner (since 2020), Plexo Capital, LLC; Venture Partner (since 2019) and Senior Adviser (2018 to 2019), Plexo, LLC; and Partner (since 2006), Global Infrastructure Partners. Formerly, Managing Director (2020 to 2021), Lafayette Square Holding Company LLC; Senior Adviser (2018 to 2019), Vatic Labs, LLC; Executive Vice

 

Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (January 2022 to July 2022), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund and Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible

77


                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

           

President, Strategy (2017 to 2019), Zero Mass Water, LLC; Vice President, Strategy (2013 to 2017), Arizona State University.

 

Fund; Advisory Board Member (since 2022), Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2020) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Director (since 2017), certain funds advised by Bessemer Investment Management LLC; Director (2016 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Director (2006 to 2019), Systematica Investments Limited Funds; Director (2006 to 2017), BlueCrest Capital Management Funds; Trustee (2014 to 2017), AZ Service; Director (since 2004), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; and Director (2004 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.

Zino, Brian T.
YOB: 1952

 

Since 2021

 

107

 

Retired. Various roles (1982 to 2009), J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, including President (1994 to 2009).

 

Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund, and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2020) Virtus Alternative

78


                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

               

Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Director (2016 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Director (since 2014), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director (2014 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2011), Bentley University; Director (1986 to 2009) and President (1994 to 2009), J&W Seligman Co. Inc.; Director (1998 to 2009), Chairman (2002 to 2004) and Vice Chairman (2000 to 2002), ICI Mutual Insurance Company; Member, Board of Governors of ICI (1998 to 2008).

* Those Trustees listed as “Independent Trustees” are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.

Interested Trustee

                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

Aylward, George R. YOB: 1964

 

Since 2021

 

112

 

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; and various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005).

 

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Member, Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute (since 2021); Trustee and President (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2021), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund, and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund;

79


                 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Length of Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years

               

Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II (5 portfolios); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (2014 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee and President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (5 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2011), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee and President (since 2006) and Executive Vice President (2004 to 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (2006 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.

Mr. Aylward is an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Virtus, the ultimate parent company of the Adviser, and various positions with its affiliates including the Adviser.

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees

         

Name, Address and Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with the Trust and Length of Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

       

Batchelar, Peter
YOB: 1970

 

Senior Vice President (since 2021).

 

Senior Vice President, Product Development (since 2017), Vice President, Product Development (2008 to 2017), and various officer positions (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2008) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

Bradley, W. Patrick YOB: 1972

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2021).

 

Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016) and various officer positions (since 2004), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.; Member (since 2022), BNY Mellon Asset Servicing Client Advisory Board

Branigan, Timothy

 

Vice President and Fund Chief Compliance Officer (since 2022); Assistant Vice President

 

Various officer positions (since 2019) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus

80


                           

Name, Address and Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with the Trust and Length of Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 
         


YOB: 1976

 

and Deputy Fund Chief Compliance Officer (March to May 2022); and Assistant Vice President and Assistant Chief Compliance Officer (2021 to 2022).

 

Investment Partners, Inc.

 

Carr, Kevin J.
YOB: 1954

 

Vice President and Senior Counsel (since 2017), Senior Vice President (2009 to 2017), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009) and various officer positions (since 2005), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; and various officer positions (since 2005) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

 

Vice President and Senior Counsel (since 2017), Senior Vice President (2009 to 2017), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009) and various officer positions (since 2005), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; and various officer positions (since 2005) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

 

Fromm, Jennifer
YOB: 1973

 

Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2021).

 

Vice President (since 2016) and Senior Counsel, Legal (since 2007) and various officer positions (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2008) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

 

Short, Julia R.
YOB: 1972

 

Senior Vice President (since 2021).

 

Senior Vice President, Product Development (since 2017), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Senior Vice President (since 2017) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.; and Managing Director, Product Manager, RidgeWorth Investments (2004 to 2017).

Smirl, Richard W.
YOB: 1967

 

Executive Vice President (since 2021).

 

Chief Operating Officer (since 2021), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2021), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Executive Vice President (since 2021) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.; Chief Operating Officer (2018 to 2021), Russell Investments; Executive Director (Jan. to July 2018), State of Wisconsin Investment Board; and Partner and Chief Operating Officer (2004 to 2018), William Blair Investment Management.

Leadership Structure and the Board of Trustees

The Board is currently composed of 12 trustees, including 11 Independent Trustees. In addition to five regularly scheduled meetings per year, the Board holds special meetings either in person or via telephone to discuss specific matters that may require consideration prior to the next regular meeting. As discussed below, the Board has established several standing committees to assist the Board in performing its oversight responsibilities, and each such committee has a chairperson. The Board may also designate working groups or ad hoc committees as it deems appropriate.

The Trustees of the Virtus Funds believe that an effective board should have perspectives informed by a range of viewpoints, skills, expertise, experiences and backgrounds. The Trustees endorse a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment for the Board where all members are respected, valued and engaged. As a result, when identifying and recruiting new Trustees and considering Board composition, committee composition and leadership roles, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall consider, among other attributes, diversity of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexuality, culture, thought and geography, as well as numerous other dimensions of human diversity.

81


The Board has appointed Mr. McLoughlin, an Independent Trustee, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman’s primary role is to participate in the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board and the identification of information to be presented to the Board with respect to matters to be acted upon by the Board. The Chairman also presides at all meetings of the Board and between meetings generally acts as a liaison with the Trust’s service providers, officers, legal counsel, and the other Trustees. The Chairman may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. Except for any duties specified herein or pursuant to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or By-laws, or as assigned by the Board, the designation of Chairman does not impose on such Independent Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board, generally.

The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to exercise informed and independent judgment over matters under its purview, and it allocates areas of responsibility among committees or working groups of Trustees and the full Board in a manner that enhances effective oversight. Mr. McLoughlin previously served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company that is now Virtus; however, he is now an Independent Trustee due to (a) the fact that Virtus is no longer affiliated with The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (which was its parent company when Mr. McLoughlin retired) and (b) the passage of time. As a result of this balance, it is believed that Mr. McLoughlin has the ability to provide independent oversight of the Trust’s operations within the context of his detailed understanding of the perspective of the Adviser and the Trust’s other service providers. The Board therefore considers leadership by Mr. McLoughlin as enhancing the Board’s ability to provide effective independent oversight of the Trust’s operations and meaningful representation of the shareholders’ interests.

The Board also believes that having a super-majority of Independent Trustees is appropriate and in the best interest of the Funds’ shareholders. Nevertheless, the Board also believes that having an interested person serve on the Board brings corporate and financial viewpoints that are, in the Board’s view, crucial elements in its decision-making process. In addition, the Board believes that Mr. Aylward, who is currently the Chairman and President of the Adviser, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Virtus, and serves in various executive roles with other affiliates of the Adviser who provide services to the Trust, provides the Board with the Adviser’s perspective in managing and sponsoring the Virtus Funds as well as the perspective of other service providers to the Trust. The leadership structure of the Board may be changed at any time and in the discretion of the Board, including in response to changes in circumstances or the characteristics of the Trust.

The Board has established several standing committees to oversee particular aspects of the Funds’ management. The members of each Committee are set forth below:

The Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds’ accounting and auditing policies and practices. The Audit Committee reviews the Funds’ financial reporting procedures, their system of internal control, the independent audit process, and the Funds’ procedures for monitoring compliance with investment restrictions and applicable laws and regulations and with the Code of Ethics. The Audit Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are Connie D. McDaniel, Chairperson, Donald C. Burke, Deborah A. DeCotis, John R. Mallin and Brian T. Zino. The Committee met nine times during the Trust’s last fiscal year.

The Compliance Committee

The Compliance Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds’ compliance matters. The Compliance Committee oversees and reviews (1) information provided by the Funds’ officers, including the Funds’ CCO, the Funds’ investment adviser and other principal service providers, and others as appropriate; (2) the codes of ethics; (3) whistleblower reports; and (4) distribution programs. The Compliance Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are Geraldine M. McNamara, Chairperson, Sarah E. Cogan, F. Ford Drummond, Sidney E. Harris, and R. Keith Walton. The Committee met seven times during the Trust’s last fiscal year.

The Executive Committee

The function of the Executive Committee is to serve as a delegate of the full Board, as well as act on behalf of the Board when it is not in session, subject to limitations as set by the Board. The Executive Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are Philip R. McLoughlin, Chairperson, Donald C. Burke, Deborah A. DeCotis, Sidney E. Harris and Brian T. Zino. The Committee met five times during the Trust’s last fiscal year.

The Governance and Nominating Committee

The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining governance principles applicable to the Funds, for nominating individuals to serve as Trustees, including as Independent Trustees, and annually evaluating the Board and Committees. The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are Brian T. Zino, Chairperson, Sarah E. Cogan, Sidney E. Harris, Philip R. McLoughlin and R. Keith Walton. The Committee met eight times during the Trust’s last fiscal year.

The Governance and Nominating Committee considers candidates for trusteeship and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to such candidates. There are no specific required qualifications for trusteeship. The committee considers all relevant qualifications of candidates for trusteeship, such as industry knowledge and experience, financial expertise, current employment and other board memberships, and whether the

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candidate would be qualified to be considered an Independent Trustee. The Board believes that having among its members a diversity of viewpoints, skills and experience and a variety of complementary skills enhances the effectiveness of the Board in its oversight role. The committee considers the qualifications of candidates for trusteeship in this context.

The Board has adopted a policy for consideration of Trustee nominees recommended by shareholders. With regards to such policy, an individual shareholder or shareholder group submitting a nomination must hold either individually or in the aggregate for at least one full year as of the date of nomination 5% of the shares of a series of the Trust, among other qualifications and restrictions. Shareholders or shareholder groups submitting nominees must comply with all requirements set forth in the Trust’s policy for consideration of Trustee nominees recommended by shareholders and any such submission must be in writing, directed to the attention of the Governance and Nominating Committee in care of the Trust’s Secretary, and should include biographical information, including business experience for the past ten years and a description of the qualifications of the proposed nominee, along with a statement from the proposed nominee that he or she is willing to serve and meets the requirements to be an Independent Trustee, if applicable. Shareholder nominees for Trustee will be given the same consideration as any candidate provided the nominee meets certain minimum requirements.

Information about Each Trustee’s Qualification, Experience, Attributes or Skills

The following provides further information about each Trustee’s specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills. The information in this section should not be understood to mean that any Trustee is an “expert” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.

George R. Aylward

In addition to his positions with the Trust, Mr. Aylward is a Director and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Virtus, the ultimate parent company of the Adviser. He also holds various executive positions with the Adviser, certain Funds’ subadvisers, the Distributor and the Administrator to the Trust, and various of their affiliates, and previously held such positions with the former parent company of Virtus. He therefore has experience in all aspects of the development and management of registered investment companies, and the handling of various financial, staffing, regulatory and operational issues. Mr. Aylward is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA, and he also serves as an officer and director/trustee of several open-end and closed-end funds managed by the Adviser and its affiliates.

Donald C. Burke

Mr. Burke has extensive financial and business experience in the investment management industry. He was employed by BlackRock, Inc. (2006 to 2009) and Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (1990 to 2006) where he held a number of roles including Managing Director and President and Chief Executive Officer of the BlackRock U.S. mutual funds. In this role, Mr. Burke was responsible for the accounting, tax and regulatory reporting requirements for over 300 open and closed-end funds. He also served as a trustee for numerous global funds that were advised by BlackRock, Inc. Mr. Burke currently serves as a director and Audit Committee Chairman of Avista Corp., a public company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. Mr. Burke started his career at Deloitte & Touche (formerly Deloitte Haskins & Sells) and is a certified public accountant. He has also served on a number of nonprofit boards. He is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

Sarah E. Cogan

Ms. Cogan has substantial legal background and experience in the investment management industry. She was a partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, a large international law firm, in the corporate department for over 25 years and former head of the registered funds practice. She has extensive experience in oversight of investment company boards through her prior experience as counsel to the Independent Trustees of the series of the Allianz Funds (now known as Virtus Investment Trust) and Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust (now known as Virtus Strategy Trust) and as counsel to other independent trustees, investment companies and asset management firms. She is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

Deborah A. DeCotis

Ms. DeCotis has substantial senior executive experience in the investment banking industry, having served as a Managing Director for Morgan Stanley. She has extensive board experience and/or experience in oversight of investment management functions through her experience as a trustee of Stanford University and Smith College and as a director of Armor Holdings and The Helena Rubinstein Foundation, Stanford Graduate School of Business. Ms. DeCotis is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

F. Ford Drummond

Mr. Drummond has substantial legal background and experience in the oversight and management of regulated companies through his work as General Counsel of BMI Health Plans, a benefits administrator. He has substantial board experience in the banking sector as a director of BancFirst Corporation, Oklahoma’s largest state chartered bank, and as a former director of The Cleveland Bank. Mr. Drummond also previously served as a member and chairman of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, which provides tax exempt financing for water infrastructure projects in the state. He is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

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Sidney E. Harris

Dr. Sidney Harris has extensive knowledge of best practices in executive management, familiarity with international business practices and expertise in corporate strategy implementation, risk management, technology, asset management compliance and investments. Dr. Harris is Dean Emeritus and, until recently, was a Professor at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. He was affiliated with the J. Mack Robinson College of Business from 1997 to 2021, including serving as Professor (2015 to 2021 and 1997 to 2014) and Dean (1997 to 2004). Most recently, Dr. Harris was Professor of Computer Information Systems, Management and International Business. Prior to joining Georgia State University, Dr. Harris was Professor (1987 to 1996) and former Dean (1991 to 1996) of the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University (currently Peter F. Drucker and Masotoshi Ito Graduate School of Management). He served as Independent Trustee of the RidgeWorth Funds Board of Trustees (2004 to 2017) and as Independent Chairman (2007 to 2017). He served as a member of the RidgeWorth Funds Governance and Nominating Committee (2004 to 2017) and Audit Committee (2006 to 2017). Dr. Harris previously served on the Board of Transamerica Investors (1995 to 2005). Dr. Harris previously served as a Director of Total System Services, Inc. (1999 to 2019). He served on the Board of Directors of KIPP Metro Atlanta, served as Chairman of the International University of the Grand-Bassam (“IUGB”) Foundation (2012 to 2017), and serves on the Board of Directors of the IUGB Foundation (since 2012). Dr. Harris also serves as a Trustee of the Mutual Funds Directors Forum (since 2019). He is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

John R. Mallin

Mr. Mallin is a real estate partner and former practice group leader for the Real Property Practice Group at McCarter & English LLP. During his career, he has been involved in all aspects of real estate development and financial transactions related to real estate. Mr. Mallin also has oversight and corporate governance experience as a director, including as a chair, of non-profit entities. Mr. Mallin is also a trustee of several other open-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

Connie D. McDaniel

Ms. McDaniel, currently retired, has extensive domestic and international business experience, particularly with respect to finance, strategic planning, risk management and risk assessment functions. She is retired from The Coca-Cola Company, where she served as Vice President and Chief of Internal Audit, Corporate Audit Department (2009 to 2013), Vice President, Global Finance Transformation (2007 to 2009), Vice President and Controller (1999 to 2007), and held various management positions (1989 to 1999). While at The Coca-Cola Company, Ms. McDaniel chaired that company’s Ethics and Compliance Committee (2009 to 2013) and developed a knowledge of corporate governance matters. Prior to The Coca-Cola Company, she was associated with Ernst & Young (1980 to 1989). Ms. McDaniel served as Independent Trustee of the RidgeWorth Funds Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2017. She was Chairman of the RidgeWorth Funds Audit Committee (2008 to 2017), designated Audit Committee Financial Expert (2007 to 2017) and a member of the RidgeWorth Funds Governance and Nominating Committee (2015 to 2017). Ms. McDaniel also served as a Director of Total System Services, Inc. (2014 to 2019). She currently serves as a Director and Governance and Nominating Committee Chairperson of Global Payments Inc. (since 2019) and as a Director of North Florida Land Trust (since 2021). Ms. McDaniel served as Chair of the Georgia State University Robinson College of Business Board of Advisors (2014 to 2016) and has served as a member of the Georgia State University Robinson College of Business Board of Advisors since 2011. Ms. McDaniel is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

Philip R. McLoughlin

Mr. McLoughlin has an extensive legal, financial and asset management background. In 1971, he joined Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. (then, Phoenix Equity Planning Corp.), the predecessor of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., as Assistant Counsel with responsibility for various compliance and legal functions. During his tenure, Mr. McLoughlin assumed responsibility for most functions in the firm’s advisory, broker-dealer and fund management operations, and eventually ascended to the role of President. Mr. McLoughlin then served as General Counsel, and later Chief Investment Officer, of Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company, the parent company of Phoenix Investment Partners. Among other functions, he served as the senior management liaison to the boards of directors of the insurance company’s mutual funds and closed-end funds, and had direct oversight responsibility for the funds’ portfolio managers. In 1994, Mr. McLoughlin was named Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Investment Partners, and continued in that position, as well as Chief Investment Officer of Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company, until his retirement in 2002. He is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates, including serving as the chairman of the board of several such funds.

Geraldine M. McNamara

Ms. McNamara was an executive at U.S. Trust Company of New York for 24 years, where she rose to the position of Managing Director. Her responsibilities at U.S. Trust included the oversight of U.S. Trust’s personal banking business. In addition to her managerial and banking experience, Ms. McNamara has experience in advising individuals on their personal financial management, which has given her an enhanced understanding of the goals and expectations that individual investors may have. Ms. McNamara is also a trustee of several open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

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R. Keith Walton

Mr. Walton’s business and legal background, and his extensive service with other boards, provide valuable insight to the Board and its committees regarding corporate governance and best practices. He is an honors graduate of Yale University and the Harvard Law School. Mr. Walton was a Director of Systematica Investments Limited Funds (2006 to 2019) and a Director of BlueCrest Capital Management Funds (2006 to 2017). He is also the founding Principal and Chief Administrative Officer at Global Infrastructure Partners (since 2006) and served as the Managing Director at Lafayette Square Holding Company LLC (2020 to 2021). Mr. Walton is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

Brian T. Zino

Mr. Zino, currently retired, was employed by J. & W. Seligman and Co. Inc., a privately held New York City investment firm managing Closed End Investment Companies, a family of mutual funds, institutional accounts and operating a trust company (1982 to 2009). For the last 15 of those years, he served as president and CEO of Seligman. His extensive mutual fund, financial and business background and years of service as a director of a large non-affiliated family of both open- and closed-end funds bring valuable skills and business judgment to the Board and its committees. Mr. Zino is also a certified public accountant and has an extensive background in accounting matters relating to investment companies. He also served as a Director (1998 to 2009), Chairman (2002 to 2004) and Vice Chairman (2000 to 2002) on the board of the ICI Mutual Insurance Company and as a Member of the Board of Governors of ICI (1998 to 2008). Mr. Zino is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

Board Oversight of Risk Management

As a registered investment company, the Trust is subject to a variety of risks, including investment risks, financial risks, compliance risks and regulatory risks. As part of its overall activities, the Board oversees the management of the Trust’s risk management structure by the Trust’s Adviser, Administrator, Distributor, Transfer Agent, officers and others. The responsibility to manage the Funds’ risk management structure on a day-to-day basis is subsumed within the other responsibilities of these parties.

The Board considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year at regular meetings of the Board and its committees, and within the context of any ad hoc communications with the Trust’s service providers and officers. The Trust’s Adviser, subadvisers, Distributor, Administrator, Transfer Agent, officers and legal counsel prepare regular reports to the Board that address certain investment, valuation, compliance and other matters, and the Board as a whole or its committees may also receive special written reports or presentations on a variety of risk issues at the request of the Board, a committee, the Chairman or a senior officer.

The Board receives regular written reports describing and analyzing the investment performance of the Funds. In addition, the portfolio managers of the Funds and senior management of the Funds’ subadvisers meet with the Board periodically to discuss portfolio performance and answer the Board’s questions with respect to portfolio strategies and risks. To the extent that a Fund changes a primary investment strategy, the Board generally is consulted in advance with respect to such change.

The Board receives regular written reports from the Trust’s Chief Financial Officer that enable the Board to monitor the number of fair valued securities in the Funds’ portfolios, the reasons for the fair valuation and the methodology used to arrive at the fair value. Such reports also include information concerning illiquid securities within the Funds’ portfolios. The Board and/or the Audit Committee may also review valuation procedures and pricing results with the Funds’ independent auditors in connection with the review of the results of the audit of the Funds’ year-end financial statements.

The Board also receives regular compliance reports prepared by the compliance staff of the Adviser and meets regularly with the Trust’s CCO to discuss compliance issues, including compliance risks. As required under applicable rules, the Independent Trustees meet regularly in executive session with the CCO, and the CCO prepares and presents an annual written compliance report to the Board. The CCO, as well as the compliance staff of the Adviser and Virtus, provide the Board with reports on their examinations of functions and processes within the Adviser and the subadvisers that affect the Funds. The Board also adopts compliance policies and procedures for the Trust and approves such procedures for the Trust’s service providers. The compliance policies and procedures are specifically designed to detect and prevent violations of the federal securities laws.

In its annual review of the Funds’ advisory, subadvisory and distribution agreements, the Board reviews information provided by the Adviser, the subadvisers and the Distributor relating to their operational capabilities, financial conditions and resources. The Board may also discuss particular risks that are not addressed in its regular reports and processes.

The Board recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Funds or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. The Board periodically reviews the effectiveness of its oversight of the Funds and the other funds in the Virtus Funds family, and the processes and controls in place to limit identified risks. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts its risk oversight role.

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Trustees’ Fund Holdings as of December 31, 2021

As of December 31, 2021 the Trustees beneficially owned shares of the Funds as set forth in the table below.

         

Independent Trustees

 

Dollar Range of Equity Securities in a Fund of the Trust

 

Aggregate Dollar Range of Trustee Ownership in all Funds Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies(1)

       

Donald C. Burke

 

Dividend Value Fund — $1 - $10,000

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund — $1 - $10,000

Focused Growth Fund — $1 - $10,000

Global Small-Cap Fund — $1 - $10,000

Health Sciences Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

Income & Growth Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

International Value Fund — $1 - $10,000

Large-Cap Value Fund — $1 - $10,000

Mid-Cap Value Fund — $1 - $10,000

Small-Cap Fund — $1 - $10,000

Small-Cap Value Fund — $1 - $10,000

Technology Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

 

Over $100,000

Sarah E. Cogan

 

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

Focused Growth Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

Health Sciences Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

Income & Growth Fund —$10,001 - $50,000

Mid-Cap Growth Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

Small-Cap Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

Small-Cap Value Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

   

Deborah A. DeCotis

 

Technology Fund — $10,001 - $50,000

 

Over $100,000

       

F. Ford Drummond

 

None

 

Over $100,000

       

Sidney E. Harris

 

None

 

Over $100,000

John R. Mallin

 

None

 

Over $100,000

Connie D. McDaniel

 

None

 

Over $100,000

Philip McLoughlin

 

None

 

Over $100,000

Geraldine M. McNamara

 

None

 

Over $100,000

R. Keith Walton

 

None

 

None

Brian T. Zino

 

None

 

Over $100,000

(1) Holdings exclude any exposure through the Deferred Compensation Plan, which may be counted towards the Trustee Ownership Policy but are not considered ownership for any other purpose.

         

Interested Trustee

 

Dollar Range of Equity Securities in a Fund of the Trust

 

Aggregate Dollar Range of Trustee Ownership in all Funds Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies(1)

George R. Aylward

 

None

 

Over $100,000

(1) Holdings exclude any exposure through the Deferred Compensation Plan, which may be counted towards the Trustee Ownership Policy but are not considered ownership for any other purpose.

As of October 5, 2022, the Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the then outstanding shares of any of the Funds.

Trustee Compensation

Trustees who are not employed by the Adviser or its affiliates receive an annual retainer and fees and expenses for attendance at Board and Committee meetings. Officers and employees of the Adviser of the Funds who are interested persons are compensated for their services by the Adviser of the Funds, or an affiliate of the Adviser of the Funds, and receive no compensation from the Funds. The Trust does not have any retirement plan for its Trustees.

In calendar year 2018 and certain prior periods, the Trust maintained a deferred compensation plan pursuant to which each Independent Trustee had the opportunity to elect not to receive all or a portion of his or her fees from the Trust on a current basis, but instead to receive in a subsequent period chosen by the Trustee an amount equal to the value of such compensation if such compensation had been invested in one or more series of Virtus

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Strategy Trust or Virtus Investment Trust selected by the Trustees from and after the normal payment dates for such compensation. The deferred compensation program was closed to new deferrals effective January 1, 2019, and all Trustee fees earned with respect to service in calendar year 2019 and beyond have been or will be paid in cash, on a current basis. The Trust still has obligations with respect to Trustee fees deferred in 2018 and in prior periods, and will continue to have such obligations until all deferred Trustee fees are paid out pursuant to the terms of the deferred compensation plan.

For the Trust’s fiscal period ended June 30, 2022, the current Trustees received the following compensation:

         

Independent Trustees

 

Aggregate Compensation from Trust

 

Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees(1)

Donald C. Burke(

 

$66,387

 

$430,000 (103 funds)

Sarah E. Cogan

 

$53,942

 

$345,000 (107 funds)

Deborah A. DeCotis

 

$53,942

 

$335,000 (107 funds)

F. Ford Drummond

 

$53,876

 

$340,000 (107 funds)

Sidney E. Harris

 

$66,387

 

$335,000 (100 funds)

John R. Mallin

 

$66,367

 

$335,000 (100 funds)

Connie D. McDaniel

 

$75,419

 

$378,750 (100 funds)

Philip R. McLoughlin

 

$87,109

 

$642,938 (110 funds)

Geraldine M. McNamara

 

$72,610

 

$460,000 (103 funds)

R. Keith Walton

 

$57,022

 

$335,000 (107 funds)

Brian T. Zino

 

$60,164

 

$376,250 (107 funds)

         

Interested Trustees

 

Aggregate Compensation from Trust

 

Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees

       

George R. Aylward

 

None

 

None

         

Advisory Board Member

 

Aggregate Compensation from Trust

 

Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees

       

William R. Moyer(2)

 

None

 

$91,154 (103 Funds)

(1) All compensation figures in this table include payments deferred by Trustees for the relevant period. Includes compensation paid by closed-end and open-end funds for which Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, an affiliate of Allianz Global Fund Management, served as investment manager.

(2) Mr. Moyer retired effective May 23, 2022. Compensaition shown was received from July 1, 2021 through May 23, 2022.

Sales Loads

The Trust’s Trustees are permitted to invest in Institutional Class or Class R6 shares of each Fund without initial or subsequent minimum investment requirements. Institutional Class shares do not carry a sales load.

Code of Ethics

The Trust, its Adviser, subadvisers and Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may purchase and sell securities for their personal accounts, including securities that may be purchased, sold or held by the Funds, subject to certain restrictions and conditions. Generally, personal securities transactions are subject to preclearance procedures, reporting requirements and holding period rules. The Codes also restrict personal securities transactions in private placements, initial public offerings and securities in which a Fund has a pending order. The Trust has also adopted a Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers as required by Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Proxy Voting Policies

The Trust has adopted a Policy Regarding Proxy Voting (the “Policy”) stating the Trust’s intention for the Funds to exercise stock ownership rights with respect to portfolio securities in a manner that is reasonably anticipated to further the best economic interests of shareholders of the Funds. The Funds or their voting delegates will endeavor to analyze and vote all proxies that are likely to have financial implications, and where appropriate, to participate in corporate governance, shareholder proposals, management communications and legal proceedings. The Funds or their voting delegates must also identify potential or actual conflicts of interest in voting proxies and must address any such conflict of interest in accordance with the Policy.

In the absence of a specific direction to the contrary from the Board, the Adviser or the subadviser that is managing a Fund is responsible for voting proxies for such Fund, or for delegating such responsibility to a qualified, independent organization engaged by the Adviser or respective subadviser to vote proxies on its behalf. The applicable voting party will vote proxies in accordance with the Policy or its own policies and procedures, which must be reasonably designed to further the best economic interests of the affected Fund shareholders. Because the Policy and the applicable voting party’s

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policies and procedures used to vote proxies for the Funds both are designed to further the best economic interests of the affected Fund shareholders, they are not expected to conflict with one another although the types of factors considered by the applicable voting party under its own policies and procedures may be in addition to or different from the ones listed below for the Policy.

The Policy specifies the types of factors to be considered when analyzing and voting proxies on certain issues when voting in accordance with the Policy, including, but not limited to:

 Anti-takeover measures – the overall long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry competition.

 Corporate Governance Matters – tax and economic benefits of changes in the state of incorporation; dilution or improved accountability associated with changes in capital structure.

 Contested elections – the qualifications of all nominees; independence and attendance record of board and key committee members; entrenchment devices in place that may reduce accountability.

 Stock Option and Other Management Compensation Issues—executive pay and spending on perquisites, particularly in conjunction with sub-par performance and employee layoffs.

 Shareholder proposals – whether the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value; whether identified issues are more appropriately or effectively addressed by legal or regulatory changes; whether the issuer has already appropriately addressed the identified issues; whether the proposal is unduly burdensome or prescriptive; whether the issuer’s existing approach to the identified issues is comparable to industry best practice.

The Funds and their voting delegates seek to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Adviser, subadviser, other voting delegate, Distributor, or any affiliated person of the Funds, on the other hand.

Depending on the type and materiality, the Board or its delegates may take the following actions, among others, in addressing any material conflicts of interest that arise with respect to voting (or directing voting delegates to vote): (i) rely on the recommendations of an established, independent third party proxy voting vendor; (ii) vote pursuant to the recommendation of the proposing delegate; (iii) abstain; (iv) where two or more delegates provide conflicting requests, vote shares in proportion to the assets under management of each proposing delegate; (v) vote shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other shareholders of such issuer; or (vi) the Adviser may vote proxies where the subadviser has a direct conflict of interest. The Policy requires each Adviser/subadviser that is a voting delegate to notify the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust (or, in the case of a subadviser, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser) of any actual or potential conflict of interest that is identified, and provide a recommended course of action for protecting the best interests of the affected Fund’s shareholders. No Adviser/subadviser or other voting delegate may waive any conflict of interest or vote any conflicted proxies without the prior written approval of the Board (or the Executive Committee thereof) or the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust.

The Policy further imposes certain record-keeping and reporting requirements on each Adviser/subadviser or other voting delegate.

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available, no later than August 31 of each year, free of charge by calling, toll-free, 800.243.1574, or on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.

Following is information about the policies and procedures followed by each subadviser to the Funds in voting proxies for their respective Funds.

KAR Funds

KAR has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of its clients including the Funds, in accordance with its fiduciary duties and Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The principles for voting proxies are as follows:

1. The firm votes all proxies to, in its opinion, maximize shareholder value, which is defined as long-term value through dividend and price appreciation. In addition, the firm’s investment philosophy is to purchase “Quality” companies for the portfolios of its clients. One of the four main criteria for “Quality” is excellence in management. Hence, the firm tends to vote non-shareholder-value issues in alignment with management’s recommendations, if there is no conflict with shareholder value. For example, “Poison Pills” and other anti-takeover measures are not supported, even if recommended by management.

2. To assist in analyzing proxies, KAR subscribes to Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”), an unaffiliated third party corporate governance research service that provides in-depth analyses of shareholder meeting agendas and vote recommendations. KAR fully reviews and approves the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines and follows their recommendations on most issues brought to a shareholder vote. In special circumstances, where a KAR research analyst or portfolio manager believes that any ISS recommendation would be to the detriment of its

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investment clients, KAR will override an ISS recommendation. Two members of KAR’s Risk and Compliance Committee can approve an override. Additionally, KAR utilizes ISS to vote proxies on its behalf, per the guidelines discussed above.

3. Absent any special circumstance, ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines are followed when voting proxies.

4. KAR can occasionally be subject to conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies because of business or personal relationships it maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of specific votes. KAR and its employees can also occasionally have business or personal relationships with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors, or candidates for directorships. If, at any time, the responsible voting parties become aware of any type of potential conflict of interest relating to a particular proxy proposal, they will promptly report such conflict to KAR’s Chief Compliance Officer. Conflicts of interest are handled in various ways depending on the type and materiality.

KAR’s Proxy Voting Policy and the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines are posted on the public section of KAR’s website, www.kayne.com.

NFJ Funds

NFJ has a Proxy Committee (“Proxy Committee”) that is responsible for establishing policies and procedures designed to enable NFJ to ethically and effectively discharge its fiduciary obligation to vote all applicable proxies on behalf of all discretionary client accounts and funds. Annually (or more often as needed), the Proxy Committee will review, reaffirm and/or amend guidelines, strategies and proxy policies for all client accounts, funds and product lines.

NFJ votes all shares per the NFJ Proxy Guidelines unless the client chooses custom guidelines. In the case that a ballot item is not covered under the policy or is coded as case-by-case in NFJ’s guidelines, a research analyst or portfolio manager will review the available information and will utilize such information, along with his knowledge of the company, to make a vote recommendation to the Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee members consider the information and recommendation, and will then vote on that ballot item. As reflected in the NFJ Proxy Policy, the Proxy Committee will affirmatively vote proxies for proposals that it deems to be in the best economic interest of its clients, as a whole, as shareholders and beneficiaries of those actions.

Due to NFJ’s diverse client base, product lines, and affiliations, NFJ’s Proxy Committee may determine a potential conflict exists in connection with a proxy vote based on applicable SEC guidelines. For these situations, the Committee will determine how to address the conflict and that may include voting strictly in accordance with policy and/or allowing the third party service provider to vote in accordance with its guidelines. Additional conflicts of interests will be evaluated by the Committee on an individual basis. Although NFJ does its best to alleviate or diffuse known conflicts, there is no guarantee that all situations have been or will be mitigated through proxy policy incorporation.

NFJ utilizes the services of Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. as its agent in the provision of certain administrative, clerical, functional recordkeeping, and support services related to NFJ’s proxy voting processes/ procedures, which include, but are not limited to:

(1) The collection of proxy material from its clients’ custodians;

(2) The facilitation of proxy voting, reconciliation, and disclosure, in accordance with NFJ’s Proxy Policy and the Proxy Committee’s direction; and

(3) Recordkeeping and voting record retention.

A complete copy of NFJ’s current Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures may be obtained on NJF’s website at http://www.nfjinv.com/.

Silvant Funds

Silvant has a Proxy Committee (“Proxy Committee”) that is responsible for establishing policies and procedures designed to enable Silvant to ethically and effectively discharge its fiduciary obligation to vote all applicable proxies on behalf of all client accounts and funds where the firm has proxy voting authority. Annually (or more often as needed), the Proxy Committee will review, reaffirm and/or amend guidelines, strategies, and proxy policies for all client accounts, funds, and product lines.

Silvant votes all shares per the Silvant Proxy Guidelines unless the client chooses custom guidelines. In the case that a ballot item is not covered under the policy or is coded as case-by-case in Silvant’s guidelines, a research analyst or portfolio manager will review the available information and will utilize such information, along with knowledge of the company, to make a vote recommendation to the Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee members consider the information and recommendation and will then vote on that ballot item. As reflected in the Silvant Proxy Policy, the Proxy Committee will affirmatively vote proxies for proposals that it deems to be in the best economic interest of its clients as a whole, as shareholders and beneficiaries of those actions.

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Due to Silvant’s diverse client base, product lines, and affiliations, Silvant’s Proxy Committee may determine a potential conflict exists in connection with a proxy vote based on applicable SEC guidelines. For these situations, the Committee will determine how to address the conflict and that may include voting strictly in accordance with policy and/or allowing the third-party service provider to vote in accordance with its guidelines. Additional conflicts of interests will be evaluated by the Committee on an individual basis. Although Silvant does its best to alleviate or diffuse known conflicts, there is no guarantee that all situations have been or will be mitigated through proxy policy incorporation.

Silvant utilizes Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. for support services related to the firm’s proxy voting processes / procedures, which include, but are not limited to:

1. 1. The collection of proxy material from its clients’ custodians.

2. 2. The review of proxy proposals and appropriate voting recommendations on behalf of the Firm.

and

3. The facilitation of proxy voting, reconciliation, and disclosure, in accordance with Silvant’s Proxy Policy and the Proxy Committee’s direction.

and

4. Recordkeeping and voting record retention.

Silvant will continue to utilize all available resources to make well-informed and qualified proxy vote decisions.

Shareholders may view Silvant’s complete Proxy Policy at https://www.silvantcapital.com/legal-compliance or may obtain a copy of the complete Proxy Guidelines by contacting Silvant’s Proxy Voting Committee Administrator at (860) 263-4731 or [email protected].

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund and Small-Cap Fund

VIA has adopted proxy voting policies, procedures and guidelines ("Guidelines") in an effort to ensure proxies are voted in the best interests of its clients and the value of the investment, and to address any real or perceived conflicts of interest in proxy voting. Proxies of the Funds will be voted subject to the Funds' Policy and, to the extent applicable, in accordance with any resolutions or other instructions approved by authorized persons of the Funds. Any VIA representative identifying a conflict of interest in voting a proxy is required to immediately report the conflict of interest to VIA's CCO who will determine a course of action. VIA's Guidelines allow VIA to utilize a qualified, non-affiliated third-party vendor to review proxies and make voting recommendations on behalf of VIA’s clients consistent with the Guidelines. VIA may choose not to vote proxies in certain situations or for certain accounts, such as but not limited to the following:The firm votes all proxies to, in its opinion, maximize shareholder value, which is defined as long-term value through dividend and price appreciation. In addition, the firm’s investment philosophy is to purchase “Quality” companies for the portfolios of its clients. One of the four main criteria for “Quality” is excellence in management. Hence, the firm tends to vote non-shareholder-value issues in alignment with management’s recommendations, if there is no conflict with shareholder value. For example, “Poison Pills” and other anti-takeover measures are not supported, even if recommended by management.

 When VIA deems the cost of voting would exceed any anticipated benefit to the respective client(s);

 When a proxy is received for a security VIA no longer manages (i.e., VIA has previously sold the entire position); and/or

 When the exercise of voting rights could restrict the ability of an account's portfolio manager to freely trade the security.

A complete copy of VIA’s Proxy Voting Guidelines is available by sending a written request to Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., Attn: Chief Compliance Officer, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103. Email requests may be sent to: [email protected].

Income & Growth Fund

Voya Investment Management LLC (“Voya IM LLC”) has adopted proxy voting policies, procedures and guidelines in an effort to ensure proxies are voted in the best interests of its clients and the value of the investment, and to address any real or perceived conflicts of interest in proxy voting. Proxies of the Funds will be voted subject to Voya IM LLC’s policy. Voya IM LLC’s Proxy Committee oversees the implementation of Voya IM LLC’s proxy voting procedures and guidelines including potential conflicts of interest. An independent proxy voting service has been retained to assist in the voting of Fund proxies through the provision of vote analysis, implementation and recordkeeping and disclosure services. In addition, the Compliance Committee oversees the implementation of each Fund’s proxy voting procedures and guidelines.

Technology Fund

Zevenbergen maintains written Proxy Voting Policy and Proxy Voting Guidelines, which are used to determine how to vote. The following are key guiding principles of Zevenbergen’s Proxy Voting Policy:

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 Consider only the best interests of the fiduciary accounts’ beneficiaries.

 Consider economic and ethical implications in determining the best interests of the beneficiaries.

 Base the decision on how to vote using reasonable skill and care in determining the issues involved.

 Vote proxies at the written request of a client (as may be allowed), should their specific choice of votes differ from the way Zevenbergen would vote under its own Proxy Voting Guidelines.

 Resolve material conflicts of interest in the best interest of clients.

 Vote on every proxy issue.

 Make every effort to vote proxies for all shares unless voting responsibility has been retained by the client or securities are on loan.

The policy also outlines procedures on how Zevenbergen identifies and deals with conflicts of interest to include following an independent third-party’s advice on voting proxy issues, as well as required recordkeeping of proxy voting history for clients. Any client may elect to retain proxy voting authority.

A copy of Zevenbergen’s Proxy Voting Policy and Proxy Voting Guidelines may be obtained by contacting Zevenbergen at 601 Union Street, Suite 4600 Seattle, WA 98101, or (206) 682-8469.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

As of October 5, 2022, the persons who owned of record, or were known by the Trust to own beneficially, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class, or 25% or more of the outstanding shares of all classes, of the Funds included in this SAI are shown in Appendix B — Control Persons and Principal Shareholders.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

Investment Adviser

The investment adviser to each of the funds is Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. VIA, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus, acts as the investment adviser for over 70 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. VIA has acted as an investment adviser for over 80 years. As of June 30, 2022 VIA had approximately $51.4 billion in assets under management.

At a joint special shareholder meeting held on October 28, 2020, and adjournments thereto (the “Meeting”), shareholders of the funds approved a transition to a new management structure whereby VIA became investment adviser for the funds, and affiliates of Virtus became distributor and/or administrator for the funds. In connection with the Meeting, each fund’s shareholders approved a new investment advisory agreement between each such fund and VIA that replaced the then-existing investment advisory agreement between each such fund and AllianzGI U.S. Advisory and other fees paid prior to February 1, 2021 were paid to AllianzGI U.S. in its former capacity as investment adviser, pursuant to the previous investment advisory agreement, by the Trust during those and previous periods.

Investment Advisory Agreement and Expense Limitation Agreement

The investment advisory agreement, approved by the Board and shareholders of the funds, provides that the Trust will bear all costs and expenses (other than those specifically referred to as being borne by the Adviser) incurred in the operation of the Trust. Such expenses include, but shall not be limited to, all expenses incurred in the operation of the Trust and any public offering of its shares, including, among others, leverage expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, fees of Trustees who are not employees of the Adviser, Virtus or any of its affiliates, expenses of Trustees, and shareholders’ meetings, expenses of printing and mailing proxy soliciting material, expenses of the insurance premiums for fidelity and other coverage, expenses of the repurchase and redemption of shares, expenses of the issue and sale of shares (to the extent not borne by VP Distributors under its agreement with the Trust), association membership dues, charges of custodians, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents and financial agents, and bookkeeping, auditing and legal expenses. The Trust will also pay the fees and bear the expense of registering and maintaining the registration of the Trust and its shares with the SEC and registering or qualifying its shares under state or other securities laws and the expense of preparing and mailing prospectuses and reports to shareholders. If authorized by the Board, the Trust will also pay for extraordinary expenses and expenses of a non-recurring nature which may include, but shall not be limited to, the reasonable cost of any reorganization or acquisition of assets and the cost of legal proceedings to which the Trust is a party.

Each Fund will pay expenses incurred in its own operation and will also pay a portion of the Trust’s general administration expenses allocated on the basis of the asset values of the respective Funds.

For managing, or directing the management of, the investments of each fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee, payable monthly, at the following annual rates based on each Fund’s average daily net assets:

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Fund

 

Investment Advisory Fee

Dividend Value Fund

 

0.45%

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

 

0.85%

Focused Growth Fund

 

0.45%

Global Small-Cap Fund

 

0.90%

Health Sciences Fund

 

0.80%

Income & Growth Fund

 

0.65%

International Value Fund

 

0.60%

Large-Cap Value Fund

 

0.45%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

0.47%

Mid-Cap Value Fund

 

0.55%

Small-Cap Fund

 

0.60%

Small-Cap Value Fund

 

0.60%

Technology Fund

 

0.90%

In the funds’ last fiscal year, each fund paid fees to VIA at the same annual rates as those listed above.

VIA may waive any portion of its investment advisory fees or reimburse Fund expenses from time to time. VIA has contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses (excluding certain expenses, such as front-end or contingent deferred sales charges, taxes, leverage and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption facilities), interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or infrequently occurring expenses (such as litigation) and acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any) through October 31, 2023 of the funds listed below so that such expenses do not exceed, on an annualized basis, the amounts indicated in the following table (expressed as a percentage of daily net assets):

             
 

Class A

Class C

Institutional Class

Class P

Class R6

Administrative Class

Dividend Value Fund

1.05%

1.80%

0.70%

0.80%

0.65%

0.95%

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

1.29%

2.04%

0.94%

1.04%

0.89%

N/A

Focused Growth Fund

1.00%

1.77%

0.67%

0.77%

0.62%

0.92%

Global Small-Cap Fund

1.63%

2.38%

1.28%

1.38%

N/A

N/A

Health Sciences Fund

1.47%

2.22%

1.12%

1.22%

N/A

N/A

Income & Growth Fund

1.28%

2.03%

0.93%

1.03%

N/A

N/A

International Value Fund

1.30%

2.05%

0.95%

1.05%

0.90%

1.20%

Large-Cap Value Fund

1.12%

1.87%

0.77%

0.87%

0.65%

1.02%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

1.14%

1.89%

0.79%

0.89%

0.74%

1.04%

Mid-Cap Value Fund

1.00%

1.75%

0.65%

0.75%

0.60%

0.90%

Small-Cap Fund

1.17%

1.92%

0.82%

0.92%

0.77%

N/A

Small-Cap Value Fund

1.17%

1.92%

0.82%

0.92%

0.77%

1.07%

Technology Fund

1.57%

2.32%

1.22%

1.32%

N/A

1.47%

Following the contractual period, the Adviser may discontinue these expense caps at any time. Under certain conditions, the Adviser may recapture operating expenses waived or reimbursed under these arrangements, for a period of three years following the date such waiver or reimbursement occurred, provided that the recapture does not cause the fund to exceed its expense limit in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, and any in effect at the time of recapture after repayment is taken into account.

The Adviser also may, at its discretion, from time to time pay for other Fund expenses from its own assets, or reduce the management fee of a Fund in excess of that required. Any fee reimbursed and/or any Fund expense absorbed by the Adviser pursuant to an agreed upon expense cap shall be reimbursed by the Fund to the Adviser, if so requested by the Adviser, provided the aggregate amount of the Fund’s current operating expense for such fiscal year does not exceed the applicable limitation on Fund expenses.

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The investment advisory agreement also provides that the Adviser shall not be liable to the Trust or to any shareholder of the Trust for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust or by any shareholder of the Trust in connection with the matters to which the agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard on the part of such Adviser in the performance of its duties thereunder.

Provided it has been approved by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund of the Trust which is subject to its terms and conditions, the investment advisory agreement continues from year to year with respect to such Fund so long as (1) such continuance is approved at least annually by the Board or by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of such Fund and (2) the terms and any renewal of the agreement with respect to such Fund have been approved by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested persons, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, of the Trust or the relevant Adviser, cast in person (or otherwise, as consistent with applicable laws, regulations and related guidance and relief) at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. On sixty days’ written notice and without penalty the agreement may be terminated as to the Trust or as to a Fund by the Board or by the relevant Adviser and may be terminated as to a Fund by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of such Fund. The Agreement automatically terminates upon its assignment (within the meaning of the 1940 Act). The agreement provides that upon its termination, or at the request of the relevant Adviser, the Trust will eliminate all reference to Virtus from its name, and will not thereafter transact business in a name using the word Virtus.

Adviser Affiliates

George Aylward, Jennifer Fromm and Richard W. Smirl each serve as an officer of the Trust and as an officer and/or director of the Adviser. The other principal executive officers of the Adviser are: Michael Angerthal, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Wendy Hills, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Clerk; David Fusco, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer; and David Hanley, Senior Vice President and Treasurer. The directors of the Adviser are George Aylward, Michael Angerthal and Wendy Hills.

Advisory Fees

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees received by the Adviser for services to the Funds, the amount of expenses reimbursed by the Adviser, and the actual fee received by the Adviser, during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2021 and 2022 under the investment advisory agreement in effect.

                   
 

Gross Advisory Fee ($)

Advisory Fee Waived and/or Expenses Reimbursed ($)

Net Advisory Fee ($)

Fund

2020

2021(*)

2022

2020

2021(*)

2022

2020

2021(*)

2022

Dividend Value Fund

4,241,795

3,879,970

3,825,841

(848,359)

(9,793)

(66,330)

3,393,436

3,870,177

3,759,511

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

2,108,367

2,248,108

2,283,684

(648,728)

(305,595)

(614,886)

1,459,639

1,942,513

1,668,798

Focused Growth Fund

3,545,578

5,763,845

5,889,303

(1,013,022)

(25,341)

(69,246)

2,532,556

5,738,504

5,820,057

Global Small-Cap Fund

850,308

799,906

764,200

0

(11,241)

(3,932)

850,308

788,665

760,268

Health Sciences Fund

1,235,322

1,414,669

1,533,955

0

(3,009)

(2,507)

1,235,322

1,411,660

1,531,448

Income & Growth Fund

29,891,275

39,451,609

44,819,446

(522,588)

(33,439)

(49,238)

29,368,687

39,418,170

44,770,208

International Value Fund

839,515

882,587

832,518

(76,320)

(5,245)

(30,113)

763,195

877,342

802,405

Large-Cap Value Fund

1,365,936

1,451,513

1,481,369

0

(98)

18

1,365,936

1,451,415

1,481,387

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

1,499,223

2,020,085

2,055,501

0

0

(216)

1,499,223

2,020,085

2,055,285

Mid-Cap Value Fund

7,210,407

7,566,469

7,539,345

0

(654,338)

(1,553,073)

7,210,407

6,912,131

5,986,272

Small-Cap Fund

680,938

845,822

1,016,742

0

(50,850)

(52,391)

680,938

794,972

964,351

Small-Cap Value Fund

3,744,634

3,363,141

3,028,630

(748,927)

(101,938)

(156,509)

2,995,707

3,261,203

2,872,121

Technology Fund

14,222,241

21,096,654

19,187,686

0

0

(38,594)

14,222,241

21,096,654

19,149,092

(*)  For periods prior to February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S served as adviser to the Funds. VIA replaced AllianzGI U.S. and became the Trust’s Adviser effective on February 1, 2021. All advisory fees paid prior to February 1, 2021 were paid to AllianzGI U.S. and all advisory fees paid from February 1, 2021 through the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 were paid to VIA.

Subadvisers and Subadvisory Agreements

The Adviser has entered into subadvisory agreements with respect to Dividend Value Fund, Focused Growth Fund, Global Small-Cap Fund, Health Sciences Fund, Income & Growth Fund, International Value Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund and Technology Fund. Each subadvisory agreement provides that the Adviser will delegate to the respective subadviser the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to each of the Funds for which that subadviser provides subadvisory services. Each subadviser furnishes at its own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services. The Adviser remains responsible for the supervision and oversight of each subadviser’s performance. Each subadvisory agreement will continue in effect from year to year if specifically approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees. The subadvisory fees are paid by the

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Adviser out of its advisory fees from the Funds. The Adviser has not delegated to subadvisers the investment management services with respect to the Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund and Small-Cap Fund.

KAR — Global Small-Cap Fund and Health Sciences Fund

KAR is located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1110, Los Angeles, CA 90067 and is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus and an affiliate of VIA. KAR also serves as subadviser for other mutual funds and as investment adviser to institutions and individuals. As of June 30, 2022, KAR managed approximately approximately $47.9 billion, of which $34.1 billion was regulatory assets under management and $13.8 billion was model/emulation assets under contract. Model/emulation assets refer to assets that KAR is under contract to deliver a model portfolio to and are not considered regulatory assets under management.

For its services as subadviser, the Adviser pays KAR a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid by each fund for which KAR acts as subadviser.

NFJ — Dividend Value Fund, International Value Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund

NFJ is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103 with its primary investment offices at 2100 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75201, and is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus and an affiliate of VIA. NFJ acts as adviser and subadviser to open-end funds and as investment adviser to institutions and individuals. As of June 30, 2022 NFJ managed approximately $7.28 billion of which $5.68 billion was regulatory assets under management and $1.6 billion was model/emulation assets under contract. Model/emulation assets refer to assets that NFJ is under contract to deliver a model portfolio to and are not considered regulatory assets under management.

For its services as subadviser, VIA pays NFJ a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid by each Fund for which NFJ acts as subadviser.

Silvant — Silvant Large-Cap Growth Stock Fund and Silvant Small-Cap Growth Stock Fund

Silvant, an affiliate of the Adviser, is located at 3333 Piedmont Road, Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. Silvant is an investment adviser registered with the SEC. The firm was established in 2008 after 24 years functioning as RidgeWorth’s growth style investment management team. As of June 30, 2022, Silvant had approximately $669 million in assets under management. Silvant focuses on managing growth equity products for a diverse range of institutional clients.

For its services as subadviser, the Adviser pays Silvant a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid by each Fund for which Silvant acts as subadviser.

Voya — Income & Growth Fund

Voya is located at 230 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10169 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Voya Investment Management LLC (“Voya IM LLC”), a registered investment adviser, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of VIM Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Voya Financial, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: VOYA), holds a 76% economic stake in VIM Holdings LLC through its subsidiary Voya Holdings Inc. As of July 25, 2022, Allianz SE, a stock corporation organized and existing under the laws of the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany, holds an indirect 24% economic stake in VIM Holdings LLC as a result of a transaction combining Voya IM LLC with the assets and teams comprising specified transferred strategies formerly managed by Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC. Voya began business as an investment adviser on November 6, 1972, under the name of Aetna Capital Management, Inc. As of June 30, 2022, managed approximately $150 billion, of which $148 billion was regulatory assets under management and $2 billion was model/emulation assets under control. Model/emulation assets refer to assets that Voya is under contract to deliver a model portfolio to and are not considered regulatory assets under management.

For its services as subadviser, the Adviser pays Voya a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid by each Fund for which Voya acts as subadviser.

Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC — Technology Fund

Zevenbergen, a minority-owned affiliate of the Adviser, is located at 601 Union Street, Suite 4600 Seattle, Washington 98101. Zevenbergen is an investment adviser registered with the SEC. The firm was established in 1987. As of June 30, 2022 Zevenbergen had approximately $2.4 billion, of which $2.2 billion is regulatory assets under manager and $0.2 billion is model/emulation assets under contract. Model/emulation assets refer to assets that Zevenbergen is under contract to deliver a model portfolio to and are not considered regulatory assets under management. Zevenbergen specializes in aggressive growth-equity investment advisory services for separately managed portfolios and mutual funds.

For its services as subadviser, the Adviser pays Zevenbergen a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid by Technology Fund.

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Subadvisory Fees

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to each subadviser for managing the applicable Fund(s), the amount of expenses reimbursed by the subadviser, and the actual fee received by the subadviser for the period February 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021, and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.

             
 

Gross Subadvisory Fee

Subadvisory Fee Waived and/or Expenses Reimbursed

Net Subadvisory Fee

Fund

2/1/2021-

6/30/2021

7/1/2021-

6/30/2022

2/1/2021-

6/30/2021

7/1/2021-

6/30/2022

2/1/2021-

6/30/2021

7/1/2021-

6/30/2022

Dividend Value Fund

812,968

1,912,920

(3,815)

(34,246)

809,153

1,878,674

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

469,463

1,141,842

(150,347)

(309,892)

319,116

831,950

Focused Growth Fund

1,250,859

2,944,652

(12,670)

(34,623)

1,238,189

2,910,029

Global Small-Cap Fund

182,096

382,100

(5,620)

(1,966)

176,476

380,134

Health Sciences Fund

302,038

766,978

(1,505)

(1,253)

300,533

765,725

Income & Growth Fund

8,915,839

22,409,723

(15,518)

(25,820)

8,900,321

22,383,903

International Value Fund

190,343

416,259

(2,622)

(15,056)

187,721

401,203

Large-Cap Value Fund

327,259

740,685

(49)

(150,669)

327,210

590,016

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

453,914

1,027,750

(108)

453,914

1,027,642

Mid-Cap Value Fund

1,639,904

3,769,673

(327,169)

(648,668)

1,312,735

3,121,005

Small-Cap Fund

199,857

508,371

(25,425)

(26,195)

174,432

482,176

Small-Cap Value Fund

737,963

1,514,315

(50,969)

(55,444)

686,994

1,458,871

Technology Fund

4,635,474

9,593,843

(19,297)

4,635,474

9,574,546

Administrator

For periods prior to February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S. served as both investment manager and administrator to the funds pursuant to an administration agreement with the Trust (the “Former Administration Agreement”). During this time, while each fund paid a fee under separate agreements for the advisory and administrative services it required, these services were provided in a “suite of services” structure. Under the Former Administration Agreement, AllianzGI U.S. (in its capacity as former administrator to the funds, the “Former Administrator”) provided both the advisory and administrative services to the funds. Class A, Class C, Institutional Class, Class R6, Class P and Administrative Class shareholders of each fund paid an administrative fee rate (“Administration Fee”) to the Former Administrator, computed as a percentage of the fund’s average daily net assets attributable in the aggregate to those classes of shares, with breakpoints at various asset levels. The Former Administrator, in turn, provided or procured administrative services for Class A, Class C, Institutional Class, Class R6, Class P and Administrative Class shareholders and also bore the costs of most third-party administrative services required by the funds, including audit, custodial, portfolio accounting, legal, transfer agency and printing costs. The funds did bear other expenses that were not covered by the Administrative Fee and that may have varied and affected the total level of expenses borne by Class A, Class C, Institutional Class, Class R6, Class P and Administrative Class shareholders, such as taxes and governmental fees, brokerage fees, commissions and other transaction expenses, costs of borrowing money, including interest expenses, extraordinary expenses (such as litigation and indemnification expenses) and fees and expenses of the Trust’s disinterested Trustees and their counsel. On or around February 1, 2021, the Former Administration Agreement was terminated by the Trust by vote of a majority of the Trustees on 60 days’ written notice to AllianzGI U.S.

VFS (the “Administrator”) replaced the Former Administrator and became the Trust’s administrator effective on February 1, 2021 pursuant to an administration agreement between the Trust and VFA (the “Administration Agreement”). Unlike the Former Administration Agreement, the Administration Agreement does not contemplate administration services being provided in a “suite of services” structure, among other differences. VFS is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus and an affiliate of the Adviser. For its services as administrator, pursuant to the Administration Agreement, VFS receives an administration fee based upon the average net assets across all series of the Virtus Mutual Funds at the following annual rates:

   

First $15 billion

0.10%

$15+ billion to $30 billion

0.095%

$30+ billion to $50 billion

0.09%

Greater than $50 billion

0.085%

For the purposes of applying the fee breakpoints, the Virtus Mutual Funds’ average net assets may be aggregated with the average net assets of the series of VVIT. No fees were paid to VFS prior to February 1, 2021.

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For the period July 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021, the funds paid the Former Administrator monthly Administration Fees at the following annual rates (stated as a percentage of the average daily net assets attributable in the aggregate to each class taken separately, and taking into account the effect of breakpoints).

Administration Fees

             
 

Class A

Class C

Institutional Class

Class P

Class R6

Administrative Class

Dividend Value Fund

0.40%

0.40%

0.30%

0.40%

0.25%

0.30%

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

0.34%

0.34%

0.24%

0.34%

0.19%

N/A

Focused Growth Fund

0.38%

0.40%

0.30%

0.40%

0.25%

0.30%

Global Small-Cap Fund

0.45%

0.45%

0.35%

0.45

N/A

N/A

Health Sciences Fund

0.40%

0.40%

0.30%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Income & Growth Fund

0.37%

0.37%

0.27%

0.37%

N/A

N/A

International Value Fund

0.48%

0.48%

0.38%

0.48%

0.32%

0.38%

Large-Cap Value Fund

0.40%

0.40%

0.30%

0.40%

N/A

0.30%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

0.40%

0.40%

0.30%

0.40%

N/A

0.30%

Mid-Cap Value Fund

0.17%

0.17%

0.07%

0.17%

0.02%

0.07%

Small-Cap Fund

0.30%

0.30%

0.20%

0.30%

0.15%

N/A

Small-Cap Value Fund

0.40%

0.40%

0.30%

0.40%

0.25%

0.30%

Technology Fund

0.39%

0.39%

0.29%

0.39%

N/A

0.29%

The Trust is responsible for the following expenses: (i) salaries and other compensation of any of the Trust’s executive officers and employees who are not officers, directors, stockholders, or employees of the Adviser or its subsidiaries or affiliates; (ii) taxes and governmental fees; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions and other portfolio transaction and investment-related expenses; (iv) costs of borrowing money, including interest expenses; (v) fees and expenses of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of VIA, Virtus or the Trust, and any counsel retained exclusively for their benefit (“disinterested Trustees’ expenses”); (vi) extraordinary expenses, including costs of litigation and indemnification expenses; (vii) expenses which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals; and (viii) any expenses allocated or allocable to a specific class of shares (“Class-specific expenses”).

Class-specific expenses include distribution and/or service fees payable with respect to the Class A, Class C or Administrative Class shares and administrative fees as described above, and may include certain other expenses as permitted by the Trust’s Amended and Restated Multi-Class Plan (the “Multi-Class Plan”) adopted pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, which is subject to review and approval by the Trustees. It is not presently anticipated that any expenses other than distribution and/or service fees and administrative fees will be allocated on a class-specific basis.

For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the aggregate amount of the administration fees paid by the funds to the Administrator was as follows:

       
 

Administration Fee ($)(*)

Fund

2020

2021

2022

Dividend Value Fund

$ 4,151,984

$ 2,192,670

$ 779,675

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

840,810

741,148

246,320

Focused Growth Fund

3,567,688

3,159,357

1,199,582

Global Small-Cap Fund

384,355

235,925

77,834

Health Sciences Fund

612,304

466,696

175,852

Income & Growth Fund

16,493,957

15,260,612

6,322,678

International Value Fund

680,336

448,834

127,220

Large-Cap Value Fund

1,107,945

773,319

301,909

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

1,225,838

1,090,828

400,807

Mid-Cap Value Fund

1,765,868

3,329,973

1,256,950

Small-Cap Fund

301,461

336,425

155,391

96


       

Small-Cap Value Fund

2,596,130

1,332,308

462,822

Technology Fund

5,361,073

5,456,685

1,953,631

(*) For periods prior to February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S served as administrator to the Funds. VFS replaced the AllianzGI U.S. and became the Trust’s administrator effective on February 1, 2021. All administration fees paid prior to February 1, 2021 were paid to AllianzGI U.S. and all administration fees paid from February 1, 2021 through the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 were paid to VFS.

In the periods prior to February 1, 2021, Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC (the “Former Distributor”), the Former Administrator and their affiliates made payments to selected financial intermediaries (such as brokers or third party administrators) for providing sub-transfer agency and other administrative services to shareholders holding fund shares in nominee or street name, including, without limitation, the following services: processing and mailing trade confirmations, monthly statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semi- annual reports, and shareholder notices and other SEC-required communications; capturing and processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations. These payments were made to financial intermediaries selected by the Former Distributor, the Former Administrator and/or their affiliates. The actual services provided, and the payments made for such services, varied from firm to firm, and any such variations did not alter the amount of Administrative fees paid by the funds to the Former Administrator. Prior to February 1, 2021, for these services, the Former Distributor, the Former Administrator and their affiliates paid (i) annual per account charges that in the aggregate generally range from $0 to $6 per account, and in some cases up to $12 per account, for networking fees for NSCC-cleared accounts and from $13 to $21 per account for services to omnibus accounts, or (ii) an annual fee at a rate of up to 0.25%, and in some cases to 0.35%, of the value of the assets in the relevant accounts. These payments may have been material to financial intermediaries relative to other compensation paid by the funds and/or the Former Distributor, the Former Administrator and their affiliates and may have been in addition to any (i) distribution and /or servicing (12b-1) fees and (ii) revenue sharing or “shelf space” fees described elsewhere herein paid to such financial intermediaries. The payments described above may have differed depending on the fund and may have varied from amounts paid to the Trust’s transfer agent for providing similar services to other accounts. If no such payments were made with respect to certain shares (e.g., because they were held directly at the transfer agent without a financial intermediary), there is no corresponding reduction in the amount of administrative fees paid to the Former Administrator.

Class P shares of the funds may be offered through certain brokers and other financial intermediaries (“service agents”) that have established a shareholder servicing relationship with respect to the Trust on behalf of their customers, including sponsors of certain asset allocation, wrap fee and other similar programs. The Administrator currently estimates that it and/or its affiliates generally expect to pay up to 0.10% per annum (on top of any 12b-1 and/or “shelf space” fees referenced in the preceding paragraph) of the value of assets in the relevant accounts out of the Class P administrative fees paid under the Administration Agreement to service agents for providing administrative, sub-transfer agency, sub-accounting and other shareholder services to Class P shareholders of the funds. The rate of such payments with regard to Class P shares may vary from service agent to service agent and, in certain circumstances, may exceed 0.10% per annum for any individual service agent. Such administrative services may include, but are not limited to, the following functions: receiving, aggregating and processing purchase, redemption and exchange orders at the service agent level; providing and maintaining elective services with respect to Class P shares such as check writing and wire transfer services; providing and maintaining pre-authorized investment plans; communicating periodically with shareholders; acting as the sole shareholder of record and nominee for holders of Class P shares; maintaining account records for shareholders; answering questions and handling correspondence from shareholders about their accounts; issuing confirmations for transactions by shareholders; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; capturing and processing tax data; processing and mailing trade confirmations, monthly statements, prospectuses, shareholder reports and other SEC-required communications; and performing similar account administrative services. These payments are made to service agents selected by the Administrator and/or its affiliates. The actual services provided, and the payments made for such services, vary from firm to firm.

The above-described amounts paid to service agents would be in addition to amounts paid to the Trust’s transfer agent or other service providers. Service agents may impose additional or different conditions than the Trust on the purchases, redemptions or exchanges of Trust shares and their customers. Service agents may also independently establish and charge their customers transaction fees, account fees and other amounts in connection with purchases, redemptions or exchanges of Trust shares in addition to any fees charged by the Trust. Each service agent is responsible for transmitting to its customers a schedule of any such fees and information regarding any additional or different conditions regarding purchases and redemptions. Shareholders who are customers of service agents should consult their service agents for information regarding these fees and conditions. In addition, the Distributor, the Administrator and their affiliates may also make payments out of the fees they receive from the funds and/or their own resources, to financial intermediaries for services which may be deemed to be primarily intended to result in the sale of Class P shares of the fund.

Sub-administrative and Accounting Agent

The Trust has entered into an agreement with BNY Mellon, 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809, pursuant to which BNY Mellon serves as sub-administrative and accounting agent of the Trust. For its services in this capacity, BNY Mellon receives a fee based on the funds’ aggregate average net assets across the Virtus Mutual Funds. In addition to the asset-based fee, BNY Mellon is entitled to certain non-material fees, as well as out of pocket expenses.

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Prior to June 14th, 2021, State Street, 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64105, served as sub-administrative and accounting agent of the Trust.

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees paid to, the amount of fees waived by and the net amount of fees received by the Sub- administrative and Accounting Agent for the period June 14, 2021 through June 30, 2021, and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, for its services with respect to each Fund.

             
 

Total Sub-Administrative

Fees ($)(*)

Fees Waived by

Sub- Administrator ($)(*)

Net Sub-Administrative

Fees ($)(*)

Fund

6/14/2021-6/30/2021

7/1/2021-

6/30/2022

6/14/2021-6/30/2021

7/1/2021-

6/30/2022

6/14/2021-

6/30/2021

7/1/2021-

6/30/2022

Dividend Value Fund

4,393

90,213

0

(27,874)

4,393

62,339

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

1,372

33,752

0

(8,788)

1,372

24,964

Focused Growth Fund

6,914

133,137

0

(42,123)

6,914

91,014

Global Small-Cap Fund

487

16,410

0

(2,968)

487

13,442

Health Sciences Fund

957

26,346

0

(6,015)

957

20,331

Income & Growth Fund

34,167

664,088

0

(216,907)

34,167

447,181

International Value Fund

772

21,659

0

(4,770)

772

16,889

Large-Cap Value Fund

1,760

40,170

0

(11,103)

1,760

29,067

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

2,385

50,122

0

(14,400)

2,385

35,722

Mid-Cap Value Fund

7,231

140,911

0

(45,563)

7,231

95,348

Small-Cap Fund

814

24,158

0

(5,287)

814

18,871

Small-Cap Value Fund

2,861

58,011

0

(17,869)

2,861

40,142

Technology Fund

12,420

215,951

0

(73,456)

12,420

142,495

(*) Prior to June 14th, 2021, State Street, 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64105, served as sub-administrative and accounting agent of the Trust. Prior to June 14, 2021 no fees were paid to State Street. The dollar amount of fees paid to, the amount of fees waived by and the net amount of fees received by the Sub-administrative and Accounting Agent from June 14, 2021 through June 30, 2021, and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 were paid to BNY Mellon.

Distributor

Prior to February 1, 2021, Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC, the Former Distributor, served as the principal underwriter of each class of the Trust’s shares pursuant to a distribution contract with the Trust (the “Former Distribution Contract”). The Former Distributor is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of AAM LP. The Former Distributor, located at 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, is a broker- dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA. The Former Distribution Contract was terminated with respect to each fund or class of shares on February 1, 2021, at which point VP Distributors, a broker-dealer registered with FINRA became the principal underwriter of each class of the Trust’s shares. VP Distributors (or the “Distributor”) is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus and an affiliate of the Adviser and serves as distributor of the funds’ shares. The principal office of VP Distributors is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. Fund shares are offered on a continuous basis. George R. Aylward, Jennifer Fromm and Richard W. Smirl, each serve as an officer of the Trust and as an officer for the Distributor.

The Trust and VP Distributors have entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Distribution Contract”) under which VP Distributors has agreed to use its best efforts to find purchasers for Trust shares and the Trust has granted to VP Distributors the exclusive right to purchase from the Funds and resell, as principal, shares needed to fill unconditional orders for Fund shares. VP Distributors may sell Fund shares through its registered representatives or through securities dealers with whom it has sales agreements. VP Distributors may also sell Fund shares pursuant to sales agreements entered into with bank-affiliated securities brokers who, acting as agent for their customers, place orders for Fund shares with VP Distributors. It is not anticipated that termination of sales agreements with banks and bank affiliated securities brokers would result in a loss to their customers or a change in the NAV per share of a Fund of the Trust.

The Distribution Contract is terminable with respect to a fund or class of shares without penalty, at any time, by the fund or class by not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the Distributor, or by the Distributor upon not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the Trust. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Trust shares.

The Distribution Contract will continue in effect with respect to each fund, and each class of shares thereof, for successive one-year periods, provided that each such continuance is specifically approved (i) by the vote of a majority of the entire Board of Trustees or by the majority of the outstanding shares of the fund or class, and (ii) by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution Contract or the Distribution and/or Servicing Plans described below, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. If the Distribution Contract is terminated (or not renewed) with respect to one or more funds or classes, it may continue in effect with respect to any fund or class as to which it has not been terminated (or has been renewed).

98


During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2021 and 2022, purchasers of shares of the Funds paid aggregate sales charges of $11,718,818, $5,258,774 and $8,442,519, respectively, of which the Distributor received net commissions of $1,736,756, $750,451 and $218,867, respectively, for its services, the balance being paid to dealers. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the Distributor received net commissions of $16,902 for Class A Shares and deferred sales charges of $60,184 for Class A Shares and $141,782 for Class C Shares..

The underwriting agreement may be terminated at any time by 60 days written notice, without payment of a penalty, by the Distributor, by vote of a majority of the appropriate Class of outstanding voting securities of the Funds, or by vote of a majority of the Trust’s Trustees who are not parties to the underwriting agreement or “interested persons” of any party and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plans or in any related agreements. The underwriting agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act.

For its services under the underwriting agreement, VP Distributors receives sales charges on transactions in Fund shares and retains such charges less the portion thereof allowed to its registered representatives and to securities dealers and securities brokers with whom it has sales agreements. In addition, VP Distributors may receive payments from the Trust pursuant to the Distribution Plans described below.

The Distributor did not receive any compensation or commissions from the Trust or purchasers of shares, as applicable, during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The following table shows the dollar amount of sales charges paid by the Funds to the Distributor for the period February 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021, and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, with respect to sales of Class A Shares of each Fund and the amount of sales charges retained by the Distributor and not reallowed to other persons.

             
 

Aggregate Underwriting Commissions ($)

Amount Retained by the Distributor ($)

Amount Reallowed

Fund

2/1/2021-

6/30/2021

7/1/2021-

6/30/2022

2/1/2021-

6/30/2021

7/1/2021-

6/30/2022

2/1/2021-

6/30/2021

7/1/2021-

6/30/2022

Dividend Value Fund

23,075

57,991

3,180

384

19,895

57,607

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

15,402

7,034

1,943

382

13,459

6,652

Focused Growth Fund

135,715

199,915

19,644

2,880

116,071

197,035

Global Small-Cap Fund

4,486

3,816

790

108

3,696

3,708

Health Sciences Fund

19,300

36,006

3,162

(486)

16,138

36,492

Income & Growth Fund

4,804,186

7,765,781

651,136

4,376

4,153,050

7,761,405

International Value Fund

4,463

2,672

545

221

3,918

2,451

Large-Cap Value Fund

12,565

20,063

1,682

380

10,883

19,683

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

44,259

56,526

7,112

2,776

37,147

53,750

Mid-Cap Value Fund

65,948

75,709

9,153

1,105

56,795

74,604

Small-Cap Fund

16,172

24,747

2,223

484

13,949

24,263

Small-Cap Value Fund

12,464

6,255

1,687

0

10,777

6,255

Technology Fund

100,738

186,005

15,549

4,292

85,189

181,713

Dealer Concessions

Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Institutional Class Shares Only

Dealers with whom the Distributor has entered into sales agreements receive a discount or commission on purchases of Class A Shares as set forth below.

Class A Shares

       

Amount of Transaction at Offering Price

Sales Charge as a percentage of Offering Price

Sales Charge as a Percentage of Amount Invested

Dealer Discount as a Percentage of Offering Price

Under $50,000

5.50%

5.82%

4.75%

$50,000 but under $100,000

4.50

4.71

4.00

$100,000 but under $250,000

3.50

3.63

3.00

$250,000 but under $500,000

2.50

2.56

2.00

$500,000 but under $1,000,000

2.00

2.04

1.75

$1,000,000 or more

None

None

None

99


With respect to Class C Shares, the Distributor intends to pay investment dealers a sales commission of 1% of the sale price of Class C Shares sold by such dealers. Your broker, dealer or financial professional may also charge you additional commissions or fees for their services in selling shares to you provided they notify the Distributor of their intention to do so.

Dealers and other entities that enter into special arrangements with the Distributor may receive compensation for the sale and promotion of shares of the Funds. Such fees are in addition to the sales commissions referenced above and may be based upon the amount of sales of fund shares by a dealer; the provision of assistance in marketing of Fund shares; access to sales personnel and information dissemination services; and other criteria as established by the Distributor. Depending on the nature of the services, these fees may be paid either from the funds through distribution fees, service fees or in some cases, the Distributor may pay certain fees from its own profits and resources.

Dealers and other entities that enter into special arrangements with the Distributor or the Transfer Agent may receive compensation from or on behalf of the funds for providing certain recordkeeping and related services to the funds or their shareholders. These fees may also be referred to as shareholder accounting fees, administrative services fees, sub-transfer agent fees or networking fees. They are not for the sale, promotion or marketing of Fund shares.

From its own profits and resources, the Distributor may, from time to time, make payments to qualified wholesalers, registered financial institutions and third party marketers for marketing support services and/or retention of assets. These payments are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing.” Among others, the Distributor has agreed to make such payments for marketing support services to Equitable Advisors, LLC. For all Virtus Mutual Funds in this SAI,, the Distributor may pay broker-dealers a finder’s fee in an amount equal to 1.00% of eligible Class A Share purchases from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, 0.50% on amounts of $3,000,001 to $10,000,000, and 0.25% on amounts greater than $10,000,000. Purchases of Class A Shares by an account in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan are eligible for a finder’s fee only if such plan has at least 100 eligible employees. A CDSC may be imposed on certain redemptions of such Class A investments within 18 months of a finder’s fee being paid. For all Virtus Mutual Funds in this SAI, the CDSC is 1.00%. For purposes of determining the applicability of the CDSC, the 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The Distributor will also pay broker-dealers a service fee of 0.25% beginning in the thirteenth month following purchase of Class A Shares on which a finder’s fee has been paid. (For the exact rate for your Fund(s), please refer to the chart in the section of the Funds’ prospectus entitled “Sales Charges” under “What are the classes and how do they differ?”) VP Distributors reserves the right to discontinue or alter such fee payment plans at any time.

From its own resources or pursuant to the distribution and shareholder servicing plans, and subject to the dealers’ prior approval, the Distributor may provide additional compensation to registered representatives of dealers in the form of travel expenses, meals, and lodging associated with training and educational meetings sponsored by the Distributor. The Distributor may also provide gifts amounting in value to less than $100, and occasional meals or entertainment, to registered representatives of dealers. Any such travel expenses, meals, lodging, gifts or entertainment paid will not be preconditioned upon the registered representatives’ or dealers’ achievement of a sales target. The Distributor may, from time to time, reallow the entire portion of the sales charge on Class A Shares which it normally retains to individual selling dealers. However, such additional reallowance generally will be made only when the selling dealer commits to substantial marketing support such as internal wholesaling through dedicated personnel, internal communications and mass mailings.

The Distributor has also agreed to pay fees to certain distributors for preferred marketing opportunities. These arrangements may be viewed as creating a conflict of interest between these distributors and investors. Investors should make due inquiry of their selling agents to ensure that they are receiving the requisite point of sale disclosures and appropriate recommendations free of any influence by reason of these arrangements.

The categories of payments the Distributor and/or the Transfer Agent may make to other parties are not mutually exclusive, and such parties may receive payments under more than one or all categories. These payments could be significant to a party receiving them, creating a conflict of interest for such party in making investment recommendations to investors. Investors should make due inquiry of any party recommending the funds for purchase to ensure that such investors are receiving the requisite point of sale disclosures and appropriate recommendations free of any influence by reason of these arrangements.

A document containing information about sales charges, including breakpoint (volume) discounts, is available free of charge on the Internet at virtus.com. In the “Our Products” section, go to the Mutual Funds page under “Individual Investors” and click on the link for Breakpoint (Volume) Discounts.

Class R6 Shares Only

No compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments are paid to brokers or other entities from Fund assets or the Distributor’s or an affiliate’s resources on sales of or investments in Class R6 Shares. Class R6 Shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees, or make payments to brokers or other entities to assist in, or in connection with, the sale of the Fund’s shares.

100


Custodian

The Bank of New York Mellon, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10286, serves as the custodian (the “Custodian”) of the Funds’ assets. The Custodian designated by the Board holds the securities in the Funds’ portfolios and other assets for safe keeping. The Custodian does not and will not participate in making investment decisions for the Funds. The Trust has authorized the Custodian to appoint one or more sub-custodians for the assets of the Funds held outside the United States. The securities and other assets of each Fund are held by its Custodian or any sub-custodian separate from the securities and assets of each other Fund.

Securities Lending Agent

The funds do not currently engage in securities lending. However, the Trust and individual Funds may determine to lend portfolio securities in the future. Subject to certain conditions, each of the funds may make secured loans of its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, include possible delay in recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrowers (which typically include broker-dealers and other financial services companies) fail financially. However, such loans will be made only to borrowers that are believed by the subadviser to be of satisfactory credit standing. Securities loans are made to borrowers pursuant to agreements requiring that loans be continuously secured by collateral consisting of U.S. Government securities, cash or cash equivalents (negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit) maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal at all times to the market value of the securities lent. 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 receive a fee from the borrower. In the case of cash collateral, a fund typically pays a rebate to the borrower (in addition to payments to its securities lending agent, as described below). Cash collateral that a fund receives may be invested in overnight time deposits, repurchase agreements, interest-bearing or discounted commercial paper (including U.S. dollar- denominated commercial paper of non-U.S. issuers) and/or other short-term money market instruments (generally with remaining maturities of 397 days or less), either directly through joint accounts along with securities lending cash collateral of other funds or indirectly through investments in affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds. Any investment of cash collateral through such joint accounts is subject to conditions established by the SEC staff. Under the terms of a securities lending agency agreement, the investment of cash collateral is at the sole risk of the fund in most cases. Any income or gains and losses from investing and reinvesting any cash collateral delivered by a borrower pursuant to a loan are at the fund’s risk (except as provided below), and to the extent any such losses reduce the amount of cash below the amount required to be returned to the borrower upon the termination of any loan, the fund may be required by the securities lending agent to pay or cause to be paid to such borrower an amount equal to such shortfall in cash. A portion of any income earned through investment of cash collateral and a portion of any fees received from borrowers may be retained by the funds’ securities lending agent, which currently is an affiliate of the Manager. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent such shortfall is with respect to amounts owed to a borrower as a cash collateral fee, the securities lending agency agreement provides that the securities lending agent and the fund share the difference between the income generated on the investment of cash collateral with respect to a loan and the amount to be paid to the borrower as a cash collateral fee.

Investments of cash collateral may lose value and/or become illiquid, although each fund remains obligated to return the collateral amount to the borrower upon termination or maturity of the securities loan and may realize losses on the collateral investments and/or be required to liquidate other portfolio assets in order to satisfy its obligations. Due to continuing adverse conditions in the mortgage and credit markets, liquidity and related problems in the broader markets for commercial paper and other factors, any investments of securities lending collateral by the funds, including investments in asset-backed commercial paper and notes issued by structured investment vehicles, would present increased credit and liquidity risks. See “Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities” below for more information. To the extent a fund invests collateral in instruments that become illiquid, efforts to recall securities and return collateral may force the fund to liquidate other portfolio holdings in an effort to generate cash.

Any securities lending income would be disclosed as such in the “Statement of Operations” in the Trust’s annual report for the applicable fiscal period. The funds may pay reasonable finders’, administration and custodial fees in connection with a loan of securities and may share the interest earned on the collateral with the borrower.

Each fund may lend portfolio securities up to the maximum percentage set forth in the Prospectus and under “Investment Restrictions— Fundamental Investment Restrictions”.

Although control over, and voting rights or rights to consent with respect to, the loaned securities pass to the borrower, the fund, as the lender, retains the right to call the loans and obtain the return of the securities loaned at any time on reasonable notice.

The fund may call such loans in order to sell the securities involved or, if the holders of the securities are asked to vote upon or consent to matters that the Manager believes materially affect the investment, in order to vote the securities. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned because of insolvency or other reasons, the fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned or in gaining access to the collateral. These delays and costs could be greater for non-U.S. securities. When engaged in securities lending, each fund’s performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned and will also reflect the receipt of either interest, through investment of cash collateral by the fund in permissible investments, or a fee, if the collateral is U.S. Government securities.

101


The funds do not currently have a program in place pursuant to which they may lend portfolio securities and do not expect to lend portfolio securities to a significant degree, but they may establish such a program in the future.

Transfer Agent and Sub-Transfer Agent

VFS acts as transfer agent for the Trust. Pursuant to a Transfer Agent and Service Agreement, VFS receives a fee, based on the average net assets at an annual rate ranging from 0.045% to 0.0375%. VFS is authorized to engage subagents to perform certain shareholder servicing functions from time to time for which such agents shall be paid a fee by VFS or the Funds. Pursuant to an agreement among the Trust, VFS and BNY Mellon, BNY Mellon serves as sub-transfer agent to perform certain shareholder servicing functions for the Funds. For performing such services, BNY Mellon receives a monthly fee from the Funds as approved by the Board.

Legal Counsel to the Trust and the Independent Trustees

Sullivan & Worcester, LLP, 1666 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, acts as legal counsel to the Trust and its Independent Trustees and reviews certain legal matters for the Trust in connection with the shares offered by the Prospectus.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust. PwC audits the Trust’s annual financial statements and expresses an opinion thereon. The independent registered public accounting firm also provides other accounting and tax-related services as requested by the Trust from time to time. PwC’s business address is Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

DISTRIBUTION PLANS

Multi-Class Plan

The Trust currently offers up to six classes of shares of each of the funds: Class A, Class C, Class P, Class R6, Institutional Class and Administrative Class shares.

The Trust has adopted a distribution and service plan for Class A Shares and plans and Class C Shares; (collectively, the “Plans”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, to compensate the Distributor for the services it provides and for the expenses it bears under the underwriting agreement. Each class of shares pays a service fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of such class of the Fund and a distribution fee based on average daily net assets at the rate of 0.75% per annum for Class C Shares.

Expenditures under the Plans may consist of: (i) commissions to sales personnel for selling shares of the Fund (including underwriting fees and financing expenses incurred in connection with the payment of commissions); (ii) compensation, sales incentives and payments to sales, marketing and service personnel; (iii) payments to broker-dealers and other financial institutions which have entered into agreements with the Distributor in the form of the Dealer Agreement for Virtus Mutual Funds for services rendered in connection with the sale and distribution of shares of the Fund; (iv) payment of expenses incurred in sales and promotional activities, including advertising expenditures related to the Fund; (v) the costs of preparing and distributing promotional materials; (vi) the cost of printing the Fund’s Prospectuses and SAI for distribution to potential investors; (vii) expenses related to the cost of financing or providing such financing from the Distributor’s or an affiliate’s resources in connection with the Distributor’s payment of such distribution expenses; and (viii) such other similar services that the Trustees determine are reasonably calculated to result in the sale of shares of the Fund. From the fees received, the Distributor expects to pay a quarterly fee to qualifying broker-dealer firms, as compensation for providing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, with respect to shares sold by such firms. In the case of shares of the Funds being sold to an affiliated fund of funds, fees payable under the Plans shall be paid to the distributor of the fund of funds. This fee will not exceed on an annual basis 0.25% of the average annual NAV of such shares, and will be in addition to sales charges on Fund shares which are re-allowed to such firms. To the extent that the entire amount of the fees received is not paid to such firms, the balance will serve as compensation for personal and account maintenance services furnished by the Distributor. The Distributor also pays to dealers an additional compensation with respect to Class C Shares at the rate of 0.75% of the average annual NAV of that class.

In order to receive payments under the Plans, participants must meet such qualifications to be established in the sole discretion of the Distributor, such as providing services to the Funds’ shareholders; or providing the Funds with more efficient methods of offering shares to coherent groups of clients, members or prospects of a participant; or providing services permitting bulking of purchases or sales, or transmission of such purchases or sales by computerized tape or other electronic equipment; or providing other processing.

On a quarterly basis, the Funds’ Board reviews a report on expenditures under the Plans and the purposes for which expenditures were made. The Trustees conduct an additional, more extensive review annually in determining whether the Plans will be continued. By its terms, continuation of the Plans from year to year is contingent on annual approval by a majority of the Funds’ Trustees and by a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or any related agreements (the “Plan Trustees”). The Plans provide that they may not be amended to increase materially the costs which the Funds may bear pursuant to the Plans without approval of the shareholders of that class of the Funds and that other material amendments to the Plans must be approved by a majority of

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the Plan Trustees by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments. The Plans further provide that while they are in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not “interested persons” shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not “interested persons.” The Plans may be terminated at any time by vote of the Plan Trustees or a majority of the outstanding shares of the relevant class of the Funds.

Under the Trust’s Multi-Class Plan, adopted pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, shares of each class of each fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the fund and, generally, have identical voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights, preferences, powers, restrictions, limitations, qualifications and terms and conditions, except that: (a) each class has a different designation; (b) each class has exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its distribution or service arrangements; and (c) each class has separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class.

Each class of shares bears any class specific expenses allocated to such class, such as expenses related to the distribution and/or shareholder servicing of such class. In addition, each class may, at the Trustees’ discretion, also pay a different share of other expenses, not including advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Trust’s assets, if these expenses are actually incurred in a different amount by that class, or if the class receives services of a different kind or to a different degree than the other classes. For instance, the various classes pay different fees under the Administration Agreement based on the different levels of administrative services provided to each Class. See “Administrator.” All other expenses are allocated to each class on the basis of the net asset value of that class in relation to the net asset value of the particular fund. Each class may have a differing sales charge structure, and differing exchange and conversion features.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Initial Sales Charge

As described in the Prospectus, a contingent deferred sales charge is imposed upon certain redemptions of Class A and Class C shares. Shareholders purchasing Class A and Class C shares of a fund through certain intermediaries or in certain types of accounts may be eligible for a sales charge discount. For more information, see Appendix A to the fund’s prospectus. No contingent deferred sales charge is currently imposed upon redemptions of Class P, Class R6, Institutional Class or Administrative Class shares. Because contingent deferred sales charges are calculated on a series-by-series basis, shareholders should consider whether to exchange shares of one fund for shares of another fund in the Trust, or shares of a series of Virtus Mutual Funds, prior to redeeming an investment if such an exchange would reduce the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to such redemption.

Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid

The following table shows Rule 12b-1 Fees paid by the Funds to the distributor with respect to Class A Shares and Class C Shares of each Fund for which such fees were paid for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The Rule 12b-1 Fees were primarily used to compensate broker dealers and financial institutions for services that they provided.

             

Fund

     

12b-1 Fees Paid ($)(*)

   
   

2020

 

2021

 

2022

Dividend Value Fund

 

1,550,693

 

1,474,540

 

1,357,856

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

 

130,385

 

110,396

 

88,094

Focused Growth Fund

 

1,872,206

 

2,491,190

 

2,553,737

Global Small-Cap Fund

 

154,746

 

150,199

 

138,848

Health Sciences Fund

 

402,109

 

434,445

 

488,568

Income & Growth Fund

 

15,962,760

 

18,761,005

 

27,316,321

International Value Fund

 

599,174

 

247,298

 

191,242

Large-Cap Value Fund

 

520,491

 

481,795

 

506,548

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

752,957

 

1,002,372

 

1,011,794

Mid-Cap Value Fund

 

1,476,957

 

1,908,528

 

1,972,116

Small-Cap Fund

 

206,593

 

238,240

 

262,709

Small-Cap Value Fund

 

913,800

 

921,810

 

846,441

Technology Fund

 

1,889,925

 

2,637,304

 

2,482,258

(*) For periods prior to February 1, 2021, Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC, served as distributor to the Funds. Effective February 1, 2021, VP Distributors replaced Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC as distributor to the Funds. All 12b-1 fees paid prior to February 1, 2021 were paid to Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC, and all 12b-1 fees paid from February 1, 2021 through the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 were paid to VP Distributors.

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the Funds paid Rule 12b-1 fees to the Distributor in the amount of $39,216,533 . The Distributor retained $11,404,722 , and paid $27,811,811 to unaffiliated broker-dealers. The Rule12b-1 payments were used for (1) compensation to dealers, $14,747,220 ; (2) compensation to sales personnel, $8,341,259 ; (3) advertising, $657,872 ; (4) printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders, $11,751 ; and (5) other, $1,076,635.

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Distribution and Administrative Services Plans for Administrative Class Shares

The Trust has adopted an Administrative Services Plan with respect to the Administrative Class shares of each fund. The Trust also has adopted an Administrative Distribution Plan (together with the Administrative Services Plan, the “Administrative Plans”) with respect to the Administrative Class shares of each fund.

Under the terms of the Administrative Distribution Plan, the Trust is permitted to reimburse, out of the assets attributable to the Administrative Class shares of each applicable fund, in an amount up to 0.25% on an annual basis of the average daily net assets of that class, financial intermediaries for costs and expenses incurred in connection with the distribution and marketing of Administrative Class shares and/or the provision of certain shareholder services to its customers that invest in Administrative Class shares of the funds. Such services may include, but are not limited to, the following: providing facilities to answer questions from prospective investors about a fund; receiving and answering correspondence, including requests for prospectuses and statements of additional information; preparing, printing and delivering the prospectus and shareholder reports to prospective shareholders; complying with federal and state securities laws pertaining to the sale of Administrative Class shares; and assisting investors in completing application forms and selecting dividend and other account options.

Under the terms of the Administrative Services Plan, the Trust is permitted to reimburse, out of the assets attributable to the Administrative Class shares of each fund, in an amount up to 0.25% on an annual basis of the average daily net assets of that class, financial intermediaries that provide certain administrative services for Administrative Class shareholders. Such services may include, but are not limited to, the following: receiving, aggregating and processing shareholder orders; furnishing shareholder sub-accounting; providing and maintaining elective shareholder services such as check writing and wire transfer services; providing and maintaining pre-authorized investment plans; communicating periodically with shareholders; acting as the sole shareholder of record and nominee for shareholders; maintaining accounting records for shareholders; answering questions and handling correspondence from shareholders about their accounts; and performing similar account administrative services.

In addition, financial intermediaries that receive fees under the Administrative Distribution Plan or the Administrative Services Plan may in turn pay and/or reimburse all or a portion of those fees to their customers.

The same entity may be the recipient of fees under both the Administrative Distribution Plan and the Administrative Services Plan, but may not receive fees under both plans with respect to the same assets. Fees paid pursuant to either Plan may be paid for shareholder services and the maintenance of shareholder accounts, and therefore may constitute “service fees” for purposes of applicable rules of FINRA. The Administrative Distribution Plan has been adopted in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and will be administered in accordance with the provisions of that rule.

Each Administrative Plan provides that it may not be amended to increase materially the costs that Administrative Class shareholders may bear under the Plan without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Administrative Class, and by vote of a majority of both (i) the Trustees of the Trust and (ii) those Trustees (“disinterested Administrative Plan Trustees”) who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related to it, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan and any related amendments.

Each Administrative Plan provides that it shall continue in effect so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees and the disinterested Administrative Plan Trustees. Each Administrative Plan provides that any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by a class pursuant to the Plan or any related agreement 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.

Each Administrative Plan is a “reimbursement plan,” which means that fees are payable to the relevant financial intermediary only to the extent necessary to reimburse expenses incurred pursuant to such plan. Each Administrative Plan provides that expenses payable under the Plan may be carried forward for reimbursement for up to twelve months beyond the date in which the expense is incurred, subject to the limit that not more than 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Administrative Class shares may be used in any month to pay expenses under the Plan. Each Administrative Plan requires that Administrative Class shares incur no interest or carrying charges.

Rules of FINRA limit the amount of distribution fees that may be paid by mutual funds. “Service fees,” defined to mean fees paid for providing shareholder services or the maintenance of accounts (but not transfer agency services) are not subject to the limits. The Trust believes that some, if not all, of the fees paid pursuant to both Administrative Plans will qualify as “service fees” and therefore will not be limited by FINRA rules.

Additional Information About Institutional Class and Administrative Class Shares

Class P, Institutional and Administrative Class shares of the Trust may also be offered through brokers, other financial intermediaries and other entities, such as benefit or savings plans and their sponsors or service providers (“service agents”), that have established a shareholder servicing relationship with respect to the Trust on behalf of their customers. The Trust pays no compensation to such entities other than service and/or distribution fees paid with respect to Administrative Class shares. The Distributor, VIA and their affiliates may pay, out of the fees they receive from

104


the funds and/or their own assets, amounts to service agents for providing bona fide shareholder services to shareholders holding such shares through such service agents. Such services may include, but are not limited to, the following: processing and mailing trade confirmations, monthly statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semi-annual reports and shareholder notices and other SEC required communications; capturing and processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations. Service agents may impose additional or different conditions than the Trust on the purchase, redemption or exchanges of Trust shares by their customers. Service agents may also independently establish and charge their customers transaction fees, account fees and other amounts in connection with purchases, sales and redemption of Trust shares in addition to any fees charged by the Trust. Each service agent is responsible for transmitting to its customers a schedule of any such fees and information regarding any additional or different conditions regarding purchases and redemptions. Shareholders who are customers of service agents should consult their service agents for information regarding these fees and conditions. The Administrator and/or its affiliates make payments to selected service agents providing administrative, sub-transfer agency, sub-accounting and other shareholder services to shareholders holding Class P shares in nominee or street name. These services, and the related payment arrangements, are described in more detail above under “Administrator.”

Additional Information About Class P Shares

The Trust has adopted an Administrative Services Plan for Class P shares of the funds. The Plan allows a fund to use its Class P assets to pay financial intermediaries that provide services relating to Class P shares. The Administrative Services Plan permits payments for the provision of certain administrative, recordkeeping and other services to Class P shareholders. The Plan permits a fund to make service fee payments at an annual rate of up to 0.10% of the fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class P shares. Because these fees are paid out of a fund’s Class P assets on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in Class P shares. Class P shares of each fund may be offered through certain brokers and financial intermediaries (“service agents”) that have established a shareholder servicing relationship with the Trust on behalf of their customers. The Adviser may make arrangements for the funds to make payments, directly or through the Adviser or its affiliate, with respect to Class P shares of each fund held through such service agents, including, without limitation, the following services: receiving, aggregating and processing purchase, redemption and exchange orders at the service agent level; furnishing shareholder sub-accounting; providing and maintaining elective services with respect to Class P shares such as check writing and wire transfer services; providing and maintaining pre-authorized investment plans; communicating periodically with shareholders; acting as the sole shareholder of record and nominee for holders of Class P shares; maintaining accounting records for shareholders; answering questions and handling correspondence from shareholders about their accounts; issuing confirmations for transactions by shareholders; and performing similar account administrative services. These payments are made to financial intermediaries selected by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. The actual services provided, and the payments made for such services, vary from firm to firm. For these services, each fund may pay an annual fee of up to 0.10% of the value of the assets in the relevant accounts. The Adviser and/or its affiliates may make payments to service agents for the services described in this paragraph on top of the 0.10% that each fund may pay to such agents. The aggregate rate of such payments by a fund and the Adviser and/or its affiliates with regard to Class P shares may vary from service agent to service agent and, in certain circumstances, may exceed 0.10% per annum for any individual service agent. These amounts would be in addition to amounts paid to the Trust’s transfer agents or other service providers. Service agents may impose additional or different conditions than the Trust on the purchase, redemption or exchanges of Trust shares by their customers. Service agents may also independently establish and charge their customers transaction fees, account fees and other amounts in connection with purchases, sales and redemption of Trust shares in addition to any fees charged by the Trust. Each service agent is responsible for transmitting to its customers a schedule of any such fees and information regarding any additional or different conditions regarding purchases and redemptions. Shareholders who are customers of service agents should consult their service agents for information regarding these fees and conditions. In addition, the Distributor, the Adviser and their affiliates may also make payments out of the fees they receive from the funds and/or their own resources, to financial intermediaries for services that may be deemed to be primarily intended to result in the sale of Class P shares of the funds. The payments described in this paragraph may be significant to the payors and the payees.

Additional Information About Automatic Conversion of Class C Shares Into Class A Shares

With certain exceptions, all Class C shares of a fund that were purchased eight years or more prior to the Class C Conversion Date automatically convert to Class A shares of the same fund (the “Class C to A Conversion”). After the Class C Conversion Date, all Class C shares of a fund held in accounts directly with the Trust’s transfer agent will automatically convert to Class A shares of the same fund on or about the first business day of the month following the eight-year anniversary of purchase. After the Class C Conversion Date, all Class C shares of a fund held through a financial intermediary (subject to the exceptions noted below) will automatically convert to Class A shares of the same fund following the eight-year anniversary of purchase. Although the timing of this conversion may differ from the timing stated above, it is expected to occur during the month following the eight-year anniversary of purchase. Such conversions will be effected on the basis of the relative net asset values of the Class C and Class A shares involved in the conversion. When Class C shares convert, any other Class C shares that were acquired by the shareholder by the reinvestment of dividends or distributions will also convert to Class A shares on a pro rata basis. The Class C to A Conversion is subject to the limitation that if, after the Class C Conversion Date, the Class A shareholders of a fund approve any material increase in expenses allocated to that class (including 12b-1 Fees) without the approval of the then-existing Class C shareholders, Class C shares will cease automatically converting into Class A shares.

105


Class C shares held through a financial intermediary in an omnibus account will be converted into Class A shares only if the intermediary can document that the shareholder has met the required holding period. It is the financial intermediary’s (and not the applicable fund’s) responsibility to keep records and to ensure that the shareholder is credited with the proper holding period. Not all financial intermediaries track purchases to credit individual shareholders’ holding periods. In particular, group retirement plans held through third party intermediaries that hold Class C shares in an omnibus account in certain instances do not track participant level share lot aging. Please consult with your financial intermediary about your eligibility to exercise this conversion privilege.

Additional Payments to the Distributor

Pursuant to an inter-company agreement between the Adviser and the Distributor, the Adviser pays the Distributor a monthly fee to provide support for the Distributor’s business activities based on a cost plus 5% fee arrangement. Such payments are due and payable out of the past profits and/or other resources available to the Adviser.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers and Potential Conflicts of Interest

As described in each Fund’s prospectus, the portfolio manager(s) who are responsible for the Funds are:

     

Fund

 

Portfolio Manager(s)

   

Dividend Value Fund

 

R. Burns McKinney, CFA

John R. Mowrey, CFA

Thomas W. Oliver, CFA, CPA

Jeff N. Reed, CFA

   

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

 

Kunal Ghosh

Lu Yu, CFA, CIPM

   

Focused Growth Fund

 

Brandi Allen

Sandeep Bhatia

Michael A. Sansoterra

Global Small-Cap Fund

 

Todd Beiley

Craig Thrasher

Health Sciences Fund

 

Chris Armbruster

Jon Christensen

Income & Growth Fund

 

Justin Kass, CFA

David J. Oberto

Michael E. Yee

International Value Fund

 

R. Burns McKinney, CFA

John R. Mowrey, CFA

Thomas W. Oliver, CFA, CPA

J. Garth Reilly

Large-Cap Value Fund

 

Paul A. Magnuson

R. Burns McKinney, CFA

Thomas W. Oliver, CFA, CPA

Jeff N. Reed, CFA

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Sandeep Bhatia

Michael A. Sansoterra

Sowmdeb Sen

Mid-Cap Value Fund

 

Paul A. Magnuson

John R. Mowrey, CFA

Jeff N. Reed, CFA

J. Garth Reilly

Small-Cap Fund

 

Kunal Ghosh

Jie Wei

Lu Yu, CFA, CIPM

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Fund

 

Portfolio Manager(s)

Small-Cap Value Fund

 

Paul A. Magnuson

John R. Mowrey, CFA

Jeff N. Reed, CFA

J. Garth Reilly

   

Technology Fund

 

Brooke de Boutray, CFA

Joseph Dennison, CFA

Anthony Zackery, CFA

Nancy Zevenbergen, CFA

There may be certain inherent conflicts of interest that arise in connection with the portfolio managers’ management of a Fund’s investments and the investments of any other accounts they manage. Such conflicts could include the aggregation of orders for all accounts managed by a particular portfolio manager, the allocation of purchases across all such accounts, the allocation of IPOs and any soft dollar arrangements that the relevant subadviser may have in place that could benefit the Funds and/or such other accounts. The Board has adopted on behalf of the Funds policies and procedures designed to address any such conflicts of interest to ensure that all transactions are executed in the best interest of the Funds’ shareholders. Each subadviser is required to certify its compliance with these procedures to the Board on a quarterly basis. There have been no material compliance issues with respect to any of these policies and procedures during the Funds’ most recent fiscal year. Additionally, any conflicts of interest between the investment strategies of a Fund and the investment strategies of other accounts managed by portfolio managers are not expected to be material since portfolio managers generally manage funds and other accounts having similar investment strategies.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

The Trust, its Adviser, subadvisers and Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may purchase and sell securities for their personal accounts, including securities that may be purchased, sold or held by the funds, subject to certain restrictions and conditions. Generally, personal securities transactions are subject to preclearance procedures, reporting requirements and holding period rules.

The Codes also restrict personal securities transactions in private placements, initial public offerings and securities in which a fund has a pending order. The Trust has also adopted a Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers as required by Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

The following table provides information as of June 30, 2022, regarding all accounts managed by the portfolio managers and portfolio management team members for each of the funds as named in the prospectus. In the table, Registered Investment Companies include all open and closed-end mutual funds. Pooled Investment Vehicles include, but are not limited to, securities of issuers exempt from registration under Section 3(c) of the Investment Company Act, such as private placements and hedge funds. Other accounts would include, but are not limited to, individual managed accounts, separate accounts, institutional accounts, pension funds, collateralized bond obligations and collateralized debt obligations.[[L:PortfoiloManagers]]

Other Accounts Managed (No Performance-Based Fees)

                         
 

Registered Investment Companies

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

 

Other Accounts

 

Number of Accts

 

Total Assets

 

Number of Accts

 

Total Assets

 

Number of Accts

 

Total Assets

Brandi Allen

 

0

 

N/A

 

0

 

N/A

 

0

 

N/A

Chris Armbruster

 

6

 

$2.81 billion

 

0

 

N/A

 

875

 

$635 million

Todd Beiley

 

5

 

$6.15 billion

 

6

 

$556 million

 

1,627

 

$8.44 billion

Sandeep Bhatia

 

2

 

$113 million

 

0

 

N/A

 

3

 

$157 million

Jon Christensen

 

8

 

$9.99 billion

 

7

 

$697 million

 

2,886

 

$21.4 billion

Brooke de Boutray, CFA

 

3

 

$510 million

 

0

 

N/A

 

233

 

$1.74 billion

Joseph Dennison, CFA

 

3

 

$510 million

 

0

 

N/A

 

233

 

$1.74 billion

Kunal Ghosh

 

7

 

$563 million

 

9

 

$929 million

 

5

 

$373 million

Justin Kass, CFA

 

10

 

$5.62 billion

 

10

 

$42.4 billion

 

6

 

$1.5 billion

Paul A. Magnuson

 

4

 

$1.94 billion

 

0

 

N/A

 

41

 

$655 million

R. Burns McKinney, CFA

 

4

 

$1.24 billion

 

2

 

$1.01 billion

 

47

 

$2.98 billion

John R. Mowrey, CFA

 

5

 

$2.48 billion

 

2

 

$1.01 billion

 

62

 

$3.38 billion

David J. Oberto

 

8

 

$4.71 billion

 

8

 

$40.6 billion

 

6

 

$1.5 billion

107


                         

Thomas W. Oliver, CFA, CPA

 

3

 

$1.12 billion

 

2

 

$1.01 billion

 

49

 

$3.14 billion

Jeff N. Reed, CFA

 

4

 

$2.55 billion

 

1

 

$31 million

 

56

 

$3.32 billion

J. Garth Reilly

 

4

 

$1.75 billion

 

0

 

N/A

 

37

 

$644 million

Michael A. Sansoterra

 

2

 

$113 million

 

0

 

N/A

 

10

 

$395 million

Sowmdeb Sen

 

0

 

N/A

 

0

 

N/A

 

3

 

$157 million

Craig Thrasher

 

6

 

$2.27 billion

 

3

 

$103 million

 

7

 

$415 million

Jie Wei

 

1

 

$250 million

 

0

 

N/A

 

0

 

N/A

Michael E. Yee

 

8

 

$4.57 billion

 

8

 

$40.6 billion

 

6

 

$1.5 billion

Lu Yu, CFA, CIPM

 

0

 

N/A

 

0

 

N/A

 

11

 

$1.2 billion

Anthony Zackery, CFA

 

3

 

$510 million

 

0

 

N/A

 

233

 

$1.74 billion

Nancy Zevenbergen, CFA

 

3

 

$510 million

 

0

 

N/A

 

233

 

$1.74 billion

Other Accounts Managed (With Performance-Based Fees) (*)

                         
 

Registered Investment Companies

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

 

Other Accounts

 

Number of Accts

 

Total Assets

 

Number of Accts

 

Total Assets

 

Number of Accts

 

Total Assets

Todd Beiley

 

0

 

N/A

 

0

 

N/A

 

1

 

$229 million

Jon Christensen

 

0

 

N/A

 

0

 

N/A

 

1

 

$229 million

Kunal Ghosh

 

[0]

 

N/A

 

3

 

$324 million

 

0

 

N/A

Justin Kass, CFA

 

0

 

N/A

 

1

 

$2.17 billion

 

1

 

$87.3 million

David J. Oberto

 

0

 

N/A

 

1

 

$2.17 billion

 

0

 

N/A

Michael A. Sansoterra

 

0

 

N/A

 

0

 

N/A

 

1

 

$3.5 million

Michael E. Yee

 

0

 

N/A

 

1

 

$2.17 billion

 

0

 

N/A

(*) Table reflects all those portfolio managers who manage accounts with performance-based fees.

Portfolio Manager Compensation

Compensation Structure for KAR and VIA

Virtus and certain of its affiliated investment management firms, including KAR and VIA (collectively, “Virtus”), believe that the firm’s compensation program is adequate and competitive to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Investment professionals at Virtus receive a competitive base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and a benefits package. Certain professionals who supervise and manage others also participate in a management incentive program reflecting their personal contribution and team performance. Certain key individuals also have the opportunity to take advantage of a long-term incentive compensation program, including potential awards of Virtus restricted stock units (“Virtus RSUs”) with multi-year vesting, subject to Virtus board of directors’ approval. Following is a more detailed description of Virtus’ compensation structure.

Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which is designed to be competitive in light of the individual’s experience and responsibilities. Base salary is determined using compensation survey results of investment industry compensation conducted by an independent third party in evaluating competitive market compensation for its investment management professionals.

Incentive Bonus. Annual incentive payments are based on targeted compensation levels, adjusted based on profitability, investment performance factors and a subjective assessment of contribution to the team effort. The short-term incentive payment is generally paid in cash, but a portion may be made in Virtus RSUs. Individual payments are assessed using comparisons of actual investment performance with specific peer group or index measures. (Current benchmarks and/or peer groups are indicated in the table below.) Performance of the Funds managed is generally measured over one-, three- and five-year periods and an individual manager’s participation is based on the performance of each Fund/account managed.

     

Fund

 

Benchmark(s) and/or Peer Group

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

Global Small-Cap Fund

 

MSCI World Small-Cap Index

Health Sciences Fund

 

MSCI World Health Care Index

Small-Cap Fund

 

Russell 2000 Index

While portfolio manager compensation contains a performance component, this component is adjusted to reward investment personnel for managing within the stated framework and for not taking unnecessary risk. This approach ensures that investment management personnel remain focused on

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managing and acquiring securities that correspond to a fund’s mandate and risk profile and are discouraged from taking on more risk and unnecessary exposure to chase performance for personal gain. We believe we have appropriate controls in place to handle any potential conflicts that may result from a substantial portion of portfolio manager compensation being tied to performance.

Other Benefits. Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to employees of Virtus and its affiliates, including 401(k), health and other employee benefit plans.

Compensation Structure for NFJ

NFJ compensation is designed to support the organization’s values and culture. While acknowledging the importance of financial incentives and seeking to pay competitive compensation, NFJ believes that compensation is only one of a number of critically important elements that allow the emergence of a strong, winning culture that attracts, retains and motivates talented investors and teams. NFJ’s compensation system supports its belief that investment professionals are a key element of the company’s success in meeting clients’ objectives.

The primary components of compensation are the base salary and the annual incentive awards. Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which is designed to be competitive in light of the individual’s experience and responsibilities. Base salary is determined using compensation survey results of investment industry compensation conducted by an independent third party in evaluating competitive market compensation for its investment management professionals.

Annual incentive awards are based on targeted compensation levels, adjusted based on profitability, investment performance factors and a subjective assessment of contribution to the team effort. The annual incentive pool is funded based on a percentage of pre-incentive operating income, as adjusted. This profit-based formula determines the aggregate incentive funding for all participants in the plan for annual incentive awards. The plan incentive funding is determined based on the results of each year. Up to 20% of the incentive pool is awarded in the form of Virtus Restricted Stock Unit awards (RSUs) and investments in specific mutual funds managed or other products managed or sub-advised by NFJ (Mutual Fund Investments or MFIs). An amount equal to 50% of these awards will be in RSUs and 50% will be in MFIs. The remainder of the Incentive Pool will be in the form of cash awards.

At the end of each year, the incentive pool is allocated based on the individual’s incentive target adjusted for investment performance results and individual performance. All team members have agreed upon performance objectives to serve as a basis for performance evaluation during the year. These objectives are both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Quantitative objectives typically align to investment performance and client-stated objectives. Performance of the funds managed is generally measured over one-, three- and five- year periods and an individual manager’s participation is based on the performance of each fund/account managed. Qualitative objectives reflect contributions to broader team goals, such as collaboration, contributions made to client review meetings, product development and product refinement initiatives.

Other Benefits. Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to employees of Virtus and its affiliates, including 401(k), health and other employee benefit plans.

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Compensation Structure for Silvant

Portfolio manager compensation generally consists of base salary, bonus, and various employee benefits and may also include long-term stock awards, deferred cash, retention bonuses, and/or incentive guarantees. These components are tailored in an effort to retain high quality investment professionals and to align compensation with performance.

A portfolio manager’s base salary is determined by the individual’s experience, responsibilities within the firm, performance in the role, and market rate for the position.

Each portfolio manager’s bonus incorporates an evaluation of the Fund’s investment performance as well as other factors, including subjective factors. Investment performance may be evaluated directly against a peer group and/or benchmark, or indirectly by measuring overall business unit financial performance over a period of time. Where applicable, investment performance is determined by comparing a Fund’s pre-tax total return to the returns of the Fund’s peer group and/or benchmark over multi-year periods. Where portfolio managers are responsible for multiple Funds or other managed accounts, each product is weighted based on its size and relative strategic importance to the Adviser and/or Subadviser. Other factors that may be considered in the calculation or payout of incentive bonuses include: adherence to compliance policies, risk management practices, sales/marketing, leadership, communications, corporate citizenship, and overall contribution to the firm. Bonuses are typically paid annually.

Retention bonuses and/or incentive guarantees for a fixed period may also be used when the Adviser and/or Subadviser deem it necessary to recruit or retain the employee.

All full-time employees of the Adviser and Subadvisers, including the Funds’ portfolio managers, are provided a benefits package on substantially similar terms. The percentage of each individual’s compensation provided by these benefits is dependent upon length of employment, salary level, and several other factors.

Compensation Structure for Voya

Voya IM’s compensation philosophy is to align compensation closely with performance and to leverage the variable side of the compensation equation. Annually, Voya IM LLC participates in comprehensive industry surveys and compares the relevant data to ensure that its compensation plans remain competitive.

Key investment professionals such as portfolio managers and traders are paid competitive base salaries, are eligible for discretionary bonuses, and generally participate in Voya IM LLC’s long-term compensation program.

Bonus Program. The overall design of the annual incentive plan for investment professionals was developed to tie pay to both portfolio performance and profitability and is structured to drive performance and promote retention of top talent. Individual bonus target awards are based on external market data and internal comparators.

Investment performance is measured on both relative and absolute performance in all areas, and performance goals are set to appropriately reflect requirements for the investment team. The results for overall Voya IM LLC include a review of firm profitability, team performance and the investment professional’s individual performance, all of which influence the outcome of the discretionary bonus award recommendation process. The measures for each team are reviewed annually by Voya IM LLC’s executive management, and include the measures of investment performance versus benchmark and peer groups over one-, three- and five-year periods, as well as contributions to Voya IM LLC’s revenue growth and profitability.

Discretionary bonuses for non-investment professionals are structured similarly. The annual incentive bonus may be subject to deferral into a long-term compensation plan, as determined by the plan in effect at the time of payment.

Long-term Compensation. Voya IM LLC’s long-term incentive plan is designed to provide ownership-like incentives to reward continued employment and to link long-term compensation to the financial performance of the business. Based on job function, internal comparators and external market data, employees may be granted long-term awards. All senior investment professionals participate in the long-term compensation plan. Participants are eligible to receive annual awards determined by the Executive Leadership Team based largely on investment performance and their contribution to firm performance. Plan awards are based on the current year’s performance as defined by Voya IM LLC’s component of the annual incentive plan. Awards may include a combination of performance share units, restricted stock units, and/or a notional investment in a predefined set of Voya mutual funds. Awards are subject to a time-based vesting schedule.

Compensation Structure for Zevenbergen

Nancy Zevenbergen, CFA, Brooke de Boutray, CFA, Joseph Dennison, CFA and Anthony Zackery, CFA are the Portfolio Managers principally responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. Zevenbergen compensates Portfolio Managers with salaries reflective of their individual experience and commensurate with industry standards and those of regional competitors. In addition to salaries, portfolio managers receive additional compensation (either through annual incentive payments or as a result of ownership interests in Zevenbergen) based on the firm’s collective effort to drive revenue and profit growth through 1) working in the best interest of clients by delivering superior investment performance, 2) concentrating on stellar service to ensure client retention, and 3) effectively marketing to garner new clients.

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Portfolio Manager Fund Ownership

The following table states, as of June 30, 2022, (i) the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Portfolio Manager in each Fund that he or she managed, and (ii) to the extent such information is applicable and has been made available to the Funds, the dollar range of financial exposure, including through compensation plans, to any other investment vehicles he or she managed that have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies to such Funds. The other investment vehicles may include separately managed accounts or private placement vehicles, and the financial exposure to such other investment vehicles may or may not include ownership from a legal perspective. Typically, exposure through a deferred compensation plan does not include legal ownership, but the plan participant’s account value rises and falls with the value of the investments selected within the plan.

             

Portfolio Manager

 

Fund

 

Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned in Fund Managed

 

Dollar Value of Financial Exposure Through Similar Strategies

Brandi Allen(1)

 

Focused Growth Fund

 

None

 

None

Chris Armbruster(2)

 

Health Sciences Fund

 

None

 

None

Todd Beiley(3)

 

Global Small-Cap Fund

 

None

 

None

Sandeep Bhatia(1)(4)

 

Focused Growth Fund

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

None

None

 

None

None

Jon Christensen(2)

 

Health Sciences Fund

 

None

 

None

Brooke de Boutray, CFA(5)

 

Technology Fund

 

None

 

None

Joseph Dennison, CFA(5)

 

Technology Fund

 

None

 

None

Kunal Ghosh

 

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

Small-Cap Fund

 

$500,001 — $1,000,000

$500,001 — $1,000,000

 

None

None

Justin Kass, CFA

 

Income & Growth Fund

 

$100,001 — $500,000

 

None

Paul A. Magnuson

 

Large-Cap Value Fund

Mid-Cap Value Fund

Small-Cap Value Fund

 

None

$500,001 — $1,000,000

$100,001 — $500,000

 

$50,001 — $100,000

$10,001 — $50,000

$50,001 — 100,000

R. Burns McKinney, CFA

 

Dividend Value Fund

International Value Fund

Large-Cap Value Fund

 

Over $1,000,000

Over $1,000,000

$50,001 — $100,000

 

$10,001 — $50,000

$10,001 — $50,000

None

John R. Mowrey, CFA

 

Dividend Value Fund

International Value Fund

Mid-Cap Value Fund

Small-Cap Value Fund

 

$50,001 — $100,000

$50,001 — $100,000

$500,001 — $1,000,000

$50,001 — $100,000

 

$50,001 — $100,000

$50,001 — $100,000

$100,001 — $500,000

$10,001 — $50,000

David J. Oberto

 

Income & Growth Fund

 

$500,001 — $1,000,000

 

None

Thomas W. Oliver, CFA, CPA

 

Dividend Value Fund

International Value Fund

Large-Cap Value Fund

 

$500,001 — $1,000,000

None

$100,001 — $500,000

 

$10,001 — $50,000

None

$10,001 — $50,000

Jeff N. Reed, CFA

 

Dividend Value Fund

Large-Cap Value Fund

Mid-Cap Value Fund

Small-Cap Value Fund

 

$100,001 — $500,000

None

$100,001 — $500,000

None

 

$10,001 — $50,000

None

$10,001 — $50,000

$10,001 — $50,000

J. Garth Reilly

 

International Value Fund

Mid-Cap Value Fund

Small-Cap Value Fund

 

$1 — $10,000

$1 — $10,000

$1 — $10,000

 

$10,001 — $50,000

$10,001 — $50,000

None

Michael A. Sansoterra(1)(4)

 

Focused Growth Fund

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

None

None

 

None

None

Sowmdeb Sen(4)

 

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

None

 

None

Craig Thrasher(3)

 

Global Small-Cap Fund

 

None

 

None

Jie Wei(6)

 

Small-Cap Fund

 

None

 

None

Michael E. Yee

 

Income & Growth Fund

 

Over $1,000,000

 

None

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Lu Yu, CFA, CIPM

 

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

Small-Cap Fund

 

$100,001 — $500,000

$50,001 — $100,000

 

None

None

Anthony Zackery, CFA(5)

 

Technology Fund

 

None

 

None

Nancy Zevenbergen, CFA(5)

 

Technology Fund

 

None

 

None

(1) Became portfolio manager of the Focused Growth Fund on July 25 2022.

(2) Became portfolio manager of the Health Sciences Fund on July 25 2022.

(3) Became portfolio manager of the Global Small-Cap Fund on July 25 2022.

(4) Became portfolio manager of the Mid-Cap Growth Fund on July 25 2022.

(5) Became portfolio manager of the Technology Fund on July 25 2022.

(6) Became portfolio manager of the Small-Cap Fund on July 25 2022.

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES

In effecting transactions for the Funds, the adviser or applicable subadviser (throughout this section, “Subadviser”) adheres to the Trust’s policy of seeking best execution and price, determined as described below, except to the extent it is permitted to pay higher brokerage commissions for “brokerage and research services” as defined herein. The determination of what may constitute best execution and price in the execution of a securities transaction by a broker involves a number of considerations including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Funds (involving both price paid or received and any commissions and other costs paid), the efficiency with which the transaction is effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved, availability of the broker to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future, the financial strength and stability of the broker and its ability to provide research services. Such considerations are judgmental and are weighed by the Subadviser in determining the overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid by the Funds.

The Subadviser may cause a Fund to pay a broker an amount of commission for effecting a securities transaction in excess of the amount of commission which another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker. As provided in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, “brokerage and research services” include advising as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing analyses and 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). Brokerage and research services provided by brokers to the Funds are considered to be in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by each Subadviser under its contract with the Trust and may benefit both the Funds and other accounts of the Subadviser. Conversely, brokerage and research services provided by brokers to other accounts of the Subadviser may benefit the Funds.

If the securities in which a particular Fund invests are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market, where possible the Fund will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved unless better prices and executions are available elsewhere. Such securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. Bonds and money market instruments are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally involve either brokerage commissions or transfer taxes.

Some fund transactions are, subject to the Conduct Rules of the FINRA and to obtaining best prices and executions, effected through dealers (excluding VP Distributors) who sell shares of the Funds.

The Trust has Board-approved policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent (i) the Subadvisers’ personnel responsible for the selection of broker-dealers to effect fund portfolio securities transactions from taking into account, in making those decisions, a broker-dealer’s promotion or sales efforts, and (ii) the Trust, its Adviser, Subadvisers and Distributor from entering into any agreement or other understanding under which the Funds direct brokerage transactions or revenue generated by those transactions to a broker-dealer to pay for distribution of Fund shares. These policies and procedures are designed to prevent the Trust from entering into informal arrangements to direct portfolio securities transactions to a particular broker.

The Trust has adopted a policy governing the execution of aggregated advisory client orders (“bunching policy”) in an attempt to lower commission costs on a per-share and per-dollar basis. According to the bunching policy, no Subadviser shall aggregate transactions unless it believes in its sole discretion that such aggregation is consistent with its duty to seek best execution (which shall include the duty to seek best price) for the Funds. No advisory account of the Subadviser is to be favored over any other account and each account that participates in an aggregated order is expected to participate at the average share price for all transactions of the Subadviser in that security on a given business day, with all transaction costs shared pro rata based on the Fund’s participation in the transaction. If the aggregated order is filled in its entirety, it shall be allocated among the Subadviser’s accounts in accordance with the allocation order, and if the order is partially filled, it shall be allocated pro rata based on the allocation order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the order may be allocated on a basis different from that specified in the allocation order if good reason for

112


such different allocation is provided and approved in accordance with the Subadviser’s policies and procedures adopted in accordance with the Trust’s policy. The Board will review the bunching policy from time to time as they deem appropriate.

The adviser or subadvisers to the underlying mutual funds execute the portfolio transactions for their respective fund(s). In allocating portfolio transactions, each underlying fund’s adviser or subadviser must comply with the brokerage and allocation procedures adopted by the board of trustees of the underlying mutual fund. The above discussion of the portfolio transactions and brokerage procedures of the Funds also applies to those underlying mutual funds that are affiliated with the Funds.

The following table shows aggregate amount of brokerage commissions paid by each Fund for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

       
 

Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions ($)

Fund

2020

2021

2022

Dividend Value Fund

1,364,853

362,725

304,065

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

410,697

304,590

456,926

Focused Growth Fund

483,662

327,713

157,714

Global Small-Cap Fund

176,649

127,858

114,277

Health Sciences Fund

118,241

102,270

108,545

Income & Growth Fund

831,996

979,237

837,340

International Value Fund

227,344

256,033

214,036

Large-Cap Value Fund

269,549

137,737

81,793

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

170,969

257,453

198,252

Mid-Cap Value Fund

2,473,998

1,088,152

741,304

Small-Cap Fund

226,427

151,913

159,440

Small-Cap Value Fund

1,784,844

590,953

350,492

Technology Fund

2,699,646

1,794,337

1,205,343

In the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2021 and 2022 no brokerage commissions were paid by the funds to any affiliate of the funds, the Adviser, the Distributor or Former Distributor, or to any affiliate of any affiliate of the funds, the Adviser, the Distributor or Former Distributor. Brokerage commissions of $1,744,528 paid during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, were paid on portfolio transactions aggregating $6,563,631,443 executed by brokers who provided research and other statistical information.

Investment decisions for the Trust are made independently from those of the other investment companies or accounts advised by the Subadvisers. It may frequently happen that the same security is held in the portfolio of more than one fund or account. Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds or accounts are managed by the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suited for the investment objectives of more than one fund or account. When two or more funds or accounts advised by a Subadviser are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions are allocated among the funds or accounts in a manner equitable to each fund or account. 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 funds are concerned. In other cases, however, it is believed that the ability of the funds to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the funds. It is the opinion of the Board of the Trust that the desirability of utilizing each Subadviser as an investment adviser to the funds outweighs the disadvantages that may be said to exist from simultaneous transactions.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 the funds had no directed brokerage transactions to brokers for proprietary and third party research services.

Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers

The Funds are required to identify the securities of their regular brokers or dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parent companies held by the Funds as of the close of their most recent fiscal year. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the Funds acquired securities of certain of the Funds’ regular broker dealers or the parents of such firms. The aggregate holdings of the Funds of those brokers or dealers as of June 30, 2022 (amounts in thousands) were as follows:

         

Fund

 

Broker/Dealer

 

Value

Dividend Value Fund 

 

BOFA Securities, Inc.

 

5,327

   

CitiGroup Global Markets Inc.

 

24,881

   

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

 

28,589

   

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

 

13,069

Focused Growth Fund

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

 

17,484

Income & Growth Fund

 

BOFA Securities, Inc.

 

55,977

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Fund

 

Broker/Dealer

 

Value

   

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

 

59,437

   

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

 

69,265

Large-Cap Value Fund

 

BOFA Securities, Inc.

 

3,179

   

CitiGroup Global Markets Inc.

 

9,132

   

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

 

2,886

   

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

 

11,284

   

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

 

4,054

Mid-Cap Value Fund

 

CitiGroup Global Markets Inc.

 

12,333

PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES

Purchases, exchanges and redemptions of the Trust’s shares are discussed in the Prospectus and that information is incorporated herein by reference. Certain purchases of the Trust’s shares are subject to a reduction or elimination of sales charges, as summarized in the Prospectus and as described in greater detail below. Variations in sales charges reflect the varying efforts required to sell shares to separate categories of investors.

How to Buy Shares

For Class A Shares and Class C Shares, the minimum initial investment is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $100. However, both the initial and subsequent minimum investment amounts are $100 for investments pursuant to the “Systematic Purchase” plan, a bank draft investing program administered by the Transfer Agent, or pursuant to the Systematic Exchange privilege or for an IRA. In addition, there are no subsequent minimum investment amounts in connection with the reinvestment of dividend or capital gain distributions.

The minimum initial investment for shares of Institutional Class Shares, Class P and Administrative Class is $1 million, except that the minimum investment may be modified for certain financial intermediaries that submit trades on behalf of underlying investors. There is no minimum additional investment requirement applicable to Institutional Class, Class P and Administrative Class Shares. Institutional Class shares are offered to pension and profit sharing plans, employee benefit trusts, endowments, foundations, corporations and other high net worth individuals. For purchases of Institutional Class Shares by Trustees of the Virtus Mutual Funds and directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates, the minimum initial investment is waived. Completed applications for the purchase of shares should be mailed to c/o Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074. Administrative Class shares are offered primarily through employee benefit plan alliances, broker-dealers and other intermediaries. Class P shares are offered primarily through certain asset allocation, wrap fee and other fee-based programs sponsored by broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries. For omnibus accounts, all minimums apply at the omnibus level and not at the underlying investor level. In addition, the fund or the Distributor may lower or waive the minimum initial investment for certain categories of investors at their discretion, including for Trustees, officers and current and former employees of the funds, the Adviser, and the Distributor and their immediate family members, and trusts or plans primarily for the benefit of such persons. To obtain more information about exceptions to the minimum initial investment for Class P and Administrative Class shares, please call Virtus Funds at 800-243-1574. Investors who wish to invest in Administrative Class shares by mail may send a completed application form along with a check payable to Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074.

Class R6 Shares are offered without a minimum initial investment to the following investors in plan level or omnibus accounts only: certain employer sponsored retirement plans, including profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, plans described in Section 401(k), 403(b) and 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, banks and trust companies, insurance companies, registered investment companies and financial intermediaries utilizing fund shares in fee-based advisory programs. Other institutional investors may be permitted to purchase Class R6 Shares subject to the fund’s determination of eligibility and may be subject to a $2,500,000 minimum initial investment requirement. In addition, without a minimum initial investment requirement, Class R6 Shares are available to any trustee of the Virtus Funds and trustees/directors of affiliated open- and closed-end funds, directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates, and a spouse or domestic partner, child or minor grandchild of any such qualifying individual (in each case either individually or jointly with other investors), provided in each case that those shares are held directly with the Transfer Agent or in an eligible account. If you are participating in an employer sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan, profit-sharing plan, defined benefit plan or other employer-directed plan, your company will provide you with the information you need to open an account and buy Class R6 Shares. If you are a qualified institutional investor or qualified individual investor as described above, completed applications for the purchase of shares should be mailed to: c/o Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074.

The Trust has authorized one or more brokers to accept on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Trust’s behalf.

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The Trust will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, accepts the order. Customer orders will be priced at the funds’ NAVs next computed after they are received in good order by an authorized broker or the broker’s authorized designee.

Alternative Purchase Arrangements

Shares may be purchased from investment dealers at a price equal to their NAV per share, plus a sales charge which, at the election of the purchaser, may be imposed either (i) at the time of the purchase (the “initial sales charge alternative”) or (ii) on a contingent deferred basis (the “deferred sales charge alternative”). Certain Funds also offer Institutional Class Shares that may be purchased by certain institutional investors at a price equal to their NAV per share. Orders received by dealers prior to the close of trading on the NYSE are confirmed at the offering price effective at that time, provided the order is received by an authorized broker or broker’s authorized designee prior to its close of business.

The alternative purchase arrangements permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that is more beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares, whether the investor wishes to receive distributions in cash or to reinvest them in additional shares of the Funds, and other circumstances. Investors should consider whether, during the anticipated life of their investment in the Fund, the accumulated continuing distribution and services fees and CDSC on Class C Shares would be less than the initial sales charge and accumulated distribution services fee on Class A Shares purchased at the same time.

Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the CDSC and ongoing distribution and services fees with respect to the Class C Shares are the same as those of the initial sales charge and ongoing distribution and services fees with respect to the Class A Shares.

The distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the sale of the shares will be paid, in the case of Class A Shares, from the proceeds of the initial sales charge and the ongoing distribution and service fee. For Class C Shares, the ongoing distribution and service fee will be used to pay for the distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor. Sales personnel of broker-dealers distributing the Funds’ shares may receive differing compensation for selling Class A Shares and Class C Shares.

Dividends paid by a Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time on the same day, except that fees such as higher distribution and service fees and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to each class of shares will be borne exclusively by that class. (See “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” in this SAI.)

Class A Shares

Class A Shares incur a sales charge when they are purchased and enjoy the benefit of not being subject to any sales charge when they are redeemed, except that a CDSC may apply on certain redemptions on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The CDSC may be imposed on redemptions within 18 months of a finder’s fee being paid. For the Funds in this SAI, the CDSC is 1.00%. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Such deferred sales charges may be waived under certain conditions as determined by the Distributor. Class A Shares are subject to ongoing distribution and services fees at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund’s aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A Shares. In addition, certain purchases of Class A Shares qualify for reduced initial sales charges.

Class C Shares

Class C Shares are purchased without an initial sales charge but are subject to a deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase. The deferred sales charge may be waived in connection with certain qualifying redemptions.

If an investor intends to purchase greater than $999,999 of Class C shares, and the purchase would qualify for Class A shares with no load, then the purchase will automatically be made into a purchase of Class A shares, thus reducing expenses. The Funds may refuse any order to purchase shares.

Shares issued in conjunction with the automatic reinvestment of income distributions and capital gain distributions are not subject to any sales charges. Class C Shares are subject to ongoing distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% of each Fund’s aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Class C Shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor’s dollars to work from the time the investment is made. The higher ongoing distribution and services fee paid by Class C Shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends, to the extent any dividends are paid, than those related to Class A Shares.

With certain exceptions, Class C Shares, and any reinvested dividends and other distributions paid on such shares (on a prorated basis), automatically convert to Class A Shares after eight years. However, for investors invested in Class C Shares through a financial intermediary or recordkeeper, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary or recordkeeper to ensure that the investor is credited with the proper holding period for the shares redeemed. The automatic conversion of Class C Shares to Class A Shares shall not apply to shares held through intermediaries or recordkeepers that do not track the length of time that a participant has held such shares or that are not otherwise able to operationally support the automatic conversion feature.

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In addition, certain Class C Shares may be exchangeable in advance of the automatic conversion. If you hold your shares through a financial intermediary or recordkeeper, please contact your financial intermediary or recordkeeper for additional information. Class C Shares that have been held directly with the Fund, and not through a financial intermediary, for fewer than the required number of years may be exchanged at the Fund’s or Transfer Agent’s discretion for Class A Shares if (i) the Class C Shares are not subject to a CDSC, and (ii) a commission was not paid on the sale of such Class C Shares.

All conversions and exchanges from Class C Shares to Class A Shares will be on the basis of the relative NAVs per share, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. Automatic conversions of Class C shares to Class A shares will generally be processed monthly on or about the 10th day of the month, although for investors invested in Class C Shares through a financial intermediary or recordkeeper, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary or recordkeeper to determine the timing of the conversions. As of the date of this SAI, conversions and exchanges from Class C Shares to Class A Shares of the same Fund are not expected to be considered taxable events for Federal income tax purposes. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding their own tax considerations.

Institutional Class Shares

Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by investors such as pension and profit sharing plans, employee benefit trusts, endowments, foundations, corporations, and high net worth individuals (Institutional Class shares may also be offered through certain financial intermediaries that charge their customers transaction or other fees with respect to the customers’ investments in the funds).

Class R6 Shares (Dividend Value Fund, Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Focused Growth Fund, International Value Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund, Small-Cap Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund, only)

Class R6 Shares are available only to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans, including profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, plans described in Section 401(k), 403(b) and 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, banks and trust companies, insurance companies, registered investment companies and financial intermediaries utilizing fund shares in fee-based advisory programs, where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the fund. Other institutional investors may be permitted to purchase Class R6 Shares subject to the fund’s determination of eligibility and may be subject to a $2,500,000 minimum initial investment requirement. In addition, without a minimum initial investment requirement, Class R6 Shares are available to any trustee of the Virtus Funds and trustees/directors of affiliated open- and closed-end funds, directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates, and a spouse or domestic partner, child or minor grandchild of any such qualifying individual (in each case either individually or jointly with other investors), provided in each case that those shares are held directly with the Transfer Agent or in an eligible account. Class R6 Shares are not available to traditional or Roth IRAs, Coverdell Savings Accounts, Keoghs, SEPs, SARSEPs, or Simple IRAs. Individual shareholders who purchase Class R6 Shares through retirement platforms or other intermediaries are not eligible to hold Class R6 Shares outside of their respective plan or intermediary platform. If you are eligible to purchase and do purchase Class R6 Shares, you will pay no sales charge at any time. There are no distribution and service fees applicable to Class R6 Shares.

In determining which class of shares to purchase, an investor should always consider whether any waiver or reduction of a sales charge or a CDSC is available.

Class A Shares — Reduced Initial Sales Charges

Investors choosing Class A Shares may be entitled to reduced initial sales charges. The ways in which initial sales charges may be avoided or reduced are described below. Investors buying Class A Shares on which a finder’s fee has been paid may incur a CDSC if they redeem their shares within 18 months of purchase. For the Funds in this SAI, the CDSC is 1.00%. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Such deferred sales charge may be waived under certain conditions as determined by the Distributor or Transfer Agent.

Qualified Purchasers

If you fall within any one of the following categories, you will not have to pay a sales charge on your purchase of Class A Shares, provided that such purchase is made upon the written assurance of the purchaser that the purchase is made for investment purposes and that the shares so acquired will not be resold except to the Fund:

(1) Trustee, director or officer of any Virtus Mutual Fund, or any other mutual fund advised, subadvised or distributed by the Adviser, Distributor or any of their corporate affiliates;

(2) Any director or officer, or any full-time employee or sales representative (for at least 90 days), of the applicable Fund’s Adviser, subadviser or Distributor;

(3) Any private client of an Adviser or subadviser to any Virtus Mutual Fund;

(4) Registered representatives and employees of securities dealers with whom the Distributor has sales agreements;

(5) Any qualified retirement plan exclusively for persons described above;

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(6) Any officer, director or employee of a corporate affiliate of the Adviser, a subadviser or the Distributor;

(7) Any spouse or domestic partner, child, parent, grandparent, brother or sister of any person named in (1), (2), (4) or (6) above;

(8) Employee benefit plans for employees of the Adviser, Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates;

(9) Any employee or agent who retires from the Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates or from PNX, as long as, with respect to PNX employees or agents, such individual was employed by PNX prior to December 31, 2008;

(10) Any Virtus direct account held in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan, endowment fund or foundation if, on the date of the initial investment, the plan, fund or foundation has assets of $10,000,000 or more or at least 100 eligible employees;

(11) Any person with a direct rollover transfer of shares from an established Virtus Mutual Fund or Virtus qualified plan;

(12) Any state, county, city, department, authority or similar agency prohibited by law from paying a sales charge;

(13) Any unallocated account held by a third party administrator, registered investment adviser, trust company, or bank trust department which exercises discretionary authority and holds the account in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, if in the aggregate such accounts held by such entity equal or exceed $1,000,000;

(14) Any deferred compensation plan established for the benefit of any trustee or director of Virtus, any Virtus Mutual Fund, or any open-or closed-end fund advised, subadvised or distributed by the Adviser, the Distributor or any of their corporate affiliates.

If you fall within any one of the following categories, you also will not have to pay a sales charge on your purchase of Class A Shares:

(15) Individuals purchasing through an account with an unaffiliated brokerage firm having an agreement with the Distributor to waive sales charges for its clients (See Appendix A to the prospectus for a description of broker-dealers offering various sales load waivers);

(16) Purchasers of Class A Shares bought through investment advisers and financial planners who charge an advisory, consulting or other fee for their services and buy shares for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients;

(17) Retirement plans and deferred compensation plans and trusts used to fund those plans (including, for example, certain plans qualified or created under Sections 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Code), and “rabbi trusts” that buy shares for their own accounts, in each case if those purchases are made through a broker or agent or other financial intermediary that has made special arrangements with the Distributor for such purchases; or

(18) Clients of investment professionals or financial planners who buy shares for their own accounts but only if their accounts are linked to a master account of their investment professional or financial planner on the books and records of the broker, agent or financial intermediary with which the Distributor has made such special arrangements. (See Appendix A in the Funds’ prospectus for a description of broker-dealers offering various sales load waivers.) Each of the investors described in (15) through (18) may be charged a fee by the broker, agent or financial intermediary for purchasing shares.

Combination Purchase Privilege

Your purchase of any class of shares of these Funds or any other Virtus Mutual Fund, (other than Virtus Seix U.S. Government Securities Ultra-Short Bond Fund and Virtus Seix Ultra-Short Bond Fund (the “Ultra-Short Bond Funds”)) if made at the same time by the same person, will be added together with any existing Virtus Mutual Fund account values to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to an immediate reduction in sales charges. A “person” is defined in this and the following sections as either:

(a) Any individual, his or her spouse or domestic partner, children and minor grandchildren purchasing shares for his, her or their own account (including an IRA account) including his, her or their own sole proprietorship or trust where any of the above is the named beneficiary;

(b) A trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account (even though more than one beneficiary may exist);

(c) Multiple accounts (up to 200) under a qualified employee benefit plan or administered by a third party administrator; or

(d) Trust companies, bank trust departments, registered investment advisers, and similar entities placing orders or providing administrative services with respect to accounts over which they exercise discretionary investment authority and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, provided all shares are held of record in the name, or nominee name, of the entity placing the order.

Right of Accumulation

The value of your account(s) in any class of shares of these Funds or any other Virtus Mutual Fund (other than Class A Shares of the Ultra-Short Bond Funds) may be added together at the time of each purchase to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to a prospective reduction in sales charges. You must provide certain account information to the Funds and their agents at the time of purchase to exercise this right.

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Gifting of Shares

If you make a gift of shares of a Virtus Mutual Fund, upon your request you may combine purchases, if made at the same time, of any class of shares of these Funds or any other Virtus Mutual Fund at the sales charge discount allowed for the combined purchase. The receiver of the gift may also be entitled to a prospective reduction in sales charges in accordance with the Virtus Mutual Funds’ right of accumulation or other provisions. You or the receiver of the gift must provide certain account information to Virtus Mutual Funds or their agents at the time of purchase to exercise this right.

Associations

Certain groups or associations may be treated as a “person” and qualify for reduced Class A Share sales charges. The group or association must: (1) have been in existence for at least six months; (2) have a legitimate purpose other than to purchase mutual fund shares at a reduced sales charge; (3) work through an investment dealer; and (4) not be a group whose sole reason for existing is to consist of members who are credit card holders of a particular company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or a broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.

Letter of Intent

If you sign a Letter of Intent, your purchase of any class of shares of these Funds or any other Virtus Mutual Fund, (other than Class A Shares of the Ultra-Short Bond Funds) if made by the same person within a 13-month period, will be added together to determine whether you are entitled to an immediate reduction in sales charges. Sales charges are reduced based on the overall amount you indicate that you will buy under the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is a mutually non-binding commitment. Since the Funds and their agents do not know whether you will ultimately fulfill the Letter of Intent, shares worth 5% of the Letter of Intent amount will be set aside until you fulfill the Letter of Intent. When you buy enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent, these shares will no longer be restricted. If, on the other hand, you do not satisfy the Letter of Intent, or otherwise wish to sell any restricted shares, you will be given the choice of either buying enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent or paying the difference between any sales charge you previously paid and the otherwise applicable sales charge. You will be given 20 days to make this decision. If you do not exercise either election, the Transfer Agent will automatically redeem the number of your restricted shares needed to make up the deficiency in sales charges received. Oldest shares will be redeemed before selling newer shares. Any remaining shares will then be deposited to your account.

Class A and Class C Shares — Waiver of Deferred Sales Charges

The CDSC is waived on the redemption (sale) of Class A Shares and Class C Shares if the redemption is made:

(a) within one year of death;

(i) of the sole shareholder on an individual account,

(ii) of a joint tenant where the surviving joint tenant is the deceased’s spouse or domestic partner,

(iii) of the beneficiary of a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA), Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or other custodial account, or

(iv) of the “grantor” on a trust account;

(b) within one year of disability, as defined in Code Section 72(m)(7);

(c) as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s Prospectus;

(d) by 401(k) plans using an approved participant tracking system for participant hardships, death, disability or normal retirement, and loans which are subsequently repaid;

(e) based on the exercise of exchange privileges among Class A Shares and Class C Shares of these Funds or any of the Virtus Mutual Funds;

(f) based on any direct rollover transfer of shares from an established Virtus Mutual Fund qualified plan into a Virtus Mutual Fund IRA by participants terminating from the qualified plan; and

(g) based on the systematic withdrawal program, provided such withdrawals do not exceed more than 1% monthly or 3% quarterly of the aggregate net investments. (See “Systematic Withdrawal Program” in this SAI for additional information about these restrictions.)

If, as described in condition (a) above, an account is transferred to an account registered in the name of a deceased’s estate, the CDSC will be waived on any redemption from the estate account occurring within one year of the death.

Class A Shares and Class C Shares — Variations and Waivers of Sales Charges

Class A Shares and Class C Shares purchased through specific intermediaries may be eligible for additional scheduled variations in, and eliminations of, Class A and Class C sales charges. Information about these variations and waivers is available from your financial intermediary and in Appendix A to the Funds’ prospectus, entitled “Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers.”

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How to Redeem Shares

Customer orders will be priced at the Funds’ NAVs next computed after they are received in good order by the Funds’ Transfer Agent, an authorized broker or the broker’s authorized designee. Even after all required documents have been received, a redemption request may not be considered in good order by the funds, their Transfer Agent or other authorized agents if any of them suspects that the request is fraudulent or otherwise not valid.

Under the 1940 Act, payment for shares redeemed must ordinarily be made within seven days after tender. The right to redeem shares may be suspended and payment postponed during periods when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or if permitted by rules of the SEC, during periods when trading on the NYSE is restricted or during any emergency which makes it impracticable for a Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine fairly the value of its net assets or during any other period permitted by order of the SEC for the protection of investors. Furthermore, the shareholder will not be entitled to and the Transfer Agent will not mail redemption proceeds until checks received for shares purchased have cleared, which may take up to 15 days.

Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Class Shares , Class P Shares and Administrative Class Shares Only

The Trust has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Trust’s behalf. The Trust will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, accepts the order.

Redemptions by Class A and Class C shareholders will be subject to the applicable deferred sales charge, if any. A shareholder should contact his/her broker-dealer if he/she wishes to transfer shares from an existing broker-dealer street name account to a street name account with another broker-dealer. The Funds have no specific procedures governing such account transfers.

Class R6 Shares Only

If you are investing through a qualified retirement plan, bank or trust company, insurance company, registered investment company or non-qualified deferred compensation plan, your financial institution or financial intermediary will provide you with the information you need to redeem Class R6. If you are a qualified institutional investor or qualified individual investor holding Class R6 Shares, please refer to the instructions in the Funds’ prospectus section entitled “How to Sell Shares.”

Redemptions by Mail

Shareholders may redeem shares by making written request, executed in the full name of the account, directly to Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074. (See the Funds’ current Prospectuses for more information.)

Redemptions by Telephone

Generally, shareholders may redeem by telephone up to $50,000 worth of their shares held in book-entry form. (See the Funds’ current Prospectuses for more information.) Corporations that have completed a Corporate Authorized Trader form may redeem more than $50,000 worth of shares in most instances. The funds, their Transfer Agent and their other authorized agents will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost or expense resulting from acting upon telephone instructions that are reasonably believed to be genuine.

Redemption of Small Accounts

Each shareholder account in the Funds which has been in existence for at least one year and which has a value of less than $200, due to redemption activity may be redeemed upon the giving of not less than 60 days written notice to the shareholder mailed to the account address of record. During the 60-day period following such notice, the shareholder has the right to add to the account to bring its value to $200 or more. (See the Funds’ current Prospectuses for more information.)

Redemptions in Kind

To the extent consistent with state and federal law, each Virtus Mutual Fund may make payment of the redemption price either in cash or in kind. However, the Funds have elected to pay in cash all requests for redemption by any shareholder of record, limited in respect to each shareholder during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund at the beginning of such period. This election has been made pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act and is irrevocable while the Rule is in effect unless the SEC, by order, permits the withdrawal thereof. In case of a redemption in kind, securities delivered in payment for shares would generally represent the shareholder’s proportionate share of the Fund’s current net assets and be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the NAV per share of the Fund. A shareholder receiving such securities would incur brokerage costs when selling the securities.

Account Reinstatement Privilege

Shareholders who may have overlooked features of their investment at the time they redeemed have a privilege of reinvestment of their investment at NAV. (See the Funds’ current Prospectuses for more information.)

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Returned/Uncashed Checks Policy

For the protection of Fund shareholders, if you have elected to receive dividends and other distributions in cash, and the check is returned to the Fund as undeliverable or you do not respond to mailings with regard to uncashed distribution checks, we may take any of the following actions:

 The distribution option on your account(s) will be changed to reinvest and all subsequent payments will be reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

 Any systematic withdrawal plan will be stopped immediately.

 If a check is not presented for payment within six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the check proceeds.

 If reinvested, distributions will be reinvested in the Fund at the earliest date practicable after the waiting period at the then-current NAV of such Fund.

 No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed dividend, distribution or redemption checks.

This policy may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts, closed accounts or accounts under the applicable Fund’s required minimum threshold.

Reinvestment of future distributions will continue until you notify us of your election to reinstate cash payment of the dividends and other distributions. You will also be required to confirm your current address and daytime telephone number.

Pricing of Shares

The NAV per share of each class of each Fund generally is determined as of the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 PM Eastern time) on days when the NYSE is open for trading. A Fund will not calculate its NAV per share class on days when the NYSE is closed for trading.

The NYSE will be closed on the following observed national holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Since the Funds do not price securities on weekends or United States national holidays, the NAV of a Fund’s foreign assets may be significantly affected on days when the investor may not be able to purchase or sell shares of the Funds. The NAV per share of a Fund is determined by adding the values of all securities and other assets of the Fund, subtracting liabilities, and dividing by the total number of outstanding shares of the Fund. Assets and liabilities are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The total liability allocated to a class, plus that class’s distribution fee and any other expenses allocated solely to that class, are deducted from the proportionate interest of such class in the assets of the Fund, and the resulting amount of each is divided by the number of shares of that class outstanding to produce the NAV per share.

A security that is listed or traded on more than one exchange generally is valued at the official closing price on the exchange representing the principal exchange for such security. Because of the need to obtain prices as of the close of trading on various exchanges throughout the world, the calculation of NAV may not take place for any Fund which invests in foreign securities contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the majority of the portfolio securities of such Fund. The foreign currency exchange rate used to price the currency in which foreign securities are denominated is generally the 4 p.m. Eastern Time spot rate. If at any time a Fund has investments where market quotations are not readily available or are determined not to be reliable indicators of the value of the securities priced, such investments are valued at the fair value thereof as determined by the Adviser pursuant to policies and procedures approved by the Board.

Security valuation procedures for each Fund, include nightly price variance as well as back-testing such as bi-weekly unchanged price, monthly secondary source and transaction analysis. All internally fair valued securities are approved by a valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”) appointed by the Adviser. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain Trust officers and/or representatives of the Adviser and/or Administrator. All internally fair valued securities, referred to below, are updated daily and reviewed in detail by the Valuation Committee monthly unless changes occur within the period. The Valuation Committee reviews the validity of any model inputs and any changes to the model when applicable.

Each Fund utilizes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.

 Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 Level 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the valuation committee’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

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The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

A description of the valuation techniques applied to a Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded, or if no closing price is available, at the last bid price and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Restricted equity securities and private placements that are not widely traded, are illiquid or are internally fair valued by the valuation committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that a Fund calculates its NAV that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases the Funds fair value non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as ADRs, financial futures, exchange traded funds, and certain indexes as well as prices for similar securities. Such fair valuations are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. For most bond types, the pricing service utilizes matrix pricing which considers one or more of the following factors: yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, current cash flows, type, and current day trade information, as well as dealer supplied prices. These valuations are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Structured debt instruments such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may also incorporate collateral analysis and utilize cash flow models for valuation and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Pricing services do not provide pricing for all securities and therefore indicative bids from dealers are utilized which are based on pricing models used by market makers in the security and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Debt securities that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the valuation committee are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Listed derivatives that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

Over-the-counter (OTC) derivative contracts, which include forward currency contracts and equity linked instruments, do not require material subjectivity as pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets and are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

Short-term notes having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market, and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

INVESTOR ACCOUNT SERVICES AND POLICIES

The Funds offer accumulation plans, withdrawal plans and reinvestment and exchange privileges. Certain privileges may not be available in connection with all classes. In most cases, changes to account services may be accomplished over the phone. Inquiries regarding policies and procedures relating to shareholder account services should be directed to the Transfer Agent at 800.243.1574. Broker-dealers may impose their own restrictions and limits on accounts held through the broker-dealer. Please consult with your broker-dealer for account restrictions and limit information. The Funds and their agents reserve the right to modify or terminate these services upon reasonable notice.

Exchanges

Under certain circumstances, shares of any Virtus Mutual Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of another Virtus Mutual Fund on the basis of the relative NAVs per share at the time of the exchange. Class C Shares are also exchangeable for Class C1 Shares of those Virtus Mutual Funds offering them. Class A Shares of the Ultra-Short Bond Funds are exchangeable at net asset value plus the applicable sales charge of the Class A Shares into which you are exchanging. Please note, however, that exchanges into the Ultra-Short Bond Funds may be subject to a CDSC in the event that a finder’s fee was paid on the shares you are exchanging. In the event that you are charged such a CDSC and later exchange your shares of an Ultra-Short Bond Fund for shares of another Virtus Mutual Fund, your shares of that Virtus Mutual Fund will not be subject to a sales charge or finder’s fee. Exchanges are subject to the minimum initial investment requirement of the designated Fund, except if made in connection with the Systematic Exchange privilege described below. Shareholders may exchange shares held in book-entry form for an equivalent number (value) of the same class of shares of any other Virtus Mutual Fund, if currently offered. Exchanges will be based upon each Fund’s NAV per share next computed following receipt of a properly executed exchange request without sales charge. For all Virtus fixed income funds, the CDSC is 0.50%; for all other Virtus Mutual Funds, the CDSC is 1.00%. On exchanges with share classes that carry a CDSC, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply. The exchange of shares is treated as a sale and purchase for federal income tax purposes. (See also “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” in this SAI.) Exchange privileges may not be available for all Virtus Mutual Funds, and may be rejected or suspended.

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Financial intermediaries are permitted to initiate exchanges from one class of shares of a Fund into another class of shares of the same Fund if, among other things, the financial intermediary agrees to follow procedures established by the Fund, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent, which generally will require that (i) the exchanges be carried out within accounts that are maintained and controlled by the intermediary and meet investor eligibility requirements, if applicable, for the share class or account type, and (ii) no contingent deferred sales charges are outstanding, or the applicable intermediary agrees to cause any outstanding contingent deferred sales charges to be paid in a manner agreed to by the Fund, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent. The Fund’s ability to make this type of exchange may be limited by operational or other limitations, requiring the Fund or its agent to process the transaction as a liquidation and purchase, at the same closing NAV. The financial intermediary will be ultimately responsible for reporting the transaction in accordance with their instruction.

Shareholders owning shares of a Fund through accounts established directly with the Transfer Agent (i.e., not established with a financial intermediary who deals with the Transfer Agent exclusively on the investor’s behalf) may be permitted to exchange shares of one class of shares of the Fund into another class of shares of the same Fund, if they meet the investor eligibility requirements associated with the class into which they wish to exchange, at the discretion of the Fund or the Transfer Agent. A shareholder’s ability to make this type of exchange may be limited by operational or other limitations of his or her financial intermediary or the Fund. Under the Code, generally if a shareholder exchanges shares from one class of a Fund into another class of the same Fund, the transaction should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes; however, each shareholder should consult both the relevant financial intermediary and the shareholder’s tax professional regarding the treatment of any specific exchange carried out under the terms of this paragraph.

Systematic Exchanges

If the conditions above have been met, you or your broker may, by telephone or written notice, elect to have shares exchanged for the same class of shares of another Virtus Mutual Fund automatically on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis or may cancel this privilege at any time. If you maintain an account balance of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for tax qualified retirement benefit plans (calculated on the basis of the NAV of the shares held in a single account), you may direct that shares be automatically exchanged at predetermined intervals for shares of the same class of another Virtus Mutual Fund. Systematic exchanges will be executed upon the close of business on the 10th day of each month or the next succeeding business day. Exchanges will be based upon each Fund’s NAV per share next computed after the close of business on the 10th day of each month (or next succeeding business day), without sales charge. Systematic exchange forms are available from the Transfer Agent.

Dividend Reinvestment Across Accounts

If you maintain an account balance of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for tax qualified retirement benefit plans (calculated on the basis of the NAV of the shares held in a single account), you may direct that any dividends and distributions paid with respect to shares in that account be automatically reinvested in a single account of one of the other Virtus Mutual Funds at NAV. You should obtain a current prospectus and consider the objectives and policies of each Virtus Mutual Fund carefully before directing dividends and distributions to another Virtus Mutual Fund. Reinvestment election forms and prospectuses are available from the Transfer Agent. Distributions may also be mailed to a second payee and/or address. Requests for directing distributions to an alternate payee must be made in writing with a signature guarantee of the registered owner(s). To be effective with respect to a particular dividend or distribution, notification of the new distribution option must be received by the Transfer Agent at least three days prior to the record date of such dividend or distribution. If all shares in your account are repurchased or redeemed or transferred between the record date and the payment date of a dividend or distribution, you will receive cash for the dividend or distribution regardless of the distribution option selected.

Invest-by-Phone

This expedited investment service allows a shareholder to make an investment in an account by requesting a transfer of funds from the balance of the shareholder’s bank account. Once a request is phoned in, the Transfer Agent or its subagent will initiate the transaction by wiring a request for monies to the shareholder’s commercial bank, savings bank or credit union via ACH. The shareholder’s bank, which must be an ACH member, will in turn forward the monies to the Transfer Agent or its subagent for credit to the shareholder’s account. ACH is a computer based clearing and settlement operation established for the exchange of electronic transactions among participating depository institutions.

To establish this service, please complete a Bank Option Application and attach a voided check if applicable. Upon acceptance of the authorization form (usually within two weeks) shareholders may call toll free 800.243.1574 prior to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to place their purchase request. Instructions as to the account number and amount to be invested must be communicated to the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent or its subagent will then contact the shareholder’s bank via ACH with appropriate instructions. The purchase is normally credited to the shareholder’s account the day following receipt of the verbal instructions. The Fund may delay the mailing of a check for redemption proceeds of Fund shares purchased with a check or via Invest-by-Phone service until the Fund has assured itself that good payment has been collected for the purchase of the shares, which may take up to 15 days. The Trust and the Transfer Agent reserve the right to modify or terminate the Invest-by-Phone service for any reason or to institute charges for maintaining an Invest-by-Phone account.

Systematic Withdrawal Program

The Systematic Withdrawal Program allows you to periodically redeem a portion of your account on a predetermined monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. A sufficient number of full and fractional shares will be redeemed so that the designated payment is made on or about the 20th day of

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the month. Shares are tendered for redemption by the Transfer Agent, as agent for the shareowner, on or about the 15th of the month at the closing NAV on the date of redemption. The Program also provides for redemptions with proceeds to be directed through ACH to your bank account. For ACH payments, you may select the day of the month for the payments to be made; if no date is specified, the payments will occur on the 15th of the month. In addition to the limitations stated below, withdrawals may not be less than $25 and minimum account balance requirements shall continue to apply.

Shareholders participating in the Program must own shares of a Fund worth $5,000 or more, as determined by the then current NAV per share, and elect to have all dividends reinvested. The purchase of shares while participating in the Program will ordinarily be disadvantageous to the Class A Shares investor since a sales charge will be paid by the investor on the purchase of Class A Shares at the same time as other shares are being redeemed. For this reason, investors in Class A Shares may not participate in an automatic investment program while participating in the Program.

Through the Program, Class C shareholders may withdraw up to 1% of their aggregate net investments (purchases, at initial value, to date net of non-Program redemptions) each month or up to 3% of their aggregate net investments each quarter without incurring otherwise applicable CDSCs. Class C shareholders redeeming more shares than the percentage permitted by the Program will be subject to any applicable CDSC on all shares redeemed. Accordingly, the purchase of share classes on which a CDSC may be payable will generally not be appropriate for an investor who anticipates withdrawing sums in excess of the above limits shortly after purchase.

Notice to Non-U.S. Individual Shareholders

The Trust and its Shares are only registered in the United States of America. Regulations outside of the United States may restrict the sale of Shares to certain non-U.S. investors or subject certain shareholder accounts to additional regulatory requirements. The Trust reserves the right, however, to sell Shares to certain non-U.S. investors in compliance with applicable law. If a current shareholder in the Trust provides a non-U.S. address, this will be deemed a representation and warranty from such investor that he/she is not a U.S. resident and will continue to be a non-U.S. resident unless and until the Trust is notified of a change in the investor’s resident status. Any current shareholder that has a resident address outside of the Unites States may be restricted from purchasing additional Shares.

In the course of its business, the Trust, its service providers and/or its selling agents may collect, record, store, adapt, transfer and otherwise process information by which prospective and current natural person investors may be directly or indirectly identified. The Trust, its service providers and/or its selling agents shall comply with all applicable data protection regulation in processing personal data within their respective possession, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU/2016/679) (“GDPR”). For shareholders who are residents or citizens of the European Union, personal data will be generally processed to open an account, manage and administer holding(s), including further subscriptions, redemptions, transfers or conversions, or otherwise as necessary to comply with legal obligations under GDPR.

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company

Each Fund within the Trust is treated as a separate corporation for investment and accounting purposes and is treated as a separate corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. Each Fund has elected to qualify and intends to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In each taxable year that a Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes to its shareholders as dividends (not including “capital gains dividends,” discussed below) at least 90% of its ordinary investment income and short-term capital gains, with certain modifications, it (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of United States federal income tax on that portion of its net investment income and net capital gains that are currently distributed (or deemed distributed) to its shareholders. To the extent that a Fund fails to distribute all of its taxable income, it will be subject to corporate income tax (currently at a rate of 21%) on any retained ordinary investment income or short-term capital gains and undistributed long-term capital gains.

Each Fund intends to make timely distributions, if necessary, sufficient in amount to avoid the non-deductible 4% excise tax that is imposed on a RIC to the extent that it fails to distribute, with respect to each calendar year, at least 98% of its ordinary income (not including tax-exempt interest) for such calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income as determined for a one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year (or a later date, if the Fund so elects). In addition, each RIC must distribute an amount equal to any undistributed investment company taxable income or capital gain net income from the previous calendar year to avoid the excise tax. The excise tax is imposed on the amount by which the RIC does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements. If a Fund has taxable income that would be subject to the excise tax, the Fund intends to distribute such income so as to avoid payment of the excise tax. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there may be certain circumstances under which it would be appropriate for a Fund to pay the excise tax.

Each Fund must satisfy the following tests each year in order to qualify as a RIC: (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities and certain other investment income; and (b) meet specified diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of each taxable year. Each Fund intends to satisfy these requirements. With respect to the diversification requirement, each Fund must also diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash, cash items, United States government securities and securities of other RICs, and other securities limited generally with respect to any one issuer to not more than 5% of the total assets of that Fund and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting

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securities of such issuer, and not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than United States government securities or the securities of other RICs). In addition, the Fund may not hold more than 25% of the securities (other than of other RICs) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or 25% of the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. Each Fund intends to comply with all of the foregoing criteria for qualification as a RIC; however, there can be no assurance that each Fund will so qualify and continue to maintain its status as a RIC. If in any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a RIC or fails to distribute at least 90% of the Fund’s investment company taxable income, all of its taxable income will be taxed at corporate rates, the Fund would not be entitled to deduct distributions to shareholders, and any capital gain dividend would not retain its character in the hands of the shareholder for tax purposes. The Code provides relief for certain de minimis failures to meet the asset or income tests or for certain failures due to reasonable cause. These relief provisions may prevent a Fund from being disqualified as a RIC and/or reduce the amount of tax on the Fund’s income as a result of the failure to meet certain tests.

Taxation of Debt Securities

Certain debt securities can be originally issued or acquired at a discount. Special rules apply under the Code to the recognition of income with respect to such debt securities. Under the special rules, a Fund may recognize income for tax purposes without a corresponding current receipt of cash. In addition, gain on a disposition of a debt security subject to the special rules may be treated wholly or partially as ordinary income, not capital gain.

A Fund may invest in certain investments that may cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash distributions, including securities bearing original issue discount. In addition, payment-in-kind securities will, and commodity-linked notes may, give rise to income that is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. The level of such investments is not expected to affect a Fund’s ability to distribute adequate income to qualify as a RIC.

Very generally, where a Fund purchases a bond at a price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity (i.e., a premium), the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond. In the case of a taxable bond, if a Fund makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Fund reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds, the Fund is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period. In the case of a tax-exempt bond, tax rules require such a Fund to reduce its tax basis by the amount of amortized premium.

To the extent such investments are permissible for a Fund, the Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for a Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as whether, when or to what extent a Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation; 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 income. These and other related issues will be addressed by a Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

Taxation of Convertible Securities

Convertible debt is ordinarily treated as a “single property” consisting of a pure debt interest until conversion, after which the investment becomes an equity interest. As noted above, if the security is issued at a premium (i.e., for cash in excess of the face amount payable on retirement), the Fund may amortize the premium over the life of the bond. If the security is issued for cash at a price below its face amount, the Fund may recognize income for tax purposes without a corresponding receipt of cash over the life of the debt. The Fund’s exercise of the conversion privilege is generally treated as a nontaxable event. Mandatorily convertible debt (e.g., an exchange-traded note issued in the form of an unsecured obligation that pays a return based on the performance of a specified market index, exchange currency, or commodity) is often, but not always, treated as a contract to buy or sell the reference property rather than debt.

Similarly, convertible preferred stock with a mandatory conversion feature is ordinarily, but not always, treated as equity rather than debt. In general, conversion of preferred stock for common stock of the same corporation is tax-free. Conversion of preferred stock for cash is a taxable redemption. Any redemption premium for preferred stock that is redeemable by the issuing company may be required to be amortized under original issue discount principles. A change in the conversion ratio or conversion price of a convertible security on account of a dividend paid to the issuer’s other shareholders may result in a deemed distribution of stock to the holders of the convertible security equal to the value of their increased interest in the equity of the issuer. Thus, an increase in the conversion ratio of a convertible security can be treated as a taxable distribution of stock to a holder of the convertible security (without a corresponding receipt of cash by the holder) before the holder has converted the security.

Taxation of Derivatives and Foreign Currency Transactions

Many futures contracts and foreign currency contracts entered into by a Fund and all listed non-equity options written or purchased by a Fund (including options on debt securities, options on futures contracts, options on securities indices and options on broad-based stock indices) are

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governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a tax election to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise or closing out of any such position is treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, and on the last trading day of a Fund’s taxable year (and, generally on October 31 for purposes of the 4% excise tax), all outstanding Section 1256 positions are marked-to-market (i.e., treated as if such positions were closed out at their closing price on such day), and any resulting gain or loss is treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Under certain circumstances, entry into a futures contract to sell a security may constitute a short sale for United States federal income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding period of the underlying security or a substantially identical security in a Fund’s portfolio.

Equity options written by a Fund (covered call options on portfolio stock) will be subject to the provisions under Section 1234 of the Code. If a Fund writes a call option, no gain is recognized upon its receipt of a premium. If such an option lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. If such an option is exercised, any resulting gain or loss is a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the holding period of the underlying stock.

Positions of a Fund which consist of at least one stock and at least one stock option or other position with respect to a related security which substantially diminishes the Fund’s risk of loss with respect to such stock could be treated as a “straddle” that is governed by Section 1092 of the Code, the operation of which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding periods of stock or securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. An exception to these straddle rules exists for any “qualified covered call options” on stock options written by a Fund.

Positions of a Fund which consist of at least one debt security not governed by Section 1256 of the Code and at least one futures or currency contract or listed non-equity option governed by Section 1256 of the Code which substantially diminishes the Fund’s risk of loss with respect to such debt security are treated as a “mixed straddle.” Although mixed straddles are subject to the straddle rules of Section 1092 of the Code, certain tax elections exist for them that reduce or eliminate the operation of these rules. Each Fund will monitor these transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the operation of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC for United States federal income tax purposes.

Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time a Fund accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time it actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts and options, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also are treated as ordinary income or loss. Generally, these gains and losses, referred to under the Code as Section 988 gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of each Fund’s investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.

These special tax rules applicable to options, futures and currency transactions could affect the amount, timing and character of a fund’s income or loss and hence of its distributions to shareholders by causing holding period adjustments, converting short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses, and accelerating a fund’s income or deferring its losses.

The IRS has not provided guidance on the tax consequences of certain investments and other activities that the funds may make or undertake. While the Funds will endeavor to treat the tax items arising from these transactions in a manner believed to be appropriate, guarantees cannot be given that the IRS or a court will concur with the Funds’ treatment and that adverse tax consequences will not ensue.

Taxation of Certain Commodities Transactions

A Fund’s direct investment in commodities and use of commodity-linked derivatives can be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify as a regulated investment company, and can bear on the Fund’s ability to so qualify. Income and gains from commodities and certain commodity-linked derivatives does not constitute qualifying income to a regulated investment company for purposes of the 90% gross income test described above. The tax treatment of certain other commodity-linked instruments in which the Fund might invest, including exchange-traded notes and certain structured notes, is not certain, in particular with respect to whether income or gains from such instruments constitute qualifying income to a regulated investment company. If a Fund were to treat income or gain from a particular instrument as qualifying income and the income or gain were later determined not to constitute qualifying income and, together with any other non-qualifying income, caused the Fund’s non-qualifying income to exceed 10% of its gross income in any taxable year, the Fund would fail to qualify as a regulated investment company unless it is eligible to and does pay a tax at the Fund level.

To the extent that, in order to achieve exposure to commodities, a Fund invests in entities that are treated as pass-through vehicles for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including, for instance, certain ETFs (e.g., ETFs investing in gold bullion) and partnerships other than qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined earlier), all or a portion of any income and gains from such entities could constitute non- qualifying income to the Fund for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described above. In such a case, the Fund’s investments in such entities could be limited by its intention to qualify as a regulated investment company and could bear on its ability to so qualify. Certain commodities-related ETFs may qualify as qualified publicly traded partnerships. In such cases, the net income derived from such investments will constitute qualifying income for purposes of

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the 90% gross income requirement. If, however, such a vehicle were to fail to qualify as a qualified publicly traded partnership in a particular year, a portion of the gross income derived from it in such year could constitute non-qualifying income to the Fund for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement and thus could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to qualify as a regulated investment company for a particular year. In addition, the diversification requirement described above for regulated investment company qualification will limit the Fund’s investments in one or more vehicles that are qualified publicly traded partnerships to 25% of the Fund’s total assets as of the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year.

Taxation of Foreign Investments

If a Fund invests in stock of certain passive foreign investment companies, the Fund may be subject to special United States federal income taxation rules applicable to any “excess distribution” with respect to such stock or gain from the disposition of such stock treated as an “excess distribution.” The tax would be determined by allocating such distribution or gain ratably to each day of the Fund’s holding period for the stock. The distributions or gain so allocated to any taxable year of the Fund, other than the taxable year of the excess distribution or disposition, would be taxed to the Fund at the highest ordinary income rate in effect for such year, and the tax would be further increased by an interest charge to reflect the value of the tax deferral deemed to have resulted from the ownership of the foreign company’s stock. Any amount of distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution or disposition would be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income and, accordingly, would not be taxable to the Fund to the extent distributed by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders. The Fund may elect to mark-to-market (i.e., treat as if sold at their closing market price on the same day) its investments in certain passive foreign investment companies and avoid any tax and/or interest charge on excess distributions.

Under limited circumstances, a Fund may be required to include in income certain amounts allocated to it as a shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation without receiving a distribution. Those amounts are treated as a dividend to the extent actually distributed by the controlled foreign corporation in the same year and would be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income and not taxable to the Fund to the extent distributed by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders. Any amount required to be included in the Fund’s income, but not distributed by the controlled foreign corporation, is not treated as a dividend.

The Funds may be subject to tax on dividend or interest income received from securities of non-United States issuers withheld by a foreign country at the source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries that entitle a Fund to a reduced rate of tax or exemption from tax on income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of a Fund’s assets to be invested within various countries is not known. Each Fund intends to operate so as to qualify for tax treaty benefits where applicable. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year is comprised of stock or securities issued by foreign corporations, the Fund may elect to “pass through” to the Fund’s shareholders the amount of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. If a Fund does elect to “pass through,” each shareholder will receive a written statement from the Fund identifying the amount of such shareholder’s pro rata share of (i) the foreign taxes paid and (ii) the Fund’s gross income from foreign sources. In addition, if at least 50% of the value of a Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter of the tax year is represented by interests in other RICs, then such Fund may “pass through” foreign income taxes paid without regard to whether more than 50% of the Fund’s total assets at the close of the tax year consisted of stock and securities issued by foreign corporations. If a Fund passes through foreign taxes, each shareholder will be required to include the amount of such shareholder’s pro rata share of such taxes in gross income (in addition to dividends actually received), and the shareholder will be entitled to deduct such foreign taxes (if the shareholder itemizes deductions) in computing taxable income or claim a credit against U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to limitations.

Investments in Master Limited Partnerships

A fund’s ability to make investments in MLPs is limited by the fund’s intention to qualify as a regulated investment company, and if the fund does not appropriately limit such investments or if such investments are recharacterized for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the fund’s status as a regulated investment company may be jeopardized. Among other limitations, a fund is permitted to have no more than 25% of the value of its total assets invested in qualified publicly traded partnerships, including MLPs. Such investments might generate taxable income in excess of cash, either (i) in respect of an MLP debt restructuring, or (ii) on the sale of an interest therein, such sale could also potentially involve “recapture” of ordinary income.

Short Sales

To the extent a fund participates in short sales by contracting for the sale of stock it does not own and later purchasing stock necessary to close the sale, the character of the gain or loss realized on such a short sale is determined by reference to the property used to close the short sale and is thus generally short-term. Because net short-term capital gain (after reduction by any long-term capital loss) is generally taxed at ordinary income rates, a fund’s short sale transactions will likely increase the percentage of the fund’s gains that are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

Taxation of Distributions to Shareholders

Certain qualified dividend income and long-term capital gains are taxed at a lower federal income tax rate (maximum 20%) for individual shareholders. The reduced rate for qualified dividend income applies to dividends from domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations subject to various requirements and a minimum holding period applicable to both a Fund and its shareholders. Ordinary distributions made by a Fund to its shareholders are eligible for the reduced rate to the extent the underlying income in the Fund is qualified dividend income. U.S. individuals and certain estates and trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare contribution tax that will generally apply to the lesser of (i) an

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individual’s net investment income or (ii) the excess of modified adjusted gross income over $200,000 (in the case of single filers) or $250,000 (in the case of a joint return).

Distributions made by a Fund from ordinary investment income and net short-term capital gains will be taxed to such Fund’s shareholders as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the Fund. Ordinary income dividends received by corporate shareholders of a Fund will qualify for the 50% dividends-received deduction to the extent the Fund designates such amounts as qualifying dividend distributions; however, the portion that may be so designated is subject to certain limitations. Distributions by a Fund that are reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends in written statements furnished to its shareholders (e.g., Form 1099) will be taxed to the shareholders as long-term capital gain, and will not be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction.

Dividends declared by a Fund to shareholders of record in October, November or December will be taxable to such shareholders in the year that the dividend is declared, even if it is not paid until the following year (so long as it is actually paid by the Fund in January of such following year). Also, shareholders will be taxed on amounts reported by a Fund in written statements to shareholders as capital gain dividends, even if such amounts are not actually distributed to them. Shareholders will be entitled to claim a credit against their own United States federal income tax liability for taxes paid by each Fund on such undistributed capital gains, if any.

If a Fund invests in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and receives qualified REIT dividends, the Fund may pay Code Section 199A dividends limited to the excess of the Fund’s qualified REIT dividends for the taxable year over allocable expenses. Under final Treasury Regulations, non-corporate shareholders who meet holding period and certain other requirements are eligible for a 20% deduction against such Code Section 199A dividends. The final Treasury Regulations do not extend similar treatment to qualified publicly traded partnership income as defined under Section 199A of the Code, earned by a RIC. Therefore, non-corporate shareholders may not include any qualified publicly traded partnership income earned through a Fund in their qualified business income deduction. This could cause a non-corporate shareholder to be subject to a higher effective tax rate on distributions received from a Fund compared to the effective tax rate applicable to qualified publicly traded partnership (including an MLP) income the shareholder would have derived if investing directly in the qualified publicly traded partnership (including an MLP).

Dividends and capital gain distributions will be taxable to shareholders as described above whether received in cash or in shares under a Fund’s distribution reinvestment plan. With respect to distributions received in cash or reinvested in shares purchased on the open market, the amount of the distribution for tax purposes will be the amount of cash distributed or allocated to the shareholder.

Shareholders should be aware that the price of shares of a Fund that are purchased prior to a dividend or distribution by the Fund may reflect the amount of the forthcoming dividend or distribution. Such dividend or distribution, when made, would be taxable to shareholders under the principles discussed above even though the dividend or distribution may reduce the NAV of shares below a shareholder’s cost and thus represent a return of a shareholder’s investment in an economic sense.

A high portfolio turnover rate may result in the realization of larger amounts of short-term gains, which are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

Each Fund intends to accrue dividend income for United States federal income tax purposes in accordance with the rules applicable to RICs. In some cases, these rules may have the effect of accelerating (in comparison to other recipients of the dividend) the time at which the dividend is taken into account by the Fund as taxable income.

Shareholders should consult their own tax professionals about their tax situations.

Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with rules set forth in the Code and the Regulations that may differ from United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Sale or Exchange of Fund Shares

Gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder upon the sale of his or her shares in a Fund or upon an exchange of his or her shares in a Fund for shares in another Virtus Mutual Fund. Provided that the shareholder is not a dealer in such shares, such gain or loss will generally be treated as capital gain or loss, measured by the difference between the adjusted basis of the shares and the amount realized from the sale. Under current law, capital gains (whether long-term or short-term) of individuals and corporations are fully includable in taxable income. Capital losses (whether long-term or short-term) may offset capital gains plus (for non-corporate taxpayers only) up to $3,000 per year of ordinary income. Net capital losses for non-corporate taxpayers in excess of $3,000 may be carried forward. Corporate taxpayers may carry back net capital losses for three years or carry forward net capital losses for five years, but generally may not deduct net capital losses in the year such losses arise.

Redemptions, including exchanges, of shares may give rise to recognized gains or losses. All or a portion of a loss realized upon the redemption, including exchanges, of shares may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after such redemption. Any loss realized upon a shareholder’s sale, redemption or other disposition of shares with a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss

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to the extent of any capital gain dividend distributed with respect to such shares. The “wash sale” restrictions also apply to an investor who holds a security both within a tax-deferred account and in a taxable account; sales and repurchases between two accounts will be considered as wash sales.

Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring shares of a Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or loss on the disposition of those shares. This rule applies where shares of a Fund are disposed of within 90 days after the date on which they were acquired and new shares of a RIC are acquired without a sales charge or at a reduced sales charge prior to January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year of the disposition. In that case, the gain or loss realized on the disposition will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of the shares disposed of all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in acquiring those shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable sales charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as a result of the shareholder having incurred a sales charge initially. The portion of the sales charge affected by this rule will be treated as a sales charge paid for the new shares.

Each shareholder’s Form 1099 will report the cost basis of any such shares that were redeemed, sold, or exchanged during the year, and the form will report whether the gain or loss is treated as short-term or long-term. This information will be reported to the IRS. Each shareholder should inform the Fund of such shareholder’s cost selection for tax reporting purposes at the time of the sale or exchange of Fund shares or provide in advance a standing cost basis method for the shareholder’s account. If a shareholder does not provide cost basis instructions, the Fund’s default method will be used.

Tax Information Notices

Written notices will be sent to shareholders (by United States mail and/or electronic delivery, as applicable) regarding the tax status of all distributions made (or deemed to have been made) during each taxable year, including the amount of qualified dividend income for individuals, the amount qualifying for the corporate dividends-received deduction (if applicable) and the amount of capital gain dividends, undistributed capital gains (if any), tax credits (if applicable), and cumulative return of capital (if any).

Important Notice Regarding Taxpayer IRS Certification and Backup Withholding

Pursuant to the Code and Regulations, the Funds may be required to withhold a percentage of all reportable payments, including any taxable dividends, capital gains distributions or share redemption proceeds, at the specified rate in effect when such payments are made, for an account which does not have a taxpayer identification number and certain required certifications. The Funds reserve the right to refuse to open an account for any person failing to provide a taxpayer identification number along with the required certifications. The Funds will furnish shareholders, within 31 days after the end of the calendar year, with the information that is required by the IRS for preparing income tax returns. The Funds will also provide this same information to the IRS in the manner required by the IRS. Depending on your state of residence, the information may also be filed with your state taxing authority.

Some shareholders may be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax on dividends and redemption payments from the Funds (“backup withholding”) at the specified rate in effect when such payments are made. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders specified in the Code generally are exempt from such backup withholding. Generally, shareholders subject to backup withholding will be (i) those for whom a certified taxpayer identification number is not on file with the Fund, (ii) those about whom notification has been received (either by the shareholder or the Fund) from the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding or (iii) those who, to the Fund’s knowledge, have furnished an incorrect taxpayer identification number. Generally, to avoid backup withholding, a shareholder must, at the time an account is opened, certify under penalties of perjury that the social security number or taxpayer identification number furnished is correct and that he or she is not subject to backup withholding. From time to time, the shareholder may also be requested to provide certification of the validity of their taxpayer identification number.

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations

Under Treasury Regulations, if a domestic shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund in excess of $2 million or more for a non-corporate domestic shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate domestic shareholder in any single taxable year, such shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Although direct investors of certain “portfolio securities” may be excepted from such a reporting requirement, under current Treasury and IRS guidance equity owners of a RIC, such as each Fund, are not excepted. The legal determination of whether a taxpayer’s treatment of a loss is proper is independent of whether such a loss is reportable under these regulations. Significant penalties may apply if the reporting requirements are not complied with. Shareholders should consult their own tax professionals regarding any tax shelter reporting obligations.

Foreign Shareholders

Dividends paid by any of the Funds from net investment income and net realized short-term capital gains to a shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign trust or estate, a foreign corporation or a foreign partnership (a “foreign shareholder”) will be subject to United States withholding tax at a rate of 30% unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under an applicable tax treaty. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax professionals concerning the applicability of the United States withholding tax and any foreign taxes.

128


Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), a 30% withholding tax may apply to certain U.S.-source dividends, interest, and other withholdable payments made to certain foreign financial institutions or other foreign entities, unless such financial institution or entity enters into an agreement to collect and report certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and owners to tax authorities, comply with due diligence procedures, and satisfy certain other requirements or are otherwise exempt from FATCA. The obligation to withhold under FATCA applies even if the payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under an applicable tax treaty or under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders. Under proposed Treasury Regulations on which taxpayers, including the Funds, may rely, the FATCA withholding obligation does not apply to a Fund’s distributions of net capital gain and to the gross proceeds from a sale or redemption of Fund shares. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax professionals concerning the applicability of FATCA.

Other Tax Consequences

In addition to the United States federal income tax consequences described above, there may be other foreign, United States federal, state or local tax considerations and estate tax considerations applicable to the circumstances of a particular investor. The foregoing discussion is based upon the Code, judicial decisions and administrative regulations, rulings and practices in effect as of December 2021, all of which are subject to change and which, if changed, may be applied retroactively to a Fund, its shareholders and/or its assets. No rulings have been sought from the IRS or any other tax authority with respect to any of the tax matters discussed above.

From time to time, proposals are introduced before the United States Congress that if enacted would affect the foregoing discussion with respect to taxes and could also affect the availability of certain investments to a Fund. The discussion above reflects changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

The information included in the Prospectus with respect to taxes, including this section entitled Dividends, Distributions and Taxes, is a general and abbreviated summary of applicable provisions of the Code and Regulations as interpreted by the courts and the IRS as of December 2021 and is not intended as tax advice to any person. The Code and Regulations, as well as the current interpretations thereof, may be changed at any time by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. In addition, recent changes to the Code have given rise to a number of new provisions, and further guidance is expected over the coming months and years. Accordingly, prospective purchasers are urged to consult their own tax professionals with specific reference to their own tax situations, including the potential application of United States federal, state, local and foreign tax laws.

Except as expressly set forth above, the foregoing discussion of United States federal income tax law relates solely to the application of that law to United States persons, i.e., United States citizens and residents and United States corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each shareholder who is not a United States person should consider the United States and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of a Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a United States withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts constituting ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income from United States sources under the Code. The foregoing discussion does not address the special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities, banks, tax-exempt entities, life insurance companies, persons holding an interest in a Fund as a hedge or as part of a straddle or conversion transaction, or holders whose functional currency is not the United States dollar.

Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans

Shares of the Funds are offered in connection with the following retirement plans: IRA, Rollover IRA, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), Profit-Sharing, Money Purchase Pension Plans and certain 403(b) Retirement Plans. Write or call the Distributor at 800.243.4361 for further information about the plans.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance information for the Funds (and any class of the Funds) may be included in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. Performance information in advertisements and sales literature may be expressed as a yield of a class of shares and as a total return of a class of shares.

The Funds may from time to time include in advertisements containing total return the ranking of those performance figures relative to such figures for groups of mutual funds having similar investment objectives as categorized by ranking services such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA Investment Technologies, Inc., Weisenberger Financial Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. Additionally, each Fund may compare its performance results to other investment or savings vehicles (such as certificates of deposit) and may refer to results published in various publications such as Changing Times, Forbes, Fortune, Money, Barrons, Business Week and Investor’s Business Daily, Stanger’s Mutual Fund Monitor, The Stanger Register, Stanger’s Investment Adviser, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Consumer Reports, Registered

Representative, Financial Planning, Financial Services Weekly, Financial World, U.S. News and World Report, Standard & Poor’s The Outlook and Personal Investor. The Funds may from time to time illustrate the benefits of tax deferral by comparing taxable investments to investments made through tax-deferred retirement plans. The total return may also be used to compare the performance of each Fund against certain widely

129


acknowledged outside standards or indices for stock and bond market performance, such as the S&P 500® Index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, Russell 2000® Index, Russell Midcap® Growth Index and MSCI EAFE® (Europe Australasia Far East) Index.

Advertisements, sales literature and other communications may contain information about the Funds’ and their subadvisers’ current investment strategies and management style. Current strategies and style may change to allow the Funds to respond quickly to changing market and economic conditions. From time to time the Funds may include specific portfolio holdings or industries in such communications. To illustrate components of overall performance, each Fund may separate its cumulative and average annual returns into income and capital gains components.

Performance information reflects only the performance of a hypothetical investment in each class during the particular time period on which the calculations are based. Performance information should be considered in light of a Fund’s investment objectives and policies, characteristics and quality of the portfolio, and the market condition during the given time period, and should not be considered as a representation of what may be achieved in the future.

Total Return

Standardized quotations of average annual total return for each class of shares will be expressed in terms of the average annual compounded rate of return for a hypothetical investment in such class of shares over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years or up to the life of the class of shares, calculated for each class separately pursuant to the following formula: P((1+T)(n)) = ERV (where P=a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual total return, n = the number of years, and ERV = the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All total return figures reflect the deduction of a proportional share of each class’s expenses (on an annual basis), deduction of the maximum initial sales load in the case of Class A Shares and the maximum CDSC applicable to a complete redemption of the investment in the case of Class C Shares, and assume that all dividends and distributions on each class of shares are reinvested when paid.

For average “after-tax” total return, the SEC rules mandate several assumptions, including that the calculations use the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of reinvestment, and that the calculations 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. These returns, for instance, assume that an investor has sufficient capital gains of the same character from other investments to offset any capital losses from the redemption. As a result, returns after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed returns after taxes on distributions (but before sale of Fund shares). These returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements.

The Funds may also compute cumulative total return for specified periods based on a hypothetical account with an assumed initial investment of $10,000. The cumulative total return is determined by dividing the NAV of this account at the end of the specified period by the value of the initial investment and is expressed as a percentage. Calculation of cumulative total return reflects payment of the Class A Share’s maximum sales charge of 5.50% for the Funds and assumes reinvestment of all income dividends and capital gain distributions during the period.

The Funds also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total return and cumulative total return performance data, for any class of shares of the Funds, both as a percentage and as a dollar amount based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment for various periods other than those noted above. Such data will be computed as described above, except that (1) the rates of return calculated will not be average annual rates, but rather, actual annual, annualized or cumulative rates of return and (2) the maximum applicable sales charge will not be included with respect to annual, annualized or cumulative rate of return calculations.

Yield

The 30-day yield quotation as to a class of shares may be computed by dividing the net investment income for the period as to shares of that class by the maximum offering price of each share of that class on the last day of the period, according to the following formula:

Where:

(a) = dividends and interest earned during the period.

(b) = net expenses accrued for the period.

(c) = the average daily number of shares of the class outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends.

(d) = the maximum offering price per share of the class on the last day of the period.

130


A standardized “tax-equivalent yield” may be quoted for the Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, which is computed by: (a) dividing the portion of the fund’s yield that is exempt from federal income tax by one minus a stated federal income rate; and (b) adding the figure resulting from (a) above to that portion, if any, of the yield that is not exempt from federal income tax.

***

The Focused Growth Fund, the Global Small-Cap Fund, the Health Sciences Fund, the Mid-Cap Growth Fund and the Technology Fund were formerly series of funds of Dresdner RCM Global Funds, Inc., and were reorganized into respective funds of the Trust on February 1, 2002. Performance information shown for periods prior to February 1, 2002 (including that presented in any advertisements for these funds) is based upon the historical performance of the predecessor funds of these PIMCO RCM Funds, adjusted as set forth herein.

The Nicholas-Applegate Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, formerly a series of Nicholas-Applegate Institutional Funds, reorganized into the AllianzGI Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, a newly formed series of the Trust, on August 18, 2006. Performance information shown for periods prior to August 18, 2006 (including that presented in any advertisements for the AllianzGI Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund) is based upon the historical performance of the AllianzGI Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund’s predecessor fund, the Nicholas-Applegate Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, adjusted as set forth herein.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The fiscal year of the Trust ends on June 30. The Trust will send financial statements to shareholders at least semiannually. An annual report containing financial statements audited by the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, will be sent to shareholders each year and is available without charge upon request.

The Funds’ audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, appearing in the Funds’ 2022 annual report to Shareholders, are incorporated herein by reference.

131


APPENDIX A DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

A-1 and P-1 Commercial Paper Ratings

The Trust will only invest in commercial paper which at the date of investment is rated A-1 by Standard & Poor’s Corporation or P-1 by Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (Moody’s), or, if not rated, is issued or guaranteed by companies which at the date of investment have an outstanding debt issue rated AA or higher by Standard & Poor’s or Aa or higher by Moody’s.

Commercial paper rated A-1 by Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”) has the following characteristics: Liquidity ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements. Long-term senior debt is rated “A” or better. The issuer has access to at least two additional channels of borrowing. Basic earnings and cash flow have an upward trend with allowance made for unusual circumstances. Typically, the issuer’s industry is well established and the issuer has a strong position within the industry. The reliability and quality of management are unquestioned.

The rating P-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody’s. Among the factors considered by Moody’s in assigning ratings are the following: (1) evaluation of the management of the issuer; (2) economic evaluation of the issuer’s industry or industries and an appraisal of speculative-type risks which may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation of the issuer’s products in relation to competition and customer acceptance; (4) liquidity; (5) amount and quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings over a period of ten years; (7) financial strength of a parent company and the relationship which exists with the issuer; and (8) recognition by the management of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of public interest questions and preparations to meet such obligations.

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

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-edge.” Interest payments are protected by a large or 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 comprise 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 fluctuations 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 are to 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 sometime 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 also provides credit ratings for preferred stocks. Preferred stock occupies a junior position to bonds within a particular capital structure.

aaa — An issue which is rated “aaa” is considered to be a top-quality preferred stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.

aa — An issue which is rated “aa” is considered a high-grade preferred stock. This rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance that earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.

a — An issue which is rated “a” is considered to be an upper-medium grade preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the “aaa” and “aa” classifications, earnings and asset protections are, nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.

baa — An issue which is rated “baa” is considered to be a medium grade preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any great length of time.

Moody’s ratings for municipal notes and other short-term loans are designated Moody’s Investment Grade (MIG). This distinction is in recognition of the differences between short-term and long-term credit risk. Loans bearing the designation MIG 1 are of the best quality, enjoying strong protection by establishing cash flows of funds for their servicing or by established and broad-based access to the market for refinancing, or both. Loans bearing the designation MIG 2 are of high quality, with margins of protection ample although not so large as in the preceding group. A short term issue having a demand feature (i.e., payment relying on external liquidity and usually payable on demand rather than fixed maturity dates) is differentiated by Moody’s with the use of the Symbol VMIG, instead of MIG.

The Moody’s Prime-2 rating and above indicates a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.

A-1


Standard and Poor’s Corporation Corporate Bond Ratings

AAA Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s Corporation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

AA Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differ from AAA issues only in small degree.

A Bonds rated A have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.

BBB — Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit 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 bonds in this category than in higher rated categories.

S&P’s top ratings for municipal notes issued after July 29, 1984 are SP-1 and SP-2. The designation SP-1 indicates a very strong capacity to pay principal and interest. A “+” is added for those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics. An “SP-2” designation indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.

Commercial paper rated A-2 or better by S&P is described as having a very strong degree of safety regarding timeliness and capacity to repay. Additionally, as a precondition for receiving an S&P commercial paper rating, a bank credit line and/or liquid assets must be present to cover the amount of commercial paper outstanding at all times.

Fitch

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

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

AAA: Highest credit quality.

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

AA: Very High credit quality.

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

A: High credit quality.

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

BBB: Good credit quality.

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

A-2


     

  APPENDIX B — CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to each person who owns of record or is known by the Trust to own of record or beneficially own 5% or more of any class of any Fund’s outstanding securities as of October 5, 2022, (Principal Shareholders) and the name of each person who has beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund, as of October 5, 2022, (Control Person), as noted below.
*These entities are omnibus accounts for many individual shareholder accounts. The Funds are not aware of the size or identity of the underlying individual accounts.

CONTROL PERSON
NAME AND ADDRESS

FUND

PERCENTAGE (%) OF FUND OUTSTANDING

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC *
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES

26.34%

 

 

 

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC *
FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT
499 WASHINGTON BLVD FL 4
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-2010

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP

41.95%

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
NAME AND ADDRESS

FUND

PERCENTAGE (%) OF CLASS OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC *
FBO #XXXXXXXX
707 2ND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-P

25.18%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-A

6.22%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-C

6.5%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-P

17.63%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-C

10.33%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-C

19.12%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-P

77.5%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-P

14.53%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-C

5.29%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-P

10.97%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-P

5.72%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-C

8.03%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-P

23.3%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-P

9.07%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-C

14.03%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-P

36.35%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-P

7.02%

 

 

 

AMERICAN UNITED LIFE INSURANCE CO *

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

5.64%


B-1


     


SEPARATE ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION
PO BOX 368
INDIANAPOLIS IN 46206-0368

   

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

6.95%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-R6

15.35%

 

 

 

ASCENSUS TRUST COMPANY
ORBIS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT (U S) XXXXXXX
P.O. BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-R6

7.17%

 

 

 

AST EQUITY PLAN SOLUTIONS P/ADM
ALLIANZGI FUND BOARD MEMBERS DEF COMP PLAN ATTN MOURAD MEKRAMI
55 CHALLENGER RD STE 201
RIDGEFIELD PARK NJ 07660-2107

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-R6

15.49%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-R6

9.16%

     

BNY MELLON CUSTODIAN FOR SOUTH DAKOTA

COLLEGE ACCESS 529 PLAN

DIVERSIFIED EQUITY 529

4400 COMPUTER DR

WESTBOROUGH MA 01581-1755

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-R6

12.86%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-R6

8.45%

     

BNY MELLON CUSTODIAN FOR SOUTH DAKOTA

COLLEGE ACCESS 529 PLAN

VIRTUS ALLIANZGI FOCUSED GROWTH 529

4400 COMPUTER DR

WESTBOROUGH MA 01581-1755

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-R6

15.09%

     

BNY MELLON CUSTODIAN FOR SOUTH DAKOTA

COLLEGE ACCESS 529 PLAN AGE-BASED 1 (AGES 0-8)

4400 COMPUTER DR

WESTBOROUGH MA 01581-1755

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-R6

5.88%

     

BNY MELLON CUSTODIAN FOR SOUTH DAKOTA

COLLEGE ACCESS 529 PLAN

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE 529

4400 COMPUTER DR

WESTBOROUGH MA 01581-1755

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-R6

27.77%

     

BNY MELLON CUSTODIAN FOR SOUTH DAKOTA

COLLEGE ACCESS 529 PLAN

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE 529

4400 COMPUTER DR

WESTBOROUGH MA 01581-1755

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-R6

26.79%

 

 

 

BNYM I S TRUST CO
CUST IRA FBO HARRY S BAUCOM
PORT ST LUCIE FL 34983-1939

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

9.31%

 

 

 


B-2


     

C/O FASCORE LLC *

CHAIR OF BRD OF TTEES OF TN CONSLDTD RET

SYS & COMM OF FINA FBO STATE OF TENNESSEE 401K 8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2

GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-INSTL

53.7%

     

C/O FASCORE LLC *

CHAIR OF BRD OF TTEES OF TN CONSOLIDATED RET PLAN SYS & COMM OFFINA FBO STATE OF TN 457

8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2

GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-INSTL

10.16%

     

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC *

SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO CUSTOMERS

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS

101 MONTGOMERY ST

SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-R6

9.23%

 

 

 

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC *

SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO CUSTOMERS

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS

211 MAIN ST

SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-A

15.69%

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-R6

62.53%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-C

6.16%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-INSTL

11.19%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-A

18.23%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-INSTL

55.82%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-A

30.88%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-C

12.42%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-INSTL

29.41%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-INSTL

18.27%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-INSTL

11.02%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-R6

5.59%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-A

6.79%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-INSTL

8.1%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-INSTL

14.46%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-R6

37.37%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-INSTL

16.44%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-R6

46.9%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-C

11.88%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-INSTL

60.56%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-INSTL

34.44%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-R6

7.1%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-A

12.39%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-INSTL

26.62%

 

 

 

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO *
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-ADMIN

9.1%


B-3


     

ATTN: CAROL WU/MUTUAL FUND OPS
211 MAIN ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905

   

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-ADMIN

16.35%

 

 

 

DCGT *
AS TTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO
PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS OMNIBUS

ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH ST
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-R6

17.04%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

15.74%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-R6

18.75%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-INSTL

5.77%

 

 

 

EMPOWER TRUST *

FBO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CLIENTS 401K

8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2

GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-ADMIN

6.83%

     

EMPOWER TRUST *

FBO EMPOWER BENEFIT PLANS

8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2

GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-R6

11.26%

     

EMPOWER TRUST *

FBO VARIOUS SUNTRUST OMNIBUS ACCOUNTS

8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2

GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-R6

17.29

 

 

 

FIIOC
FBO ECCO III ENTERPRISES INC PROFIT SHARING PLAN-0XXXX
ATTN JAKE BEIL
100 MAGELLAN WAY # KW1C
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-ADMIN

5.79%

 

 

 

FIIOC

FBO TRAVEL INCORPORATED 2XXXX

100 MAGELLAN WAY #KW1C

COVINGTON KY 41015-1987

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-ADMIN

46.38%

 

 

 

HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE CO *
401K SEPARATE ACCOUNT
ATTN: UIT OPERATIONS

PO BOX 2999

HARTFORD CT 06104-2999

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-A

5.32%

 

 

 

HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE CO *
401K SEPARATE ACCOUNT
PO BOX 2999
HARTFORD CT 06104-2999

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-A

12.67%


B-4


     

 

 

 

ING LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY CO *
FUND OPERATIONS
1 ORANGE WAY # B3N
WINDSOR CT 06095-4773

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-R6

9.04%

 

 

 

JOHN HANCOCK TRUST COMPANY LLC
690 CANTON ST SUITE 100
WESTWOOD, MA 02090

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

9.31%

 

 

 

KEVIN GARD TTEE

CEMENT MASON & PLASTERERS LOCAL 518

PSP & 401(K) PLAN

301 S MAIN ST

INDEPENDENCE MO 64050-3810

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-P

9.08%

     

LINCOLN RETIREMENT SERVICES CO

FBO HOLY REDEEMER HEALTH SYSTEM

403PO BOX 7876

FORT WAYNE IN 46801-7876

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-R6

5.56%

 

 

 

LINCOLN RETIREMENT SERVICES CO
FBO UNIV OF TEXAS
PO BOX 7876
FORT WAYNE IN 46801-7876

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-ADMIN

18.74%

     

LINCOLN RETIREMENT SERVICES CO
FBO UTSAVER TAX SHELTER
PO BOX 7876
FORT WAYNE IN 46801-7876

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-ADMIN

7.78%

     

LOUDOUN COUNTY *

C/O ICMA RETIREMENT CORPORATION

777 NORTH CAPITOL STREET NE

WASHINGTON DC 20002

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-ADMIN

22.01%

 

 

 

LPL FINANCIAL *
A/C 1000-XXXX
4707 EXECUTIVE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-P

6.51%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-C

6.13%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-P

12.22%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-C

10.17%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-P

31.95%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-C

10.15%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-P

11.77%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-C

10.97%


B-5


     
 

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-P

11.39%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

6.05%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-P

13.69%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-P

12.82%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-C

5.77%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-P

8.59%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-P

15.5%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-P

17.5%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-C

10.57%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-P

23.99%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-C

7.15%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-P

49.1%

 

 

 

MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY *
1295 STATE STREET MIP M200-INVST
SPRINGFIELD MA 01111-0001

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-A

5.56%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-ADMIN

35.47%

     

MATRIX TR CO *

CUST FBO PHX-ONEAMERICA (WI OFFICE)

PO BOX 52129

PHOENIX AZ 85072-2129

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-INSTL

8.45%

 

 

 

MATRIX TR CO CUST
CUST FBO U.A. LOCALS NO. 375 AND 367 SUPPLEM
PO BOX 52129
PHOENIX AZ 85072-2129

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-INSTL

6.87%

 

 

 

MATRIX TRUST COMPANY *
TRUSTEE FBO VOYA IM NOTIONAL INVESTMENT COMP 717 17TH STREET SUITE 1300 DENVER CO 80202

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-R6

13.42%

 

 

 

MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH *
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE
EAST JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-INSTL

7.55%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-INSTL

11.28%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-P

23.54%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-P

6.27%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-P

23.01%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-P

36.03%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-P

6.67%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-P

24.53%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-P

24.82%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-P

22.81%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-P

6.04%


B-6


     
 

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-P

12.27%

 

 

 

MID ATLANTIC TRUST COMPANY
FBO JOHNSON FINANCIAL GROUP MASTER ACCOXXXX WATERFRONT PLACE, SUITE 525
PITTSBURGH, PA 15222

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-R6

14.11%

 

 

 

MLPF&S
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS ATTN FUND ADMN/#97M
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-A

6.2%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-A

9.34%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-A

5.04%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-A

8.31%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-A

10.47%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-A

7.06%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-A

7.46%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-A

10.73%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-A

6.31%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-A

5.19%

 

 

 

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC *
FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITSL 3CUSTOMERS 1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12
NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-A

6.52%

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-C

5.32%

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-P

18.43%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-A

9.25%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-C

12.27%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-P

27.05%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-P

22.69%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-A

12.07%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-C

14.13%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-P

36.77%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-A

6.36%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-C

10.49%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-P

9.76%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-A

6.64%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-P

21.34%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-A

7.22%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-C

30.05%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-P

25.56%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-C

6.01%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-P

10.83%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-A

7.98%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-P

19.28%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-A

7.01%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-C

9.04%


B-7


     
 

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-P

29.79%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-A

7.37%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-C

7.58%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-P

14.62%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-A

5.55%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-P

9.45%

 

 

 

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC *
FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT
499 WASHINGTON BLVD FL 4
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-2010

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-A

14.94%

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-I

75.37%

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-P

5.3%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-A

13.07%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-C

7.3%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-INSTL

19.07%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-A

20.13%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-INSTL

17.56%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-A

17.63%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-INSTL

14.44%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-A

9.66%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-ADMIN

37.07%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-INSTL

21.17%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-R6

32.47%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-A

11.42%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-ADMIN

50.35%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-C

7.68%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-INSTL

8.6%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-A

10.92%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

17.89%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-INSTL

6.03%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-A

11.8%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

49%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-INSTL

16.55%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-R6

15.02%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-A

7.18%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

64.47%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-C

17.65%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-INSTL

34.51%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-R6

14.96%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-A

7.36%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-ADMIN

25.17%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-C

9.41%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-INSTL

8.07%


B-8


     
 

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-A

10.27%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-ADM

50.87%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-C

5.48%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-A

9.47%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-C

21.31%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-INSTL

19.42%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-R6

29.88%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-A

11.56%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-ADMIN

49.09%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-INSTL

30.48%

 

 

 

PERSHING LLC *
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-A

5.89%

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-C

6.72%

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-I

7.54%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-A

11.25%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-C

10.47%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-INSTL

14.1%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-INSTL

11.51%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-P

7.02%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-C

8.59%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-INSTL

9.15%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-A

6.97%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-C

6.31%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-INSTL

10.33%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-A

8.66%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-C

9.17%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-INSTL

6.16%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-A

10.6%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

45.71%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-C

15.68%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-INSTL

7.31%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-A

6.91%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-INSTL

5.44%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-C

16.08%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-INSTL

12.41%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-P

5.81%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-C

10.44%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-INSTL

5.41%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-A

5.2%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-INSTL

7.39%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-A

5.38%


B-9


     
 

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-INSTL

13.52%

 

 

 

RAYMOND JAMES *
OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
HOUSE ACCT FIRM XXXXXX15
ATTN COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-C

5.57%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-INSTL

15.6%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-C

21.69%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-P

5.8%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-C

11.22%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-INSTL

6.15%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-A

5.09%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-C

8.64%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-INSTL

7.52%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-C

5.25%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-INSTL

7.06%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-C

8.71%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-INSTL

8.72%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-A

6.41%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-INSTL

12.3%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-A

5.59%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-C

45.57%

 

 

 

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC *
MUTUAL FUND OMNIBUS PROCESSING

ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPS MANAGER
60 S 6TH ST
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-4400

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-A

17.41%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-C

5.2%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-INSTL

6.51%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-C

9.63%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-INSTL

15.05%

 

 

 

RELIANCE TR CO FBO
COMERICA EB R/R
PO BOX 78446
ATLANTA GA 30357-2446

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-R6

28.49%

 

 

 

RELIANCE TR CO *
FBO MASSMUTUAL REGISTERED PRODUCT
PO BOX 28004
ATLANTA GA 30358-0004

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-R6

8.24%

 

 

 

RELIANCE TRUST CO *
TTEE ADP ACCESS LARGE MARKET 401K
201 17TH ST NW STE 1000
ATLANTA GA 30363-1195

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-R6

6.62%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-P

13.92%

 

 

 

STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST *
AS TTEE AND/OR CUST FBO ADP ACCESS PRODUCT

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-R6

5.92%


B-10


     

1 LINCOLN ST
BOSTON MA 02111-2901

   

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-ADMIN

45.26%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-P

8.82%

 

 

 

STATE STREET BANK *

TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO ADP ACCESS

1 LINCOLN ST

BOSTON MA 02111-2901

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-A

9.96%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-A

28.8%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-A

6.36%

 

 

 

TALCOTT RESOLUTION LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

PO BOX 5051
HARTFORD CT 06102-5051

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-R6

10.19%

 

 

 

TD AMERITRADE INC *
FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-A

5.14%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-A

6.15%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-ADMIN

21.04%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-ADMIN

10.47%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-ADMIN

16.87%

 

 

 

THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY
AS CUSTODIAN FBO THE CONFEDERATED
TRIBES OF THE GRAND RONDE
50 S LA SALLE ST
CHICAGO IL 60603-1003

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-INSTL

47.05%

 

 

 

UBS WM USA *
XXX XXXXX 6100
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
SPEC CDY A/C EXL BEN CUSTOMERS OF UBSFSI
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-P

38.95%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-P

12.82%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-P

17.26%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-C

25.01%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-P

18.51%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-A

6.8%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-

14.92%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-P

31.74%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-A

5.08%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-C

16.62%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-P

33.98%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-P

17.03%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-P

18.94%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-C

5.25%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-P

11.58%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-P

13.89%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-P

15.82%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-P

6.84%


B-11


     

 

 

 

UMB BANK NA *
FBO FIDUCIARY FOR TAX DEFERRED ACCTS
ONE SECURITY BENEFIT PLACE
TOPEKA KS 66636-1000

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-A

7.43%

 

 

 

VANGUARD MARKETING CORPORATION *
100 VANGUARD BLVD
MALVERN PA 19355-2331

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-INSTL

5.98%

     

VANTAGE POINT TRADITIONAL IRA *

C/O MISSIONSQUARE RETIREMENT

777 NORTH CAPITOL STREET NE

WASHINGTON DC 20002

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-INSTL

10.58%

     

VIRTUS PARTNERS INC

ONE FINANCIAL PLAZA 26TH FL

HARTFORD CT 06103

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-P

6.26%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-R6

90.77%

 

 

 

VOYA RETIREMENT INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
ONE ORANGE WAY
WINDSOR CT 06095-4773

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-INSTL

6.72%

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC *
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPP-C

51.15%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-A

12.36%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-C

29.51%

VIRTUS INCOME & GROWTH-INSTL

24.88%

VIRTUS KAR GLOBAL SMALL-CAP-C

28.67%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-C

13.94%

VIRTUS KAR HEALTH SCIENCES-INSTL

31.52%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-A

5.54%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-C

5.58%

VIRTUS NFJ DIVIDEND VALUE-INSTL

9.39%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-C

11.16%

VIRTUS NFJ INTERNATIONAL VALUE-INSTL

8.17%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-A

8.36%

VIRTUS NFJ LARGE-CAP VALUE-C

15.11%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-A

11.12%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-C

22.74%

VIRTUS NFJ MID-CAP VALUE-INSTL

14.13%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-A

5.08%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-C

17.17%

VIRTUS NFJ SMALL-CAP VALUE-INSTL

7.22%


B-12


     
 

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-A

19.6%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-C

24.8%

VIRTUS SILVANT FOCUSED GROWTH-INSTL

14.68%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-A

15.01%

VIRTUS SILVANT MID-CAP GROWTH-C

12.03%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-A

17.75%

VIRTUS SMALL-CAP-C

20.45%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-A

7.34%

VIRTUS ZEVENBERGEN TECHNOLOGY-C

7.84%


B-13