As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2018
Securities Act File No. 333-206401
Investment Company Act File No. 811-22043
United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
Registration Statement | ||||
under | ||||
☒ | the Securities Act of 1933 | |||
☐ | Pre-Effective Amendment No. | |||
☒ | Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 | |||
and/or | ||||
Registration Statement | ||||
under | ||||
☒ | the Investment Company Act of 1940 | |||
☒ | Amendment No. 8 |
INVESCO DYNAMIC CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
1555 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (404) 439-3217
Jeffrey H. Kupor, Esq.
11 Greenway Plaza,
Suite 1000,
Houston, TX 77046-1173
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Peter A. Davidson, Esquire Invesco Advisers, Inc. 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000 Houston, TX 77046-1173 |
Matthew R. DiClemente, Esquire. Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP 2005 Market Street, Suite 2600 Philadelphia, PA 19103-7018 |
Approximate date of proposed public offering: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If any securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box . . . . ☒
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
☐ | When declared effective pursuant to section 8(c). |
☐ | Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b). |
☒ | On June 28, 2018 pursuant to paragraph Rule 486(b) as permitted by no-action relief granted to Registrant on January 26, 2017. |
If appropriate, check the following box:
☐ | This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement]. |
☐ | This form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration. statement for the same offering is . |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Title of Securities Being Registered |
Amount Being Registered |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share(1) |
Aggregate Offering Price(2) |
Amount of Registration Fee(3) | ||||
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, no par value |
7,400,000 | $11.06 | $81,844,000 | $8,241.69 | ||||
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(1) | Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee. Calculated on the basis of the average high and low prices of Registrants common shares, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on June 21, 2016, in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
(2) | Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
(3) | Previously paid. |
BASE PROSPECTUS
INVESCO DYNAMIC CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND
7,400,000 Common Shares
The Fund. Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund (the Fund) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company.
Investment Objective. The Funds primary investment objective is to seek a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. The Fund cannot assure investors that it will achieve its investment objective and you could lose some or all of your investment.
Investment Strategy. Depending on current market conditions and the Funds outlook over time, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by opportunistically investing primarily in loan and debt instruments (and loan-related or debt-related instruments) (collectively, credit securities) of issuers which operate in a variety of industries and geographic regions located throughout the world.
Offerings. The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to 7,400,000 common shares of beneficial interest, no par value (Common Shares), in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a Prospectus Supplement). You should read this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement carefully before you decide to invest in the Common Shares.
The Fund may offer Common Shares:
(i) | in at-the-market transactions through one or more selling agents that the Fund may designate from time to time and/or through broker-dealers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with the Funds selling agent(s); in such transactions, Common Shares will be sold at market prices, which shall be determined with reference to trades on the NYSE, subject to a minimum price to be established each day by the Fund, which minimum price will not be less than the current net asset value per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of the commission to be paid; |
(ii) | otherwise through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time; |
(iii) | to or through underwriters or dealers; or |
(iv) | directly to one or more purchasers. |
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Common Shares will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents, underwriters or dealers or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See Plan of Distribution.
Investing in Common Shares involves certain risks. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. The Fund may invest without limitation in securities of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as junk bonds), which are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due. See Risks beginning on page 40 of this Prospectus. Certain of these risks are summarized in Prospectus SummarySpecial Risk Considerations beginning on page 7 of this Prospectus. You should carefully consider these risks together with all of the other information contained in this Prospectus before making a decision to purchase Common Shares.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
June 28, 2018
(continued from previous page)
Rationale. The Fund believes that changing investment environments over time offer both attractive investment opportunities in the credit securities market, as well as varying degrees of investment risk. To both capitalize on attractive investments and effectively manage potential risk, the Fund believes that the combination of thorough and continuous credit analysis (i.e., an issuers ability to make loan or debt payments when due), diversification of holdings, active use of other risk management techniques and instruments and the ability to reallocate investments among different categories of investments at different points in the credit cycle (i.e., the cycle between positive economic environments and less positive economic environments for credit securities) is critical to achieving higher risk-adjusted returns relative to other high-yielding investments, including high current income and/or capital appreciation.
In positive economic environments characterized by, among other things, low default rates, the Fund expects to emphasize high current income by investing primarily in Senior Loans (as defined herein under the heading Investment Policies), and will generally invest to a lesser degree in second lien or other subordinated loans or debt. In less positive economic environments characterized by, among other things, high default rates, the Fund will continue to seek high current income and capital appreciation by exploiting market inefficiencies and will emphasize more balanced investments among Senior Loans and second lien or other subordinated loans or debt, including stressed and distressed credit securities. The Fund believes that reallocating investments in this way will opportunistically emphasize those investments and categories of investments best suited to the then current environment and outlook.
Portfolio Contents. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in any combination of the following credit securities: (i) senior secured floating rate and fixed rate loans (Senior Loans); (ii) second lien or other subordinated or unsecured floating rate and fixed rate loans or debt; and (iii) other debt obligations, including high-yield, high-risk obligations. The credit securities in which the Fund may invest may be of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as junk bonds). The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its assets in structured products, including structured notes, credit-linked notes, collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), collateralized bond obligations (CBOs) and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and other types of structured products (collectively, structured products). The Fund also may invest in swaps, including credit default, total return, index and interest rate swaps. To the extent that the Fund invests in structured products or swaps that adjust exposure to credit securities, such investments will be counted for purposes of the Funds 80% policy.
The Fund may invest in credit securities of any credit quality. The Fund may invest without limitation in securities of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as junk bonds), which are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due. Any of the Funds investments may be issued by non-stressed, stressed and distressed issuers (each as defined under Prospectus SummaryInvestment Objectives and Principal Investment StrategiesPortfolio Contents), including issuers in bankruptcy.
The Fund may invest in credit securities of any maturity or duration, and although the Fund will not be managed for maturity or duration, given the nature of the Funds portfolio, the Funds portfolio will likely have a low average duration (generally, four years or less). Duration is a measure of the price volatility of a security as a result of changes in market rates of interest, based on the weighted average timing of a securitys expected principal and interest payments.
In addition, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in equity securities obtained through debt restructurings or bankruptcy proceedings. The Fund may utilize derivative instruments that reference or otherwise provide exposure to credit securities.
From time to time, the Fund may also invest in short-term debt securities such as U.S. government securities, commercial paper and other money market instruments and cash equivalents. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
The Fund will invest in obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers and such obligations may be U.S. dollar denominated as well as non-U.S. dollar denominated. To address foreign currency risks, the Fund may enter into foreign currency swaps and other hedging transactions. Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects to invest a portion of its assets in issuers located anywhere in the world and, although under current market conditions the Fund does not intend to invest in obligations of issuers located in emerging market countries (as defined under Prospectus SummaryInvestment Objectives and Principal Investment StrategyPortfolio Contents), the Fund may do so if it determines that such investments are appropriate for the Fund.
The Adviser. Invesco Advisers, Inc. (Invesco or the Adviser) is the Funds investment adviser. The Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. The Adviser is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The Adviser, a successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976. Invesco has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund, pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisers may be appointed by Invesco from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund.
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Financial Leverage. The Funds policy on financial leverage allows the Fund to use financial leverage in the form of borrowings and/or preferred shares to the maximum extent allowable under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Currently, the Fund employs financial leverage by borrowing through a credit facility and through the issuance of preferred securities that are senior to the Common Shares. The Fund anticipates that the use of leverage will result in higher income to its common shareholders (Common Shareholders) over time. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Funds Managed Assets (as defined in this Prospectus under the heading Management of the Fund), which includes proceeds from leverage, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of interest between the Funds investment adviser and holders of Common Shares. See Use of Leverage.
Common Shares. The Funds currently outstanding Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) under the symbol VTA and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will also be listed on the NYSE. The net asset value per Common Share at the close of business on June 25, 2018 was $13.19, and the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE on such date was $11.65, representing a discount to net asset value of 11.68%. See Market and Net Asset Value Information.
This Prospectus sets forth the information about the Fund that you should know before investing. You should keep it for future reference. More information about the Fund, including a Statement of Additional Information dated June 28, 2018, and the Funds Annual and Semiannual Reports, has been filed with the SEC. This information is available upon written or oral request without charge from our web site at www.invesco.com/us. You may also get a copy of any of these materials, request other information about the Fund and make other inquiries by calling (800) 959-4246. The Funds Statement of Additional Information is incorporated herein by reference. A table of contents for the Statement of Additional Information is on page 66. The SEC maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains the Funds Statement of Additional Information, material incorporated by reference and other information about SEC registrants, including the Fund.
Common Shares are not deposits or obligations of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or depository institution. Common Shares are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Prospectus contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the federal securities laws, that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements describe the Funds plans, strategies, and goals and the Funds beliefs and assumptions concerning future economic and other conditions and the outlook for the Fund, based on currently available information. In this Prospectus, words such as anticipates, believes, expects, objectives, goals, future, intends, seeks, will, may, could, should, and similar expressions are used in an effort to identify forward-looking statements, although some forward-looking statements may be expressed differently. The Fund is not entitled to the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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38 | ||||
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Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Funds Governing Documents |
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Custodian, Administrator, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Transfer Agent |
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Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information |
66 |
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this Prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this Prospectus. The Funds business, financial condition and prospects may have changed since that date.
This is only a summary of information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Funds common shares (Common Shares). You should carefully read the more detailed information contained in this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplements, especially the information set forth under the headings Investment Objective and Policies and Risks. You may also wish to request a copy of the Funds Statement of Additional Information, dated June 28, 2018 (the SAI), which contains additional information about the Fund.
The Fund |
Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund (the Fund) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company that commenced operations on June 26, 2007. |
The Offering |
The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to 7,400,000 Common Shares, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The Fund will offer Common Shares at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a Prospectus Supplement). |
The Fund may offer Common Shares: |
(i) | in at-the-market transactions through one or more selling agents that the Fund may designate from time to time and/or through broker-dealers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with the Funds selling agent(s); in such transactions, Common Shares will be sold at market prices, which shall be determined with reference to trades on the NYSE, subject to a minimum price to be established each day by the Fund, which minimum price will not be less than the current net asset value per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of the commission to be paid; |
(ii) | otherwise through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time; |
(iii) | to or through underwriters or dealers; or |
(iv) | directly to one or more purchasers. |
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Common Shares will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents, underwriters or dealers or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See Plan of Distribution. |
Use Of Proceeds |
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated herein. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three to six months after the completion of any such offering or the receipt of such proceeds. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, including U.S. government securities, affiliated money market funds or high quality, short-term debt securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to issue Common Shares primarily for these purposes. |
Investment Objective |
The Funds primary investment objective is to seek a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. The Fund cannot assure investors that it will achieve its investment objective. |
Principal Investment Strategy |
Depending on current market conditions and the Funds outlook over time, the |
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Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by opportunistically investing primarily in credit securities of issuers which operate in a variety of industries and geographic regions located throughout the world. |
Rationale |
The Fund believes that changing investment environments over time offer both attractive investment opportunities in the credit securities market, as well as varying degrees of investment risk. To both capitalize on attractive investments and effectively manage potential risk, the Fund believes that the combination of thorough and continuous credit analysis, diversification of holdings, active use of other risk management techniques and instruments and the ability to reallocate investments among different categories of investments at different points in the credit cycle is critical to achieving higher risk-adjusted returns relative to other high-yielding investments, including high current income and/or capital appreciation. In positive economic environments characterized by, among other things, low default rates, the Fund expects to emphasize high current income by investing primarily in Senior Loans (as defined herein under the heading Investment Policies), and will generally invest to a lesser degree in second lien or other subordinated loans or debt. In less positive economic environments characterized by, among other things, high default rates, the Fund will continue to seek high current income and capital appreciation by exploiting market inefficiencies and will emphasize more balanced investments among Senior Loans and second lien or other subordinated loans or debt, including stressed and distressed credit securities. The Fund believes that reallocating investments in this way will opportunistically emphasize those investments and categories of investments best suited to the current environment and outlook. |
Investment Policies |
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in any combination of the following credit securities: (i) senior secured floating rate and fixed rate loans (Senior Loans); (ii) second lien or other subordinated or unsecured floating rate and fixed rate loans or debt; and (iii) other debt obligations, including high-yield, high-risk obligations. The credit securities in which the Fund may invest may be of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as junk bonds). The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its assets in structured products, including structured notes, credit-linked notes, collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), collateralized bond obligations (CBOs) and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and other types of structured products (collectively, structured products). The Fund also may invest in swaps, including credit default, total return, index and interest rate swaps. To the extent that the Fund invests in structured products or swaps that adjust exposure to credit securities, such investments will be counted for purposes of the Funds 80% policy. |
The Fund may invest without limitation in securities of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as junk bonds), which are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due. |
In addition, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in equity securities obtained through debt restructurings or bankruptcy proceedings. The Fund may utilize derivative instruments that reference or otherwise provide exposure to credit securities. From time to time, the Fund may also invest in short-term debt securities such as U.S. government securities, commercial paper and other money market instruments and cash equivalents. The Fund may invest without limitation in obligations for which there is no readily available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid. |
The Fund will invest in obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers and such obligations may be U.S. dollar denominated as well as non-U.S. dollar denominated. To address foreign currency risks, the Fund may enter into foreign currency swaps and other hedging transactions. Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects to invest a portion of its assets in issuers located anywhere in the |
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world and, although under current market conditions the Fund does not intend to invest in obligations of issuers located in emerging market countries, the Fund may do so if it determines that such investments are appropriate for the Fund. The Fund considers emerging market countries to be those countries that the international financial community, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (more commonly known as The World Bank) and the International Finance Corporation, considers to be emerging or developing countries on the basis of such factors as trade initiatives, per capita income and level of industrialization. |
The Fund may invest in credit securities of any maturity or duration, and although the Fund will not be managed for maturity or duration, given the nature of the Funds portfolio, the Funds portfolio will likely have a low average duration (generally, four years or less). Duration is a measure of the price volatility of a security as a result of changes in market rates of interest, based on the weighted average timing of a securitys expected principal and interest payments. |
See The Funds Investments for additional information regarding the Funds investment policies and restrictions. |
Investment Philosophy |
The Adviser employs a valuation driven investment approach grounded in a bottom-up investment selection process and a top-down portfolio construction process to derive a portfolio based upon fundamental analysis with an emphasis on liquidity, diversification and relative value (i.e., risk, liquidity and potential return of one investment relative to another). The Adviser will analyze the yield, price, duration, credit spread, prepayment risk and the risk of credit deterioration or default of its current and potential investments on a continuous basis to determine what it believes are the appropriate investments for the Fund. The Advisers philosophy is based on fundamental credit, collateral and structural analysis of the underlying investments; a strong belief in portfolio diversifications including issuer, industry, sponsor, underwriter and agent; and utilization of the secondary market for loans to manage risk (i.e., diversifying interest rate and credit risk among investors). Fundamental analysis involves evaluation of the macro-economy, industry, trends, management quality, collateral adequacy, and consistency of corporate cash flows. In constructing the portfolio, the Adviser focuses on liquidity, diversification, identification of relative value and continuous monitoring. |
The Adviser will assess the current and prospective credit environment around the world and will determine the proper portfolio allocations among the various credit instruments and among domestic and foreign markets, as well as continuously monitor potential risks. The Adviser has broad discretion to allocate the Funds assets among investment categories and to change allocations as conditions warrant. |
Leverage |
The Funds policy on financial leverage allows the Fund to use financial leverage in the form of borrowings and/or preferred shares to the maximum extent allowable under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Currently, the Fund may employs financial leverage by borrowing money through a Credit Facility (as defined herein) and through the issuance of preferred securities that are senior to the Common Shares. The Fund anticipates that the use of leverage will result in higher income to its common shareholders (Common Shareholders) over time. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Funds Managed Assets (as defined in this Prospectus under the heading Management of the Fund), which includes proceeds from leverage, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of interest between the Funds investment adviser and holders of Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares effectively bear the entire investment advisory fee. |
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The Fund has entered into a $400 million credit agreement, effective as of December 10, 2015 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the Credit Agreement), with State Street Bank and Trust Company and other lending institutions party thereto and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as agent. State Street Bank and Trust Company has the authority to lend a maximum of $265,833,330 to the Fund, and other lending institutions party thereto may lend up to $134,166,670 to the Fund. As of June 19, 2018, the Fund had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $370 million, representing approximately 11.90% of the Funds total assets as of such date. The Credit Agreement is secured by assets of the Fund. |
In August 2013, the Fund issued in the aggregate 1,250 Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares (VRTP), each with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, pursuant to an offering exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. VRTP Shares are a floating-rate form of preferred shares with a mandatory redemption date. On May 1, 2017, the Fund began a periodic optional redemption of VRTP Shares and fully redeemed the VRTP Shares on June 19, 2018. On June 14, 2018, the Fund issued in the aggregate 1,250 Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (VRDP), with an aggregate liquidation value of $125,000,000, pursuant to an offering exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. A portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the VRDP Shares were used to fully redeem the VRTP Shares. VRDP Shares are a form of preferred shares issued via private placement and not publicly available. VRDP Shares include a liquidity feature that allows VRDP shareholders to have their shares purchased by a liquidity provider with whom the Fund has contracted in the event that VRDP Shares are not able to be successfully remarketed. The Fund is required to redeem any VRDP Shares that are still owned by the liquidity provider after 180 days of continuous, unsuccessful remarketing. The Fund pays an annual remarketing fee of 0.10% on the aggregate principal amount of all VRDP Shares outstanding. |
Dividends on the VRDP Shares are set at a rate established by a remarketing agent; therefore, the market value of the VRDP Shares is expected to approximate its liquidation preference. In the event that VRDP shares are unable to be successfully remarketed, the dividend rate will be the maximum rate which is designed to escalate according to a specified schedule in order to enhance the remarketing agents ability to successfully remarket the VRDP Shares. |
Subject to certain conditions, VRDP Shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of the Fund. The Fund may also redeem certain of the VRDP Shares if the Fund fails to maintain certain asset coverage requirements and such failures are not cured by the applicable cure date. The redemption price per share is equal to the sum of the liquidation preference per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. |
The Funds total leverage as of June 19, 2018 represented approximately 15.92% of the Funds total assets as of such date. See Use of Leverage. |
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Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Funds use of derivative instruments exposes the Fund to special risks. |
Management Of The Fund |
Invesco Advisers, Inc. (Invesco or the Adviser) is the Funds investment adviser. The Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. The Adviser is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The Adviser, a successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976. |
Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund (the Advisory Agreement), the Fund pays the Adviser an annual fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 1.25% of the Funds average daily managed assets, which shall mean the average daily total asset value of the Fund minus the sum of accrued liabilities other than the aggregate liquidation preference of any preferred shares and/or the aggregate amount of any borrowings for investment purposes (Managed Assets). |
Invesco has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund, pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisers may be appointed by Invesco from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund. These affiliated sub-advisers, each of which is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) are: |
| Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH (Invesco Deutschland) |
| Invesco Asset Management Limited (Invesco Asset Management) |
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| Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited (Invesco Japan) |
| Invesco Hong Kong Limited (Invesco Hong Kong) |
| Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (Invesco Senior Secured) |
| Invesco Canada Ltd. (Invesco Canada); |
| (each a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers). |
Invesco and each Sub-Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. |
The only fees payable to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement are for providing discretionary investment management services. For such services, Invesco will pay each Sub-Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, equal to (i) 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund, multiplied by (ii) the fraction equal to the net assets of such Fund as to which such Sub-Adviser shall have provided discretionary investment management services for that month divided by the net assets of such Fund for that month. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, this fee is reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any, in effect from time to time. In no event shall the aggregate monthly fees paid to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement exceed 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, as reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fees waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any. |
Distributions |
The Fund intends to make regular monthly distributions of all or a portion of its net investment income to Common Shareholders. The Fund expects to pay its Common Shareholders annually all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income to avoid the imposition of income and excise taxes on certain undistributed amounts by a regulated investment company (RIC) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Various factors will affect the level of the Funds net investment company taxable income. The Fund may from time to time distribute less than the entire amount of income earned in a particular period. The undistributed income would be available to supplement future distributions. As a result, the distributions paid by the Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of income actually earned by the Fund during that period. Undistributed income will add to the Funds net asset value and, correspondingly, distributions from undistributed income, if any, will reduce the Funds net asset value. |
In addition, the Fund intends to distribute, on an annual basis, all or substantially all of any net capital gains to its Common Shareholders. The Fund may also declare and pay capital gains distributions more frequently, if necessary, in order to reduce or eliminate federal excise or income taxes on the Fund. |
The Fund reserves the right to change its distribution policy and the basis for establishing the rate of distributions at any time and may do so without prior notice to Common Shareholders. |
Shareholders will automatically have all dividends and distributions reinvested in Common Shares issued by the Fund or Common Shares of the Fund purchased in the open market in accordance with the Funds dividend reinvestment plan unless an election is made to receive cash. See Distributions and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. |
Listing And Symbol |
The Funds currently outstanding Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) under the symbol VTA and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will also be listed on the NYSE. The net asset value per Common Share at the close of business on June 25, 2018 was $13.19, and the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE on such date was $11.65, representing a discount to net asset value of 11.68%. See Market and Net Asset Value Information. |
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Special Risk Considerations |
Investment in the Fund involves special risk considerations, which are summarized below. The Fund is designed as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. The Funds performance and the value of its investments will vary in response to changes in interest rates, inflation and other market factors. See Risks for a more complete discussion of the special risk considerations associated with an investment in the Fund. |
Market Risk. Market risk is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline. The values of fixed income securities tend to fall as interest rates rise, and such declines tend to be greater among fixed income securities with longer maturities. Market risk is often greater among certain types of fixed income securities, such as zero coupon bonds which do not make regular interest payments but are instead bought at a discount to their face values and paid in full upon maturity. As interest rates change, these securities often fluctuate more in price than securities that make regular interest payments and therefore subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that does not own these types of securities. The values of adjustable, variable or floating rate income securities tend to have less fluctuation in response to changes in interest rates, but will have some fluctuation particularly when the next interest rate adjustment on such security is further away in time or adjustments are limited in amount over time. The Fund has no policy limiting the maturity of loans and debts that it purchases. Such obligations often have mandatory and optional prepayment provisions and because of prepayments, the actual remaining maturity of loans and debts may be considerably less than their stated maturity. Obligations with longer maturities or durations generally expose the Fund to more market risk. When-issued and delayed delivery transactions are subject to changes in market conditions from the time of the commitment until settlement. This may adversely affect the prices or yields of the securities being purchased. The greater the Funds outstanding commitments for these securities, the greater the Funds exposure to market price fluctuations. |
Credit Risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will be unable to make timely interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt. Because the Fund may invest, without limitation, in securities that are below investment grade, the Fund is subject to a greater degree of credit risk than a fund investing primarily in investment grade securities. Below investment grade securities (that is, securities rated Ba or lower by Moodys or BB or lower by S&P) are commonly referred to as junk securities. Generally, lower-grade securities provide a higher yield than higher-grade securities of similar maturity but are subject to greater risks, such as greater credit risk, greater market risk and volatility, greater liquidity concerns and potentially greater manager risk. Such securities are generally regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the capacity to pay interest or repay principal in accordance with their terms. Lower-grade securities are more susceptible to non-payment of interest and principal and default than higher-grade securities and are more sensitive to specific issuer developments or real or perceived general adverse economic changes than higher-grade securities. The market for lower-grade securities also may have less information available than the market for other securities, further complicating evaluations and valuations of such securities and placing more emphasis on the experience, judgment and analysis of each of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers with respect to the portion of the Funds portfolio that each manages. |
The Fund may invest in loan and debt obligations of stressed, distressed and bankrupt issuers including those that are in covenant or payment default. Such obligations are subject to a multitude of legal, industry, market, economic and governmental forces that make analysis of these companies inherently difficult. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers rely on company management, outside experts, market participants and personal experience to analyze potential investments for the portion of the Funds assets that they respectively manage. There can be no assurance that any of these sources will provide credible information, or that each |
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of the Advisers and each Sub-Advisers analysis will produce conclusions that lead to profitable investments for the portion of the Funds portfolio that each manages. Obligations of stressed, distressed and bankrupt issuers generally trade significantly below par and are considered speculative. The repayment of defaulted obligations is subject to significant uncertainties. Defaulted obligations might be repaid only after lengthy workout or bankruptcy proceedings or result in only partial recovery of cash payments or an exchange of the defaulted obligation for other debt or equity securities of the issuer or its affiliates, which may in turn be illiquid or speculative. |
There are a number of significant risks inherent in the bankruptcy process. Many events in a bankruptcy are the product of contested matters and adversary proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. There can be no assurance that a bankruptcy court would not approve actions that would be contrary to the interests of the Fund. A bankruptcy filing by an issuer may cause such issuer to lose its market position and key employees and otherwise become incapable of restoring itself as a viable entity and its liquidation value may be less than its value was believed to be at the time of investment. In addition, the duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is difficult to predict and as such, a creditors return on investment can be adversely affected by delays while the plan of reorganization is being negotiated, approved by the creditors and confirmed by the bankruptcy court and until it ultimately becomes effective. The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and would be paid out of the debtors estate prior to any return to creditors. Further, in the early stages of the bankruptcy process it is often difficult to estimate the extent of any contingent claims that might be made and as such, there exists the risk that the Funds influence with respect to the class of obligations it owns can be lost by increases in the number and amount of claims in that class or by different classification and treatment. A creditor, such as the Fund, can also lose its ranking and priority if it is determined that such creditor exercised domination and control over a debtor and other creditors can demonstrate that they have been harmed by such actions. In addition, certain claims have priority by law, such as claims for taxes, which may be substantial and could affect the ability of the Fund to be repaid. |
In any investment involving stressed and distressed debt obligations, there exists the risk that the transaction involving such debt obligations will be unsuccessful, take considerable time or will result in a distribution of cash or a new security or obligation in exchange for the stressed and distressed debt obligations, the value of which may be less than the Funds purchase price of such debt obligations. Furthermore, if an anticipated transaction does not occur, the Fund may be required to sell its investment at a loss. |
Interest Rate Risk. When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio invested in fixed income securities generally can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a portfolio invested in fixed income securities generally can be expected to decline. The prices of longer term fixed income securities generally are more volatile with respect to changes in interest rates than the prices of shorter term fixed income securities. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because certain interest rates are near historically low levels, which may increase the Funds exposure to risks associated with rising interest rates. Rising interest rates could have unpredictable effects on the markets and may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility. For fixed-income securities, an increase in interest rates may lead to increased redemptions and increased portfolio turnover, which could reduce liquidity for certain Fund investments, adversely affect values, and increase the Funds expenses. The interest rates of floating or variable rate instruments only reset periodically. Therefore, such rate adjustments frequently lag the market. Floating or variable rate instruments may also be subject to caps or floors that may prevent rates from adjusting in response to changes in prevailing interest rates. |
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Income Risk. The income you receive from the Fund is based primarily on interest rates, which can vary widely over the short- and long-term. If interest rates drop, your income from the Fund may drop as well. The more the Fund invests in adjustable, variable or floating rate securities or in securities susceptible to prepayment risk, the greater the Funds income risk. |
Prepayment or Call Risk. If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of fixed income securities with high interest rates will prepay or call their securities before their maturity dates. In this event, the proceeds from the prepaid or called securities would likely be reinvested by the Fund in securities bearing the new, lower interest rates, resulting in a possible decline in the Funds income and distributions to shareholders. |
Risk of Senior Loans. There is less readily available, reliable information about most Senior Loans than is the case for many other types of securities. Senior Loans generally are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and as such, many Senior Loans are less liquid, meaning that the Fund may not be able to sell them quickly at a fair price. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain Senior Loans, the market is more volatile than for liquid, listed securities and may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. The market for Senior Loans could be disrupted in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase or decrease in interest rates, resulting in fluctuations in the Funds net asset value. Although the Fund believes that its investments in adjustable rate Senior Loans could limit fluctuations in the Funds net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates, extraordinary and sudden changes in interest rates could nevertheless disrupt the market for such Senior Loans and result in fluctuations in the Funds net asset value. |
Senior Loans, like most other debt obligations, are subject to the risk of default. Default in the payment of interest or principal on a Senior Loan will result in a reduction in income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the Senior Loan and a potential decrease in the Funds net asset value. The risk of default will increase in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase in interest rates. Each of the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser relies primarily on its own evaluation of borrower credit quality rather than on any available independent sources. As a result, the Fund is particularly dependent on the analytical abilities of each of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers. |
The Fund may acquire Senior Loans of borrowers that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience financial difficulty, including Senior Loans issued in highly leveraged transactions. The Fund may even acquire and retain in its portfolio Senior Loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Borrowers may have outstanding debt obligations that are rated below investment grade. More recently, rating agencies have begun rating Senior Loans, and Senior Loans in the Funds portfolio may themselves be rated below investment grade. The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets in Senior Loans of borrowers that have outstanding debt obligations rated below investment grade or unrated securities deemed to be of comparable quality. Senior Loans may not be rated at the time that the Fund purchases them. If a Senior Loan is rated at the time of purchase, the Fund may consider the rating when evaluating the Senior Loan but, in any event, does not view ratings as a determinative factor in investment decisions. As a result, the Fund is more dependent on the credit analysis abilities of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers. Because of the protective terms of Senior Loans, the Fund believes that the Fund is more likely to recover more of its investment in a defaulted Senior Loan than would be the case for most other types of defaulted debt securities. The values of Senior Loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection or that are experiencing payment difficulty could be affected by, among other things, the assessment of the likelihood that the lenders ultimately will receive repayment of the principal amount of such Senior Loans, the likely duration, if any, of a lapse in the scheduled payment of interest and |
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repayment of principal and prevailing interest rates. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to recover any amount on Senior Loans of such Borrowers. Even in the case of collateralized Senior Loans, there is no assurance that sale of the collateral would raise enough cash to satisfy the borrowers payment obligation or that the collateral can or will be liquidated. In the case of bankruptcy, liquidation may not occur and the court may not give lenders the full benefit of their senior position. |
The Fund may acquire Senior Loan assignments or participations. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, its rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution, and, in any event, the Fund may not be able unilaterally to enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and any associated collateral. A participation typically results in a contractual relationship only with the institution participating out the interest, not with the borrower. In purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement or any rights of setoff against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation. |
Risk of Second Lien or Other Subordinated or Unsecured Loans or Debt. Second lien or other subordinated or unsecured loans or debt generally are subject to similar risks associated with investments in Senior Loans. Because second lien or other subordinated or unsecured loans or debt are lower in priority of payment to Senior Loans, they are subject to additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and property securing the loan or debt, if any, may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to the senior secured obligations of the borrower. This risk is generally higher for subordinated unsecured loans or debt, which are not backed by a security interest in any specific collateral. Second lien or subordinated loans or debt, both secured and unsecured, are expected to have greater price volatility than Senior Loans and may be less liquid. There is also a possibility that originators will not be able to sell participations in second lien loans and subordinated loans or debt, both secured and unsecured, which would create greater credit risk exposure. Second lien or other subordinated or unsecured loans or debt of below investment grade quality share the same risks of other below investment grade securities. |
Risks of Structured Products. The Fund may invest in structured products, CDOs, CBOs, CLOs, structured notes, credit-linked notes and other types of structured products. Holders of structured products bear risks of the underlying investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk. The Fund may have the right to receive payments to which it is entitled only from the structured product, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold assets to the special purpose trust. While certain structured products enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same securities, investors in structured products generally pay their share of the structured products administrative and other expenses. When investing in structured products, it is impossible to predict whether the underlying index or prices of the underlying securities will rise or fall, but prices of the underlying indices and securities (and, therefore, the prices of structured products) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect particular issuers of securities and capital markets generally. Certain structured products may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Funds illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities. |
CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are typically privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be |
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characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities; however an active dealer market may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO to be considered liquid in some circumstances. In addition to the general risks associated with fixed income securities discussed herein, CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the possibility that the CDOs are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. |
Investments in structured notes involve risks including income risk, credit risk and market risk. Where the Funds investments in structured notes are based upon the movement of one or more factors, including currency exchange rates, interest rates, referenced bonds and stock indices, depending on the factor used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations. Additionally, changes in the reference instrument or security may cause the interest rate on the structured note to be reduced to zero and any further changes in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Structured notes may be less liquid than other types of securities and more volatile than the reference instrument or security underlying the note. |
Risk of Swaps. The Fund may enter into swap transactions, including credit default, total return, index and interest rate swap agreements, as well as options thereon, and may purchase or sell interest rate caps, floors and collars. Such transactions are subject to market risk, risk of default by the other party to the transaction, risk of imperfect correlation and manager risk and may involve commissions or other costs. Swaps generally do not involve delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps generally is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make, or in the case of the other party to a swap defaulting, the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps. If the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers are incorrect in their forecast of market values, interest rates or currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Fund will be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used. |
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Financial Leverage Risk. There can be no assurance that a financial leveraging strategy will be utilized by the Fund or that, if utilized, it will be successful during any period in which it is employed. Leverage creates risks for holders of Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of, and distributions on, the Common Shares and the risk that fluctuations in distribution rates on any preferred shares and costs of borrowings may affect the return to holders of Common Shares. To the extent the income derived from investments purchased with proceeds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Funds distributions will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income from the investments purchased with such proceeds is not sufficient to cover the cost of the financial leverage, the amount available for distribution to holders of Common Shares will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the latter case, the Fund may nevertheless maintain its leveraged position if such action is deemed to be appropriate based on market conditions. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because interest rates are near historically low levels. Interest payments on the Funds outstanding borrowings and dividends on the Funds outstanding preferred shares are based on variable rate formulas and as a result the Funds leverage costs will increase in a rising interest rate environment. The costs of an offering of preferred shares and/or borrowing program will be borne by holders of Common Shares and consequently, will result in a reduction of the net asset value of Common Shares. At times, the distribution rate on the Funds preferred shares may exceed the Funds return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the preferred shares were not outstanding. Holders of preferred shares, voting as a class, shall be entitled to elect two of the Funds Trustees. Under the 1940 Act, if at any time distributions on the preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to two full years distributions thereon, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, voting as a class, will be allowed to elect a majority of the Funds Trustees until all distributions in arrears have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. |
The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Funds Managed Assets, which includes proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of interest between the Adviser and holders of Common Shares as providers of the credit facility or holders of preferred securities do not bear the investment advisory fee, rather, holders of Common Shares bear the portion of the investment advisory fee attributable to the assets purchased with the proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings. This means that holders of Common Shares effectively bear the entire investment advisory fee. |
Any lender in connection with a credit facility may impose specific restrictions as condition to borrowing. Similarly, to the extent the Fund issues preferred shares, the Fund currently intends to seek an AAA or equivalent credit rating from one or more rating agencies on any preferred shares it issues and the Fund may be subject to investment restrictions of the rating agency as a result. Such restrictions imposed by a rating agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers in managing their respective portions of the Funds portfolio in accordance with its investment objectives and policies. See Description of Capital StructurePreferred Shares and Description of Capital StructureBorrowings |
Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Funds use of derivative instruments exposes the Fund to special risks. |
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Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund will invest in credit securities of issuers that are organized or located in countries other than the United States, including non-U.S. dollar denominated securities. Investment in non-U.S. issuers involves special risks, including that non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less rigorous accounting and reporting requirements than U.S. issuers, less rigorous regulatory requirements, different legal systems and laws relating to creditors rights, the potential inability to enforce legal judgments, the potential for political, social and economic adversity and currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and non-U.S. currencies may negatively affect an investment. The value of investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies may fluctuate based on changes in the value of those currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, and a decline in applicable foreign exchange rates could reduce the value of such investments held by the Fund. |
The foreign securities in which the Fund may invest may be issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Compared to the United States and other developed countries, emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries and securities markets that trade a small number of securities. Securities issued by companies located in these countries tend to be especially volatile and may be less liquid than securities traded in developed countries. In the past, securities in these countries have been characterized by greater potential loss than securities of companies located in developed countries. Investments in the securities of issuers located in emerging markets could be affected by risks associated with expropriation and/or nationalization, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on transfers of assets, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, less publicly available financial and other information and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations. |
Since the Fund may invest in credit securities of foreign issuers denominated in the local currency, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of credit securities in the Funds portfolio and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments. In addition to changes in the value of the Funds portfolio investments resulting from currency fluctuations, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may also invest directly in currencies. The Fund is subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. The values of the currencies of the emerging market countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies of the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or due to other national or global political or economic developments. Foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer normally will offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire immediately to resell that currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward, futures or options contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. Therefore, the Funds exposure to foreign currencies may result in reduced returns to the Fund. The Fund may, from time to time, seek to protect the value of some portion or all of its portfolio holdings against currency risks by engaging in currency hedging transactions, such as currency futures contracts, currency forward contracts and options on currencies. Such transactions may include entering into forward currency exchange contracts, currency futures contracts and options on such futures contracts, as well as purchasing put or call options on currencies, in U.S. or foreign markets. Currency hedging involves special risks, including possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of hedging could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. In addition, in certain countries in which the Fund may invest, currency hedging |
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opportunities may not be available. The use of currency transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses because of the imposition of exchange controls, suspension of settlements or the inability of the Fund to deliver or receive a specified currency. |
The Fund will compute and expects to distribute its income in U.S. dollars, and the computation of income is made on the date that the income is earned by the Fund at the foreign exchange rate in effect on that date. If the value of the foreign currencies in which the Fund receives its income falls relative to the U.S. dollar between the date of earning of the income and the time at which the Fund converts the foreign currencies to U.S. dollars, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities in order to make distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet distribution requirements. The liquidation of investments, if required, may have an adverse impact on the Funds performance. |
Strategic Transactions Risk. The Fund may utilize options, forward contracts, futures contracts and options on futures contracts (collectively, referred to as Strategic Transactions). Strategic Transactions involve risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity of the derivative instrument and, to the extent the prediction as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. In addition, such transactions may involve commissions and other costs, which may increase the Funds expenses and reduce its return. Thus, the use of Strategic Transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can otherwise realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. In addition, amounts paid as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to Strategic Transactions are not otherwise available to the Fund for investment purposes. |
The use of forward contracts, options and futures transactions entails certain special risks. In particular, the use of such transactions by the Fund could create the possibility that losses on the instrument would be greater than gains in the value of the Funds position. In addition, futures and options markets could be illiquid in some circumstances, and certain over-the-counter options could have no markets. As a result, in certain markets, the Fund might not be able to close out a position without incurring substantial losses. In addition, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of options, in which case the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium and transaction costs. Losses resulting from the use of hedging will reduce the Funds net asset value, and possibly income, and the losses can be greater than if hedging had not been used. Forward contracts may limit gains on portfolio securities that could otherwise be realized had they not been utilized and could result in losses. The contracts also may increase the Funds volatility and may involve a significant amount of risk relative to the investment of cash. The use of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than at current market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to any Strategic Transactions engaged in by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. |
When conducted outside the United States, Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental |
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actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities, currencies and other instruments. 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 Funds ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States and (v) lower trading volume and liquidity. |
Manager Risk. As with any managed fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers may not be successful in selecting the best-performing securities or investment techniques in managing their respective portion of the Funds portfolio, and the Funds performance may lag behind that of similar funds. |
Risks of Investing in Other Investment Companies. The Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies, including foreign investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from the net asset value of the particular fund. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entitys expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own investment advisory fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders, in effect, will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other investment companies. |
Zero Coupon Securities Risk. Certain debt obligations purchased by the Fund may take the form of zero coupon bonds. A zero coupon bond is a bond that does not pay interest either for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. When held to its maturity, its return comes from the difference between the purchase price and its maturity value. A zero coupon bond is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. Zero coupon bonds allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments and, as a result, may involve greater credit risk than bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. The Adviser will weigh these concerns against the expected total returns from such instruments. Special tax considerations are associated with investing in non-cash-paying instruments. For example, the Fund would be required to distribute the income on these instruments as it accrues, even though the Fund may be required to accrue that income before a corresponding receipt of cash from such instruments. Thus, the Fund may have to sell other investments or borrow money, including when it may not be advisable to do so, to make income distributions to its stockholders. Such securities may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. Accruals on such instruments may create uncertainty about the source of distributions Common Shareholders. |
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. To the extent that inflation occurs, it will reduce the real value of dividends paid by the Fund and the Funds shares. Most emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high and volatile, rates of inflation. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. In an attempt to control inflation, wage and price controls have been imposed at times in certain countries. |
Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk. The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements. In its purchase of repurchase agreements, the Fund does not bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under its repurchase obligation. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the |
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Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses, including possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights. |
The Funds use of reverse repurchase agreements involve many of the same risks involved in the Funds use of financial leverage, as the proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements generally will be invested in additional securities. There is a risk that the market value of the securities acquired in the reverse repurchase agreement may decline below the price of the securities that the Fund has sold but remains obligated to repurchase. In addition, there is a risk that the market value of the securities retained by the Fund may decline. If the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement were to file for bankruptcy or experience insolvency, the Fund may be adversely affected. Also, in entering into reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund would bear the risk of loss to the extent that the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement are less than the value of the underlying securities. In addition, due to the interest costs associated with reverse repurchase agreements, the Funds net asset value will decline, and, in some cases, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if the Fund had not used such instruments. |
Illiquid Investments Risk. The Funds investments in relatively illiquid securities and loans may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for fair value, as well as its ability to fairly value such investments and take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute in situations in which the Funds operations require cash, such as when the Fund pays dividends or distributions, and could result in the Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring capital losses on the sale of illiquid investments. |
Short Sales Risk. The Fund may engage in short sales. Short sales involve certain risks and special considerations. If the Fund incorrectly predicts that the price of the borrowed security will decline, the Fund will have to replace the securities with securities with a greater value than the amount received from the sale. As a result, losses from short sales differ from losses that could be incurred from a purchase of a security, because losses from short sales may be unlimited, whereas losses from purchases can equal only the total amount invested. |
Warrants Risk. The Fund may invest in warrants. The risk of investing in a warrant is that the warrant may expire prior to the market value of the common stock exceeding the price fixed by the warrant. Warrants have a subordinate claim on a borrowers assets compared with Senior Loans. As a result, the values of warrants generally are dependent on the financial condition of the borrower and less dependent on fluctuations in interest rates than are the values of many debt securities. The values of warrants may be more volatile than those of Senior Loans and this may increase the volatility of the Funds net asset value. |
Temporary Investments Risk. During periods in which the Fund believes that changes in economic, financial or political conditions make it advisable to do so, the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, reduce its primary investment holdings and invest in certain short-term and medium term debt securities or hold cash. The Fund intends to invest for temporary defensive purposes only in short-term and medium-term debt securities believed to be of high quality, which are expected to be subject to relatively low risk of loss of interest or principal. In taking such defensive position, the Fund temporarily would not be pursuing and may not achieve its investment objectives. |
U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S. Government securities historically have not involved the credit risks associated with investments in other types of debt securities, although, as a result, the yields available from U.S. Government debt securities are generally lower than the yields available from other securities. Like other debt securities, however, the values of U.S. Government securities change as |
16
interest rates fluctuate. On August 5, 2011, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. to AA+ from AAA. Any further downgrades of the U.S. credit rating could increase volatility in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and higher Treasury yields and increase the costs of all kinds of debt. These events could have significant adverse effects on the economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on securities issuers and the Fund. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets or on the Funds portfolio. |
Recent Market Developments Risk. Global and domestic financial markets have experienced periods of severe turmoil. The debt and equity capital markets in the United States have been negatively impacted by significant write-offs in the financial services sector relating to sub-prime mortgages and the re-pricing of credit risk, among other things. These events, along with the deterioration of the housing market, the failure of major financial institutions and the resulting United States federal government actions led to worsening general economic conditions, which materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial firms in particular. Such market conditions may increase the volatility of the value of securities owned by the Fund, may make it more difficult for the Fund to accurately value its securities or to sell its securities on a timely basis and may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to borrow for investment purposes and increase the cost of such borrowings, which would reduce returns to the holders of Common Shares. These developments adversely affected the broader economy, and may continue to do so, which in turn may adversely affect issuers of securities owned by the Fund. Such developments could, in turn, reduce the value of securities owned by the Fund and adversely affect the net asset value of the Common Shares. Recently markets have witnessed more stabilized economic activity as expectations for an economic recovery increased. However, risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. A return to unfavorable economic conditions or sustained economic slowdown could adversely impact the Funds portfolio. |
Eurozone Risk. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns or rising government debt levels in several European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Continuing uncertainty as to the status of the Euro and the European Monetary Union (the EMU) has created significant volatility in currency and financial markets generally. Investing in Euro-denominated securities entails risk of being exposed to a currency that may not fully reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the disparate European economies. In addition, it is possible that the Euro could be abandoned in the future by countries that have adopted its use. The effects of the collapse of the Euro, or of the exit of one or more countries from the EMU, on the United States and global economy and securities markets could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Funds investments. If one or more EMU countries were to stop using the Euro as its primary currency, the Funds investments in such countries may be redenominated into a different or newly adopted currency. As a result, the value of those investments could decline significantly and unpredictably. In addition, securities or other investments that are redenominated may be subject to foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk to a greater extent than similar investments currently denominated in Euros. To the extent a currency used for redenomination purposes is not specified in respect of certain EMU-related investments, or should the Euro cease to be used entirely, the currency in which such investments are denominated may be unclear, making such investments particularly difficult to value or dispose of. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek judicial or other clarification of the denomination or value of such securities. |
Legislation and Regulation Risk. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act), which was signed into law in July 2010, has resulted in a significant revision of the U.S. financial regulatory |
17
framework. The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics. The regulation of various types of derivative instruments pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely affect the Fund or its counterparties. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, and any resulting regulation, is not yet certain and issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may also be affected by the new legislation and regulation in ways that are currently unknown and unforeseeable. On December 11, 2015, the SEC published a proposed rule that, if adopted, would change the regulation of the use of derivative instruments and financial commitment transactions by registered investment companies. The SEC sought public comments on numerous aspects of the proposed rule, and as a result the nature of any final regulations is uncertain at this time. Such regulations could limit the implementation of the Funds use of derivatives and impose additional compliance costs on the Fund, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund. |
At any time after the date of this prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund or the issuers of such assets. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on the Fund or entities in which the Fund invests. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives. See RisksLegislation and Regulation Risk. |
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions Risk. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may expose the Fund to counterparty risk of default as well as the risk that securities may experience fluctuations in value prior to their actual delivery. The Fund generally will not accrue income with respect to a when-issued or delayed delivery security prior to its stated delivery date. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis can involve the additional risk that the price or yield available in the market when the delivery takes place may not be as favorable as that obtained in the transaction itself. |
Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may therefore lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Funds performance. Also, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding. |
Risk of Failure to Qualify as a RIC. To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs the Fund must, among other things, derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources, meet certain asset diversification tests and distribute for each taxable year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss). If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income for that year (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at the applicable corporate income tax rate without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits. See RisksRisk of Failure to Qualify as a RIC. |
Potential Conflicts Of Interest Risk. The Adviser and its affiliates provide a wide array of portfolio management and other asset management services to a mix of clients and may engage in ordinary course activities in which their interests or those of their clients may compete or conflict with those of the Fund. The Adviser and its affiliates may provide investment management services to other funds that follow investment objectives similar to those of the Fund. In certain circumstances, and subject to its fiduciary obligations under the Advisers Act, the Adviser may |
18
have to allocate a limited investment opportunity among its clients. For additional information about potential conflicts of interest, and the way in which the Adviser and its affiliates address such conflicts please see Management of the FundPotential Conflicts of Interest in the SAI. |
Market Discount Risk. Costs incurred in connection with an offering of Common Shares will be borne entirely by the Fund, which may reduce the Funds net asset value per share. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Funds then current net asset value, subject to certain conditions, and such sales of Common Shares at price below net asset value, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. These sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional Common Shares in the future at a time and price it deems appropriate. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes. |
Maintenance of Leverage Risk. Issuance of additional Common Shares will result in an increase in the assets of the Fund. To the extent that the Fund desires to maintain its level of leverage, as a percentage of the assets of the Fund, the Fund will be required to increase its borrowings or issue additional preferred shares. The Fund may incur costs in connection with issuing additional leverage, and there can be no assurance that the Fund can obtain additional leverage at favorable rates. An inability by the Fund to maintain its leverage, as a percentage of the assets of the Fund, or to do so at favorable rates, may negatively impact the Funds financial performance, including its ability to sustain current levels of distributions on Common Shares. There is no guarantee that the Fund will maintain leverage at the current rate, and the Board reserves the right to raise, decrease, or eliminate the Funds leverage exposure. |
Dilution Risk. The voting power of current Common Shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Funds per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Funds then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Funds then current net asset value per Common Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. |
Anti-Takeover Provisions In The Funds Governing Documents |
The Funds Certificate of Trust, as amended, the Funds Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the Declaration of Trust) and the Funds Second Amended and Restated By-Laws (collectively, the Governing Documents) include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund. These provisions could have the effect of depriving the Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the Common Shares. See Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Funds Governing Documents and RisksAnti-Takeover Provisions in the Funds Governing Documents. |
19
Administrator |
The Fund has entered into a master administrative services agreement with the Adviser, pursuant to which the Adviser performs or arranges for the provision of accounting and other administrative services to the Fund that are not required to be performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement. |
Custodian, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Transfer Agent |
The custodian for the Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2801. |
The transfer agent and dividend paying agent for the Fund is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078. |
The following table contains information about the costs and expenses that Common Shareholders will bear directly or indirectly. The table is based on the capital structure of the Fund as of February 28, 2018 (except as noted below). The purpose of the table and the example below is to help you understand the fees and expenses that you, as a holder of Common Shares, would bear directly or indirectly.
Common Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Sales load paid by you (as a percentage of offering price) |
| (1) | ||
Offering expenses borne by Common Shareholders (as a percentage of offering price) |
| (1) | ||
Dividend Reinvestment Plan fees(2) |
None |
Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares(3) |
||||
Annual Expenses |
||||
Management fees(4) |
1.82 | % | ||
Interest payments on
borrowed |
1.11 | % | ||
Other expenses(6) |
0.14 | % | ||
|
|
|||
Total Annual Expenses |
3.07 | % | ||
|
|
(1) | If Common Shares to which this Prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, the Prospectus Supplement will set forth any applicable sales load and the estimated offering expenses borne by the Fund. |
(2) | Common Shareholders will pay service fee of $2.50 and brokerage charges if they direct the Plan Agent to sell Common Shares held in a dividend reinvestment account. See Dividend Reinvestment Plan. |
(3) | Based upon average net assets applicable to Common Shares during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018. |
(4) | The Fund pays the Adviser an annual fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 1.25% of the Funds average daily Managed Assets (as defined in this Prospectus under the heading Management of the Fund). The fee shown above is based upon outstanding leverage of 27.50% of the Funds total assets as of February 28, 2018. If leverage of more than 27. 50% of the Funds total assets is used, the management fees shown would be higher. |
(5) | Based on the Funds outstanding borrowings and outstanding preferred shares as of February 28, 2018 of approximately $385 million and $75 million, respectively, and the average daily weighted interest rate for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018 of 2.08% and dividends on preferred shares at an annual rate of 2.71%, respectively. |
(6) | Other expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. |
20
Example
As required by relevant Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, the following example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (1) Total annual expenses of 3.07% of net assets attributable to Common Shares and (2) a 5% annual return*:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
Total Expenses paid by Common Shareholders(1) |
$ | 31 | $ | 95 | $ | 161 | $ | 338 |
* | The Example should not be considered a representation of future expenses or returns. Actual expenses may be higher or lower than those assumed. Moreover, the Funds actual rate of return may be higher or lower than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example. The example assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset value. |
(1) | The example above does not include sales loads or estimated offering costs. In connection with an offering of Common Shares, the Prospectus Supplement will set forth an Example including sales load and estimated offering costs. |
21
The financial highlights show the Funds financial history for the past 10 fiscal years. The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds financial performance. The information in this table is derived from the Funds financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the financial statements of the Fund, are included in the Funds annual report to shareholders for the period ended February 28, 2018, and are incorporated by reference into the SAI. The information for each of the prior fiscal years and periods has also been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, except that information prior to May 31, 2010 was audited by other independent registered public accountants.
The following schedule presents financial highlights for a share of the Fund outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
Year ended February 28, |
Year ended February 28, |
Year ended February 29, |
Year ended February 28, |
Year ended February 28, |
Year ended February 28, |
Year ended February 29, |
Seven months ended February 28, |
Year ended July 31, |
Year ended July 31, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 13.25 | $ | 11.51 | $ | 13.28 | $ | 13.82 | $ | 13.15 | $ | 12.37 | $ | 13.29 | $ | 12.53 | $ | 11.00 | $ | 15.69 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(a) |
0.71 | 0.89 | 0.97 | 0.92 | 0.84 | 0.91 | 0.84 | 0.43 | 0.80 | 1.07 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized) |
0.02 | 1.73 | (1.84 | ) | (0.56 | ) | 0.73 | 0.77 | (0.88 | ) | 0.93 | 1.79 | (4.41 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
0.73 | 2.62 | (0.87 | ) | 0.36 | 1.57 | 1.68 | (0.04 | ) | 1.36 | 2.59 | (3.34 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income |
(0.62 | ) | (0.57 | ) | (0.56 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.88 | ) | (0.60 | ) | (1.06 | ) | (1.35 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Return of Capital |
(0.21 | ) | (0.31 | ) | (0.34 | ) | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 13.15 | $ | 13.25 | $ | 11.51 | $ | 13.28 | $ | 13.82 | $ | 13.15 | $ | 12.37 | $ | 13.29 | $ | 12.53 | $ | 11.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Market value, end of period |
$ | 11.59 | $ | 12.40 | $ | 9.97 | $ | 12.07 | $ | 12.90 | $ | 13.29 | $ | 11.62 | $ | 12.83 | $ | 11.94 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total return at net asset value(b) |
6.33 | % | 24.21 | % | (6.03 | )% | 3.29 | % | 12.65 | % | 14.13 | % | 0.35 | % | 11.30 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total return at market value(c) |
0.14 | % | 34.20 | % | (10.44 | )% | 0.57 | % | 4.04 | % | 23.00 | % | (2.36 | )% | 12.79 | % | 30.65 | % | (11.84 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ | 974,593 | $ | 981,758 | $ | 853,086 | $ | 983,798 | $ | 1,024,187 | $ | 974,021 | $ | 916,236 | $ | 983,818 | $ | 927,104 | $ | 814,401 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover |
89 | % | 87 | % | 88 | % | 103 | % | 121 | % | 129 | % | 132 | % | 88 | % | 56 | % | 36 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
With fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements |
3.07 | %(f)(g) | 2.78 | %(g) | 2.68 | %(g) | 2.52 | %(g) | 2.25 | %(g) | 2.09 | %(g) | 2.21 | % | 2.22 | %(h) | 2.29 | % | 3.76 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
With fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements excluding interest, facilities and maintenance fees |
1.96 | %(f) | 1.94 | % | 2.01 | % | 1.96 | % | 1.82 | % | 1.72 | % | 1.86 | % | 1.71 | %(h) | 1.74 | % | 2.97 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
5.45 | %(f) | 6.98 | % | 7.61 | % | 6.72 | % | 6.28 | % | 7.15 | % | 6.73 | % | 5.72 | %(h) | 6.56 | % | 10.42 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Senior securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total amount of preferred shares outstanding (000s omitted) |
$ | 75,000 | $ | 125,000 | $ | 125,000 | $ | 125,000 | $ | 125,000 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total borrowings (000s omitted) |
$ | 385,000 | $ | 315,000 | $ | 265,000 | $ | 361,000 | $ | 331,000 | $ | 240,000 | $ | 232,000 | $ | 281,000 | $ | 252,500 | $ | 214,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per $1,000 unit of senior indebtedness(i) |
$ | 3,725 | $ | 4,513 | $ | 4,691 | $ | 4,071 | $ | 4,472 | $ | 5,058 | $ | 4,949 | $ | 4,501 | $ | 4,672 | $ | 4,806 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per preferred share(j) |
$ | 1,398,919 | $ | 885,323 | $ | 782,469 | $ | 887,038 | $ | 919,350 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liquidating preference per preferred share |
$ | 100,000 | $ | 100,000 | $ | 100,000 | $ | 100,000 | $ | 100,000 | | | | | |
(a) | Calculated using average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as such, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. Not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable. |
22
(c) | Total return assumes an investment at the common share market price at the beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all distributions for the period in accordance with the Trusts dividend reinvestment plan, and sale of all shares at the closing common share market price at the end of the period indicated. Not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable. |
(d) | Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level and is not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable. |
(e) | Calculation includes the proceeds from principal repayments and sales of variable rate senior loan interests and is not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable. |
(f) | Ratios are annualized and based on average daily net assets applicable to common shares (000s omitted) of $968,522. |
(g) | Includes fee waivers which were less than 0.005% per share. |
(h) | Annualized. |
(i) | Calculated by subtracting the Funds total liabilities (not including the Preferred Shares and Borrowings) from the Funds total assets and dividing by the total number of senior indebtedness units, where one unit equals $1,000 of senior indebtedness. |
(j) | Calculated by subtracting the Funds total liabilities (not including preferred shares at liquidation value) from the Funds total assets and dividing by the total number of preferred shares outstanding. |
23
The following table sets forth information about the Funds outstanding senior securities as of the end of each of the last ten fiscal years. This information for the fiscal years ended February 28, 2018, February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, February 28, 2015, February 28, 2014, February 28, 2013, February 28, 2012, the seven-month period ended February 28, 2011, and the year ended July 31, 2010 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund. Information prior to May 31, 2010 was audited by other independent registered public accountants.
Class and Fiscal Year |
Total Principal Amount Outstanding |
Asset Coverage Per Preferred Share/$1,000 of Borrowings |
Involuntary Liquidating Preference Per Unit |
Average Market Value Per Unit |
||||||||||||
Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares(1) |
| |||||||||||||||
February 28, 2018 |
$ | 75,000,000 | $ | 1,398,919 | $ | 100,000 | N/A | |||||||||
February 28, 2017 |
$ | 125,000,000 | $ | 885,323 | $ | 100,000 | N/A | |||||||||
February 29, 2016 |
$ | 125,000,000 | $ | 782,469 | $ | 100,000 | N/A | |||||||||
February 28, 2015 |
$ | 125,000,000 | $ | 887,038 | $ | 100,000 | N/A | |||||||||
February 28, 2014 |
$ | 125,000,000 | $ | 919,350 | $ | 100,000 | N/A | |||||||||
Borrowings |
| |||||||||||||||
February 28, 2018 |
$ | 385,000,000 | $ | 3,725 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
February 28, 2017 |
$ | 315,000,000 | $ | 4,513 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
February 29, 2016 |
$ | 265,000,000 | $ | 4,691 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
February 28, 2015 |
$ | 361,000,000 | $ | 4,071 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
February 28, 2014 |
$ | 331,000,000 | $ | 4,472 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
February 28, 2013 |
$ | 240,000,000 | $ | 5,058 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
February 29, 2012 |
$ | 232,000,000 | $ | 4,949 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
February 28, 2011 |
$ | 281,000,000 | $ | 4,501 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
July 31, 2010 |
$ | 252,500,000 | $ | 4,672 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
July 31, 2009 |
$ | 214,000,000 | $ | 4,806 | N/A | N/A |
(1) | VRDP shares were issued on June 14, 2018. |
Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Fund was organized as a statutory trust on March 15, 2007, pursuant to a Certificate of Trust, and is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. The Fund commenced operations on June 26, 2007. Its principal office is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309 and its phone number is (404) 439-3217.
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of common shares (Common Shares) in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated herein. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three to six months after the completion of such offering or the receipt of such proceeds. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, including U.S. government securities, affiliated money market funds or high quality, short-term debt securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to issue Common Shares primarily for this purpose.
24
MARKET AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION
The Funds currently outstanding Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) under the symbol VTA and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will also be listed on the NYSE. The Funds Common Shares commenced trading on the NYSE on June 26, 2007.
Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from net asset value. The Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to the Funds net asset value per share. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. Costs incurred in connection with an offering of Common Shares will be borne entirely by the Fund, which may reduce the Funds net asset value per share. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. See RisksRisks Associated with OfferingMarket Discount Risk
The following table sets forth, for each of the periods indicated, the high and low closing market prices for the Common Shares on the NYSE, the net asset value per Common Share and the premium or discount to net asset value per Common Share at which the Common Shares were trading. Net asset value is generally determined on each day that the NYSE is open for business. See Net Asset Value for information as to the determination of the Funds net asset value.
NYSE Market Price Per Share |
Net Asset Value per Common Share on Date of Market Price High and Low(1) |
Premium/(Discount) on Date of Market Price High and Low(2) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
During Quarter Ended | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | ||||||||||||||||||
May 31, 2018 |
$ | 11.90 | $ | 11.57 | $ | 13.23 | $ | 13.05 | (10.05 | )% | (11.34 | )% | ||||||||||||
February 28, 2018 |
$ | 12.01 | $ | 11.45 | $ | 13.25 | $ | 12.96 | (9.36 | )% | (11.65 | )% | ||||||||||||
November 30, 2017 |
$ | 11.98 | $ | 11.33 | $ | 13.09 | $ | 12.89 | (8.48 | )% | (12.10 | )% | ||||||||||||
August 31, 2017 |
$ | 12.28 | $ | 11.41 | $ | 13.18 | $ | 12.90 | (6.83 | )% | (11.55 | )% | ||||||||||||
May 31, 2017 |
$ | 12.51 | $ | 12.05 | $ | 13.31 | $ | 13.09 | (6.01 | )% | (7.98 | )% | ||||||||||||
February 28, 2017 |
$ | 12.59 | $ | 11.93 | $ | 13.30 | $ | 13.01 | (5.34 | )% | (8.30 | )% | ||||||||||||
November 30, 2016 |
$ | 12.11 | $ | 11.22 | $ | 13.30 | $ | 12.75 | (8.95 | )% | (12.00 | )% | ||||||||||||
August 31, 2016 |
$ | 11.70 | $ | 10.84 | $ | 12.80 | $ | 12.26 | (8.59 | )% | (11.58 | )% | ||||||||||||
May 31, 2016 |
$ | 11.05 | $ | 10.01 | $ | 12.46 | $ | 11.60 | (11.32 | )% | (13.71 | )% | ||||||||||||
February 29, 2016 |
$ | 10.82 | $ | 9.62 | $ | 12.37 | $ | 11.39 | (12.53 | )% | (15.54 | )% | ||||||||||||
November 30, 2015 |
$ | 11.13 | $ | 10.45 | $ | 12.91 | $ | 12.57 | (13.79 | )% | (16.87 | )% | ||||||||||||
August 31, 2015 |
$ | 12.21 | $ | 10.81 | $ | 13.46 | $ | 12.87 | (9.29 | )% | (16.01 | )% | ||||||||||||
May 31, 2015 |
$ | 12.26 | $ | 11.83 | $ | 13.60 | $ | 13.27 | (9.85 | )% | (10.85 | )% | ||||||||||||
February 28, 2015 |
$ | 12.08 | $ | 11.30 | $ | 13.44 | $ | 12.93 | (10.12 | )% | (12.61 | )% | ||||||||||||
November 30, 2014 |
$ | 12.68 | $ | 11.32 | $ | 13.90 | $ | 13.30 | (8.78 | )% | (14.89 | )% | ||||||||||||
August 31, 2014 |
$ | 13.04 | $ | 12.51 | $ | 14.03 | $ | 13.77 | (7.06 | )% | (9.15 | )% | ||||||||||||
May 31, 2014 |
$ | 13.12 | $ | 12.74 | $ | 13.96 | $ | 13.78 | (6.02 | )% | (7.55 | )% |
(1) | Based on the Funds computations. |
(2) | Calculated based on the information presented. Percentages are rounded. |
The last reported sale price, net asset value per Common Share and percentage discount to net asset value per Common Share on June 25, 2018 was $11.65, $13.19 and 11.68%, respectively. The Fund cannot predict whether its Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium to or discount from net asset value, or the level of any premium or discount. As of February 28, 2018, 74,094,284 Common Shares of the Fund were outstanding.
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Investment Objective
The Funds primary investment objective is to seek a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective or be able to structure its investments as anticipated.
Primary Investment Strategy
Depending on current market conditions and the Funds outlook over time, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by opportunistically investing primarily in credit securities of issuers which operate in a variety of industries and geographic regions located throughout the world.
Rationale
The Fund believes that changing investment environments over time offer both attractive investment opportunities in the credit securities market, as well as varying degrees of investment risk. To both capitalize on attractive investments and effectively manage potential risk, the Fund believes that the combination of thorough and continuous credit analysis, diversification of holdings, active use of other risk management techniques and instruments and the ability to reallocate investments among different categories of investments at different points in the credit cycle is critical to achieving higher risk-adjusted returns relative to other high-yielding investments, including high current income and/or capital appreciation. In positive economic environments characterized by, among other things, low default rates, the Fund expects to emphasize high current income by investing primarily in Senior Loans (as defined herein under the heading Investment Policies), and will generally invest to a lesser degree in second lien or other subordinated loans or debt. In less positive economic environments characterized by, among other things, high default rates, the Fund will continue to seek high current income and capital appreciation by exploiting market inefficiencies and will emphasize more balanced investments among Senior Loans and second lien or other subordinated loans or debt, including stressed and distressed credit securities. The Fund believes that reallocating investments in this way will opportunistically emphasize those investments and categories of investments best suited to the current environment and outlook.
Investment Policies
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in any combination of the following credit securities: (i) senior secured floating rate and fixed rate loans (Senior Loans); (ii) second lien or other subordinated or unsecured floating rate and fixed rate loans or debt; and (iii) other debt obligations, including high-yield, high-risk obligations. The credit securities in which the Fund may invest may be of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as junk bonds). The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its assets in structured products, including structured notes, credit-linked notes, collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), collateralized bond obligations (CBOs) and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and other types of structured products (collectively, structured products). The Fund also may invest in swaps, including credit default, total return, index and interest rate swaps. To the extent that the Fund invests in structured products or swaps that gain exposure to credit securities, such investments will be counted for purposes of the Funds 80% policy. If the Funds 80% policy changes, the Fund will provide Shareholders at least 60 days prior written notice before implementation of the change.
The Fund may invest, without limitation, in securities of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as junk bonds), which are considered as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due. Any of the Funds investments may be issued by non-stressed, stressed and distressed issuers, including issuers in bankruptcy. Distressed issuers generally refers to those issuers that are unable to service their debt and thus, have entered into default, bankruptcy or are likely to do so. Stressed issuers generally refers to those issuers that the market expects to be distressed in the near future. Non-stressed issuers are those issuers that generally are performing and currently not undergoing the same financial experiences as stressed and distressed issuers. The Fund may invest in credit securities of any maturity or duration, and the Fund will not be managed for maturity or duration.
The Fund may invest in credit securities of any maturity or duration, and although the Fund will not be managed for maturity or duration, given the nature of the Funds portfolio, the Funds portfolio will likely have a low average duration (generally, four years or less). Duration is a measure of the price volatility of a security as a result of changes in market rates of interest, based on the weighted average timing of a securitys expected principal and interest payments.
In addition, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in equity securities obtained through debt restructurings or bankruptcy proceedings. The Fund may utilize derivative instruments that reference or otherwise provide exposure to credit securities. From time to time, the Fund may also invest in short-term debt securities such as U.S. government securities, commercial paper and other money
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market instruments and cash equivalents. The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in issuers that conduct their principal businesses in the same industry. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in obligations not making current interest and principal payments when due. The Fund may invest without limitation in obligations for which there is no readily available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid.
The Fund will invest in obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers and such obligations may be U.S. dollar denominated as well as non-U.S. dollar denominated. To address foreign currency risks, the Fund may enter into foreign currency swaps and other hedging transactions. Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects to invest in issuers located anywhere in the world and, although under current market conditions the Fund does not intend to invest in obligations of issuers located in emerging market countries, the Fund may so do if it determines that such investments are appropriate for the Fund. The Fund considers emerging countries to be those countries that the international financial community, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (more commonly known as The World Bank) and the International Finance Corporation, considers to be emerging or developing countries on the basis of such factors as trade initiatives, per capita income and level of industrialization.
The Fund will assess the market and make an assessment regarding the current economic environment and outlook and then determine which investments are appropriate for the Fund. You will find information about the Fund in its annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. The annual report explains the market conditions and investment strategies affecting the Funds performance during its last fiscal year.
Investment Philosophy
The Adviser, an investment management firm with expertise in senior loans, subordinated debt and structured products, including distressed issuers, is responsible for the overall management of the Fund. The Adviser employs a valuation driven investment approach grounded in a bottom-up investment selection process and a top-down portfolio construction process to derive a portfolio based upon fundamental analysis with an emphasis on liquidity, diversification and relative value (i.e., risk, liquidity and potential return of one investment relative to another). The Adviser will analyze the yield, price, duration, credit spread, prepayment risk and the risk of credit deterioration or default of its current and potential investments on a continuous basis to determine what it believes are the appropriate investments for the Fund. The Advisers philosophy is based on fundamental credit, collateral and structural analysis of the underlying investments; a strong belief in portfolio diversifications including issuer, industry, sponsor, underwriter and agent; and utilization of the secondary market for loans to manage risk (i.e., diversifying interest rate and credit risk among investors). Fundamental analysis involves evaluation of the macro-economy, industry, trends, management quality, collateral adequacy, and consistency of corporate cash flows. In constructing the portfolio, the Adviser focuses on liquidity, diversification, identification of relative value and continuous monitoring.
The Funds investments (primarily in Senior Loans, subordinated loans and debt, other debt obligations, structured products and swapseach of which is described in more detail below) may be all or substantially in investments that are generally considered to have a credit quality rated below investment grade by an NRSRO or unrated securities that are deemed to be of comparable quality. Below investment grade securities (that is, securities rated Ba or lower by Moodys or BB or lower by S&P) are commonly referred to as junk securities and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Generally, lower-grade securities provide a higher yield than higher-grade securities of similar maturity but are subject to greater risks, such as greater credit risk, greater market risk and volatility, greater liquidity concerns and potentially greater manager risk. Lower-grade securities are more susceptible to non-payment of interest and principal and default than higher-grade securities. Adverse changes in the economy or to the individual issuer often have a more significant impact on the ability of lower-grade issuers to make payments, meet projected goals or obtain additional financing. When an issuer of such securities is in financial difficulties, the Fund may incur additional expenditures or invest additional assets in an effort to obtain partial or full recovery on amounts due. Some of the securities held by the Fund, which may not be paying interest currently or may be in payment default, may be comparable to securities rated as low as C by Moodys or CCC or lower by S&P. These securities are considered to have extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing, to have a current identifiable vulnerability to default, to be unlikely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due in the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions and/or to be in default or not current in the payment of interest or principal.
While all credit securities tend to fluctuate inversely with changes in interest rates, the prices of lower-grade securities generally are less sensitive to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to specific issuer developments or real or perceived general adverse economic changes than higher-grade securities. A projection of an economic downturn, for example, could cause a decline in prices of lower-grade securities because the advent of a recession could lessen the ability of a highly leveraged company to make
27
principal and interest payments on its securities or obtain additional financing when necessary. A significant increase in market interest rates or a general economic downturn could severely disrupt the market as well as the market values of such securities. Such securities also often experience more volatility in prices than higher-grade securities. The secondary trading market for lower-grade securities may be less liquid than the market for higher-grade securities. Prices of lower-grade securities may decline rapidly in the event a significant number of holders decide to sell. Changes in expectations regarding an individual issuer, an industry or lower-grade securities generally could reduce market liquidity for such securities and make their sale by the Fund more difficult, at least in the absence of price concessions. The market for lower-grade securities also may have less information available, further complicating evaluations and valuations of such securities and placing more emphasis on the Advisers experience, judgment and analysis than higher-grade securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of securities rated below investment grade and unrated securities especially in a market characterized by a low volume of trading.
The Fund may invest in the loans and other debt obligations of stressed, distressed and bankrupt issuers, including obligations that are in covenant or payment default. Credit securities that are or become stressed or distressed generally trade at prices below par, thus creating opportunities for capital appreciation (or loss) as the values of such securities change over time. Such obligations are subject to a multitude of legal, industry, market, economic and governmental forces that make analysis of these companies inherently difficult. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers rely on company management, outside experts, market participants and personal experience to analyze potential investments for the portion of the Funds portfolio managed by each. There can be no assurance that any of these sources will provide credible information, or that the analysis of the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser will produce conclusions that lead to profitable investments for the respective portion of the Funds portfolio managed by each. Obligations of stressed, distressed and bankrupt issuers generally trade significantly below par and are considered speculative. The repayment of defaulted obligations is subject to significant uncertainties. Defaulted obligations might be repaid only after lengthy workout or bankruptcy proceedings or result in only partial recovery of cash payments or an exchange of the defaulted obligation for other debt or equity securities of the issuer or its affiliates, which may in turn be illiquid or speculative.
There are a number of significant risks inherent in the bankruptcy process. Many events in a bankruptcy are the product of contested matters and adversary proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. There can be no assurance that a bankruptcy court would not approve actions that would be contrary to the interests of the Fund. A bankruptcy filing by an issuer may cause such issuer to lose its market position and key employees and otherwise become incapable of restoring itself as a viable entity and its liquidation value may be less than its value was believed to be at the time of investment. In addition, the duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is difficult to predict and as such, a creditors return on investment can be adversely affected by delays while the plan of reorganization is being negotiated, approved by the creditors and confirmed by the bankruptcy court and until it ultimately becomes effective. The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and would be paid out of the debtors estate prior to any return to creditors. Further, in the early stages of the bankruptcy process it is often difficult to estimate the extent of any contingent claims that might be made and as such, there exists the risk that the Funds influence with respect to the class of obligations it owns can be lost by increases in the number and amount of claims in that class or by different classification and treatment. A creditor, such as the Fund, can also lose its ranking and priority if it is determined that such creditor exercised domination and control over a debtor and other creditors can demonstrate that they have been harmed by such actions. In addition, certain claims have priority by law, such as claims for taxes, which may be substantial and could affect the ability of the Fund to be repaid.
In any investment involving stressed and distressed debt obligations, there exists the risk that the transaction involving such debt obligations will be unsuccessful, take considerable time or will result in a distribution of cash or a new security or obligation in exchange for the stressed and distressed debt obligations, the value of which may be less than the Funds purchase price of such debt obligations. Furthermore, if an anticipated transaction does not occur, the Fund may be required to sell its investment at a loss.
The Fund may sell securities without regard to the length of time they have been held to take advantage of new investment opportunities, when the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser believes the potential for high current income or capital appreciation has lessened, or for other reasons. Reallocation of investments among different categories of investments at different points in the credit cycle in accordance with the Funds dynamic credit strategy may increase portfolio turnover. The Funds portfolio turnover rate may vary from year to year. Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally expects its portfolio turnover to be less than 100%. A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) increases a funds transaction costs (including brokerage commissions and dealer costs), which would adversely impact a funds performance. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the realization of more short-term capital gains than if a fund had lower portfolio turnover. The portfolio turnover rate will not be a limiting factor, however, if the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser considers portfolio changes appropriate.
Senior Loans
Senior Loans are business loans made to borrowers that may be corporations, partnerships or other entities that operate in a variety of industries and geographic regions. Senior Loans generally are negotiated between a borrower and several financial
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institution lenders represented by one or more lenders acting as agent of all the lenders. The agent is responsible for negotiating the loan agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of the Senior Loan and the rights of the borrower and the lenders. The Fund may act as one of the group of original lenders originating a Senior Loan, may purchase assignments (as defined below) of portions of Senior Loans from third parties and may invest in participations (as defined below) in Senior Loans. Senior Loans have the most senior position in a borrowers capital structure or share the senior position with other senior debt securities of the borrower. This capital structure position generally gives holders of Senior Loans a priority claim on some or all of the borrowers assets in the event of default. Senior Loans also have contractual terms designed to protect lenders. The Fund generally acquires Senior Loans of borrowers that, among other things, in the Advisers or a Sub-Advisers judgment, can make timely payments on their Senior Loans and that satisfy other credit standards established by the Adviser or the Subadviser. Because of their protective features, the Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers believe that Senior Loans of borrowers that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience, financial difficulty may represent attractive investment opportunities.
Interest rates on Senior Loans may be fixed or may float periodically. On floating rate Senior Loans, the interest rates typically are adjusted based on a base rate plus a premium or spread over the base rate. The base rate usually is the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the prime rate offered by one or more major U.S. banks (the Prime Rate) or the certificate of deposit rate (the CD Rate) or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders. Floating rate Senior Loans may adjust over different time periods, including daily, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. The Fund may use interest rate swaps and other investment practices to shorten the effective interest rate adjustment period of floating rate Senior Loans or to adjust the overall interest rate exposure of the Fund.
When interest rates rise, the values of fixed income securities generally decline. When interest rates fall, the values of fixed income securities generally increase. The prices of adjustable, variable or floating rate income securities tend to have less fluctuation in response to changes in interest rates, but will have some fluctuation particularly when the next interest rate adjustment on such security is further away in time or adjustments are limited in amount over time.
The Funds Senior Loan investments will be secured by specific assets of the borrower. These Senior Loans will frequently be secured by all assets of the borrower that qualify as collateral, such as trademarks, accounts receivable, inventory, buildings, real estate, franchises and common and preferred stock in its subsidiaries and affiliates. Collateral may also include guarantees or other credit support by affiliates of the borrower. In some cases, a Senior Loan may be secured only by stock of the borrower or its subsidiaries. The borrower may experience financial difficulty and/or the value of collateral may decline. The loan agreement may or may not require the borrower to pledge additional collateral to secure the Senior Loan if the value of the initial collateral declines. In certain circumstances, the loan agreement may authorize the agent to liquidate the collateral and to distribute the liquidation proceeds pro rata among the lenders. As described below, the Fund may also invest in loans that are not secured by specific collateral. Such unsecured loans involve a greater risk of loss.
Senior Loans also have contractual terms designed to protect lenders. Loan agreements often include restrictive covenants that limit the activities of the borrower. These covenants may include mandatory prepayment out of excess cash flows, restrictions on dividend payments, the maintenance of minimum financial ratios, limits on indebtedness and other financial tests. Breach of these covenants generally is an event of default and, if not waived by the lenders, may give lenders the right to accelerate principal and interest payments.
The proceeds of Senior Loans that the Fund will purchase typically will be used by borrowers to finance leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, mergers, acquisitions, stock repurchases, debt refinancings and, to a lesser extent, for general operating and other purposes.
The Fund may purchase and retain in its portfolio Senior Loans of borrowers that have filed for protection under the federal bankruptcy laws or that have had involuntary bankruptcy petitions filed against them by creditors. Investing in Senior Loans involves investment risk, and some borrowers default on their Senior Loan payments. The Fund attempts to manage these risks through selection of a varied portfolio of Senior Loans and analyses and monitoring of borrowers.
The Fund generally invests in a Senior Loan if, in the Advisers or a Sub-Advisers judgment, the borrower can meet its payment obligations. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers perform their own independent credit analysis of the borrower in addition to utilizing information prepared and supplied by the agent or other lenders with respect to the portion of the Funds portfolio managed by each. When evaluating a borrower, the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers consider many factors, including the borrowers past and future projected financial performance. The Adviser or the Subadviser also considers a borrowers management, collateral and industry. The Fund generally acquires a collateralized Senior Loan if the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers believe that the collateral coverage equals or exceeds the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Loan. The Adviser or a Sub-Adviser continues to monitor a borrower on an ongoing basis for so long as the Fund continues to own the Senior Loan. Although the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers will use their best judgment in selecting Senior Loans, there can be no assurance that such analysis will disclose factors that may
29
impair the value of a Senior Loan. The Funds net asset value will fluctuate as a result of changes in the credit quality of borrowers and other factors. A serious deterioration in the credit quality of a borrower could cause a permanent decrease in the Funds net asset value.
There is no minimum rating or other independent evaluation of a borrower or its securities limiting the Funds investments. Although a Senior Loan may not be rated by any rating agency at the time the Fund purchases the Senior Loan, rating agencies have become more active in rating Senior Loans, and at any given time a substantial portion of the Senior Loans in the Funds portfolio may be rated. There is no limit on the percentage of the Funds assets that may be invested in Senior Loans that are rated below investment grade or that are unrated but deemed to be of comparable quality.
Senior Loan assignments and participations. The Fund may purchase Senior Loans by assignment from a participant in the original syndicate of lenders or from subsequent assignees of such interests. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement of the assigning lender and becomes a lender under the loan agreement. Assignments may, however, be arranged through private negotiations, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender. The Fund may also purchase participations in the original syndicate making Senior Loans. When the Fund purchases a participation in a Senior Loan, the Fund will usually have a contractual relationship only with the lender selling the participation and not with the borrower. The Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of such payments from the borrower. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender selling the participation. In the event of insolvency of the lender selling a participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender.
To minimize these risks, the Fund will only acquire participations if the lender selling the participation and any other persons positioned between the Fund and the lender has, at the time of investment, outstanding debt or deposit obligations rated investment grade by a rating agency or that are determined to be of comparable quality and has entered into an agreement which provides for the holding of assets in safekeeping for, or the prompt disbursement of assets to, the Fund.
The Fund generally will not have the right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the loan agreement, nor rights to any funds acquired by other lenders through set-off against the borrower. In addition, when the Fund holds a participation in a Senior Loan, it may not have the right to vote on whether to waive enforcement of any restrictive covenant breached by a borrower. Lenders voting in connection with a potential waiver of a restrictive covenant may have interests different from those of the Fund and may not consider the interests of the Fund. The Fund may not benefit directly from the collateral supporting a Senior Loan in which it has purchased the Participation, although lenders that sell Participations generally are required to distribute liquidation proceeds received by them pro rata among the holders of such Participations.
Certain of the loans, loan participations or assignments acquired by the Fund may involve unfunded commitments of the lenders or revolving credit facilities under which a borrower may from time to time borrow and repay amounts up to the maximum amount of the facility. In such cases, the Fund would have an obligation to advance its portion of such additional borrowings upon the terms specified in the loan documentation. Such an obligation may have the effect of requiring the Fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when it might not be desirable to do so (including at a time when the companys financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). The Fund currently intends to reserve against such contingent obligations by segregating cash or liquid assets to cover such commitments.
Second Lien or Other Subordinated or Unsecured Loans or Debt
The Fund may invest in second lien or other subordinated or unsecured loans or debt. Such loans or debt are made by public and private corporations and other non-governmental entities and issuers for a variety of purposes. As in the case of Senior Loans, the Fund may purchase interests in second lien or other subordinated or unsecured loans or debt through Assignments or Participations.
Second lien loans have characteristics as Senior Loans except that such interests are second in lien property rather than first. Second lien interests are second in priority of payment to one or more Senior Loans of the related borrower and are typically secured by a second priority security interest or lien to or on specified collateral securing the borrowers obligation under the interest. They typically have similar protections and rights as Senior Loans. Second lien interests are not (and by their terms cannot become) subordinate in priority of payment to any obligation of the related borrower other than Senior Loans of such borrower. Second lien interests, may have fixed or floating rate interest payments. Because second lien interests are second to Senior Loans, they present a greater degree of investment risk but often pay interest at higher rates reflecting this additional risk. In addition, second lien interests of below investment grade quality share many of the risk characteristics of other non-investment grade securities.
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Subordinated loans or debt may, and generally will, rank lower in priority of payment to one or more Senior Loans and second lien interests of the borrower. Subordinated secured loans or debt typically are secured by a lower priority security interest or lien to or on specified collateral securing the borrowers obligation under the loan, and typically have more subordinated protections and rights than Senior Loans and second lien interests. Subordinated interests may have fixed or adjustable floating rate interest payments. Because subordinated interests may rank lower as to priority of payment than Senior Loans and second lien interests of the borrower, they may present a greater degree of investment risk than Senior Loans and second lien interests but often pay interest at higher rates reflecting this additional risk. Other than their more subordinated status, such investments have many characteristics and risks similar to Senior Loans and second lien loans discussed above. Subordinated interests of below investment grade quality share risks of other below investment grade securities.
Unsecured loans or debt generally have lower priority in right of payment compared to holders of secured interests of the borrower. Unsecured interests are not secured by a security interest or lien to or on specified collateral securing the borrowers obligation under the interest. Unsecured interests by their terms may be or may become subordinate in right of payment to other obligations of the borrower, including Senior Loans, second lien interests and other interests. Unsecured interests may have fixed or adjustable floating rate interest payments. Because unsecured interests are subordinate to the Senior Loans and secured debt of the borrower, they present a greater degree of investment risk but often pay interest at higher rates reflecting this additional risk. Such investments generally are of non-investment grade quality. Unsecured interests of below investment grade quality share the same risks of other below investment grade securities.
Structured Products
The Fund also may invest in structured products, including CDOs, CBOs, CLOs, structured notes, credit-linked notes and other types of structured products. Generally, investments in structured products are interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of underlying investment interests or securities. These investment entities may be structured as trusts or other types of pooled investment vehicles. This type of restructuring generally involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity of the underlying investments and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying investments or referencing an indicator related to such investments. The cash flow or rate of return on the underlying investments may be apportioned among the newly issued securities to create different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, credit quality, payment priorities and interest rate provisions. The cash flow or rate of return on a structured product may be determined by applying a multiplier to the rate of total return on the underlying investments or referenced indicator. Application of a multiplier is comparable to the use of financial leverage, a speculative technique. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. As a result, a relatively small decline in the value of the underlying investments or referenced indicator could result in a relatively large loss in the value of a structured product. Holders of structured products bear risks of the underlying investment, index or reference obligation (including income risk, credit risk and market risk) and are subject to counterparty risk.
CDOs, CBOs and CLOs are types of asset-backed securities issued by special purpose vehicles created to reapportion the risk and return characteristics of a pool of assets. The underlying pool for a CLO, for example, may include domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. For CDOs, CBOs and CLOs, the cash flows are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The assets, typically Senior Loans, are used as collateral supporting the various debt tranches issued by the special purpose vehicle. The key feature of these structures is the prioritization of the cash flows from a pool of underlying securities among the several classes of securities issued by a structured product. CBOs are structured debt securities backed by a diversified pool of high yield, public or private fixed income securities. These may be fixed pools or may be market value (or managed) pools of collateral. The riskiest portion is the equity tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche typically has higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, the various tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to such securities as a class.
CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are typically privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities; however an active dealer market may exist for certain CDOs allowing a CDO to be considered liquid in some circumstances. In addition to the general risks associated with fixed income securities discussed herein, CDOs carry additional risks including, but are not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the possibility that the CDOs are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.
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Structured notes are derivative securities for which the amount of principal repayment and/or interest payments is based on the movement of one or more factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: currency exchange rates, interest rates (such as the prime lending rate or LIBOR), referenced bonds and stock indices. Some of these factors may or may not correlate to the total rate of return on one or more underlying instruments referenced in such notes. In some cases, the impact of the movements of these factors may increase or decrease through the use of multipliers or deflators. A credit-linked note is a derivative instrument that is a synthetic obligation between two or more parties where the payment of principal and/or interest is based on the performance of some obligation (a reference obligation).
The Fund may have the right to receive payments to which it is entitled only from the structured product, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold the assets to the special purpose trust. While certain structured products enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same securities, investors in structured products generally pay their share of the structured products administrative and other expenses. Structured products may be private investment funds (structured as trusts or other types of pooled investment companies that are excluded from the definition of investment company under the 1940 Act by the operation of Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) thereof) or investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act. Investment in such products involve operating expenses and fees that are in addition to the expenses and fees of the Fund, and such expenses and fees are borne indirectly by holders of the Funds Common Shares. Certain structured products may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Funds illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.
Swaps
The Fund may enter into swap transactions, including credit default, total return, index and interest rate swap agreements, as well as options thereon, and may purchase or sell interest rate caps, floors and collars. A swap is a derivative in the form of an agreement to exchange the return generated by one instrument for the return generated by another instrument. A swap transaction involves swapping one or more investment characteristics of a security or a basket of securities with another party. The payment streams are calculated by reference to the investment characteristic(s) chosen applied to an agreed upon notional amount.
A credit default swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange the credit risk of a particular issuer or reference entity. In a credit default swap transaction, a buyer pays periodic fees in return for payment by the seller which is contingent upon an adverse credit event occurring in the underlying issuer or reference entity. The seller collects periodic fees from the buyer and profits if the credit of the underlying issuer or reference entity remains stable or improves while the swap is outstanding, but the seller in a credit default swap contract would be required to pay an agreed upon amount to the buyer (which may be the entire notional amount of the swap) in the event of an adverse credit event in the reference entity. A buyer of a credit default swap is said to buy protection whereas a seller of a credit default swap is said to sell protection.
Total return and index swaps are used as substitutes for owning the physical securities that compose a given market index, or to obtain non-leveraged exposure in markets where no physical securities are available such as an interest rate index. Total return refers to the payment (or receipt) of an indexs total return, which is then exchanged for the receipt (or payment) of a floating interest rate. Total return swaps provide the Fund with the additional flexibility of gaining exposure to a market or sector index by using the most cost-effective vehicle available.
An interest rate swap involves the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar combines the elements of purchasing a cap and selling a floor. The collar protects against an interest rate rise above the maximum amount but foregoes the benefit of an interest rate decline below the minimum amount.
The Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swap options. A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms.
Swaps generally do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap defaults, the Funds risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on
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its contractual delivery obligations. If there is a default by the counterparty, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, in general, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
The Fund may engage in swap options for hedging purposes, to manage and mitigate credit and interest rate risks and to gain exposure to credit securities. The use of swap options involves risks, including, among others, (i) changes in the market value of securities held by the Fund, and of swap options relating to those securities may not be proportionate, (ii) there may not be a liquid market to sell a swap option, which could result in difficulty closing a position, (iii) swap options can magnify the extent of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities to which they relate and (iv) counterparty risk.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Funds obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the maintenance of a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities to avoid any potential leveraging of the Fund. The Fund may enter into over-the-counter derivatives transactions (swaps, caps, floors and puts).
The Fund complies with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing swaps, including the segregation of cash and/or liquid securities on the books of the Funds custodian, as mandated by SEC rules or SEC staff positions.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may invest without limitation in securities of borrowers that are organized or located in countries other than the United States, including non-U.S. dollar denominated securities, and may invest without limitation in obligations of issuers located in emerging market countries. The percentage of assets invested in securities of a particular country or denominated in a particular currency will vary in accordance with the Funds assessment of the relative yield, appreciation potential and the relationship of a countrys currency to the U.S. dollar, which is based upon such factors as fundamental economic strength, credit quality and interest rate trends. Investments in securities of foreign issuers present certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, including that non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less rigorous accounting and reporting requirements than U.S. issuers, less rigorous regulatory requirements, different and perhaps not as well formulated and defined legal systems and laws relating to creditors rights, the potential inability to enforce legal judgments and the potential for political, social and economic adversity. Investments by the Fund in non-U.S. dollar denominated investments will be subject to substantially similar risks to those associated with direct investment in securities of foreign issuers, and are subject to currency risk as well. Currency risk is the risk that fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and non-U.S. currencies may negatively affect an investment. The value of investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies may fluctuate based on changes in the value of those currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, and a decline in applicable foreign exchange rates could reduce the value of such investments held by the Fund. The Fund also may hold non-U.S. dollar denominated Senior Loans or other securities received as part of a reorganization or restructuring. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
The foreign securities in which the Fund may invest may be issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Compared to the United States and other developed countries, emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only a few relatively robust and mature industries and securities markets that trade only a small number of securities. Securities issued by companies located in these countries tend to be especially volatile and may be less liquid than securities traded in developed countries. In the past, securities in these countries have been characterized by greater potential loss than securities of companies located in developed countries. Investments in the securities of issuers located in emerging markets could be affected by risks associated with expropriation and/or nationalization, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on transfers of assets, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, less publicly available financial and other information and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
Since the Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers denominated in the local currency, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of securities in the Funds portfolio and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments. In addition to changes in the value of the Funds portfolio investments resulting from currency fluctuations, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may also invest directly in currencies. The Fund is subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. The values of the currencies of the emerging market countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest rates, the effects of
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monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or due to other national or global political or economic developments. Foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer normally will offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire immediately to resell that currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward, futures or options contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. Therefore, the Funds exposure to foreign currencies may result in reduced returns to the Fund. The Fund may also engage in foreign currency hedging transactions.
The Fund will compute and expects to distribute its income in U.S. dollars, and the computation of income is made on the date that the income is earned by the Fund at the foreign exchange rate in effect on that date. If the value of the foreign currencies in which the Fund receives its income falls relative to the U.S. dollar between the date of earning of the income and the time at which the Fund converts the foreign currencies to U.S. dollars, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities in order to make distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet distribution requirements. See Distributions and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. The liquidation of investments, if required, may have an adverse impact on the Funds performance.
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (forward contracts) for purposes of gaining exposure to the currency of non-U.S. issuers or as a hedge against fluctuations in future foreign exchange rates. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days 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 in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large, commercial and investment banks) and their customers. A non-deliverable currency forward contract is a short-term forward contract on a thinly traded non-convertible foreign currency where the profit and loss is the difference between a specified exchange rate and the spot rate at the time of settlement. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of dollars or other currency, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions, the Fund may be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar or other currency which is being used for the security purchase and the foreign currency in which the security is denominated during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. They also may be used to lock in the current exchange rate of the currency in which those securities anticipated to be purchased are denominated. At times, the Fund may enter into cross-currency hedging transactions involving currencies other than those in which securities that are held or proposed to be purchased are denominated. The Fund may also enter into currency swap transactions. A currency swap generally involves an agreement to pay interest streams in one currency based on a specified index in exchange for receiving interest streams denominated in another currency. Such swaps also usually involve initial and final exchanges of the designated currency that correspond to an agreed upon notional amount. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.
The Fund may conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. The Fund will not enter into forward contracts or maintain a net exposure to these contracts where the consummation of the contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Funds portfolio securities. When required by law, the Fund will cause its custodian bank to earmark cash or other liquid portfolio securities in an amount equal to the net amounts of the Funds currency exposure under its forward contracts. If the value of the securities so earmarked declines, additional cash or liquid securities will be earmarked on a daily basis so that the value of such securities will equal the net amount of the Funds currency exposure with respect to such contracts. Forward contracts may limit gains on portfolio securities that could otherwise be realized had they not been utilized and could result in losses. The contracts also may increase the Funds volatility and may involve a significant amount of risk relative to the investment of cash.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. It will, however, do so from time to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the spread between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
Strategic Transactions
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in Strategic Transactions (which limit is not applicable to foreign currency hedging transactions). The Fund generally seeks to use certain Strategic Transactions as portfolio management or hedging techniques. In doing so, the Fund seeks to protect against possible adverse changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased for
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the Funds portfolio, protect the Funds unrealized gains, facilitate the sale of certain securities for investment purposes, protect against changes in currency exchange rates or adjust the exposure to a particular currency, manage the effective maturity or duration of the Funds portfolio, or establish positions in the derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities. The Fund may also use Strategic Transactions to earn income. Among the Strategic Transactions the Fund may utilize are forward contracts, options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In addition, the Fund may invest in other derivative instruments that are developed over time if their use would be consistent with the objectives of the Fund.
Strategic Transactions have risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of the other party to the transaction and illiquidity of the derivative instrument. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use Strategic Transactions depends on the ability of the Fund to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. In addition, such transactions may involve commissions and other costs, which may increase the Funds expenses and reduce its return. Thus, the use of Strategic Transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can otherwise realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. In addition, amounts paid as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to Strategic Transactions are not otherwise available to the Fund for investment purposes.
When conducted outside the United States, Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as 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, currencies and other instruments. 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 Funds ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States and (v) lower trading volume and liquidity. See Strategic Transactions in the SAI for additional information transactions the Fund may utilize.
Other Investments
Securities of Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest its assets in securities of other open- and closed-end investment companies, including affiliated registered investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment companys expenses, and will remain subject to payment of the Funds investment advisory and other fees and expenses with respect to assets so invested. Holders of Common Shares will therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent that the Fund invests in other investment companies. Expenses will be taken into account when evaluating the merits of such investments. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to certain leverage risks. The net asset value and market value of leveraged securities will be more volatile and the yield to stockholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged securities. Investment companies may have investment policies that differ from those of the Fund.
Zero Coupon Bonds. Certain debt obligations purchased by the Fund may take the form of zero coupon bonds. A zero coupon bond is a bond that does not pay interest either for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. When held to its maturity, its return comes from the difference between the purchase price and its maturity value. A zero coupon bond is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. Zero coupon bonds allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments and, as a result, may involve greater market risk and credit risk than bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. The Fund would be required to distribute the income on any of these instruments as it accrues, even though the Fund will not receive all of the income on a current basis or in cash. Thus, the Fund may have to sell other investments or borrow money, including when it may not be advisable to do so, to make income distributions to its stockholders.
Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may engage in repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions to earn incremental income on temporarily available cash which would otherwise be uninvested. A repurchase agreement is a short-term investment in which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires ownership of a security and the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation at a future time and set price, thereby determining the yield during the holding period. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks in the event of default by the other party. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions deemed to be creditworthy.
For the purpose of investing in repurchase agreements, the Adviser may aggregate the cash that certain funds advised or subadvised by the Adviser or certain of its affiliates would otherwise invest separately into a joint account. The cash in the joint account is then invested in repurchase agreements and the funds that contributed to the joint account share pro rata in the net revenue generated. The Adviser believes that the joint account produces efficiencies and economies of scale that may contribute to reduced transaction costs, higher returns, higher quality investments and greater diversity of investments for the Fund than would be available
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to the Fund investing separately. The manner in which the joint account is managed is subject to conditions set forth in an exemptive order from the SEC permitting this practice, which conditions are designed to ensure the fair administration of the joint account and to protect the amounts in that account.
Repurchase agreements are required to be fully collateralized by the underlying securities and are considered to be loans under the 1940 Act. The Fund pays for such securities only upon physical delivery or evidence of book entry transfer to the account of a custodian or bank acting as agent. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the underlying collateral securities marked-to-market daily at not less than the repurchase price. The underlying securities (normally securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities) may have maturity dates exceeding one year.
The Fund may borrow through entering into reverse repurchase agreements under which the Fund sells portfolio securities to financial institutions such as banks and broker-dealers and agrees to repurchase them at a particular date and price. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act unless the Fund segregates an amount of cash and/or liquid securities equal to the amount of the Funds obligations under the reverse repurchase agreements. The Fund may utilize reverse repurchase agreements when it is anticipated that the interest income to be earned from the investment of the proceeds of the transaction is greater than the interest expense of the transaction.
When Issued and Delayed Securities. The Fund may purchase and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis hereby the Fund buys or sells a security with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time the Fund enters into the commitment. No income accrues to the Fund on securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such securities. These transactions are subject to market risk as the value or yield of a security at delivery may be more or less than the purchase price or the yield generally available on securities when delivery occurs. In addition, the Fund is subject to counterparty risk because it relies on the buyer or seller, as the case may be, to consummate the transaction, and failure by the other party to complete the transaction may result in the Fund missing the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. When the Fund is the buyer in such a transaction, however, it will segregate cash and/or liquid securities having an aggregate value at least equal to the amount of such purchase commitments until payment is made. An increase in the percentage of the Funds assets committed to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may increase the volatility of the Funds net asset value.
Private Placements and Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest in securities which are subject to restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). These securities are generally referred to as private placements or restricted securities. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.
The Fund has no liquidity limitation or restriction; thus, some or all of the Fund investments may be in illiquid securities. At times, private placements or restricted securities, as well as other securities in which the Fund may invest, may be deemed illiquid. Investments in illiquid securities tend to restrict the Funds ability to dispose of instruments in a timely fashion and restrict the Funds ability to take advantage of market opportunities.
Short Sales. The Fund may engage in short sales. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells securities it owns or has the right to acquire at no added cost (i.e., against the box) or does not own (but has borrowed) in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities. To deliver the securities to the buyer, the Fund arranges through a broker to borrow the securities and, in so doing, the Fund becomes obligated to replace the securities borrowed at their market price at the time of replacement. When selling short, the Fund intends to replace the securities at a lower price and therefore, profit from the difference between the cost to replace the securities and the proceeds received from the sale of the securities. When the Fund makes a short sale, the proceeds it receives from the sale will be held on behalf of a broker until the Fund replaces the borrowed securities. The Fund may have to pay a premium to borrow the securities and must pay any dividends or interest payable on the securities until they are replaced. The Funds obligation to replace the securities borrowed in connection with a short sale will be secured by collateral deposited with the broker that consists of cash and/or liquid securities. In addition, the Fund will place in a segregated account an amount of cash and/or liquid securities equal to the difference, if any, between (i) the market value of the securities sold at the time they were sold short, and (ii) any cash and/or liquid securities deposited as collateral with the broker in connection with the short sale. Short sales involve certain risks and special considerations. If the Fund incorrectly predicts that the price of the borrowed security will decline, the Fund will have to replace the securities with securities with a greater value than the amount received from the sale. As a result, losses from short sales differ from losses that could be incurred from a purchase of a security, because losses from short sales may be unlimited, whereas losses from purchases can equal only the total amount invested.
Warrants. Warrants give holders the right, but not the obligation, to buy common stock of an issuer at a given price, usually higher than the market price at the time of issuance, during a specified period. Warrants are usually freely transferable. The risk of
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investing in a warrant is that the warrant may expire prior to the market value of the common stock exceeding the price fixed by the warrant. Warrants have a subordinate claim on a borrowers assets compared with Senior Loans. As a result, the values of warrants generally are dependent on the financial condition of the borrower and less dependent on fluctuations in interest rates than are the values of many debt securities. The values of warrants may be more volatile than those of Senior Loans and this may increase the volatility of the Funds net asset value.
Lending Portfolio Securities. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities (principally to broker-dealers) to generate additional income. Such loans are callable at any time and are continuously secured by segregated collateral equal to no less than the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. Such collateral will be cash, letters of credit, or debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies. The Fund will loan its securities only to parties that Invesco has determined are in good standing and when, in Invescos judgment, the income earned would justify the risks.
The Fund will not have the right to vote securities while they are on loan, but it can call a loan in anticipation of an important vote. The Fund would receive income in lieu of dividends on loaned securities and may, at the same time, generate income on the loan collateral or on the investment of any cash collateral.
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 securities loaned or gaining access to the collateral. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities loaned, the Fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement security in the market. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the extent that the market value of the loaned securities increases and the collateral is not increased accordingly.
Any cash received as collateral for loaned securities will be invested, in accordance with the Funds investment guidelines, in short-term money market instruments or funds. Investing this cash subjects that investment to market appreciation or depreciation. For purposes of determining whether the Fund is complying with its investment policies, strategies and restrictions, the Fund will consider the loaned securities as assets of the Fund, but will not consider any collateral received as the Fund asset. The Fund will bear any loss on the investment of cash collateral.
Temporary Investments. During periods in which the Fund believes that changes in economic, financial or political conditions make it advisable to do so, the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, reduce its primary investment holdings and invest in certain short-term (less than one year to maturity) and medium-term (not greater than five years to maturity) debt securities or hold cash. The short-term and medium-term debt securities in which the Fund may invest consist of (i) obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; (ii) bank deposits and bank obligations (including certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers acceptances) of U.S. or foreign banks denominated in any currency; (iii) floating rate securities and other instruments denominated in any currency issued by various governments or international development agencies; (iv) finance company and corporate commercial paper and other short-term corporate debt obligations of U.S. or foreign corporations; and (v) repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers with respect to such securities. The Fund intends to invest for temporary defensive purposes only in short-term and medium-term debt securities that the Fund believes to be of high quality, i.e., subject to relatively low risk of loss of interest or principal. In taking such defensive position, the Fund temporarily would not be pursuing and may not achieve its investment objectives.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund will buy and sell securities to seek to accomplish its investment objective. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. The Funds portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. For the past two fiscal years, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was as follows.
Fiscal Year Ended |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | |||
February 28, 2018 |
89 | % | ||
February 28, 2017 |
87 | % |
Investment Restrictions
The Fund has adopted certain other investment limitations designed to limit investment risk. These limitations are fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares, as defined in the 1940 Act (and preferred shares, if any, voting together as a single class), which is defined by the 1940 Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more
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of the Funds voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the Funds outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the Funds outstanding voting securities. See Investment Restrictions in the SAI for a complete list of the fundamental investment policies of the Fund.
The Funds policy on financial leverage allows the Fund to use financial leverage in the form of borrowings and/or preferred shares to the maximum extent allowable under the 1940 Act. Currently, the Fund employs financial leverage by borrowing through a credit facility (as defined herein) and through the issuance of preferred securities that are senior to the Common Shares. The Funds total leverage as of June 19, 2018 represented approximately 15.92% of the Funds total assets as of such date.
The Fund anticipates that the use of leverage will result in higher income to its Common Shareholders over time. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. The costs associated with the issuance and use of leverage are borne by the holders of the Common Shares. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Funds Managed Assets (as defined in this Prospectus under the heading Management of the Fund), which includes proceeds from leverage, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of interest between the Funds investment adviser and holders of Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares effectively bear the entire investment advisory fee. Common Shareholders bear the portion of the investment advisory fee attributable to the assets purchased with the proceeds of leverage, which means that Common Shareholders effectively bear the entire advisory fee.
Borrowings
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally is not permitted to engage in borrowings unless, immediately after the borrowing, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of at least 300% (i.e., the value of the Funds total assets less liabilities other than the principal amount represented by the borrowings is at least 300% of such principal amount). In addition, other than with respect to privately arranged borrowings, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on the Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the value of the Funds total assets, less liabilities other than the principal amount represented by borrowings, is at least 300% of such principal amount after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution. If the Fund borrows, the Fund intends, to the extent possible, to prepay all or a portion of the principal amount of any outstanding commercial paper, notes or other borrowings to the extent necessary to maintain the required asset coverage.
The terms of any such borrowings may require the Fund to pay a fee to maintain a line of credit, such as a commitment fee, or to maintain minimum average balances with a lender. Any such requirements would increase the cost of such borrowings over the stated interest rate. Such lenders would have the right to receive interest on and repayment of principal of any such borrowings, which right will be senior to those of the Common Shareholders. Any such borrowings may contain provisions limiting certain activities of the Fund, including the payment of dividends to Common Shareholders in certain circumstances.
Certain types of borrowings subject the Fund to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. Certain borrowings issued by the Fund also may subject the Fund to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for such borrowings. Such guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede Invesco from managing the Funds portfolio in accordance with the Funds investment objective and policies.
The 1940 Act grants to the holders of senior securities representing indebtedness issued by the Fund, other than with respect to privately arranged borrowings, certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of principal. Failure to maintain certain asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act could result in an event of default and entitle the debt holders to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees.
Credit Facility. The Fund has entered into a $400 million credit agreement, effective as of December 10, 2015 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the Credit Agreement), with State Street Bank and Trust Company and other lending institutions party thereto and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as agent (the Agent). As of June 19, 2018, outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility were approximately $370 million, which represented approximately 11.90% of the Funds total assets as of such date. The Credit Agreement is secured by the assets of the Fund.
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Prior to December 10, 2015, the Fund had entered into a $400 million revolving credit and security agreement, effective as of August 27, 2014 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the Former Credit Agreement), among the Fund, CHARTA, LLC (CHARTA), CAFCO, LLC (CAFCO), CRC Funding, LLC (CRC Funding), and CIESCO, LLC (together with CHARTA, CAFCO, and CRC Funding, the Conduit Lenders), Citibank, N.A. (the Secondary Lender), State Street Bank and Trust Company (the Direct Lender) and Citibank, N.A., as program agent (the Program Agent).
Preferred Shares
The Fund may authorize and issue preferred shares with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the Board of Trustees without prior approval of the holders of the Common Shares. Common Shareholders have no preemptive right to purchase any preferred shares that might be issued. Any such preferred share offering would be subject to the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not issue preferred shares if, immediately after issuance, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of less than 200% (i.e., for every dollar of preferred shares outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least two dollars of assets).
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the terms of any preferred shares may entitle the holders of preferred shares to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus the applicable redemption premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid distributions, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis) before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the preferred shareholders would not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.
The terms of the preferred shares, including their distribution rate, voting rights, liquidation preference and redemption provisions, will be determined by the Board (subject to applicable law and the Funds Declaration of Trust) if and when it authorizes the preferred shares. The Fund may issue preferred shares that provide for the periodic redetermination of the distribution rate at relatively short intervals through an auction or remarketing procedure, although the terms of the preferred shares may also enable the Fund to lengthen such intervals. At times, the distribution rate on the Funds preferred shares may exceed the Funds return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the preferred shares were not outstanding.
VRTP Shares. In August 2013, the Fund issued in the aggregate 1,250 Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares (VRTP), each with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, pursuant to an offering exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. VRTP Shares are a floating-rate form of preferred shares with a mandatory redemption date. On May 1, 2017, the Fund began a periodic optional redemption of VRTP Shares and fully redeemed the VRTP Shares on June 19, 2018. On June 14, 2018, the Fund issued in the aggregate 1,250 Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (VRDP), with an aggregate liquidation value of $125,000,000, pursuant to an offering exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. A portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the VRDP Shares were used to fully redeem the VRTP Shares. As of June 19, 2018, the Fund had outstanding preferred shares with an aggregate liquidation preference of $125 million, which represented approximately 4.02% of the Funds total assets as of such date.
Effects Of Leverage
Assuming (i) the use by the Fund of leverage representing approximately 15.92% of the Funds total assets (including the proceeds of such leverage), 11.90% of the Funds total assets being attributable to borrowings and 4.02% of the Funds total assets attributable to preferred shares and (ii) interest costs to the Fund at an average annual rate of 0.99% with respect to borrowings and dividends on preferred shares at an annual rate of 1.50%, then the incremental income generated by the Funds portfolio (net of estimated expenses including expenses related to the leverage) must exceed approximately 3.25% to cover such interest expense and dividend payments. Of course, these numbers are merely estimates used for illustration. The amount of leverage used by the Fund as well as actual interest expenses and dividend payments on such leverage may vary frequently and may be significantly higher or lower than the rate estimated above.
The following table is furnished pursuant to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on Common Share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of income, net expenses and changes in the value of investments held in the Funds portfolio) of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of what the Funds investment portfolio returns will be. The table further reflects the issuance of leverage representing approximately 15.92% of the Funds assets (including the proceeds of such leverage), 11.90% of the Funds total assets being attributable to borrowings and 4.02% of the Funds total assets attributable to preferred shares, and the Funds currently projected average annual rate of 0.99% with respect to borrowings and
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dividends on preferred shares at an annual rate of 1.50% with respect to such leverage. The table does not reflect any offering costs of Common Shares or leverage.
Assumed portfolio total return (net of expenses) |
(10.00 | )% | (5.00 | )% | 0.00 | % | 5.00 | % | 10.00 | % | ||||||||||
Common Share total return |
(13.14 | )% | (6.66 | )% | (0.18 | )% | 6.30 | % | 12.78 | % |
Common Share total return is composed of two elementsthe Common Share dividends paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the Funds net investment income after paying the carrying cost of Financial Leverage) and realized and unrealized gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital loss than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example, to assume a total return of 0%, the Fund must assume that the net investment income it receives on its investments is entirely offset by losses on the value of those investments. This table reflects the hypothetical performance of the Funds portfolio and not the performance of the Funds Common Shares, the value of which will be determined by market and other factors.
Risks Associated with an Investment in the Fund
Market Risk. Market risk is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline. The values of fixed income securities tend to fall as interest rates rise, and such declines tend to be greater among fixed income securities with longer maturities. Market risk is often greater among certain types of fixed income securities, such as zero coupon bonds which do not make regular interest payments but are instead bought at a discount to their face values and paid in full upon maturity. As interest rates change, these securities often fluctuate more in price than securities that make regular interest payments and therefore subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that does not own these types of securities. The values of adjustable, variable or floating rate income securities tend to have less fluctuation in response to changes in interest rates, but will have some fluctuation particularly when the next interest rate adjustment on such security is further away in time or adjustments are limited in amount over time. The Fund has no policy limiting the maturity of loans and debts that it purchases. Such obligations often have mandatory and optional prepayment provisions and because of prepayments, the actual remaining maturity of loans and debts may be considerably less than their stated maturity. Obligations with longer maturities or durations generally expose the Fund to more market risk. When-issued and delayed delivery transactions are subject to changes in market conditions from the time of the commitment until settlement. This may adversely affect the prices or yields of the securities being purchased. The greater the Funds outstanding commitments for these securities, the greater the Funds exposure to market price fluctuations.
Credit Risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will be unable to make timely interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt. Because the Fund may invest, without limitation, in securities that are below investment grade, the Fund is subject to a greater degree of credit risk than a fund investing primarily in investment grade securities. Below investment grade securities (that is, securities rated Ba or lower by Moodys or BB or lower by S&P) are commonly referred to as junk securities. Generally, lower-grade securities provide a higher yield than higher-grade securities of similar maturity but are subject to greater risks, such as greater credit risk, greater market risk and volatility, greater liquidity concerns and potentially greater manager risk. Such securities are generally regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the capacity to pay interest or repay principal in accordance with their terms. Lower-grade securities are more susceptible to non-payment of interest and principal and default than higher-grade securities and are more sensitive to specific issuer developments or real or perceived general adverse economic changes than higher-grade securities. The market for lower-grade securities also may have less information available than the market for other securities, further complicating evaluations and valuations of such securities and placing more emphasis on the experience, judgment and analysis of each of the Adviser and the Subadviser with respect to the portion of the Funds portfolio that each manages.
The Fund may invest in loan and debt obligations of stressed, distressed and bankrupt issuers including those that are in covenant or payment default. Such obligations are subject to a multitude of legal, industry, market, economic and governmental forces that make analysis of these companies inherently difficult. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers rely on company management, outside experts, market participants and personal experience to analyze potential investments for the portion of the Funds assets that they respectively manage. There can be no assurance that any of these sources will provide credible information, or that each of the Advisers and each Sub-Advisers analysis will produce conclusions that lead to profitable investments for the portion of the Funds portfolio that each manages. Obligations of stressed, distressed and bankrupt issuers generally trade significantly below par and are considered speculative. The repayment of defaulted obligations is subject to significant uncertainties. Defaulted obligations might be
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repaid only after lengthy workout or bankruptcy proceedings or result in only partial recovery of cash payments or an exchange of the defaulted obligation for other debt or equity securities of the issuer or its affiliates, which may in turn be illiquid or speculative.
There are a number of significant risks inherent in the bankruptcy process. Many events in a bankruptcy are the product of contested matters and adversary proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. There can be no assurance that a bankruptcy court would not approve actions that would be contrary to the interests of the Fund. A bankruptcy filing by an issuer may cause such issuer to lose its market position and key employees and otherwise become incapable of restoring itself as a viable entity and its liquidation value may be less than its value was believed to be at the time of investment. In addition, the duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is difficult to predict and as such, a creditors return on investment can be adversely affected by delays while the plan of reorganization is being negotiated, approved by the creditors and confirmed by the bankruptcy court and until it ultimately becomes effective. The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and would be paid out of the debtors estate prior to any return to creditors. Further, in the early stages of the bankruptcy process it is often difficult to estimate the extent of any contingent claims that might be made and as such, there exists the risk that the Funds influence with respect to the class of obligations it owns can be lost by increases in the number and amount of claims in that class or by different classification and treatment. A creditor, such as the Fund, can also lose its ranking and priority if it is determined that such creditor exercised domination and control over a debtor and other creditors can demonstrate that they have been harmed by such actions. In addition, certain claims have priority by law, such as claims for taxes, which may be substantial and could affect the ability of the Fund to be repaid.
In any investment involving stressed and distressed debt obligations, there exists the risk that the transaction involving such debt obligations will be unsuccessful, take considerable time or will result in a distribution of cash or a new security or obligation in exchange for the stressed and distressed debt obligations, the value of which may be less than the Funds purchase price of such debt obligations. Furthermore, if an anticipated transaction does not occur, the Fund may be required to sell its investment at a loss.
Interest Rate Risk. When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio invested in fixed income securities generally can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a portfolio invested in fixed income securities generally can be expected to decline. The prices of longer term fixed income securities generally are more volatile with respect to changes in interest rates than the prices of shorter term fixed income securities. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because certain interest rates are near historically low levels, which may increase the Funds exposure to risks associated with rising interest rates. Rising interest rates could have unpredictable effects on the markets and may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility. For fixed-income securities, an increase in interest rates may lead to increased redemptions and increased portfolio turnover, which could reduce liquidity for certain Fund investments, adversely affect values, and increase the Funds expenses. The interest rates of floating or variable rate instruments only reset periodically. Therefore, such rate adjustments frequently lag the market. Floating or variable rate instruments may also be subject to caps or floors that may prevent rates from adjusting in response to changes in prevailing interest rates.
Income Risk. The income you receive from the Fund is based primarily on interest rates, which can vary widely over the short- and long-term. If interest rates drop, your income from the Fund may drop as well. The more the Fund invests in adjustable, variable or floating rate securities or in securities susceptible to prepayment risk, the greater the Funds income risk.
Prepayment or Call Risk. If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of fixed income securities with high interest rates will prepay or call their securities before their maturity dates. In this event, the proceeds from the prepaid or called securities would likely be reinvested by the Fund in securities bearing the new, lower interest rates, resulting in a possible decline in the Funds income and distributions to shareholders.
Risk of Senior Loans. There is less readily available, reliable information about most Senior Loans than is the case for many other types of securities. Senior Loans generally are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and as such, many Senior Loans are less liquid, meaning that the Fund may not be able to sell them quickly at a fair price. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain Senior Loans, the market is more volatile than for liquid, listed securities and may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. The market for Senior Loans could be disrupted in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase or decrease in interest rates, resulting in fluctuations in the Funds net asset value. Although the Fund believes that its investments in adjustable rate Senior Loans could limit fluctuations in the Funds net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates, extraordinary and sudden changes in interest rates could nevertheless disrupt the market for such Senior Loans and result in fluctuations in the Funds net asset value.
Senior Loans, like most other debt obligations, are subject to the risk of default. Default in the payment of interest or principal on a Senior Loan will result in a reduction in income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the Senior Loan and a potential decrease in the Funds net asset value. The risk of default will increase in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase in interest rates. The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser relies primarily on its own evaluation of borrower credit quality rather than on any
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available independent sources. As a result, the Fund is particularly dependent on the analytical abilities of each of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers.
The Fund may acquire Senior Loans of borrowers that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience financial difficulty, including Senior Loans issued in highly leveraged transactions. The Fund may even acquire and retain in its portfolio Senior Loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Borrowers may have outstanding debt obligations that are rated below investment grade. More recently, rating agencies have begun rating Senior Loans, and Senior Loans in the Funds portfolio may themselves be rated below investment grade. The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets in Senior Loans of borrowers that have outstanding debt obligations rated below investment grade or unrated securities deemed to be of comparable quality. Senior Loans may not be rated at the time that the Fund purchases them. If a Senior Loan is rated at the time of purchase, the Fund may consider the rating when evaluating the Senior Loan but, in any event, does not view ratings as a determinative factor in investment decisions. As a result, the Fund is more dependent on the credit analysis abilities of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers. Because of the protective terms of Senior Loans, the Fund believes that the Fund is more likely to recover more of its investment in a defaulted Senior Loan than would be the case for most other types of defaulted debt securities. The values of Senior Loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection or that are experiencing payment difficulty could be affected by, among other things, the assessment of the likelihood that the lenders ultimately will receive repayment of the principal amount of such Senior Loans, the likely duration, if any, of a lapse in the scheduled payment of interest and repayment of principal and prevailing interest rates. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to recover any amount on Senior Loans of such Borrowers. Even in the case of collateralized Senior Loans, there is no assurance that sale of the collateral would raise enough cash to satisfy the borrowers payment obligation or that the collateral can or will be liquidated. In the case of bankruptcy, liquidation may not occur and the court may not give lenders the full benefit of their senior position.
The Fund may acquire Senior Loan assignments or participations. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, its rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution, and, in any event, the Fund may not be able unilaterally to enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and any associated collateral. A participation typically results in a contractual relationship only with the institution participating out the interest, not with the borrower. In purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement or any rights of setoff against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation.
Unfunded commitments pursuant to loans, loan participations or assignments in which the Fund invests may have the effect of requiring the Fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when it might not be desirable to do so (including at a time when the companys financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid).
Risk of Second Lien or Other Subordinated or Unsecured Loans or Debt. Second lien or other subordinated or unsecured loans or debt generally are subject to similar risks associated with investments in Senior Loans. Because second lien or other subordinated or unsecured loans or debt are lower in priority of payment to Senior Loans, they are subject to additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and property securing the loan or debt, if any, may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to the senior secured obligations of the borrower. This risk is generally higher for subordinated unsecured loans or debt, which are not backed by a security interest in any specific collateral. Second lien or subordinated loans or debt, both secured and unsecured, are expected to have greater price volatility than Senior Loans and may be less liquid. There is also a possibility that originators will not be able to sell participations in second lien loans and subordinated loans or debt, both secured and unsecured, which would create greater credit risk exposure. Second lien or other subordinated or unsecured loans or debt of below investment grade quality share the same risks of other below investment grade securities.
Risks of Structured Products. The Fund may invest in structured products, CDOs, CBOs, CLOs, structured notes, credit-linked notes and other types of structured products. Holders of structured products bear risks of the underlying investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk. The Fund may have the right to receive payments to which it is entitled only from the structured product, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold assets to the special purpose trust. While certain structured products enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same securities, investors in structured products generally pay their share of the structured products administrative and other expenses. When investing in structured products, it is impossible to predict whether the underlying index or prices of the underlying securities will rise or fall, but prices of the underlying indices and securities (and, therefore, the prices of structured products) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect particular issuers of securities and capital markets generally. Certain structured products may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Funds illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.
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CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are typically privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities; however an active dealer market may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO to be considered liquid in some circumstances. In addition to the general risks associated with fixed income securities discussed herein, CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the possibility that the CDOs are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.
Investments in structured notes involve risks including income risk, credit risk and market risk. Where the Funds investments in structured notes are based upon the movement of one or more factors, including currency exchange rates, interest rates, referenced bonds and stock indices, depending on the factor used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations. Additionally, changes in the reference instrument or security may cause the interest rate on the structured note to be reduced to zero and any further changes in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Structured notes may be less liquid than other types of securities and more volatile than the reference instrument or security underlying the note.
Risk of Swaps. The Fund may enter into swap transactions, including credit default, total return, index and interest rate swap agreements, as well as options thereon, and may purchase or sell interest rate caps, floors and collars. Such transactions are subject to market risk, risk of default by the other party to the transaction, risk of imperfect correlation and manager risk and may involve commissions or other costs. Swaps generally do not involve delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps generally is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make, or in the case of the other party to a swap defaulting, the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps. If the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers are incorrect in their forecast of market values, interest rates or currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Fund will be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.
Financial Leverage Risk. There can be no assurance that a financial leveraging strategy will be utilized by the Fund or that, if utilized, it will be successful during any period in which it is employed. Leverage creates risks for holders of Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of, and distributions on, the Common Shares and the risk that fluctuations in distribution rates on any preferred shares and costs of borrowings may affect the return to holders of Common Shares. To the extent the income derived from investments purchased with proceeds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Funds distributions will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income from the investments purchased with such proceeds is not sufficient to cover the cost of the financial leverage, the amount available for distribution to holders of Common Shares will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the latter case, the Fund may nevertheless maintain its leveraged position if such action is deemed to be appropriate based on market conditions. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because interest rates are near historically low levels. Interest payments on the Funds outstanding borrowings and dividends on the Funds outstanding preferred shares are based on variable rate formulas and as a result the Funds leverage costs will increase in a rising interest rate environment. The costs of an offering of preferred shares and/or borrowing program will be borne by holders of Common Shares and consequently, will result in a reduction of the net asset value of Common Shares. At times, the distribution rate on the Funds preferred shares may exceed the Funds return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the preferred shares were not outstanding. Holders of preferred shares, voting as a class, shall be entitled to elect two of the Funds Trustees. Under the 1940 Act, if at any time distributions on the preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to two full years distributions thereon, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, voting as a class, will be allowed to elect a majority of the Funds Trustees until all distributions in arrears have been paid or declared and set apart for payment.
The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Funds Managed Assets, which includes proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of interest between the Adviser and holders of Common Shares as providers of the credit facility or holders of preferred securities do not bear the investment advisory fee, rather, holders of Common Shares bear the portion of the investment advisory fee attributable to the assets purchased with the proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings. This means that holders of Common Shares effectively bear the entire investment advisory fee.
Any lender in connection with a credit facility may impose specific restrictions as condition to borrowing. Similarly, to the extent the Fund issues preferred shares, the Fund currently intends to seek an AAA or equivalent credit rating from one or more rating
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agencies on any preferred shares it issues and the Fund may be subject to investment restrictions of the rating agency as a result. Such restrictions imposed by a rating agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede the Adviser or each Sub-Adviser in managing their respective portions of the Funds portfolio in accordance with its investment objectives and policies. See Description of Capital StructureBorrowings.
Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Funds use of derivative instruments exposes the Fund to special risks.
Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund will invest in credit securities of issuers that are organized or located in countries other than the United States, including non-U.S. dollar denominated securities. Investment in non-U.S. issuers involves special risks, including that non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less rigorous accounting and reporting requirements than U.S. issuers, less rigorous regulatory requirements, different legal systems and laws relating to creditors rights, the potential inability to enforce legal judgments, the potential for political, social and economic adversity and currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and non-U.S. currencies may negatively affect an investment. The value of investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies may fluctuate based on changes in the value of those currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, and a decline in applicable foreign exchange rates could reduce the value of such investments held by the Fund.
The foreign securities in which the Fund may invest may be issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Compared to the United States and other developed countries, emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries and securities markets that trade a small number of securities. Securities issued by companies located in these countries tend to be especially volatile and may be less liquid than securities traded in developed countries. In the past, securities in these countries have been characterized by greater potential loss than securities of companies located in developed countries. Investments in the securities of issuers located in emerging markets could be affected by risks associated with expropriation and/or nationalization, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on transfers of assets, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, less publicly available financial and other information and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
Since the Fund may invest in credit securities of foreign issuers denominated in the local currency, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of credit securities in the Funds portfolio and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments. In addition to changes in the value of the Funds portfolio investments resulting from currency fluctuations, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may also invest directly in currencies. The Fund is subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. The values of the currencies of the emerging market countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies of the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or due to other national or global political or economic developments. Foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer normally will offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire immediately to resell that currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward, futures or options contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. Therefore, the Funds exposure to foreign currencies may result in reduced returns to the Fund. The Fund may, from time to time, seek to protect the value of some portion or all of its portfolio holdings against currency risks by engaging in currency hedging transactions, such as currency futures contracts, currency forward contracts and options on currencies. Such transactions may include entering into forward currency exchange contracts, currency futures contracts and options on such futures contracts, as well as purchasing put or call options on currencies, in U.S. or foreign markets. Currency hedging involves special risks, including possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of hedging could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. In addition, in certain countries in which the Fund may invest, currency hedging opportunities may not be available. The use of currency transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses because of the imposition of exchange controls, suspension of settlements or the inability of the Fund to deliver or receive a specified currency.
The Fund will compute and expects to distribute its income in U.S. dollars, and the computation of income is made on the date that the income is earned by the Fund at the foreign exchange rate in effect on that date. If the value of the foreign currencies in which the Fund receives its income falls relative to the U.S. dollar between the date of earning of the income and the time at which the Fund converts the foreign currencies to U.S. dollars, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities in order to make distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet distribution requirements. See Distributions and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. The liquidation of investments, if required, may have an adverse impact on the Funds performance.
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Strategic Transactions Risk. The Fund may utilize options, forward contracts, futures contracts and options on futures contracts (collectively, referred to as Strategic Transactions). Strategic Transactions involve risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity of the derivative instrument and, to the extent the prediction as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. In addition, such transactions may involve commissions and other costs, which may increase the Funds expenses and reduce its return. Thus, the use of Strategic Transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can otherwise realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. In addition, amounts paid as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to Strategic Transactions are not otherwise available to the Fund for investment purposes.
The use of forward contracts, options and futures transactions entails certain special risks. In particular, the use of such transactions by the Fund could create the possibility that losses on the instrument would be greater than gains in the value of the Funds position. In addition, futures and options markets could be illiquid in some circumstances, and certain over-the-counter options could have no markets. As a result, in certain markets, the Fund might not be able to close out a position without incurring substantial losses. In addition, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of options, in which case the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium and transaction costs. Losses resulting from the use of hedging will reduce the Funds net asset value, and possibly income, and the losses can be greater than if hedging had not been used. Forward contracts may limit gains on portfolio securities that could otherwise be realized had they not been utilized and could result in losses. The contracts also may increase the Funds volatility and may involve a significant amount of risk relative to the investment of cash. The use of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than at current market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to any Strategic Transactions engaged in by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.
When conducted outside the United States, Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as 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, currencies and other instruments. 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 Funds ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States and (v) lower trading volume and liquidity.
Manager Risk. As with any managed fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers may not be successful in selecting the best-performing securities or investment techniques in managing their respective portion of the Funds portfolio, and the Funds performance may lag behind that of similar funds.
Risks of Investing in Other Investment Companies. The Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies, including foreign investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from the net asset value of the particular fund. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entitys expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own investment advisory fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders, in effect, will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other investment companies.
Zero Coupon Securities Risk. Certain debt obligations purchased by the Fund may take the form of zero coupon bonds. A zero coupon bond is a bond that does not pay interest either for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. When held to its maturity, its return comes from the difference between the purchase price and its maturity value. A zero coupon bond is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. Zero coupon bonds allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments and, as a result, may involve greater credit risk than bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. Special tax considerations are associated with investing in non-cash-paying instruments For example, the Fund would be required to distribute the income on these instruments as it accrues, even though the Fund may be required to accrue that income before a corresponding receipt of cash from such instruments. Thus, the Fund may have to sell other investments or borrow money, including when it may not be advisable to do so, to make income distributions to its stockholders. Such securities may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and
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the value of any associated collateral. Accruals on such instruments may create uncertainty about the source of distributions Common Shareholders.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. To the extent that inflation occurs, it will reduce the real value of dividends paid by the Fund and the Funds shares. Most emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high and volatile, rates of inflation. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. In an attempt to control inflation, wage and price controls have been imposed at times in certain countries.
Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk. The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements. In its purchase of repurchase agreements, the Fund does not bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under its repurchase obligation. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses, including possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights.
The Funds use of reverse repurchase agreements involve many of the same risks involved in the Funds use of financial leverage, as the proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements generally will be invested in additional securities. There is a risk that the market value of the securities acquired in the reverse repurchase agreement may decline below the price of the securities that the Fund has sold but remains obligated to repurchase. In addition, there is a risk that the market value of the securities retained by the Fund may decline. If the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement were to file for bankruptcy or experience insolvency, the Fund may be adversely affected. Also, in entering into reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund would bear the risk of loss to the extent that the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement are less than the value of the underlying securities. In addition, due to the interest costs associated with reverse repurchase agreements, the Funds net asset value will decline, and, in some cases, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if the Fund had not used such instruments.
Illiquid Investments Risk. The Funds investments in relatively illiquid securities and loans may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for fair value, as well as its ability to fairly value such investments and take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute in situations in which the Funds operations require cash, such as when the Fund pays dividends or distributions, and could result in the Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring capital losses on the sale of illiquid investments.
Short Sales Risk. The Fund may engage in short sales. Short sales involve certain risks and special considerations. If the Fund incorrectly predicts that the price of the borrowed security will decline, the Fund will have to replace the securities with securities with a greater value than the amount received from the sale. As a result, losses from short sales differ from losses that could be incurred from a purchase of a security, because losses from short sales may be unlimited, whereas losses from purchases can equal only the total amount invested.
Warrants Risk. The Fund may invest in warrants. The risk of investing in a warrant is that the warrant may expire prior to the market value of the common stock exceeding the price fixed by the warrant. Warrants have a subordinate claim on a borrowers assets compared with Senior Loans. As a result, the values of warrants generally are dependent on the financial condition of the borrower and less dependent on fluctuations in interest rates than are the values of many debt securities. The values of warrants may be more volatile than those of Senior Loans and this may increase the volatility of the Funds net asset value.
Temporary Investments Risk. During periods in which the Fund believes that changes in economic, financial or political conditions make it advisable to do so, the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, reduce its primary investment holdings and invest in certain short-term and medium-term debt securities or hold cash. The Fund intends to invest for temporary defensive purposes only in short-term and medium-term debt securities believed to be of high quality, which are expected to be subject to relatively low risk of loss of interest or principal. In taking such defensive position, the Fund temporarily would not be pursuing and may not achieve its investment objectives.
U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S. Government securities historically have not involved the credit risks associated with investments in other types of debt securities, although, as a result, the yields available from U.S. Government debt securities are generally lower than the yields available from other securities. Like other debt securities, however, the values of U.S. Government securities change as interest rates fluctuate. On August 5, 2011, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. to AA+ from AAA. Any further downgrades of the U.S. credit rating could increase volatility in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and higher Treasury yields and increase the costs of all kinds of debt. These events could have significant adverse effects on the economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on securities issuers and the Fund. The
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Adviser cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets or on the Funds portfolio.
Recent Market Developments Risk. Global and domestic financial markets have experienced periods of severe turmoil. The debt and equity capital markets in the United States have been negatively impacted by significant write-offs in the financial services sector relating to sub-prime mortgages and the re-pricing of credit risk, among other things. These events, along with the deterioration of the housing market, the failure of major financial institutions and the resulting United States federal government actions led to worsening general economic conditions, which materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial firms in particular. Such market conditions may increase the volatility of the value of securities owned by the Fund, may make it more difficult for the Fund to accurately value its securities or to sell its securities on a timely basis and may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to borrow for investment purposes and increase the cost of such borrowings, which would reduce returns to the holders of Common Shares. These developments adversely affected the broader economy, and may continue to do so, which in turn may adversely affect issuers of securities owned by the Fund. Such developments could, in turn, reduce the value of securities owned by the Fund and adversely affect the net asset value of the Common Shares. Recently markets have witnessed more stabilized economic activity as expectations for an economic recovery increased. However, risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. A return to unfavorable economic conditions or sustained economic slowdown could adversely impact the Funds portfolio.
Eurozone Risk. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns or rising government debt levels in several European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Continuing uncertainty as to the status of the Euro and the European Monetary Union (the EMU) has created significant volatility in currency and financial markets generally. Investing in Euro-denominated securities entails risk of being exposed to a currency that may not fully reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the disparate European economies. In addition, it is possible that the Euro could be abandoned in the future by countries that have adopted its use. The effects of the collapse of the Euro, or of the exit of one or more countries from the EMU, on the United States and global economy and securities markets could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Funds investments. If one or more EMU countries were to stop using the Euro as its primary currency, the Funds investments in such countries may be redenominated into a different or newly adopted currency. As a result, the value of those investments could decline significantly and unpredictably. In addition, securities or other investments that are redenominated may be subject to foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk to a greater extent than similar investments currently denominated in Euros. To the extent a currency used for redenomination purposes is not specified in respect of certain EMU-related investments, or should the Euro cease to be used entirely, the currency in which such investments are denominated may be unclear, making such investments particularly difficult to value or dispose of. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek judicial or other clarification of the denomination or value of such securities.
Legislation and Regulation Risk. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act), which was signed into law in July 2010, has resulted in a significant revision of the U.S. financial regulatory framework. The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics, including, among many others: a reorganization of federal financial regulators; the creation of a process designed to ensure financial system stability and the resolution of potentially insolvent financial firms; the enactment of new rules for derivatives trading; the creation of a consumer financial protection watchdog; the registration and regulation of managers of private funds; the regulation of rating agencies; and the enactment of new federal requirements for residential mortgage loans. The regulation of various types of derivative instruments pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely affect the Fund or its counterparties. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, and any resulting regulation, is not yet certain and issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may also be affected by the new legislation and regulation in ways that are currently unknown and unforeseeable.
On December 11, 2015, the SEC published a proposed rule that, if adopted, would change the regulation of the use of derivative instruments and financial commitment transactions by registered investment companies. The SEC sought public comments on numerous aspects of the proposed rule, and as a result the nature of any final regulations is uncertain at this time. Such regulations could limit the implementation of the Funds use of derivatives and impose additional compliance costs on the Fund, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of these regulations on the Funds portfolio. The Adviser intends to monitor developments and seek to manage the Funds portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Funds investment objectives, but there can be no assurance that they will be successful in doing so.
According to various reports, certain financial institutions, commencing as early as 2005 and throughout the global financial crisis, routinely made artificially low submissions in the LIBOR rate setting process. A number of financial institutions have entered into settlements with their regulators and law enforcement agencies, and have been fined significant amounts, in connection with allegations of manipulation of LIBOR. Other proceedings and investigations by regulators and governmental authorities in various jurisdictions are ongoing. These developments may have adversely affected the interest rates on securities whose interest payments
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were determined by reference to LIBOR. Any future similar developments could, in turn, reduce the value of such securities owned by the Fund.
At any time after the date of this prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund or the issuers of such assets. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on the Fund or entities in which the Fund invests. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Funds annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the Fund. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization of net short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to Common Shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. Additionally, in a declining market, portfolio turnover may result in realized capital losses.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions Risk. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may expose the Fund to counterparty risk of default as well as the risk that securities may experience fluctuations in value prior to their actual delivery. The Fund generally will not accrue income with respect to a when-issued or delayed delivery security prior to its stated delivery date. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis can involve the additional risk that the price or yield available in the market when the delivery takes place may not be as favorable as that obtained in the transaction itself.
Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may therefore lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Funds performance. Also, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding.
Risk of Failure to Qualify as a RIC. To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs the Fund must, among other things, derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources, meet certain asset diversification tests and distribute for each taxable year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss). If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income for that year (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at the applicable corporate income tax rate without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits. If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for any reason and becomes subject to Fund-level tax, the resulting Fund-level income taxes could substantially reduce the Funds net asset value, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of the Funds distributions.
Certain of the Funds investments will cause the Fund to take into account taxable income in a taxable year in excess of the cash generated on those investments during that year. In particular, the Fund expects to invest in loans and other debt obligations that will be treated as having market discount and/or original issue discount (OID) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because the Fund may be allocated taxable income in respect of these investments before, or without receiving, cash representing such income, the Fund may have difficulty satisfying the annual distribution requirements applicable to RICs and avoiding Fund-level U.S. federal income and/or excise taxes. Accordingly, the Fund may be required to sell assets, including at potentially disadvantageous times or prices, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investments, to obtain the cash needed to make these income distributions. If the Fund liquidates assets to raise cash, the Fund may realize gain or loss on such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes gains from such liquidation transactions, the Fund and, ultimately, its Common Shareholders, may receive larger taxable distributions than it or they would in the absence of such transactions.
The Fund may invest a portion of its net assets in below investment grade instruments. Investments in these types of instruments may present special tax issues for the Fund. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Fund to the extent necessary in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income that it does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Potential Conflicts of Interest Risk. The Adviser and its affiliates provide a wide array of portfolio management and other asset management services to a mix of clients and may engage in ordinary course activities in which their interests or those of their clients
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may compete or conflict with those of the Fund. The Adviser and its affiliates may provide investment management services to other funds that follow investment objectives similar to that of the Fund. In certain circumstances, and subject to its fiduciary obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act), the Adviser may have to allocate a limited investment opportunity among its clients. For additional information about potential conflicts of interest, and the way in which the Adviser and its affiliates address such conflicts please see Management of the FundPotential Conflicts of Interest in the SAI.
Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Funds Governing Documents Risk. The Funds Certificate of Trust, as amended, the Funds Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the Declaration of Trust) and the Funds By-Laws (collectively, the Governing Documents) include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end management investment company. See Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Funds Governing Documents.
Risks Associated with Offerings
Market Discount Risk. Costs incurred in connection with an offering of Common Shares will be borne entirely by the Fund, which may reduce the Funds net asset value per share. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Funds then current net asset value, subject to certain conditions, and such sales of Common Shares at price below net asset value, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. These sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional Common Shares in the future at a time and price it deems appropriate. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.
Maintenance of Leverage Risk. Issuance of additional Common Shares will result in an increase in the assets of the Fund. To the extent that the Fund desires to maintain its level of leverage, as a percentage of the assets of the Fund, the Fund will be required to increase its borrowings or issue additional preferred shares. The Fund may incur costs in connection with issuing additional leverage, and there can be no assurance that the Fund can obtain additional leverage at favorable rates. An inability by the Fund to maintain its leverage, as a percentage of the assets of the Fund, or to do so at favorable rates, may negatively impact the Funds financial performance, including its ability to sustain current levels of distributions on Common Shares. There is no guarantee that the Fund will maintain leverage at the current rate, and the Board reserves the right to raise, decrease, or eliminate the Funds leverage exposure.
Dilution Risk. The voting power of current Common Shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Funds per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Funds then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Funds then current net asset value per Common Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See Description of Capital StructureCommon SharesIssuance of Additional Common Shares.
Board of Trustees
The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser, is the responsibility of the Funds Board of Trustees.
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Adviser
Invesco Advisers, Inc. (Invesco or the Adviser) is the Funds investment adviser. The Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. The Adviser is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The Adviser, a successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976.
Investment Advisory Agreement
The Fund retains the Adviser to manage the investment of its assets and to place orders for the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities. Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund (the Advisory Agreement), the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee computed based on 1.25% of the Funds average daily managed assets, which shall mean the average daily total asset value of the Fund minus the sum of accrued liabilities other than the aggregate liquidation preference of any preferred shares and/or the aggregate amount of any borrowings for investment purposes (Managed Assets).
Such fee is payable for each calendar month as soon as practicable after the end of that month.
The Adviser has contractually agreed, through at least June 30, 2019, to waive the advisory fee payable by the Fund in an amount equal to 100% of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the affiliated money market funds on investments by the Fund of uninvested cash in such affiliated money market funds.
For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, the Adviser waived advisory fees of $18,424.
The Adviser furnishes offices, necessary facilities and equipment. The Fund pays all charges and expenses of its day-to-day operations, including service fees, distribution fees, custodian fees, legal and independent registered public accounting firm fees, the costs of reports and proxies to shareholders, compensation of trustees of the Fund (other than those who are affiliated persons of the Adviser or Invesco Distributors) and all other ordinary business expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approval of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement was available in the Funds Semiannual Report dated August 31, 2017.
Sub-Adviser
Invesco has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund, pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisers may be appointed by Invesco from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund. These affiliated sub-advisers, each of which is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 are:
Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH (Invesco Deutschland)
Invesco Asset Management Limited (Invesco Asset Management)
Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited (Invesco Japan)
Invesco Hong Kong Limited (Invesco Hong Kong)
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (Invesco Senior Secured)
Invesco Canada Ltd. (Invesco Canada);
(each a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers).
Invesco and each Sub-Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.
The only fees payable to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement are for providing discretionary investment management services. For such services, Invesco will pay each Sub-Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, equal to (i) 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund, multiplied by (ii) the fraction equal to the net assets of such Fund as to which such Sub-Adviser shall have provided discretionary investment management services for that month divided by the net assets of such Fund for that month. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, this fee is reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any, in effect from time to time. In no event shall the aggregate monthly fees paid to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement exceed 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, as reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fees waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any.
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Portfolio Management
Investment decisions for the Fund are made by the Funds investment management team. The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
| Scott Baskind, Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Fund since 2010 and has been associated with Invesco Senior Secured and/or its affiliates since 1999. |
| Nuno Caetano, Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Fund since 2013 and has been associated with Invesco Senior Secured and/or its affiliates since 2010. |
| Philip Yarrow, Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Fund since 2007 and has been associated with Invesco Senior Secured and/or its affiliates since 2010. |
More information on the portfolio managers may be found at www.invesco.com/us. The web site is not part of the Prospectus.
The Funds SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers investments in the Fund, a description of the compensation structure and information regarding other accounts managed.
Administrator
Invesco Advisers, Inc., the Funds investment adviser, also serves as the Funds Administrator. Pursuant to the administration agreement between the Fund and the Administrator (the Administration Agreement), the Administrator (i) arranges for the printing and dissemination of reports to shareholders; (ii) arranges for dissemination of the Funds proxy and any repurchase offer materials to shareholders, and oversees the tabulation of proxies by the Funds transfer agent; (iii) negotiates the terms and conditions under which custodian services are provided to the Fund and the fees to be paid by the Fund in connection therewith; (iv) negotiates the terms and conditions under which dividend disbursing services are provided to the Fund, and the fees to be paid by the Fund in connection therewith, and reviews the provision of such services to the Fund; (v) provides the Funds dividend disbursing agent and custodian with such information as is required for them to effect payment of dividends and distributions and to implement the Funds dividend reinvestment plan; (vi) makes such reports and recommendations to the Board of Trustees as the trustees reasonably request; and (vii) provides shareholder services to holders or potential holders of the Funds securities.
For the services rendered to the Fund and related expenses borne by the Administrator, the Fund pays the Administrator a fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annualized rate of 0.25% of the Funds average daily net assets.
The net asset value per share of the Funds Common Shares is determined as of the close of business on each business day by calculating the total value of the Funds assets, deducting its total liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of common shares outstanding.
Securities, including restricted securities, are valued according to the following policy. A security listed or traded on an exchange (except convertible securities) is valued at its last sales price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded, or lacking any sales on a particular day, the security may be valued at the closing bid price on that day. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market (but not securities reported on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange) are valued based on the prices furnished by independent pricing services, in which case the securities may be considered fair valued, or by market makers. Each security reported on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange is valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (NOCP) as of the close of the customary trading session on the valuation date or absent a NOCP, at the closing bid price.
Futures contracts are valued at the final settlement price set by an exchange on which they are principally traded. Listed options are valued at the mean between the last bid and the ask prices from the exchange on which they are principally traded. Options not listed on an exchange are valued by an independent source at the mean between the last bid and ask prices. For purposes of determining net asset value per share, futures and option contracts generally are valued 15 minutes after the close of the customary trading session of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Investments in open-end and closed-end registered investment companies that do not trade on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value per share. Investments in open-end and closed-end registered investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price or official closing price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded.
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Debt obligations (including convertible securities) and unlisted equities are fair valued using an evaluated quote provided by an independent pricing service. Evaluated quotes provided by the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance on quoted prices, and may reflect appropriate factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of securities, developments related to specific securities, dividend rate (for unlisted equities), yield (for debt obligations), quality, type of issue, coupon rate (for debt obligations), maturity (for debt obligations), individual trading characteristics and other market data.
Swap agreements are fair valued using an evaluated quote provided by an independent pricing service. Evaluated quotes provided by the pricing service are valued based on a model which may include end of day net present values, spreads, ratings, industry, and company performance.
Foreign securities (including foreign exchange contracts) prices are converted into U.S. dollar amounts using the applicable exchange rates as of the close of the NYSE. If market quotations are available and reliable for foreign exchange-traded equity securities, the securities will be valued at the market quotations. Because trading hours for certain foreign securities end before the close of the NYSE, closing market quotations may become unreliable. If between the time trading ends on a particular security and the close of the customary trading session on the NYSE, events occur that the Adviser determines are significant and make the closing price unreliable, the Fund may fair value the security. If the event is likely to have affected the closing price of the security, the security will be valued at fair value in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Adjustments to closing prices to reflect fair value may also be based on a screening process of an independent pricing service to indicate the degree of certainty, based on historical data, that the closing price in the principal market where a foreign security trades is not the current value as of the close of the NYSE. Foreign securities prices meeting the approved degree of certainty that the price is not reflective of current value will be priced at the indication of fair value from the independent pricing service. Multiple factors may be considered by the independent pricing service in determining adjustments to reflect fair value and may include information relating to sector indices, American Depositary Receipts and domestic and foreign index futures. Foreign securities may have additional risks including exchange rate changes, potential for sharply devalued currencies and high inflation, political and economic upheaval, the relative lack of issuer information, relatively low market liquidity and the potential lack of strict financial and accounting controls and standards.
Securities for which market prices are not provided by any of the above methods may be valued based upon quotes furnished by independent sources. The last bid price may be used to value equity securities. The mean between the last bid and asked prices is used to value debt obligations, including corporate loans.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or became unreliable are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Trusts officers following procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Issuer specific events, market trends, bid/ask quotes of brokers and information providers and other market data may be reviewed in the course of making a good faith determination of a securitys fair value.
The Fund intends to make regular monthly distributions of all or a portion of its net investment income to Common Shareholders. The Fund expects to pay its Common Shareholders annually all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income to avoid the imposition of the income and excise taxes on certain undistributed amounts by a RIC under the Code. The investment company taxable income of the Fund will generally consist of all interest and other ordinary income accrued on portfolio investments, short-term capital gain (including short-term gains on options, futures and forward positions and gains on the sale of portfolio investments held for one year or less) in excess of long-term capital loss and income from certain hedging transactions, less all expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund will be accrued each day. Various factors will affect the level of the Funds net investment company taxable income.
The Fund may from time to time distribute less than the entire amount of income earned in a particular period. The undistributed income would be available to supplement future distributions. As a result, the distributions paid by the Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of income actually earned by the Fund during that period. Undistributed income will add to the Funds net asset value and, correspondingly, distributions from undistributed income, if any, will reduce the Funds net asset value.
In addition, the Fund intends to distribute, on an annual basis, all or substantially all of any net capital gains (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) to its Common Shareholders. The Fund may also declare and pay capital gains distributions more frequently, if necessary, in order to reduce or eliminate federal excise or income taxes on the Fund. To the extent that the Funds net investment income and net capital gain for any year exceed the total distributions paid during the year, the Fund will make a special distribution at or near year-end of such excess amount as may be required. Under the 1940 Act, for any distribution that includes amounts from sources other than net income, the Fund is required to provide Common Shareholders a
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written statement regarding the components of such distribution. Such a statement will be provided at the time of any distribution believed to include any such amounts.
If, for any calendar year, the total distributions made exceed the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profit, the excess will, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, be treated as a tax-deferred return of capital to each Common Shareholder up to the amount of the Common Shareholders basis in his or her Common Shares, and thereafter as gain from the sale of Common Shares. The amount treated as a tax-deferred return of capital will reduce the Common Shareholders adjusted basis in his or her Common Shares, thereby increasing his or her potential gain or reducing his or her potential loss on the subsequent sale of his or her Common Shares. To the extent the Funds distribution policy results in distributions in excess of its net investment income and net capital gain, such distributions will decrease its total assets and increase its expense ratio to a greater extent than would have been the case if distributions were limited to these amounts. Distributions in any year may or may not include a substantial return of capital component.
The Fund reserves the right to change its distribution policy and the basis for establishing the rate of distributions at any time and may do so without prior notice to Common Shareholders.
Shareholders will automatically have all dividends and distributions reinvested in Common Shares issued by the Fund or Common Shares of the Fund purchased in the open market in accordance with the Funds dividend reinvestment plan (the Plan) unless an election is made to receive cash. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the Agent) administers the Plan.
If you own Common Shares in your own name, your purchase will automatically enroll you in the Plan. If your Common Shares are held in street name in the name of your brokerage firm, bank, or other financial institution you must instruct that entity to participate on your behalf. If they are unable to participate on your behalf, you may request that they reregister your Common Shares in your own name so that you may enroll in the Plan.
If you havent participated in the Plan in the past or chose to opt out, you are still eligible to participate. Enroll by visiting invesco.com/us, by calling toll-free 800 341 2929 or by notifying us in writing at Invesco Closed-End Funds, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170. If you are writing to us, please include the Fund name and account number and ensure that all Common Shareholders listed on the account sign these written instructions. Your participation in the Plan will begin with the next distribution payable after the Agent receives your authorization, as long as they receive it before the record date, which is generally 10 business days before the distribution is paid. If your authorization arrives after such record date, your participation in the Plan will begin with the following distribution.
If you choose to participate in the Plan, your distributions will be promptly reinvested for you, automatically increasing your Common Shares. If the Common Shares are trading at a price that is equal to net asset value per share, youll pay that amount for your reinvested shares. However, if the Common Shares are trading above or below net asset value, the price is determined by one of two ways:
1. | Premium: If the Common Shares are trading at a premium a market price that is higher than net asset value youll pay either the net asset value or 95 percent of the market price, whichever is greater. When the Common Shares trade at a premium, you may pay less for your reinvested Common Shares than an investor purchasing Common Shares on the stock exchange. Keep in mind, a portion of your price reduction may be taxable because you are receiving Common Shares at less than market price. |
2. | Discount: If the Common Shares trading at a discount a market price that is lower than net asset value youll pay the market price for your reinvested Common Shares. |
There is no direct charge to you for reinvesting Distributions because the Plans fees are paid by the Fund. If the Common Shares are trading at or above net asset value, your new Common Shares are issued directly by the Fund and there are no brokerage charges or fees. However, if the Common Shares are trading at a discount, the Common Shares are purchased on the open market, and you will pay your portion of any per share fees. These per share fees are typically less than the standard brokerage charges for individual transactions because Common Shares are purchased for all participants in blocks, resulting in lower fees for each individual participant. Any service or per share fees are added to the purchase price. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Agent is required to pay.
The automatic reinvestment of distributions does not relieve you of any income tax that may be due on distributions. You will receive tax information annually to help you prepare your federal income tax return.
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You may withdraw from the Plan at any time by calling (800) 341-2929, by visiting invesco.com/us or by writing to Invesco Closed-End Funds, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170. Simply indicate that you would like to withdraw from the Plan, and be sure to include your Fund name and account number. Also, ensure that all shareholders listed on the account sign these written instructions. If you withdraw, you have three options with regard to the shares held in the Plan:
1. | If you opt to continue to hold your non-certificated whole Common Shares, they will be held by the Agent electronically as Direct Registration Book-Shares and fractional Common Shares will be sold at the then-current market price. Proceeds will be sent via check to your address of record after deducting applicable fees, including per share fees such as any applicable brokerage commissions the Agent is required to pay. |
2. | If you opt to sell your shares through the Agent, the Agent will sell all full and fractional Common Shares and send the proceeds via check to your address of record after deducting a $2.50 service fee and per share fees. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Agent is required to pay. |
3. | You may sell your Common Shares through your financial adviser through the Direct Registration System (DRS). DRS is a service within the securities industry that allows Common Shares to be held in your name in electronic format. You retain full ownership of your Common Shares, without having to hold a share certificate. You should contact your financial adviser to learn more about any restrictions or fees that may apply. |
The Fund and the Agent may amend or terminate the Plan at any time. Participants will receive at least 30 days written notice before the effective date of any amendment. In the case of termination, participants will receive at least 30 days written notice before the record date for the payment of any such distributions by the Fund. In the case of amendment or termination necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules and policies of the SEC or any other regulatory authority, such written notice will not be required.
To obtain a complete copy of the current Plan, please call our Client Services department at (800) 341- 2929 or visit invesco.com/us.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Fund is a statutory trust organized under the laws of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Trust, dated as of March 15, 2007. The following is a brief description of the terms of the Common Shares, Borrowings and Preferred Shares which may be issued by the Fund. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Funds Governing Documents.
Common Shares
The Declaration of Trust permits the Fund to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional common shares of beneficial interest, no par value. Each Common Share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the Fund with each other Common Share in the Fund. Holders of Common Shares will be entitled to the payment of distributions when, as and if declared by the Board. The 1940 Act or the terms of any borrowings or preferred shares may limit the payment of distributions to the holders of Common Shares. Each whole Common Share shall be entitled to one vote as to matters on which it is entitled to vote pursuant to the terms of the Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC. Upon liquidation of the Fund, after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities of the Fund and the liquidation preference with respect to any outstanding preferred shares, the Trustees may distribute the remaining assets of the Fund among the holders of the Common Shares.
While there are any borrowings or preferred shares outstanding, the Fund may not be permitted to declare any cash distribution on its Common Shares, unless at the time of such declaration, (i) all accrued distributions on preferred shares or accrued interest on borrowings have been paid and (ii) the value of the Funds total assets (determined after deducting the amount of such distribution), less all liabilities and indebtedness of the Fund not represented by senior securities, is at least 300% of the aggregate amount of such securities representing indebtedness and at least 200% of the aggregate amount of securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (expected to equal the aggregate original purchase price of the outstanding preferred shares plus the applicable redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid distributions thereon, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis). In addition to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund may be required to comply with other asset coverage requirements as a condition of the Fund obtaining a rating of the preferred shares from a rating agency. These requirements may include an asset coverage test more stringent than under the 1940 Act. This limitation on the Funds ability to make distributions on its Common Shares could in certain circumstances impair the ability of the Fund to maintain its qualification for taxation as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends, however, to the extent possible to purchase or redeem preferred shares or reduce borrowings from time to time to maintain compliance with such asset coverage
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requirements and may pay special distributions to the holders of the preferred shares in certain circumstances in connection with any such impairment of the Funds status as a RIC. Depending on the timing of any such redemption or repayment, the Fund may be required to pay a premium in addition to the liquidation preference of the preferred shares to the holders thereof.
The Common Shares have no preemptive rights.
The Fund will not issue certificates for the Common Shares.
Issuance of Additional Common Shares
Any additional offerings of Common Shares will require approval by the Board of Trustees.
Any additional offering of Common Shares will be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price (less underwriting commissions and discounts) of common shares sold by a closed-end investment company must equal or exceed the net asset value of such companys common shares (calculated within 48 hours of the pricing of such offering), unless such sale is made with the consent of a majority of its common shareholders. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Funds then-current net asset value, subject to certain conditions. If such consent is obtained, the Fund may, contemporaneous with and in no event more than one year following the receipt of such consent, sell Common Shares at price below net asset value in accordance with any conditions adopted in connection with the giving of such consent. Additional information regarding any consent of Common Shareholders obtained by the Fund and the applicable conditions imposed on the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below net asset value will be disclosed in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any such offering of Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Until such consent of Common Shareholders, if any, is obtained, the Fund may not sell Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Because the Funds advisory fee is based upon average Managed Assets, the Advisers interests in recommending the issuance and sale of Common Shares at a price below net asset value may conflict with the interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders.
Repurchase of Common Shares
Because shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to their net asset values, the Board has determined that from time to time it may be in the interest of holders of Common Shares for the Fund to take corrective actions. The Board, in consultation with the Adviser, will review at least annually the possibility of open market repurchases and/or tender offers for the Common Shares and will consider such factors as the market price of the Common Shares, the net asset value of the Common Shares, the liquidity of the assets of the Fund, effect on the Funds expenses, whether such transactions would impair the Funds status as a RIC or result in a failure to comply with applicable asset coverage requirements, general economic conditions and such other events or conditions which may have a material effect on the Funds ability to consummate such transactions. There are no assurances that the Board will, in fact, decide to undertake either of these actions or if undertaken, that such actions will result in the Funds Common Shares trading at a price which is equal to or approximates their net asset value. In recognition of the possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to net asset value and that any such discount may not be in the interest of holders of Common Shares, the Board, in consultation with the Adviser, from time to time may review possible actions to reduce any such discount.
Preferred Shares
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with preference rights, including preferred shares, no par value, in one or more series, with rights as determined by the Board, by action of the Board without the approval of the holders of Common Shares.
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund must, immediately after the issuance of any preferred shares, have an asset coverage of at least 200%. Asset coverage means the ratio which the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liability and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness of the Fund, if any, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the preferred shares. If the Fund seeks a rating of the preferred shares, asset coverage requirements, in addition to those set forth in the 1940 Act, may be imposed. The liquidation value of the preferred shares is expected to equal their aggregate original purchase price plus the applicable redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid distributions thereon (on a cumulative basis), whether or not earned or declared. The terms of the preferred shares, including their distribution rate, voting rights, liquidation preference and redemption provisions, will be determined by the Board (subject to applicable law and the Funds Declaration of Trust) if and when it authorizes the preferred shares. The Fund may issue preferred shares that provide for the periodic redetermination of the distribution rate at relatively short intervals through an auction or remarketing procedure, although the terms of the preferred shares may also enable the Fund to lengthen such intervals. At times, the distribution rate on the Funds preferred shares may exceed the Funds return after
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expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the preferred shares were not outstanding.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the terms of any preferred shares may entitle the holders of preferred shares to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus the applicable redemption premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid distributions, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis) before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the preferred shareholders would not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.
Holders of preferred shares, voting as a class, shall be entitled to elect two of the Funds Trustees. Under the 1940 Act, if at any time distributions on the preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to two full years distributions thereon, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, voting as a class, will be allowed to elect a majority of the Funds Trustees until all distributions in arrears have been paid or declared and set apart for payment.
In addition, if required by a rating agency rating the preferred shares or if the Board determines it to be in the best interests of the Common Shareholders, issuance of the preferred shares may result in more restrictive provisions than required by the 1940 Act being imposed. In this regard, holders of the preferred shares may be entitled to elect a majority of the Funds Board in other circumstances, for example, if one payment on the preferred shares is in arrears. The Fund intends that, as long as preferred shares are outstanding, the composition of its portfolio will reflect guidelines established by such rating agency. Although, as of the date hereof, no rating agency has established guidelines relating to the Funds preferred shares, based on previous guidelines established by Rating Agencies for the securities of other issuers, the Fund anticipates that the guidelines with respect to the preferred shares will establish a set of tests for portfolio composition and asset coverage that supplement (and in some cases are more restrictive than) the applicable requirements under the 1940 Act. Although, at this time, no assurance can be given as to the nature or extent of the guidelines which may be imposed in connection with obtaining a rating of the preferred shares, the Fund currently anticipates that such guidelines will include asset coverage requirements which are more restrictive than those under the 1940 Act, restrictions on certain portfolio investments and investment practices, requirements that the Fund maintain a portion of its assets in short-term, high-quality investments and certain mandatory redemption requirements relating to the preferred shares. No assurance can be given that the guidelines actually imposed with respect to the preferred shares by a rating agency will be more or less restrictive than anticipated.
VRTP Shares. On August 29, 2013, the Fund issued in the aggregate 1,250 VRTP Shares (VRTP), designated as 2015/11-VVR C-1, each with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, pursuant to an offering exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. VRTP Shares are a floating-rate form of preferred shares with a mandatory redemption date. On May 1, 2017, the Fund began a periodic optional redemption of VRTP Shares and fully redeemed the VRTP Shares on June 19, 2018. On June 14, 2018, the Fund issued in the aggregate 1,250 Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (VRDP), with an aggregate liquidation value of $125,000,000, pursuant to an offering exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. A portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the VRDP Shares were used to fully redeem the VRTP Shares. As of June 19, 2018, the Fund had outstanding preferred shares with an aggregate liquidation preference of $125 million, which represented approximately 4.02% of the Funds total assets as of such date.
Dividends on the VRDP Shares are set at a rate established by a remarketing agent; therefore, the market value of the VRDP Shares is expected to approximate its liquidation preference. In the event that VRDP shares are unable to be successfully remarketed, the dividend rate will be the maximum rate which is designed to escalate according to a specified schedule in order to enhance the remarketing agents ability to successfully remarket the VRDP Shares.
Subject to certain conditions, VRDP Shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of the Fund. The Fund may also redeem certain of the VRDP Shares if the Fund fails to maintain certain asset coverage requirements and such failures are not cured by the applicable cure date. The redemption price per share is equal to the sum of the liquidation preference per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends.
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Borrowings
The Fund may utilize leverage through borrowings, including through a credit facility, commercial paper program or other borrowing program. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to incur indebtedness, including through the issuance of debt securities, unless immediately thereafter the total asset value of the Funds portfolio is at least 300% of the liquidation value of the outstanding indebtedness (i.e., such liquidation value may not exceed 33 1/3% of the Funds total assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the net asset value of the Funds portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such distribution) is at least 300% of such liquidation value. If the Fund borrows money, the Fund intends, to the extent possible, to retire outstanding debt, from time to time, to maintain coverage of any outstanding indebtedness of at least 300%.
The Fund may negotiate with commercial banks to arrange a borrowing facility pursuant to which the Fund may borrow an amount equal to approximately one-third of the Funds total assets (inclusive of the amount borrowed). Any such borrowings would constitute financial leverage. Such a borrowing facility is not expected to be convertible into any other securities of the Fund, outstanding amounts are expected to be prepayable by the Fund prior to final maturity without significant penalty and there are not expected to be any sinking fund or mandatory retirement provisions. Outstanding amounts would be payable at maturity or such earlier times as required by the agreement. The Fund may be required to prepay outstanding amounts under the borrowing facility or incur a penalty rate of interest upon the occurrence of certain events of default. The Fund would be expected to indemnify the lenders against liabilities they may incur in connection with the borrowing facility.
In addition, the Fund expects that a borrowing facility would contain covenants that, among other things, likely will limit the Funds ability to pay distributions in certain circumstances, incur additional debt, change its fundamental investment policies and engage in certain transactions, including mergers and consolidations, and may require asset coverage ratios in addition to those required by the 1940 Act. The Fund may be required to pledge its assets and to maintain a portion of its assets in cash or high-grade securities as a reserve against interest or principal payments and expenses. The Fund expects that any borrowing facility would have customary covenant, negative covenant and default provisions. There can be no assurance that the Fund will enter into an agreement for a borrowing facility on terms and conditions representative of the foregoing, or that additional material terms will not apply. In addition, if entered into, any such borrowing facility may in the future be replaced or refinanced by one or more borrowing facilities having substantially different terms or by the issuance of preferred shares or debt securities.
Credit Facility. The Fund has entered into a $400 million credit agreement, effective as of December 10, 2015 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the Credit Agreement), with State Street Bank and Trust Company and other lending institutions party thereto and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as agent. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, State Street Bank and Trust Company and the other lending institutions party thereto who from time to time agree to make advances to the Fund on the terms and subject to the conditions in the revolving credit agreement. State Street Bank and Trust Company has the authority to lend a maximum of $265,833,330 to the Fund and the other lending institutions party thereto have the authority to lend a maximum of $134,166,670 to the Fund. As of June 19, 2018, outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement were approximately $370 million, which represented approximately 11.90% of the Funds total assets as of such date. The Funds debt under the Credit Agreement is secured by the assets of the Fund.
The Credit Facility includes limits on the Funds ability to engage in certain activities, including, among others, the following activities: (i) engaging in any business other than as contemplated by the Funds prospectus, investment policies and investment restrictions, (ii) creating, incurring, assuming or permitting to exist certain debt or issue certain senior securities except for certain specified types of permitted debt and senior securities, (iii) participating in any merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation or sale of substantially all of the Funds assets without the consent of the lenders, (iv) making any advance or extension of credit except in ordinary course of business and as expressly contemplated by the Funds investment policies and restrictions, (v) amending certain Fund organizational documents in a manner which could materially adversely affect the rights, interests or obligations of any of the lenders, (vi) changing its investment objective or fundamental investment restrictions without the approval of lenders, (vii) incurring liens or pledge portfolio securities, and (viii) incurring leverage that would cause the Funds leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) to exceed 50%. In addition, the Credit Facility does not permit the Funds asset coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) to fall below 300% at any time.
The Credit Facility also limits the Funds ability to pay dividends or make other distributions, including with respect to the preferred shares, or make payments in connection with the repurchase or redemption of shares, including preferred shares, (i) at any time that an event of default under the Credit Facility has occurred and is continuing or (ii) if, after giving effect to such payment, the
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Fund would not meet the asset coverage and leverage ratios set forth in the Credit Facility. The failure to maintain certain asset coverage requirements may also result in a default under the terms of any preferred shares or borrowing.
The Credit Facility has specified events of default which permit the lenders to seek remedies against the assets of the Fund, including, among others, the following events: (i) failure to make required payments under the Credit Facility; (ii) failure to maintain certain asset coverage ratios; (iii) failure maintain its status as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act; (iv) breach of certain covenants, including certain of the covenants discussed in the foregoing paragraphs; (v) a bankruptcy or insolvency event with respect to the Fund, the Adviser or the Funds custodian; (vi) material misrepresentations by the Fund, the Adviser or the Funds custodian; (vii) failure for the lenders to have a first priority perfected security interest in the assets of the Fund; (viii) the Adviser ceases to be the investment adviser to the Fund; (ix) the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser is amended or terminated; and (x) failure by the Fund, the Adviser or the Funds custodian to comply with the terms of the Credit Facility and such noncompliance has an material adverse effect on the lenders.
Prior to December 10, 2015, the Fund was party to a credit agreement effective as of August 27, 2014 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the Former Credit Agreement) among the Fund, certain conduit lenders, Citibank, N.A., State Street Bank and Trust Company and Citibank, N.A.
Capitalization
The following table provides information about the outstanding securities of the Fund as of June 19, 2018:
Title of Class |
Amount Authorized |
Amount Held by the |
Amount Outstanding | |||
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, no par value |
Unlimited | | 74,094,284 | |||
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, no par value |
Unlimited | | 1,250 |
ANTI-TAKEOVER AND OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE FUNDS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
The Fund presently has provisions in its Governing Documents which could have the effect of limiting, in each case, (i) the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund, (ii) the Funds freedom to engage in certain transactions or (iii) the ability of the Funds Board of Trustees or shareholders to amend the Governing Documents or effectuate changes in the Funds management. These provisions of the Governing Documents of the Fund may be regarded as anti-takeover provisions.
The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, with the terms of one class expiring at each annual meeting of shareholders. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board of Trustees. Any amendment to declassify the Board of Trustees requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, unless the transaction has been approved by at least 66 2/3% of the Board of Trustees, in which case a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required.
A Trustee may be removed from office, with or without cause, by written instrument signed by at least 75% of the number of Trustees prior to such removal.
In addition, the Declaration of Trust requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, to approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions, unless the transaction has been approved by at least 66 2/3% of the Board of Trustees, in which case the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required. Transactions subject to this voting requirement include:
| The dissolution of the Fund; provided that if the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Board approves the dissolution, no vote of shareholders shall be required to dissolve the Fund |
| A merger or consolidation of the Fund with one or more other entities. |
| The sale, conveyance and transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the another entity. |
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| The reclassification of the Fund from a closed-end company to an open-end company (as defined in the 1940 Act). |
| The following transactions with any person or group (a Principal Shareholder) that is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of five percent (5%) or more of the shares of the Fund. For purposes of these provisions, a Principal Shareholder shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any Shares which the Principal Shareholder owns directly, has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement or which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly by any affiliate or associate or any other person with which the Principal Shareholder has any agreement, arrangement, or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of shares. |
| The issuance of any securities to any Principal Shareholder for cash (other than pursuant to the Plan. |
| The sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than two percent (2%) of the total assets of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period). |
| The sale, lease, or exchange to the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund, in exchange for securities of the Fund or any of its subsidiary of the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than two percent (2%) of the total assets of the Fund or any of subsidiary of the Fund, aggregating for the purpose of such computation, all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period). |
In addition, any additional matter for which the Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act does not expressly require a vote of shareholders, but with respect to which the Trustees determine the shareholders shall have power to vote, shall require the affirmative vote or consent of holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, unless such matter has been previously approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the Board of Trustees, in which case the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required.
The Board of Trustees has determined that provisions with respect to the Board of Trustees and the shareholder voting requirements described above, which voting requirements are greater than the minimum requirements under Delaware law or the 1940 Act, are in the best interest of shareholders generally. Reference should be made to the Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions. See Additional Information.
The Fund may be converted to an open-end management investment company if approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, unless the conversion has been approved by at least 66 2/3% of the Board of Trustees, in which case the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required. If approved in the foregoing manner, conversion of the Fund could not occur until 90 days after the shareholders meeting at which such conversion was approved and would also require at least 30 days prior notice to all shareholders. The composition of the Funds portfolio and/or its investment policies could prohibit the Fund from complying with regulations of the SEC applicable to open-end management investment companies unless significant changes in portfolio holdings and investment policies are made. Conversion of the Fund to an open-end management investment company also would require the redemption of any outstanding preferred shares and could require the repayment of borrowings, which would reduce the leveraged capital structure of the Fund with respect to the Common Shares. In the event of conversion, the Common Shares would cease to be listed on the NYSE or other national securities exchange or market system. The Board believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Funds investment objectives and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end management investment company. Common Shareholders of an open-end management investment company can require the company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. If converted to an open-end fund, the Fund expects to pay all redemption requests in cash, but intends to reserve the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such partial payment in securities were made, investors may incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash. If the Fund were converted to an open-end fund, it is likely that new Common Shares would be sold at net asset value plus a sales load.
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The following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Funds Common Shares. A more detailed discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its Common Shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Except as otherwise noted, this discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that you hold your Common Shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investment). This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial and administrative authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS), possibly with retroactive effect. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal tax concerns affecting the Fund and its Common Shareholders (including Common Shareholders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law).
The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice and potential investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the specific U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
Taxation Of The Fund
The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify annually as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things, meet certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements:
(i) | The Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from the following sources: (a) dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies; and (b) net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined in the Code). Generally, a qualified publicly traded partnership includes a partnership the interests of which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof) and that derives less than 90% of its gross income from the items described in (a) above. |
(ii) | The Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Funds total assets is represented by cash and cash items, including receivables, U.S. Government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the market value of the Funds total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. Government securities and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined in the Code). |
As long as the Fund qualifies as a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that the Fund distributes to its shareholders, provided that it distributes each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of (i) the Funds investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and other taxable income, other than any net capital gain (defined below), reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) the Funds net tax-exempt interest (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of such income each year. The Fund will be subject to income tax at the applicable corporate income tax rate on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders.
The Fund will either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain (which consists of the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss). If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to corporate income tax on such retained amount. In that event, the Fund expects to report the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, each of whom, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as long-term capital gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its basis in its shares by the amount of undistributed capital gain included in such shareholders gross income net of the tax deemed paid the shareholder under clause (ii).
The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Funds fiscal year). In addition, the minimum
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amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution or over- distribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid federal income tax. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gain in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% nondeductible excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Funds taxable income and capital gain will be distributed to entirely avoid the imposition of the excise tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.
Certain of the Funds investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gains or qualified dividend income into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not be qualified income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Common Shareholders. The Fund intends to structure and monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections and may be required to dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these provisions and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC (which may adversely affect the net after-tax return to the Fund).
If for any taxable year the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at the applicable corporate income tax rate without any deduction for distributions to its shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable to the Common Shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Funds current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such dividends, however, would be eligible (provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met) (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of U.S. Common Shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. Common Shareholders taxed as corporations. The Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay taxes and make distributions (which could be subject to interest charges) before requalifying for taxation as a RIC.
Taxation Of Common Shareholders
Distributions. Distributions paid to you by the Fund from its net capital gain, which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss, if any, that the Fund properly reports as capital gain dividends (capital gain dividends) are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held your Common Shares. All other dividends paid to you by the Fund (including dividends from short-term capital gains) from its current or accumulated earnings and profits (ordinary income dividends) are generally subject to tax as ordinary income. Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, ordinary income dividends (if properly reported by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the extent that the Funds income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at long-term capital gains rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualifying comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or whose stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). There can be no assurance as to what portion, if any, of the Funds distributions will constitute qualified dividend income.
Any distributions you receive that are in excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-deferred return of capital to the extent of your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, and thereafter as capital gain from the sale of Common Shares. The amount of any Fund distribution that is treated as a tax-deferred return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, thereby increasing your potential gain, or reducing your potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your Common Shares. In determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Funds earnings and profits, the Funds earnings and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Funds preferred shares, and then to the Funds Common Shares.
Dividends and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even if they are reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund. Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated as received by you at the time the dividend or distribution is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.
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The Fund will send you information after the end of each year setting forth the amount and tax status of any distributions paid to you by the Fund.
Sale of Common Shares. The sale or other disposition of Common Shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to you and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held such Common Shares for more than one year. Any loss upon the sale or other disposition of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain) by you with respect to such Common Shares. Any loss you recognize on a sale or other disposition of Common Shares will be disallowed if you acquire other Common Shares (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after your sale or exchange of the Common Shares. In such case, your tax basis in the Common Shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Current U.S. federal income tax law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain is currently taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally is taxed at reduced maximum rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the certain of the Code and the Treasury regulations currently in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its Common Shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. A more detailed discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its Common Shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Common Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income or other taxes.
The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to 7,400,000 Common Shares, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The Fund will offer Common Shares at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a Prospectus Supplement).
The Fund may offer Common Shares:
(i) in at-the-market transactions through one or more selling agents that the Fund may designate from time to time and/or through broker-dealers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with the Funds selling agent(s);
(ii) otherwise through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time;
(iii) to or through underwriters or dealers; or
(iv) directly to one or more purchasers.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Common Shares will state the terms of the offering, including:
| the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers; |
| any sales loads or other items constituting underwriters compensation or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated; |
| any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed or paid to dealers or agents or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated; |
| the public offering or purchase price of the offered Common Shares, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, and the net proceeds the Fund will receive from the sale; and |
| any securities exchange on which the offered Common Shares may be listed. |
The Fund may not sell Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See Plan of Distribution.
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At-The-Market Transactions
The Fund may offer Common Shares in in transactions that are deemed to be at the market as defined in Rule 415 under the 1933 Act, including sales made directly on the NYSE or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, through one or more selling agents that the Fund may designate from time to time and/or through broker-dealers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with the Funds selling agent(s) in such transactions. Common Shares will only be sold on such days as shall be agreed to by the Fund and the selling agent(s) and will be sold at market prices, which shall be determined with reference to trades on the NYSE, subject to a minimum price to be established each day by the Fund. The minimum price on any day will not be less than the current net asset value per Common Share plus the per share amount of the commission to be paid. The Fund will suspend the sale of Common Shares if the per share price of the shares is less than the minimum price. Settlements of sales of Common Shares will occur on the third business day following the date on which any such sales are made.
The Fund will compensate the selling agent(s) with respect to sales of the Common Shares and the selling agent(s) may compensate broker-dealers participating in the offering in connection with the sale of Common Shares sold by that broker-dealer.
Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the selling agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of their appointment.
By Agents
The Fund may offer Common Shares through agents that the Fund may designate. The Fund will name any agent involved in the offer and sale and describe any commissions payable by the Fund in the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of their appointment.
By Underwriters
The Fund may offer and sell Common Shares from time to time to one or more underwriters who would purchase the Common Shares as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best efforts basis. If the Fund sells Common Shares to underwriters, the Fund will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the sale and will name them in the Prospectus Supplement. In connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from the Fund in the form of underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters also may receive commissions from purchasers of Common Shares for whom they may act as agent. Unless otherwise stated in the Prospectus Supplement, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase the Common Shares unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of the Common Shares, they will be required to purchase all of the offered Common Shares. The underwriters may sell the offered Common Shares to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
If a Prospectus Supplement so indicates, the Fund may grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional Common Shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of the Prospectus Supplement, to cover any overallotments.
By Dealers
The Fund may offer and sell Common Shares from time to time to one or more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The dealers then may resell the offered Common Shares to the public at fixed or varying prices to be determined by those dealers at the time of resale. The Fund will set forth the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction in the Prospectus Supplement.
Direct Sales
The Fund may sell Common Shares directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the 1933 Act for any resales of the securities. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. The Fund may use electronic media, including the internet, to sell offered securities directly. The terms of such direct sale transactions will be subject to the discretion of the management of the Fund. In determining whether to sell Common Shares through a direct sale transaction, the Fund will consider relevant factors including, but not limited to, the attractiveness of obtaining additional funds through the sale of Common Shares, the purchase price to apply to any such sale of Common Shares and the investor seeking to purchase the Common Shares. The Fund will describe the terms of any of those sales in a Prospectus Supplement.
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General Information
Agents, underwriters, or dealers participating in an offering of Common Shares may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commission received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the offered Common Shares for whom they act as agent, may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the 1933 Act.
The Fund may offer to sell securities either at a fixed price or at prices that may vary, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
To facilitate an offering of Common Shares in an underwritten transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Shares or any other security. Those transactions may include overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.
| An overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short position in the common stock for the underwriters own account. |
| An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the Common Shares for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining the price of the Common Shares. |
| Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the Common Shares by bidding for, and purchasing, the Common Shares or any other securities in the open market in order to reduce a short position created in connection with the offering. |
| The managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate member to reclaim a selling concession in connection with an offering when the Common Shares originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in syndicate covering transactions or otherwise. |
Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the Common Shares above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
Any underwriters to whom the offered Common Shares are sold for offering and sale may make a market in the offered Common Shares, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. There can be no assurance that there will be a liquid trading market for the offered Common Shares.
Under agreements entered into with the Fund, underwriters and agents may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, or to contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be required to make.
The underwriters, agents, and their affiliates may engage in financial or other business transactions with the Fund in the ordinary course of business.
Pursuant to a requirement of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the maximum compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer may not be greater than eight percent (8%) of the gross proceeds received by the Fund for the sale of any securities being registered pursuant to SEC Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The aggregate offering price specified on the cover of this Prospectus relates to the offering of the Common Shares not yet issued as of the date of this Prospectus.
Agents, underwriters or dealers through which the Fund may offer Common Shares may include affiliated persons of the Fund or the Adviser.
To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from time to time act as a broker or dealer and receive fees in connection with the execution of portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while it is an underwriter.
A Prospectus and accompanying Prospectus Supplement in electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained by underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of Common Shares for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Such allocations of Common Shares for internet distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, Common Shares may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell Common Shares to online brokerage account holders.
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CUSTODIAN, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND TRANSFER AGENT
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company will serve as custodian for the Fund. The Custodian will hold cash, securities, and other assets of the Fund as required by the 1940 Act. Custody fees are payable monthly based on assets held in custody, investment purchases and sales activity and account maintenance fees, plus reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses. The principal business address of the Custodian is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2801.
Dividend Disbursing Agent and Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. will act as the Funds dividend paying agent, transfer agent and the registrar for the Funds Common Shares. Computershare is located at P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078.
Legal Counsel to the Fund is Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, 2005 Market Street, Suite 2600, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7018.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 5800, Houston, Texas 77002, is the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund.
This Prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act, and the 1940 Act. This Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the Common Shares offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SECs website (www.sec.gov).
You share personal and financial information with us that is necessary for your transactions and your account records. We take very seriously the obligation to keep that information confidential and private.
Invesco collects nonpublic personal information about you from account applications or other forms you complete and from your transactions with us or our affiliates. We do not disclose information about you or our former customers to service providers or other third parties except to the extent necessary to service your account and in other limited circumstances as permitted by law. For example, we use this information to facilitate the delivery of transaction confirmations, financial reports, prospectuses and tax forms.
Even within Invesco only people involved in the servicing of your accounts and compliance monitoring have access to your information. To ensure the highest level of confidentiality and security, Invesco maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that meet or exceed federal standards. Special measures, such as data encryption and authentication, apply to your communications with us on our website. More detail is available to you at invesco.com/privacy.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
S-3 | ||||
S-3 | ||||
S-11 | ||||
S-13 | ||||
S-36 | ||||
S-38 | ||||
S-38 | ||||
S-41 | ||||
S-45 | ||||
S-51 | ||||
S-52 | ||||
A-1 | ||||
B-1 |
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Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund
7,400,000 Common Shares
PROSPECTUS
June 28, 2018
Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund (the Fund) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Funds primary investment objective is to seek a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you could lose some or all of your investment.
This Statement of Additional Information relates to the offering, from time to time, of up to 7,400,000 common shares of beneficial interest, no par value (Common Shares) in one or more offerings. This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Fund, dated June 28, 2018 (the Prospectus), and any related supplement to the Prospectus (each a Prospectus Supplement). Investors should obtain and read the Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement prior to purchasing Common Shares. A copy of the Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement may be obtained without charge, by calling the Fund at (800) 345-7999.
The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The registration statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the SECs office or via its website (www.sec.gov) at no charge. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.
S-1
S-3 | ||||
S-3 | ||||
S-11 | ||||
S-13 | ||||
S-36 | ||||
S-38 | ||||
S-38 | ||||
S-41 | ||||
S-45 | ||||
S-51 | ||||
S-52 | ||||
A-1 | ||||
B-1 |
S-2
The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company organized as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. Effective June 1, 2010, the Funds name was changed from Van Kampen Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund to Invesco Van Kampen Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund. Effective December 3, 2012, the Funds name was changed from Invesco Van Kampen Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund to Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund. The Funds currently outstanding common shares of beneficial interest, no par value (the Common Shares) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) under the symbol VTA and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will also be listed on the NYSE.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Additional Investment Policies and Portfolio Contents
The following disclosure supplements the disclosure set forth under the captions Investment Objective and Policies and The Funds Investments in the Prospectus and does not, standing alone, present a complete or accurate explanation of the matters disclosed. Readers must refer also to this caption in the Prospectus for a complete presentation of the matters disclosed below.
Senior Loans. Senior Loans are generally negotiated between a borrower and several lenders represented by one or more lenders acting as agent of all the lenders. The agent is responsible for negotiating the loan agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of the Senior Loan and the rights of the borrower and the lenders. The agent is paid a fee by the borrower for its services.
The agent generally is required to administer and manage the Senior Loan on behalf of other lenders. When evaluating Senior Loans, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers may consider, and may rely in part on, analysis performed by the agent and other lenders. This analysis may include an evaluation of the value and sufficiency of any collateral securing the Senior Loans. As to collateralized Senior Loans, the agent usually is required to monitor the collateral. The agent may rely on independent appraisals of specific collateral. The agent need not, however, obtain an independent appraisal of assets pledged as collateral in all cases. The agent generally is also responsible for determining that the lenders have obtained a perfected security interest in the collateral securing a Senior Loan.
The Fund normally relies on the agent to collect principal of and interest on a Senior Loan. Furthermore, the Fund also relies in part on the agent to monitor compliance by the borrower with the restrictive covenants in the loan agreement and to notify the Fund (or the lender from whom the Fund has purchased a Participation (as defined below)) of any adverse change in the borrowers financial condition. The Fund will not purchase interests in Senior Loans unless the agent, lender and any other person positioned between the Fund and the borrower has entered into an agreement that provides for the holding of assets in safekeeping for, or the prompt disbursement of assets to, the Fund. Insolvency of the agent or other persons positioned between the Fund and the borrower could result in losses for the Fund.
The Fund may be required to pay and may receive various fees and commissions in connection with purchasing, selling and holding interests in Senior Loans. The fees normally paid by borrowers include three primary types: facility fees, commitment fees and prepayment penalties. Facility fees are paid to lenders when a Senior Loan is originated. Commitment fees are paid to lenders on an ongoing basis based on the unused portion of a Senior Loan commitment. Lenders may receive prepayment penalties when a borrower prepays a Senior Loan. The Fund receives these fees directly from the borrower if the Fund is an original lender (as defined below) or, in the case of commitment fees and prepayment penalties, if the Fund acquires an Assignment (as defined below). Whether the Fund receives a facility fee in the case of an Assignment, or any fees in the case of a Participation (as defined below), depends on negotiations between the Fund and the lender selling such interests. When the Fund buys an Assignment, it may be required to pay a fee to the lender selling the Assignment, or to forgo a portion of interest and fees payable to the Fund. Occasionally, the assignor pays a fee to the assignee. A person selling a Participation to the Fund may deduct a portion of the interest and any fees payable to the Fund as an administrative fee. The Fund may be required to pass along to a person that buys a Senior Loan from the Fund a portion of any fees that the Fund is entitled to.
The Fund may have obligations under a loan agreement, including the obligation to make additional loans in certain circumstances. The Fund intends to reserve against such contingent obligations by segregating cash and/or liquid securities.
Types of Senior Loan Investments. The Fund may act as one of a group of lenders originating a Senior Loan (an original lender), may purchase assignments or novations (Assignments) of portions of Senior Loans from third parties and may invest in participations (Participations) in Senior Loans.
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When the Fund acts as an original lender, it may participate in structuring the Senior Loan. When the Fund is an original lender, it will have a direct contractual relationship with the borrower, may enforce compliance of the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement and may have rights with respect to any funds acquired by other lenders through set-off. Lenders also have full voting and consent rights under the applicable loan agreement. Action subject to lender vote or consent generally requires the vote or consent of the holders of some specified percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Loan. Certain decisions, such as reducing the amount of interest on or principal of a Senior Loan, releasing collateral, changing the maturity of a Senior Loan or a change in control of the borrower, frequently require the unanimous vote or consent of all lenders affected. The Fund will never act as the agent or principal negotiator or administrator of a Senior Loan.
The purchaser of an Assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement of the assigning lender and becomes a lender under the loan agreement. Assignments may, however, be arranged through private negotiations, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an Assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.
When the Fund purchases a Participation in a Senior Loan, the Fund will usually have a contractual relationship only with the lender selling the Participation and not with the borrower. The Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the lender of such payments from the borrower. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender selling the Participation. In the event of insolvency of the lender selling a Participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender.
The Fund generally will not have the right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the loan agreement, nor rights to any funds acquired by other lenders through set-off against the borrower. In addition, when the Fund holds a Participation in a Senior Loan, it may not have the right to vote on whether to waive enforcement of any restrictive covenant breached by a borrower. Lenders voting in connection with a potential waiver of a restrictive covenant may have interests different from those of the Fund and may not consider the interests of the Fund. The Fund may not benefit directly from the collateral supporting a Senior Loan in which it has purchased the Participation, although lenders that sell Participations generally are required to distribute liquidation proceeds received by them pro rata among the holders of such Participations.
Lower Grade Loans and Debt. The Funds investments may include obligations with the lowest grade assigned by recognized rating organizations and unrated obligations of comparable quality. Obligations assigned the lowest grade ratings include those of companies that are in default or are in bankruptcy or reorganization. Obligations of such companies are regarded by the rating agencies as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing and are usually available at deep discounts from the face values of the instruments. A security purchased at a deep discount may currently pay a very high effective yield. In addition, if the financial condition of the issuer improves, the underlying value of the obligation may increase, resulting in capital appreciation. If the company defaults on its obligations or remains in default, or if the plan of reorganization does not provide sufficient payments for debtholders, the deep discount obligations may stop generating income and lose value or become worthless. The Adviser will balance the benefits of deep discount obligations with their risks. While a diversified portfolio may reduce the overall impact of a deep discount obligation that is in default or loses its value, the risk cannot be eliminated.
Few lower-grade obligations are listed for trading on any national securities exchange, and issuers of lower-grade obligations may choose not to have a rating assigned to their obligations by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization. As a result, the Funds portfolio may consist of a higher portion of unlisted or unrated obligations as compared with a fund that invests primarily in higher-grade obligations. Unrated obligations are usually not as attractive to as many buyers as are rated obligations, a factor which may make unrated obligations less marketable. These factors may have the effect of limiting the availability of the obligations for purchase by the Fund and may also limit the ability of the Fund to sell such obligations at their fair value either to meet redemption requests or in response to changes in the economy or the financial markets. Further, to the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted lower-grade obligations, these obligations may involve special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties.
The markets for lower-grade loans and debt obligations may be less liquid than the markets for higher-grade obligations. Liquidity relates to the ability of a fund to sell an obligation in a timely manner at a price which reflects the value of that obligation. To the extent that there is no established retail market for some of the lower-grade securities in which the Fund may invest, trading in such securities may be relatively inactive. Prices of lower-grade obligations may decline rapidly in the event a significant number of holders decide to sell. Changes in expectations regarding an individual issuer of lower-grade obligations generally could reduce market liquidity for such obligations and make their sale by the Fund more difficult, at least in the absence of price concessions. The effects of adverse publicity and investor perceptions may be more pronounced for securities for which no established retail market exists as compared with the effects on securities for which such a market does exist. An economic downturn or an increase in interest rates could severely disrupt the market for such obligations and adversely affect the value of outstanding obligations or the ability of
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the issuers to repay principal and interest. Further, the Fund may have more difficulty selling such obligations in a timely manner and at their stated value than would be the case for obligations for which an established retail market does exist.
During periods of reduced market liquidity or in the absence of readily available market quotations for lower-grade obligations held in the Funds portfolio, the ability of the Fund to value the Funds obligations becomes more difficult and the judgment of the Fund may play a greater role in the valuation of the Funds obligations due to the reduced availability of reliable objective data.
The Fund will rely on the Advisers or a Sub-Advisers judgment, analysis and experience in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer. The amount of available information about the financial condition of certain lower-grade issuers may be less extensive than other issuers. In their analysis, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers may consider the credit ratings of recognized rating organizations in evaluating obligations although the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers do not rely primarily on these ratings. Credit ratings of securities rating organizations evaluate only the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market risk. In addition, ratings are general and not absolute standards of quality, and credit ratings are subject to the risk that the creditworthiness of an issuer may change and the rating agencies may fail to change such ratings in a timely fashion. A rating downgrade does not require the Fund to dispose of a security. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers continuously monitor the issuers of obligations held in their respective managed portions of the Fund. Additionally, since most foreign income obligations are not rated, the Fund will invest in such obligations based on the analysis of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers without any guidance from published ratings. Because of the number of investment considerations involved in investing in lower-grade obligations and foreign income obligations, achievement of the Funds investment objectives may be more dependent upon the credit analysis of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers than is the case with investing in higher-grade obligations.
New or proposed laws may have an impact on the market for lower-grade obligations. The Fund is unable at this time to predict what effect, if any, legislation may have on the market for lower-grade obligations.
Strategic Transactions
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in Strategic Transactions (which limit is not applicable to foreign currency hedging transactions). The Fund generally seeks to use certain Strategic Transactions as portfolio management or hedging techniques. In doing so, the Fund seeks to protect against possible adverse changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased for the Funds portfolio, protect the Funds unrealized gains, facilitate the sale of certain securities for investment purposes, protect against changes in currency exchange rates or adjust the exposure to a particular currency, manage the effective maturity or duration of the Funds portfolio, or establish positions in the derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities. The Fund may also use Strategic Transactions to earn income. Among the Strategic Transactions the Fund may utilize are forward contracts, options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In addition, the Fund may invest in other derivative instruments that are developed over time if their use would be consistent with the objectives of the Fund.
Strategic Transactions have risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of the other party to the transaction and illiquidity of the derivative instrument. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use Strategic Transactions depends on the ability of the Fund to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. In addition, such transactions may involve commissions and other costs, which may increase the Funds expenses and reduce its return. Thus, the use of Strategic Transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can otherwise realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. In addition, amounts paid as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to Strategic Transactions are not otherwise available to the Fund for investment purposes.
When conducted outside the United States, Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as 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, currencies and other instruments. 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 Funds ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States and (v) lower trading volume and liquidity.
Options Transactions. The Fund can engage in options transactions on securities, indices or on futures contracts to attempt to manage the Funds risk in advancing or declining markets. For example, the value of a put option generally increases as the value of the underlying security declines. Value is protected against a market decline to the degree the performance of the put correlates with the performance of the Funds investment portfolio. If the market remains stable or advances, the Fund can refrain from exercising the put and its portfolio will participate in the advance, having incurred only the premium cost for the put. The Fund may purchase and
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sell listed and over-the-counter options (OTC Options). OTC Options are subject to certain additional risks including default by the other party to the transaction and the liquidity of the transactions.
Call and Put Options. The Fund may purchase and sell call or put options on securities, including U.S. Treasury and agency securities, foreign sovereign debt, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt securities, Eurodollar instruments and foreign debt securities that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter (OTC) markets and may also purchase related futures contracts on such securities, indices and currencies. All calls sold by the Fund must be covered (i.e., the Fund must own the securities or futures contract subject to the call) or must meet the asset segregation requirements described below as long as the call is outstanding. Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option to possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying security or instrument and may require the Fund to hold a security or instrument which it might otherwise have sold. In selling put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the market price.
Selling Call and Put Options. The principal reason for selling options is to obtain, through receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be realized on the underlying securities alone. Such current return could be expected to fluctuate because premiums earned from an option selling program and dividend or interest income yields on portfolio securities vary as economic and market conditions change. Selling options on portfolio securities is likely to result in a higher portfolio turnover rate.
The purchaser of a call option pays a premium to the seller (i.e., the writer) for the right to buy the underlying security from the seller at a specified price during a certain period. The Fund would write call options only on a covered basis or for cross-hedging purposes. A call option is covered if, at all times during the option period, the Fund owns or has the right to acquire securities of the type that it would be obligated to deliver if any outstanding option were exercised. An option is for cross-hedging purposes if it is not covered by the security subject to the option, but is designed to provide a hedge against another security which the Fund owns or has the right to acquire. In such circumstances, the Fund collateralizes the option by segregating cash and/or liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the underlying security, marked to market daily, while the option is outstanding.
The purchaser of a put option pays a premium to the seller (i.e., the writer) for the right to sell the underlying security to the writer at a specified price during a certain period. The Fund would sell put options only on a secured basis, which means that, at all times during the option period, the Fund would segregate cash and/or liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the exercise price of the option, or would hold a put on the same underlying security at an equal or greater exercise price.
To terminate its position as a writer of a call or put option, the Fund could enter into a closing purchase transaction, which is the purchase of a call (put) on the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration date as the call (put) previously sold by the Fund. The Fund would realize a gain (loss) if the premium plus commission paid in the closing purchase transaction is lesser (greater) than the premium it received on the sale of the option. The Fund would also realize a gain if an option it has written lapses unexercised.
The Fund could sell options that are listed on an exchange as well as options which are privately negotiated in OTC transactions. The Fund could close out its position as a seller of an option only if a liquid secondary market exists for options of that series, but there is no assurance that such a market will exist, particularly in the case of OTC options, since they can be closed out only with the other party to the transaction. Alternatively, the Fund could purchase an offsetting option, which would not close out its position as a seller, but would provide an asset of equal value to its obligation under the option sold. If the Fund is not able to enter into a closing purchase transaction or to purchase an offsetting option with respect to an option it has sold, it will be required to maintain the securities subject to the call or the collateral securing the option until a closing purchase transaction can be entered into (or the option is exercised or expires) even though it might not be advantageous to do so.
By selling a call option, the Fund loses the potential for gain on the underlying security above the exercise price while the option is outstanding; by selling a put option the Fund might become obligated to purchase the underlying security at an exercise price that exceeds the then current market price.
Purchasing Call and Put Options. The Fund could purchase call options to protect against anticipated increases in the prices of securities it wishes to acquire. Alternatively, call options could be purchased for capital appreciation. Since the premium paid for a call option is typically a small fraction of the price of the underlying security, a given amount of funds will purchase call options covering a much larger quantity of such security than could be purchased directly. By purchasing call options, the Fund could benefit from any significant increase in the price of the underlying security to a greater extent than had it invested the same amount in the security directly. However, because of the very high volatility of option premiums, the Fund would bear a significant risk of losing the entire premium if the price of the underlying security did not rise sufficiently, or if it did not do so before the option expired.
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Put options may be purchased to protect against anticipated declines in the market value of either specific portfolio securities or of the Funds assets generally. Alternatively, put options may be purchased for capital appreciation in anticipation of a price decline in the underlying security and a corresponding increase in the value of the put option. The purchase of put options for capital appreciation involves the same significant risk of loss as described above for call options. In any case, the purchase of options for capital appreciation would increase the Funds volatility by increasing the impact of changes in the market price of the underlying securities on the Funds net asset value.
OTC Options. The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell OTC options. OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial institutions of other parties (Counterparties) through direct bilateral agreement with the Counterparty.
Futures Contracts. The Fund may enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery of securities or contracts based on financial indices including any index of domestic or foreign government securities (futures contracts) and may purchase and write put and call options to buy or sell futures contracts (options on futures contracts) in accordance with the rules and interpretations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) under which the Fund would be exempt from registration as a commodity pool. A sale of a futures contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver the securities called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified date. A purchase of a futures contract means the incurring of a contractual obligation to acquire the securities called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified date. The purchaser of a futures contract on an index agrees to take delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between a specified multiple of the value of the index on the expiration date of the contract and the price at which the contract was originally struck. An interest rate futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which a party agrees to take or make delivery of a specified debt security (such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes) or to take or make delivery of cash based upon the change in value of a basket or index of securities at a specified future time and at a specified price. Interest rate futures contracts also include cash settlement contracts based upon a specified interest rate such as the London interbank offering rate for dollar deposits or LIBOR. No physical delivery of the fixed income securities underlying the index is made. These investment techniques generally are used to protect against anticipated future changes in interest rates which otherwise might either adversely affect the value of the Funds portfolio securities or adversely affect the price of securities which the Fund intends to purchase at a later date. In certain cases, the options and futures contracts markets provide investment or risk management opportunities that are not available from direct investments in underlying securities. In addition, some strategies can be performed with greater ease and at lower cost by utilizing the options and futures contracts markets rather than purchasing or selling portfolio securities. However, such transactions involve risks different from those involved with direct investments in underlying securities.
Initial and Variation Margin. In contrast to the purchase or sale of a security, no price is paid or received upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Fund is required to deposit an amount of cash and/or liquid securities equal to a percentage (which will normally range between 1% and 10%) of the contract amount with either a futures commission merchant pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated under the 1940 Act or with its custodian in an account in the brokers name. This amount is known as initial margin. The nature of initial margin in futures contract transactions is different from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transaction. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract, which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract and satisfaction of its contractual obligations. Subsequent payments to and from the initial margin account, called variation margin, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying securities or index fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as marking to market. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Fund may elect to terminate the position by taking an opposite position. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or a gain.
Futures Contract Strategies. When the Fund anticipates a significant market or market sector advance, the purchase of a futures contract affords a hedge against not participating in the advance at a time when the Fund is otherwise fully invested (anticipatory hedge). Such purchase of a futures contract would serve as a temporary substitute for the purchase of individual securities, which may be purchased in an orderly fashion once the market has stabilized. As individual securities are purchased, an equivalent amount of futures contracts could be terminated by offsetting sales. The Fund may sell futures contracts in anticipation of or in a general market or market sector decline that may adversely affect the market value of the Funds securities (defensive hedge). To the extent that the Funds portfolio of securities changes in value in correlation with the underlying security or index, the sale of futures contracts would substantially reduce the risk to the Fund of a market decline and, by so doing provides an alternative to the liquidation of securities positions in the Fund. Ordinarily transaction costs associated with futures contract transactions are lower than transaction costs that would be incurred in the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.
Special Risks Associated with Futures Contract Transactions. There are several risks connected with the use of futures contracts. These include the risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures contracts and of the underlying securities or index; the risk of market distortion; the risk of illiquidity; and the risk of error in anticipating
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price movement. There may be an imperfect correlation (or no correlation) between movements in the price of the futures contracts and of the securities being hedged. The risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the securities being hedged diverges from the securities upon which the futures contract is based. If the price of the futures contract moves less than the price of the securities being hedged, the hedge will not be fully effective. To compensate for the imperfect correlation, the Fund could buy or sell futures contracts in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the historical volatility of the securities being hedged is greater than the historical volatility of the securities underlying the futures contract. Conversely, the Fund could buy or sell futures contracts in a lesser dollar amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the historical volatility of the securities being hedged is less than the historical volatility of the securities underlying the futures contracts. It is also possible that the value of futures contracts held by the Fund could decline at the same time as portfolio securities being hedged; if this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the futures contract in addition to suffering a decline in value in the portfolio securities being hedged.
There is also the risk that the price of futures contracts may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying the futures contract due to certain market distortions. First, all participants in the futures contract market are subject to margin depository and maintenance requirements. Rather than meet additional margin depository requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting transactions, which could distort the normal relationship between the futures contract market and the securities or index underlying the futures contract. Second, from the point of view of speculators, the deposit requirements in the futures contract market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures contract markets may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion in the futures contract markets and because of the imperfect correlation between movements in futures contracts and movements in the securities underlying them, a correct forecast of general market trends by the Adviser may still not result in a successful hedging transaction.
There is also the risk that futures contract markets may not be sufficiently liquid. Futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a market for such futures contracts. Although the Fund intends to purchase or sell futures contracts only on exchanges and boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary market, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. In the event of such illiquidity, it might not be possible to close a futures contract position and, in the event of adverse price movement, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily payments of variation margin. Since the securities being hedged would not be sold until the related futures contract is sold, an increase, if any, in the price of the securities may to some extent offset losses on the related futures contract. In such event, the Fund would lose the benefit of the appreciation in value of the securities.
Successful use of futures contracts is also subject to the Advisers ability to correctly predict the direction of movements in the market. For example, if the Fund hedges against a decline in the market, and market prices instead advance, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increase in value of its securities holdings because it will have offsetting losses in futures contracts. In such cases, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so to meet the daily variation margin.
Although the Fund intends to enter into futures contracts only if there is an active market for such contracts, there is no assurance that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. Most U.S. futures contract exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit. It is possible that futures contract prices would move to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures contract positions and subjecting some futures contract traders to substantial losses. In such event, and in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. In such circumstances, an increase in the value of the portion of the portfolio being hedged, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on the futures contract. However, there is no guarantee that the price of the securities being hedged will, in fact, correlate with the price movements in a futures contract and thus provide an offset to losses on the futures contract.
Options on Futures Contracts. The Fund could also purchase and write options on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option period. As a writer of an option on a futures contract, the Fund would be subject to initial margin and maintenance requirements similar to those applicable to futures contracts. In addition, net option premiums received by the Fund are required to be included as initial margin deposits. When an option on a futures contract is exercised, delivery of the futures contract position is accompanied by cash representing the difference between the current market price of the futures contract and the exercise price of the option. The Fund could purchase put options on futures contracts in lieu of, and for the same purposes as the sale of a futures contract; at the same time, it could write put options at a lower strike
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price (a put bear spread) to offset part of the cost of the strategy to the Fund. The purchase of call options on futures contracts is intended to serve the same purpose as the actual purchase of the futures contracts.
Risks of Transactions in Options on Futures Contracts. In addition to the risks described above which apply to all options transactions, there are several special risks relating to options on futures contracts. The Adviser will not purchase options on futures contracts on any exchange unless in the Advisers opinion, a liquid secondary exchange market for such options exists. Compared to the use of futures contracts, the purchase of options on futures contracts involves less potential risk to the Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options (plus transaction costs). However, there may be circumstances, such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying security or index, when the use of an option on a future contract would result in a loss to the Fund when the use of a future contract would not.
Combined Transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including multiple options transactions, multiple futures contracts transactions, multiple currency transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple interest rate transactions and any combination of futures contracts, options, currency and interest rate transactions (component transactions), instead of a single Strategic Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered into based on the Advisers judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Additional Risks of Options, Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum number of call or put options on the same underlying security or futures contract (whether or not covered) which may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the same or different exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). Option positions of all investment companies advised by the Adviser are combined for purposes of these limits. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions. These position limits may restrict the number of listed options which the Fund may write.
In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages in transactions in options, futures contracts or options on futures contracts, the Fund could experience delays and/or losses in liquidating open positions purchased or incur a loss of all or part of its margin deposits. Transactions are entered into by the Fund only with brokers or financial institutions deemed creditworthy by the Adviser.
In addition, futures contracts, options on futures contracts and forward contracts may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in or the prices of foreign currencies or securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal, and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Funds ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during nonbusiness 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.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may purchase and write options on foreign currencies in a manner similar to that in which forward contracts or futures contracts on foreign currencies will be utilized. For example, a decline in the dollar value of a foreign currency in which portfolio securities are denominated will reduce the dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. To protect against such diminutions in the value of portfolio securities, the Fund may purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency does decline, the Fund will have the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount in dollars and will thereby offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect on its portfolio which otherwise would have resulted. Conversely, where a rise in the dollar value of a foreign currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated is projected, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, the Fund may purchase call options thereon. The purchase of such options could offset, at least partially, the effects of the adverse movements in exchange rates. As in the case of other types of options, however, the benefit to the Fund deriving from purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, where currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated, the Fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options which would require it to forego a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in such rates.
The Fund may write options on foreign currencies for the same types of purposes. For example, where the Fund anticipates a decline in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates it could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a call option on the relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely not be exercised, and the diminution in value of portfolio securities will be offset by the amount of the premium received. Similarly, instead
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of purchasing a call option to protect against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired, the Fund could write a put option on the relevant currency which, if rates move in the manner projected, will expire unexercised and allow the Fund to protect against such increased cost up to the amount of the premium.
As in the case of other types of options, however, the writing of a foreign currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, and only if rates move in the expected direction. If this does not occur, the option may be exercised and the Fund would be required to purchase or sell the underlying currency at a loss which may not be offset by the amount of the premium. Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, the Fund also may be required to forego all or a portion of the benefits which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements in exchange rates.
The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the price of the option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market (conducted directly between currency traders, usually large commercial banks, and their customers) involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, investors 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.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies and there is no 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 U.S. 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 cannot be reflected in the options markets.
The Fund may write call options on foreign currencies for cross-hedging purposes. A call option on a foreign currency is for cross-hedging purposes if it is not covered, but is designed to protect against a decline in the U.S. dollar value of a security which the Fund owns or has the right to acquire and which is denominated in the currency underlying the option due to an adverse change in the exchange rate. In such circumstances, the Fund collateralizes the option by segregating cash and/or liquid securities in an amount not less than the value of the underlying foreign currency in U.S. dollars marked to market daily.
Options on foreign currencies and forward contracts are not traded on contract markets regulated by the CFTC or (with the exception of certain foreign currency options) by the SEC. To the contrary, such instruments are traded through financial institutions acting as market-makers, although foreign currency options are also traded on certain national securities exchanges, subject to SEC regulation. Similarly, options on currencies may be traded OTC. In an OTC trading environment, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available. For example, there are no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market movements could, therefore, continue to an unlimited extent over a period of time. Although the purchaser of an option cannot lose more than the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs, this entire amount could be lost. Moreover, the option writer and a trader of forward contracts could lose amounts substantially in excess of their initial investments, due to the margin and collateral requirements associated with such positions.
Options on foreign currencies traded on national securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC, as are other securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges will be available with respect to such transactions. In particular, all foreign currency option positions entered into on a national securities exchange are cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the OTC market, potentially permitting the Fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.
The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign currency options, however, is subject to the risks of the availability of a liquid secondary market described above, as well as the risks regarding adverse market movements, margining of options written, the nature of the foreign currency market, possible intervention by governmental authorities and the effects of other political and economic events. In addition, exchange-traded options on foreign currencies involve certain risks not presented by the OTC market. For example, exercise and settlement of such options must be made exclusively through the OCC, which has established banking relationships in applicable foreign countries for this purpose. As a result, the OCC may, if it determines that foreign governmental restrictions or taxes would prevent the orderly settlement of foreign currency option exercises, or would result in undue burdens on the OCC or its clearing member, impose special procedures on exercise and settlement, such as technical changes in the mechanics of delivery of currency, the fixing of dollar settlement prices or prohibitions, on exercise.
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Use of Segregated and Other Accounts. The Fund complies with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing Strategic Transactions, including the segregation of cash and/or liquid securities on the books of the Funds custodian, as mandated by SEC rules or SEC staff positions. Many Strategic Transactions and swaps, in addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate cash and/or liquid securities to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise covered as described above. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the securities, instruments or currency required to be delivered (or securities convertible into the needed securities without additional consideration), or, subject to any regulatory restrictions, the Fund must segregate cash and/or liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the current amount of the obligation. In the case of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to segregating cash and/or liquid securities sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent with applicable regulatory policies. The Fund also may enter into offsetting transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated cash and/or liquid securities, equals its net outstanding obligation.
CFTC Regulation. Amended Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Rule 4.5 permits investment advisers to registered investment companies to claim an exclusion from the definition of commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) with respect to a fund, provided certain requirements are met. In order to permit the Investment Adviser to claim this exclusion with respect to the Fund, the Fund will limit its transactions in futures, options on futures and swaps (excluding transactions entered into for bona fide hedging purposes, as defined under CFTC regulations) such that either: (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish its futures, options on futures and swaps do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Funds portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions; or (ii) the aggregate net notional value of its futures, options on futures and swaps does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Funds portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions. Accordingly, the Fund is not subject to regulation under the CEA or otherwise regulated by the CFTC. If the Adviser was unable to claim the exclusion with respect to the Fund, the Adviser would become subject to registration and regulation as a commodity pool operator, which would subject the Adviser and the Fund to additional registration and regulatory requirements and increased operating expenses.
Failure of Futures Commission Merchants and Clearing Organizations. The Fund may deposit funds required to open margin positions in cleared derivative instruments with a clearing broker registered under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act of 1936 (CEA) as a futures commission merchant (FCM). The CEA requires an FCM to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of U.S. domestic futures contracts and cleared swaps from the FCMs proprietary assets. Similarly, the CEA requires each FCM to hold in a separate secure account all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of foreign futures contracts and segregate any such funds from the funds received with respect to domestic futures contracts. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers are held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account and may be freely accessed by the clearing broker, which may also invest any such funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulation. There is a risk that assets deposited by the Fund with any swaps or futures clearing broker as margin for futures contracts or cleared swaps may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Funds clearing broker. In addition, the assets of the Fund may not be fully protected in the event of the clearing brokers bankruptcy, as the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing brokers combined domestic customer accounts.
Similarly, the CEA requires a clearing organization approved by the CFTC as a derivatives clearing organization to segregate all funds and other property received from a clearing members clients in connection with domestic futures, swaps and options contracts from any funds held at the clearing organization to support the clearing members proprietary trading. Nevertheless, with respect to futures and options contracts, a clearing organization may use assets of a non-defaulting customer held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing organization. As a result, in the event of a default or the clearing brokers other clients or the clearing brokers failure to extend funds in connection with any such default, the Fund would not be able to recover the full amount of assets deposited by the clearing broker on its behalf with the clearing organization.
The following are fundamental investment restrictions of the Fund and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities (which for this purpose and under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the Funds voting securities present at a meeting at which more than 50% of the Funds outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the Funds outstanding voting securities). Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth below apply immediately after a purchase and any subsequent change in any applicable percentage
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resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action. With respect to the limitations on the issuance of senior securities and in the case of borrowings, the percentage limitations apply at the time of issuance and on an ongoing basis. The Fund may not:
1. | Invest in a manner inconsistent with its classification as a diversified company as provided by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. |
2. | Issue senior securities nor borrow money, except the Fund by issue senior securities or borrow money to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. |
3. | Act as an underwriter of securities issued by others, except to the extent that, in connection with disposition of loans or portfolio securities, it may deemed to be an underwriter under applicable securities laws. |
4. | Invest in any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the value of the Funds total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, are in the securities of issues in any particular industry except (a) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities or securities of state and municipal governments or their political subdivisions (however, not including private purpose industrial development bonds issued on behalf of non-government issuers), or (b) as otherwise provided by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 act, as amended from time to time. |
5. | Purchase or sell real estate except that the Fund may: (a) acquire or lease office space for its own use, (b) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein or that are engaged or operate in the real estate industry, (c) invest in securities that are secured by real estate or other interests therein, (d) purchase and sell mortgage-related securities, (e) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities and (f) as otherwise permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. |
6. | Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments; provided that this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts and related options thereon, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars and any other financial instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities or as otherwise permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. |
7. | Make loans of money or property to any person, except (a) to the extent that securities or interests in which the Fund may invest are considered to be loans, (b) through the loan of portfolio securities, (c) by engaging in repurchase agreements or (d) as may otherwise be permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. |
Thus, according to the Funds fundamental investment restrictions, the Fund currently may not:
1. | Invest in any security if, as a result 25% or more of the Funds total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, are in the securities of issues in any particular industry. |
2. | Purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund may (a) acquire or lease office space for its own use, (b) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein or that are engaged in or operate in the real estate industry, (c) invest in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, (d) purchase or sell mortgage-related securities and (e) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities. |
The latter part of the Funds fundamental investment restrictions (i.e., the references to as may otherwise be permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time) provide the Fund with flexibility to change its limitations in connection with changes in applicable law, rules, regulations or exemptive relief. The language used in these restrictions provides the necessary flexibility to allow the Funds Board to respond efficiently to these kinds of developments without the delay and expense of a shareholder meeting.
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The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Funds Board of Trustees (the Board) and the Funds officers appointed by the Board. The tables below list the trustees and the executive officers of the Fund and their principal occupations, other directorships held by the trustees and their affiliations, if any, with the Adviser or its affiliates. The Fund Complex includes each of the investment companies advised by the Adviser as of June 4, 2018. Trustees serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Officers are annually elected by the Board. The principal business address of each Trustee and Officer is c/o Invesco Senior Loan Fund, 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Interested Trustees: | ||||||||
Martin L. Flanagan1 1960 Trustee |
2014 | Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Ltd. (ultimate parent of Invesco and a global investment management firm); Trustee, The Invesco Funds; Vice Chair, Investment Company Institute; and Member of Executive Board, SMU Cox School of Business
Formerly: Advisor to the Board, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (registered investment adviser); Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Holding Company (US), Inc. (formerly IVZ Inc.) (holding company), Invesco Group Services, Inc. (service provider) and Invesco North American Holdings, Inc. (holding company); Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Holding Company Limited (parent of Invesco and a global investment management firm); Director, Invesco Ltd.; Chairman, Investment Company Institute and President, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc. (global investment management organization) |
158 | None |
1 | Mr. Flanagan is considered an interested person (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Trust because he is an officer of the Adviser to the Trust, and an officer and a director of Invesco Ltd., ultimate parent of the Adviser. |
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Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Philip A. Taylor2 1954 Trustee and Senior Vice President |
2014 | Head of the Americas and Senior Managing Director, Invesco Ltd.; Director, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Management Group, Inc.) (financial services holding company); Director and Chairman, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Investment Services, Inc.) (registered transfer agent); Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Corporate Class Inc. (corporate mutual fund company); Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Canada Ltd. (formerly known as Invesco Trimark Ltd./Invesco Trimark Ltèe) (registered investment adviser and registered transfer agent); Trustee and Senior Vice President, The Invesco Funds; Director, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management)
Formerly: Co-Chairman, Co-President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Van Kampen Exchange Corp; President and Principal Executive Officer, The Invesco Funds (other than AIM Treasurers Series Trust (Invesco Treasurers Series Trust), Short-Term Investments Trust and Invesco Management Trust); Executive Vice President, The Invesco Funds (AIM Treasurers Series Trust (Invesco Treasurers Series Trust), Short-Term Investments Trust and Invesco Management Trust only); Director and President, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. (registered investment adviser and registered transfer agent); Director and Chairman, IVZ Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as INVESCO Distributors, Inc.) (registered broker dealer); Director, President and Chairman, Invesco Inc. (holding company), Invesco Canada Holdings Inc. (holding company), Trimark Investments Ltd./Placements Trimark Ltèe and Invesco Financial Services Ltd/Services Financiers Invesco Ltèe; Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Canada Fund Inc. (corporate mutual fund company); Director and Chairman, Van Kampen Investor Services Inc.; Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, 1371 Preferred Inc. (holding company) and Van Kampen Investments Inc.; Director and President, AIM GP Canada Inc. (general partner for limited partnerships) and Van Kampen Advisors, Inc.; Director and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Trimark Dealer Inc. (registered broker dealer); Director, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Distributors, Inc.) (registered broker dealer); Manager, Invesco Capital Management LLC; Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Advisers, Inc.; Director, |
158 | None |
2 | Mr. Taylor is considered an interested person (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Trust because he is an officer and a director of the Adviser. |
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Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
|
|
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco AIM Capital Management, Inc.; President, Invesco Trimark Dealer Inc. and Invesco Trimark Ltd./Invesco Trimark Ltèe; Director and President, AIM Trimark Corporate Class Inc. and AIM Trimark Canada Fund Inc.; Senior Managing Director, Invesco Holding Company Limited; Director and Chairman, Fund Management Company (former registered broker dealer); President and Principal Executive Officer, The Invesco Funds (AIM Treasurers Series Trust (Invesco Treasurers Series Trust), and Short-Term Investments Trust only); President, AIM Trimark Global Fund Inc. and AIM Trimark Canada Fund Inc. |
|
|
S-15
Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Independent Trustees: | ||||||||
Bruce L. Crockett 1944 Trustee and Chair |
2014 | Chairman, Crockett Technologies Associates (technology consulting company)
Formerly: Director, Captaris (unified messaging provider); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, COMSAT Corporation; Chairman, Board of Governors of INTELSAT (international communications company); ACE Limited (insurance company); Independent Directors Council and Investment Company Institute: Member of the Audit Committee, Investment Company Institute; Member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Governance Committee, Independent Directors Council |
158 | Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee, ALPS (Attorneys Liability Protection Society) (insurance company); Director and Member of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, Ferroglobe PLC (metallurgical company) | ||||
David C. Arch 1945 Trustee |
1998 | Chairman of Blistex Inc. (consumer health care products manufacturer); Member, World Presidents Organization | 158 | Board member of the Illinois Manufacturers Association | ||||
Jack M. Fields 1952 Trustee |
2014 | Chief Executive Officer, Twenty First Century Group, Inc. (government affairs company); and Chairman, Discovery | 158 | None |
S-16
Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Learning Alliance (non-profit)
Formerly: Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Dos Angeles Ranch L.P. (cattle, hunting, corporate entertainment); Director, Insperity, Inc. (formerly known as Administaff) (human resources provider); Chief Executive Officer, Texana Timber LP (sustainable forestry company); Director of Cross Timbers Quail Research Ranch (non-profit); and member of the U.S. House of Representatives |
||||||||
Cynthia Hostetler 1962 Trustee |
2017 | Non-Executive Director and Trustee of a number of public and private business corporations
Formerly: Head of Investment Funds and Private Equity, Overseas Private Investment Corporation; President, First Manhattan Bancorporation, Inc.; Attorney, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP |
158 | Vulcan Materials Company (construction materials company); Trilinc Global Impact Fund; Aberdeen Investment Funds (4 portfolios); Artio Global Investment LLC (mutual fund complex); Edgen Group, Inc. (specialized energy and infrastructure products distributor) | ||||
Eli Jones 1961 Trustee |
2016 | Professor and Dean, Mays Business School Texas A&M University
Formerly: Professor and Dean, Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas and E.J. Ourso College of Business, Louisiana State University; Director, Arvest Bank |
158 | Insperity, Inc. (formerly known as Administaff) (human resources provider) |
S-17
Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Prema Mathai-Davis 1950 Trustee |
2014 | Retired | 158 | None | ||||
Teresa M. Ressel 1962 Trustee |
2017 | Non-executive director and trustee of a number of public and private business corporations
Formerly: Chief Financial Officer, Olayan America, The Olayan Group (international investor/commercial/industrial); Chief Executive Officer, UBS Securities LLC; Group Chief Operating Officer, Americas, UBS AG; Assistant Secretary for Management & Budget and CFO, US Department of the Treasury |
158 | Atlantic Power Corporation (power generation company); ON Semiconductor Corp. (semiconductor supplier) | ||||
Ann Barnett Stern 1957 Trustee |
2017 | President and Chief Executive Officer, Houston Endowment Inc. (private philanthropic institution)
Formerly: Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Texas Childrens Hospital; Attorney, Beck, Redden and Secrest, LLP; Business Law Instructor, University of St. Thomas; Attorney, Andrews & Kurth LLP |
158 | Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas | ||||
Raymond Stickel, Jr. 1944 Trustee |
2014 | Retired
Formerly: Director, Mainstay VP Series Funds, Inc. (25 portfolios); Partner, Deloitte & Touche |
158 | None | ||||
Robert C. Troccoli 1949 Trustee |
2016 | Adjunct Professor, University of Denver Daniels College of Business
Formerly: Senior Partner, KPMG LLP |
158 | None | ||||
Christopher L. Wilson 1957 Trustee |
2017 | Non-executive director and trustee of a number of public and private business corporations | 158 | TD Asset Management USA Inc. (mutual fund complex) (22 portfolios); |
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Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Formerly: Managing Partner, CT2, LLC (investing and consulting firm); President/Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Funds, Bank of America Corporation; President/Chief Executive Officer, CDC IXIS Asset Management Services, Inc.; Principal & Director of Operations, Scudder Funds, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.; Assistant Vice President, Fidelity Investments |
ISO New England, Inc. (non-profit organization managing regional electricity market) | |||||||
Officers | ||||||||
Sheri Morris 1964 President, Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer |
2010 | President, Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer, The Invesco Funds; Vice President, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); and Vice President, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, Invesco India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and Invesco Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust
Formerly: Vice President and Principal Financial Officer, The Invesco Funds; Vice President, Invesco AIM Advisers, Inc., Invesco AIM Capital Management, Inc. and Invesco AIM Private Asset Management, Inc.; Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer, The Invesco Funds and Assistant Vice President, Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco AIM Capital Management, Inc. and Invesco AIM Private Asset Management, Inc.; and Treasurer, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, Invesco India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust |
N/A | N/A |
S-19
Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Russell C. Burk 1958 Senior Vice President and Senior Officer |
2014 | Senior Vice President and Senior Officer, The Invesco Funds | N/A | N/A | ||||
Jeffrey H. Kupor 1968 Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
2018 | Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Management Group, Inc.); Senior Vice President and Secretary, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Senior Vice President and Secretary, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Distributors, Inc.); Vice President and Secretary, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Investment Services, Inc.) Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, The Invesco Funds; Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management); Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.) and Chief Legal Officer, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, Invesco India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and Invesco Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust; Secretary, Invesco Indexing LLC; Secretary and General Counsel, INVESCO Private Capital Investments, Inc.; Secretary, W.L. Ross & Co., LLC; Secretary and Vice President, Jemstep, Inc.
Formerly: Assistant Secretary, INVESCO Asset Management (Bermuda) Ltd.; Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Private Capital, Inc.; Assistant Secretary and General Counsel, INVESCO Realty, Inc.; Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.; and Secretary, Sovereign G./P. Holdings Inc. |
N/A | N/A |
S-20
Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
John M. Zerr 1962 Senior Vice President |
2010 | Chief Operating Officer of the Americas; Director and Senior Vice President, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Management Group, Inc.); Senior Vice President, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Senior Vice President, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Distributors, Inc.); Director and Vice President, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Investment Services, Inc.) Senior Vice President, The Invesco Funds; Managing Director, Invesco Capital Management LLC; Director, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management); Senior Vice President, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.); Manager, Invesco Indexing LLC
Formerly: Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Management Group, Inc.); Secretary, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Investment Services, Inc.); Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, The Invesco Funds; Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management); Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.); Chief Legal Officer, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, Invesco India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and Invesco Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust; Secretary, Invesco Indexing LLC; Director, Secretary, General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Van Kampen Exchange Corp.; Director, Vice President and Secretary, IVZ Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as INVESCO Distributors, Inc.); Director and Vice President, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc.; Director and Vice President, Van Kampen Advisors Inc.; Director, Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Van Kampen Investor Services Inc.; Director and Secretary, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Distributors, Inc.); Director, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Invesco AIM Advisers, Inc. and Van Kampen Investments Inc.; Director, Vice President and Secretary, Fund Management Company; Director, Senior Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel and Vice |
N/A | N/A |
S-21
Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
President, Invesco AIM Capital Management, Inc.; Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Liberty Ridge Capital, Inc. (an investment adviser); Vice President and Secretary, PBHG Funds (an investment company) and PBHG Insurance Series Fund (an investment company); Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Investment Partners (a broker-dealer); General Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Fund Services (an administrator) and Old Mutual Shareholder Services (a shareholder servicing center); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Capital, Inc. (an investment adviser); and Vice President and Secretary, Old Mutual Advisors Funds (an investment company) |
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Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Gregory G. McGreevey 1962 Senior Vice President |
2012 | Senior Managing Director, Invesco Ltd.; Director, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Senior Vice President, Invesco Management Group, Inc.; Director, Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. and Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.; and Senior Vice President, The Invesco Funds
Formerly: Assistant Vice President, The Invesco Funds |
N/A | N/A |
S-23
Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Kelli Gallegos 1970 Vice President, Principal Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer |
2008 | Vice President, Principal Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer, The Invesco Funds; Assistant Treasurer, Invesco Capital Management LLC, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, Invesco India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and Invesco Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust
Formerly: Assistant Vice President, The Invesco Funds |
N/A | N/A | ||||
Tracy Sullivan 1962 Vice President, Chief Tax Officer and Assistant Treasurer |
2008 | Vice President, Chief Tax Officer and Assistant Treasurer, The Invesco Funds; Assistant Treasurer, Invesco Capital Management LLC, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, Invesco India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and Invesco Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust
Formerly: Assistant Vice President, The Invesco Funds |
N/A | N/A | ||||
Crissie M. Wisdom 1969 Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer |
2013 | Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser), Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.), Invesco Distributors, Inc., Invesco Investment Services, Inc., Invesco Management Group, Inc., The Invesco Funds, and Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, Invesco India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and Invesco Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust; Anti-Money | N/A | N/A |
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Name, year of Birth and Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Trustee |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of |
Other Trusteeship(s)/ Directorship Held by Trustee/Director During Past 5 Years | ||||
Laundering Compliance Officer and Bank Secrecy Act Officer, INVESCO National Trust Company and Invesco Trust Company; and Fraud Prevention Manager and Controls and Risk Analysis Manager for Invesco Investment Services, Inc.
Formerly: Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Van Kampen Exchange Corp. |
||||||||
Robert R. Leveille 1969 Chief Compliance Officer |
2016 | Chief Compliance Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (registered investment adviser); and Chief Compliance Officer, The Invesco Funds
Formerly: Chief Compliance Officer, Putnam Investments and the Putnam Funds |
N/A | N/A |
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Additional Information about the Trustees
Interested Persons
Martin L. Flanagan, Trustee
Martin L. Flanagan has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2007. Mr. Flanagan is president and chief executive officer of Invesco Ltd., a position he has held since August 2005. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Invesco Ltd.
Mr. Flanagan joined Invesco, Ltd. from Franklin Resources, Inc., where he was president and co-chief executive officer from January 2004 to July 2005. Previously he had been Franklins co-president from May 2003 to January 2004, chief operating officer and chief financial officer from November 1999 to May 2003, and senior vice president and chief financial officer from 1993 until November 1999.
Mr. Flanagan served as director, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Templeton, Galbraith & Hansberger, Ltd. before its acquisition by Franklin in 1992. Before joining Templeton in 1983, he worked with Arthur Andersen & Co.
Mr. Flanagan is a chartered financial analyst and a certified public accountant. He serves as vice chairman of the Investment Company Institute and a member of the executive board at the SMU Cox School of Business.
The Board believes that Mr. Flanagans long experience as an executive in the investment management area benefits the Fund.
Philip A. Taylor, Trustee
Philip A. Taylor has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2006. Mr. Taylor has headed Invescos North American retail business as Senior Managing Director of Invesco Ltd. since April 2006. He previously served as chief executive officer of Invesco Trimark Investments since January 2002.
Mr. Taylor joined Invesco in 1999 as senior vice president of operations and client services and later became executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Mr. Taylor was president of Canadian retail broker Investors Group Securities from 1994 to 1997 and managing partner of Meridian Securities, an execution and clearing broker, from 1989 to 1994. He held various management positions with Royal Trust, now part of Royal Bank of Canada, from 1982 to 1989. He began his career in consumer brand management in the U.S. and Canada with Richardson-Vicks, now part of Procter & Gamble.
The Board believes that Mr. Taylors long experience in the investment management business benefits the Fund.
Independent Trustees
Bruce L. Crockett, Trustee and Chair
Bruce L. Crockett has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1978, and has served as Independent Chair of the Board of Trustees and their predecessor funds since 2004.
Mr. Crockett has more than 30 years of experience in finance and general management in the banking, aerospace and telecommunications industries. From 1992 to 1996, he served as president, chief executive officer and a director of COMSAT Corporation, an international satellite and wireless telecommunications company.
Mr. Crockett has also served, since 1996, as chairman of Crockett Technologies Associates, a strategic consulting firm that provides services to the information technology and communications industries. Mr. Crockett also serves on the Board of ALPS (Attorneys Liability Protection Society) and Ferrogloble PLC (metallurgical company) and he is a life trustee of the University of Rochester Board of Trustees. He is a member of the Audit Committee of Ferroglobe PLC.
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The Board of Trustees elected Mr. Crockett to serve as its Independent Chair because of his extensive experience in managing public companies and familiarity with investment companies.
David C. Arch, Trustee
David C. Arch has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds and their predecessor funds since 2010. From 1984 to 2010, Mr. Arch served as Director or Trustee of investment companies in the Van Kampen Funds complex.
Mr. Arch is the Chairman of Blistex Inc., a consumer health care products manufacturer. Mr. Arch is a member of the Board of the Illinois Manufacturers Association and a member of the World Presidents Organization.
The Board believes that Mr. Archs experience as the CEO of a public company and his experience with investment companies benefits the Fund.
Jack M. Fields, Trustee
Jack M. Fields has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1997.
Mr. Fields served as a member of Congress, representing the 8th Congressional District of Texas from 1980 to 1997. As a member of Congress, Mr. Fields served as Chairman of the House Telecommunications and Finance Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction and oversight of the Federal Communications Commission and the SEC. Mr. Fields co-sponsored the National Securities Markets Improvements Act of 1996, and played a leadership role in enactment of the Securities Litigation Reform Act.
Mr. Fields currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Twenty-First Century Group, Inc. in Washington, D.C., a bipartisan Washington consulting firm specializing in Federal government affairs.
Mr. Fields also served as a Director of Insperity, Inc. (formerly known as Administaff), a premier professional employer organization with clients nationwide until 2015. In addition, Mr. Fields serves as Chairman and sits on the Board of Discovery Learning Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational resources to people in need around the world through the use of technology.
The Board believes that Mr. Fields experience in the House of Representatives, especially concerning regulation of the securities markets, benefits the Fund.
Cynthia Hostetler, Trustee
Cynthia Hostetler has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2017.
Ms. Hostetler is currently a member of the board of directors of the Vulcan Materials Company, a public company engaged in the production and distribution of construction materials, and Trilinc Global Impact Fund LLC, a publicly registered non-traded limited liability company that invests in a diversified portfolio of private debt instruments. Previously, Ms. Hostetler served as a member of the board of directors/trustees of Aberdeen Investment
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Funds, a mutual fund complex, and of Edgen Group Inc., a public company that provides products and services to energy and construction companies, from 2012 to 2013, prior to its sale to Sumitomo.
From 2001 to 2009 Ms. Hostetler served as Head of Investment Funds and Private Equity at Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), a government agency that supports US investment in the emerging markets. Ms. Hostetler oversaw a multi-billion dollar investment portfolio in private equity funds. Prior to joining OPIC, Ms. Hostetler served as President and member of the board of directors of First Manhattan Bancorporation, a bank holding company, and its largest subsidiary, First Savings Bank, from 1991 to 2001.
The Board believes that Ms. Hostetlers knowledge of financial services and investment management, her experience as a director of other companies, including a mutual fund complex, her legal background, and other professional experience gained through her prior employment benefit the Fund.
Dr. Eli Jones, Trustee
Dr. Eli Jones has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2016.
Dr. Jones is the dean of the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University and holder of the Peggy Pitman Mays Eminent Scholar Chair in Business. Dr. Jones has served as a director of Insperity, Inc. since April 2004 and is chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Prior to his current position, from 2012-2015, Dr. Jones was the dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas and holder of the Sam M. Walton Leadership Chair in Business. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Arkansas, he was dean of the E. J. Ourso College of Business and Ourso Distinguished Professor of Business at Louisiana State University from 2008 to 2012; professor of marketing and associate dean at the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston from 2007 to 2008; an associate professor of marketing from 2002 to 2007; and an assistant professor from 1997 until 2002. He taught at Texas A&M University for several years before joining the faculty of the University of Houston. Dr. Jones served as the executive director of the Program for Excellence in Selling and the Sales Excellence Institute at the University of Houston from 1997 to 2007. Before becoming a professor, he worked in sales and sales management for three Fortune 100 companies: Quaker Oats, Nabisco, and Frito-Lay. Dr. Jones is a past director of Arvest Bank. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in journalism in 1982, his MBA in 1986 and his Ph.D. in 1997, all from Texas A&M University.
The Board believes that Dr. Jones experience in academia and his experience in marketing benefits the Fund.
Dr. Prema Mathai-Davis, Trustee
Dr. Prema Mathai-Davis has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1998.
Prior to her retirement in 2000, Dr. Mathai-Davis served as Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of the USA. Prior to joining the YWCA, Dr. Mathai-Davis served as the Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging. She was a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York, the largest regional transportation network in the U.S. Dr. Mathai-Davis also serves as a Trustee of the YWCA Retirement Fund, the first and oldest pension fund for women, and on the advisory board of the Johns Hopkins Bioethics Institute. Dr. Mathai-Davis was the president and chief executive officer of the Community Agency for Senior Citizens, a non-profit social service agency that she established in 1981. She also directed the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine-Hunter College Long-Term Care Gerontology Center, one of the first of its kind.
The Board believes that Dr. Mathai-Davis extensive experience in running public and charitable institutions benefits the Fund.
Teresa M. Ressel, Trustee
Teresa M. Ressel has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2017.
Ms. Ressel has previously served across both the private sector and the U.S. government. Formerly, Ms. Ressel served from 2004 to 2012 in various capacities at UBS AG, including most recently as Chief Executive Officer of UBS Securities LLC, a broker-dealer division of UBS Investment Bank, and Group Chief Operating Officer of the Americas group at UBS AG. In these roles, Ms. Ressel managed a broad array of operational risk controls, supervisory control, regulatory, compliance, and logistics functions covering the United States and Canada, as well as banking activities covering the Americas.
Between 2001 and 2004, Ms. Ressel served at the U.S. Treasury first as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget and then as Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Ressel was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and
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handles a broad array of management duties including finance & accounting, operational risk, audit and performance measurement along with information technology and infrastructure security.
Ms. Ressel currently serves as a member of the board of directors and as a member of the audit committee of ON Semiconductor Corporation, a publicly traded technology company. Ms. Ressel currently chairs their Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. ON Semiconductor is a leading supplier of semiconductor-based solutions, many of which reduce global energy use. She has served on the ON Semiconductor board since 2012.
From 2014 to 2017, Ms. Ressel also served on of the board of directors at Atlantic Power Corporation, a publicly traded company which owns and operates a diverse fleet of power generation across the United States and Canada.
The Board believes that Ms. Ressels risk management and financial experience in both the private and public sectors benefits the Fund.
Ann Barnett Stern, Trustee
Ann Barnett Stern has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2017.
Ms. Stern is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Houston Endowment Inc., a private philanthropic institution. She has served in this capacity since 2012. Formerly, Ms. Stern served in various capacities at Texas Childrens Hospital from 2003 to 2012, including General Counsel and Executive Vice President.
Ms. Stern is also currently a member of the Dallas Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, a role she has held since 2013.
The Board believes that Ms. Sterns knowledge of financial services and investment management and her experience as a director, and other professional experience gained through her prior employment benefit the Fund.
Raymond Stickel, Jr., Trustee
Raymond Stickel, Jr. has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2005.
Mr. Stickel retired after a 35-year career with Deloitte & Touche. For the last five years of his career, he was the managing partner of the investment management practice for the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut region. In addition to his management role, he directed audit and tax services for several mutual fund clients.
Mr. Stickel began his career with Touche Ross & Co. (the Firm) in Dayton, Ohio, became a partner in 1976 and managing partner of the office in 1985. He also started and developed an investment management practice in the Dayton office that grew to become a significant source of investment management talent for the Firm. In Ohio, he served as the audit partner on numerous mutual funds and on public and privately held companies in other industries. Mr. Stickel has also served on the Firms Accounting and Auditing Executive Committee.
The Board believes that Mr. Stickels experience as a partner in a large accounting firm working with investment managers and investment companies benefits the Fund.
Robert C. Troccoli, Trustee
Robert C. Troccoli has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2016.
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Mr. Troccoli retired in 2010 after a 39-year career with KPMG LLP. Since 2013 he has been an adjunct professor at the University of Denvers Daniels College of Business.
Mr. Troccolis leadership roles during his career with KPMG included managing partner and partner in charge of the Denver offices Financial Services Practice. He served regulated investment companies, investment advisors, private partnerships, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, and financial services companies. Toward the end of his career, Mr. Troccoli was a founding member of KPMGs Private Equity Group in New York City, where he served private equity firms and sovereign wealth funds. Mr. Troccoli also served mutual fund clients along with several large private equity firms as Global Lead Partner of KPMGs Private Equity Group.
The Board believes that Mr. Troccolis experience as a partner in a large accounting firm and his knowledge of investment companies, investment advisors, and private equity firms benefits the Fund.
Christopher L. Wilson, Trustee
Christopher L. Wilson has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2017.
Mr. Wilson started a career in the investment management business in 1980. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Wilson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Funds, a mutual fund complex with over $350 billion in assets. From 2009 to 2017, Mr. Wilson served as a Managing Partner of CT2, LLC, an early stage investing and consulting firm for start-up companies.
From 2014 to 2016, Mr. Wilson served as a member of the Board of Directors of the mutual fund company managed by TDAM USA Inc., an affiliate of TD Bank, N.A.
Mr. Wilson also currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of ISO New England, Inc., the company that establishes the wholesale electricity market and manages the electrical power grid in New England. Mr. Wilson is currently the chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, which also oversees cybersecurity, and a member of the systems planning committee of ISO-NE, Inc. He previously served as chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and was a member of the Markets Committee. He has served on the ISO New England, Inc. board since 2011.
The Board believes that Mr. Wilsons knowledge of financial services and investment management, his experience as a director and audit committee member of other companies, including a mutual fund company, and other professional experience gained through his prior employment benefit the Fund.
Committee Structure
The Trustees have the authority to take all actions that they consider necessary or appropriate in connection with management of the Trust, including, among other things, approving the investment objectives, investment policies and fundamental investment restrictions for the Fund. The Trust has entered into agreements with various service providers, including the Funds investment adviser, administrator, transfer agent, distributor and custodians, to conduct the day-to-day operations of the Fund. The Trustees are responsible for selecting these service providers, approving the terms of their contracts with the Fund, and exercising general oversight of these arrangements on an ongoing basis.
Certain Trustees and officers of the Trust are affiliated with Invesco and Invesco Ltd., the parent corporation of Invesco. All of the Trusts executive officers hold similar offices with some or all of the other Trusts.
Leadership Structure and the Board of Trustees. The Board is currently composed of thirteen Trustees, including eleven Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (collectively, the Independent Trustees and each, an Independent Trustee). In addition to eight regularly scheduled meetings per year, the Board holds special meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may require action prior to the next regular meeting. As discussed below, the Board has established five standing committees the Audit Committee, the Compliance Committee, the Governance Committee, the Investments Committee and the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee (the Committees), to assist the Board in performing its oversight responsibilities.
The Board has appointed an Independent Trustee to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairmans primary role is to preside at meetings of the Board and act as a liaison with the Adviser and other service providers, officers, including the Senior Officer of the Trust, attorneys, and other Trustees between meetings. The Chairman also participates in the preparation of the agenda for the meetings of the Board, is active with mutual fund industry organizations, and may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. Except for any duties specified pursuant to the Trusts Declaration of Trust or By-laws, the
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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 its leadership structure, including having an Independent Trustee as Chairman, allows for effective communication between the Trustees and management, among the Trustees and among the Independent Trustees. The existing Board structure, including its Committee structure, provides the Independent Trustees with effective control over Board governance while also allowing them to receive and benefit from insight from the two interested Trustees who are active officers of the Funds investment adviser. The Boards leadership structure promotes dialogue and debate, which the Board believes allows for the proper consideration of matters deemed important to the Fund and its shareholders and results in effective decision-making.
Risk Oversight. The Board considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year at its regular meetings and at regular meetings of its Committees. Invesco prepares regular reports that address certain investment, valuation and compliance matters, and the Board as a whole or the Committees also receive special written reports or presentations on a variety of risk issues at the request of the Board, a Committee or the Senior Officer.
The Audit Committee is apprised by, and discusses with, management its policies on risk assessment and risk management. Such discussion includes a discussion of the guidelines governing the process by which risks are assessed and managed and an identification of each Funds major financial risk exposures. In addition, the Audit Committee meets regularly with representatives of Invesco Ltd.s internal audit group to review reports on their examinations of functions and processes within Invesco that affect the Fund.
The Compliance Committee receives regular compliance reports prepared by Invescos compliance group and meets regularly with the Funds Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to discuss compliance issues, including compliance risks. The Compliance Committee has recommended and the Board has adopted compliance policies and procedures for the Fund and for the Funds service providers. The compliance policies and procedures are designed to detect, prevent and correct violations of the federal securities laws.
The Governance Committee monitors the composition of the Board and each of its Committees and monitors the qualifications of the Trustees to ensure adherence to certain governance undertakings applicable to the Fund. In addition, the Governance Committee oversees an annual self-assessment of the Board and addresses governance risks, including insurance and fidelity bond matters, for the Trust.
The Investments Committee and its sub-committees receive regular written reports describing and analyzing the investment performance of the Fund. In addition, Invescos Chief Investment Officers and the portfolio managers of the Fund meet regularly with the Investments Committee or its sub-committees to discuss portfolio performance, including investment risk, such as the impact on the Fund of investments in particular types of securities or instruments, such as derivatives. To the extent that the Fund changes a particular investment strategy that could have a material impact on the Funds risk profile, the Board generally is consulted in advance with respect to such change.
The Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee monitors fair valuation of portfolio securities based on management reports that include explanations of the reasons for the fair valuation and the methodology used to arrive at the fair value. Such reports also include information concerning illiquid securities in Fund portfolios.
The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Arch, Bunch, Crockett, Stickel (Chair), Troccoli (Vice Chair), Mss. Hostetler and Ressel and Dr. Soll. The Audit Committee performs a number of functions with respect to the oversight of the Funds accounting and financial reporting, including: (i) assisting the Board with its oversight of the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent registered public accountants; (ii) appointing independent registered public accountants for the Fund; (iii) to the extent required, pre-approving certain audit and permissible non-audit services; (iv) overseeing the financial reporting process for the Fund; and (v) assisting the Board with its oversight of the integrity of the Funds financial statements and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, the Audit Committee held eight meetings.
The members of the Compliance Committee are Messrs. Arch (Vice Chair), Bunch, Stickel, Troccoli and Wilson, Ms. Ressel and Dr. Soll (Chair). The Compliance Committee performs a number of functions with respect to compliance matters, including: (i) if requested by the Board, reviewing and making recommendations concerning the qualifications, performance and compensation of the Funds Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Officer; (ii) reviewing recommendations and reports made by the Chief Compliance Officer or Senior Officer of the Fund regarding compliance matters; (iii) overseeing compliance policies and procedures of the Fund and its service providers; and (iv) overseeing potential conflicts of interest that are reported to the Compliance Committee by Invesco, the Chief Compliance Officer, or the Senior Officer. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, the Compliance Committee held six meetings.
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The members of the Governance Committee are Messrs. Crockett and Fields (Chair), Mss. Hostetler and Stern and Drs. Jones and Mathai-Davis (Vice Chair). The Governance Committee performs a number of functions with respect to governance, including: (i) nominating persons to serve as Independent Trustees and as members of each Committee, and nominating the Chair of the Board and the Chair and Vice-Chair of each Committee; (ii) reviewing and making recommendations to the full Board regarding the size and composition of the Board and the compensation payable to the Independent Trustees; and (iii) overseeing the annual self-evaluation of the performance of the Board and its Committees. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, the Governance Committee held six meetings.
The Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by a shareholder to serve as trustees, provided: (i) that such person is a shareholder of record at the time he or she submits such names and is entitled to vote at the meeting of shareholders at which trustees will be elected; and (ii) that the Governance Committee or the Board, as applicable, shall make the final determination of persons to be nominated. Notice procedures set forth in the Trusts bylaws require that any shareholder of a Fund desiring to nominate a candidate for election at a shareholder meeting must provide certain information about itself and the candidate, and must submit to the Trusts Secretary the nomination in writing not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day, nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from such anniversary date or if the Trust has not previously held an annual meeting, notice by the Shareholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Trust.
The members of the Investments Committee are Messrs. Arch (Vice Chair), Bunch (Chair), Crockett, Fields, Flanagan, Stickel, Taylor, Troccoli (Vice Chair) and Wilson, Mss. Hostetler, Ressel and Stern and Drs. Jones (Vice Chair), Mathai-Davis and Soll. The Investments Committees primary purposes are to assist the Board in its oversight of the investment management services provided by Invesco and the Sub-Advisers and to periodically review Fund performance information. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, the Investments Committee held six meetings.
The Investments Committee has established three Sub-Committees and delegated to the Sub-Committees responsibility for, among other matters: (i) reviewing the performance of the Invesco Funds that have been assigned to a particular Sub-Committee (for each Sub-Committee, the Designated Funds), unless the Investments Committee takes such action directly; and (ii) reviewing with the applicable portfolio managers from time to time the investment objective(s), policies, strategies, risks and limitations of the Designated Funds.
The members of the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee are Messrs. Fields, and Wilson, Ms. Stern and Drs. Jones (Vice Chair) and Mathai-Davis (Chair). The Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee performs a number of functions with respect to valuation, distribution and proxy voting, including: (i) reviewing reports and making recommendations to the full Board regarding the Funds valuation and liquidity methods and determinations, and annually approving and making recommendations to the full Board regarding pricing procedures and procedures for determining the liquidity of securities; (ii) reviewing Invescos annual report evaluating the pricing vendors, and approving and recommending that the full Board approve changes to pricing vendors and pricing methodologies; (iii) reviewing reports and making recommendations to the full Board regarding mutual fund distribution and marketing channels and expenditures; and (iv) reviewing reports and making recommendations to the full Board regarding proxy voting guidelines, policies and procedures. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee held four meetings.
Compensation
Each trustee who is not affiliated with Invesco is compensated for his or her services according to a fee schedule that recognizes the fact that such trustee also serves as a trustee of other Invesco Funds. Each such trustee receives a fee, allocated among the Invesco Funds for which he or she serves as a trustee, that consists of an annual retainer component and a meeting fee component. The Chair of the Board and Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain committees receive additional compensation for their services.
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Information regarding compensation paid or accrued for each trustee of the Trust who was not affiliated with Invesco during the year ended December 31, 2017, are as follows:
Name |
Aggregate Compensation from the Fund(1)(2) |
Total Compensation from the Fund Complex(3) |
||||||
Independent Trustees(4) |
||||||||
David C. Arch |
$ | 2,080 | $ | 388,122 | ||||
Bruce L. Crockett |
$ | 3,642 | $ | 691,672 | ||||
Jack M. Fields |
$ | 2,110 | $ | 398,322 | ||||
Cynthia Hostetler(5) |
$ | 1,860 | $ | 283,775 | ||||
Eli Jones |
$ | 1,977 | $ | 372,372 | ||||
Prema Mathai-Davis |
$ | 2,110 | $ | 398,322 | ||||
Teresa M. Ressel(5) |
$ | 1,843 | $ | 286,275 | ||||
Ann Barnett Stern(5) |
$ | 1,819 | $ | 276,275 | ||||
Raymond Stickel, Jr. |
$ | 2,231 | $ | 427,522 | ||||
Robert C. Troccoli |
$ | 2,018 | $ | 386,372 | ||||
Christopher L. Wilson(5) |
$ | 1,788 | $ | 276,275 |
(1) | Amounts shown are based on the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018. The total amount of compensation deferred by all trustees of the Trust during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, including earnings, was $4,734. |
(2) | The Fund does not accrue or pay retirement or pension benefits to the Trustees. Pursuant to the retirement plan of certain funds in the Fund Complex, which was amended as of December 31, 2015 to convert to a defined contribution plan, estimated annual benefits upon retirement payable by such funds to Trustees is as follows: David C. Arch: $205,000; Bruce L. Crockett: $205,000; Jack M. Fields: $205,000; Prema Mathai-Davis: $205,000; and Raymond Stickel, Jr.: $205,000. These amounts represent the estimated annual benefits payable by the Invesco Funds upon the trustees retirement and assumes each trustee serves until his or her normal retirement date. These amounts are payable by other funds in the Fund Complex and not by the Funds. These amounts are not adjusted to reflect deemed investment appreciation or depreciation. |
(3) | All trustees currently serve as trustee of 32 registered investment companies advised by Invesco. |
(4) | On December 31, 2017, Mr. James T. Bunch and Dr. Larry Soll retired. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018 compensation from the Trust for both Mr. Bunch and D was $3,335. |
(5) | Mss. Cynthia Hostetler, Teresa M. Ressel, and Ann Barnett Stern and Mr. Christopher L. Wilson were elected as Trustees for all open-end Invesco Funds by shareholders effective March 9, 2017 and for closed-end Invesco Funds effective March 28, 2017. |
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Trustee Beneficial Ownership of Securities
The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each trustee (i) in the Fund and (ii) on an aggregate basis, in all registered investment companies overseen by the trustee within the Invesco Funds complex, as of December 31, 2017, are as follows:
Name |
Fund | Aggregate dollar range of equity securities in all registered investment companies overseen by trustee in the Invesco Fund Complex |
||||||
Interested Trustees |
||||||||
Martin L. Flanagan |
None | Over $100,000 | ||||||
Philip A. Taylor |
None | $1-$10,000 | ||||||
Independent Trustees |
||||||||
David C. Arch |
None | Over $100,000 | ||||||
Bruce L. Crockett |
None | Over $100,000(1) | ||||||
Jack M. Fields |
None | Over $100,000 | ||||||
Cynthia Hostetler |
None | None | ||||||
Eli Jones |
None | Over $100,000(1) | ||||||
Prema Mathai-Davis |
None | Over $100,000(1) | ||||||
Teresa M . Ressel |
None | None | ||||||
Ann Barnett Stern |
None | Over $100,000(1) | ||||||
Raymond Stickel, Jr. |
None | Over $100,000 | ||||||
Robert C. Troccoli |
None | Over $100,000(1) | ||||||
Christopher L. Wilson |
None | Over $100,000 |
(1) | Includes total amount of compensation deferred by the trustee at his or her election pursuant to a deferred compensation plan. Such deferred compensation is placed in a deferral account and deemed to be invested in one or more of the Invesco Funds. |
Pre-Amendment Retirement Plan for Trustees
The Trustees have adopted a retirement plan for the Trustees who are not affiliated with the Adviser. The Trustees also have adopted a retirement policy that permits each non-Invesco-affiliated Trustee to serve until December 31 of the year in which the Trustee turns 75. A majority of the Trustees may extend from time to time the retirement date of a Trustee.
Annual retirement benefits are available from the Fund and/or the other Invesco Funds for which a Trustee serves (each, a Covered Fund), for each Trustee who is not an employee or officer of the Adviser, who either (a) became a Trustee prior to December 1, 2008, and who has at least five years of credited service as a Trustee (including service to a predecessor fund) of a Covered Fund, or (b) was a member of the Board of Trustees of a Van Kampen Fund immediately prior to June 1, 2010 (Former Van Kampen Trustee), and has at least one year of credited service as a Trustee of a Covered Fund after June 1, 2010.
For Trustees other than Former Van Kampen Trustees, effective January 1, 2006, for retirements after December 31, 2005, the retirement benefits will equal 75% of the Trustees annual retainer paid to or accrued by any Covered Fund with respect to such Trustee during the twelve-month period prior to retirement, including the amount of any retainer deferred under a separate deferred compensation agreement between the Covered Fund and the Trustee. The amount of the annual retirement benefit does not include additional compensation paid for Board meeting fees or compensation paid to the Chair of the Board and the Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain Board committees, whether such amounts are paid directly to the Trustee or deferred. The annual retirement benefit is payable in quarterly installments for a number of years equal to the lesser of (i) sixteen years or (ii) the number of such Trustees credited years of service. If a Trustee dies prior to receiving the full amount of retirement benefits, the remaining payments will be made to the deceased Trustees designated beneficiary for the same length of time that the Trustee would have received the payments based on his or her service or, if the Trustee has elected, in a discounted lump sum payment. A Trustee must have attained the age of 65 (60 in the event of disability) to receive any retirement benefit. A Trustee may make an irrevocable election to commence payment
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of retirement benefits upon retirement from the Board before age 72; in such a case, the annual retirement benefit is subject to a reduction for early payment.
If the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes at least 10 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the retirement benefit will equal 75% of the Former Van Kampen Trustees annual retainer paid to or accrued by any Covered Fund with respect to such Trustee during the twelve-month period prior to retirement, including the amount of any retainer deferred under a separate deferred compensation agreement between the Covered Fund and such Trustee. The amount of the annual retirement benefit does not include additional compensation paid for Board meeting fees or compensation paid to the Chair of the Board and the Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain Board committees, whether such amounts are paid directly to the Trustee or deferred. The annual retirement benefit is payable in quarterly installments for 10 years beginning after the later of the Former Van Kampen Trustees termination of service or attainment of age 72 (or age 60 in the event of disability or immediately in the event of death). If a Former Van Kampen Trustee dies prior to receiving the full amount of retirement benefits, the remaining payments will be made to the deceased Trustees designated beneficiary or, if the Trustee has elected, in a discounted lump sum payment.
If the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes less than 10 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the retirement benefit will be payable at the applicable time described in the preceding paragraph, but will be paid in two components successively. For the period of time equal to the Former Van Kampen Trustees years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the first component of the annual retirement benefit will equal 75% of the compensation amount described in the preceding paragraph. Thereafter, for the period of time equal to the Former Van Kampen Trustees years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the second component of the annual retirement benefit will equal the excess of (x) 75% of the compensation amount described in the preceding paragraph, over (y) $68,041 plus an interest factor of 4% per year compounded annually measured from June 1, 2010 through the first day of each year for which payments under this second component are to be made. In no event, however, will the retirement benefits under the two components be made for a period of time greater than 10 years. For example, if the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes 7 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, he or she will receive 7 years of payments under the first component and thereafter 3 years of payments under the second component, and if the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes 4 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, he or she will receive 4 years of payments under the first component and thereafter 4 years of payments under the second component.
Amendment of Retirement Plan and Conversion to Defined Contribution Plan
The Trustees approved an amendment to the Retirement Plan to convert it to a defined contribution benefit plan for active Trustees (the Amended Plan). Under the Amended Plan, the benefit amount was amended for each active Trustee to the present value of the Trustees existing retirement plan benefit as of December 31, 2013 (the Existing Plan Benefit) plus the present value of retirement benefits expected to be earned under the Retirement Plan through the end of the calendar year in which the Trustee attained age 75 (the Expected Future Benefit and, together with the Existing Plan Benefit, the Accrued Benefit). On the conversion date, the Covered Funds established bookkeeping accounts of their pro rata share of the Accrued Benefit, which is deemed to be invested in one or more Invesco Funds selected by the participating Trustees. Each Trustees Accrued Benefit is not funded and, with respect to the payments of amounts held in the accounts, the participating Trustees have the status of unsecured creditors of the Covered Funds. Trustees will be paid the adjusted account balance under the Amended Plan in quarterly installments for the same period as described above.
Deferred Compensation Agreements
Three retired Trustees, as well as Messrs. Crockett and Troccoli, Ms. Stern and Drs Jones and Mathai-Davis (for purposes of this paragraph only, the Deferring Trustees) have each executed a Deferred Compensation Agreement (collectively, the Compensation Agreements). Pursuant to the Compensation Agreements, the Deferring Trustees have the option to elect to defer receipt of up to 100% of their compensation payable by the Funds, and such amounts are placed into a deferral account and deemed to be invested in one or more Invesco Funds selected by the Deferring Trustees.
Distributions from these deferral accounts will be paid in cash, generally in equal quarterly installments over a period of up to ten (10) years (depending on the Compensation Agreement) beginning on the date selected under the Compensation Agreement. If a Deferring Trustee dies prior to the distribution of amounts in his or her deferral account, the balance of the deferral account will be distributed to his or her designated beneficiary. The Compensation Agreements are not funded and, with respect to the payments of amounts held in the deferral accounts, the Deferring Trustees have the status of unsecured creditors of the Fund and of each other Invesco Fund from which they are deferring compensation.
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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
Investment Adviser
Invesco serves as the Funds investment adviser. The Adviser manages the investment operations of the Fund as well as other investment portfolios that encompass a broad range of investment objectives, and has agreed to perform or arrange for the performance of the Funds day-to-day management. The Adviser, as successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976. Invesco is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. Invesco Ltd. and its subsidiaries are an independent global investment management group. Certain of the directors and officers of Invesco are also executive officers of the Fund and their affiliations are shown in this Statement of Additional Information.
As investment adviser, Invesco supervises all aspects of the Funds operations and provides investment advisory services to the Fund. Invesco obtains and evaluates economic, statistical and financial information to formulate and implement investment programs for the Fund. The Funds Investment Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) provides that, in fulfilling its responsibilities, Invesco may engage the services of other investment managers with respect to the Fund. The investment advisory services of Invesco are not exclusive and Invesco is free to render investment advisory services to others, including other investment companies.
Pursuant to an administrative services agreement with the Fund, the Adviser is also responsible for furnishing to the Fund the services of persons believed to be competent to perform supervisory and administrative services required by the Fund and that, in the judgment of the Trustees, are necessary to conduct the business of the Fund effectively, as well as the offices, equipment and other facilities necessary for their operations. Such functions include the maintenance of the Funds accounts and records, and the preparation of all requisite corporate documents such as tax returns and reports to the SEC and shareholders.
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will pay or cause to be paid all expenses of such Fund not assumed by Invesco, including, without limitation: brokerage commissions, taxes, legal, accounting, auditing, or governmental fees, the cost of preparing share certificates, custodian, transfer and shareholder service agent costs, expenses of issue, sale, redemption and repurchase of shares, expenses of registering and qualifying shares for sale, expenses relating to trustees and shareholder meetings, the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders, the fees and other expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with membership in investment company organizations and the cost of printing copies of prospectuses and statements of additional information distributed to the Funds shareholders.
Invesco, at its own expense, furnishes to the Fund office space and facilities. Invesco furnishes to the Fund all personnel for managing the affairs of the Fund.
Advisory fees paid (before giving effect to any fee waiver) for the last three fiscal years of the Fund are as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended |
Advisory Fees Paid (Before waiver) | |||
February 28, 2018 |
$ | 17,659,265 | ||
February 28, 2017 |
$ | 16,986,027 | ||
February 29, 2016 |
$ | 17,624,287 |
The Adviser has contractually agreed, through at least June 30, 2020, to waive the advisory fee payable by the Fund in an amount equal to 100% of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the affiliated money market funds on investments by the Fund of uninvested cash in such affiliated money market funds.
Adviser waived advisory fees for the last three fiscal years of the Fund are as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended |
Advisory Fees Waived | |||
February 28, 2018 |
$ | 18,424 | ||
February 28, 2017 |
$ | 35,604 | ||
February 29, 2016 |
$ | 42,413 |
Investment Sub-Advisers
Invesco has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisers may be appointed by Invesco from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund.
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These affiliated sub-advisers, each of which is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, are:
Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH (Invesco Deutschland)
Invesco Asset Management Limited (Invesco Asset Management)
Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited (Invesco Japan)
Invesco Hong Kong Limited (Invesco Hong Kong)
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (Invesco Senior Secured)
Invesco Canada Ltd. (Invesco Canada); (each a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers).
Invesco and each Sub-Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.
The only fees payable to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement are for providing discretionary investment management services. For such services, Invesco (and not the Fund) pays each Sub-Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, equal to (i) 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund, multiplied by (ii) the fraction equal to the net assets of such Fund as to which such Sub-Adviser shall have provided discretionary investment management services for that month divided by the net assets of such Fund for that month. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, this fee is reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any, in effect from time to time. In no event shall the aggregate monthly fees paid to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement exceed 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund pursuant to its advisory agreement with the Fund, as reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fees waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any.
Invesco did not pay the Sub-Advisers any sub-advisory fees during the last three fiscal years of the Fund.
Securities Lending Arrangements
If the Fund engages in securities lending, Invesco will provide the Fund related investment advisory and administrative services. The Advisory Agreement describes the administrative services to be rendered by Invesco if the Fund engages in securities lending activities, as well as the compensation Invesco may receive for such administrative services. Services to be provided include: (a) overseeing participation in the securities lending program to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and investment guidelines; (b) assisting the securities lending agent or principal (the agent) in determining which specific securities are available for loan; (c) monitoring the agent to ensure that securities loans are effected in accordance with Invescos instructions and with procedures adopted by the Board; (d) preparing appropriate periodic reports for, and seeking appropriate approvals from, the Board with respect to securities lending activities; (e) responding to agent inquiries; and (f) performing such other duties as may be necessary.
Invescos compensation for advisory services rendered in connection with securities lending is included in the advisory fee schedule. As compensation for the related administrative services Invesco will provide, a lending Fund will pay Invesco a fee equal to 25% of the net monthly interest or fee income retained or paid to the Fund from such activities. Invesco currently waives such fee, and has agreed to seek Board approval prior to its receipt of all or a portion of such fee.
Service Agreements
Administrative Services Agreement. Invesco and the Fund have entered into a Master Administrative Services Agreement (Administrative Services Agreement) pursuant to which Invesco may perform or arrange for the provision of certain accounting and other administrative services to the Fund which are not required to be performed by Invesco under the Advisory Agreement. The Administrative Services Agreement provides that it will remain in effect and continue from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board, including the independent trustees, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. Under the Administrative Services Agreement, Invesco is entitled to receive from the Fund reimbursement of its costs or such reasonable compensation as may be approved by the Board. Currently, Invesco is reimbursed for the services of the Funds principal financial officer and her staff and any expenses related to fund accounting services.
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Administrative services fees paid for the last three fiscal years of the Fund are as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended |
Administrative Fees Paid | |||
February 28, 2018 |
$ | 227,760 | ||
February 28, 2017 |
$ | 221,233 | ||
February 29, 2016 |
$ | 223,106 |
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Computershare), P.O. Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940-3078 is the transfer agent for the Fund.
The Transfer Agency and Service Agreement (the TA Agreement) between the Fund and Computershare provides that Computershare will perform certain services related to the servicing of shareholders of the Fund. Other such services may be delegated or subcontracted to third party intermediaries.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company (the Custodian), 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, is custodian of all securities and cash of the Fund. The Bank of New York Mellon, 2 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, New York 11217-1431, also serves as sub-custodian to facilitate cash management.
The Custodian is authorized to establish separate accounts in foreign countries and to cause foreign securities owned by the Fund to be held outside the United States in branches of U.S. banks and, to the extent permitted by applicable regulations, in certain foreign banks and securities depositories. Invesco is responsible for selecting eligible foreign securities depositories and for assessing the risks associated with investing in foreign countries, including the risk of using eligible foreign securities depositories in a country. The Custodian is responsible for monitoring eligible foreign securities depositories.
Under its contract with the Fund, the Custodian maintains the portfolio securities of the Fund, administers the purchases and sales of portfolio securities, collects interest and dividends and other distributions made on the securities held in the portfolio of the Fund and performs other ministerial duties. These services do not include any supervisory function over management or provide any protection against any possible depreciation of assets.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Funds independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the financial statements of the Fund. The Audit Committee of the Funds Board has appointed, and the Board has ratified and approved, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 5800, Houston, Texas 77002, as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the financial statements of the Fund. The Funds audited financial statements incorporated by reference in this SAI and the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon, have been incorporated by reference in this SAI in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Portfolio Manager Fund Holdings and Information on Other Managed Accounts
Invescos portfolio managers develop investment models which are used in connection with the management of certain Invesco funds as well as other mutual funds for which Invesco or an affiliate acts as sub-adviser, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals. The Investments chart reflects the portfolio managers investments in the Fund. Accounts are grouped into three categories: (i) investments made directly in the Fund, (ii) investments made in an Invesco pooled investment vehicle with the same or similar objectives and strategies as the Fund, and (iii) any investments made in any Invesco fund or Invesco pooled investment vehicle. The Assets Managed chart reflects information regarding accounts other than the Fund for which each portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities. Accounts are grouped into three categories: (i) other registered investment companies, (ii) other pooled investment vehicles and (iii) other accounts. To the extent that any of these accounts pay advisory fees that are based on account performance (performance-based fees),
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information on those accounts is specifically broken out. In addition, any assets denominated in foreign currencies have been converted into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rates as of the applicable date.
Investments
The following information is as of February 28, 2018:
Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range of Investments in the Fund(1) |
Dollar Range of Investments in Invesco pooled investment vehicles(2) |
Dollar Range of all Investments in the Fund and Invesco pooled investment vehicles(3) | |||
Scott Baskind |
None | N/A | Over $1,000,000 | |||
Nuno Caetano |
None | N/A | None | |||
Philip Yarrow |
None | N/A | $500,001 $1,000,000 |
(1) | This column reflects investments in the Funds shares beneficially owned by a portfolio manager (as determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a) (2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Beneficial ownership includes ownership by a portfolio managers immediate family members sharing the same household. |
(2) | This column reflects portfolio managers investments made either directly or through a deferred compensation or a similar plan in Invesco pooled investment vehicles with the same or similar objectives and strategies as the Fund as of the most recent fiscal year end of the Fund. |
(3) | This column reflects the combined holdings from both the Dollar Range of all Investments in Fund and Invesco pooled investment vehicles and the Dollar Range of Investments in the Fund columns. |
Assets Managed
The following information is as of February 28, 2018:
Other Registered Investment Companies Managed (assets in millions) |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed (assets in millions) |
Other Accounts Managed (assets in millions)(4) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Assets | Number of Accounts |
Assets | Number of Accounts |
Assets | ||||||||||||||||||
Scott Baskind |
4 | $ | 12,219.7 | 4 | $ | 10,564.4 | 33 | $ | 12,998.0 | |||||||||||||||
Nuno Caetano |
None | None | None | None | None | None | ||||||||||||||||||
Philip Yarrow |
3 | $ | 4,562.3 | 3 | $ | 10,110.3 | None | None |
(4) | These are accounts of individual investors for which Invesco provides investment advice. Invesco offers separately managed accounts that are managed according to the investment models developed by its portfolio managers and used in connection with the management of certain Invesco funds. These accounts may be invested in accordance with one or more of those investment models and investments held in those accounts are traded in accordance with the applicable models. |
None of the foregoing accounts paid an advisory fee based on the performance of the account.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one Fund or other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the following potential conflicts:
| The management of multiple funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of the Fund and/or other account. The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser seek to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment models that are used in connection with the management of the funds. |
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| If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one Fund or other account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, the Adviser, each Sub-Adviser and the funds have adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts. |
| The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser determine which broker to use to execute each order for securities transactions for the funds, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, for certain other accounts (such as mutual funds for which Invesco or an affiliate acts as sub-adviser, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for the Fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of the Fund or other account(s) involved. |
| Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where the Adviser or Sub-Adviser has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of one Fund or account but not all funds and accounts for which a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities. |
The Adviser, each Sub-Adviser, and the Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.
Description of Compensation Structure
The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser seek to maintain a compensation program that is competitively positioned to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Portfolio managers receive a base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and an equity compensation opportunity. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed and may be modified each year as appropriate to reflect changes in the market, as well as to adjust the factors used to determine bonuses to promote competitive Fund performance. The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser evaluate competitive market compensation by reviewing compensation survey results conducted by an independent third party of investment industry compensation. Each portfolio managers compensation consists of the following three elements:
Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a base salary. In setting the base salary, the Adviser and each Sub-Advisers intention is to be competitive in light of the particular portfolio managers experience and responsibilities.
Annual Bonus. The portfolio managers are eligible, along with other employees of the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser, to participate in a discretionary year-end bonus pool. The Compensation Committee of Invesco Ltd. reviews and approves the amount of the bonus pool available considering investment performance and financial results in its review. In addition, while having no direct impact on individual bonuses, assets under management are considered when determining the starting bonus funding levels. Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus which is based on quantitative (i.e. investment performance) and non-quantitative factors (which may include, but are not limited to, individual performance, risk management and teamwork).
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Each portfolio managers compensation is linked to the pre-tax investment performance of the Fund/accounts managed by the portfolio manager as described in the table below.
Sub-Adviser |
Performance time period(5) | |
Invesco(6) Invesco Deutschland Invesco Hong Kong(6) Invesco Asset Management |
One-, Three- and Five-year performance against Fund peer group. | |
Invesco U.S. Real Estate Division(6),(7) Invesco Senior Secured(6),(8) |
Not applicable | |
Invesco Canada(6) | One-year performance against Fund peer group. Three- and Five-year performance against entire universe of Canadian funds. | |
Invesco Japan(9) | One-, Three- and Five-year performance |
(5) | Rolling time periods based on calendar year-end. |
(6) | Portfolio Managers may be granted an annual deferral award that vests on a pro-rata basis over a four year period. |
(7) | Portfolio Managers for Invesco Global Infrastructure Fund, Invesco Global Real Estate Fund, Invesco MLP Fund, Invesco Real Estate Fund, Invesco Global Real Estate Income Fund and Invesco V.I. Global Real Estate Fund base their bonus on new operating profits of the U.S. Real Estate Division of Invesco. |
(8) | Invesco Senior Secureds bonus is based on annual measures of equity return and standard tests of collateralization performance. |
(9) | Portfolio Managers for Invesco Pacific Growth Funds compensation is based on the one-, three- and five-year performance against the appropriate Micropol benchmark. |
High investment performance (against applicable peer group and/or benchmarks) would deliver compensation generally associated with top pay in the industry (determined by reference to the third-party provided compensation survey information) and poor investment performance (versus applicable peer group) would result in low bonus compared to the applicable peer group or no bonus at all. The Funds peer group is a group of funds identified by the Adviser as having investment objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund. These decisions are reviewed and approved collectively by senior leadership which has responsibility for executing the compensation approach across the organization.
Deferred/Long-Term Compensation. Portfolio managers may be granted an annual deferral award that allows them to select receipt of shares of certain Invesco funds with a vesting period as well as Common Shares and/or restricted shares of Invesco Ltd. stock from pools determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of Invesco Ltd.s Board of Directors. Awards of deferred / long-term compensation typically vest over time, so as to create incentives to retain key talent.
Portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
Invesco has adopted compliance procedures that cover, among other items, brokerage allocation and other trading practices.
As discussed below, Invesco and the Sub-Advisers, unless prohibited by applicable law, may cause a Fund to pay a broker-dealer a commission for effecting a transaction that exceeds the amount another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting the same transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by that broker-dealer. Effective January 3, 2018, under the European Unions Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II), European Union investment advisers, including Invesco Deutschland and Invesco Asset Management, which may act as sub-adviser to certain Funds as described in such Funds prospectuses, must pay for research from broker-dealers directly out of their own resources, rather than through client commissions.
Brokerage Transactions
Placing trades generally involves acting on portfolio manager instructions to buy or sell a specified amount of portfolio securities, including selecting one or more third-party broker-dealers to execute the trades, and negotiating commissions and spreads. Various Invesco Ltd. subsidiaries have created a global equity trading desk. The global equity trading desk has assigned local traders in six primary trading centers to place equity securities trades in their regions. The Advisers Americas desk, located in Atlanta,
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Houston and Toronto (the Americas Desk), generally places trades of equity securities trading in North America, Canada and Latin America; the Hong Kong desk of Invesco Hong Kong (the Hong Kong Desk) generally places trades of equity securities in the Asia-Pacific markets, except Japan; the Japan trading desk of Invesco Japan generally places trades of equity securities in the Japanese markets; the London trading desk of Invesco Global Investment Funds Limited (the London Desk) generally places trades of equity securities in European, Middle Eastern and African countries; the Australia desk, located in Sydney and Melbourne, for the execution of orders of equity securities trading in the Australian and New Zealand markets and the Taipei desk, located in Taipei, for the execution of orders of securities trading in the Chinese market. Invesco, Invesco Canada, Invesco Japan, Invesco Deutschland, Invesco Hong Kong and Invesco Asset Management use the global equity trading desk to place equity trades. Other Sub-Advisers may use the global equity trading desk in the future. The trading procedures for the global trading desks are similar in all material respects.
References in the language below to actions by Invesco or a Sub-Adviser (other than Invesco Canada or Invesco Japan) making determinations or taking actions related to equity trading include these entities delegation of these determinations/actions to the Americas Desk, the Hong Kong Desk, and the London Desk. Even when trading is delegated by Invesco or the Sub-Advisers to the various arms of the global equity trading desk, Invesco or a Sub-Adviser that delegates trading is responsible for oversight of this trading activity.
Invesco or a Sub-Adviser makes decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund, selects broker-dealers (each, a Broker), effects the Funds investment portfolio transactions, allocates brokerage fees in such transactions and, where applicable, negotiates commissions and spreads on transactions. Invescos and the Sub-Advisers primary consideration in effecting a security transaction is to obtain best execution, which is defined as prompt and efficient execution of the transaction at the best obtainable price with payment of commissions, mark-ups or mark-downs which are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the Broker. While Invesco or the Sub-Advisers seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, the Fund may not pay the lowest commission or spread available. See Broker Selection below.
Some of the securities in which the Fund invests are traded in over-the-counter markets. Portfolio transactions in such markets may be effected on a principal basis at net prices without commissions, but which include compensation to the Broker in the form of a mark-up or mark-down, or on an agency basis, which involves the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions to the Broker, including electronic communication networks. Purchases of underwritten issues, which include initial public offerings and secondary offerings, include a commission or concession paid by the issuer (not the Fund) to the underwriter. Purchases of money market instruments may be made directly from issuers without the payment of commissions.
Historically, Invesco and the Sub-Advisers did not negotiate commission rates on stock markets outside the United States. In recent years many overseas stock markets have adopted a system of negotiated rates; however, a number of markets maintain an established schedule of minimum commission rates.
In some cases, Invesco may decide to place trades on a blind principal bid basis, which involves combining all trades for one or more portfolios into a single basket, and generating a description of the characteristics of the basket for provision to potential executing brokers. Based on the trade characteristics information provided by Invesco, these brokers submit bids for executing all of the required trades at the market close price for a specific commission. Invesco generally selects the broker with the lowest bid to execute these trades.
Commissions
Substantially all of the Funds trades are effected on a principal basis. Brokerage commissions during the Funds last three fiscal years are as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended |
Brokerage Commissions | |||
February 28, 2018 |
$ | 4,738 | ||
February 28, 2017 |
$ | 1,778 | ||
February 29, 2016 |
|
The Fund does not and will not pay brokerage commissions to Brokers affiliated with the Fund, Invesco, the Sub-Advisers or any affiliates of such entities.
The Fund may purchase or sell a security from or to certain other Invesco funds or other accounts (and may invest in the Affiliated Money Market Funds) provided the Fund follows procedures adopted by the Boards of the various Invesco funds, including the Fund. These inter-fund transactions do not generate brokerage commissions but may result in custodial fees or taxes or other related expenses.
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Broker Selection
Invescos or the Sub-Advisers primary consideration in selecting Brokers to execute portfolio transactions for an Invesco fund is to obtain best execution. In selecting a Broker to execute a portfolio transaction in equity securities for the Fund, Invesco or the Sub-Advisers consider the full range and quality of a Brokers services, including the value of research and/or brokerage services provided, execution capability, commission rate, and willingness to commit capital, anonymity and responsiveness. Invescos and the Sub-Advisers primary consideration when selecting a Broker to execute a portfolio transaction in fixed income securities for the Fund is the Brokers ability to deliver or sell the relevant fixed income securities; however, Invesco and the Sub-Advisers will also consider the various factors listed above. In each case, the determinative factor is not the lowest commission or spread available but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution for the Fund. Invesco and the Sub-Advisers will not select Brokers based upon their promotion or sale of shares of funds advised by Invesco and/or the Sub-Advisers.
In choosing Brokers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, Invesco or the Sub-Advisers may select Brokers that provide brokerage and/or research services (Soft Dollar Products) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which Invesco and its affiliates have investment discretion. Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, provides that Invesco or the Sub-Advisers, under certain circumstances, lawfully may cause an account to pay a higher commission than the lowest available. Under Section 28(e)(1), Invesco or the Sub-Advisers must make a good faith determination that the commissions paid are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided . viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or [Invescos or the Sub-Advisers] overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which [it] exercises investment discretion. The services provided by the Broker also must lawfully and appropriately assist Invesco or the Sub-Adviser in the performance of its investment decision-making responsibilities. Accordingly, the Fund may pay a Broker commissions higher than those available from another Broker in recognition of the Brokers provision of Soft Dollar Products to Invesco or the Sub-Advisers.
Invesco and the Sub-Advisers face a potential conflict of interest when they use client trades to obtain Soft Dollar Products. This conflict exists because Invesco and the Sub-Advisers are able to use the Soft Dollar Products to manage client accounts without paying cash for the Soft Dollar Products, which reduces Invescos or the Sub-Advisers expenses to the extent that Invesco or the Sub-Advisers would have purchased such products had they not been provided by Brokers. Section 28(e) permits Invesco or the Sub-Advisers to use Soft Dollar Products for the benefit of any account it manages. Certain Invesco-managed accounts (or accounts managed by the Sub-Advisers) may generate soft dollars used to purchase Soft Dollar Products that ultimately benefit other Invesco Advisers, Inc.-managed accounts (or Sub-Adviser-managed accounts), effectively cross subsidizing the other Invesco-managed accounts (or the other Sub-Adviser-managed accounts) that benefit directly from the product. Invesco or the Sub-Advisers may not use all of the Soft Dollar Products provided by Brokers through which the Fund effects securities transactions in connection with managing the Fund whose trades generated the soft dollars used to purchase such products.
Invesco presently engages in the following instances of cross-subsidization:
Smaller funds that do not generate significant soft dollar commissions may be cross-subsidized by the larger equity Invesco funds in that the smaller equity funds receive the benefit of Soft Dollar Products for which they do not pay. Certain other accounts managed by Invesco or certain of its affiliates may benefit from Soft Dollar Products services for which they do not pay.
Invesco and the Sub-Advisers attempt to reduce or eliminate the potential conflicts of interest concerning the use of Soft Dollar Products by directing client trades for Soft Dollar Products only if Invesco or the Sub-Adviser concludes that the Broker supplying the product is capable of providing best execution.
Certain Soft Dollar Products may be available directly from a vendor on a hard dollar basis; other Soft Dollar Products are available only through Brokers in exchange for soft dollars. Invesco and the Sub-Adviser use soft dollars to purchase two types of Soft Dollar Products:
| proprietary research created by the Broker executing the trade, and |
| other products created by third parties that are supplied to Invesco or the Sub-Adviser through the Broker executing the trade. |
Proprietary research consists primarily of traditional research reports, recommendations and similar materials produced by the in-house research staffs of broker-dealer firms. This research includes evaluations and recommendations of specific companies or industry groups, as well as analyses of general economic and market conditions and trends, market data, contacts and other related information and assistance. Invesco periodically rates the quality of proprietary research produced by various Brokers. Based on the evaluation of the quality of information that Invesco receives from each Broker, Invesco develops an estimate of each Brokers share of Invesco clients commission dollars and attempts to direct trades to these firms to meet these estimates.
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Invesco and the Sub-Advisers also use soft dollars to acquire products from third parties that are supplied to Invesco or the Sub-Advisers through Brokers executing the trades or other Brokers who step in to a transaction and receive a portion of the brokerage commission for the trade. Invesco or the Sub-Advisers may from time to time instruct the executing Broker to allocate or step out a portion of a transaction to another Broker. The Broker to which Invesco or the Sub-Advisers have stepped out would then settle and complete the designated portion of the transaction, and the executing Broker would settle and complete the remaining portion of the transaction that has not been stepped out. Each Broker may receive a commission or brokerage fee with respect to that portion of the transaction that it settles and completes.
Soft Dollar Products received from Brokers supplement Invescos and or the Sub-Advisers own research (and the research of certain of its affiliates), and may include the following types of products and services:
| Database Services comprehensive databases containing current and/or historical information on companies and industries and indices. Examples include historical securities prices, earnings estimates and financial data. These services may include software tools that allow the user to search the database or to prepare value-added analyses related to the investment process (such as forecasts and models used in the portfolio management process). |
| Quotation/Trading/News Systems products that provide real time market data information, such as pricing of individual securities and information on current trading, as well as a variety of news services. |
| Economic Data/Forecasting Tools various macro-economic forecasting tools, such as economic data or currency and political forecasts for various countries or regions. |
| Quantitative/Technical Analysis software tools that assist in quantitative and technical analysis of investment data. |
| Fundamental/Industry Analysis industry specific fundamental investment research. |
| Other Specialized Tools other specialized products, such as consulting analyses, access to industry experts, and distinct investment expertise such as forensic accounting or custom built investment-analysis software. |
If Invesco or the Sub-Advisers determines that any service or product has a mixed use (i.e., it also serves functions that do not assist the investment decision-making or trading process), Invesco or the Sub-Advisers will allocate the costs of such service or product accordingly in its reasonable discretion. Invesco or the Sub-Advisers will allocate brokerage commissions to Brokers only for the portion of the service or product that Invesco or the Sub-Advisers determines assists it in the investment decision-making or trading process and will pay for the remaining value of the product or service in cash.
Outside research assistance is useful to Invesco or the Sub-Advisers because the Brokers used by Invesco or the Sub-Advisers tend to provide more in-depth analysis of a broader universe of securities and other matters than Invescos or the Sub-Advisers staff follows. In addition, such services provide Invesco or the Sub-Advisers with a diverse perspective on financial markets. Some Brokers may indicate that the provision of research services is dependent upon the generation of certain specified levels of commissions and underwriting concessions by Invescos or the Sub-Advisers clients, including the Fund. However, the Fund is not under any obligation to deal with any Broker in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. In some cases, Soft Dollar Products are available only from the Broker providing them. In other cases, Soft Dollar Products may be obtainable from alternative sources in return for cash payments. Invesco and the Sub-Advisers believe that because Broker research supplements rather than replaces Invescos or the Sub-Advisers research, the receipt of such research tends to improve the quality of Invescos or the Sub-Advisers investment advice. The advisory fee paid by the Fund is not reduced because Invesco or the Sub-Advisers receives such services. To the extent the Funds portfolio transactions are used to obtain Soft Dollar Products, the brokerage commissions obtained by the Fund might exceed those that might otherwise have been paid.
Invesco or the Sub-Advisers may determine target levels of brokerage business with various Brokers on behalf of its clients (including the Fund) over a certain time period. Invesco determines target levels based upon the following factors, among others: (1) the execution services provided by the Broker; and (2) the research services provided by the Broker. Portfolio transactions may be effected through Brokers that recommend the Fund to their clients, or that act as agent in the purchase of the Funds shares for their clients, provided that Invesco or the Sub-Advisers believes such Brokers provide best execution and such transactions are executed in compliance with Invescos policy against using directed brokerage to compensate Brokers for promoting or selling Invesco fund shares. Invesco and the Sub-Advisers will not enter into a binding commitment with Brokers to place trades with such Brokers involving brokerage commissions in precise amounts.
Directed Brokerage (Research Services)
The Fund did not pay any directed brokerage (research services) during its most recently completed fiscal year.
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Regular Brokers
During its last fiscal year, the Fund did not acquire any securities of regular brokers or dealers, as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act.
Allocation of Portfolio Transactions
Invesco and the Sub-Advisers manage numerous Invesco funds and other accounts. Some of these accounts may have investment objectives similar to the Fund. Occasionally, identical securities will be appropriate for investment by one the Fund and by another fund or one or more other accounts. However, the position of each account in the same security and the length of time that each account may hold its investment in the same security may vary. Invesco and the Sub-Adviser will also determine the timing and amount of purchases for an account based on its cash position. If the purchase or sale of securities is consistent with the investment policies of the Fund(s) and one or more other accounts, and is considered at or about the same time, Invesco or the Sub-Adviser will allocate transactions in such securities among the Fund(s) and these accounts on a pro rata basis based on order size or in such other manner believed by Invesco to be fair and equitable. Invesco or the Sub-Adviser may combine transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to obtain the most favorable execution. Simultaneous transactions could, however, adversely affect the Funds ability to obtain or dispose of the full amount of a security which it seeks to purchase or sell.
The following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Funds Common Shares. Except as otherwise noted, this discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that you hold your Common Shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investment). This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), the regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial and administrative authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS), possibly with retroactive effect. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal concerns affecting the Fund and its Common Shareholders (including Common Shareholders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law). No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to those set forth below. This summary does not discuss any aspects of foreign, state or local tax. The discussions set forth herein and in the Prospectus do not constitute tax advice and potential investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the specific U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
Taxation of the Fund
The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things, (i) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (a) dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies and (b) net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined in the Code); and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Funds total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the market value of the Funds total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. Government securities and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. Generally, a qualified publicly traded partnership includes a partnership the interests of which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof) and that derives less than 90% of its gross income from the items described in (i)(a) above.
As long as the Fund qualifies as a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that the Fund distributes to its Common Shareholders, provided that it distributes each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of (i) the Funds investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and other taxable income, other than any net capital gain (defined below), reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) the Funds net tax-exempt interest (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of such income each year. The Fund will be subject to income tax at the applicable corporate income tax rate on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its Common Shareholders.
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The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Funds taxable year). In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid U.S. federal income tax. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gain in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% nondeductible excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Funds taxable income and capital gain will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the excise tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.
If for any taxable year the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain, which consists of the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss) would be subject to tax at the applicable corporate income tax rate without any deduction for distributions to Common Shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable to the Common Shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Funds current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such dividends, however, would be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of Common Shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate Common Shareholders, subject, in each case, to certain holding period and other requirements. To qualify again to be taxed as a RIC in a subsequent year, the Fund would generally be required to distribute to its Common Shareholders its earnings and profits attributable to non-RIC years. In addition, if the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund would be required to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets (i.e., the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to elect to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of ten years, in order to qualify as a RIC in a subsequent year.
The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Trust qualifies for taxation as a RIC.
The Funds Investments
Certain of the Funds investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules) that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, including the dividends received deduction, (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gains or qualified dividend income into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert ordinary loss or a deduction into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not be qualified income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Common Shareholders. The Fund intends to monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections and may be required to dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these provisions and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC. Additionally, the Fund may be required to limit its activities in derivative instruments in order to enable it to maintain its RIC status.
The Fund may invest a portion of its net assets in below investment grade securities, commonly known as junk securities. Investments in these types of securities may present special tax issues for the Fund. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether modifications or exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues could affect the Funds ability to distribute sufficient income to preserve its status as a RIC or to avoid the imposition of U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Certain debt securities acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt securities that were originally issued at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount is treated as interest income and is included in taxable income (and required to be distributed by the Fund in order to qualify as a RIC or avoid fund- level income or excise taxes) over the term of the security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. (2017 legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act requires certain taxpayers to recognize items of gross income for tax purposes in the year in which the taxpayer recognizes the income for financial accounting purposes. For financial accounting purposes, market discount must be accrued currently on a constant yield to maturity basis regardless of whether a current inclusion election is made. While the exact scope of this provision is not known at this time, it could cause a fund to recognize income earlier for tax purposes than would otherwise have been the case prior to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.) If the Fund purchases a debt security on a secondary market at a price lower than its adjusted issue price, the excess of the adjusted issue price
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over the purchase price is market discount. Unless the Fund makes an election to accrue market discount on a current basis, any gain realized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is generally treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the accrued market discount on the debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. If the Fund ultimately collects less on the debt instrument than its purchase price plus the market discount previously included in income, the Fund may not be able to benefit from any offsetting loss deductions.
The Fund may invest in preferred securities or other securities the U.S. federal income tax treatment of which may not be clear or may be subject to recharacterization by the IRS. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or the income from such securities differs from the tax treatment expected by the Fund, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized by the Fund, requiring the Fund to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order to comply with the tax rules applicable to RICs under the Code.
Gain or loss on the sale of securities by the Fund will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the securities have been held by the Fund for more than one year. Gain or loss on the sale of securities held for one year or less will be short-term capital gain or loss.
Because the Fund may invest in foreign securities, its income from such securities may be subject to non-U.S. taxes. The Fund will not be eligible to elect to pass through to Common Shareholders of the Fund the ability to use the foreign tax deduction or foreign tax credit for foreign taxes paid by the Fund with respect to qualifying taxes.
Income from options on individual securities written by the Fund will not be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes until an option is exercised, lapses or is subject to a closing transaction (as defined by applicable regulations) pursuant to which the Funds obligations with respect to the option are otherwise terminated. If the option lapses without exercise, the premiums received by the Fund from the writing of such options will generally be characterized as short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the premiums received and the amount paid by the Fund to close out its position will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. If an option written by the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of the security, and the character of any gain on such sale of the underlying security as short-term or long-term capital gain will depend on the holding period of the Fund in the underlying security. Because the Fund will not have control over the exercise of the options it writes, such exercises or other required sales of the underlying securities may cause the Fund to realize gains or losses at inopportune times.
Options on indices of securities and sectors of securities that qualify as section 1256 contracts will generally be marked-to-market for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Fund will generally recognize gain or loss on the last day of each taxable year equal to the difference between the value of the option on that date and the adjusted basis of the option. The adjusted basis of the option will consequently be increased by such gain or decreased by such loss. Any gain or loss with respect to options on indices and sectors that qualify as section 1256 contracts will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 40% of such gain or loss and long-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 60% of such gain or loss. Because the mark-to-market rules may cause the Fund to recognize gain in advance of the receipt of cash, the Fund may be required to dispose of investments in order to meet its distribution requirements. Mark-to-market losses may be suspended or otherwise limited if such losses are part of a straddle or similar transaction.
Taxation of Common Shareholders
The Fund will either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain. If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to a corporate income tax on such retained amount. In that event, the Fund expects to report the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its Common Shareholders, each of whom, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as long-term capital gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its basis in its Common Shares by the amount of undistributed capital gain included in such Common Shareholders gross income net of the tax deemed paid the shareholder under clause (ii).
Distributions paid to you by the Fund from its net capital gain, if any, that the Fund properly reports as capital gain dividends (capital gain dividends) are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held your Common Shares. All other dividends paid to you by the Fund (including dividends from net short-term capital gains) from its current or accumulated earnings and profits (ordinary income dividends) are generally subject to tax as ordinary income. Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, ordinary income dividends (if properly reported by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the extent that the Funds income consists of dividend income from U.S.
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corporations, and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at long-term capital gains rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualifying comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or whose stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). Capital gain dividends are not eligible for the dividends received deduction or for the reduced rates applicable to qualified dividend income. There can be no assurance as to what portion, if any, of the Funds distributions will constitute qualified dividend income.
Any distributions you receive that are in excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-deferred return of capital to the extent of your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, and thereafter as capital gain from the sale of Common Shares (assuming the Common Shares are held as a capital asset). The amount of any Fund distribution that is treated as a tax-deferred return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, thereby increasing your potential gain or reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your Common Shares. In determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Funds earnings and profits, the Funds earnings and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Funds preferred shares, and then to the Funds Common Shares.
Common Shareholders may be entitled to offset their capital gain dividends with capital losses. The Code contains a number of statutory provisions affecting when capital losses may be offset against capital gain, and limiting the use of losses from certain investments and activities. Accordingly, Common Shareholders that have capital losses are urged to consult their tax advisers.
Dividends and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even though they are reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund. Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated under the Code as received by you at the time the dividend or distribution is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December to common shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of the Funds taxable year may be spilled back and treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, you will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made.
The price of Common Shares purchased at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing Common Shares just prior to the record date of a distribution will receive a distribution which will be taxable to them even though it represents, economically, a return of invested capital.
The Fund will send you information after the end of each year setting forth the amount and tax status of any distributions paid to you by the Fund.
The sale or other disposition of Common Shares will generally result in capital gain or loss to you and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held such Common Shares for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or other disposition of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by you with respect to such Common Shares. Any loss you recognize on a sale or other disposition of Common Shares will be disallowed if you acquire other Common Shares (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after your sale or exchange of the Common Shares. In such case, your tax basis in the Common Shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Current U.S. federal income tax law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain is currently taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income while long-term capital gain generally is taxed at reduced maximum rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.
Certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their net investment income, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of the Funds shares.
A Common Shareholder that is a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation (a foreign investor) generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or possibly a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty) on ordinary income dividends (subject to certain exemptions discussed below). In general, U.S. federal withholding tax and U.S. federal income tax will not apply to any gain or income realized by a foreign investor in respect of any distribution of net capital gain
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(including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) or upon the sale or other disposition of Common Shares of the Fund. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign investor is engaged in a trade or business in the United States or, in the case of an individual, is present in the United States for 183 days or more during a taxable year and certain other conditions are met.
Ordinary income dividends properly reported by a RIC are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of the RICs qualified net interest income (generally, its U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the RIC is at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of the RICs qualified short-term capital gains (generally, the excess of the RICs net short-term capital gain over its long-term capital loss for such taxable year). Depending on its circumstances, the Fund may report all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains, and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a foreign investor needs to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Foreign investors should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Funds distributions will qualify for favorable treatment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gains.
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), the Fund will be required to withhold a 30% tax on the following payments or distributions made by the Fund to certain foreign entities, referred to as foreign financial institutions (FFI) or non-financial foreign entities (NFFE): (a) income dividends and (b) after December 31, 2018, certain capital gain distributions, return of capital distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares. The FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, if it reports certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reporting information relating to them. The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (IGA) with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with a number of other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA. A Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA or similar laws.
Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of investing in the Funds Common Shares.
The Fund may be required to withhold (currently at a rate of 24%), for U.S. federal backup withholding tax purposes, a portion of the dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds payable to certain non-exempt Common Shareholders who fail to provide the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, generally, their social security number) or to make required certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that you timely furnish the required information to the IRS.
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Ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends, and gain from the sale or other disposition of Common Shares of the Fund also may be subject to state, local, and/or foreign taxes. Common Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions about U.S. federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
***
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of certain provisions of the Code and the Treasury Regulations presently in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. For complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and Treasury Regulations. The Code and the Treasury Regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive with respect to Fund transactions. Prospective shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers for more detailed information concerning the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
S-50
Principal Shareholders
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, to the knowledge of the Fund, no person beneficially owned more than 5% of the voting securities of any class of equity securities of the Fund, except as provided below
Title of Class | Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percent of Class | |||||||
Common Shares |
First Trust Portfolios L.P.(1) First Trust Advisors L.P. The Charger Corporation 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton, Illinois 60187 |
7,460,921 | 10.07 | % | ||||||
Morgan Stanley(2) Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 1585 Broadway New York, NY 10036 |
7,163,920 | 9.67 | % | |||||||
Preferred Shares |
Cede & Co 55 Water Street New York, NY 10041 |
1,250 | 100 | % |
(1) | Based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018. |
(2) | Based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 12, 2018. |
Proxy Voting Policy and Proxy Voting Record
The Board of the Fund has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to Invesco. Invesco will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which have been reviewed and approved by the Board. Invescos proxy policies and procedures are attached hereto as Appendix B. The Proxy Voting Policy is subject to change over time and investors seeking the most current copy of the Proxy Voting Policy should go to our web site at www.invesco.com/us.
Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted to the Board for approval. The Board will be supplied with a summary quarterly report of the Funds proxy voting record. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies related to their portfolio securities during the twelve-months period ended June 30 is available without charge at our Web site, http://www.invesco.com/us. This information is also available at the SEC Web site, http://www.sec.gov.
Code of Ethics
Invesco, the Fund and the Sub-Advisers each have adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that applies to all Invesco fund trustees and officers, and employees of Invesco, the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates, and governs, among other things, the personal trading activities of all such persons. Unless specifically noted, each Sub-Advisers Code of Ethics does not materially differ from Invesco Code of Ethics discussed below. The Code of Ethics is intended to address conflicts of interest with the Fund that may arise from personal trading, including personal trading in most of the Invesco funds. Personal trading, including personal trading involving securities that may be purchased or held by an Invesco fund, is permitted under the Code of Ethics subject to certain restrictions; however, employees are required to pre-clear security transactions with the Compliance Officer or a designee and to report transactions on a regular basis.
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These Codes of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. Copies of the Codes of Ethics may alternatively be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending an electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. The Codes of Ethics are also available, free of charge, on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
The audited financial statements of the Fund are incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report to shareholders of the Fund dated February 28, 2018. The Annual Report is included as part of the Funds filing on Form N-CSR as filed with the SEC on May 3, 2018. The Annual Report may be obtained by following the instructions on the cover of this SAI. The Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or on the EDGAR database on the SECs internet site (www.sec.gov). Information on the operation of the SECs Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SECs e-mail address (publicinfo@sec.gov) or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-0102.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP informed the Trust that it has identified an issue related
to its independence under
Rule 2-01(c)(1)(ii)(A) of Regulation S-X (referred to as the Loan Rule). The Loan Rule prohibits accounting firms, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, from being deemed independent if they have certain financial
relationships with their audit clients or certain affiliates of those clients. The Trust is required under various securities laws to have its financial statements audited by an independent accounting firm.
The Loan Rule specifically provides that an accounting firm would not be independent if it or certain affiliates and covered persons receives a loan from a lender that is a record or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of an audit clients equity securities (referred to as a more than ten percent owner). For purposes of the Loan Rule, audit clients include the Funds as well as all registered investment companies advised by the Adviser and its affiliates, including other subsidiaries of the Advisers parent company, Invesco Ltd. (collectively, the Invesco Fund Complex). PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP informed the Trust it and certain affiliates and covered persons have relationships with lenders who hold, as record owner, more than ten percent of the shares of certain funds within the Invesco Fund Complex, which may implicate the Loan Rule.
On June 20, 2016, the SEC Staff issued a no-action letter to another mutual fund complex (see Fidelity Management & Research Company et al., No-Action Letter) related to the audit independence issue described above. In that letter, the SEC confirmed that it would not recommend enforcement action against a fund that relied on audit services performed by an audit firm that was not in compliance with the Loan Rule in certain specified circumstances. In connection with prior independence determinations, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP communicated, as contemplated by the no-action letter, that it believes that it remains objective and impartial and that a reasonable investor possessing all the facts would conclude that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is able to exhibit the requisite objectivity and impartiality to report on the Funds financial statements as the independent registered public accounting firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP also represented that it has complied with PCAOB Rule 3526(b)(1) and (2), which are conditions to the Funds relying on the no action letter, and affirmed that it is an independent accountant within the meaning of PCAOB Rule 3520. Therefore, the Adviser, the Funds and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP concluded that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP could continue as the Funds independent registered public accounting firm. The Invesco Fund Complex relied upon the no-action letter in reaching this conclusion.
If in the future the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is called into question under the Loan Rule by circumstances that are not addressed in the SECs no-action letter, the Funds will need to take other action in order for the Funds filings with the SEC containing financial statements to be deemed compliant with applicable securities laws. Such additional actions could result in additional costs, impair the ability of the Funds to issue new shares or have other material adverse effects on the Funds. The SEC no-action relief was initially set to expire 18 months from issuance but has been extended by the SEC without an expiration date, except that the no-action letter will be withdrawn upon the effectiveness of any amendments to the Loan Rule designed to address the concerns expressed in the letter.
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RATINGS OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following is a description of the factors underlying the debt ratings of Moodys, S&P, and Fitch.
Moodys Long-Term Debt Ratings
Aaa: | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
Aa: | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
A: | Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
Baa: | Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. |
Ba: | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
B: | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
Caa: | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
Ca: | Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. |
C: | Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. |
Note: Moodys appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a (hyb) indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms*.
* | By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security. |
Moodys Short-Term Prime Rating System
P-1: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
NP (Not Prime):
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Moodys MIG/VMIG US Short-Term Ratings
Short-Term Obligation Ratings
While the global short-term prime rating scale is applied to US municipal tax-exempt commercial paper, these programs are typically backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities and their short-term prime ratings usually map to the long-term rating of the enhancing bank or financial institution and not to the municipalitys rating. Other short-term municipal obligations, which generally have different funding sources for repayment, are rated using two additional short-term rating scales (i.e., the MIG and VMIG scales discussed below).
A-1
The Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale is used to rate US municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuers long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levelsMIG 1 through MIG 3while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG.
MIG 1: | This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. |
MIG 2: | This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. |
MIG 3: | This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. |
SG: | This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection. |
Demand Obligation Ratings
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moodys evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moodys evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (demand feature). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade (VMIG) scale. VMIG ratings of demand obligations with unconditional liquidity support are mapped from the short-term debt rating (or counterparty assessment) of the support provider, or the underlying obligor in the absence of third party liquidity support, with VMIG 1 corresponding to P-1, VMIG 2 to P-2, VMIG 3 to P-3 and SG to not prime. For example, the VMIG rating for an industrial revenue bond with Company XYZ as the underlying obligor would normally have the same numerical modifier as Company XYZs prime rating. Transitions of VMIG ratings of demand obligations with conditional liquidity support, as show in the diagram below, differ from transitions on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuers long-term rating drops below investment grade.
VMIG 1: | This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
VMIG 2: | This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
VMIG 3: | This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
SG: | This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
Standard & Poors Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P Global Ratings analysis of the following considerations:
| The likelihood of paymentthe capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; |
| The nature and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise we impute; and |
| The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors rights. |
A-2
Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)
AAA: | An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong. |
AA: | An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong. |
A: | An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong. |
BBB: | An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
BB, B, CCC, CC and C :
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.
BB: | An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
B: | An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
CCC: | An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
CC: | An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. |
C: | An obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher. |
D: | An obligation rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligations rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |
Plus (+) or minus (-):
The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
NR: | This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. |
A-3
Standard & Poors Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
A-1: | A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitments on these obligations is extremely strong. |
A-2: | A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. |
A-3: | A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligors capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
B: | A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. |
C: | A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
D: | A short-term obligation rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligations rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |
Standard & Poors Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings Definitions
An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings analysis will review the following considerations:
| Amortization schedule the larger final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and |
| Source of payment the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note. |
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1: | Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. |
SP-2: | Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. |
SP-3: | Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. |
Standard & Poors Dual Ratings
Dual ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short-term or long-term rating symbols. The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, AAA/A-1+ or A-1+/A-1). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for the first component of the rating (for example, SP-1+/A-1+).
A-4
Fitch Credit Rating Scales
Fitch Ratings publishes opinions on a variety of scales. The most common of these are credit ratings, but the agency also publishes ratings, scores and other relative opinions relating to financial or operational strength. For example, Fitch also provides specialized ratings of servicers of residential and commercial mortgages, asset managers and funds. In each case, users should refer to the definitions of each individual scale for guidance on the dimensions of risk covered in each assessment.
Fitchs credit ratings relating to issuers are an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings relating to securities and obligations of an issuer can include a recovery expectation (please see section Specific Limitations Relating to Credit Rating Scales for details). Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. The agencys credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.
The terms investment grade and speculative grade have established themselves over time as shorthand to describe the categories AAA to BBB (investment grade) and BB to D (speculative grade). The terms investment grade and speculative grade are market conventions and do not imply any recommendation or endorsement of a specific security for investment purposes. Investment grade categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the speculative categories either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.
For the convenience of investors, Fitch may also include issues relating to a rated issuer that are not and have not been rated on its web page. Such issues are also denoted as NR.
Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss. For information about the historical performance of ratings please refer to Fitchs Ratings Transition and Default studies which detail the historical default rates and their meaning. The European Securities and Markets Authority also maintains a central repository of historical default rates.
Fitchs credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. In particular, ratings do not deal with the risk of a market value loss on a rated security due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and other market considerations. However, in terms of payment obligation on the rated liability, market risk may be considered to the extent that it influences the ability of an issuer to pay upon a commitment. Ratings nonetheless do not reflect market risk to the extent that they influence the size or other conditionality of the obligation to pay upon a commitment (for example, in the case of index-linked bonds).
In the default components of ratings assigned to individual obligations or instruments, the agency typically rates to the likelihood of non-payment or default in accordance with the terms of that instruments documentation. In limited cases, Fitch may include additional considerations (i.e. rate to a higher or lower standard than that implied in the obligations documentation).
The primary credit rating scales can be used to provide a rating of privately issued obligations or certain note issuance programs or for private ratings. In this case the rating is not published, but only provided to the issuer or its agents in the form of a rating letter.
The primary credit rating scales may also be used to provide ratings for a more narrow scope, including interest strips and return of principal or in other forms of opinions such as Credit Opinions or Rating Assessment Services. Credit Opinions are either a notch- or category-specific view using the primary rating scale and omit one or more characteristics of a full rating or meet them to a different standard. Credit Opinions will be indicated using a lower case letter symbol combined with either an * (e.g. bbb+*) or (cat) suffix to denote the opinion status. Credit Opinions will be point-in-time typically but may be monitored if the analytical group believes information will be sufficiently available. Rating Assessment Services are a notch-specific view using the primary rating scale of how an existing or potential rating may be changed by a given set of hypothetical circumstances. Rating Assessments are point-in-time opinions. Rating Assessments are not monitored; they are not placed on Watch or assigned an Outlook and are not published.
Fitch Long-Term Rating Scales
Issuer Default Ratings
Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns, insurance companies and certain sectors within public finance, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs are also assigned to certain entities in global infrastructure and project finance. IDRs opine on an entitys relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The threshold
A-5
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.
In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agencys view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default.
Country Ceilings
Country Ceilings are expressed using the symbols of the long-term issuer primary credit rating scale and relate to sovereign jurisdictions also rated by Fitch on the Issuer Default Rating (IDR) scale. They reflect the agencys judgment regarding the risk of capital and exchange controls being imposed by the sovereign authorities that would prevent or materially impede the private sectors ability to convert local currency into foreign currency and transfer to non-resident creditors transfer and convertibility (T&C) risk. They are not ratings but expressions of a cap for the foreign currency issuer ratings of most, but not all, issuers in a given country. Given the close correlation between sovereign credit and T&C risks, the Country Ceiling may exhibit a greater degree of volatility than would normally be expected when it lies above the sovereign Foreign Currency Rating.
AAA: Highest credit quality.
AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA: Very high credit quality.
AA ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A: High credit quality.
A ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB: Good credit quality.
BBB ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
BB: Speculative.
BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists that supports the servicing of financial commitments.
B: Highly speculative.
B ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.
CCC: Substantial credit risk.
Default is a real possibility.
CC: Very high levels of credit risk.
Default of some kind appears probable.
C: Near default
A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a C category rating for an issuer include:
a. the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;
b. the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; or
c. the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange;
d. a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent
A-6
RD: Restricted default.
RD ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitchs opinion has experienced:
a. | an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but |
b. | has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other formal winding-up procedure, and |
c. | has not otherwise ceased operating. |
This would include:
i. | the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; |
ii. | the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation; |
iii. | the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ordinary execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations. |
D: Default.
D ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or which has otherwise ceased business.
Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.
In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agencys opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuers financial obligations or local commercial practice.
Notes
The modifiers + or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below B.
Fitch Short-Term Rating Scales
A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as short term based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.
F1: Highest Short-Term Credit Quality.
Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2: Good Short-Term Credit Quality.
Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3: Fair Short-Term Credit Quality.
The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B: Speculative Short-Term Credit Quality.
Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C: High Short-Term Default Risk.
Default is a real possibility.
RD: Restricted Default.
Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.
D: Default.
Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
A-7
APPENDIX B
PROXY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Invescos Policy Statement on Global Corporate
Governance and Proxy Voting
The Adviser and each sub-adviser rely on this policy. In addition, Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Canada Ltd. and Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited have also adopted operating guidelines and procedures for proxy voting particular to each regional investment center. Such guidelines and procedures are attached hereto.
|
Invescos Policy Statement on Global Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting |
I. | Guiding Principles and Philosophy |
Public companies hold shareholder meetings, attended by the companys executives, directors, and shareholders, during which important issues, such as appointments to the companys board of directors, executive compensation, and auditors, are addressed and where applicable, voted on. Proxy voting gives shareholders the opportunity to vote on issues that impact the companys operations and policies without being present at the meetings.
Invesco views proxy voting as an integral part of its investment management responsibilities and believes that the right to vote proxies should be managed with the same high standards of care and fiduciary duty to its clients as all other elements of the investment process. Invescos proxy voting philosophy, governance structure and process are designed to ensure that proxy voles are cast in accordance with clients best interests, which Invesco interprets to mean clients best economic interests, this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of Invescos regional investment centers.
Invesco investment teams vote proxies on behalf of Invesco-sponsored funds and non-fund advisory clients that have explicitly granted Invesco authority in writing to vote proxies on their behalf.
The proxy voting process at Invesco, which is driven by investment professionals, Focuses on maximizing long-term value for our clients, protecting clients rights and promoting governance structures and practices that reinforce the accountability of corporate management and boards of directors to shareholders. Invesco takes a nuanced approach to voting and, therefore, many matters to be voted upon are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Votes in favor of board or management proposals should not be interpreted as an indication of insufficient consideration by lnvesco fund managers. Such votes may reflect the outcome of past or ongoing engagement and active ownership by Invesco with representatives of the companies in which we invest.
II. | Applicability of this Policy |
This Policy sets forth the framework of Invescos corporate governance approach, broad philosophy and guiding principles that inform the proxy voting practices of Invescos investment teams around the world. Given the different nature of these teams and their respective investment processes, as well as the significant differences in regulatory regimes and market practices across jurisdictions, not all aspects of this Policy may apply to all Invesco investment teams at all times. In the case of a conflict between this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of a regional investment center the latter will control.
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III. | Proxy Voting for Certain Fixed Income, Money Market Accounts and Index |
For proxies held by certain client accounts managed in accordance with fixed income, money market and index strategies (including exchange traded funds), lnvesco will typically vote in line with the majority holder of the active-equity shares held by Invesco outside of those strategies (Majority Voting). In this manner Invesco seeks to leverage the active-equity expertise and comprehensive proxy voting reviews conducted by teams employing active-equity strategies, which typically incorporate analysis of proxy issues as a core component of the investment process. Portfolio managers for accounts employing Majority Voting still retain full discretion to override Majority Voting and to vote the shares as they determine to be in the best interest of those accounts, absent certain types of conflicts of interest, which are discussed elsewhere in this Policy.
IV. | Conflicts of Interest |
There may be occasions where voting proxies may present a real or perceived conflict of interest between Invesco, as investment manager, and one or more of Invescos clients or vendors. Under Invescos Code of Conduct, Invesco entities and individuals are strictly prohibited from putting personal benefit, whether tangible or intangible, before the interests of clients. Personal benefit includes any intended benefit for Invesco, oneself or any other individual, company, group or organization of any kind whatsoever, except a benefit for the relevant lnvesco client.
Firm-level Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest may exist if Invesco has a material business relationship with, or is actively soliciting business from, either the company soliciting a proxy or a third party that has a material interest in the outcome of a proxy vote or that is actively lobbying for a particular outcome of a proxy vote (e.g., issuers that are distributors of Invescos products, or issuers that employ lnvesco to manage portions of their retirement plans or treasury accounts). Invescos proxy governance team maintains a list of all such issuers for which a conflict of interest exists.
If the proposal that gives rise to the potential conflict is specifically addressed by this Policy or the operating guidelines and procedures of the relevant regional investment center, Invesco generally will vote the proxy in accordance therewith. Otherwise, based on a majority vote of its members, the Global IPAC (as described below) will vote the proxy.
Because this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment center are pre-determined and crafted to be in the best economic interest of clients, applying them to vote client proxies should, in most instances, adequately resolve any potential conflict of interest. As an additional safeguard, persons from Invescos marketing, distribution and other customer-facing functions may not serve on the Global IPAC. For the avoidance of doubt, Invesco may not consider Invesco Ltd.s pecuniary interest when voting proxies on behalf of clients.
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Personal Conflicts of Interest
A conflict also may exist where an Invesco employee has a known personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors, or candidates for directorships.
All Invesco personnel with proxy voting responsibilities are required to report any known personal conflicts of interest regarding proxy issues with which they are involved. In such instances, the individual(s) with the conflict will be excluded from the decision-making process relating to such issues.
Other Conflicts of Interest
In order to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, Invesco will not vote proxies issued by, or related to matters involving, Invesco Ltd. that may be held in client accounts from time to time.1 Shares of an Invesco-sponsored fund held by other lnvesco funds will be voted in the same proportion as the votes of external shareholders of the underlying fund.
V. | Use of Third-Party Proxy Advisory Services |
Invesco may supplement its internal research with information from third-parties, such as proxy advisory firms. However, Invesco generally retains full and independent discretion with respect to proxy voting decisions.
As part of its fiduciary obligation to clients, Invesco performs extensive initial and ongoing due diligence on the proxy advisory firms it engages. This includes reviews of information regarding the capabilities of their research staffs and internal controls, policies and procedures, including those relating to possible conflicts of interest. In addition, lnvesco regularly monitors and communicates with these firms and monitors their compliance with Invescos performance and policy standards.
VI. | Global Proxy Voting Platform and Administration |
Guided by its philosophy that investment teams should manage proxy voting, Invesco has created the Global lnvesco Proxy Advisory Committee (Global IPAC). The Global IPAC is a global investments-driven committee comprised of representatives from various investment management teams and Invescos Global Head of Proxy Governance and Responsible Investment (Head of Proxy Governance). The Global IPAC provides a forum for investment teams to monitor, understand and discuss key proxy issues and voting trends within the lnvesco complex. Absent a conflict of interest, the Global IPAC representatives, in consultation with the respective investment team, are responsible for voting proxies for the securities the team manages (unless such responsibility is explicitly delegated to the portfolio managers of the securities in question) In addition to the Global IPAC, for some clients, third parties (e.g., U.S. mutual fund boards) provide oversight of the proxy process. The Global IPAC and Invescos
1 | Generally speaking, Invesco does not invest for its clients in the shares of Invesco Ltd., however, limited exceptions apply in the case of funds or accounts designed to track an index that includes Invesco Ltd. as a component. |
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proxy administration and governance team, compliance and legal teams regularly communicate and review this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment center to ensure that they remain consistent with clients best interests, regulatory requirements, governance trends and industry best practices.
Invesco maintains a proprietary global proxy administration platform, known as the fund manager portal and supported by the Head of Proxy Governance and a dedicated team of internal proxy specialists. The platform streamlines the proxy voting and ballot reconciliation processes, as well as related functions, such as share blocking and managing conflicts of interest issuers. Managing these processes internally, as opposed to relying on third parties, gives Invesco greater quality control, oversight and independence in the proxy administration process.
The platform also includes advanced global reporting and record-keeping capabilities regarding proxy matters that enable Invesco to satisfy client, regulatory and management requirements. Historical proxy voting information, including commentary by investment professionals regarding the votes they cast, where applicable, is stored to build institutional knowledge across the Invesco complex with respect to individual companies and proxy issues. Certain investment teams also use the platform to access third-party proxy research.
VII. | Non-Votes |
In the great majority of instances, Invesco is able to vote proxies successfully. However, in certain circumstances Invesco may refrain from voting where the economic or other opportunity costs of voting exceeds any anticipated benefits of that proxy proposal. In addition, there may be instances in which Invesco is unable to vote all of its clients proxies despite using commercially reasonable efforts to do so. For example:
| Invesco may not receive proxy materials from the relevant fund or client custodian with sufficient time and information to make an informed independent voting decision. In such cases, Invesco may choose not to vote, to abstain from voting, to vote in line with management or to vote in accordance with proxy advisor recommendations. These matters are left to the discretion of the fund manager. |
| If the security in question is on loan as part of a securities lending program, lnvesco may determine that the benefit to the client of voting a particular proxy is outweighed by the revenue that would be lost by terminating the loan and recalling the securities. |
| In some countries the exercise of voting rights imposes temporary transfer restrictions on the related securities (share blocking). Invesco generally refrains from voting proxies in share-blocking countries unless Invesco determines that the benefit to the client(s) of voting a specific proxy outweighs the clients temporary inability to sell the security. |
| Some companies require a representative to attend meetings in person in order to vote a proxy. In such cases, Invesco may determine that the costs of sending a representative or signing a power-of-attorney outweigh the benefit of voting a particular proxy. |
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VIII. | Proxy Voting Guidelines |
The following guidelines describe Invescos general positions on various common proxy voting issues. This list is not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. As noted above, Invescos proxy process is investor-driven, and each fund manager retains ultimate discretion to vote proxies in the manner they deem most appropriate, consistent with Invescos proxy voting principles and philosophy discussed in Sections I through IV. Individual proxy votes therefore will differ from these guidelines from time to time.
A. | Shareholder Access and Treatment of Shareholder Proposals |
Invesco reviews on a case by case basis but generally votes in favor of proposals that would increase shareholders opportunities to express their views to boards of directors, proposals that would lower barriers to shareholder action, and proposals to promote the adoption of generally accepted best practices in corporate governance, provided that such proposals would not require a disproportionate amount of management attention or corporate resources or otherwise that may inappropriately disrupt the companys business and main purpose. usually set out in their reporting disclosures and business model. Likewise, Invesco reviews on a case by case basis but generally votes for shareholder proposals that are designed to protect shareholder rights if a companys corporate governance standards indicate that such additional protections are warranted (for example, where minority shareholders rights are not adequately protected).
B. | Environmental, Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues |
Invesco believes that a companys long-term response to environmental, social and corporate responsibility issues can significantly affect its long-term shareholder value. We recognize that to manage a corporation effectively, directors and management may consider not only the interests of shareholders, but also the interests of employees, customers, suppliers, creditors and the local community, among others. While Invesco generally affords management discretion with respect to the operation of a companys business, Invesco will evaluate such proposals on a case by case basis and will vote proposals relating to these issues in a manner intended to maximize long-term shareholder value.
C. | Capitalization Structure Issues |
i. | Stock Issuances |
Invesco generally supports a boards decisions about the need for additional capital stock to meet ongoing corporate needs, except where the request could adversely affect Invesco clients ownership stakes or voting rights. Some capitalization proposals, such as those to authorize common or preferred stock with special voting rights or to issue additional stock in connection with an acquisition, may require additional analysis. lnvesco generally opposes proposals to authorize classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend or other rights (blank check stock) when they appear to be intended as an anti-takeover mechanism; such issuances may be supported when used for general financing purposes.
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ii. | Stock Splits |
Invesco generally supports a boards proposal to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in excessive dilution given the companys industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.
iii. | Share Repurchases |
lnvesco generally supports a boards proposal to institute open-market share repurchase plans only if all shareholders participate on an equal basis.
D. | Corporate Governance Issues |
i. Board of Directors
1. | Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections |
Subject to the other considerations described below, in an uncontested director election for a company without a controlling shareholder, lnvesco generally votes in favor of the director slate if it is comprised of at least a majority of independent directors and if the boards key committees are fully independent, effective and balanced. Key committees include the audit, compensation/remuneration and governance/nominating committees. lnvescos standard of independence excludes directors who, in addition to the directorship, have any material business or family relationships with the companies they serve.
2. | Director Nominees in Contested Elections |
Invesco recognizes that short-term investment sentiments influence the corporate governance landscape and may influence companies in Invesco clients portfolios and more broadly across the market. Invesco recognizes that short-term investment sentiment may conflict with long-term value creation and as such looks at each proxy contest matter on a case by case basis, considering factors such as:
| Long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry, |
| Managements track record, |
| Background to the proxy contest, |
| Qualifications of director nominees (both slates), |
| Evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met, and |
| Stock ownership positions in the company. |
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3. | Director Accountability |
Invesco generally withholds votes from directors who exhibit a lack of accountability to shareholders. Examples include, without limitation, poor attendance (less than 75%, absent extenuating circumstances) at meetings, failing to implement shareholder proposals that have received a majority of votes and/or by adopting or approving egregious corporate-governance or other policies. In cases of material financial restatements, accounting fraud, habitually late filings, adopting shareholder rights plan (poison pills) without shareholder approval, or other areas of poor performance, Invesco may withhold votes from some or all of a companys directors. In situations where directors performance is a concern, Invesco may also support shareholder proposals to take corrective actions such as so-called clawback provisions.
4. | Director Independence |
lnvesco generally supports proposals to require a majority of directors to be independent unless particular circumstances make this not Feasible or in the best interests of shareholders, We generally vote for proposals that would require the boards audit, compensation/remuneration, and/or governance/nominating committees to be composed exclusively of independent directors since this minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest.
5. | Director Indemnification |
Invesco recognizes that individuals may be reluctant to serve as corporate directors if they are personally liable for all related lawsuits and legal costs. As a result, reasonable limitations on directors liability can benefit a company and its shareholders by helping to attract and retain qualified directors while preserving recourse for shareholders in the event of misconduct by directors, Invesco, therefore, generally supports proposals to limit directors liability and provide indemnification and/or exculpation, provided that the arrangements are limited to the director acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and, in criminal matters, are limited to the director having reasonable grounds for believing the conduct was lawful.
6. | Separate Chairperson and CEO |
Invesco evaluates these proposals on a case by case basis, recognizing that good governance requires either an independent chair or a qualified, proactive, and lead independent director.
Voting decisions may take into account, among other factors, the presence or absence of:
| a designated lead director, appointed from the ranks of the independent board members, with an established term of office and clearly delineated powers and duties; |
| a majority of independent directors; |
| completely independent key committees; |
| committee chairpersons nominated by the independent directors; |
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| CEO performance reviewed annually by a committee of independent directors; and |
| established governance guidelines. |
7. | Majority/Supermajority/Cumulative Voting for Directors |
The right to elect directors is the single most important mechanism shareholders have to promote accountability. Invesco generally votes in favor of proposals to elect directors by a majority vote. Except in cases where required by law in the jurisdiction of incorporation or when a company has adopted formal governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard, Invesco generally votes against actions that would impose any supermajority voting requirement. and generally supports actions to dismantle existing supermajority requirements.
The practice of cumulative voting can enable minority shareholders to have representation on a companys board. Invesco generally opposes such proposals as unnecessary where the company has adopted a majority voting standard. However, Invesco generally supports proposals to institute the practice of cumulative voting at companies whose overall corporate-governance standards indicate a particular need to protect the interests of minority shareholders.
8. | Staggered Boards/Annual Election of Directors |
Invesco generally supports proposals to elect each director annually rather than electing directors to staggered multi-year terms because annual elections increase a boards level of accountability to its shareholders.
9. | Board Size |
lnvesco believes that the number of directors is an important factor to consider when evaluating the boards ability to maximize long-term shareholder value. Invesco approaches proxies relating to board size on a case by case basis but generally will defer to the board with respect to determining the optimal number of board members, provided that the proposed board size is sufficiently large to represent shareholder interests and sufficiently limited to remain effective.
10. | Term Limits for Directors |
lnvesco believes it is important for a board of directors to examine its membership regularly with a view to ensuring that the company continues to benefit from a diversity of director viewpoints and experience. We generally believe that an individual boards nominating committee is best positioned to determine whether director term limits would be an appropriate measure to help achieve these goals and, if so, the nature of such limits.
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ii. Audit Committees and Auditors
1. | Qualifications of Audit Committee and Auditors |
Invesco believes a companys Audit Committee has a high degree of responsibility to shareholders in matters of financial disclosure, integrity of the financial statements and effectiveness of a companys internal controls. Independence. experience and financial expertise are critical elements of a well-functioning Audit Committee. When electing directors who are members of a companys Audit Committee, or when ratifying a companys auditors, Invesco considers the past performance of the Audit Committee and holds its members accountable for the quality of the companys financial statements and reports.
2. | Auditor Indemnifications |
A companys independent auditors play a critical role in ensuring and attesting to the integrity of the companys financial statements. It is therefore essential that they perform their work in accordance with the highest standards. Invesco generally opposes proposals that would limit the liability of or indemnify auditors because doing so could serve to undermine this obligation.
3. | Adequate Disclosure of Auditor Fees |
Understanding the fees earned by the auditors is important for assessing auditor independence. Invescos support for the re-appointment of the auditors will take into consideration the availability of adequate disclosure concerning the amount and nature of audit versus non-audit fees. Invesco generally will support proposals that call for this disclosure if it is not already being made.
E. | Remuneration and Incentives |
Invesco believes properly constructed compensation plans that include equity ownership are effective in creating incentives that induce management and employees of portfolio companies to create greater shareholder wealth. Invesco generally supports equity compensation plans that promote the proper alignment of incentives with shareholders long-term interests! and generally votes against plans that are overly dilutive to existing shareholders, plans that contain objectionable structural features. and plans that appear likely to reduce the value of the clients investment.
i. Independent Compensation/Remuneration Committee
Invesco believes that an independent, experienced and well-informed compensation/remuneration committee is critical to ensuring that a companys remuneration practices align with shareholders interests and, therefore, generally supports proposals calling for a compensation/remuneration committee to be comprised solely of independent directors.
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ii. Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation
Invesco believes that an independent compensation/remuneration committee of the board, with input from management, is generally best positioned to determine the appropriate components and levels of executive compensation, as well as the appropriate frequency of related shareholder advisory votes. This is particularly the case where shareholders have the ability to express their views on remuneration matters through annual votes for or against the election of the individual directors who comprise the compensation/remuneration committee. Invesco, therefore, generally will support managements recommendations with regard to the components and levels of executive compensation and the frequency of shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation. However, Invesco will vote against such recommendations where Invesco determines that a companys executive remuneration policies are not properly aligned with shareholder interests or may create inappropriate incentives for management.
iii. Equity Based Compensation Plans
Invesco generally votes against plans that contain structural features that would impair the alignment of incentives between shareholders and management. Such features include, without limitation, the ability to reprice or reload options without shareholder approval, the ability to issue options below the stocks current market price, or the ability to replenish shares automatically without shareholder approval.
iv. Severance Arrangements
lnvesco considers proposed severance arrangements (sometimes known as golden parachute arrangements) on a case-by-case basis due to the wide variety among their terms. Invesco acknowledges that in some cases such arrangements, if reasonable, may be in shareholders best interests as a method of attracting and retaining high quality executive talent. lnvesco generally votes in favor of proposals requiring advisory shareholder ratification of senior executives severance agreements while generally opposing proposals that require such agreements to be ratified by shareholders in advance of their adoption.
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v. Claw Back Provisions
lnvesco generally supports so called claw back policies intended to recoup remuneration paid to senior executives based upon materially inaccurate financial reporting (as evidenced by later restatements) or fraudulent accounting or business practices.
vi. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Invesco generally supports employee stock purchase plans that are reasonably designed to provide proper incentives to a broad base of employees, provided that the price at which employees may acquire stock represents a reasonable discount from the market price.
F. | Anti-Takeover Defenses; Reincorporation |
Measures designed to protect a company from unsolicited bids can adversely affect shareholder value and voting rights, and they have the potential to create conflicts of interests among directors, management and shareholders. Such measures include adopting or renewing shareholder rights plans (poison pills), requiring supermajority voting on certain corporate actions, classifying the election of directors instead of electing each director to an annual term, or creating separate classes of common or preferred stock with special voting rights. In determining whether to support a proposal to add, eliminate or restrict anti-takeover measures, Invesco will examine the particular elements of the proposal to assess the degree to which it would adversely affect shareholder rights of adopted. Invesco generally supports shareholder proposals directing companies to subject their anti-takeover provisions to a shareholder vote. Invesco generally opposes payments by companies to minority shareholders intended to dissuade such shareholders from pursuing a takeover or other changes (sometimes known as greenmail) because these payments result in preferential treatment of some shareholders over others.
Reincorporation involves re-establishing the company in a different legal jurisdiction. Invesco generally will vote for proposals to reincorporate a company provided that the board and management have demonstrated sound financial or business reasons for the move. Invesco generally will oppose proposals to reincorporate if they are solely part of an anti-takeover defense or intended to limit directors liability.
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Proxy Voting Guidelines
for
Invesco Advisers, Inc.
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
Applicable to | All Advisory Clients, including the Invesco Funds | |
Risk Addressed by the Guidelines | Breach of fiduciary duty to client under Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by placing Invescos interests ahead of clients best interests in voting proxies | |
Relevant Law and Other Sources | U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended | |
Last ☒Reviewed ☒Revised by Compliance for Accuracy |
April 19, 2016 | |
Guideline Owner | U.S. Compliance and Legal | |
Policy Approver | Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Funds Board | |
Approved/Adopted Date | May 3-4, 2016 |
The following guidelines apply to all institutional and retail funds and accounts that have explicitly authorized Invesco Advisers, Inc. (Invesco) to vote proxies associated with securities held on their behalf (collectively, Clients).
A. INTRODUCTION
Invesco Ltd. (IVZ), the ultimate parent company of Invesco, has adopted a global policy statement on corporate governance and proxy voting (the Invesco Global Proxy Policy). The policy describes IVZs views on governance matters and the proxy administration and governance approach. Invesco votes proxies by using the framework and procedures set forth in the Invesco Global Proxy Policy, while maintaining the Invesco-specific guidelines described below.
B. PROXY VOTING OVERSIGHT: THE MUTUAL FUNDS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
In addition to the Global Invesco Proxy Advisory Committee, the Invesco mutual funds board of trustees provides oversight of the proxy process through quarterly reporting and an annual in-person presentation by Invescos Global Head of Proxy Governance and Responsible Investment.
C. USE OF THIRD PARTY PROXY ADVISORY SERVICES
Invesco has direct access to third-party proxy advisory analyses and recommendations (currently provided by Glass Lewis (GL) and Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (ISS)), among other research tools, and uses the information gleaned from those sources to make independent voting decisions.
Invescos proxy administration team performs extensive initial and ongoing due diligence on the proxy advisory firms that it engages. When deemed appropriate, representatives from the proxy advisory firms are asked to deliver updates directly to the mutual funds board of trustees. Invesco conducts semi-annual, in-person policy roundtables with key heads of research from ISS and GL to ensure transparency, dialogue and engagement with the firms. These meetings provide Invesco with an opportunity to assess the firms capabilities, conflicts of interest and service levels, as well as provide investment professionals with direct insight into the advisory firms stances on key governance and proxy topics and their policy framework/methodologies. Invescos proxy administration team also reviews the annual SSAE 16 reports for, and the periodic proxy guideline updates published by, each proxy advisory firm to ensure that their guidelines remain consistent with Invescos policies and procedures. Furthermore, each proxy advisory firm completes an annual due diligence questionnaire submitted by Invesco, and Invesco conducts on-site due diligence at each firm, in part to discuss their responses to the questionnaire.
If Invesco becomes aware of any material inaccuracies in the information provided by ISS or GL, Invescos proxy administration team will investigate the matter to determine the cause, evaluate the adequacy of the proxy advisory firms control structure and assess the efficacy of the measures instituted to prevent further errors.
ISS and GL provide updates to previously issued proxy reports when necessary to incorporate newly available information or to correct factual errors. ISS also has a Feedback Review Board, which provides a mechanism for stakeholders to communicate with ISS about issues related to proxy voting and policy formulation, research, and the accuracy of data contained in ISS reports.
D. PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
The following guidelines describe Invescos general positions on various common proxy issues. The guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. Invescos proxy process is investor-driven, and each portfolio manager retains ultimate discretion to vote proxies in the manner that he or she deems to be the most appropriate, consistent with the proxy voting principles and philosophy discussed in the Invesco Global Proxy Policy. Individual proxy votes therefore will differ from these guidelines from time to time.
I. | Corporate Governance |
Management teams of companies are accountable to the boards of directors and directors of publicly held companies are accountable to shareholders. Invesco endeavors to vote the proxies of companies in a manner that will reinforce the notion of a boards accountability. Consequently, Invesco generally votes against any actions that would impair the rights of shareholders or would reduce shareholders influence over the board.
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The following are specific voting issues that illustrate how Invesco applies this principle of accountability.
Elections of directors
In uncontested director elections for companies that do not have a controlling shareholder, Invesco generally votes in favor of slates if they are comprised of at least a majority of independent directors and if the boards key committees are fully independent. Key committees include the audit, compensation and governance or nominating Committees. Invescos standard of independence excludes directors who, in addition to the directorship, have any material business or family relationships with the companies they serve. Contested director elections are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Director performance
Invesco generally withholds votes from directors who exhibit a lack of accountability to shareholders, either through their Level of attendance at meetings or by adopting or approving egregious corporate-governance or other policies. In cases of material financial restatements, accounting fraud, habitually late filings, adopting shareholder rights plan (poison pills) without shareholder approval, or other areas of poor performance, Invesco may withhold votes from some or all of a companys directors. In situations where directors performance is a concern, Invesco may also support shareholder proposals to take corrective actions, such as so-called clawback provisions.
Auditors and Audit Committee members
Invesco believes a companys audit committee has a high degree of responsibility to shareholders in matters of financial disclosure, integrity of the financial statements and effectiveness of a companys internal controls. Independence, experience and financial expertise are critical elements of a well-functioning audit committee. When electing directors who are members of a companys audit committee, or when ratifying a companys auditors, Invesco considers the past performance of the committee and holds its members accountable for the quality of the companys financial statements and reports.
Majority standard in director elections
The right to elect directors is the single most important mechanism shareholders have to promote accountability. Invesco supports the nascent effort to reform the U.S. convention of electing directors, and generally votes in favor of proposals to elect directors by a majority vote.
Staggered Boards/Annual Election of Directors
Invesco generally supports proposals to elect each director annually rather than electing directors to staggered multi-year terms because annual elections increase a boards level of accountability to its shareholders.
Supermajority voting requirements
Unless required by law in the state of incorporation, Invesco generally votes against actions that would impose any supermajority voting requirement, and generally supports actions to dismantle existing supermajority requirements.
Responsiveness of Directors
Invesco generally withholds votes for directors who do not adequately respond to shareholder proposals that were approved by a majority of votes cast the prior year.
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Cumulative voting
The practice of cumulative voting can enable minority shareholders to have representation on a companys board, Invesco generally supports proposals to institute the practice of cumulative voting at companies whose overall corporate-governance standards indicate a particular need to protect the interests of minority shareholders.
Proxy access
Invesco generally supports shareholders nominations of directors in the proxy statement and ballot because it increases the accountability of the board to shareholders. Invesco will generally consider the proposed minimum period of ownership (e.g., three years), minimum ownership percentage (e.g., three percent), limitations on a proponents ability to aggregate holdings with other shareholders and the maximum percentage of directors who can be nominated when determining how to vote on proxy access proposals.
Shareholder access
On business matters with potential financial consequences, Invesco generally votes in favor of proposals that would increase shareholders opportunities to express their views to boards of directors, proposals that would lower barriers to shareholder action and proposals to promote the adoption of generally accepted best practices in corporate governance. Furthermore, Invesco generally votes for shareholder proposals that are designed to protect shareholder rights if a companys corporate governance standards indicate that such additional protections are warranted.
Exclusive Forum
Invesco generally supports proposals that would designate a specific jurisdiction in company bylaws as the exclusive venue for certain types of shareholder lawsuits in order to reduce costs arising out of multijurisdidional litigation.
II. | Compensation and Incentives |
Invesco believes properly constructed compensation plans that include equity ownership are effective in creating incentives that induce management and employees of companies to create greater shareholder wealth. Invesco generally supports equity compensation plans that promote the proper alignment of incentives with shareholders long-term interests, and generally votes against plans that are overly dilutive to existing shareholders, plans that contain objectionable structural features, and plans that appear likely to reduce the value of the Clients investment.
Following are specific voting issues that illustrate how Invesco evaluates incentive plans.
Executive compensation
Invesco evaluates executive compensation plans within the context of the companys performance under the executives tenure. Invesco believes independent compensation committees are best positioned to craft executive-compensation plans that are suitable for their company-specific circumstances. Invesco views the election of independent compensation committee members as the appropriate mechanism for shareholders to express their approval or disapproval of a companys compensation practices. Therefore, Invesco generally does not support shareholder proposals to limit or eliminate certain forms of executive compensation. In the interest of reinforcing the notion of a compensation committees accountability to shareholders, Invesco generally supports proposals requesting that companies subject each years compensation record to an advisory shareholder vote, or so-called say on pay proposals.
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Equity-based compensation plans
Invesco generally votes against plans that contain structural features that would impair the alignment of incentives between shareholders and management. Such features include the ability to reprice or reload options without shareholder approval, the ability to issue options below the stocks current market price, or the ability automatically to replenish shares without shareholder approval.
Employee stock-purchase plans
Invesco generally supports employee stock-purchase plans that are reasonably designed to provide proper incentives to a broad base of employees, provided that the price at which employees may acquire stock is at most a 15 percent discount from the market price.
Severance agreements
Invesco generally votes in favor of proposals requiring advisory shareholder ratification of executives severance agreements. However, Invesco generally opposes proposals requiring such agreements to be ratified by shareholders in advance of their adoption. Given the vast differences that may occur in these agreements, some severance agreements are evaluated on an individual basis.
III. | Capitalization |
Examples of management proposals related to a companys capital structure include authorizing or issuing additional equity capital, repurchasing outstanding stock, or enacting a stock split or reverse stock split. On requests for additional capital stock, Invesco analyzes the companys stated reasons for the request. Except where the request could adversely affect the Clients ownership stake or voting rights, Invesco generally supports a boards decisions on its needs for additional capital stock. Some capitalization proposals require a case-by-case analysis. Examples of such proposals include authorizing common or preferred stock with special voting rights, or issuing additional stock in connection with an acquisition.
IV. | Mergers, Acquisitions and Other Corporate Actions |
Issuers occasionally require shareholder approval to engage in certain corporate actions such as mergers, acquisitions, name changes, dissolutions, reorganizations, divestitures and reincorporations and the votes for these types of corporate actions are generally determined on a case-by-case basis.
V. | Anti-Takeover Measures |
Practices designed to protect a company from unsolicited bids can adversely affect shareholder value and voting rights, and they potentially create conflicts of interests among directors, management and shareholders. Except under special issuer-specific circumstances, Invesco generally votes to reduce or eliminate such measures. These measures include adopting or renewing poison pills, requiring supermajority voting on certain corporate actions, classifying the election of directors instead of electing each director to an annual term, or creating separate classes of common or preferred stock with special voting rights. Invesco generally votes against management proposals to impose these types of measures, and generally votes for shareholder proposals designed to reduce such measures. Invesco generally supports shareholder proposals directing companies to subject their anti-takeover provisions to a shareholder vote.
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VI. | Environmental, Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues |
Invesco believes that a companys response to environmental, social and corporate responsibility issues and the risks attendant to them can have a significant effect on its long-term shareholder value. Invesco recognizes that to manage a corporation effectively, directors and management must consider not only the interest of shareholders, but also the interests of employees, customers, suppliers and creditors, among others. While Invesco generally affords management discretion with respect to the operation of a companys business, Invesco will evaluate such proposals on a case-by-case basis and will vote proposals relating to these issues in a manner intended to maximize long-term shareholder value.
VII. | Routine Business Matters |
Routine business matters rarely have the potential to have a material effect on the economic prospects of Clients holdings, so Invesco generally supports a boards discretion on these items. However, Invesco generally votes against proposals where there is insufficient information to make a decision about the nature of the proposal. Similarly, Invesco generally votes against proposals to conduct other unidentified business at shareholder meetings.
D. | EXCEPTIONS |
Client Maintains Right to Vote Proxies
In the case of institutional or sub-advised Clients, Invesco will vote the proxies in accordance with these guidelines and the Invesco Global Proxy Policy, unless the Client retains in writing the right to vote or the named fiduciary of a Client (e.g., the plan sponsor of an ERISA Client) retains in writing the right to direct the plan trustee or a third party to vote proxies.
Voting for Certain Investment Strategies
For cash sweep investment vehicles selected by a Client but for which Invesco has proxy voting authority over the account and where no other Client holds the same securities, Invesco will vote proxies based on ISS recommendations.
Funds of Funds
Some Invesco Funds offering diversified asset allocation within one investment vehicle own shares in other Invesco Funds. A potential conflict of interest could arise if an underlying Invesco Fund has a shareholder meeting with any proxy issues to be voted on, because Invescos asset-allocation funds or target-maturity funds may be large shareholders of the underlying fund. In order to avoid any potential for a conflict, the asset-allocation funds and target maturity funds vote their shares in the same proportion as the votes of the external shareholders of the underlying fund.
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F. | POLICIES AND VOTE DISCLOSURE |
A copy of these guidelines, the Invesco Global Proxy Policy and the voting record of each Invesco Retail Fund are available on Invescos web site, www.invesco.com. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, all Invesco Funds file a record of all proxy-voting activity for the prior 12 months ending June 30th. That filing is made on or before August 31st of each year. In the case of institutional and sub-advised Clients, Clients may contact their client service representative to request information about how Invesco voted proxies on their behalf. Absent specific contractual guidelines, such requests may be made on a semi-annual basis.
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Proxy Voting Guidelines
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Invesco Asset Management Limited (UK)
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Invesco Perpetual Stewardship Policy |
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Introduction | |||
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What is the UK Stewardship Code? | |||
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Our compliance with the Stewardship Code | |||
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Introduction to the principles of the Stewardship Code | |||
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Institutional investors should publicly disclose their policy on how they will discharge their stewardship responsibilities. | |||
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Institutional investors should have a robust policy on managing conflicts of interest in relation to stewardship and this policy should be publicly disclosed. | |||
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Institutional investors should monitor their investee companies. | |||
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Institutional investors should establish clear guidelines on when and how they will escalate their activities as a method of protecting and enhancing shareholder value. | |||
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Institutional investors should be willing to act collectively with other investors where appropriate | |||
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Institutional investors should have a clear policy on voting and disclosure of voting activity | |||
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Institutional investors should report periodically on their stewardship and voting activities | |||
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Further information/useful links | |||
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Key contact details for matters concerning stewardship |
Invesco Perpetual Stewardship Policy |
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This paper describes Invesco Perpetuals (IP) approach to stewardship and in particular how our policy and procedures meet the requirements of the Financial Reporting Councils (FRC) UK Stewardship Code (the Code). Its purpose is to increase understanding of the philosophy, beliefs and practices that drive IPs behaviours as a significant institutional investor in markets around the world.
IP has supported the development of good governance in the UK and beyond for many years. We are signatories and supporters of the FRCs Stewardship Code. The Code sets out a number of areas of good practice to which the FRC believes institutional investors should aspire. It also describes steps asset owners can take to protect and enhance the value that accrues to the ultimate beneficiary.
This document is designed to describe how IP approaches our stewardship responsibilities and how this is consistent with and complies with the Code. It also provides useful links to relevant documents, codes and regulation for those who would like to look further at the broader context of our policy and the Code, as well as our commitment to other initiatives in this area, such as the UN supported Principles for Responsible Investment, of which Invesco is a signatory.
Key contact details are available at the end of this document should you have any questions on any aspect of our stewardship activities.
What is the UK Stewardship Code?
The UK Stewardship Code is a set of principles and guidance for institutional investors which represents current best practice on how they should perform their stewardship duties. The purpose of the Code is to improve the quality of engagement between institutional investors and companies to help improve long-term returns to shareholders and the efficient exercise of governance responsibilities. The Code was published by the FRC in July 2010, was updated in September 2012, and will continue to be overseen by the FRC. Commitment to the Code is on a comply or explain basis.
Our compliance with the Stewardship Code
Invesco Perpetual is part of the Invesco Group. Invesco is committed to being a responsible investor. We serve our clients in this space as a trusted partner both on specific responsible investment product strategies as well as part of our commitment to deliver a superior investment experience. Invesco signed the UN sponsored Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2013 thereby formalising our commitment to responsible investment globally. We achieved an A+ rating in our 2017 PRI assessment for our strategy and governance in responsible investment. This rating demonstrates our extensive efforts in terms of environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration, active ownership, investor collaboration and transparency. The diversity of Invesco means that investment centres and strategies will vary in their approaches to implementation of responsible investment. Global resources both in terms of external research input and a global team of experts underpin and drive this effort alongside our investment centres. IP is a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code. The Code sets out seven principles, which support good practice on engagement with investee companies, and to which the FRC believes institutional investors should aspire.
IP takes its responsibilities for investing its clients money very seriously. As a core part of the investment process, IPs fund managers will endeavour to establish a dialogue with company management to promote company decision making that is in the best interests of shareholders, and takes into account ESG issues.
Being a major shareholder in a company is more than simply expecting to benefit from its future earnings streams. In IPs view, it is about helping to provide the capital a company needs to grow, about being actively involved in its strategy, when necessary, and helping to ensure that shareholder interests are always at the forefront of managements thoughts.
We recognize that different asset classes will vary in their approach to implementation of stewardship activities. Where relevant, the fixed interest and multi-asset teams consider ESG elements as part of their investment research.
IP primarily defines stewardship as representing the best interests of clients in its fiduciary role as a discretionary asset manager (not asset owner) and as an institutional shareholder. This is considered more appropriate than undertaking the direct management of investee companies, which we believe should always remain the responsibility of the directors and executives of those companies.
IP may at times seek to influence strategies of investee companies, where appropriate, on behalf of its clients, but IP will never seek to be involved in the day to day running of any investee companies. IP considers that being an active shareholder is fundamental to good Corporate Governance. Although this does not entail intervening in daily management decisions, it does involve supporting general standards for corporate activity and, where necessary, taking the initiative to ensure those standards are met, with a view to protecting and enhancing value for investors in our portfolios.
Engagement will also be proportionate and will reflect the size of holdings, length of holding period and liquidity of the underlying company shares. Given that the majority of IPs investments are part of a very active asset management culture, engagement with those companies in which it chooses to invest its clients money is very important. Encouraging high standards of corporate governance within those companies that it invests is key to achieving successful outcomes for its clients.
IP sets out below how it complies with each principle of the FRCs Stewardship code, or details why we have chosen to take a different approach, where relevant.
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Scope
The scope of this policy covers all portfolios that are managed by the Invesco Perpetual (IP) investment teams located in Henley on Thames, United Kingdom and specifically excludes portfolios that are managed by other investment teams within the wider Invesco group that have their own voting, corporate governance and stewardship policies, all falling under the broader global policy. As an example, within IPs ICVC range the following funds are excluded: IP US Enhanced Index, IP Balanced Risk 8 and 10 funds, IP European ex UK Enhanced Index, IP Global Balanced Index, IP Global ex-UK Core Equity Index, IP Global ex-UK Enhanced Index, IP Hong Kong & China, IP Japanese Smaller Companies, IP UK Enhanced Index.
Introduction to the principles of the Stewardship Code
There are 7 principles under the Stewardship Code. Each principle is accompanied by guidance to help investors focus on how to meet it.
The principles are as follows:
- Principle 1: |
Institutional investors should publicly disclose their policy on how they will discharge their stewardship responsibilities. | |
- Principle 2: |
Institutional investors should have a robust policy on managing conflicts of interest in relation to stewardship and this policy should be publicly disclosed. | |
- Principle 3: |
Institutional investors should monitor their investee companies. | |
- Principle 4: |
Institutional investors should establish clear guidelines on when and how they will escalate their activities as a method of protecting and enhancing shareholder value. | |
- Principle 5: |
Institutional investors should be willing to act collectively with other investors where appropriate. | |
- Principle 6: |
Institutional investors should have a clear policy on voting and disclosure of voting activity. | |
- Principle 7: |
Institutional investors should report periodically on their stewardship and voting activities. |
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Institutional investors should publicly disclose their policy on how they will discharge their stewardship responsibilities.
Guidance
Stewardship activities include monitoring and engaging with companies on matters such as strategy, performance, risk, capital structure and corporate governance, including culture and remuneration.
Engagement is purposeful dialogue with companies on those matters as well as on issues that are the immediate subject of votes at general meetings.
The policy should disclose how the institutional investor applies stewardship with the aim of enhancing and protecting the value for the ultimate beneficiary or client.
The statement should reflect the institutional investors activities within the investment chain, as well as the responsibilities that arise from those activities. In particular, the stewardship responsibilities of those whose primary activities are related to asset ownership may be different from those whose primary activities are related to asset management or other investment related services.
Where activities are outsourced, the statement should explain how this is compatible with the proper exercise of the institutional investors stewardship responsibilities and what steps the investor has taken to ensure that they are carried out in a manner consistent with the approach to stewardship set out in the statement.
The disclosure should describe arrangements for integrating stewardship within the wider investment process.
Invesco Perpetuals Investors approach:
IP complies with Principle 1 by publishing Invescos Global Policy Statement on Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting and this document around the specific application to Invesco on its website.
In this document we explain our philosophy on stewardship, our proxy voting policy and how we deal with conflicts of interest. In addition, this statement of compliance with the UK Stewardship Code indicates how IP addresses engagement, monitoring, and incorporates environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities within our investment process. All of our activities are aimed at enhancing and protecting the value of our investments for our clients.
These documents are reviewed and updated on an annual basis.
Integration of stewardship activities as part of the wider investment process
The investment process and philosophy at IP is rooted in a culture of long term, valuation led, active management. IP fundamental research of companies includes a holistic set of factors.
When analysing companies prospects for future profitability and hence returns to shareholders, IP will take many variables into account, including but not limited to, the following:
- | Nomination and audit committees |
- | Remuneration policies, reporting and directors remuneration |
- | Board balance and structure |
- | Financial reporting principles |
- | Internal control system and annual review of its effectiveness |
- | Dividend and Capital Management policies |
- | ESG activities |
Frequent dialogue with companies on these topics is an essential part of our fundamental research process and we will regularly support companies to improve and develop overtime. As such, stewardship is core to our wider investment process.
Dialogue with companies
IP will endeavour, where practicable and in accordance with its investment approach, to enter into a dialogue with companies management based on the mutual understanding of objectives. This dialogue is likely to include regular meetings with company representatives to explore any concerns about ESG issues where these may impact on the best interests of clients. In discussion with company boards and senior non-Executive Directors, IP will endeavour to cover any matters of particular relevance to investee company shareholder value.
Those people on the inside of a company, most obviously its executives, know their businesses much more intimately. Therefore, it is usually appropriate to leave strategic matters in their hands. However, if that strategy is not working, or alternatives need exploring, IP will seek to influence the direction of that company where practicable. In IPs view, this is part of its responsibility to clients.
Ultimately the business performance will have an impact on the returns generated by IPs portfolios, whether it is in terms of share price performance or dividends, and IP wants to seek to ensure that the capital invested on behalf of its clients is being used as effectively as possible. In the majority of cases IP is broadly in agreement with the direction of a company that it has invested in, as its initial decision to invest will have taken these factors into account. Corporate engagement provides an opportunity for regular reviews of these issues.
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The building of this relationship facilitates frank and open discussion, and on-going interaction is an integral part of the fund managers role. The fact that IP has been a major shareholder in a number of companies for a long time, reflects both the fact that IPs original investments were based on a joint understanding of where the businesses were going and the ability of the companies management to execute that plan. It adds depth to the sophistication of our understanding of the firm, its clients and markets. Inevitably there are times when IPs views diverge from those of the companies executives but, where possible, we attempt to work with companies towards a practical solution. However, IP believes that its status as part-owner of companies means that it has both the right and the responsibility to make its views known. The option of selling out of those businesses is always open, but normally IP prefers to push for change, (i.e. we believe that we are more influential as an owner of equity) even if this can be a slow process.
Specifically when considering resolutions put to shareholders, IP will pay attention to the companies compliance with the relevant local requirements.
Non-routine resolutions and other topics
These will be considered on a case-by-case basis and where proposals are put to a vote will require proper explanation and justification by (in most instances) the Board. Examples of such proposals would be all political donations and any proposal made by a shareholder or body of shareholders (typically a pressure group).
Other considerations that IP might apply to non-routine proposals will include:
- | The degree to which the companys stated position on the issue could affect its reputation and/or sales, or leave it vulnerable to boycott or selective purchasing |
- | Peer group response to the issue in question |
- | Whether implementation would achieve the objectives sought in the proposal |
- | Whether the matter is best left to the Boards discretion |
Institutional investors should have a robust policy on managing conflicts of interest in relation to stewardship and this policy should be publicly disclosed.
Guidance
An institutional investors duty is to act in the interests of its clients and/or beneficiaries.
Conflicts of interest will inevitably arise from time to time, which may include when voting on matters affecting a parent company or client.
Institutional investors should put in place, maintain and publicly disclose a policy for identifying and managing conflicts of interest with the aim of taking all reasonable steps to put the interests of their client or beneficiary first. The policy should also address how matters are handled when the interests of clients or beneficiaries diverge from each other.
Invesco Perpetuals Investors approach:
Invesco is required to take all appropriate steps to identify, manage, record and, where relevant, disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest between ourselves (including our managers and employees and any person directly or indirectly linked) and our clients and between one client and another. Invesco has a UK Conflicts of Interest Policy which lists the types of potential conflicts of interest which may arise through the normal course of business whose existence may damage the interests of clients and details the administrative arrangements taken to prevent and manage these. A copy of the UK Conflicts of Interest Policy is provided to investors on request.
Invesco has a UK Code of Ethics for its employees which covers expectations around our principles and obligations as a fiduciary, material non-public information, personal account dealing, outside business activity, and other potential conflicts of interest. All employees are required to provide an annual attestation that they have read the Code of Ethics and will comply with its provisions.
Invesco maintains policies and procedures that deal with conflicts of interest in all of its business dealings. In particular in relation to conflicts of interest that exist in its stewardship and proxy voting activities, these policies can be found in the Global Policy Statement on Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting found on our website.
There may be occasions where voting proxies may present a real or perceived conflict of interest between Invesco, as investment manager, and one or more of Invescos clients or vendors. Under Invescos Code of Conduct, Invesco entities and individuals are strictly prohibited from putting personal benefit, whether tangible or intangible, before the interests of clients. Personal benefit includes any intended benefit for Invesco, oneself or any other individual, company, group or organization of any kind whatsoever, except a benefit for the relevant Invesco client.
Firm-level Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest may exist if Invesco has a material business relationship with, or is actively soliciting business from, either the company soliciting a proxy vote or a third party that has a material interest in the outcome of a proxy vote or that is actively lobbying for a particular outcome of a proxy vote (e.g., issuers that are distributors of Invescos products, or issuers that employ Invesco to manage portions of their retirement plans or treasury accounts). Invescos proxy administration team maintains a list of all such issuers for which a conflict of interest actually exists.
If the proposal that gives rise to the potential conflict is specifically addressed by this Policy or the operating guidelines and procedures of the relevant regional investment centre, Invesco generally will vote the proxy in accordance therewith. Where this is not the case, Invesco operates a global Invesco proxy advisory committee (IPAC) who will vote the proxy based on the majority vote of its members (see full description of IPAC in the section on Principle 6).
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Because this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment centre are pre-determined and crafted to be in the best economic interest of clients, applying them to vote client proxies should, in most instances, adequately resolve any potential conflict of interest. As an additional safeguard, persons from Invescos marketing, distribution and other customer-facing functions may not serve on the IPAC.
Personal Conflicts of Interest
A conflict also may exist where an Invesco employee has a known personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships.
All Invesco personnel with proxy voting responsibilities are required to report any known personal conflicts of interest regarding proxy issues with which they are involved. In such instances, the individual(s) with the conflict will be excluded from the decision making process relating to such issues.
Other Conflicts of Interest
In order to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, Invesco will not vote proxies issued by, or related to matters involving, Invesco Ltd. that may be held in client accounts from time to time.
Institutional investors should monitor their investee companies.
Guidance
Effective monitoring is an essential component of stewardship. It should take place regularly and be checked periodically for effectiveness.
When monitoring companies, institutional investors should seek to:
- | Keep abreast of the companys performance; |
- | Keep abreast of developments, both internal and external to the company, that drive the companys value and risks; |
- | Satisfy themselves that the companys leadership is effective; |
- | Satisfy themselves that the companys board and committees adhere to the spirit of the UK Corporate Governance Code, including through meetings with the chairman and other board members; |
- | Consider the quality of the companys reporting; and |
- | Attend the General Meetings of companies in which they have a major holding, where appropriate and practicable |
Institutional investors should consider carefully explanations given for departure from the UK Corporate Governance Code and make reasoned judgements in each case. They should give a timely explanation to the company, in writing where appropriate, and be prepared to enter a dialogue if they do not accept the companys position.
Institutional investors should endeavour to identify at an early stage issues that may result in a significant loss in investment value. If they have concerns, they should seek to ensure that the appropriate members of the investee companys board or management are made aware.
Institutional investors may or may not wish to be made insiders. An institutional investor who may be willing to become an insider should indicate in its stewardship statement the willingness to do so, and the mechanism by which this could be done.
Institutional investors will expect investee companies and their advisers to ensure that information that could affect their ability to deal in the shares of the company concerned is not conveyed to them without their prior agreement.
Invesco Perpetuals Investors approach:
Through IPs active investment process, fund managers endeavour to establish on a proportionate basis, on-going dialogue with company management and this includes regular meetings. IP will also engage with companies on particular ESG related matters.
Meeting investee companies is a core part of IPs investment process and IP is committed to keeping records of all key engagement activities.
However, meeting company management is not the only method of corporate engagement.
- | Our investment teams regularly review company filings and publicly available information to gain a fuller understanding of the relevant company. |
- | We also attend public meetings that companies call in order to hear from company boards and to discuss topics with other company shareholders on an informal basis. |
- | Our investment teams also utilise research provided by market participants on the companies that we invest in. This allows us to understand what other participants in the capital markets think about those companies, and helps us develop a more rounded view. IP expenses research costs. |
- | Our investment teams have access to external corporate governance research that flags corporate non-compliance with best practice corporate governance standards. While we believe this is a helpful guide, we consider each company on a case by case basis and may well support management where we believe this is in our clients best interest. |
This approach, and these methods of gaining information allows us to review the performance of our investee companies on a regular basis, and ask questions and raise concerns promptly.
Invesco Perpetuals approach to the receipt of inside information
Invesco has a global and interconnected asset management business without internal information barriers, which means that the receipt of inside information by one area of Invescos global business results in all of Invescos global business being deemed to be in receipt of inside information.
IP acknowledges that the receipt of inside information has the potential to negatively impact other investment teams, our clients and more generally the efficient and fair operation of capital markets.
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For these reasons and as a matter of general policy IP does not want to receive inside information.
However, it is acknowledged that as part of the IP investment approach and duty to act in the best interests of our clients, there are circumstances in which IP may receive inside information which are detailed further in relevant procedures and policies.
The IP investment approach is about forming strong, long term relationships with the companies IP invests in. We do this by maintaining regular and direct contact with corporate brokers and the management of companies that they invest in so that we can build real insight into and a deep understanding of such companies, as well as the markets and industry in which they operate.
This, along with the corporate governance responsibilities of being long term asset managers, means participating in meaningful conversations about our investee companies with the company itself and its advisors. This approach provides us with the opportunity to engage in discussions regarding the direction of the strategy of those companies before decisions by the companies have been made. Such engagement is an important aspect of the exercise of our responsibilities as asset manager owners.
Fund managers individually have a key fiduciary responsibility in assessing information received and managing it effectively. In accepting that fund managers may be exposed to receiving inside information, IP have in place policies and procedures to effectively manage this risk. Anyone in receipt of inside information should only disclose to colleagues where necessary or required through the normal course of business and on a need to know basis. As soon as an individual has received inside information and been made an insider, compliance will be notified together with the names of those known to also be in receipt of the information. Compliance will update the Invesco insider list and ensure trading systems are updated to prevent any further trading until the information becomes public. Further details are available upon request.
Institutional investors should establish clear guidelines on when and how they will escalate their activities as a method of protecting and enhancing shareholder value.
Guidance
Institutional investors should set out the circumstances in which they will actively intervene and regularly assess the outcomes of doing so. Intervention should be considered regardless of whether an active or passive investment policy is followed. In addition, being underweight is not, of itself, a reason for not intervening. Instances when institutional investors may want to intervene include, but are not limited to, when they have concerns about the companys strategy, performance, governance, remuneration or approach to risks, including those that may arise from social and environmental matters.
Initial discussions should take place on a confidential basis. However, if companies do not respond constructively when institutional investors intervene, then institutional investors should consider whether to escalate their action, for example, by:
- | Holding additional meetings with management specifically to discuss concerns; |
- | Expressing concerns through the companys advisers; |
- | Meeting with the chairman or other board members; |
- | Intervening jointly with other institutions on particular issues; |
- | Making a public statement in advance of General Meetings; |
- | Submitting resolutions and speaking at General Meetings; and |
- | Requisitioning a General Meeting, in some cases proposing to change board membership |
Invesco Perpetuals Investors approach:
IPs fund managers escalate stewardship activities in several stages. Initially any issues/ concerns would be raised by its fund managers through IPs process of on-going dialogue and company meetings. We may then take a number of actions to escalate our concerns along the lines of a broad escalation hierarchy, via a number of different approaches including (but not limited to) as follows:
- | Meeting with non-executive members of company boards to discuss our concerns |
- | Attendance and active participation at company annual general meetings (AGMs) |
- | Writing of letters to company boards expressing our concerns and requiring action to be taken |
- | Votes against management through the use of proxy voting on company resolutions |
On occasions where a fund manager believes an issue is significant enough to be escalated, we will ensure the relevant internal resources are made available to support the fund manager in securing the most appropriate outcome for IPs clients.
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Examples of issues that would prompt us to escalate our concerns may include:
- | Poor examples of corporate governance practice within companies for example where management structures are created that increase conflicts of interest, or leave management control in the hands of dominant shareholders. |
- | Concerns over remuneration policies at companies where those policies do not align with the ongoing positive growth of the company. This may include us exercising our proxy votes against the reappointment of chairs of the remuneration committees in order to express our concerns. |
- | Where the strategic direction of companies that we invest in changes significantly, and does not match with the original investment rationale that attracted us to the company in the first place, and where we believe that the new strategy will no longer return the best value to shareholders, and ultimately to our clients. |
- | Where Board structure or individual composition at an investee company does not meet our standards in terms of the qualifications and expertise required. |
We believe that our approach to escalation is consistent with the intent of the Code. However, because we approach each engagement individually we do not see this as a mechanistic process, and therefore our approach will vary based on the individual situations. Through regular and frank meetings with management, we try as much as possible to raise queries and issues before they become areas of concern that require more direct intervention such as votes against management or disinvestment of positions.
Our preference is to engage privately as we believe it better serves the long-term interests of our clients to establish relationships, and a reputation with companies that enhances rather than hinders dialogue.
Institutional investors should be willing to act collectively with other investors where appropriate
Guidance
At times collaboration with other investors may be the most effective manner in which to engage.
Collective engagement may be most appropriate at times of significant corporate or wider economic stress, or when the risks posed threaten to destroy significant value.
Institutional investors should disclose their policy on collective engagement, which should indicate their readiness to work with other investors through formal and informal groups when this is necessary to achieve their objectives and ensure companies are aware of concerns. The disclosure should also indicate the kinds of circumstances in which the institutional investor would consider participating in collective engagement.
Invesco Perpetuals Investors approach:
IP is supportive of collective engagement in cases where objectives between parties are mutually agreeable and there are no conflicts of interest.
In taking collaborative action we are cognisant of legal and regulatory requirements, including on market abuse, insider dealing and concert party regulations.
The Investment Association (IA), the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) and the UN backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) coordinate and support collective shareholder meetings which can be very effective as they are carried out in a neutral environment. Where we have an interest, we are regular participants in such meetings.
IP are also members of the UK Investor Forum, an organisation set up to create an effective model for collective engagement with UK companies.
All of our engagement activities are undertaken in the best interests of our clients.
Institutional investors should have a clear policy on voting and disclosure of voting activity
Guidance
Institutional investors should seek to vote on all shares held. They should not automatically support the board.
If they have been unable to reach a satisfactory outcome through active dialogue then they should register an abstention or vote against the resolution. In both instances, it is good practice to inform the company in advance of their intention and the reasons why.
Institutional investors should disclose publicly voting records.
Institutional investors should disclose the use made, if any, of proxy voting or other voting advisory services. They should describe the scope of such services, identify the providers and disclose the extent to which they follow, rely upon or use recommendations made by such services.
Institutional investors should disclose their approach to stock lending and recalling lent stock.
Invesco Perpetuals Investors approach:
Invesco views proxy voting as an integral part of its investment management responsibilities and believes that the right to vote proxies should be managed with the same high standards of care and fiduciary duty to its clients as all other elements of the investment process. Invescos proxy voting philosophy, governance structure and process are designed to ensure that proxy votes are cast in accordance with clients best interests, which Invesco interprets to mean clients best economic interests.
Invesco investment teams vote proxies on behalf of Invesco-sponsored funds and non-fund advisory clients that have explicitly granted Invesco authority in writing to vote proxies on their behalf.
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The proxy voting process at Invesco, which is driven by investment professionals, focuses on maximizing long-term value for our clients, protecting clients rights and promoting governance structures and practices that reinforce the accountability of corporate management and boards of directors to shareholders. Invesco takes a nuanced approach to voting and, therefore, many matters to be voted upon are reviewed on a case by case basis. IP buys research from several providers to make an informed voting decision. Globally we use ISS and Glass Lewis and we use the Investment Association IVIS service for research for UK securities.
IP reports our investment teams proxy voting records through an easily accessible portal on our website. This allows our clients to see votes that have been cast by our investment professionals on each of our ICVC funds managed by IAML, by company that we are shareholders of, and by resolution, and to easily search for the records that they are interested in. This can be viewed on our website at: www. invescoperpetual.co.uk/proxy-voting-records This data will be updated on an annual basis.
Global Proxy Voting Platform and Administration
Guided by its philosophy that investment teams should manage proxy voting, Invesco has created the Global Invesco Proxy Advisory Committee (Global IPAC). The Global IPAC is a global investments-driven committee which compromises representatives from various investment management teams and Invescos Head of Global Governance, Policy and Responsible Investment (Head of Global Governance). The Global IPAC provides a forum for investment teams to monitor, understand and discuss key proxy issues and voting trends within the Invesco group. In addition to the Global IPAC, for some clients, third parties (e.g., U.S. mutual fund boards) provide oversight of the proxy process.
The Global IPAC and Invescos proxy administration and governance team, compliance and legal teams regularly communicate and review this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment centre to ensure that they remain consistent with clients best interests, regulatory requirements, governance trends and industry best practices.
Invesco maintains a proprietary global proxy administration platform, supported by the Global Head of Responsible Investment and a dedicated team of internal proxy specialists. This proprietary portal is supported by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) to process the underlying voting ballots. The platform streamlines the proxy voting and ballot reconciliation processes, as well as related functions, such as share blocking and managing conflicts of interest issuers. Managing these processes internally, as opposed to relying on third parties, gives Invesco greater quality control, oversight and independence in the proxy administration process.
The platform also includes advanced global reporting and record-keeping capabilities regarding proxy matters that enable Invesco to satisfy client, regulatory and management requirements. Certain investment teams also use the platform to access third-party proxy research.
Non-Votes
In the vast majority of instances, Invesco is able to vote proxies successfully. However, in certain circumstances Invesco may refrain from voting where the economic or other opportunity costs of voting exceeds any anticipated benefits of that proxy proposal. In addition, there may be instances in which Invesco is unable to vote all of its clients proxies despite using commercially reasonable efforts to do so. For example:
- | Invesco may not receive proxy materials from the relevant fund or client custodian with sufficient time and information to make an informed independent voting decision. In such cases, Invesco may choose not to vote, to abstain from voting or to vote in accordance with proxy advisor recommendations |
- | If the security in question is on loan as part of a securities lending program, Invesco may determine that the benefit to the client of voting a particular proxy is outweighed by the revenue that would be lost by terminating the loan and recalling the securities |
- | In some countries the exercise of voting rights imposes temporary transfer restrictions on the related securities (share blocking). Invesco generally refrains from voting proxies in share-blocking countries unless Invesco determines that the benefit to the clients of voting a specific proxy outweighs the clients temporary inability to sell the security |
- | Some companies require a representative to attend meetings in person in order to vote a proxy. In such cases, Invesco may determine that the costs of sending a representative or signing a power-of-attorney outweigh the benefit of voting a particular proxy |
Approach to Stock Lending
IP does not enter into stock lending arrangements.
Invesco Perpetual Stewardship Policy |
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Institutional investors should report periodically on their stewardship and voting activities
Guidance
Institutional investors should maintain a clear record of their stewardship activities.
Asset managers should regularly account to their clients or beneficiaries as to how they have discharged their responsibilities. Such reports will be likely to comprise qualitative as well as quantitative information. The particular information reported and the format used, should be a matter for agreement between agents and their principals.
Asset owners should report at least annually to those to whom they are accountable on their stewardship policy and its execution.
Transparency is an important feature of effective stewardship. Institutional investors should not, however, be expected to make disclosures that might be counterproductive. Confidentiality in specific situations may well be crucial to achieving a positive outcome.
Asset managers that sign up to this Code should obtain an independent opinion on their engagement and voting processes having regard to an international standard or a UK framework such as AAF 01/062. The existence of such assurance reporting should be publicly disclosed. If requested, clients should be provided access to such assurance reports.
Invesco Perpetuals Investors approach:
Invesco produces an annual stewardship report which highlights our activities at a global level in terms of ESG activity and in various investment centres.
IP reports our investment teams proxy voting records through an easily accessible portal on our website. This allows our clients to see votes that have been cast by our investment professionals on each of our ICVC funds managed by IAML, by company that we are shareholders of, and by resolution, and to easily search for the records that they are interested in. This can be viewed on our website at: www. invescoperpetual.co.uk/proxy-voting-results
This data will be updated on an annual basis.
The processes relating to our corporate governance activities are subject to audit by our internal audit function. This function is independent from the front office, and the rest of the business, and provides an independent assessment of business practises directly to Board level.
We believe that this level of scrutiny and oversight provides our clients with the assurance that our policies and practises meet and exceed current industry standards.
We will continue to assess this approach.
Further information/useful links (also available via our website):
www.invescoperpetual.co.uk/corporategovernance-and-stewardship-code
Key contact details for matters concerning stewardship:
Bonnie Saynay
Global Head of Proxy Governance and Responsible Investment
Tel: +1 (713) 214-4774
Email: Bonnie.Saynay@invesco.com
Stuart Howard
Head of Investment Management Operations
Tel: +44 1491 417175
Email: Stuart_Howard@invescoperpetual.co.uk
Dan Baker
Operations Manager
Tel: +44 1491 416514
Email: Dan_Baker@invescoperpetual.co.uk
Charles Henderson
UK Equities Business Manager
Tel: +44 1491 417672
Email: Charles_Henderson@invescoperpetual.co.uk
Cathrine de Coninck-Lopez
Invesco Perpetual Head of ESG
Tel +44 1491416139
Email: Cathrine.deconinck-lopez@invesco.com
Telephone calls may be recorded.
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Important information
Where Invesco Perpetual has expressed views and opinions, these may change.
All information as at 12 December 2017 sourced from Invesco Perpetual unless otherwise stated.
Invesco Perpetual is a business name of Invesco Asset Management Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Invesco Asset Management Limited
Registered in England 949417
Registered office Perpetual Park, Perpetual Park Drive, Henley-on-Thames,
Oxfordshire RG9 1HH, UK
UK413/63360/PDF/180118
Proxy Voting Guidelines
for
Invesco Canada, Ltd.
INVESCO CANADA
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to describe Invesco Canada Ltd.s (Invesco Canada) general guidelines for voting proxies received from companies held in the accounts (Accounts) for which it acts as investment fund manager and/or adviser including:
| Investment fund manager, including investment funds offered in Canada (the Canadian Funds), |
| Adviser, including separately managed portfolios (SMPs), |
| Sub-adviser, including investment funds registered under and governed by the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the US Funds). |
The Accounts referred to above, exclude Accounts that are sub-advised (Sub-Advised Accounts) by affiliated or third party advisers (Sub-Advisers). Proxies for Sub-Advised Accounts will be voted in accordance with the Sub-Advisers proxy voting policy (which may contain different voting recommendations), provided the policy as a whole is designed with the intention of voting securities in the best interest of the Account; unless the sub-advisory agreement provides otherwise.
Voting rights will not be exercised in accordance with this policy or the Sub-Advisers proxy policy if the investment management agreement between the client and Invesco Canada governing the SMP provides otherwise.
Compliance will review the proxy voting policies and procedures of any new sub-advisors as part of its due diligence.
Introduction
lnvesco Canada has a fiduciary obligation to act in the best long-term economic interest of the Accounts when voting proxies of portfolio companies.
The default is to vote with the recommendation of the companys management.
As a general rule, portfolio managers shall vote against any actions that would:
| Reduce the rights or options of shareholders, |
| Reduce shareholder influence over the board of directors and management, |
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| Reduce the alignment of interests between company management and the shareholders; or |
| Reduce the value of shareholders investments. |
Since Invesco Canadas portfolio managers follow an investment discipline that includes investing in companies that are believed to have strong management teams, the portfolio managers will generally support the management of companies in which they invest, and will accord proper weight to the recommendations of company management. Therefore, in most circumstances, votes will be cast in accordance with the recommendations of company management.
While Invesco Canadas proxy voting guidelines are stated below, the portfolio managers will take into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances (including country specific considerations), and retain the right to vote proxies as deemed appropriate.
These guidelines may be amended from time to time.
Voting rights may not be exercised in situations where:
| The securities have been sold subsequent to record date; |
| Administrative issues prevent voting, or; |
| Invesco Canada is sub-advising for an unaffiliated third-party and either: (a) the sub-advisory agreement with the unaffiliated third-party does not permit Invesco Canada to vote the securities; or (b) the securities to be voted have been lent out by the unaffiliated third-party. |
Conflicts of Interest
When voting proxies, Invesco Canadas portfolio managers assess whether there are material conflicts of interest between lnvesco Canadas interests and those of the Account. A potential conflict of interest situation may include where Invesco Canada or an affiliate manages assets for, provides other financial services to, or otherwise has a material business relationship with, a company whose management is soliciting proxies, and failure to vote in favour of management of the company may harm Invesco Canadas relationship with the company. In all situations, the portfolio managers will not take Invesco Canadas relationship with the company into account, and will vote the proxies in the best interest of the Account. To the extent that a portfolio manager has any personal conflict of interest with respect to a company or an issue presented, that portfolio manager should abstain from voting on that company or issue. Portfolio managers are required to report in writing to the relevant Investment Head or ClO any such conflicts of interest and/or attempts by outside parties to improperly influence the voting process. If the portfolio manager in question is the ClO, such conflicts of interest
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and/or attempts by outside parties to improperly influence the voting process shall be presented in writing to the Chief Compliance Officer. The Global Investments Director (or designate) will report any conflicts of interest to the Independent Review Committee on an annual basis.
I. | BOARDS OF DIRECTORS |
We believe that a board that has at least a majority of independent directors is integral to good corporate governance. Unless there are restrictions specific to a companys home jurisdiction, key board committees, including audit and compensation committees, should be completely independent.
Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections
Votes in an uncontested election of directors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors that may include:
| Long-term financial company performance relative to a market index, |
| Composition of the board and key board committees, |
| Nominees attendance at board meetings, |
| Nominees time commitments as a result of serving on other company boards, |
| Nominees stock ownership position in the company, |
| Whether the chairman is also serving as CEO, and |
| Whether a retired CEO sits on the board. |
Voting on Director Nominees in Contested Elections
Votes in a contested election of directors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors that may include:
| Long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry, |
| Managements track record, |
| Background to the proxy contest, |
| Qualifications of director nominees (both slates), |
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| Evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can he met, and |
| Stock ownership positions in the company. |
Majority Threshold Voting for Director Elections
We will generally vote for proposals that require directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast unless the relevant portfolio manager believes that the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard.
Separating Chairman and CEO
Shareholder proposals to separate the chairman and CEO positions should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
While we generally support these proposals, some companies have governance structures in place that can satisfactorily counterbalance a combined position. Voting decisions will take into account factors such as:
| Designated lead director, appointed from the ranks of the independent board members with clearly delineated duties; |
| Majority of independent directors; |
| All-independent key committees; |
| Committee chairpersons nominated by the independent directors; |
| CEO performance is reviewed annually by a committee of independent directors; and |
| Established governance guidelines. |
Majority of Independent Directors
While we generally support proposals asking that a majority of directors be independent, each proposal should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
We generally vote for proposals that the boards audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors.
Stock Ownership Requirements
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We believe that individual directors should be appropriately compensated and motivated to act in the best interests of shareholders. Share ownership by directors better aligns their interests with those of other shareholders. Therefore, we believe that meaningful share ownership by directors is in the best interest of the company.
We generally vote for proposals that require a certain percentage of a directors compensation to be in the form of common stock.
Size of Boards of Directors
We believe that the number of directors is important to ensuring the boards effectiveness in maximizing long-term shareholder value. The board must be large enough to allow it to adequately discharge its responsibilities, without being so large that it becomes cumbersome.
While we will prefer a board of no fewer than 5 and no more than 16 members, each situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the specific company circumstances.
Classified or Staggered Boards
In a classified or staggered board, directors are typically elected in two or more classes, serving terms greater than one year.
We prefer the annual election of all directors and will generally not support proposals that provide for staggered terms for board members. We recognize that there may be jurisdictions where staggered terms for board members is common practice and, in such situations, we will review the proposals on a case-by-case basis.
Director Indemnification and Liability Protection
We recognize that many individuals may be reluctant to serve as corporate directors if they are personally liable for all lawsuits and legal costs. As a result, limitations on directors liability can benefit the corporation and its shareholders by helping to attract and retain qualified directors while providing recourse to shareholders on areas of misconduct by directors.
We generally vote for proposals that limit directors liability and provide indemnification as long as the arrangements are limited to the director acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and, in criminal matters, are limited to the director having reasonable grounds for believing the conduct was lawful.
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II. | AUDITORS |
A strong audit process is a requirement for good corporate governance. A significant aspect of the audit process is a strong relationship with a knowledgeable and independent set of auditors.
Ratification of Auditors
We believe a company should limit its relationship with its auditors to the audit engagement, and certain closely related activities that do not, in the aggregate, raise an appearance of impaired independence.
We generally vote for the reappointment of the companys auditors unless:
| It is not clear that the auditors will be able to fulfill their function; |
| There is reason to believe the auditors have rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the companys financial position; or |
| The auditors have a significant professional or personal relationship with the issuer that compromises their independence. |
Disclosure of Audit vs. Non-Audit Fees
Understanding the fees earned by the auditors is important for assessing auditor independence. Our support for the re-appointment of the auditors will take into consideration whether the management information circular contains adequate disclosure about the amount and nature of audit vs. non-audit fees.
There may be certain jurisdictions that do not currently require disclosure of audit vs. non-audit fees. In these circumstances, we will generally support proposals that call for this disclosure.
III. | COMPENSATION PROGRAMS |
Appropriately designed equity-based compensation plans, approved by shareholders, can be an effective way to align the interests of long-term shareholders and the interests of management, employees and directors. Plans should not substantially dilute shareholders ownership interests in the company, provide participants with excessive awards or have objectionable structural features. We will consider each compensation plan in its entirety (including all incentives, awards and other compensation) to determine if the plan provides the right incentives to managers, employees and directors and is reasonable on the whole.
While we generally encourage companies to provide more transparent disclosure related to their compensation programs, the following are specific guidelines dealing with some
As of January, 2017 | Page 6 of 11 |
of the more common features of these programs (features not specifically itemized below will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the general principles described above):
Cash Compensation and Severance Packages
We will generally support the boards discretion to determine and grant appropriate cash compensation and severance packages.
Executive Compensation (say on pay)
Proposals requesting that companies subject each years compensation record to a non binding advisory shareholder vote, or so-called say on pay proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Equity Based Plans Dilution
Equity compensation plans can increase the number of shares of a company and therefore dilute the value of existing shares. While such plans can be an effective compensation tool in moderation, they can be a concern to shareholders and their cost needs to be closely watched. We assess proposed equity compensation plans on a case-by-case basis.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
We will generally vote for the use of employee stock purchase plans to increase company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value. It is recognized that country specific circumstances may exist (e.g. tax issues) that require proposals to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Loans to Employees
We will vote against the corporation making loans to employees to allow employees to pay for stock or stock options. It is recognized that country specific circumstances may exist that require proposals to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Stock Option Plans Board Discretion
We will vote against stock option plans that give the board broad discretion in setting the terms and conditions of the programs. Such programs should be submitted with detail and be reasonable in the circumstances regarding their cost, scope, frequency and schedule for exercising the options.
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Stock Option Plans Inappropriate Features
We will generally vote against plans that have any of the following structural features:
| ability to re-price underwater options without shareholder approval, |
| ability to issue options with an exercise price below the stocks current market price, |
| ability to issue reload options, or |
| automatic share replenishment (evergreen) features. |
Stock Option Plans Director Eligibility
While we prefer stock ownership by directors, we will support stock option plans for directors as long as the terms and conditions of director options are clearly defined
Stock Option Plans Repricing
We will vote for proposals to re-price options if there is a value-for-value (rather than a share-for-share) exchange.
Stock Option Plans Vesting
We will vote against stock option plans that are 100% vested when granted.
Stock Option Plans Authorized Allocations
We will generally vote against stock option plans that authorize allocation of 25% or more of the available options to any one individual.
Stock Option Plans Change in Control Provisions
We will vote against stock option plans with change in control provisions that allow option holders to receive more for their options than shareholders would receive for their shares.
IV. | CORPORATE MATTERS |
We will review proposals relating to changes to capital structure and restructuring on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the impact of the changes on corporate governance and shareholder rights, anticipated financial and operating benefits, portfolio manager views, level of dilution, and a companys industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.
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Common Stock Authorization
We will review proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue on a case-by-case basis.
Dual Class Share Structures
Dual class share structures involve a second class of common stock with either superior or inferior voting rights to those of another class of stock.
We will generally vote against proposals to create or extend dual class share structures where classes have different voting rights.
Stock Splits
We will vote for proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in excessive dilution given a companys industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.
Reverse Stock Splits
We will vote for proposals to implement a reverse stock split.
Share Repurchase Programs
We will vote against proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans if all shareholders do not participate on an equal basis.
Reincorporation
Reincorporation involves re-establishing the company in a different legal jurisdiction.
We will generally vote for proposals to reincorporate the company provided that the board and management have demonstrated sound financial or business reasons for the move. Proposals to reincorporate will generally not be supported if solely as part of an anti-takeover defense or as a way to limit directors liability.
Mergers & Acquisitions
We will vote for merger & acquisition proposals that the relevant portfolio managers believe, based on their review of the materials:
| will result in financial and operating benefits, |
| have a fair offer price, |
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| have favourable prospects for the combined companies, and |
| will not have a negative impact on corporate governance or shareholder rights. |
V. | SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY |
We recognize that to effectively manage a corporation, directors and management must consider not only the interests of shareholders, but the interests of employees, customers, suppliers, and creditors, among others.
We believe that companies and their boards must give careful consideration to social responsibility issues in order to enhance long-term shareholder value.
We support efforts by companies to develop policies and practices that consider social responsibility issues related to their businesses.
VI. | SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS |
Shareholder proposals can be extremely complex, and the impact on the interests of all stakeholders can rarely be anticipated with a high degree of confidence. As a result, shareholder proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with consideration of factors such as:
| the proposals impact on the companys short-term and long-term share value, |
| its effect on the companys reputation, |
| the economic effect of the proposal, |
| industry and regional norms in which the company operates, |
| the companys overall corporate governance provisions, and |
| the reasonableness of the request. |
We will generally support shareholder proposals that require additional disclosure regarding corporate responsibility issues where the relevant portfolio manager believes:
| the company has failed to adequately address these issues with shareholders, |
| there is information to suggest that a company follows procedures that are not in compliance with applicable regulations, or |
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| the company fails to provide a level of disclosure that is comparable to industry peers or generally accepted standards. |
We will generally not support shareholder proposals that place arbitrary or artificial constraints on the board, management or the company.
Ordinary Business Practices
We will generally support the boards discretion regarding shareholder proposals that involve ordinary business practices.
Protection of Shareholder Rights
We will generally vote for shareholder proposals that are designed to protect shareholder rights if the companys corporate governance standards indicate that such additional protections are warranted.
Barriers to Shareholder Action
We will generally vote for proposals to lower barriers to shareholder action.
Shareholder Rights Plans
We will generally vote for proposals to subject shareholder rights plans to a shareholder vote.
VII. | OTHER |
We will vote against or abstain on proposals that may authorize the company to conduct any other business that is not described in the proxy statement or where the proxy materials lack sufficient information upon which to base an informed decision.
Reimbursement of Proxy Solicitation Expenses
Decisions to provide reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest are made on a case-by-case basis.
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Proxy Voting Guidelines
for
Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited
As of April 30, 2017
Basic Policy on Proxy Voting
We vote proxies for the purpose of seeking to maximize the interests of our clients (investors) and beneficiaries over time, acknowledging the importance of corporate governance, based on fiduciary duties to our clients (investors) and beneficiaries. We do not vote proxies for the interests of ourselves and any third party other than clients (investors) and beneficiaries. The interests of clients (investors) and beneficiaries is to expand the corporate value or the economic interest of shareholders or the preventing of damage thereto. Proxy voting is an integral part of our stewardship activities and we make voting decisions considering whether or not the proposal would contribute to the corporate value expansion and sustainable growth.
In order to vote proxies adequately we have established the Corporate Governance Committee and developed these Proxy Voting Guidelines to oversee control of the decision making process concerning proxy voting. While we may seek advice from an external service provider based on our own guidelines, our investment professionals make voting decisions in principle, based on our proxy voting guidelines, taking into account whether or not they contribute to shareholder value enhancement of the subject company.
Responsible proxy voting and constructive dialogue with investee companies are important components of stewardship activities. While the proxy voting guidelines are principles for our making voting decisions, depending on the proposals, we may make special decisions to maximize the interests of clients (investors) and beneficiaries, through the establishment of constructive dialogue with the investee companies. In such case, approval of the Corporate Governance Committee shall be obtained.
The Corporate Governance Committee is consisted of members including Director in charge of the Investment Division as the chair, Head of Compliance, Corporate Governance Officer, investment professionals nominated by the chair and persons in charge at the Operations Department.
We have developed the Conflict of Interest Control Policy and, even in the situation where any conflict of interest is likely to arise, we work to control conflict of interest to protect the interests of clients (investors) and beneficiaries. The Compliance Department is responsible for overseeing company-wide control of conflict of interest. The Compliance Department is independent from investment and marketing divisions, and shall not receive any command or order with respect to the matters concerning compliance with the laws and regulations including the matters concerning conflict of interest from investment and marketing divisions.
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As of April 30, 2017
Proxy Voting Guidelines
1. | Profit Allocation and Dividends |
We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking approval for profit allocation and dividends, taking into account the financial conditions and business performance of the subject company, and the economic interest of shareholders, etc.
| Taking into account the status of capital adequacy and business strategies, etc. of the subject company, if the total payout ratio including dividends and share buybacks is significantly low, we consider to vote against the proposals, unless reasonable explanation is given by the company. |
With respect to the company where profit allocation is determined by the board of directors, taking into account the status of capital adequacy and business strategies, etc. of the subject company, if the total payout ratio including dividends and share buybacks is significantly low, we consider to vote against reelection of directors, unless reasonable explanation is given by the company.
Taking into account the status of capital adequacy and business strategies, etc. of the subject company, if the total payout ratio including dividends and share buybacks is significantly low, we consider to vote for the shareholder proposals that require more payout to shareholders.
2. | Election of Directors |
We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning election of directors, taking into account independence, competence and existence of anti-social acts of director candidates, etc. We decide how to vote on reelection of director candidates, taking into account their approach to corporate governance and accountability during their tenure, business performance of the company and existence of anti-social acts of the company, etc. in addition to the above factors.
Directors should make efforts to continuously gain knowledge and skills from time to time to fulfill the important role and responsibilities in governance of the subject company. Companies are also required to provide sufficient opportunities of such training.
Independent outside directors are expected to play a significant role such as to secure the interest of minority shareholders through activities based on their insights to increase the corporate value of the subject company. It is desirable to enhance the boards governance function with independent outside directors accounting for the majority of the board. However,
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As of April 30, 2017
given the challenge to secure competent candidates, we also recognize that, under the current conditions, it is difficult for all the companies, irrespective of their size, to deploy a majority of the board with independent outside directors.
(1) Independence
| We generally vote for election of outside directors; provided, however, that we vote against the candidate who is not regarded as independent from the subject company. With respect to independence, it is desirable that the subject company discloses numerical standard which should support our decision. |
| We judge independence based on the independence criteria stipulated by the stock exchange, with focus on whether independence is substantially secured. |
| We regard the outside director with significantly long tenure as non-independent, and vote against reelection of such outside director. |
| In the case where the subject company is the company with a three committee board structure or the company with a board with audit committee structure, we judge independence of outside director candidates who become members of the audit committee or the similar committee based on the same independence criteria for election of statutory auditors in principle. |
| In the case where the subject company is the company with a three committee board structure or the company with a board with audit committee structure, we generally consider to vote against the director candidates who are top executives of the subject company, if independent outside directors of the subject company account for less than 1/3 of the board after the shareholders meeting. |
| In the case where the subject company is the company with a statutory auditor structure, we generally vote against the director candidates who are top executives, unless there are at least two outside directors who are independent from the subject company after the shareholders meeting. |
| In the case where the subject company has a parent company, we generally consider to vote against the director candidates who are top executives of the subject company, if outside directors who are independent from the subject company account for less than half of the board after the shareholders meeting. |
(2) Attendance rate
| All members are expected to attend the board meetings and each committees in principle, and companies are generally obligated to facilitate all members to attend meetings. We generally vote against reelection of the director candidate who attended less than 75% of |
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As of April 30, 2017
the board meetings or the respective committee. |
| We take into account not only the number of attendance but reasons for nomination and substantial contribution, if disclosed. |
(3) Business performance of the company
| We consider voting against reelection of director candidates, if the subject company made a loss for the three consecutive year during their tenure. |
| We consider voting against reelection of director candidates, if it is judged that the business performance of the subject company is significantly behind peers in the same industry during their tenure. |
| We consider voting against the directors who are top executives, if business strategies that enable the corporate value enhancement and sustainable growth are not demonstrated and no constructive dialogue is conducted, with respect to capital efficiency including return on capital. |
(4) Anti-social acts of the company
| If it is judged that there has been any corporate scandal that has significant social effects and has impaired, or is likely to impair, the shareholder value during the tenure, we shall conduct sufficient dialogue with the subject company on the background and subsequent resolutions of the scandal. Based on the dialogue and taking into account impact on the shareholder value, we decide how to vote on reelection of the director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge of those cases and members of the audit committee or the similar committee. |
| With respect to domestic scandals, if the company has received administrative disposition on cartel or bid-rigging, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge and members of the audit committee or the similar committee, at the time when the disposition is determined by the Fair Trade Commission, etc. If the final disposition is subsequently determined on appeal or complaint, we do not vote against reelection again at such time. We decide case-by-case with respect to an order for compensation in a civil case or disposition by the Consumer Affairs Agency and administrative disposition imposed overseas. |
| With respect to administrative disposition imposed on a subsidiary or affiliate, if the subsidiary or affiliate is unlisted, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge and members of the audit committee or the similar committee of the holding company or the parent company. If the subsidiary or affiliate is listed, we consider to vote against reelection of the |
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As of April 30, 2017
director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge and members of the audit committee or the similar committee of the subsidiary or affiliate and the parent company; provided, however, that we decide case-by-case depending on importance of the disposition on the subsidiary or affiliate, its impact on business performance of the holding company or parent company. |
| With respect to a scandal of an individual employee, if such scandal has impaired, or is likely to impair the shareholder value, and it is judged that the subject company should assume responsibility as a manager, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge and members of the audit committee or the similar committee. |
| We consider to vote against reelection of director candidates, if the subject company has committed window-dressing and inadequate accounting activities during their tenure. |
(5) Acts against the interest of shareholders
| If the company has increased capital through a third-party allotment that is excessively dilutive without resolution by the shareholders meeting, we consider to vote against reelection of director candidates, particularly the director candidates who are top executives. |
| If the company has increased capital through a large-scale public offering without reasonable explanation, we consider to vote against reelection of director candidates, particularly the director candidates who are top executives. |
| If the shareholder proposal that is judged desirable for minority shareholders has received the majority support but the company does not implement such proposal or make the similar proposal as the company proposal at the shareholders meeting in the following year, we consider voting against the director candidates who are top executives. |
(6) Other
| If information of a director candidate is not fully disclosed, we generally vote against such director candidate. |
3. | Composition of Board of Directors, etc. |
Depending on the size of companies, etc., we believe that a three committee board structure is desirable to achieve better governance as a listed company. Even for a company with a statutory auditor structure or a company with a board with audit committee, it is also desirable to voluntarily deploy the nomination committee, compensation committee and other necessary committees. It is also desirable that the chair of the board of directors is an independent outside director. We believe that composition of the highly transparent board of directors secures
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As of April 30, 2017
transparency of the management and contributes to a persistent increase in the enterprise value. It is also desirable that the third-party assessment of the board of directors is disclosed.
We are concerned about the retired director assuming a consulting, advisory or other similar position which is likely to have negative impact on greater transparency and decision making of the board of directors. If such position or a person assuming such position exists, it is desirable that its existence, expected role and effects or compensation and other treatment for such position are fully disclosed.
(1) Number of members and change in constituents of the board of directors
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning the number of members and change in constituents of the board of directors, by comparing with the current structure and taking into account impact on the subject company and the economic interest of shareholders. |
| We favorably consider a decrease in the number of directors other than outside directors, but in the case of an increase in the number of directors other than outside directors, unless reasons are clearly and reasonably stated, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives. |
| If there are too many board members and we are concerned that swift decision making may be hindered, we vote against the director candidates who are top executives. |
| We favorably consider an increase in the number of outside directors, but in the case of a decrease in the number of outside directors, unless reasons are clearly and reasonably stated, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives. |
(2) Procedures for election of directors, scope of responsibilities of directors, etc.
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning a change in procedures for election of directors, by comparing with the current procedures and taking into account reasonableness of such change, etc. |
| We generally vote against the proposals that reduce responsibility of directors for monetary damages due to their breach of duty of care of a prudent manager. |
| Responsibilities of the board of directors include proper supervision over the succession plan for top executives. The nomination committee at the company with a three-committee board structure, or the nomination committee that should be voluntarily deployed by the company with a different structure, should provide proper supervision over fostering and |
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As of April 30, 2017
election of successors with secured transparency. It is desirable that an independent outside director serves as the chair of the nomination committee. If the process is judged to significantly lack transparency and reasonableness, we consider to vote against the director candidates who are top executives. |
4. | Election of Statutory Auditors |
We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning election of statutory auditors, taking into account independence, competence and existence of anti-social acts of auditor candidates, etc. We decide how to vote on reelection of statutory auditor candidates, taking into account their approach to corporate governance and accountability during their tenure, existence of anti-social acts of the company, etc. in addition to the above factors.
Statutory auditors and directors who are members of the audit committee or the similar committee are required to have deep specialized knowledge of accounting and laws and regulations, and should make efforts to continuously gain knowledge and skills from time to time to fulfill the important role and responsibilities in governance of the subject company. Companies are also required to provide sufficient opportunities of such training.
(1) Independence
| We generally vote against non-independent outside statutory auditors. |
| The person who has no relationship with the subject company other than being elected as a statutory auditor is regarded as independent. |
| We regard the outside statutory auditor with significantly long tenure as non-independent, and vote against reelection of such outside statutory auditor. |
(2) Attendance rate
| All statutory auditors are expected to attend meetings of the board of directors or the board of statutory auditors in principle, and companies are generally obligated to facilitate all statutory auditors to attend meetings. We generally vote against reelection of the statutory auditor candidate who attended less than 75% of meetings of the board of directors or the board of statutory auditors. |
| We take into account not only the number of attendance but reasons for nomination and substantial contribution, if disclosed. |
(3) Accountability
| If there are material concerns about the provided auditor report or auditing procedures, or if |
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As of April 30, 2017
the matters to be disclosed are not fully disclosed, we vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates. |
(4) Anti-social acts of the company
| If it is judged that there has been any corporate scandal that has significant social effects and has impaired, or is likely to impair, the shareholder value during the tenure, we shall conduct sufficient engagement with the subject company on the background and subsequent resolutions of the scandal. Based on the engagement and taking into account impact on the shareholder value, we decide how to vote on reelection of statutory auditor candidates. |
| With respect to domestic scandals, if the company has received administrative disposition on cartel or bid-rigging, we consider to vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates, at the time when the disposition is determined by the Fair Trade Commission, etc. If the final disposition is subsequently determined on appeal or complaint, we do not vote against reelection again at such time. We decide case-by-case with respect to an order for compensation in a civil case or disposition by the Consumer Affairs Agency and administrative disposition imposed overseas. |
| With respect to administrative disposition imposed on a subsidiary or affiliate, if the subsidiary or affiliate is unlisted, we consider to vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates of the holding company or the parent company. If the subsidiary or affiliate is listed, we consider to vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates of the subsidiary or affiliate and the holding company; provided, however, that we decide case-by-case depending on importance of the disposition on the subsidiary or affiliate, its impact on business performance of the holding company or parent company. |
| With respect to a scandal of an individual employee, if such scandal has impaired, or is likely to impair the shareholder value, and it is judged that the subject company should assume responsibility as a manager, we consider to vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates. |
| We consider voting against reelection of statutory auditor candidates, if the subject company has committed window-dressing and inadequate accounting activities during their tenure. |
5. | Composition of Board of Statutory Auditors |
We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning the number of members and change in constituents of the board of statutory auditors, by comparing with the current structure and taking into account impact on the subject company and the economic interest of shareholders.
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As of April 30, 2017
| We favorably consider an increase in the number of statutory auditors, but in the case of a decrease in the number of statutory auditors, unless reasons are clearly and reasonably stated, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives. |
6. | Election and Removal of Accounting Auditors |
We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning election and removal of accounting auditors, taking into account competence of candidates and the level of costs for the accounting audit, etc.
| If it is judged that there are following problems with the accounting audit services in the subject company, and the accounting auditor in question is not removed but reelected, we generally vote against reelection of the statutory auditor candidates and the director candidates who are members of the audit committee or the similar committee: |
| It is judged that the accounting auditor has expressed incorrect opinions on financial conditions; |
| In the case where there are concerns on the financial statements, the matters to be disclosed are not fully disclosed; |
| In the case where the accounting auditor has a contract of non-accounting audit services with the subject company, it is judged that such non-accounting audit services are recognized to have conflict of interest with accounting audit services; |
| In the case where excessive accounting audit costs are paid; |
| It is judged that gross fraudulence or negligence of the accounting auditor is recognized. |
| If it is judged that there are problems with accounting audit services in another company, and the accounting auditor in question becomes a candidate for election or is not removed but reelected, we decide how to vote, giving full consideration to impact on the enterprise value of the subject company. |
| We generally vote against the proposals concerning a change in accounting auditors, if difference in views about the accounting principles between the previous accounting auditor and the subject company is judged to be the reason for such change. |
7. | Compensation and Bonuses for Directors, Statutory Auditors and Employees |
(1) Compensation and bonuses for Directors
| In determining compensation and bonuses for directors, it is desirable to increase the |
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As of April 30, 2017
proportion of stocks in compensation and bonuses, taking into account whether the performance-based compensation structure is developed, whether transparency is fully secured such as disclosure of an index or formula as a basis for calculation, and impact on shareholders such as dilution. The compensation committee at the company with a three-committee board structure, or the compensation committee that should be voluntarily deployed by the company with a different structure, should ensure the compensation structure with secured transparency. It is desirable that an independent outside director serves as the chair of the compensation committee. |
| We consider to vote against the proposals seeking approval for compensation and bonuses in the following cases: |
| where negative correlation is seen between the business performance of the subject company and compensation and bonuses; |
| where there exist problematic system and practices; |
| where the aggregate amount of compensation and bonuses is not disclosed; |
| where mismanagement is clear as shown by share price erosion or and significant deterioration in profit; |
| where the person who is judged to be responsible for acts against the interest of shareholders is among recipients of compensation and bonuses. |
| We generally vote for the proposals requesting disclosure of compensation and bonuses of individual directors. |
| If any measures are implemented to secure transparency of the system other than individual disclosure, such measures are taken into account. |
| If there is no proposal seeking approval for compensation and bonuses and the system is not clear, we consider to vote against election of the director candidates who are top executives, |
| We generally vote against bonuses for statutory auditors. |
| As directors who become members of the audit committee at the company with a three committee structure, directors who become members of the audit committee at the company with a board with audit committee structure and outside directors are required to perform duties as director, we consider their compensation and bonuses differently from statutory auditors at the company with a statutory auditor structure. |
(2) Stock compensation
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning stock compensation including stock |
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As of April 30, 2017
option plans and restricted stock units, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, the level of compensation, the recipients of stock compensation, and reasonableness, etc. |
| We generally vote against the proposals seeking to lower the strike price of stock options. |
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking to require approval of shareholders for change in the strike price of stock options. |
| We generally vote against the stock compensation, if terms of exercise including the percentage of dilution are unclear. |
| We generally vote against the stock compensation granted to statutory auditors. |
| As directors who become members of the audit committee at the company with a three committee structure, directors who become members of the audit committee at the company with a board with audit committee structure and outside directors are required to perform duties as director, we consider the stock compensation for them differently from statutory auditors at the company with a statutory auditor structure. |
| We generally vote against the stock compensation granted to any third parties other than employees. |
| We generally vote against the stock compensation if it is judged likely to be used as a tool for takeover defense. |
(3) Stock purchase plan
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning stock purchase plan, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, the recipients of stock compensation and reasonableness, etc. |
(4) Retirement benefits for directors
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning grant of retirement benefits, taking into account the scope of recipients, existence of anti-social acts of recipients, business performance of the company and anti-social acts of the company, etc. |
| We generally vote for the proposals granting retirement benefits, if all of the following criteria are met: |
| The granted amount is disclosed; |
| Outside directors and statutory auditors are not included in recipients; |
| There has been no serious scandal involving recipients during their tenure; |
| The subject company has not suffered from loss for the three consecutive year, or its business performance is not judged to significantly lag relative to peers in the |
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As of April 30, 2017
same industry; |
| There has been no corporate scandal that has significant social effects on the subject company and has impaired, or likely to impair, the shareholder value during the tenure of recipients; |
| The subject company has not committed window-dressing and inadequate accounting activities during the tenure of recipients. |
8. | Cross-shareholdings |
If the company holds shares for relationship purpose, we believe that the company is required to explain about medium- to long-term business and financial strategies and disclose criteria for proxy voting decisions and voting results, etc. If no reasonable views are indicated and no constructive dialogue is conducted, we consider to vote against the director candidates who are top executives.
9. | Capital Policy |
As the capital policy of listed companies is likely to have important impact on the shareholder value and the interest of shareholders of the subject company, the subject company should implement the reasonable capital policy and explain basic policies of the capital policy to shareholders. We consider voting against the proposals concerning the capital policy that is judged to impair the shareholder value. If there exists the capital policy that is not part of proposals at the shareholders meeting but is judged to impair the shareholder value, we consider voting against reelection of director candidates.
(1) Change in authorized capital
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to increase authorized capital, taking into account impact of the change in authorized capital on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, reasonableness of the change in authorized capital and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc. |
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking to increase authorized capital, if it is judged that not increasing authorized capital is likely to cause delisting of the subject company or have significant impact on sustainability of the company. |
| We generally vote against the proposals seeking to increase authorized capital after emergence of acquirer. |
(2) Issuance of new shares
| We decide how to vote on issuance of new shares, taking into account reasons for issuance |
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As of April 30, 2017
of new shares, issuing terms, impact of dilution on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc. |
(3) Share buybacks, reissuance of shares
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning share buybacks or reissuance of shares, taking into account their reasonableness, etc. |
(4) Share split
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking to split shares. |
(5) Consolidation of shares (reverse share split)
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking consolidation of shares, taking into account its reasonableness, etc. |
(6) Preferred shares
| We generally vote against the proposals seeking to create, or increase authorized capital of, carte blanche preferred shares that are issued without specifying the voting right, dividends, conversion and other rights. |
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking to create, or increase authorized capital of, preferred shares where the voting right, dividends, conversion and other rights are specified and those rights are judged reasonable. |
| We generally vote for the proposals requiring approval of shareholders for issuance of preferred shares. |
(7) Issuance of bonds with share options
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to issue bonds with share options, taking into account the number of new shares and the redemption period of bonds, etc. |
(8) Issuance of straight bonds, expansion of credit facility
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning issuance of straight bonds or expansion of credit facility, taking into account the financial conditions, etc. of the subject company. |
(9) Capitalization of debt
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to change authorized capital or issue shares in connection with restructuring of debt, taking into account the terms of change in authorized capital or issuance of shares, impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, their reasonableness and impact on share listing or sustainability of the |
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As of April 30, 2017
company, etc. |
(10) Capital reduction
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning reduction in capital, taking into account impact of capital reduction on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, reasonableness of capital reduction and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc. |
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking to reduce capital as typical accounting procedures. |
(11) Financing plan
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning financing plan, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, its reasonableness and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc. |
(12) Capitalization of reserves
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking capitalization of reserves, taking into account its reasonableness, etc. |
10. | Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, etc. |
(1) Change in accounting period
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking to change the accounting period, unless it is judged to aim to delay the shareholders meeting. |
(2) Amendments of articles of incorporation
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning article amendments, taking into account impact of article amendments on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, necessity and reasonableness of article amendments, etc. |
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking article amendments, if such amendments are required by the laws. |
| We generally vote against the proposals seeking article amendments, if such amendments are judged to be likely to infringe on rights of shareholders or impair the shareholder value. |
| We generally vote for transition to the company with a three committee board structure. |
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As of April 30, 2017
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to ease or eliminate requirements for special resolutions, taking into account its reasonableness. |
| We are concerned about the retired director assuming a consulting, advisory or other similar position which is likely to have negative impact on greater transparency and decision making of the board of directors. We generally vote against the proposals seeking to create such position. |
(3) Change in quorum for the shareholders meeting
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning change in quorum for the shareholders meeting, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, etc. |
11. | Change in company organization, etc |
(1) Change in trade name and registered address
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to change the trade name, taking into account impact on the shareholder value, etc. |
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking to change the registered address. |
(2) Company reorganization
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning the following company reorganization, taking into account their respective impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, impact on financial conditions and business performance of the subject company, and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc. |
Mergers and acquisitions
Transfer of business
Spin-off
Sale of assets
Sale of company
Liquidation
12. | Proxy Fight |
(1) Proxy fight
| We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning election of directors among rival candidates, taking into account independence, competence, existence of anti-social acts, approach to corporate governance and accountability of director candidates, business performance of the company, existence of anti-social acts of the company, as well as the background of the proxy fight, etc. |
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As of April 30, 2017
(2) Proxy fight defense measures
| Classified board structure |
| We generally vote against the proposals seeking to introduce the classified board structure. |
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking to set a directors term of one year. |
| Right to remove directors |
| We generally vote against the proposals seeking to tighten requirements for shareholders to remove directors. |
| Cumulative voting system |
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to introduce the cumulative voting system for election of directors, taking into account its background, etc. |
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to eliminate the cumulative voting system for election of directors, taking into account its background, etc. |
13. | Takeover Defense |
We believe that the interests of the management and shareholders do not always align with each other, and generally vote against new establishment, amendment and update of takeover defense measures that are judged to decrease the shareholder value or interfere with rights of shareholders. We generally vote against reelection of director candidates, if there exist takeover defense measures that are not part of proposals at the shareholders meeting but are judged to decrease the shareholder value or interfere with rights of shareholders.
| Relaxation of requirements for amendment to the articles of incorporation and company regulations |
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to relax the requirements for amendment to the articles of incorporation or company regulations, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, etc. |
| Relaxation of requirements for approval of mergers |
| We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to relax the requirements for approval of mergers, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders. |
14. | ESG |
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As of April 30, 2017
We support the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and acknowledge that how companies address to ESG is an important factor in making investment decisions. Thus, we consider voting against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives and directors in charge, if it is judged that any event that is likely to significantly impair the enterprise value has occurred. We consider to vote for the related proposal, if it is judged to contribute to protection from impairment of, or enhancement of, the enterprise value, and if not, vote against such proposal.
15. | Disclosure |
Disclosure of information and constructive dialogue based thereon are important in making proxy voting decisions and investment decisions.
| We generally vote against the proposals where sufficient information to make proxy voting decision is not disclosed. |
| We generally vote for the proposals seeking to enhance disclosure of information, if such information is beneficial to shareholders. |
| If disclosure of information about financial and non-financial information of the subject company is significantly poor, and if the level of investor relations activities by the management or persons in charge is significantly low, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives and directors in charge. |
16. | Conflict of Interest |
We abstain from voting proxies of the following companies that are likely to have conflict of interest.
We also abstain from voting proxies with respect to the following investment trusts, etc. that are managed by us or Invesco Group companies, as conflict of interest is likely to arise.
| Companies and investment trusts, etc. that we abstain from voting proxies: |
| Invesco Ltd. |
| Investment corporations managed by Invesco Global Real Estate Asia Pacific, Inc. |
We have developed the Conflict of Interest Control Policy and, in the situation where any conflict of interest is likely to arise, we work to control conflict of interest to protect the interests of clients (investors) and beneficiaries. The Compliance Department is responsible for overseeing company-wide control of conflict of interest. The Compliance Department is independent from investment and marketing divisions, and shall not receive any command or order with respect to the matters concerning compliance with the laws and regulations including
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As of April 30, 2017
the matters concerning conflict of interest from investment and marketing divisions.
17. | Shareholder Proposals |
We vote case-by-case on the shareholder proposals in accordance with the Guidelines along with the company proposals in principle.
DISCLAIMER: The English version is a translation of the original in Japanese for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, the Japanese original will prevail. You can download the Japanese version from our website:
http://www.invesco.co.jp/footer/pdf/2017_giketsuken_guideline.pdf
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Proxy Voting Guidelines
for
Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH
April 2013
INVESCO CONTINENTAL EUROPE
VOTING RIGHTS POLICY
INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT SA (& BRANCHES IN AMSTERDAM, BRUSSELS, MADRID, MILAN, STOCKHOLM)
INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT ÖSTERREICH GMBH
Approach
This document sets out the high level Proxy Voting Policy of the companies outlined above and referred to as Invesco Continental Europe (Invesco CE). The principles within this policy are followed by these companies or to any of its delegates as applicable.
Invesco CE is committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all its clients. As such Invesco CE has put in place procedures to ensure that voting rights attached to securities within a UCITS or portfolio for which it is the Management Company are exercised where appropriate and in the best interests of the individual UCITS/ portfolio itself. Where Invesco CE delegates the activity of Investment Management it will ensure that the delegate has in place policies and procedures consistent with the principles of this policy.
Voting Opportunities
Voting opportunities which exist in relation to securities within each individual UCITS/ portfolio are monitored on an ongoing basis in order to ensure that advantage can be taken of any opportunity that arises to benefit the individual UCITS/ portfolio.
When is has been identified that a voting opportunity exists, an investment decisions is taken whether or not the opportunity to vote should be exercised and, if relevant, the voting decision to be taken. Considerations which are taken into account include:
| The cost of participating in the vote relative to the potential benefit to the UCITS/portfolio. |
| The impact of participation in a vote on the liquidity of the securities creating the voting opportunity due to the fact that some jurisdictions will require that the securities are not sold for a period if they are the subject of a vote. |
| Other factors as deemed appropriate by the Investment Manager in relation to the investment objectives and policy of the individual UCITS/ portfolio. |
It may be the case that an investment decision is taken not to participate in a vote. Such decisions can be equally appropriate due to the considerations applied by the investment team to determine the relative benefit to the individual UCITS/ portfolio, based on criteria such as fund size, investment objective, policy and investment strategy applicable.
Conflicts of Interest:
Invesco CE has a Conflicts of Interest Policy which outlines the principles for avoiding, and where not possible, managing conflicts of interest. At no time will Invesco CE use shareholding powers in respect of individual UCITS/portfolio to advance its own commercial interests, to pursue a social or political cause that is unrelated to a UCITS/portfolios economic interests, or to favour another UCITS/ portfolio or client or other relationship to the detriment of others. This policy is available, free of cost, from any of the Invesco CE companies.
Information on Voting Activity:
Further information on votes which were available to individual UCITS and actions taken are available to unitholders free of charge and by request to the UCITS Management Company.
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 25. Financial Statements And Exhibits
(1) | Financial Statements | |||||||
Incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration Statement, as described in the Statement of Additional Information, are the Registrants audited financial statements, notes to such financial statements and the report of independent registered public accounting firm thereon, by reference to the Registrants Annual Report for the period ended February 28, 2018, as contained in the Registrants Form N-CSR filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) on May 3, 2018. | ||||||||
(2) | Exhibits | |||||||
(a) | (i) | Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated May 15, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 77Q1(a) to Registrants report on Form N-SAR-B filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2013) | ||||||
(ii) | Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated December 3, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016) | |||||||
(iii) | Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated August 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(iii) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016) | |||||||
(iv) | Form of Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated June 13, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(iv) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017) | |||||||
(v) | Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated June 13, 2017 (filed herewith) | |||||||
(b) | (i) | Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant, adopted effective August 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 77Q1(a) to Registrants report on Form N-SAR-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2014) | ||||||
(ii) | Second Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant, adopted effective June 13, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(ii) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017) | |||||||
(iii) | (1) | Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares, dated August 29, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(ii)(1) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) | ||||||
(2) | Amendment No. 1 to Statement of Preferences, of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares, dated August 27, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(ii)(2) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) | |||||||
(3) | Amendment No. 2 to Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares, dated March 29, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(iii)(3) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017) | |||||||
(4) | Amended and Restated Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares, dated July 14, 2017 (filed herewith) | |||||||
(c) | Not applicable | |||||||
(d) | Not applicable | |||||||
(e) | Dividend Reinvestment Plan of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) | |||||||
(f) | Not applicable |
(g) | (i) | (1) | Master Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 1, 2010, between the Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 77Q1(e) to Registrants report on Form N-SAR-B filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2010) | |||||
(2) | Amendment No. 1 to Master Investment Advisory Agreement, dated December 3, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 77Q1(e) to Registrants report on Form N-SAR-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2013) | |||||||
(ii) | (1) | Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract, dated June 1, 2010, between Invesco Advisers, Inc. and each of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Ltd., Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Trimark Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 77Q1(e) to Registrants report on Form N-SAR-B filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2010) | ||||||
(2) | Amendment No. 1 to Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract, dated December 3, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 77Q1(e) to Registrants report on Form N-SAR-B filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2014) | |||||||
(3) | Termination Agreement, dated January 16, 2015, between Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco Australia Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(ii)(3) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016) | |||||||
(h) | Form of Underwriting Agreement/Sales Agreement (to be filed by post-effective amendment) | |||||||
(i) | (i) | Form of AIM Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible Directors/Trustees, as approved by the Board of Directors/Trustees on December 31, 2010 (incorporated into this filing by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to AIM Investment Funds (Invesco Investment Funds)s registration statement filed on September 23, 2011) | ||||||
(ii) | Form of Invesco Funds Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement as approved by the Board of Directors/Trustees on December 31, 2010 (incorporated into this filing by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to AIM Investment Funds (Invesco Investment Funds)s registration statement filed on September 23, 2011) | |||||||
(iii) | Form of Amendment to Form of Invesco Funds Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(iii) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016) | |||||||
(j) | Amended and Restated Master Custodian Contract, dated June 1, 2010, between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (j) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14) | |||||||
(k) | (i) Form of Memorandum of Agreement (Advisory Fee Waivers), effective July 1, 2018, between Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. (filed herewith) | |||||||
(ii) | (1) | Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 1, 2002, between Registrant and Computershare EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. and EquiServe, Inc. (incorporated into this filing by reference to Pre-Effective
Amendment No.1 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-2, filed May 25, 2007 (File Nos. 333-141816 and 811-22043)) | ||||||
(2) | Amendment No. 1 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 20, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(2) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) | |||||||
(3) | Letter Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated June 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(3) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) | |||||||
(4) | Amendment No. 2 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 23, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(4) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) |
(5) | Notice of Assignment of Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 24, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(5) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015)) | |||||||
(6) | Amendment No. 3 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated December 3, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(6) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) | |||||||
(7) | Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 1, 2016, between Registrant and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(7) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017) | |||||||
(8) | Amendment No. 1 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated November 21, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(8) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017) | |||||||
(iii) | (1) | Master Administrative Services Agreement, dated June 1, 2010, between Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(iii)(1) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) | ||||||
(2) | Amendment No. 1 to Master Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(iii)(2) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) | |||||||
(3) | Amendment No. 2 to Master Administrative Services Agreement, dated December 3, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(iii)(3) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015) | |||||||
(iv) | (1) | Credit Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2015, between registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(iv)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016) | ||||||
(2) | Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated December 8, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(iv)(2) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017) | |||||||
(3) | Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated December 7, 2017 (filed herewith) | |||||||
(4) | Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated April 27, 2018 (filed herewith) | |||||||
(l) | (i) | Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (l) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrants report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2016) | ||||||
(ii) | Consent of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP (filed herewith) | |||||||
(m) | Not applicable | |||||||
(n) | (i) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith) | ||||||
(o) | Not applicable | |||||||
(p) | Not applicable | |||||||
(q) | Not applicable | |||||||
(r) | (i) | Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2018, relating to Invesco Advisers, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries (filed herewith) | ||||||
(ii) | Invesco UK Code of Ethics, dated 2018, relating to Invesco Asset Management Limited (filed herewith) | |||||||
(iii) | Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited (filed herewith) |
(iv) | Invesco Hong Kong Limited Code of Ethics dated January 1, 2018, relating to Invesco Hong Kong Limited (filed herewith) | |||||||
(v) | Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2017, relating to Invesco Canada Ltd. (filed herewith) | |||||||
(vi) | Invesco EMEA (ex UK) Employees Code of Ethics dated 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH (filed herewith) | |||||||
(vii) | Invesco Senior Secured Management Code of Ethics Policy, revised August 2016 and Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2018 (filed herewith) | |||||||
(s) | (i) | Powers of Attorney for Arch, Bunch, Crockett, Fields, Flanagan, Jones, Mathai-Davis, Soll, Stickel, Taylor and Troccoli, dated May 4, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (s) to Pre Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrants report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2016) | ||||||
(ii) | Powers of Attorney for Hostetler, Ressel, Stern and Wilson dated March 28, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (s)(ii) to Registrants report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017) | |||||||
(iii) | Powers of Attorney for Arch, Crockett, Fields, Flanagan, Hostetler, Jones, Mathai-Davis, Ressell, Stern, Stickel, Taylor, Troccolli and Wilson dated March 28, 2018 (filed herewith) | |||||||
(z) | Form of Prospectus Supplement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (z) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016) |
Item 26. Marketing Arrangements
Reference is made to Exhibit (h) to this Registration Statement to be filed by further amendment.
Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement:
NYSE Listing Fees |
$ | 25,900 | ||
SEC Registration Fees |
$ | 10,749 | ||
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees |
$ | 62,439 | ||
Legal Fees |
$ | 155,609 | ||
FINRA Fees |
$ | 12,000 | ||
Miscellaneous |
$ | 3,500 | ||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 270,197 |
Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant
None
Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities
Title of Class | Number of Record Shareholders as of June 19, 2018 | |
Common Shares |
20 | |
Preferred Shares |
1 |
Item 30. Indemnification
Indemnification provisions for officers, trustees and employees of the Registrant are set forth in Article VIII of the Registrants Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated May 15, 2012, and Article VIII of its Amended and Restated Bylaws, and are hereby incorporated by reference. See Item 25(2)(a) and 25(2)(b) above. Under the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust:
A Trustee or officer of the Trust, when acting in such capacity, shall not be personally liable to any person for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust or any Trustee or officer of the Trust; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall protect any Trustee or officer against any liability to the Trust or to Shareholders to which the Trustee would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office with the Trust.
Every Covered Person shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Act, the Bylaws and other applicable law.
In case any Shareholder or former Shareholder of the Trust shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder of the Trust and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or general successor) shall be entitled, out of the Trusts assets, to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability in accordance with the Bylaws and applicable law. The Trust, on its own behalf, shall upon request by the Shareholder, assume the defense of any such claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust.
The Registrant and other investment companies and their respective officers and trustees are insured under a joint Mutual Fund Directors and Officers Liability Policy, issued by ICI Mutual Insurance Company and certain other domestic insurers, with limits up to $80,000,000 (plus an additional $20,000,000 limit that applies to independent directors/trustees only).
Section 16 of the Master Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. (Invesco) provides that:
In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser or any of its officers, directors or employees, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Trust or to the Funds or to any shareholder of the Trust for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security.
Section 10 of the Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract (the Sub-Advisory Contract) between Invesco, on behalf of Registrant, and each of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Canada Ltd. (each a Sub-Adviser, collectively the Sub-Advisers) provides that:
No Sub-Adviser shall be liable for any costs or liabilities arising from any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which this Contract relates except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of such Sub-Adviser in the performance by such Sub-Adviser of its duties or from reckless disregard by such Sub-Adviser of its obligations and duties under this Contract. Any person, even though also an officer, partner, employee, or agent of a Sub-Adviser, who may be or become a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, shall be deemed, when rendering services to the Trust or acting with respect to any business of the Trust, to be rendering such service to or acting solely for the Trust and not as an officer, partner, employee, or agent or one under the control or direction of such Sub-Adviser even though paid by it.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Act) may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser
The only employment of a substantial nature of Invesco Advisers directors and officers is with the Advisers and its affiliated companies. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of each of the officers and directors of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Canada Ltd. (each a Sub-Adviser, collectively the Sub-Advisers) reference is made to Form ADV filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by each Sub-Adviser herein incorporated by reference. Reference is also made to the caption Fund Management The Advisers in the Prospectuses which comprises Part A of this Registration Statement, and to the caption Investment Advisory and Other Services of the Statement of Additional Information which comprises Part B of this Registration Statement.
Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records
Invesco Advisers, Inc., 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, maintains physical possession of each such account, book or other document of the Registrant at the Registrants principal executive offices, 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, except for those maintained at its Houston offices, 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77046-1173, or at its Louisville, Kentucky offices, 400 West Market Street, Suite 3300, Louisville, KY 40202, or at the offices of Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc., 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, and except for those relating to certain transactions in portfolio securities that are maintained by the Registrants Custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110 and the Registrants Transfer Agent and Dividend Paying Agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA, 02021.
Records may also be maintained at the offices of:
Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH
An der Welle 5
1st Floor
Frankfurt, Germany 60322
Invesco Asset Management Ltd.
Perpetual Park
Perpetual Park Drive
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire RG91HH
United Kingdom
Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 14F
6-10-1 Roppongi
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6114
Invesco Hong Kong Limited
41/F Citibank Tower
3 Garden Road, Central
Hong Kong
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.
1166 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
Invesco Canada Ltd.
5140 Yonge Street
Suite 800
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M2N 6X7
Item 33. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 34. Undertakings
1. | Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of Common Shares until the prospectus is amended, if subsequent to the effective date of this registration statement, its net asset value declines more than ten percent from its net asset value, as of the effective date of the registration statement or its net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus. |
2. | Not applicable. |
3. | Not applicable. |
4. | The securities being registered will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, the Registrant undertakes: |
(a) | to file post-effective amendments to this registration statement, during any period in which offers or sales are being made in accordance with no-action relief granted to the Registrant on January 26, 2017. |
(1) | to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
(2) | to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and |
(3) | to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement. |
(b) | that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and |
(c) | to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; |
(d) | that, for the purpose of determining liability under the 1933 Act to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the 1933 Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the 1933 Act, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use. |
(e) | that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the 1933 Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities: The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser: |
(1) | any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act; |
(2) | the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the 1933 Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and |
(3) | any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser. |
5. | Registrant undertakes that: |
(a) | for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 497(h) under the 1933 Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and |
(b) | for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
6. | Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant, Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund, certifies that it meets all the requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 486(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized in the City of Atlanta, and the State of Georgia, on the 26th day of June 2018.
INVESCO DYNAMIC CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND | ||
By: | /s/ Sheri Morris | |
Sheri Morris, President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signatures |
Title |
Date |
||||
/s/ Sheri Morris |
President & Treasurer | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Sheri Morris) | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||
/s/ David C. Arch* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(David C. Arch) | ||||||
/s/ Bruce L. Crockett* |
Chair & Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Bruce L. Crockett) | ||||||
/s/ Jack M. Fields* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Jack M. Fields) | ||||||
/s/ Martin L. Flanagan* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Martin L. Flanagan) | ||||||
/s/ Cynthia Hostetler* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Cynthia Hostetler) | ||||||
/s/ Eli Jones* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Eli Jones) | ||||||
/s/ Prema Mathai-Davis* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Prema Mathai-Davis) | ||||||
/s/ Teresa M. Ressel* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Teresa M. Ressel) | ||||||
/s/ Ann Barnett Stern* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Ann Barnett Stern) |
/s/ Raymond Stickel, Jr.* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Raymond Stickel, Jr.) | ||||||
/s/ Philip A. Taylor* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Philip A. Taylor) | ||||||
/s/ Robert C. Troccoli* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Robert C. Troccoli) | ||||||
/s/ Christopher L. Wilson* |
Trustee | June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Christopher L. Wilson) | ||||||
/s/ Kelli Gallegos) |
Vice President & Assistant Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) |
June 26, 2018 | ||||
(Kelli Gallegos) |
By | /s/ Sheri Morris | |
Sheri Morris | ||
Attorney-in-Fact |
* | Sheri Morris, pursuant to powers of attorney dated March 28, 2018, filed herewith. |
EXHIBITS TO FORM N-2
INVESCO DYNAMIC CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Exhibit Number |
||
(a)(v) | Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated June 13, 2017 | |
(b)(iii)(4) | Amended and Restated Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares, dated July 14, 2017 | |
(k)(i) | Form of Memorandum of Agreement (Advisory Fee Waivers), effective July 1, 2018, between Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. | |
(k)(iv)(3) | Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated December 7, 2017 | |
(k)(iv)(4) | Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated April 27, 2018 | |
(l)(ii) | Consent of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP | |
(n)(i) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |
(r)(i) | Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2018, relating to Invesco Advisers, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries | |
(r)(ii) | Invesco UK Code of Ethics, dated 2018, relating to Invesco Asset Management Limited | |
(r)(iii) | Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited | |
(r)(iv) | Invesco Hong Kong Limited Code of Ethics dated January 1, 2018, relating to Invesco Hong Kong Limited | |
(r)(v) | Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2017, relating to Invesco Canada Ltd. | |
(r)(vi) | Invesco EMEA (ex UK) Employees Code of Ethics dated 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH | |
(r)(vii) | Invesco Senior Secured Management Code of Ethics Policy, revised August 2016 and Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2018 | |
(s)(iii) | Powers of Attorney for Arch, Crockett, Fields, Flanagan, Hostetler, Jones, Mathai-Davis, Ressell, Stern, Stickel, Taylor, Troccolli and Wilson dated March 28, 2018 |