485BPOS 1 d696335d485bpos.htm TA FUNDS HIGH YIELD ESG/SUSTAINABLE BOND TA Funds High Yield ESG/Sustainable Bond
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2020

1933 Act Registration No. 033-02659

1940 Act Registration No. 811-04556

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933   
Pre-Effective Amendment No.   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 287   

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No. 288   

(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

 

 

TRANSAMERICA FUNDS

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

1801 California St., Suite 5200, Denver, Colorado 80202

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: 1-888-233-4339

Erin D. Nelson, Esq., 1801 California St., Suite 5200, Denver, Colorado 80202

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

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

 

 

immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

 

on July 31, 2020 pursuant to paragraph (b)

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

 

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

This Amendment to the Registration Statement of Transamerica Funds relates only to Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond. The prospectuses and statements of additional information for the other series and classes of Transamerica Funds, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 


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Transamerica Funds
Prospectus July 31, 2020
Class I2 Shares
Fund | Ticker  
Transamerica High Yield ESG TAKJX
Transamerica Sustainable Bond TAQOX
The funds listed above are series of Transamerica Funds.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the funds intend to no longer mail paper copies of the funds’ shareholder reports, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the fund or your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank). Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically (“e-delivery”), you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct shareholder with a fund, by calling 1-888-233-4339.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports for funds held through that intermediary. If you are a direct shareholder with a fund, you can call 1-888-233-4339 to let the fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. That election will apply to all Transamerica funds held directly with the fund complex.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
MPCAI2720

 


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Transamerica High Yield ESG
    
Investment Objective: Seeks a high level of current income.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None
    
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 0.55%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees None
Other expenses1 0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses 0.84%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement2 0.09%
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 0.75%
1 Other expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
2 Contractual arrangements have been made with the fund’s investment manager, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”), through March 1, 2022 to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed 0.75% for Class I2 shares, excluding, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund’s business. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to March 1, 2022 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during any of the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class. A class may reimburse TAM only if such reimbursement does not cause, on any particular business day of the fund, the class’ total annual operating expenses (after the reimbursement is taken into account) to exceed the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the 1 year dollar amount shown below reflects TAM's agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 year 3 years
$77 $254
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected
in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in high-yield securities. The sub-adviser focuses on investments that the sub-adviser views as having a favorable Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) profile based on the sub-adviser’s internal ESG evaluation process. The fund normally invests primarily in U.S. securities.
High yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) are high-risk debt securities rated, at the time of investment, below BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the fund’s sub-adviser. The high yield securities in which the fund invests are primarily corporate bonds.
The sub-adviser’s ESG evaluation process is designed to emphasize positive selection of investments with favorable ESG characteristics in the view of the sub-adviser, while minimizing exposure to companies considered by the sub-adviser as having less favorable ESG qualities. In this process, the sub-adviser excludes companies involved in certain industries and/or business practices that are viewed as exhibiting the most negative ESG impacts. The sub-adviser then employs a fundamental, proprietary research approach to identify potential investments and categorizes them as belonging to one of five ESG categories.
Category one includes companies viewed by the sub-adviser as leaders in sustainable business practices or demonstrating commitment to the pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Category two companies are judged by the sub-adviser to have low exposure to ESG risks or have policies in place to mitigate such risks. Category three companies are those, in the view of the sub-adviser, which face future ESG risks of uncertain timing or magnitude that could negatively affect the company. Category four companies are those which the sub-adviser views as exhibiting current ESG risks that are impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals, but are not significant enough to impact the overall credit quality of the company. Category five includes companies that, in the sub-adviser’s view, have ESG factors negatively impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals to the extent credit quality is also impacted.
The fund’s investment universe consists of companies classified by the sub-adviser within categories one through four with the fund’s investments predominantly falling in categories one through three.
When assessing a company’s ESG practices, the sub-adviser may take into account a number of ESG considerations of an environmental, social or governance nature. Environmental considerations may include, but are not limited to, climate change and carbon emissions, energy efficiency, waste and pollution, water
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use and conservation, deforestation, natural resource use and renewable energy. Social considerations may include, but are not limited to, human rights and labor standards, product safety and liability, workplace safety, workplace benefits, employee relations, diversity/inclusion policies, data protection and privacy, community involvement, nutrition and health, and supply chain sourcing. Governance considerations may include, but are not limited to, board independence, board diversity, anticorruption policies, shareholder rights, compensation structures, corporate political contributions and corporate behavior.
The sub-adviser’s research-intensive process uses a combination of a global top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environment and proprietary bottom-up research of corporate debt, stressed and distressed securities, and other debt instruments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that it believes affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis assists the sub-adviser in analyzing fund risk and allocating assets among sectors, industries, and credit quality categories. In its proprietary bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as creditworthiness and capital structure. The sub-adviser integrates ESG factors into its analysis by combining external data with internal research to evaluate the investment’s ESG characteristics. The process incorporates both qualitative elements (such as company commitment to sustainable initiatives) and quantitative elements (such as measurable ESG risks) to assess the potential material influence of ESG factors on an investment’s credit fundamentals.
The fund has no maturity or duration requirements or limitations. The fund may invest in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in emerging market securities.
The fund may invest in investment grade bonds, bank loans, preferred equity securities, common equity securities (received in connection with exchanges or restructurings) and cash equivalents. The fund may also invest in hybrid instruments having both debt and equity characteristics.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, are subject to the sub-adviser’s ESG assessment framework.
Principal Risks: Risk is inherent in all investing. Many factors and risks affect the fund's performance, including those described below. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of principal risks (in alphabetical order after certain key risks) of investing in the fund. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
Market – The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events,
government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, the fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this summary will likely increase. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
High-Yield Debt Securities – High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. Issuers of junk bonds are typically in weaker financial health. Changes in interest rates, the market’s perception of the issuers, the creditworthiness of the issuers and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally may significantly affect the value of these bonds. Junk bonds are considered speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and may be more difficult to value than higher grade securities, and they may result in losses for the fund. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments.
Credit – If an issuer or other obligor (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations or is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against an issuer, obligor or counterparty. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract.
Interest Rate – Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. The fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. The value of fixed income securities generally goes down when interest rates rise, and therefore the value of your investment in the fund may also go down. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of the fund’s investments. A general rise
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in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the value of the fund’s shares.
Fixed-Income Securities – Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed-income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by the fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels, so the fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
Liquidity – The fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value, may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in value. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid investment to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss. The fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of less liquid or illiquid securities for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer), and such sale may involve additional costs. Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for the fund to sell. This may prevent the fund from limiting losses.
Counterparty – The fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the fund invests will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties (including derivatives exchanges and clearinghouses) may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s ESG criteria to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo
some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by the sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Extension – When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause the fund's share price to be more volatile or go down.
Prepayment or Call – Many issuers have a right to prepay their fixed income securities. Issuers may be more likely to prepay their securities if interest rates fall. If this happens, the fund will not benefit from the rise in the market price of the securities that normally accompanies a decline in interest rates and will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on prepaid securities. The fund may also lose any premium it paid on prepaid securities.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities – Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. The fund may suffer significant losses if the reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. The fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties, and the fund could lose its entire investment.
Focused Investing – To the extent the fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Valuation – The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets, that are priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares
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or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund's ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Management – The value of your investment may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. You may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, investment techniques applied, or the analyses employed or relied on, by the investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. The fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. Any of these things could cause the fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Active Trading – The fund may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations – To the extent the fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Currency – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Emerging Markets – Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems and regulatory and accounting standards that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries.
Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors such as the fund from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Energy Sector – Industries in the energy segment, such as those engaged in the development, production and distribution of energy resources, can be significantly affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil, gas and other consumable fuels, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions likewise will affect the performance of companies in these industries.
Equity Securities – Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and consequently may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile and the value of equity securities may go up or down sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities. The value of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If the fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Floating Rate Loans – Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in the fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, the fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase.
Foreign Investments – Investing in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involves additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the fund’s foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other
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adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and weaker legal systems and accounting standards also may affect the value of these securities. Foreign investments may have lower liquidity and be more difficult to value than investments in U.S. issuers.
Hybrid Instruments – Investing in hybrid instruments involves a combination of risks, including risks of investing in securities, commodities, options, futures, and currencies. An investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional fixed-income or convertible securities.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds – A significant portion of the fund’s shares may be owned by other funds sponsored by Transamerica. Transactions by these funds may be disruptive to the management of the fund. For example, the fund may experience large redemptions and could be required to sell securities at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase the fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, sizeable redemptions could cause the fund’s total expenses to increase.
Loans – Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan. Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower’s capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. The fund's investments in loans are also subject to prepayment or call risk. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain the fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
New Fund – The fund was recently formed. Investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders.
Preferred Stock – Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid and have limited voting rights.
Yield – The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Performance: No performance is shown for the fund. Performance information will appear in a future version of this prospectus once the fund has a full calendar year of performance information to report to investors.
The fund's benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index.
As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamerica.com/individual/products/mutual-funds/performance/ or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
Management:
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Sub-Adviser: Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
Kevin Bakker, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. Portfolio Manager since 2020
Derek Thoms Portfolio Manager since 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: Class I2 shares of the fund are currently primarily offered for investment by certain funds of funds (also referred to as “strategic asset allocation funds”). Class I2 shares of the fund are also made available to other investors, including institutional investors such as foreign insurers, domestic insurance companies and their separate accounts, and unaffiliated funds, high net worth individuals, and eligible retirement plans whose recordkeepers or financial service firm intermediaries have entered into agreements with Transamerica Funds or its agents. You buy and redeem shares at the fund’s next-determined net asset value (“NAV”) after receipt of your request in good order.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. In that case, you may be taxed when you take a distribution from such plan, depending on the type of plan, the circumstances of your distribution and other factors.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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Transamerica Sustainable Bond
    
Investment Objective: Seeks to provide high total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None
    
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 0.41%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees None
Other expenses1 0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses 0.70%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement2 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 0.45%
1 Other expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
2 Contractual arrangements have been made with the fund’s investment manager, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”), through March 1, 2022 to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed 0.45% for Class I2 shares, excluding, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund’s business. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to March 1, 2022 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during any of the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class. A class may reimburse TAM only if such reimbursement does not cause, on any particular business day of the fund, the class’ total annual operating expenses (after the reimbursement is taken into account) to exceed the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the 1 year dollar amount shown below reflects TAM's agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 year 3 years
$46 $183
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected
in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. The fund’s investments in fixed-income securities may include U.S. government and foreign government bonds and notes (including emerging markets), mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations), investment grade and below (commonly known as “junk bonds”) corporate bonds of issuers in the U.S. and foreign countries (including emerging markets), convertible bonds and other convertible securities, bank loans and loan participations, structured notes, municipal bonds and preferred securities. The fund’s investment in fixed-income securities may also include dollar rolls, inflation-protected securities, repurchase agreements and to be announced (“TBA”) transactions. The fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration. Under normal circumstances, the fund has an average credit rating of investment grade.
The fund’s investment universe is defined by the sub-adviser’s Sustainable Investment Committee (“SIC”) which consists of employees of the sub-adviser and affiliated entities within the global Aegon Asset Management organization, who have responsible investing expertise. The fund’s sub-adviser focuses on fixed-income securities of issuers that are, in the sub-adviser’s view, aligned with sustainability initiatives. All potential investments are screened utilizing the sub-adviser’s proprietary sustainability assessment framework which evaluates issuers or securities using internal and external inputs. Eligible investments include issuers or securities that are viewed by the sub-adviser as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, various environmental and societal initiatives. The sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment focuses on key sustainability pillars, including climate change, eco solutions, resource efficiency, health and well-being and sustainable growth. These sustainable investment opportunities also align with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of goals that seek to address the world’s most pressing sustainability issues. While the SDGs provide a helpful framework for identifying sustainable themes, the sub-adviser relies on their proprietary sustainability assessment to determine the eligible investment universe.
The fund uses positive screening to identify issuers and securities that the sub-adviser believes align with sustainability themes. Given the fund’s inclusionary stance and thematic approach to selecting the investment universe, the sub-adviser avoids investments in issuers, industries or sectors that are wholly inconsistent with its sustainable investing philosophy. As a result, the fund does not utilize a specific exclusions list.
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The sub-adviser uses a research-driven process in an effort to identify sustainable investment opportunities. The process consists of five primary steps:
1. Sustainability research: The sub-adviser generates sustainable investment ideas using a sustainability assessment process to identify fixed income investments that the sub-adviser believes will contribute to or benefit from the long-term sustainability of the global economy, environment and society. The process combines internal expertise alongside external data to analyze a potential investment’s sustainability profile. Sustainable investment ideas are presented to the SIC for further evaluation.
2. Sustainability determination: The SIC reviews the sustainability research and ultimately determines the sustainable investment universe for the fund. The SIC reviews investments for alignment with sustainable initiatives and identifies an eligible investment universe consisting of issuers that are viewed as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability. Issuers and securities are classified into one of five categories depending on level of alignment with sustainability initiatives. The sustainability criteria is tailored to the fixed income sector.
3. Economic research and recommendation: In its proprietary, bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, creditworthiness, capital structure, covenants, cash-flows and, as applicable, collateral.
4. Portfolio construction: The sub-adviser combines the proprietary bottom-up research with top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis includes a relative value assessment across asset classes as the sub-adviser constructs a sustainability-themed portfolio based on the eligible sustainable investment universe set by the SIC. The fund invests in issuers or securities that meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria within categories one through three. As an example, category one “sustainable leaders” may include companies with a material amount of revenues tied to products or services aligned with sustainability initiatives. Conversely, category five companies that do not meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may be involved in controversial activities that are against sustainable initiatives.
5. Engagement: The sub-adviser’s dedicated Responsible Investment team may engage with issuers in an effort to encourage issuers to enhance the sustainability of their businesses and make positive change.
The fund may utilize derivatives, such as options, futures, forward currency contracts and swaps, including, but not limited to, interest rate, total return and credit default swaps. These investment strategies may be employed as a hedging technique, as a means of altering investment characteristics of the fund’s portfolio (such as
shortening or lengthening duration), in an attempt to enhance returns or for other purposes. The fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward-commitment basis.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and derivatives instruments used for duration or temporary cashflow management purposes, are subject to the sub-adviser’s sustainability screening process.
Principal Risks: Risk is inherent in all investing. Many factors and risks affect the fund's performance, including those described below. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of principal risks (in alphabetical order after certain key risks) of investing in the fund. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
Market – The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, the fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this summary will likely increase. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Fixed-Income Securities – Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed-income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal
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and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by the fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels, so the fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
Credit – If an issuer or other obligor (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations or is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against an issuer, obligor or counterparty. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract.
Interest Rate – Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. The fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. The value of fixed income securities generally goes down when interest rates rise, and therefore the value of your investment in the fund may also go down. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of the fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the value of the fund’s shares.
Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities – The value of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities will be influenced by factors affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset values, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid, which could negatively impact the fund. Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private issuers, by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or by agencies of the U.S. government, such as Ginnie Mae. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Unlike mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government or government-sponsored entities, mortgage-related securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral,
credit risk or other underwriting characteristics. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment or call and extension risks. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets. The risk of default is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include so-called “sub-prime” mortgages. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less information available than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the fund may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss.
High-Yield Debt Securities – High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. Issuers of junk bonds are typically in weaker financial health. Changes in interest rates, the market’s perception of the issuers, the creditworthiness of the issuers and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally may significantly affect the value of these bonds. Junk bonds are considered speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and may be more difficult to value than higher grade securities, and they may result in losses for the fund. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments.
Liquidity – The fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value, may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in value. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid investment to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss. The fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of less liquid or illiquid securities for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer), and such sale may involve additional costs. Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for the fund to sell. This may prevent the fund from limiting losses.
Sustainability Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment framework to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not apply sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. Securities of companies meeting the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not utilize sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. The sub-adviser monitors
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the fund’s holdings based on the latest publicly available information. Any delay in obtaining public information regarding the fund’s holdings could result in the fund holding an investment that no longer meets the fund’s sustainability investing principals. “Sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying sustainability criteria involves subjective assessment.
Counterparty – The fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the fund invests will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties (including derivatives exchanges and clearinghouses) may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Extension – When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause the fund's share price to be more volatile or go down.
Prepayment or Call – Many issuers have a right to prepay their fixed income securities. Issuers may be more likely to prepay their securities if interest rates fall. If this happens, the fund will not benefit from the rise in the market price of the securities that normally accompanies a decline in interest rates and will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on prepaid securities. The fund may also lose any premium it paid on prepaid securities.
Management – The value of your investment may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. You may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, investment techniques applied, or the analyses employed or relied on, by the investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. The fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. Any of these things could cause the fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Active Trading – The fund may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations – To the extent the fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Convertible Securities – Convertible securities are subject to risks associated with both fixed income and equity securities. When the underlying common stock falls in value, the market price of the convertible security may be more influenced by the security’s yield and fixed income characteristics. When the underlying common stock rises in value, the market price may be more influenced by the equity conversion features. Since the convertible security derives its value from the underlying common stock, the security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality.
Currency – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Currency Hedging – The fund may hedge its currency risk using currency futures, forwards or options. However, hedging strategies and/or these instruments may not always work as intended, and a fund may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging strategy or instrument.
Derivatives – Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the fund. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional or heightened risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Their usage can increase fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices or volatility, interest rates, currencies, or the derivatives themselves, behave in a way not anticipated. Using derivatives may have a leveraging effect, increase fund volatility and not produce the result intended. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on the fund. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty (including, if applicable, the fund’s clearing broker, the derivatives exchange or the clearinghouse) may default on its obligations to the fund. In certain cases, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against or closing out derivatives instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses. Derivatives are subject to additional risks such as operational risk, including
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settlement issues, and legal risk, including that underlying documentation is incomplete or ambiguous. Derivatives are also generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative, including market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, management and valuation risk. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more or less than, or otherwise not correlate well with, the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. The fund may be required to segregate or earmark liquid assets or otherwise cover its obligations under derivatives transactions and may have to liquidate positions before it is desirable in order to meet these segregation and coverage requirements. Use of derivatives may have different tax consequences for the fund than an investment in the underlying assets or indices, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities – Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. The fund may suffer significant losses if the reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. The fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties, and the fund could lose its entire investment.
Dollar Rolls – The use of dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money. Dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker/dealer to whom the fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the fund’s ability to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
Emerging Markets – Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems and regulatory and accounting standards that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors such as the fund from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s ESG criteria to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use
ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by the sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Equity Securities – Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and consequently may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile and the value of equity securities may go up or down sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities. The value of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If the fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Floating Rate Loans – Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in the fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, the fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase.
Focused Investing – To the extent the fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Foreign Investments – Investing in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involves additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the fund’s foreign investments may decline because of factors
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affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and weaker legal systems and accounting standards also may affect the value of these securities. Foreign investments may have lower liquidity and be more difficult to value than investments in U.S. issuers.
Hedging – The fund may buy and sell futures contracts, put and call options, forward contracts and other instruments as a hedge. Some hedging strategies could hedge the fund’s portfolio against price fluctuations. Other hedging strategies would tend to increase the fund’s exposure to the securities market. Forward contracts could be used to try to manage foreign currency risks on the fund’s foreign investments. The fund’s hedging strategies may not work as intended, and the fund may be in a less favorable position than if it had not used a hedging instrument.
Inflation-Protected Securities – Inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. The market for U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”) and corporate inflation-protected securities (“CIPS”) may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets. Also, the inflation index utilized by a particular inflation-protected security may not accurately reflect the true rate of inflation, in which case the market value of the security could be adversely affected.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds – A significant portion of the fund’s shares may be owned by other funds sponsored by Transamerica. Transactions by these funds may be disruptive to the management of the fund. For example, the fund may experience large redemptions and could be required to sell securities at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase the fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, sizeable redemptions could cause the fund’s total expenses to increase.
Leveraging – The value of your investment may be more volatile to the extent that the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Other risks also will be compounded because leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in the loss of a substantial amount, and possibly all, of the fund's assets. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation or coverage requirements.
Loans – Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity
risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan. Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower’s capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. The fund's investments in loans are also subject to prepayment or call risk. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain the fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
Municipal Securities – The municipal bond market can be susceptible to unusual volatility, particularly for lower-rated and unrated securities. Liquidity can be reduced unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening. Municipal issuers may be adversely affected by rising health care costs, increasing unfunded pension liabilities, and by the phasing out of federal programs providing financial support. Unfavorable conditions and developments relating to projects financed with municipal securities can result in lower revenues to issuers of municipal securities, potentially resulting in defaults. Issuers often depend on revenues from these projects to make principal and interest payments. The value of municipal securities can also be adversely affected by changes in the financial condition of one or more individual municipal issuers or insurers of municipal issuers, regulatory and political developments, tax law changes or other legislative actions, and by uncertainties and public perceptions concerning these and other factors. To the extent the fund invests significantly in a single state or in securities the payments on which are dependent upon a single project or source of revenues, or that relate to a sector or industry, the fund will be more susceptible to associated risks and developments. Municipal issuers may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. A number of municipal issuers have defaulted on obligations, commenced insolvency proceedings, or suffered credit downgrading. Financial difficulties of municipal issuers may continue or worsen.
Investment in municipal securities of issuers in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other U.S. territories, may have more risks than tax-exempt securities issued by other issuers due to the political, social and/or economic conditions in the particular territory.
New Fund – The fund was recently formed. Investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders.
Preferred Stock – Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the
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underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid and have limited voting rights.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities - Restricted securities, which include private placements of private and public companies, are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to sell at the time and price a fund prefers. Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale, both of which may result in substantial losses. An insufficient number of eligible buyers interested in purchasing restricted securities held by a fund could adversely affect the marketability of such securities and a fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices, adversely affecting a fund’s overall liquidity. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. A fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities.
Repurchase Agreements – In a repurchase agreement, the fund purchases securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the fund at a later date, and at a specified price, which is typically higher than the purchase price paid by the fund. The securities purchased serve as the fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. If the counterparty does not repurchase the securities, the fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss. If the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.
Sovereign Debt – Sovereign debt instruments are subject to the risk that the governmental entity may delay or fail to pay interest or repay principal on its sovereign debt. If a governmental entity defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans, or the debt may be restructured. There may be no established legal process for collecting sovereign debt that a government does not pay, nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected.
Structured Instruments – The fund may invest in, or have exposure to, various types of structured instruments, including securities that have demand, tender or put features, or interest rate reset features. Structured instruments are a type of derivative instrument and the payment and credit qualities of these instruments derive from the assets embedded in the structure from which they are issued. Structured instruments may be leveraged and may behave in ways not anticipated by the fund, or they may not receive tax, accounting or regulatory treatment anticipated by the fund. Structured instruments may also be less liquid and more difficult to value accurately than more traditional securities and instruments.
To Be Announced (TBA) Transactions – Although the securities that are delivered in TBA transactions must meet certain standards, there is a risk that the actual securities received by the fund may be less favorable than what was anticipated when entering into the transaction. TBA transactions also involve the risk that a
counterparty will fail to deliver the security, exposing the fund to further losses. Whether or not the fund takes delivery of the securities at the termination date of a TBA transaction, it will nonetheless be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations – Government agency obligations have different levels of credit support and, therefore, different degrees of credit risk. Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government generally present a lesser degree of credit risk than securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the credit of the issuing agencies. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price.
Valuation – The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets, that are priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund's ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Yield – The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Performance: No performance is shown for the fund. Performance information will appear in a future version of this prospectus once the fund has a full calendar year of performance information to report to investors.
The fund's benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamerica.com/individual/products/mutual-funds/performance/ or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
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Management:
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Sub-Adviser: Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Charles Foster, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jeremy Mead, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jose Pluto, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jeremy Thurm, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
James Rich Portfolio Manager since 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: Class I2 shares of the fund are currently primarily offered for investment by certain funds of funds (also referred to as “strategic asset allocation funds”). Class I2 shares of the fund are also made available to other investors, including institutional investors such as foreign insurers, domestic insurance companies and their separate accounts, and unaffiliated funds, high net worth individuals, and eligible retirement plans whose recordkeepers or financial service firm intermediaries have entered into agreements with Transamerica Funds or its agents. You buy and redeem shares at the fund’s next-determined net asset value (“NAV”) after receipt of your request in good order.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. In that case, you may be taxed when you take a distribution from such plan, depending on the type of plan, the circumstances of your distribution and other factors.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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More on each Fund’s Strategies and Investments
    
The following provides additional information regarding each fund’s strategies and investments described at the front of this prospectus. Except as otherwise expressly stated in this prospectus or in the statement of additional information or as required by law, there is no limit on the amount of each fund’s assets that may be invested in a particular type of security or investment.
Transamerica High Yield ESG: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in high-yield securities. The sub-adviser focuses on investments that the sub-adviser views as having a favorable Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) profile based on the sub-adviser’s internal ESG evaluation process. The fund normally invests primarily in U.S. securities.
High yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) are high-risk debt securities rated, at the time of investment, below BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the fund’s sub-adviser. The high yield securities in which the fund invests are primarily corporate bonds.
The sub-adviser’s ESG evaluation process is designed to emphasize positive selection of investments with favorable ESG characteristics in the view of the sub-adviser, while minimizing exposure to companies considered by the sub-adviser as having less favorable ESG qualities. In this process, the sub-adviser excludes companies involved in certain industries and/or business practices that are viewed as exhibiting the most negative ESG impacts. The sub-adviser then employs a fundamental, proprietary research approach to identify potential investments and categorizes them as belonging to one of five ESG categories.
Category one includes companies viewed by the sub-adviser as leaders in sustainable business practices or demonstrating commitment to the pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Category two companies are judged by the sub-adviser to have low exposure to ESG risks or have policies in place to mitigate such risks. Category three companies are those, in the view of the sub-adviser, which face future ESG risks of uncertain timing or magnitude that could negatively affect the company. Category four companies are those which the sub-adviser views as exhibiting current ESG risks that are impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals, but are not significant enough to impact the overall credit quality of the company. Category five includes companies that, in the sub-adviser’s view, have ESG factors negatively impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals to the extent credit quality is also impacted.
The fund’s investment universe consists of companies classified by the sub-adviser within categories one through four with the fund’s investments predominantly falling in categories one through three.
When assessing a company’s ESG practices, the sub-adviser may take into account a number of ESG considerations of an environmental, social or governance nature. Environmental considerations may include, but are not limited to, climate change and carbon emissions, energy efficiency, waste and pollution, water use and conservation, deforestation, natural resource use and renewable energy. Social considerations may include, but are not limited to, human rights and labor standards, product safety and liability, workplace safety, workplace benefits, employee relations, diversity/inclusion policies, data protection and privacy, community involvement, nutrition and health, and supply chain sourcing. Governance considerations may include, but are not limited to, board independence, board diversity, anticorruption policies, shareholder rights, compensation structures, corporate political contributions and corporate behavior.
The sub-adviser’s research-intensive process uses a combination of a global top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environment and proprietary bottom-up research of corporate debt, stressed and distressed securities, and other debt instruments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that it believes affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis assists the sub-adviser in analyzing fund risk and allocating assets among sectors, industries, and credit quality categories. In its proprietary bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as creditworthiness and capital structure. The sub-adviser integrates ESG factors into its analysis by combining external data with internal research to evaluate the investment’s ESG characteristics. The process incorporates both qualitative elements (such as company commitment to sustainable initiatives) and quantitative elements (such as measurable ESG risks) to assess the potential material influence of ESG factors on an investment’s credit fundamentals.
The fund has no maturity or duration requirements or limitations. The fund may invest in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in emerging market securities.
The fund may invest in investment grade bonds, bank loans, preferred equity securities, common equity securities (received in connection with exchanges or restructurings) and cash equivalents. The fund may also invest in hybrid instruments having both debt and equity characteristics.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, are subject to the sub-adviser’s ESG assessment framework.
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The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
Transamerica Sustainable Bond: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. The fund’s investments in fixed-income securities may include U.S. government and foreign government bonds and notes (including emerging markets), mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations), investment grade and below (commonly known as “junk bonds”) corporate bonds of issuers in the U.S. and foreign countries (including emerging markets), convertible bonds and other convertible securities (including contingent convertible securities), bank loans and loan participations, structured notes, municipal bonds and preferred securities. The fund’s investment in fixed-income securities may also include dollar rolls, inflation-protected securities, repurchase agreements and to be announced (“TBA”) transactions. The fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration. Under normal circumstances, the fund has an average credit rating of investment grade.
The fund’s investment universe is defined by the sub-adviser’s Sustainable Investment Committee (“SIC”) which consists of employees of the sub-adviser and affiliated entities within the global Aegon Asset Management organization, who have responsible investing expertise. The fund’s sub-adviser focuses on fixed-income securities of issuers that are, in the sub-adviser’s view, aligned with sustainability initiatives. All potential investments are screened utilizing the sub-adviser’s proprietary sustainability assessment framework which evaluates issuers or securities using internal and external inputs. Eligible investments include issuers or securities that are viewed by the sub-adviser as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, various environmental and societal initiatives. The sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment focuses on key sustainability pillars, including climate change, eco solutions, resource efficiency, health and well-being and sustainable growth. These sustainable investment opportunities also align with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of goals that seek to address the world’s most pressing sustainability issues. While the SDGs provide a helpful framework for identifying sustainable themes, the sub-adviser relies on their proprietary sustainability assessment to determine the eligible investment universe.
The fund uses positive screening to identify issuers and securities that the sub-adviser believes align with sustainability themes. Given the fund’s inclusionary stance and thematic approach to selecting the investment universe, the sub-adviser avoids investments in issuers, industries or sectors that are wholly inconsistent with its sustainable investing philosophy. As a result, the fund does not utilize a specific exclusions list.
The sub-adviser uses a research-driven process in an effort to identify sustainable investment opportunities. The process consists of five primary steps:
1. Sustainability research: The sub-adviser generates sustainable investment ideas using a sustainability assessment process to identify fixed income investments that the sub-adviser believes will contribute to or benefit from the long-term sustainability of the global economy, environment and society. The process combines internal expertise alongside external data to analyze a potential investment’s sustainability profile. Sustainable investment ideas are presented to the SIC for further evaluation.
2. Sustainability determination: The SIC reviews the sustainability research and ultimately determines the sustainable investment universe for the fund. The SIC reviews investments for alignment with sustainable initiatives and identifies an eligible investment universe consisting of issuers that are viewed as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability. Issuers and securities are classified into one of five categories depending on level of alignment with sustainability initiatives. The sustainability criteria is tailored to the fixed income sector.
3. Economic research and recommendation: In its proprietary, bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, creditworthiness, capital structure, covenants, cash-flows and, as applicable, collateral.
4. Portfolio construction: The sub-adviser combines the proprietary bottom-up research with top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis includes a relative value assessment across asset classes as the sub-adviser constructs a sustainability-themed portfolio based on the eligible sustainable investment universe set by the SIC. The fund invests in issuers or securities that meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria within categories one through three. As an example, category one “sustainable leaders” may include companies with a material amount of revenues tied to products or services aligned with sustainability initiatives. Conversely, category five companies that do not meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may be involved in controversial activities that are against sustainable initiatives.
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5. Engagement: The sub-adviser’s dedicated Responsible Investment team may engage with issuers in an effort to encourage issuers to enhance the sustainability of their businesses and make positive change.
The fund may utilize derivatives, such as options, futures, forward currency contracts and swaps, including, but not limited to, interest rate, total return and credit default swaps. These investment strategies may be employed as a hedging technique, as a means of altering investment characteristics of the fund’s portfolio (such as shortening or lengthening duration), in an attempt to enhance returns or for other purposes. The fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward-commitment basis.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and derivatives instruments used for duration or temporary cashflow management purposes, are subject to the sub-adviser’s sustainability screening process.
The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
More on Risks of Investing in the Funds
    
The value of your investment in a fund changes with the values of that fund’s investments. Many factors and risks can affect those values, including the risks described below. There is no guarantee that a fund will be able to achieve its investment objective. It is possible to lose money by investing in a fund.
Some of the risks of investing in the funds, including the principal risks of the funds, are discussed below. A fund may be subject to factors and risks other than those identified in this prospectus, and these other factors and risks could adversely affect the fund’s investment results. More information about risks appears in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Absence of Regulation: A fund may engage in over-the-counter (“OTC”) transactions, which trade in a dealer network, rather than on an exchange. In general, there is less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions in the OTC markets than of transactions entered into on organized exchanges. Transactions in the OTC markets also are subject to the credit risk of the counterparty.
Active Trading: Certain funds may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations: To the extent a fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Cash Management and Defensive Investing: The value of investments held by a fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate. Like other fixed income securities, cash and cash equivalent securities are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If a fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash, it will not earn income on the cash and the fund’s yield will go down. If a significant amount of a fund’s assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective.
Conflicts of Interest: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”) and its affiliates are engaged in a variety of businesses and have interests other than those related to managing the funds. The broad range of activities and interests of TAM and its affiliates gives rise to actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest that could affect the funds and their shareholders. Certain actual and potential conflicts are described below. Other conflicts may arise from time to time.
TAM and the funds have adopted practices, policies and procedures that are intended to identify, manage and, where possible, mitigate conflicts of interest. There is no assurance, however, that these practices, policies and procedures will be effective.
TAM serves as investment manager to and is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day investment advice and management of certain funds of funds that invest in underlying Transamerica funds and is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among the underlying funds. For certain other funds of funds, TAM has hired a sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager and is subject to conflicts of interest in connection with the selection and allocation by the sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager of the fund of funds’ assets. TAM has designed certain funds of funds where only Transamerica funds are underlying investment options. This means that TAM or the fund of funds’ sub-adviser or portfolio construction managers, as applicable, does not, nor does it expect to, consider any unaffiliated funds as underlying investment options for the fund of funds. TAM
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and its affiliates will receive more revenue when TAM, a portfolio construction manager or sub-adviser selects a Transamerica fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in a fund of funds and could result in the selection of funds with relatively lower historical investment results. TAM has an incentive for the funds of funds’ assets to be allocated to those underlying funds for which the net management fees payable to TAM are higher than the fees payable by other underlying funds or to those underlying funds for which an affiliate of TAM serves as the sub-adviser. TAM also has an incentive for a fund of funds’ assets to be allocated to subscale underlying Transamerica funds to provide scale and reduce amounts waived and/or reimbursed by TAM to maintain applicable expense caps. Sub-advisers to certain funds of funds also have conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among underlying funds.
TAM may have a financial incentive to implement or not to implement certain changes to the funds. For example, TAM may, from time to time, recommend a change in sub-adviser or the combination of two or more funds. TAM and its affiliates will benefit to the extent that an affiliated sub-adviser replaces an unaffiliated sub-adviser or additional assets are combined into a fund having a higher net management fee payable to TAM and/or that is sub-advised by an affiliate of TAM. TAM will also benefit to the extent that it replaces a sub-adviser with a new sub-adviser with a lower sub-advisory fee. The aggregation of assets of multiple funds for purposes of calculating breakpoints or discounts in sub-advisory fees also gives rise to conflicts of interest for TAM.
TAM manages other funds and products that have investment objectives similar to or the same as those of the funds and/or engage in transactions in the same types of securities and instruments as the funds. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which a fund invests, and could have an adverse impact on the fund’s performance. These other accounts and products may buy or sell positions while the funds are undertaking the same or a differing, including potentially opposite, strategy, which could disadvantage the funds. A position taken by TAM, on behalf of one or more other funds or products, may be contrary to a position taken on behalf of a fund or may be adverse to a company or issuer in which the fund has invested. The results of the investment activities of a fund may differ significantly from the results achieved for other funds or products.
TAM and certain of its affiliates provide services including investment management, administration, sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds and earn fees from these relationships with the funds. TAM and its affiliates face conflicts of interest when the funds select affiliated service providers because TAM and/or its affiliates receive greater compensation when they are used.
TAM, its affiliates and other financial service providers have conflicts associated with their promotion of the funds or other dealings with the funds that would create incentives for them to promote the funds. TAM, its affiliates and/or the funds’ sub-advisers or their affiliates, make revenue sharing payments to brokers and other financial intermediaries to promote the distribution of the funds. TAM and its affiliates will benefit from increased amounts of assets under management. TAM or its affiliates also receive revenue sharing payments from certain of the funds’ sub-advisers or their affiliates.
TAM and/or its affiliates have existing and may have potential future other business dealings or arrangements with current or proposed sub-advisers or other fund service providers (or their affiliates) recommended by TAM. Such other business dealings or arrangements present conflicts of interest. For example, TAM has an incentive to hire as a sub-adviser or other service provider an entity with which TAM or one or more of its affiliates have, or would like to have, significant or other business dealings or arrangements, and TAM has a disincentive to recommend the termination of such a sub-adviser or service provider.
The performance of certain funds impacts the financial exposure of affiliates of TAM under guarantees that the Transamerica insurance companies provide as issuers of the variable insurance contracts. TAM and/or its affiliates derive certain ancillary benefits from providing investment management, administration, investment sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds.
The range of activities, services and interests of a sub-adviser may give rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest that could disadvantage a fund and its shareholders. For example, a sub-adviser’s or the portfolio construction manager’s portfolio managers may manage multiple funds and accounts for multiple clients which may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest. A sub-adviser, the portfolio construction manager and/or their respective affiliates also may derive ancillary benefits from providing investment sub-advisory services to a fund.
A further discussion of conflicts of interest appears in the SAI. These discussions are not, and are not intended to be, a complete enumeration or description of all the actual and potential conflicts that may arise.
Convertible Securities: Convertible securities share investment characteristics of both fixed income and equity securities. The value of these securities may vary more with fluctuations in the value of the underlying common stock than with fluctuations in interest rates. The value of convertible securities also may be less volatile than the underlying common stock. Since the convertible security derives its value from the underlying common stock, the security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. Convertible securities may include corporate notes or preferred stock, but ordinarily are a long-term debt obligation of the issuer convertible at a stated exchange rate into common stock of the issuer. Convertible securities
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generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. Convertible securities are normally “junior” securities, meaning that the issuers usually must first make payments on non-convertible securities before making payments on convertible securities. If the issuer of a convertible security stops making payments, these securities may become worthless.
Counterparty: A fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Credit: The value of your investment in a fund could decline if the issuer of a security held by the fund or another obligor for that security (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) fails to pay, otherwise defaults, is perceived to be less creditworthy, becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy. The value of your investment in a fund could also decline if the credit rating of a security held by the fund is downgraded or the credit quality or value of any assets underlying the security declines. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. If a single entity provides credit enhancement to more than one of the fund’s investments, the adverse effects resulting from the downgrade or default will increase the adverse effects on a fund. If a fund enters into financial contracts (such as certain derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions), the fund will be subject to the credit risk presented by the counterparty. In addition, a fund may incur expenses and may be hindered or delayed in an effort to protect the fund’s interests or to enforce its rights. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract. Credit risk may be broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which a fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. Credit rating may also be influenced by conflicts of interest. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade (Baa/BBB or Baa-/BBB-) may possess certain speculative characteristics.
A fund is subject to greater amounts of credit risk to the extent it invests in below investment grade debt securities (that is, securities rated below the Baa/BBB categories or unrated securities of comparable quality), or “junk” bonds. These securities have a higher risk of issuer default because, among other reasons, issuers of junk bonds often have more debt in relation to total capitalization than issuers of investment grade securities. Junk bonds are considered speculative, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher rated securities and may involve significant risk of exposure to adverse conditions and negative sentiments. These securities may be in danger of default as to principal and interest. Unrated securities of comparable quality share these risks.
A fund may invest in securities which are subordinated to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated securities. A fund is more likely to suffer a credit loss on subordinated securities than on non-subordinated securities of the same issuer. If there is a default, bankruptcy or liquidation of the issuer, most subordinated securities are paid only if sufficient assets remain after payment of the issuer's non-subordinated securities. In addition, any recovery of interest or principal may take more time. As a result, even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer is likely to have a greater impact on subordinated securities.
Currency: The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets, and currency risk may be particularly high to the extent the fund invests in foreign securities or currencies that are economically tied to emerging market or frontier market countries. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Currency Hedging: A fund may use currency futures, forwards or options to hedge against declines in the value of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency fluctuation on purchases and sales of such securities. Hedging strategies and/or these instruments may not always work as intended, and a fund may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging strategy or instrument. Shifting a fund's currency exposure from one currency to another may remove a fund's opportunity to profit from the original currency and involves a risk of increased losses for a fund if the sub-adviser’s projection of future exchange rates is inaccurate.
Cybersecurity and Operations: A fund, and its service providers and distribution platforms, and your ability to transact with a fund, may be negatively impacted by, among other things, human error, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, shareholder data (including private shareholder information), and/or proprietary information, or cause a fund, TAM, a sub-adviser and/or its service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident or operational issue may disrupt the processing of
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shareholder transactions, impact a fund's ability to calculate its net asset values, and prevent shareholders from redeeming their shares. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of those securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents or operational issues.
Depositary Receipts: Depositary receipts are generally subject to the same risks that the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted are, and they may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives: Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to a fund, even when used for hedging purposes. Using derivatives exposes a fund to additional or heightened risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Their usage can increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices or volatility, interest rates or currencies, or the derivatives themselves, behave in a way not anticipated by a fund, especially in abnormal market conditions. Using derivatives may have a leveraging effect, which may increase investment losses and may increase fund volatility, which is the degree to which the fund’s share price may fluctuate within a short time period. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on a fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. This risk is greater for forward currency contracts, swaps and other over-the-counter traded derivatives. The other parties to derivatives transactions present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed-income securities. Derivatives also tend to involve greater liquidity risk and they may be difficult to value. A fund may be unable to terminate or sell its derivative positions. In fact, many over-the-counter derivatives will not have liquidity except through the counterparty to the instrument. Derivatives are subject to additional risks such as operational risk (such as documentation issues and settlement issues) and legal risk (such as insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, or issues with the legality or enforceability of a contract). Derivatives are also generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative, including market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, management and valuation risk. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more than, or otherwise not correlate well with, the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. A fund’s use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. The U.S. government and foreign governments are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing and on-facility execution of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance, or disrupt markets. For derivatives that are required to be cleared by a regulated clearinghouse, a fund may be exposed to risks arising from its relationship with a brokerage firm through which it would submit derivatives trades for clearing. A fund would also be exposed to counterparty risk with respect to the clearinghouse. In certain cases, a fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against or closing out derivatives instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses.
Derivatives may be used by a fund for a variety of purposes, including:
As a hedging technique in an attempt to manage risk in the fund's portfolio
As a means of changing investment characteristics of the fund's portfolio
As a means of attempting to enhance returns
As a means of providing additional exposure to types of investments or market factors
As a substitute for buying or selling securities
As a cash flow management technique
Using derivatives, especially for non-hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to a fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated by the fund. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may have different tax consequences for a fund than an investment in the underlying asset or indices, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
When a fund enters into derivative transactions, it may be required to segregate assets, or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations. Such segregation will not limit the fund’s exposure to loss, however, and the fund will have investment risk with respect to both the derivative itself and the assets that have been segregated to cover the fund’s derivative exposure. If the segregated assets represent a large portion of the fund’s portfolio, this may impede portfolio management or the fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
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Some derivatives may be difficult to value, or may be subject to the risk that changes in the value of the instrument may not correlate well with the underlying asset, rate or index. In addition, derivatives may be subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. A fund could lose the entire amount of its investment in a derivative and, in some cases, could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative instruments may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices. A fund’s sub-adviser may not make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons.
Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that an increased portion of a fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
The SEC has proposed a new rule that would change the regulation of the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as the fund. If the proposed rule takes effect, it could limit the ability of a fund to invest in derivatives.
Derivatives may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Options. An option is an agreement that, for a premium payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not the obligation to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified price (the exercise price) during a period of time or on a specified date. Investments in options are considered speculative. The fund may lose the premium paid for them if the price of the underlying security or other asset decreased or remained the same (in the case of a call option) or increased or remained the same (in the case of a put option). If a put or call option purchased by the fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the fund. Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change a fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the fund if currencies do not perform as a sub-adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions could reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency moves in the direction opposite to the position taken. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors which influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to a fund and poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges. Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing a fund's investment objective, such as when a sub-adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to a fund's holdings, further increases the fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that a sub-adviser’s use of currency derivatives will benefit a fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.
Forwards and Futures Contracts. The use of futures contracts is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. A futures contract is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the “long” position) and a seller (holding the “short” position) for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into off-setting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. In addition, futures exchanges often impose a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract for each trading session. The fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Moreover, to the extent the fund engages in futures contracts on foreign exchanges, such exchanges may not provide the same protection as US exchanges. The loss that may be incurred in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the fund's NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the fund. Investment in these instruments involve risks, including counterparty risk (i.e., the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (i.e., a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains, which may lead to losses within the fund) and pricing risk (i.e., the instrument may be difficult to value).
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts. In connection with its investments in foreign securities, a fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, a fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies. Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change a fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could
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  result in losses to the fund if currencies do not perform as its sub-adviser expects. A sub-adviser’s success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the applicable fund's investment objectives, such as when the sub-adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to a fund's holdings, further increases the fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that a sub-adviser’s use of currency derivatives will benefit a fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.
Swaps. Swap contracts, including credit default swaps, involve heightened risks and may result in losses to the fund. Swaps may in some cases be illiquid and difficult to value, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the swap. If the fund buys a credit default swap, it will be subject to the risk that the credit default swap may expire worthless, as the credit default swap would only generate income in the event of a default on the underlying debt security or other specified event. As a buyer, the fund would also be subject to credit risk relating to the seller's payment of its obligations in the event of a default (or similar event). If the fund sells a credit default swap, it will be exposed to the credit risk of the issuer of the obligation to which the credit default swap relates. As a seller, the fund would also be subject to leverage risk, because it would be liable for the full notional amount of the swap in the event of default (or similar event). Swaps may be difficult to unwind or terminate. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to the issuer of the referenced obligation and either their counterparty to the credit default swap or, if it is a cleared transaction, the brokerage firm through which the trade was cleared and the clearing organization that is the counterparty to that trade. Certain index-based credit default swaps are structured in tranches, whereby junior tranches assume greater default risk than senior tranches. The absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions may lead, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. New regulations require many kinds of swaps to be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. Although this clearing mechanism is generally expected to reduce counterparty credit risk, it may disrupt or limit the swap market and may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value. As swaps become more standardized, the fund may not be able to enter into swaps that meet its investment needs. The fund also may not be able to find a clearinghouse willing to accept the swaps for clearing. In a cleared swap, a central clearing organization will be the counterparty to the transaction. The fund will assume the risk that the clearinghouse may be unable to perform its obligations. The new regulations may make using swaps more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Contracts for Difference. Contracts for differences (“CFDs”) are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of CFDs is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. To the extent that there is an imperfect correlation between the return on the fund's obligation to its counterparty under the CFD and the return on related assets in its portfolio, the CFD transaction may increase the fund's financial risk. CFDs, like many other derivative instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require the fund to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which the fund is liable. CFDs are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities: Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. A fund may suffer significant losses if a reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. A fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties and a fund could lose its entire investment. Distressed or defaulted securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.
Dollar Rolls: A dollar roll transaction involves a sale by a fund of a mortgage-backed or other security concurrently with an agreement by the fund to repurchase a similar security at a later date at an agreed-upon price. The securities that are repurchased will bear the same interest rate and stated maturity as those sold, but pools of mortgages collateralizing those securities may have different prepayment histories than those sold.
The use of dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money. Dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities a fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker/dealer to whom a fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the fund’s ability to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
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Emerging Markets: Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets bear heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries typically have economic and political systems that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Some emerging market countries are especially vulnerable to economic conditions in other countries. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility, which could make security valuations more difficult. Less certainty with respect to security valuations may lead to additional challenges and risks in calculating the fund’s net asset value. A fund investing in emerging market countries may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing, and the fund may experience problems or delays with the clearing and settling of trades that are not typically experienced in more developed markets. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Energy Sector: Certain risks inherent in investing in energy companies include the following:
Supply and Demand. A decrease in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, coal or other energy commodities, a decrease in the volume of such commodities available for transportation, mining, processing, storage or distribution or a sustained decline in demand for such commodities, may adversely impact the financial performance of energy companies. Energy companies are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events and economic conditions, among others. The United States relies heavily on foreign imports of energy such as crude oil and refined products. If a supply source decides to restrict supply to the United States or is unable to meet demand, some energy companies’ cash flows may be adversely impacted. The substantial market disruption and slowdown in economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impact the demand for oil and other energy commodities. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and other oil-producing countries have agreed to reduce production in response to the pandemic. An extended period of reduced production and continued price volatility may significantly lengthen the time the energy sector would need to recover after a stabilization of prices.
Depletion and Exploration. Energy reserves naturally deplete as they are consumed over time. Energy companies that are either engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, or coal, or are engaged in transporting, storing, distributing and processing these items and refined products on behalf of the owners of such commodities. To maintain or grow their revenues, these companies or their customers need to maintain or expand their reserves through exploration of new sources of supply, through the development of existing sources or through acquisitions. The financial performance of energy companies may be adversely affected if they, or the companies to whom they provide services, are unable to cost-effectively acquire additional energy deposits sufficient to replace the natural decline of existing reserves. Also, the quantities of reserves may be overstated, or deposits may not be produced in the time periods anticipated. If an energy company is not able to raise capital on favorable terms, it may not be able to add to or maintain its reserves.
Reserve. Energy companies engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and other energy commodities are subject to the risk that the quantities of their reserves are overstated, or will not be produced in the time periods anticipated, for a variety of reasons including the risk that no commercially productive amounts of such energy commodities can be produced from estimated reserves because of the curtailment, delay or cancellation of production activities as a result of unexpected conditions or miscalculations, title problems, pressure or irregularities in formations, equipment failures or accidents, adverse weather conditions, compliance with environmental and other governmental requirements and cost of, or shortages or delays in the availability of, drilling rigs and other equipment, and operational risks and hazards associated with the development of the underlying properties, including natural disasters, blowouts, explosions, fires, leakage of such energy commodities, mechanical failures, cratering and pollution.
Regulatory. Energy companies are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including (i) how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, (ii) how and where wells are drilled, (iii) how services are provided, (iv) environmental and safety controls, and, in some cases (v) the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies. In particular, changes to laws and increased regulations or enforcement policies as a result of the Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies.
Commodity Pricing. The operations and financial performance of energy companies may be directly affected by energy commodity prices, especially those energy companies which own the underlying energy commodity or receive payments for services that are based on commodity prices. Such impact may be a result of changes in the price for such commodity or a result of changes in the price of one energy commodity relative to the price of another energy commodity (i.e., the price of natural gas relative to the price of natural gas liquids). These prices may fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, including global
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  and domestic economic conditions, weather conditions, the supply and price of imported energy commodities, the production and storage levels of energy commodities in certain regions or in the world, political stability, transportation facilities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation and the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for energy companies to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.
Acquisition. The ability of energy companies to grow operating cash flow and increase such company’s enterprise value can be highly dependent on their ability to make acquisitions that result in an increase in cash available for distributions. Recently, the acquisition market has become more competitive as a result of the increased amount of energy companies, as well as significant private equity interest in midstream energy assets. As a result, the competitive nature of the market has resulted in higher multiples, which may reduce the attractiveness of returns on acquisitions. Accordingly, MLP Entities may be unable to make accretive acquisitions because they are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates, negotiate acceptable purchase contracts, raise financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, or because they are outbid by competitors. Such circumstances may limit future growth and their ability to raise distributions could be reduced. Furthermore, even if energy companies do consummate acquisitions that they believe will be accretive, the acquisitions may instead result in a decrease in operating cash flow or a decrease in enterprise value. Any acquisition involves risks, including, among other things: mistaken assumptions about revenues and costs, including synergies; the assumption of unknown liabilities; limitations on rights to indemnity from the seller; the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; unforeseen difficulties operating in new product or geographic areas; and customer or key employee losses at the acquired businesses. The substantial market disruption and slowdown in economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may limit the ability of energy companies to make acquisitions.
Affiliated Party. Certain energy companies are dependent on their parents or sponsors for a majority of their revenues. Any failure by such company’s parents or sponsors to satisfy their payments or obligations would impact such company’s revenues and operating cash flows and ability to make interest payments and/or distributions.
Catastrophe. The operations of energy companies are subject to many hazards inherent in the exploring, developing, producing, generating, transporting, transmission, storing, gathering, processing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or electricity, including: damage to pipelines, storage tanks, plants or related equipment and surrounding properties caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent damage from construction and farm equipment; well blowouts; leaks of such energy commodities; fires and explosions. These hazards could result in substantial losses, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, and pollution or other environmental damage and may result in the curtailment or suspension of their related operations. Energy companies may not be insured against all risks inherent to their businesses. If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully insured, it could adversely affect the energy company’s operations and financial condition.
Terrorism/Market Disruption. Events in the Middle East and elsewhere could have significant adverse effects on the U.S. economy, financial and commodities markets. Energy assets could be direct targets, or indirect casualties, of an act of terror. The U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically the United States’ pipeline infrastructure, may be the future target of terrorist organizations.
Weather. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, (i) could result in substantial damage to the facilities of certain energy companies located in the affected areas, (ii) significantly increase the volatility in the supply of energy commodities and (iii) adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies, and could therefore adversely affect their securities. The damage done by extreme weather also may serve to increase many insurance premiums paid by energy companies and could adversely affect such companies’ financial condition.
Renewable Energy. Renewable energy infrastructure companies’ future growth may be highly dependent upon on government policies that support renewable power generation and enhance the economic viability of owning renewable electric generation assets. Such policies can include tax credits, accelerated cost-recovery systems of depreciation and renewable portfolio standard programs, which mandate that a specified percentage of electricity sales come from eligible sources of renewable energy. Furthermore, a portion of revenues from investments in renewable energy infrastructure assets is tied, either directly or indirectly, to the wholesale market price for electricity in the markets served. Wholesale market electricity prices are impacted by a number of factors including: the price of fuel (for example, natural gas) that is used to generate electricity; the cost of and management of generation and the amount of excess generating capacity relative to load in a particular market; and conditions (such as extremely hot or cold weather) that impact electrical system demand. In addition, there is uncertainty surrounding the trend in electricity demand growth, which is influenced by macroeconomic conditions; absolute and relative energy prices; and energy conservation and demand management. This volatility and uncertainty in power markets could have a material adverse effect on the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow of the companies in which a fund invests.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing: Applying ESG criteria to a sub-adviser’s investment analysis for a fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, applicable funds may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by a sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market
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and economic conditions, and a fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Equity Securities: Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and, consequently, may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. Because a company’s equity securities rank junior in priority to the interests of bond holders and other creditors, a company’s equity securities will usually react more strongly than its bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by a fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If a fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Expenses: Your actual costs of investing in a fund may be higher than the expenses shown in this prospectus for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease, or if a fee limitation is changed or terminated, or with respect to a newly offered fund or class, if average net assets are lower than estimated. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Extension: When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause a fund’s share price to be more volatile or go down.
Fixed-Income Securities: Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment or risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by a fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed-income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
If interest rates rise, repayments of fixed-income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market. This may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and they remain outstanding longer. This is sometimes referred to as extension risk.
Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, a fund will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. This is sometimes referred to as prepayment or call risk.
Floating Rate Loans: Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in a fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, a fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase. Certain courts have determined that floating rate loans are not securities and, therefore, purchasers such as a fund may not be entitled to the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws, including the prohibitions on insider trading. Some floating rate loans may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and thus would be subject to LIBOR risk.
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Floating rate loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. However, in periods of high demand by lenders like a fund for floating rate loan investments, borrowers may limit these covenants and weaken a lender’s ability to access collateral securing the loan; reprice the credit risk associated with the borrower; and mitigate potential loss. A fund may experience greater losses or delays and expenses in enforcing its rights with respect to floating rate loans with fewer restrictive covenants.
Focused Investing: To the extent a fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including through weather events and through regulation or business trends driven by climate change. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Foreign Investments: Investments in securities of foreign issuers (including those denominated in U.S. dollars) or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets are subject to additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of a fund's foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuers as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Values may also be affected by restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country.
Less information may be publicly available about foreign companies than about U.S. companies. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies. Some securities issued by non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of such governments. Even where a security is backed by the full faith and credit of a government, it may be difficult or impossible for the fund to pursue its rights against the government. Some non-U.S. governments have defaulted on principal and interest payments. In certain foreign markets, settlement and clearance procedures may result in delays in payment for or delivery of securities not typically associated with settlement and clearance of U.S. investments. In addition, a fund's investments in foreign securities may be subject to the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls or restrictions on the repatriation of foreign currency, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability and adverse diplomatic developments. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale or disposition of, foreign securities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, and special U.S. tax considerations may apply.
Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Economic sanctions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate a fund's ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities for a substantial period of time, and may make the fund's investments in such securities harder to value. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, may adversely affect a fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by unfavorable governmental actions such as the imposition of capital and price controls, nationalization of companies or industries, currency blockage, expropriation of assets, or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of a fund's investments. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair the fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer a fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by a fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When a fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.
Investment in securities of foreign issuers may also be subject to foreign custody risk which refers to the risks inherent in the process of clearing and settling trades and to the holding of securities, cash and other assets by banks, agents and depositories in securities markets outside the United States. Low trading volumes and volatile prices in less developed markets make trades harder to complete and settle, and governments or trade groups may compel non-U.S. agents to hold securities in designated depositories that may not be subject to independent evaluation. The laws of certain countries may place limitations on the ability to recover assets if a non-U.S. bank, agent or depository becomes insolvent or enters bankruptcy. Non-U.S. agents are held only to the standards of care of their local markets, and thus may be subject to limited or no government oversight. In general, the less developed a country’s securities markets are, or the more difficult communication is with that location, the greater the likelihood of custody problems.
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American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) are generally subject to all of the risks that direct investments in foreign securities are.
Hedging: A fund may buy and sell futures contracts, put and call options, forward contracts, and other instruments as a hedge. Some hedging strategies could hedge a fund’s portfolio against price fluctuations. Other hedging strategies would tend to increase a fund’s exposure to the securities market. Forward contracts could be used to try to manage foreign currency risks on a fund’s foreign investments. A fund’s hedging strategies may not work as intended, and the fund may be in a less favorable position than if it had not used a hedging instrument.
High-Yield Debt Securities: High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” (that is, securities rated below Baa/BBB) or, if unrated, are determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. High-yield debt securities have a higher risk of issuer default because, among other reasons, issuers of junk bonds often have more debt in relation to total capitalization than issuers of investment grade securities. These securities are considered speculative, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher rated securities and may involve major risk of exposure to adverse conditions and negative sentiments, which may result in losses for the fund. These securities may be in default or in danger of default as to principal and interest. High-yield debt securities range from those for which the prospect for repayment of principal and interest is predominantly speculative to those which are currently in default on principal or interest payments or in bankruptcy. In the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of high-yield debt holders, leaving few or no assets available to repay high-yield debt holders. A fund with high-yield debt securities may be more susceptible to credit risk and market risk than a fund that invests only in higher quality debt securities because these lower-rated debt securities are less secure financially and more sensitive to downturns in the economy. High-yield securities are not generally meant for short-term investing. Unrated securities of comparable quality share these risks.
Hybrid Instruments: Hybrid instruments combine elements of derivative contracts with those of another security (typically a fixed-income security). All or a portion of the interest or principal payable on a hybrid security is determined by reference to changes in the price of an underlying asset or by reference to another benchmark (such as interest rates, currency exchange rates or indices). Hybrid instruments also include convertible securities with conversion terms related to an underlying asset or benchmark. Investing in hybrid instruments involves a combination of risks, including risks of investing in securities, commodities, options, futures, and currencies. Thus, an investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional fixed-income or convertible securities. Hybrid instruments are also potentially more volatile and may carry greater interest rate risks than traditional instruments. Moreover, depending on the structure of the particular hybrid, it may expose a fund to leverage risks or carry liquidity risks.
Inflation-Protected Securities: Inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. The market for U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”) and corporate inflation-protected securities (“CIPS”) may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets. Also, the inflation index utilized by a particular inflation-protected security may not accurately reflect the true rate of inflation, in which case the market value of the security could be adversely affected.
Interest Rate: Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. A fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities will generally fall. A change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed-income securities. Generally, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater the impact of a rise in interest rates on the security’s value. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and foreign interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of a fund investments. When interest rates go down, the income received by a fund, and the fund’s yield, may decline. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. The maturity of a security may be significantly longer than its duration. A security’s maturity and other features may be more relevant than its duration in determining the security’s sensitivity to other factors affecting the issuer or markets generally such as changes in credit quality or in the yield premium that the market may establish for certain types of securities.
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Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed-income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Similarly, a fund with a longer average portfolio duration will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with an average duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point.
Certain fixed-income securities pay interest at variable or floating rates. Variable rate securities tend to reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities may reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the impact of changes in market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that may produce a leveraging effect; others may also provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the net asset value of the fund’s shares. Some variable and floating rate securities are tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and thus they also subject the fund to “LIBOR” risk.
Inflation protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds: Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon, Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon and Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon, each separate series of Transamerica Funds, as well as Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Conservative VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Growth VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Moderate VP, Transamerica BlackRock Tactical Allocation VP and Transamerica JPMorgan International Moderate Growth VP, each separate series of Transamerica Series Trust, are asset allocation funds (the “Asset Allocation Funds”) that invest in certain series of Transamerica Funds and may own a significant portion of the shares of an underlying fund.
Unaffiliated funds (the “Unaffiliated Funds”) may invest in series of Transamerica Funds subject to the fund of funds restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Unaffiliated Funds with exemptive relief from the SEC may invest in an underlying fund beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions. An Unaffiliated Fund may own a significant portion of the shares of an underlying fund.
Transactions by the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds may be disruptive to the management of an underlying fund. An underlying fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in fund shares by the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on an underlying fund's performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, an underlying fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase an underlying fund's brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, when the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds own a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares, a large redemption by an Asset Allocation Fund and/or an Unaffiliated Fund could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying fund's expense ratio.
Redemptions of underlying fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in an underlying fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when an Asset Allocation Fund and/or an Unaffiliated Fund purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares.
When possible, TAM, the sub-adviser and/or the portfolio construction manager will consider how to minimize these potential adverse effects, and may take such actions as it deems appropriate to address potential adverse effects, including carrying out the transactions over a period of time, although there can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.
Legal and Regulatory: Legal and regulatory changes could occur that may adversely affect a fund, its investments, and its ability to pursue its investment strategies and/or increase the costs of implementing such strategies. New or revised laws or regulations may be imposed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Federal Reserve or other governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations that could adversely affect a fund. A fund also may be adversely affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and rules by governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations.
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Leveraging: The value of your investment may be more volatile to the extent a fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Other risks also will be compounded because leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than a fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. A fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation or coverage requirements. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice that may result in the loss of a substantial amount, and possibly all, of a fund’s assets.
LIBOR: Many financial instruments, financings or other transactions to which the fund may be a party use or may use a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). LIBOR is widely used in financial markets. In July 2017, the United Kingdom’s financial regulatory body announced that after 2021 it will cease its active encouragement of banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR. That announcement suggests that LIBOR may cease to be published or utilized after that time. Various financial industry groups have begun planning for that transition, but the effect of the transition process and its ultimate success cannot yet be determined. The transition process may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments the terms of which are based on LIBOR. It could also lead to a reduction in the value of some LIBOR-based investments and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against existing LIBOR-based investments. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021. The willingness and ability of issuers to include enhanced provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments also remains uncertain. Any of these factors may adversely affect the fund’s performance or NAV.
Liquidity: A fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Investments may become illiquid due to the lack of an active market, a reduced number of traditional market participants, legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or reduced capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in securities. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value. If a fund is forced to sell less liquid or illiquid investments to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss, and such sale may involve additional costs. In addition, securities, once sold by a fund, may not settle for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer). The fund will not receive its sales proceeds until that time, which may constrain the fund’s ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for a fund to sell. This may prevent a fund from limiting losses. Further, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain investments, a fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector or asset class. A fund is required by law to maintain a liquidity risk management program to assess and manage the fund’s liquidity risk. This program is intended to reduce liquidity risk, but may not achieve the desired results. Analyses and judgments made under the program may be incorrect, and changes in market conditions, which may be rapid and unexpected, may adversely affect the program.
Loans: Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, a fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan.
A fund may invest in certain commercial loans, including loans generally known as “syndicated bank loans,” by acquiring participations or assignments in such loans. The lack of a liquid secondary market for such securities may have an adverse impact on the value of the securities and a fund’s ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet redemptions of shares or to meet a fund’s liquidity needs. When purchasing a participation, a fund may be subject to the credit risks of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When purchasing a loan assignment, a fund acquires direct rights against the borrowers, but only to the extent of those held by the assigning lender. Investment in loans through a direct assignment from the financial institution’s interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to a fund.
Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower's capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. Second lien loans are secured by the assets of the issuer. In a typical structure, the claim on collateral and right of payment of second lien loans are junior to those of first-lien loans. Subordinated bridge loans are loans that are intended to provide short-term financing to provide a “bridge” to an asset sale, bond offering, stock offering, or divestiture. Generally, bridge loans are provided by arrangers as part of an overall financing package. Typically, the issuer will agree to increasing interest rates if the loan is not repaid as expected. A subordinated bridge loan is junior to a senior bridge loan in right of payment.
There may be no active trading market for loans. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain a fund’s ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
Certain courts have determined that loans are not securities and, therefore, purchasers such as a fund may not be entitled to the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws, including the prohibitions on insider trading.
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Loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. However, in periods of high demand by lenders like a fund for loan investments, borrowers may limit these covenants and weaken a lender’s ability to access collateral securing the loan; reprice the credit risk associated with the borrower; and mitigate potential loss. A fund may experience greater losses or delays and expenses in enforcing its rights with respect to loans with fewer restrictive covenants.
Management: The value of your investment in a fund may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. The value of your investment in a fund may decrease if its investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgment about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, is incorrect. A fund may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by its investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser’s investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. A fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. In addition, a fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the investment manager or sub-adviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund. Any of these things could cause a fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Market: The market prices of a fund’s securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the value of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. A fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
In the past decade, financial markets throughout the world have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. Governmental and non-governmental issuers defaulted on, or were forced to restructure, their debts. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread.
The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks took steps to support financial markets during the last decade following the financial crisis that began in 2007, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels and by purchasing large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (“quantitative easing”). Similar steps were taken again in 2020 in an effort to support the coronavirus pandemic. This and other government interventions may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Future policy changes by the Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank support, including interest rate increases or reducing quantitative easing, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which a fund invests.
Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, a fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this prospectus will likely increase. As a result, whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Europe. A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in conflicts and social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, in 2016, voters in the United Kingdom approved withdrawal from the European Union. This resulted in significant political and economic uncertainty, and the outcome and ramifications may not be known for some time. Given the size and importance of the United Kingdom’s economy, uncertainty about its legal, political, and economic relationship with the remaining member states of the
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European Union may continue to be a source of instability. Moreover, other countries may seek to withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. The Ukraine has experienced ongoing military conflict; this conflict may expand and military conflicts could potentially occur elsewhere in Europe. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geopolitical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. Whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the fund's investments.
Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities: The value of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities will be influenced by factors affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset values, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid, which could negatively impact the fund’s net asset value. Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private issuers, by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae (formally known as Federal National Mortgage Association) or Freddie Mac (formally known as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) or by agencies of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”). Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Unlike mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government or government-sponsored entities, mortgage-related securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. Certain asset-backed securities present a heightened level of risk because, in the event of default, the liquidation value of the underlying assets may be inadequate to pay any unpaid principal or interest.
The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets. The risk of default is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include so-called “sub-prime” mortgages. For mortgage-backed securities, when market conditions result in an increase in the default rates on the underlying mortgages and the foreclosure values of the underlying real estate are below the outstanding amount of the underlying mortgages, collection of the full amount of accrued interest and principal on these investments may be doubtful.
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment or call and extension risks. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less available information than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, a fund may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss.
Municipal Securities: Issuers of municipal securities tend to derive a significant portion of their revenue from taxes, particularly property and income taxes, and decreases in personal income levels and property values and other unfavorable economic factors, such as a general economic recession, adversely affect municipal securities. Municipal issuers may also be adversely affected by rising health care costs, increasing unfunded pension liabilities and by the phasing out of federal programs providing financial support. Where municipal securities are issued to finance particular projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation, housing, water or sewer and utilities, issuers often depend on revenues from those projects to make principal and interest payments. Adverse conditions and developments in those sectors can result in lower revenues to issuers of municipal securities and can also have an adverse effect on the broader municipal securities market. To the extent a fund invests significantly in a single state, or in securities the payments on which are dependent upon a single project or source of revenues, or that relate to a sector or industry, such as health care, the fund will be more susceptible to associated risks and developments. Municipal issuers may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. A number of municipal issuers have defaulted on obligations, commenced insolvency proceedings, or suffered credit downgrading. Financial difficulties of municipal issuers may continue to worsen.
There may be less public information available on municipal issuers or projects than other issuers, and valuing municipal securities may be more difficult. In addition, the secondary market for municipal securities is less well developed and liquid than other markets, and dealers may be less willing to offer and sell municipal securities in times of market turbulence. Changes in the financial condition of one or more individual municipal issuers (or one or more insurers of municipal issuers), or one or more defaults by municipal issuers or insurers, can adversely affect liquidity and valuations in the overall market for municipal securities. The value of municipal securities can also be adversely affected by regulatory and political developments affecting the ability of municipal issuers to pay interest or repay principal, actual or anticipated tax law changes or other legislative actions, and by uncertainties and public perceptions concerning these and other factors.
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The rate of interest paid on municipal securities normally is lower than the rate of interest paid on fully taxable securities. Some municipal securities, such as general obligation issues, are backed by the issuer’s taxing authority, while other municipal securities, such as revenue issues, are backed only by revenues from certain facilities or other sources and not by the issuer itself.
The municipal market can be susceptible to unusual volatility, particularly for lower-rated and unrated securities. Liquidity can be reduced unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.
To the extent that a fund invests in municipal securities whose issuers are located in a single state, such as California, the fund will be more susceptible to economic, political and other developments that may adversely affect issuers in that state than are funds whose portfolios are more geographically diverse. These developments may include state or local legislation or policy changes, voter-passed initiatives, erosion of the tax base or reduction in revenues of the state or one or more local governments, the effects of terrorist acts or the threat of terrorist acts, the effects of possible natural disasters, or other economic or credit problems affecting the state generally or any individual locality. The major sources of revenues for local government, property taxes and sales taxes, as well as fees based on real estate development, are all adversely affected by the recent economic recession. Unfavorable developments in any economic sector may adversely affect a particular state’s overall municipal market. Historically, California’s economy has been more volatile than that of the nation as a whole. Although California has a relatively diversified economy, California has concentrations in high technology, trade, entertainment, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, construction, government and services.
Investment in municipal securities of issuers in Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories, may have more risks than tax-exempt securities issued by other issuers. Like many U.S. states and municipalities, Puerto Rico experienced a significant downturn during the recent recession. Puerto Rico’s downturn was particularly severe, and it continues to face a very challenging economic and fiscal environment. As a result, securities issued by many Puerto Rican issuers have low credit ratings or are on “negative watch” by credit rating organizations, and markets in such securities have been volatile. If the economic situation in Puerto Rico persists or worsens, the volatility and credit quality of Puerto Rican municipal securities could be adversely affected, and the market for such securities may experience continued volatility. On June 28, 2015, the Governor of Puerto Rico indicated that the Commonwealth would be unable to fully pay its debt, which caused Puerto Rico municipal securities to drop in value. In early August 2015, Puerto Rico failed to pay certain debts. The Commonwealth undertook extraordinary measures to avoid an additional default on December 1, 2015. However, Puerto Rico defaulted on certain of its debt payments on January 4, 2016. If issuers of Puerto Rico municipal securities held by a fund default on their obligations, the fund may lose the value of those investments. In May 2017, Puerto Rico made a filing in the U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico to commence a debt restructuring process similar to that of a traditional municipal bankruptcy. The debt restructuring process commenced by Puerto Rico is under a new federal law for insolvent U.S. territories called Promesa. Puerto Rico’s case will be the first ever heard under Promesa for which there is no existing body of court precedent. Accordingly, Puerto Rico’s debt restructuring process could take significantly longer than recent municipal bankruptcy proceedings adjudicated pursuant to Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and it is not clear whether a debt restructuring process will ultimately be approved. To the extent a fund holds any Puerto Rico municipal securities, the fund may lose some or all of the value of those investments.
Natural Resource-Related Securities: Securities of companies involved with natural resources may be subject to significant price fluctuations, reflecting the volatility of energy and basic materials’ prices, possible instability of supply and changes in demand or inflation. In addition, some companies may be subject to the risks generally associated with extraction of natural resources and the risks of the hazards associated with natural resources.
New Fund: If a fund is newly-formed, investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders. Such a liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and will cause shareholders to incur the expenses of liquidation.
Operational: Your ability to transact with a fund or the valuation of your investment may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology (including as a result of cybersecurity incidents), changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect a fund or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Preferred Stock: Preferred stock represents an interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of the company’s common stock, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from any liquidation of the company. Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. Preferred stock does not generally carry voting rights.
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Prepayment or Call: Many fixed income securities give the issuer the option to repay or call the security prior to its maturity date. Issuers often exercise this right when interest rates fall. Accordingly, if a fund holds a fixed income security subject to prepayment or call risk, it will not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed income securities generally experience when interest rates fall. Upon prepayment of the security, a fund would also be forced to reinvest the proceeds at then current yields, which would be lower than the yield of the security that was paid off. This may adversely affect a fund’s net asset value. In addition, if a fund purchases a fixed income security at a premium (at a price that exceeds its stated par or principal value), the fund may lose the amount of the premium paid in the event of prepayment.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities: Restricted securities, which include private placements of private and public companies, are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to sell at the time and price a fund prefers. Restricted Securities include securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers initially offered and sold outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S. Restricted securities also include private placements of securities with agreed upon contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities that are in addition to applicable legal restrictions.
Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. Also, a fund may get only limited information about the issuer of a given restricted security, and therefore may be less able to predict a loss. Restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses.
An insufficient number of eligible buyers interested in purchasing restricted securities held by a fund could adversely affect the marketability of such securities and a fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. For this reason, restricted securities may adversely affect a fund’s overall liquidity if eligible buyers are or become uninterested in buying them at a particular time.
Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. A fund may not always be able to sell such securities without experiencing delays in finding buyers or reducing the sale price for such securities. A fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities, including all or a portion of the cost to register the securities for resale, and other transaction costs which may be higher for restricted securities than unrestricted securities.
Recent Events: The respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus has resulted in a global pandemic and major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some interest rates are very low and in some cases yields are negative. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the U.S., have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The impact of these measures, and whether they will be effective to mitigate the economic and market disruption, may not be known for some time. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, likewise may not be known for some time.
Redemption: A fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, particularly during periods of declining or illiquid markets. In that event, the value of your investment in the fund would go down. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that a fund has investors with large shareholdings, short investment horizons, or unpredictable cash flow needs. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of overall market turmoil. The redemption by one or more large shareholders of their holdings in a fund could hurt performance and/or cause the remaining shareholders in the fund to lose money. Further, a fund’s redemption risk is increased if one decision maker has control of fund shares owned by separate fund shareholders, including clients or affiliates of the investment manager and/or sub-adviser.
Regulatory: In recent years, the U.S. government adopted and implemented regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives as well as margin, reporting and registration requirements. Additional U.S. or other regulations may make derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the value or performance of derivatives. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act (the “Reform Act”) substantially increased regulation of the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives market and participants in that market, including imposing clearing and reporting requirements on transactions involving instruments that fall within the Reform Act’s definition of “swap” and “security-based swap,” which terms generally include OTC derivatives, and imposing registration and potential substantive requirements on certain swap and security-based swap market participants. In addition, under the Reform Act, a fund may be subject to additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Other future regulatory developments may also impact a fund’s ability to invest or remain invested in certain
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derivatives. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which a fund itself is regulated. The impact of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented on the ability of a fund to use swaps or any other financial derivative product is not known at this time, and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Repurchase Agreements: In a repurchase agreement, a fund purchases securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the fund at a later date, and at a specified price, which is typically higher than the purchase price paid by the fund. The securities purchased serve as the fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. If the counterparty does not repurchase the securities, the fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss. If the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.
Securities Lending: A fund may lend securities to other financial institutions that provide cash or U.S. government or agency securities as collateral. When a fund lends portfolio securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned, and the fund will also receive a fee or interest on the collateral. Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a fund may lose money and there may be a delay in recovering the loaned securities. A fund could also lose money if it does not recover the securities and/or the value of the cash or non-cash collateral falls, including the value of investments made with cash collateral. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for a fund.
Sovereign Debt: Sovereign debt instruments, which are debt obligations issued or guaranteed by a foreign governmental entity, are subject to the risk that the governmental entity may delay or fail to pay interest or repay principal on debt that it has issued or guaranteed, due, for example, to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, relationships with other lenders such as commercial banks, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies. If a governmental entity defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans, the debt may be restructured, or it may ask for forgiveness of interest or principal on its existing debt. Unlike most corporate debt restructurings, the fees and expenses of financial and legal advisers to the creditors in connection with a restructuring may be borne by the holders of the sovereign debt securities instead of the sovereign entity itself. On the other hand, a governmental entity may be unwilling to renegotiate the terms of its sovereign debt. There is no established legal process for a U.S. bondholder (such as a fund) to enforce its rights against a governmental entity that does not fulfill its obligations, nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected.
Certain countries in Europe currently have large sovereign debts and/or fiscal deficits which has led to significant uncertainties in the market as to whether or not the governments of those countries will be able pay in full and on time the amounts due in respect of those debts.
Strategies and Styles: Investment strategies and styles with different characteristics tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market and economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. A fund may outperform or underperform other funds that employ a different strategy or style. A fund may employ a combination of strategies and/or styles that impact its risk characteristics.
Structured Instruments: A fund may invest in, or have exposure to, various types of structured instruments, including securities that have demand, tender or put features, or interest rate reset features. These may include instruments issued by structured investment or special purpose vehicles or conduits, and may be asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. Structured instruments may take the form of participation interests or receipts in underlying securities or other assets, and in some cases are backed by a financial institution serving as a liquidity provider. Some of these instruments may have an interest rate swap feature which substitutes a floating or variable interest rate for the fixed interest rate on an underlying security, and some may be asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. Structured instruments are a type of derivative instrument and the payment and credit qualities of these instruments derive from the assets embedded in the structure from which they are issued. For structured securities that have embedded leverage features, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. Structured instruments may be less liquid and therefore more difficult to value accurately than more traditional securities and instruments. Structured instruments may behave in ways not anticipated by a fund, or they may not receive the tax, accounting or regulatory treatment anticipated by a fund.
Sustainability Investing: Applying a sustainability assessment framework to a sub-adviser’s investment analysis for a fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not apply sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. Securities of companies meeting the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and a fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not utilize sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. The sub-adviser monitors the fund’s holdings
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based on the latest publicly available information. Any delay in obtaining public information regarding a fund’s holdings could result in the fund holding an investment that no longer meets the fund’s sustainability investing principals. “Sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying sustainability criteria involves subjective assessment.
Tax: In order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), a fund must meet certain requirements regarding the composition of its income, the diversification of its assets, and the amounts of its distributions. In particular, a fund must generally diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the fund’s total assets is represented by (1) cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and (2) 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 fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. If a fund were to fail to meet any of these requirements, the fund might not be eligible for treatment as a RIC, in which case it would be subject to federal income tax on its net income at the corporate rate (without reduction for distributions to shareholders). The fund may be able to preserve its RIC qualification by meeting certain conditions, in which case it may be subject to certain additional taxes.
Any income a fund derives from investments in certain hard asset ETFs, such as certain commodity ETFs, and from other non-qualifying sources must be limited to a maximum of 10% of the fund’s gross income. If a fund fails to meet the 10% requirement, the fund may be subject to the federal income tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph. A fund may invest no more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of entities treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. If a fund fails to meet the 25% requirement, the fund may be subject to the federal income tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph.
An MLP is an entity treated as a partnership under the Internal Revenue Code, the partnership interests of which are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. To qualify as an MLP, an entity must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as interest, dividends, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. For this purpose, mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines) of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or industrial source carbon dioxide. If it does not so qualify, it will generally be subject to tax as a corporation.

Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to a fund from investments in MLPs in a given year will generally reduce the fund’s taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in the fund’s income in one or more subsequent years. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though those shareholders might not have held shares in the fund at the time the deductions were taken by the fund, and even though those shareholders may not have corresponding economic gain on their shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, a fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional recapture income.
To Be Announced (TBA) Transactions: Although the securities that are delivered in TBA transactions must meet certain standards, there is a risk that the actual securities received by a fund may be less favorable than what was anticipated when entering into the transaction. TBA transactions also involve the risk that a counterparty will fail to deliver the security, exposing a fund to further losses. Whether or not a fund takes delivery of the securities at the termination date of a TBA transaction, it will nonetheless be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations: Government agency obligations have different levels of credit support and, therefore, different degrees of credit risk. Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as the Federal Housing Administration and Ginnie Mae, present little credit risk. Other securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, subject to certain limitations, such as securities issued by Federal Home Loan Banks and securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the credit of the issuing agencies, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, are subject to a greater degree of credit risk. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price.
Valuation: Many factors may influence the price at which a fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ — higher or lower — from a fund's last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities, securities priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, a fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value methodologies. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when a fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or greater or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities
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and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before a fund determines its net asset value. A fund’s ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Warrants and Rights: Warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments because they do not entitle a holder to the dividends or voting rights for the securities that may be purchased, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. Also, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. If the warrant or right is not exercised before the expiration date, it generally expires without any value and the fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant or right.
Yield: The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment in a fund and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the SAI. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Shareholder Information
    
Management of Transamerica Funds
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the management and business affairs of Transamerica Funds. It oversees the operation of Transamerica Funds by its officers. It also reviews the management of each fund’s assets by the investment manager and sub-advisers. Information about the Trustees and executive officers of Transamerica Funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Investment Manager
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM” ), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, serves as investment manager for Transamerica Funds. TAM provides continuous and regular investment management services to the funds. For each of the funds, TAM currently acts as a “manager of managers” and hires investment sub-advisers to furnish investment advice and recommendations and has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with each fund’s sub-adviser. In acting as a manager of managers, TAM provides investment management services that include, without limitation, selection, proactive oversight and monitoring of sub-advisers, daily monitoring of the sub-adviser’s buying and selling of securities for the funds and regular review and evaluation of sub-adviser performance and adherence to investment style and process. TAM’s management services include, among other things, the provision of supervisory, compliance and administrative services to each fund. More information on the investment management services rendered by TAM is included in the SAI. TAM is paid investment management fees for its service as investment manager to each fund. These fees are calculated on the average daily net assets of each fund.
TAM has been a registered investment adviser since 1996. As of December 31, 2019, TAM has approximately $80.5 billion in total assets under management. The funds are operated by TAM pursuant to an exclusion from registration as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
TAM is directly owned by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company (“TPLIC”) (77%) and AUSA Holding, LLC (“AUSA”) (23%), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Aegon NV. TPLIC is owned by Commonwealth General Corporation (“Commonwealth”). Commonwealth and AUSA are wholly owned by Transamerica Corporation (DE). Transamerica Corporation (DE) is wholly owned by The Aegon Trust, which is wholly owned by Aegon International B.V., which is wholly owned by Aegon NV, a Netherlands corporation, and a publicly traded international insurance group.
TAM acts as a manager of managers for the funds pursuant to an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (Release IC- 23379 dated August 5, 1998). TAM has responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, to, among other matters, oversee and monitor sub-advisers, recommend selection of sub-advisers and recommend changes to sub-advisers where it believes appropriate or advisable. The exemptive order permits TAM, subject to certain conditions including the approval of the Board of Trustees, but without the approval of the applicable fund’s shareholders, to:
(1) employ a new unaffiliated sub-adviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new investment sub-advisory agreement, either as a replacement for an existing sub-adviser or as an additional sub-adviser;
(2) materially change the terms of any sub-advisory agreement; and
(3) continue the employment of an existing sub-adviser on sub-advisory contract terms where a contract has been assigned because of a change of control of the sub-adviser.
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Pursuant to the exemptive order, each fund has agreed to provide certain information about new sub-advisers and new sub-advisory agreements to its shareholders.
Management Fees Paid for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2019
As of the date of this prospectus, Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond had not operated for a full fiscal year, so no management fee is shown. Each fund’s management fee schedule is shown below.
Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica High Yield ESG 0.554% of the first $1.25 billion
0.544% over $1.25 billion up to $2 billion
0.52% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Sustainable Bond 0.41% of the first $500 million
0.39% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.38% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.375% in excess of $1.5 billion
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of each fund’s investment management agreement will be available in each fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020.
Sub-Adviser
Pursuant to an Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between TAM and the sub-adviser on behalf of the funds, the sub-adviser shall provide day-to-day investment advice and recommendations for the funds.
The sub-adviser receives compensation from TAM.
Funds Sub-Adviser Sub-Adviser Address
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 6300 C Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52499
Further Information About the Sub-Adviser
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC, a wholly-owned and indirect subsidiary of Aegon N.V., has been a registered investment adviser since December 2001. As of December 31, 2019, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC has approximately $101.4 billion in total assets under management.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Each fund is managed by the portfolio manager(s) listed below. The SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager’s ownership in each fund they manage.
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Kevin Bakker, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Co-Head of U.S. High-Yield; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2007; Senior Research Analyst 2003 – 2007
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Co-Head of U.S. High-Yield; Senior Research Analyst with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 1993 – 2006
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2004; Director of Distressed Debt from 2004-2014; Head of Leveraged Finance from 2014-2020; Co-Head of Public Fixed Income from 2017-2020 and Deputy Chief Investment Officer from 2018-2020; Global Head of Leveraged Finance since 2020
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Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Derek Thoms Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2015. High Yield Trader with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 2013 - 2015
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2004; Co-Head of Investment Grade Credit from 2015-2017 and Head of Investment Grade Credit since 2017
Charles Foster, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2003
Jeremy Mead, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC from 1994-2010 and 2016 - present
Jose Pluto, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2019 and Structured Finance Analyst since 2017; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee; Fixed Income Analyst, Thornburg Investment Management 2013-2016
Jeremy Thurm, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2019 and Credit Research Analyst since 2007; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee
James Rich Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2013; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee
Trustees’ Approval of Sub-Advisory Agreements
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of each fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement will be available in each fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
A detailed description of each fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI and available on the Transamerica Funds website at www.transamerica.com.
Fund Expenses
During times of market volatility or decline, assets of your fund may decline significantly, causing total annual fund operating expenses (as a percentage of the value of your investment) to become higher than the numbers shown in your fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table under “Fees and Expenses” in this prospectus. In addition, the total annual fund operating expenses shown in your fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table may not correlate to the ratios of expenses to average net assets shown in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus, which reflect the operating expenses of your fund and do not include certain expenses such as acquired (i.e., underlying) funds’ fees and expenses.
The “Other expenses” items in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table for your fund include fees for custodial, legal and transfer agency services. “Other expenses” also include various other expenses applicable to each share class of your fund. Class I2 shares do not pay sub-transfer agency fees directly, but the transfer agent may use its available resources to pay for sub-transfer agency services for any share classes.
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How To Contact the Funds
    
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339 – Monday through Friday; hours of operation as posted on the funds’ website at www.transamerica.com/contact-us.
Internet: www.transamerica.com
Fax: 1-888-329-4339
   
Mailing Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
Overnight Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
330 W. 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
The following information applies to Class I2 shares. The funds may also offer other share classes in separate prospectuses.
Opening an Account
    
Federal regulations may require a fund to obtain, verify and record certain information from you and persons authorized to act on your behalf in order to establish an account. Required information includes name, date of birth (for an individual), permanent residential address or principal place of business and Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. The fund may also ask to see other identifying documents. If you do not provide the information, the fund may not be able to open your account. Identifying information must be provided for each trader on an account. The fund may also place limits on account transactions while it is in the process of verifying your identity. If the fund is unable to verify your identity, or that of another person(s) authorized to act on your behalf, or if the fund believes it has identified potentially criminal activity, the fund reserves the right to take action it deems appropriate or as required by law, which may include redeeming your shares and closing your account.
Buying Shares
    
Class I2 shares of the funds in this prospectus are currently primarily offered for investment in certain funds of funds (also referred to as “strategic asset allocation funds”). Class I2 shares of the funds are also made available to other investors, including institutional investors such as foreign insurers, domestic insurance companies and their separate accounts, and unaffiliated funds, high net worth individuals, and eligible retirement plans whose recordkeepers or financial service firm intermediaries have entered into agreements with Transamerica Funds or its agents. Investors who received Class I2 shares in connection with the reorganization of a Transamerica Premier Fund into a Transamerica Fund may continue to invest in Class I2 shares of that Transamerica Fund, but may not open new accounts. Purchase requests initiated through an automated service that exceed $50,000 per day are not permitted and must be submitted by check or via bank wire.
Transamerica Funds or its agents may reject a request for purchase of shares at any time, in whole or in part, including any purchase under the exchange privilege, without notice and regardless of size. Each fund reserves the right to discontinue offering any class of shares at any time, to liquidate any class of shares or merge any class of shares into another class of shares, or to cease investment operations entirely.
Each fund reserves the right to make additional exceptions or otherwise to modify the foregoing policies at any time.
Shares are purchased at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), without a sales charge.
By Check
Make your check payable and send to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
If you are purchasing shares in an existing account(s), please reference your account number(s) and the Transamerica fund(s) in which you wish to invest. If you do not specify the fund(s) in which you wish to invest, and your referenced account is invested in one Transamerica fund, your check will be deposited into such fund. If you do not specify the fund(s) in which you wish to invest and own more than one fund, your investment may be rejected.
Redemption proceeds will be withheld for up to 10 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear.
Transamerica Funds does not accept cash, money orders, traveler’s checks, credit card convenience checks, or starter checks without pre-printed information. Cashier’s checks and third-party checks may be accepted, subject to approval by Transamerica Funds. We reserve the right to reject or accept any form of payment. Any unacceptable forms of payment will be returned.
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By Automatic Investment Plan
With an Automatic Investment Plan (“AIP”), a level dollar amount is invested monthly and payment is deducted electronically from your bank account. Due to your bank’s requirements, please allow up to 30 days for your AIP to begin. Investments may be made between the 3rd and 28th of each month only, and will occur on the 15th if no selection is made. Call Customer Service for information on how to establish an AIP or visit our website to obtain an AIP request form.
By Telephone
You may request an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account to your Transamerica Funds account. The electronic bank link option must be established in advance before Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) purchases will be accepted. Call Customer Service or visit our website at www.transamerica.com for information on how to establish an electronic bank link. Due to your bank’s requirements, please allow up to 30 days to establish this option.
Through an Authorized Dealer
If your dealer has already established your account for you, no additional documentation is needed. Call your dealer to place your order. Transamerica Funds must receive your payment within two business days after your order is accepted.
By Internet
You may request an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account to your Transamerica Funds account. The electronic bank link option must be established in advance before ACH purchases will be accepted. Call Customer Service or visit our website at www.transamerica.com for information on how to establish an electronic bank link.
By Payroll Deduction
You may have money transferred regularly from your payroll to your Transamerica Funds account. Call Customer Service to establish this option.
By Wire Transfer
You may request that your bank wire funds to your Transamerica Funds account (note that your bank may charge a fee for such service). You must have an existing account to make a payment by wire transfer. Ask your bank to send your payment to:
  State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA, ABA#011000028
Credit: Transamerica Funds Acct #00418533
Ref: Shareholder name, Transamerica fund and account numbers.
Shares will be purchased at the next determined public offering price after receipt of your wire if you have supplied all other required information.
Other Information
If your check, draft or electronic transfer is returned unpaid by your bank, you will be charged a fee of $20 for each item that has been returned.
Transamerica Funds reserves the right to terminate your electronic draft privileges if the drafts are returned unpaid by your bank.
Transamerica Funds or its agents may reject a request for purchase of shares at any time, in whole or in part, in its discretion for any reason at any time, and is not obligated to provide notice before rejecting or canceling an order, including, but not limited to, any purchase under the exchange privilege and any purchase request that does not include an investment representative or an approved broker-dealer.
Selling Shares
    
Shares may be sold (or “redeemed”) on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Proceeds from the redemption of shares will normally be sent to redeeming shareholders within two business days after receipt of a redemption request in good order, but in any event within seven days, regardless of the method the fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic funds transfer (ACH)). However, Transamerica Funds may postpone payment under certain circumstances, such as when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the SEC or authorized by law.
If you have recently purchased your shares by check or electronic funds transfer, your redemption payment may be delayed until the fund is reasonably satisfied that the check or electronic funds transfer has cleared (which may take up to ten calendar days). This delay may be avoided if you purchase shares by Federal Funds wire or certified check.
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Please note that redemption requests greater than $50,000 per day must be submitted in writing. In addition, amounts greater than $50,000 cannot be sent via ACH (check or federal funds wire only). Additionally, requests totaling more than $100,000 must be in writing with an original signature guarantee for all shareholders. Certain direct institutional accounts may utilize alternative methods in place of a signature guarantee.
The electronic bank link option must be established in advance for payments made electronically to your bank such as ACH or expedited wire redemptions. Call Customer Service to verify this feature is in place on your account or to obtain information on how to establish the electronic bank link.
Shares are redeemed at NAV.
To request your redemption and receive payment:
Direct Deposit – ACH
You may request an “ACH redemption” in writing, by phone or by internet access to your account. The electronic bank link must be established in advance. Payment should usually be received by your bank account 2-4 banking days after your request is received in good order. Transamerica Funds does not charge for this payment option. Certain IRAs and qualified retirement plans may not be eligible to request redemptions via the internet.
Direct Deposit – Wire
You may request an expedited wire redemption in writing or by phone. The electronic bank link must be established in advance. Otherwise, an original signature guarantee will be required. Wire redemptions have a minimum of $1,000 per wire. Payment should be received by your bank account the next banking day after your request is received in good order. Transamerica Funds charges $10 for this service. Your bank may charge a fee as well.
Check to Address of Record
Written Request – Send a letter requesting a withdrawal to Transamerica Funds. Specify the fund, account number, and dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem. Be sure to include all shareholders’ signatures and any additional documents, as well as an original signature guarantee(s) if required. If you are requesting a distribution from an IRA, federal tax withholding of 10% will apply unless you elect otherwise. If you elect to withhold, the minimum tax withholding rate is 10%.
Telephone or Internet Request – You may request your redemption by phone or internet. Certain IRAs and qualified retirement plans may not be eligible.
Check to Another Party/Address
This request must be in writing, regardless of amount, signed by all account owners with an original signature guarantee.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (by Direct Deposit – ACH or Check)
You can establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”) either at the time you open your account or at a later date. Systematic withdrawals may be made via ACH between the 3rd and 28th day of the month only, or via check on the 20th day of the month only. Call Customer Service for information on how to establish a SWP, or visit our website to obtain the appropriate form to complete.
Through an Authorized Dealer
You may redeem your shares through an authorized dealer (they may impose a service charge). Contact your Registered Representative or Dealer for assistance.
Your Request to Sell Your Shares and Receive Payment May Be Subject to:
The type of account you have and if there is more than one shareholder. For example, we may require additional documentation for certain account types or multiple signatures.
The dollar amount you are requesting; redemptions over $50,000 must be in writing and those redemptions totaling more than $100,000 require a written request with an original signature guarantee for all shareholders on the account.
A written request and original signature guarantee may be required if there have been recent changes made to your account (such as an address change) or other such circumstances. For your protection, if an address change was made in the last 10 days, Transamerica Funds requires a redemption request in writing, signed by all account owners with an original signature guarantee.
When redeeming all shares from an account with an active AIP, your AIP will automatically be stopped. Please contact Customer Service if you wish to re-activate your AIP.
Each fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption request if it is believed it is advisable to do so. The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any time without advance notice.
Redemption proceeds will be withheld for up to 10 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear.
If you request that a withdrawal check be delivered overnight, a $20 overnight fee will be charged.
Please see additional information relating to original signature guarantee later in this prospectus.
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Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to wholly or partly redeem its shares in kind, under unusual circumstances (such as adverse or unstable market, economic, or political conditions), in an effort to protect the interests of shareholders by the delivery of securities selected from its assets at its discretion. On the same redemption date, some shareholders may be paid in whole or in part in securities (which may differ among those shareholders), while other shareholders may be paid entirely in cash. The disposal of the securities received in-kind may be subject to brokerage costs and, until sold, such securities remain at market risk and liquidity risk, including the risk that such securities are or become difficult to sell. If the fund pays your redemption with illiquid or less liquid securities, you will bear the risk of not being able to sell such securities. Each fund may pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements, if available. Please see the SAI for more details.
Involuntary Redemptions
Each fund reserves the right, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to close your account if the account value falls below the fund’s minimum account balance, including solely due to declines in NAV, or you are deemed to engage in activities that are illegal (such as late trading), activity that is believed to be detrimental to the fund (such as market timing), or other potential criminal or fraudulent activity.
Exchanging Shares
    
In certain circumstances, shares of one class of a fund may be exchanged directly for shares of another class of the same fund, as described in the Statement of Additional Information.
An exchange of shares of one class directly for shares of another class of the same fund normally should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. You should consult your tax advisor before making an exchange.
Converting Shares
If you hold Class I2 shares and are eligible for purchase of Class I shares, you may be eligible to convert your Class I2 shares to Class I shares of the same fund, subject to the discretion of Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., to permit or reject such a conversion. If you hold Class I shares and are eligible to purchase Class I2 shares, you may be eligible to convert Class I shares to Class I2 shares of the same fund, subject to certain conditions. Class I shares are not offered in this prospectus. Please contact your financial adviser or Customer Service for conversion requirements and instructions.
A conversion between share classes of the same fund is a nontaxable event.
If you convert from one class of shares to another, the transaction will be based on the respective NAVs of the two classes on the trade date for the conversion. Consequently, a conversion may provide you with fewer shares or more shares than you originally owned, depending on that day’s NAV. At the time of conversion, the total dollar value of your “old” shares will equal the total dollar value of your “new” shares. However, subsequent share price fluctuations may decrease or increase the total dollar value of your “new” shares compared with that of your “old” shares.
Features and Policies
    
Customer Service
Occasionally, Transamerica Funds experiences high call volume due to unusual market activity or other events that may make it difficult for you to reach a Customer Service Representative by telephone. If you are unable to reach Transamerica Funds by telephone, please consider visiting our website at www.transamerica.com.
You may also send instructions by mail or by fax by using the information in the “How to Contact the Funds” section above.
Uncashed Checks Issued on Your Account
If any check Transamerica Funds issues is returned by the Post Office as undeliverable, or remains outstanding (uncashed) for six months, we reserve the right to reinvest check proceeds back into your account at the NAV next calculated after reinvestment. If applicable, we will also change your account distribution option from cash to reinvest. Interest does not accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks. In case we are unable to reinvest check proceeds in the original funds that you held, for example, if a fund has been liquidated or is closed to new investments, we reserve the right to reinvest the proceeds in Transamerica Government Money Market.
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Minimum Dividend Check Amounts
To control costs associated with issuing and administering dividend checks, we reserve the right not to issue checks under a specified amount. For accounts with the cash by check dividend distribution option, if the dividend payment total is less than $10, the distribution will be reinvested into the account and no check will be issued.
Telephone Transactions
Transamerica Funds and its transfer agent, Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. (“TFS”) are not liable for complying with telephone instructions that are deemed by them to be genuine. Transamerica Funds and TFS will employ reasonable procedures to help ensure telephone instructions are genuine. These procedures may include requiring personal identification, providing written confirmation of transactions, and tape recording conversations. In situations where Transamerica Funds or TFS reasonably believe they were acting on genuine telephone instructions, you bear the risk of loss. Transamerica Funds reserves the right to modify the telephone redemption privilege at any time.
Retirement and ESA UMB Bank, N.A. Account Maintenance Fees
Retirement plan and Coverdell ESA UMB Bank, N.A. accounts are subject to an annual custodial fee of $15 per fund account, with a maximum fee of $30 per Social Security Number. For example, an IRA in two fund accounts would normally be subject to a $30 annual custodial fee. The fee is waived if the total of the retirement plan and ESA account(s)’ value per Social Security Number is more than $50,000.
Professional Fees
Your financial professional may charge a fee for his or her services. This fee will be in addition to any fees charged by Transamerica Funds. Your financial professional will answer any questions that you may have regarding such fees.
Signature Guarantee
An original signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine so that you are protected from unauthorized account transactions. Acceptable guarantors only include participants in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP2000”). Participants in STAMP2000 may include financial institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, trust companies, credit unions, broker-dealers, and member firms of a national securities exchange. For certain requests, a notary may be accepted.
An original signature guarantee is typically required if any of the following is applicable:
You request a redemption or distribution transaction totaling more than $100,000 or, in the case of an IRA with a market value in excess of $100,000, you request a custodian to custodian transfer.
You would like a check made payable to anyone other than the shareholder(s) of record.
You would like a check mailed to an address which has been changed within 10 days of the redemption request.
You would like a check mailed to an address other than the address of record.
You would like your redemption proceeds wired to a bank account other than a bank account of record.
You are adding or removing a shareholder from an account.
You are changing ownership of an account.
When establishing an electronic bank link, if the Transamerica Funds’ account holder’s name does not appear on the check.
Transactions requiring supporting legal documentation.
The funds reserve the right to require an original signature guarantee or a notary under other circumstances or to reject or delay a redemption on certain legal grounds.
An original signature guarantee or notary may be refused if any of the following is applicable:
It does not appear valid or in good form.
The transaction amount exceeds the surety bond limit of the signature guarantee.
The guarantee stamp has been reported as stolen, missing or counterfeit.
Certain direct institutional accounts may utilize alternative methods in place of a signature guarantee with prior approval from Transamerica. Contact Transamerica for additional details.
Note:  For certain maintenance and non-financial requests, Transamerica Funds may require a Signature Validation Program Stamp for your protection. When an institution provides a Signature Validation Program Stamp, it assures Transamerica Funds that the signature and instructions are yours and that you have the authority to provide the instruction(s) contained within the request.
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Electronic Signatures
Transamerica may accept electronic signatures in certain circumstances. Please contact Customer Service (1-888-233-4339) to see if you are eligible for this feature.
Paperless Legal Program
Transamerica may accept requests to transfer or redeem accounts having an original signature guarantee without the necessity to include additional legal documentation. The shareholder should contact their signature guarantor regarding all documentation that may be required to obtain an original signature guarantee.
E-Mail Communication
As e-mail communications may not be secure, and because we are unable to take reasonable precautions to verify your shareholder and transaction information, we cannot respond to account-specific requests received via e-mail. For your protection, we ask that all account-specific requests be submitted only via telephone, mail or fax.
Statements and Reports
Transamerica Funds will send you a confirmation statement after every transaction that affects your account balance or registration, with the exception of systematic transactions or transactions necessary to assess account fees. Systematic transactions and fees will be shown on your next regularly scheduled quarterly statement. Information regarding these fees is disclosed in this prospectus. Please review the confirmation statement carefully and promptly notify Transamerica Funds of any error. Information about the tax status of the prior year’s income dividends and capital gains distributions will be mailed to shareholders early each year.
Please retain your statements. If you require historical statements, Transamerica Funds may charge $10 per statement year up to a maximum of $50 per Social Security Number. Financial reports for the funds, which include a list of the holdings, will be mailed twice a year to all shareholders.
Right to Terminate or Suspend Account Privileges
A fund may, in its discretion, limit or terminate trading activity by any person, group or account that it believes would be disruptive, even if the activity has not exceeded the policy described in this prospectus. As part of the fund’s policy to detect and deter frequent purchases, redemptions and exchanges, the fund may review and consider the history of frequent trading activity in all accounts in the Transamerica Funds known to be under common ownership or control. The fund may send a written warning to a shareholder that it believes may be engaging in disruptive or excessive trading activity; however, the fund reserves the right to suspend or terminate the ability to purchase or exchange shares, with or without warning, for any account that the fund determines, in the exercise of its discretion, has engaged in such trading activity.
Market Timing/Excessive Trading
Some investors try to profit from various short-term or frequent trading strategies known as market timing. Examples of market timing include switching money into funds when their share prices are expected to rise and taking money out when their share prices are expected to fall, and switching from one fund to another and then back again after a short period of time. As money is shifted in and out, a fund may incur expenses for buying and selling securities. Excessive purchases, redemptions or exchanges of fund shares may disrupt portfolio management, hurt fund performance and drive fund expenses higher. For example, a fund may be forced to liquidate investments as a result of short-term trading and incur increased brokerage costs or realize capital gains without attaining any investment advantage. These costs are generally borne by all shareholders, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs.
The Board of Trustees has approved policies and procedures that are designed to discourage market timing or excessive trading, which include limitations on the number of transactions in fund shares. If you intend to engage in such practices, we request that you do not purchase shares of any of the funds. Each fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase shares, including purchases in connection with an exchange transaction, which the fund reasonably believes to be in connection with market timing or excessive trading.
However, because the shares of the funds may be sold to strategic asset allocation funds, other investors (including institutional investors such as foreign insurers, domestic insurance companies, and their separate accounts), and eligible retirement plans whose recordkeepers or financial service firm intermediaries have entered into agreements with Transamerica Funds or its agents, the funds' policies and procedures to discourage market timing or excessive trading are enforced by those entities, as appropriate, rather than the funds. In addition, transactions by certain institutional investors, such as asset allocators, wrap programs, other advisory programs and non-Transamerica fund of funds products, may be excepted by the funds' Chief Compliance Officer from the transaction limit set forth in the funds' policies and procedures.
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Additional information about the strategic asset allocation funds’ policies and procedures are available in the prospectus of the strategic asset allocation funds. Furthermore, reallocations in the funds by a strategic asset allocation fund in furtherance of a fund’s investment objective are not considered to be market timing or excessive trading.
Orders to purchase, redeem or exchange shares forwarded by accounts maintained on behalf of institutional investors or insurers (for example, separate accounts of insurance companies) with respect to their accounts with Transamerica Funds will not be considered to be market timing or excessive trading for purposes of Transamerica Funds’ policies. However, the market timing and excessive trading policies of these investors/insurers (or their accounts) may apply to transactions by persons who, in turn, invest through these investors/insurers (or through their accounts).
Additional Information
This prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of a fund. A fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Each fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Each fund’s investment strategies and policies may be changed from time to time without shareholder approval, unless specifically stated otherwise in this prospectus or in the SAI.
A fund that has a policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in the particular type of securities suggested by its name will provide its shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior written notice before making changes to such policy. Such notice will comply with the conditions set forth in any applicable SEC rules then in effect.
Neither this prospectus nor the SAI is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights of any shareholder, other than any rights conferred by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.
The funds enter into contractual arrangements with various parties, including the funds’ investment manager, who provides services to the funds. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements.
To the extent authorized by law, the funds reserve the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or liquidate a class of shares or to cease operations entirely.
Abandoned or Unclaimed Property
Every state has unclaimed property laws that generally provide for escheatment to the state of unclaimed property under various circumstances. In addition to the state unclaimed property laws, we may be required to escheat property pursuant to regulatory demand, finding, agreement or settlement. To help prevent such escheatment, it is important that you keep your contact and other information on file with us up to date, including the names, contact information and identifying information for customers, beneficiaries and other payees. Such updates should be communicated in a form and manner satisfactory to us. Individual states may have their own requirements. For more information regarding escheatment and unclaimed property in your state, ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website.
Sending Forms and Transaction Requests in Good Order
We cannot process your requests for transactions relating to the funds until they are received in good order. “Good order” means the actual receipt of the instructions relating to the requested transaction in writing (or, when appropriate, by telephone or electronically), along with all forms, information and supporting legal documentation necessary to effect the transaction. This information and documentation generally includes, to the extent applicable to the transaction: your completed application; the transaction amount (in dollars, shares or percentage terms); the names, fund and account number(s) and allocations to and/or from the fund accounts affected by the requested transaction; the signatures of all owners (exactly as registered on the account) if necessary; Social Security Number or Taxpayer I.D.; and any other information or supporting documentation that we may require, including any spousal or joint owner’s consents and signature guarantees. With respect to purchase requests, “good order” also generally includes receipt of sufficient funds to effect any purchase. We may, in our sole discretion, determine whether any particular transaction request is in good order, and we reserve the right to change or waive any good order requirements at any time. “Received” or receipt in good order generally means that everything necessary must be received by the funds, at our mailing address specified in this prospectus. We reserve the right to reject electronic transactions that do not meet our requirements.
Pricing of Shares
    
How Share Price Is Determined
The price at which shares are purchased or redeemed is the NAV, plus any applicable sales charge, that is next calculated following receipt and acceptance of a purchase order in good order or receipt of a redemption order in good order by the fund, an authorized intermediary, or the mail processing center located in Kansas City, Missouri.
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When Share Price Is Determined
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is determined on each day the NYSE is open for business as of the scheduled close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at another time, each fund will calculate a NAV for each class of shares as of the scheduled closing time. The NAV is not determined on days when the NYSE is closed (generally New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Foreign securities may trade in their primary markets on weekends or other days when a fund does not price its shares (therefore, the value of a fund’s foreign securities may change on days when shareholders will not be able to buy or sell shares of the funds). These securities will be valued pursuant to the funds’ Pricing and Valuation procedures for such securities.
Purchase orders received in good order and accepted, and redemption orders received in good order, as of the scheduled close of regular trading of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. Purchase and redemption requests received after the NYSE is closed receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE the next day the NYSE is open.
For investments in separate accounts of insurance companies that invest in Class I2 shares of the funds, orders for Class I2 shares will be placed after the receipt and acceptance of the investment in the insurance company separate account.
How NAV Is Calculated
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is calculated by taking the value of its net assets and dividing by the number of shares of the fund (or class) that are then outstanding.
The Board has approved procedures to be used to value the funds’ securities for purposes of determining the funds’ NAV. The valuation of the securities of the funds is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. While the Board has primary responsibility to shareholders for valuation of portfolio securities, the Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the funds to TAM.
In general, securities and other investments (including shares of ETFs) are valued based on market prices at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Fund securities (including shares of ETFs) listed or traded on domestic securities exchanges or the NASDAQ/NMS, including dollar-denominated foreign securities or ADRs, are valued at the closing price on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded. With respect to securities traded on the NASDAQ/NMS, such closing price may be the last reported sale price or the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security is valued at the closing bid quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the NOCP, if applicable. Foreign securities traded on U.S. exchanges are generally priced using last sale price regardless of trading activity. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the last bid price. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service, which may use market prices or quotations or a variety of fair value techniques and methodologies. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. The prices that a fund uses may differ from the amounts that would be realized if the investments were sold and the differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Foreign securities generally are valued based on quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are converted from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Market quotations for securities prices may be obtained from automated pricing services. Shares of open-end funds (other than ETF shares) are generally valued at the NAV reported by that investment company. ETF shares are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price on the exchange on which they are traded.
When a market quotation for a security is not readily available (which may include closing prices deemed to be unreliable because of the occurrence of a subsequent event), a valuation committee appointed by the Board may, in good faith, establish a value for the security in accordance with fair valuation procedures adopted by the Board. The Board reviews all fair value determinations typically at its regularly scheduled meetings. The types of securities for which such fair value pricing may be required include, but are not limited to: foreign securities, where a significant event occurs after the close of the foreign market on which such security principally trades that is likely to have changed the value of such security, or the closing value is otherwise deemed unreliable; securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; fixed-income securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation; and securities that are restricted as to transfer or resale. The funds use a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by TAM from time to time.
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Valuing securities in accordance with fair value procedures involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on readily available market quotations. The valuation committee makes fair value determinations in good faith in accordance with the funds’ valuation procedures. Fair value determinations can also involve reliance on quantitative models employed by a fair value pricing service. There can be no assurance that a fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV.
Distribution of Shares
    
Distributor
Transamerica Capital, Inc. (“TCI”), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, underwrites and distributes all classes of fund shares and bears the expenses of offering these shares to the public. TCI is an affiliate of the investment manager and the funds.
Other Distribution and Service Arrangements
TCI, TAM and their affiliates may enter into arrangements with affiliated entities that provide administrative, recordkeeping and other services with respect to one or more of the funds. Payment for these services is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources and may take the form of internal credit, recognition or cash payments. TCI, TAM and their affiliates may also enter into similar arrangements with unaffiliated entities.
TCI engages in wholesaling activities designed to support, maintain, and increase the number of financial intermediaries who sell shares of the funds. Wholesaling activities include, but are not limited to, recommending and promoting, directly or through intermediaries, the funds to financial intermediaries and providing sales training, retail broker support and other services. Payment for these activities is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources, including revenue sharing payments from others.
TCI (in connection with, or in addition to, wholesaling services), TAM and fund sub-advisers, directly or through TCI, out of their past profits and other available sources, typically provide cash payments or non-cash compensation to unaffiliated brokers and other financial intermediaries who have sold shares of the funds, promote the distribution of the funds or render investor services to fund shareholders. Such payments and compensation are in addition to the sales charges, Rule 12b-1 Plan fees, service fees and other fees that may be paid, directly or indirectly, to such brokers and other financial intermediaries. These arrangements are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing” arrangements. The amount of revenue sharing payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related distribution or shareholder servicing activities. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the funds, at least in part, based on the level of compensation paid. Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated. Revenue sharing payments are not an additional charge to the funds.
Such additional cash payments may be made to brokers and other financial intermediaries that provide services to the funds and/or fund shareholders, including (without limitation) shareholder servicing, marketing support and/or access to meetings and/or events, sales representatives and management representatives of the broker or other financial intermediaries. Cash compensation may also be paid to brokers and other financial intermediaries for inclusion of a fund on a sales list or mutual fund trading platform, including a preferred or select sales list or trading platform, in other sales programs, or as an expense reimbursement or compensation in cases where the broker or other financial intermediary provides services to fund shareholders. To the extent permitted by applicable law, TCI and other parties may pay or allow other incentives and compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries. TCI, TAM and the other parties making these payments generally assess the advisability of continuing making these payments periodically. These cash payments may take a variety of forms, including (without limitation) reimbursement of ticket charges, additional compensation based on sales, on-going fees for shareholder servicing and maintenance of investor accounts, and finder’s fees that vary depending on the fund or share class and the dollar amount of shares sold. Revenue sharing payments can be calculated: (i) as a percentage of gross or net sales for a particular period; (ii) as a percentage of gross or net assets under management; (iii) as a fixed or negotiated flat fee dollar amount; or (iv) based on a combination of any of these methods. These payments are made on a periodic basis, such as monthly or quarterly. During 2019, in general, payments calculated as a percentage of sales ranged from 10 basis points (0.10%) to 75 basis points (0.75%), payments calculated as a percentage of assets under management ranged from 2 basis points (0.02%) to 15 basis points (0.15%), and flat annual fees ranged from $21,000 to $500,000, which included at times payments for a series of meetings and/or events of other broker-dealers and banks.
As of December 31, 2019, TCI had revenue sharing agreements with more than 70 brokers and other financial intermediaries including, without limitation: 1st Global Capital; Advisor Group, Inc.; Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; AXA Advisors LLC; Merrill Lynch; BBVA Securities, Inc.; BOSC, Inc.; Bruderman Brothers; Cadaret, Grant & Co.; Cambridge Investment Research; Centaurus Financial, Inc.; Citizens/CCO Investments; Cetera Advisor Networks LLC; Cetera Advisors LLC; Cetera Financial Group,
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Inc.; Cetera Financial Specialists LLC; Cetera Investment Services LLC; CFD Investments, Inc.; Charles Schwab; Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.; Edward Jones; Financial Data Services, Inc.; Equity Services, Inc.; Envestnet Asset Management; First Allied Securities Inc.; FSC Securities Corporation; GeneosWealth Management; GW Sherwold Associates, Inc.; Avantax Investment Services Inc.; Hantz Financial Services, Inc.; Huntington Investment Company; Independent Financial Group; Investacorp, Inc.; Independent Financial Group, LLC; James T. Borello & Co.; Janney Montgomery Scott; Kestra Investment Services; Key Investment Services; KMS Financial Services Inc.; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC; LPL Financial Corp.; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC; M&T Securities Inc.; MML Investors Services; Mutual of Omaha Investor Services Inc.; Oppenheimer & Co.; Park Avenue Securities; Parkland Securities, LLC; Pershing LLC; Raymond James and Associates, Inc.; Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.; RBC Wealth Management; Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.; Sagepoint Financial Inc.; Securian Financial Services; Securities America, Inc.; Securities Service Network, Inc.; Sigma Financial Corporation; Suntrust Investment Services, Inc.; TD Ameritrade; The Investment Center, Inc.; Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.; Triad Advisors, Inc.; UBS Financial Services, Inc.; United Planners Financial Services of America; US Bancorp Investments, Inc.; Voya Financial Advisors, Inc.; Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC; and Woodbury Financial Services. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2019, TCI paid approximately $34 million to these brokers and other financial intermediaries in connection with revenue sharing arrangements. TCI expects to have revenue sharing arrangements with a number of brokers and other financial intermediaries in 2020, including some or all of the foregoing brokers and financial intermediaries, among others, on terms similar to those discussed above.
For the calendar year ended December 31, 2019, TCI and its affiliates received revenue sharing payments that totaled approximately $1.9 million. The firms that paid revenue to participate in TCI sponsored events included but were not limited to the following: Alliance Bernstein; Allianz Global Investors; American Century Investments; American Funds; Amundi Pioneer Asset Management; Aegon USA Investment Management; Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC; BlackRock Investment Management, LLC; ; Carillon Tower Advisers; Charles Schwab Investment Management; Columbia Threadneedle Investments; Dimensional Fund Advisers; Fidelity Investments; Franklin Templeton Investments; Hartford Funds; Ivy Investments; J.P. Morgan Asset Management; Janus Henderson Investors; John Hancock Investments; Legg Mason Global Asset Management; Levin Capital Strategies, LP; Lord Abbett; Milliman Financial Risk Management LLC; Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.; Neuberger Berman; New York Life / MainStay Investments; PGIM Investments; Pacific Investment Management Company; PineBridge Investments; Principal Global Investors; State Street Global Advisors; Systematic Financial Management; T. Rowe Price; Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley; The Vanguard Group; Virtus Investment Partners; Wellington Management Company LLP; and Wells Fargo Asset Management.
As of December 31, 2019, TAM made revenue sharing payments to approximately 10 financial intermediaries with respect to the funds, the most sizeable of which were to TCI and Transamerica Life Insurance Company. For the same period, TAM did not receive any revenue sharing payments from financial services firms.
TAM also serves as investment manager to certain funds of funds that are underlying investment options for Transamerica insurance products. TCI and its affiliates make revenue sharing payments to, or receive revenue sharing payments from, affiliates of certain underlying unaffiliated funds within Transamerica insurance products for the provision of services to investors and distribution activities. These amounts are in addition to any revenue sharing programs described above with respect to mutual fund distributors. A financial intermediary may receive both mutual fund-related and insurance-related revenue sharing payments.
In addition, while TCI typically pays most of the sales charge applicable to the sale of fund shares to brokers and other financial intermediaries through which purchases are made, TCI may, on occasion, pay the entire sales charge. (Additional information about payments of sales charges to brokers is available in the section titled “Dealer Reallowances” of the SAI.)
As of the date of this prospectus, TAM has agreed to pay Universal Life Insurance Company (“Universal Life”) a fee equal, on an annual basis, to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to investments by Universal Life’s separate accounts in the Class I2 shares of the funds for administrative and other services provided or procured by Universal Life in connection with such investments in the funds. Investors may be able to obtain more information about these arrangements from their financial intermediaries.
From time to time, TCI, its affiliates and/or TAM and/or fund sub-advisers may also, to the extent permitted by applicable law, pay non-cash compensation or revenue sharing to brokers and other financial intermediaries and their sales representatives in the form of, for example: (i) occasional gifts or prizes; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; and/or (iii) ad hoc sponsorship support of broker marketing events, programs, sales contests, promotions or other activities. Such non-cash compensation may also include, in part, assistance with the costs and expenses associated with travel, lodging, and educational sales and promotional meetings, seminars, programs and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law. TCI and TAM may also make payments in connection with the sponsorship by Transamerica or its affiliates of special events which may be attended by brokers and other financial intermediaries. Such non-cash compensation is in addition to the overall revenue sharing arrangements described above.
The non-cash compensation to sales representatives and compensation or reimbursement received by brokers and other financial intermediaries through sales charges, other fees payable from the funds, and/or revenue sharing arrangements for selling shares of the funds may be more or less than the overall compensation or reimbursement on similar or other products and may influence your broker
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or other financial intermediary to present and recommend the funds over other investment options available in the marketplace. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, your broker or other financial intermediary may have a financial incentive for recommending a particular class of fund shares over other share classes.
Shareholders may obtain more information about these arrangements, including the conflicts of interests that such arrangements may create, from their brokers and other financial intermediaries, and should so inquire if they would like additional information. Intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements to their clients and to members of the public in a manner different from the disclosures in this prospectus and the SAI. A shareholder should ask his/her broker or financial intermediary how he/she will be compensated for investments made in the funds. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments under the shareholder services and distribution plan (where applicable), also benefit TAM, TCI and their affiliates and fund sub-advisers to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the funds on which fees are being charged.
Although a fund may use financial firms that sell fund shares to effect transactions for the fund’s portfolio, the fund and its investment manager or sub-adviser will not consider the sale of fund shares as a factor when choosing financial firms to effect those transactions.
Distributions and Taxes
    
Dividends and Distributions
Each fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any, to its shareholders monthly. Dividends will be reinvested in additional shares unless you elect to take your dividends in cash. Each fund generally pays any distributions of net capital gains annually.
If necessary, each fund may make distributions at other times as well.
Taxes on Distributions in General
A fund will not generally have to pay income tax on amounts it distributes to shareholders. Shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions (other than any distributions treated as a return of capital), whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares.
The following are guidelines for how certain distributions by a fund are generally taxed to non-corporate shareholders under current federal income tax law:
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) will be taxed as long-term capital gains, generally at rates of up to 20%, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their shares. Certain capital gain dividends attributable to dividends received from REITs may be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at a rate of 25%.
Distributions reported as paid from a fund’s “qualified dividend income” may be taxable to shareholders as qualified dividend income at rates of up to 20%. Qualified dividend income generally is income derived from certain dividends from U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations will be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. A shareholder (and the fund in which the shareholder invests) will have to satisfy certain holding period requirements in order for the shareholder to obtain the benefit of the tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Distributions in excess of a fund’s earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in his or her fund shares, and as a capital gain thereafter (assuming the shareholder holds the shares as capital assets). A distribution treated as a return of capital will not be taxable currently but will reduce the shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, which will generally increase the gain (or decrease the loss) that will be recognized on a subsequent sale or exchange of the shares.
Other distributions generally will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates or trusts. For these purposes, dividends (other than exempt-interest dividends), interest, and certain capital gains are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.
If a fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and pays it in the following January, shareholders will be taxed on the dividend as if they received it in the year in which it was declared.
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Each fund in which you invest will send you a tax report annually summarizing the amount and tax aspects of your distributions. If you buy shares of a fund shortly before it makes a taxable distribution (other than, in general, regular monthly distributions paid by funds that declare dividends daily), the distribution will be generally taxable to you even though it may effectively represent a return of a portion of your investment. This is known as “buying a dividend.”
Investors who invest through tax-deferred accounts, such as IRAs, 403(b) accounts, and qualified retirement plans, will ordinarily not be subject to tax until a distribution is made from the account, at which time such distribution is generally taxed as ordinary income, even if the distribution is wholly or in part attributable to exempt-interest dividends received by the tax-deferred account. These accounts are subject to complex tax rules, and tax-deferred account investors should therefore consult their tax advisers regarding their investments in a tax-deferred account.
Taxes on the Sale or Exchange of Shares
If you sell shares of a fund or exchange them for shares of another fund, you generally will have a capital gain or loss, which will generally be a long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for more than one year; otherwise it will generally be a short-term capital gain or loss.
Any loss recognized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain that were received with respect to the shares.
Any gain or loss on the sale or exchange of shares is computed by subtracting your tax basis in the shares from the redemption proceeds in the case of a sale or the value of the shares received in the case of an exchange. Because your tax basis depends on the original purchase price, on the price at which any dividends may have been reinvested, and on the amount of any distributions treated as returns of capital for federal income tax purposes, you should be sure to keep account statements so that you or your tax return preparer will be able to determine whether a sale will result in a taxable gain or loss.
Withholding Taxes
A fund in which you invest may be required to apply backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on all distributions payable to you (including exempt-interest dividends) if you fail to provide the funds with your correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if you have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that you are subject to backup withholding.
The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but is a method by which the IRS ensures that it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax applicable to shareholders that are not U.S. persons.
Non-Resident Alien Withholding
Dividends and certain other payments (but not distributions of net capital gains) to persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States or U.S. entities (“Non-U.S. Persons”) are generally subject to U.S. tax withholding at the rate of 30%. The 30% withholding described in this paragraph will not be imposed on any dividends reported as interest-related dividends or as short-term capital gain dividends. Each fund intends to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30% on taxable distributions and other payments to Non-U.S. Persons that are subject to withholding, regardless of whether a lower rate may be permitted under an applicable treaty.
If you are a Non-U.S. Person, you must provide a U.S. mailing address to establish an account unless your broker-dealer firm submits your account through the National Securities Clearing Corporation. Your broker-dealer will be required to submit a foreign certification form. Investors changing a mailing address to a non-U.S. address will be required to have a foreign certification form completed by their broker-dealer and returned to us before future purchases can be accepted. Additionally, those shareholders will need to provide an appropriate tax form (e.g., Form W-8BEN) and documentary evidence and letter of explanation.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to fund distributions (but not distributions of exempt-interest dividends) payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
Other Tax Information
This tax discussion is for general information only. In addition to federal income taxes, you may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on payments received from, and investments made in shares of, a fund. More information is provided in the SAI of the funds. You should also consult your own tax adviser for information regarding all tax consequences applicable to your investments in the funds.
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Financial Highlights
    
Financial highlights are not shown for Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond because the funds had not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus.
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Both the investment returns and principal value of mutual funds will fluctuate over time so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Transamerica Funds
1801 California Street, Suite 5200
Denver, CO 80202
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339
Shareholder inquiries and transaction requests should be mailed to:
Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION about these funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information dated March 1, 2020, as amended and restated on July 31, 2020, as may be further supplemented or revised from time to time, and in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available). The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Information about the funds (including the Statement of Additional Information) has been filed with and is available from the SEC. Copies of this information may be obtained upon payment of a duplication fee or by electronic request at the following e-mail address, publicinfo@sec.gov. Reports and other information about the funds are also available on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
To obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information or the annual and semi-annual reports (when available), without charge, or to request other information or make other inquiries about the funds, call or write to Transamerica Funds at the phone number or address above or visit Transamerica Funds website at www.transamerica.com. In the Transamerica Funds annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the funds’ performance during the last fiscal year. Additional information about the funds’ investments is available in the funds’ annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available).
Each fund’s most recently calculated net asset value per share is available on our website at www.transamerica.com.
www.transamerica.com
Sales Support: 1-800-851-7555
Distributor: Transamerica Capital, Inc.
The Investment Company Act File Number for Transamerica Funds is 811-04556.


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Transamerica Funds
Prospectus July 31, 2020
Fund / Ticker Class R Class R4
Transamerica High Yield ESG TANKX TAYNX
Transamerica Sustainable Bond TAUKX TAZOX
     
The funds listed above are series of Transamerica Funds.    
             
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the funds intend to no longer mail paper copies of the funds’ shareholder reports, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the fund or your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank). Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically (“e-delivery”), you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct shareholder with a fund, by calling 1-888-233-4339.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports for funds held through that intermediary. If you are a direct shareholder with a fund, you can call 1-888-233-4339 to let the fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. That election will apply to all Transamerica funds held directly with the fund complex.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Transamerica High Yield ESG
    
Investment Objective: Seeks a high level of current income.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Class: R R4
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None None
    
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Class: R R4
Management fees 0.55% 0.55%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.50% 0.25%
Other expenses1 0.28% 0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses 1.33% 1.09%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement2 0.08% 0.09%
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 1.25% 1.00%
1 Other expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
2 Contractual arrangements have been made with the fund’s investment manager, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”), through March 1, 2022 to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed 1.25% for Class R shares and 1.00% for Class R4 shares, excluding, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund’s business. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to March 1, 2022 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during any of the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class. A class may reimburse TAM only if such reimbursement does not cause, on any particular business day of the fund, the class’ total annual operating expenses (after the reimbursement is taken into account) to exceed the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the 1 year dollar amount shown below reflects TAM's agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
  1 year 3 years
Class R $127 $409
Class R4 $102 $332
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in high-yield securities. The sub-adviser focuses on investments that the sub-adviser views as having a favorable Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) profile based on the sub-adviser’s internal ESG evaluation process. The fund normally invests primarily in U.S. securities.
High yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) are high-risk debt securities rated, at the time of investment, below BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the fund’s sub-adviser. The high yield securities in which the fund invests are primarily corporate bonds.
The sub-adviser’s ESG evaluation process is designed to emphasize positive selection of investments with favorable ESG characteristics in the view of the sub-adviser, while minimizing exposure to companies considered by the sub-adviser as having less favorable ESG qualities. In this process, the sub-adviser excludes companies involved in certain industries and/or business practices that are viewed as exhibiting the most negative ESG impacts. The sub-adviser then employs a fundamental, proprietary research approach to identify potential investments and categorizes them as belonging to one of five ESG categories.
Category one includes companies viewed by the sub-adviser as leaders in sustainable business practices or demonstrating commitment to the pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Category two companies are judged by the sub-adviser to have low exposure to ESG risks or have policies in place to mitigate such risks. Category three companies are those, in the view of the sub-adviser, which face future ESG risks of uncertain timing or magnitude that could negatively affect the company. Category four companies are those which the sub-adviser views as exhibiting current ESG risks that are impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals, but are not significant enough to impact the overall credit quality of the company. Category five includes companies that, in the sub-adviser’s view, have ESG factors negatively impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals to the extent credit quality is also impacted.
The fund’s investment universe consists of companies classified by the sub-adviser within categories one through four with the fund’s investments predominantly falling in categories one through three.
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When assessing a company’s ESG practices, the sub-adviser may take into account a number of ESG considerations of an environmental, social or governance nature. Environmental considerations may include, but are not limited to, climate change and carbon emissions, energy efficiency, waste and pollution, water use and conservation, deforestation, natural resource use and renewable energy. Social considerations may include, but are not limited to, human rights and labor standards, product safety and liability, workplace safety, workplace benefits, employee relations, diversity/inclusion policies, data protection and privacy, community involvement, nutrition and health, and supply chain sourcing. Governance considerations may include, but are not limited to, board independence, board diversity, anticorruption policies, shareholder rights, compensation structures, corporate political contributions and corporate behavior.
The sub-adviser’s research-intensive process uses a combination of a global top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environment and proprietary bottom-up research of corporate debt, stressed and distressed securities, and other debt instruments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that it believes affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis assists the sub-adviser in analyzing fund risk and allocating assets among sectors, industries, and credit quality categories. In its proprietary bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as creditworthiness and capital structure. The sub-adviser integrates ESG factors into its analysis by combining external data with internal research to evaluate the investment’s ESG characteristics. The process incorporates both qualitative elements (such as company commitment to sustainable initiatives) and quantitative elements (such as measurable ESG risks) to assess the potential material influence of ESG factors on an investment’s credit fundamentals.
The fund has no maturity or duration requirements or limitations. The fund may invest in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in emerging market securities.
The fund may invest in investment grade bonds, bank loans, preferred equity securities, common equity securities (received in connection with exchanges or restructurings) and cash equivalents. The fund may also invest in hybrid instruments having both debt and equity characteristics.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, are subject to the sub-adviser’s ESG assessment framework.
Principal Risks: Risk is inherent in all investing. Many factors and risks affect the fund's performance, including those described below. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of principal risks (in alphabetical order after certain key risks) of investing in the fund. An investment in the fund is
not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
Market – The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, the fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this summary will likely increase. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
High-Yield Debt Securities – High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. Issuers of junk bonds are typically in weaker financial health. Changes in interest rates, the market’s perception of the issuers, the creditworthiness of the issuers and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally may significantly affect the value of these bonds. Junk bonds are considered speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and may be more difficult to value than higher grade securities, and they may result in losses for the fund. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments.
Credit – If an issuer or other obligor (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations or is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against an issuer, obligor or counterparty. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract.
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Interest Rate – Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. The fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. The value of fixed income securities generally goes down when interest rates rise, and therefore the value of your investment in the fund may also go down. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of the fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the value of the fund’s shares.
Fixed-Income Securities – Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed-income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by the fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels, so the fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
Liquidity – The fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value, may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in value. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid investment to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss. The fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of less liquid or illiquid securities for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer), and such sale may involve additional costs. Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for the fund to sell. This may prevent the fund from limiting losses.
Counterparty – The fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the fund invests will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties
(including derivatives exchanges and clearinghouses) may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s ESG criteria to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by the sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Extension – When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause the fund's share price to be more volatile or go down.
Prepayment or Call – Many issuers have a right to prepay their fixed income securities. Issuers may be more likely to prepay their securities if interest rates fall. If this happens, the fund will not benefit from the rise in the market price of the securities that normally accompanies a decline in interest rates and will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on prepaid securities. The fund may also lose any premium it paid on prepaid securities.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities – Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. The fund may suffer significant losses if the reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. The fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties, and the fund could lose its entire investment.
Focused Investing – To the extent the fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks,
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financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Valuation – The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets, that are priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund's ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Management – The value of your investment may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. You may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, investment techniques applied, or the analyses employed or relied on, by the investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. The fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. Any of these things could cause the fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Active Trading – The fund may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations – To the extent the fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Currency – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and
foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Emerging Markets – Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems and regulatory and accounting standards that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors such as the fund from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Energy Sector – Industries in the energy segment, such as those engaged in the development, production and distribution of energy resources, can be significantly affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil, gas and other consumable fuels, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions likewise will affect the performance of companies in these industries.
Equity Securities – Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and consequently may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile and the value of equity securities may go up or down sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities. The value of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If the fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Floating Rate Loans – Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in the fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, the fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
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The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase.
Foreign Investments – Investing in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involves additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the fund’s foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and weaker legal systems and accounting standards also may affect the value of these securities. Foreign investments may have lower liquidity and be more difficult to value than investments in U.S. issuers.
Hybrid Instruments – Investing in hybrid instruments involves a combination of risks, including risks of investing in securities, commodities, options, futures, and currencies. An investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional fixed-income or convertible securities.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds – A significant portion of the fund’s shares may be owned by other funds sponsored by Transamerica. Transactions by these funds may be disruptive to the management of the fund. For example, the fund may experience large redemptions and could be required to sell securities at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase the fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, sizeable redemptions could cause the fund’s total expenses to increase.
Loans – Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan. Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower’s capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. The fund's investments in loans are also subject to prepayment or call risk. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain the fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
New Fund – The fund was recently formed. Investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders.
Preferred Stock – Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors
that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid and have limited voting rights.
Yield – The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Performance: No performance is shown for the fund. Performance information will appear in a future version of this prospectus once the fund has a full calendar year of performance information to report to investors.
The fund's benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index.
As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamerica.com/individual/products/mutual-funds/performance/ or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
Management:
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Sub-Adviser: Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
Kevin Bakker, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. Portfolio Manager since 2020
Derek Thoms Portfolio Manager since 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: Shares of the fund are available to individual and institutional investors through certain retirement plans. These plans include, but are not limited to, 401(k), 403(b) and 457 Plans, Money Purchase Plans, Profit Sharing Plans, Simplified Employee Pension Plans, Keogh Plans, defined benefit plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans and IRAs. Shares may be purchased by these investors through a plan administrator, recordkeeper or authorized financial intermediary. If you are a participant in a plan, you should obtain the plan’s conditions for participation from your plan administrator. Shares of the fund are also available to other investors, including endowment funds and foundations, any state, county or city, or its instrumentality, department, authority or agency, and accounts registered to insurance companies, trust companies and bank trust departments. Such investors may purchase shares in the fund through the transfer agent directly. You may purchase shares of the fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Requests to purchase shares for the fund should be mailed to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945. Participants in retirement plans administered by Transamerica Retirement Solutions should contact Transamerica Retirement Solutions at 1-800-755-5801 for additional information. If you would like to purchase shares in a fund by a wire transfer, please call 1-888-233-4339 for wire transfer instructions. You buy and redeem shares at the fund’s next-determined net asset value (“NAV”)
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after receipt of your request in good order. There is no minimum investment for eligible retirement plans investing in Class R shares. The minimum initial investment for Class R4 shares is $5,000. There is no minimum for subsequent investments in Class R or R4 shares. A retirement plan may, however, impose minimum investment requirements. Plan participants or IRA holders should consult their plan administrator, recordkeeper or authorized financial intermediary.
Redemption requests may be made by mail and, in certain circumstances, telephone. The proceeds of the redemption will be sent by mail or, if authorized on the Account Application, wire transfer. Requests to redeem shares of the fund should be mailed to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945. You may redeem shares by telephone if you authorized telephone redemptions on your Account Application. The fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption request if it is believed it is advisable to do so. The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any time without advance notice.
The fund does not currently offer Class R and Class R4 shares.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. In that case, you may be taxed when you take a distribution from such plan, depending on the type of plan, the circumstances of your distribution and other factors.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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Transamerica Sustainable Bond
    
Investment Objective: Seeks to provide high total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Class: R R4
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None None
    
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Class: R R4
Management fees 0.41% 0.41%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.50% 0.25%
Other expenses1 0.38% 0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses 1.29% 0.95%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement2 0.24% 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 1.05% 0.70%
1 Other expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
2 Contractual arrangements have been made with the fund’s investment manager, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”), through March 1, 2022 to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed 1.05% for Class R shares and 0.70% for Class R4 shares, excluding, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund’s business. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to March 1, 2022 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during any of the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class. A class may reimburse TAM only if such reimbursement does not cause, on any particular business day of the fund, the class’ total annual operating expenses (after the reimbursement is taken into account) to exceed the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the 1 year dollar amount shown below reflects TAM's agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
  1 year 3 years
Class R $107 $371
Class R4 $ 72 $263
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. The fund’s investments in fixed-income securities may include U.S. government and foreign government bonds and notes (including emerging markets), mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations), investment grade and below (commonly known as “junk bonds”) corporate bonds of issuers in the U.S. and foreign countries (including emerging markets), convertible bonds and other convertible securities, bank loans and loan participations, structured notes, municipal bonds and preferred securities. The fund’s investment in fixed-income securities may also include dollar rolls, inflation-protected securities, repurchase agreements and to be announced (“TBA”) transactions. The fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration. Under normal circumstances, the fund has an average credit rating of investment grade.
The fund’s investment universe is defined by the sub-adviser’s Sustainable Investment Committee (“SIC”) which consists of employees of the sub-adviser and affiliated entities within the global Aegon Asset Management organization, who have responsible investing expertise. The fund’s sub-adviser focuses on fixed-income securities of issuers that are, in the sub-adviser’s view, aligned with sustainability initiatives. All potential investments are screened utilizing the sub-adviser’s proprietary sustainability assessment framework which evaluates issuers or securities using internal and external inputs. Eligible investments include issuers or securities that are viewed by the sub-adviser as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, various environmental and societal initiatives. The sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment focuses on key sustainability pillars, including climate change, eco solutions, resource efficiency, health and well-being and sustainable growth. These sustainable investment opportunities also align with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of goals that seek to address the world’s most pressing sustainability issues. While the SDGs provide a helpful framework for identifying sustainable themes, the sub-adviser relies on their proprietary sustainability assessment to determine the eligible investment universe.
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The fund uses positive screening to identify issuers and securities that the sub-adviser believes align with sustainability themes. Given the fund’s inclusionary stance and thematic approach to selecting the investment universe, the sub-adviser avoids investments in issuers, industries or sectors that are wholly inconsistent with its sustainable investing philosophy. As a result, the fund does not utilize a specific exclusions list.
The sub-adviser uses a research-driven process in an effort to identify sustainable investment opportunities. The process consists of five primary steps:
1. Sustainability research: The sub-adviser generates sustainable investment ideas using a sustainability assessment process to identify fixed income investments that the sub-adviser believes will contribute to or benefit from the long-term sustainability of the global economy, environment and society. The process combines internal expertise alongside external data to analyze a potential investment’s sustainability profile. Sustainable investment ideas are presented to the SIC for further evaluation.
2. Sustainability determination: The SIC reviews the sustainability research and ultimately determines the sustainable investment universe for the fund. The SIC reviews investments for alignment with sustainable initiatives and identifies an eligible investment universe consisting of issuers that are viewed as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability. Issuers and securities are classified into one of five categories depending on level of alignment with sustainability initiatives. The sustainability criteria is tailored to the fixed income sector.
3. Economic research and recommendation: In its proprietary, bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, creditworthiness, capital structure, covenants, cash-flows and, as applicable, collateral.
4. Portfolio construction: The sub-adviser combines the proprietary bottom-up research with top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis includes a relative value assessment across asset classes as the sub-adviser constructs a sustainability-themed portfolio based on the eligible sustainable investment universe set by the SIC. The fund invests in issuers or securities that meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria within categories one through three. As an example, category one “sustainable leaders” may include companies with a material amount of revenues tied to products or services aligned with sustainability initiatives. Conversely, category five companies that do not meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may be involved in controversial activities that are against sustainable initiatives.
5. Engagement: The sub-adviser’s dedicated Responsible Investment team may engage with issuers in an effort to encourage issuers to enhance the sustainability of their businesses and make positive change.
The fund may utilize derivatives, such as options, futures, forward currency contracts and swaps, including, but not limited to, interest rate, total return and credit default swaps. These investment strategies may be employed as a hedging technique, as a means of altering investment characteristics of the fund’s portfolio (such as shortening or lengthening duration), in an attempt to enhance returns or for other purposes. The fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward-commitment basis.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and derivatives instruments used for duration or temporary cashflow management purposes, are subject to the sub-adviser’s sustainability screening process.
Principal Risks: Risk is inherent in all investing. Many factors and risks affect the fund's performance, including those described below. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of principal risks (in alphabetical order after certain key risks) of investing in the fund. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
Market – The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, the fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this summary will likely increase. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Fixed-Income Securities – Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions,
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tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed-income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by the fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels, so the fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
Credit – If an issuer or other obligor (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations or is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against an issuer, obligor or counterparty. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract.
Interest Rate – Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. The fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. The value of fixed income securities generally goes down when interest rates rise, and therefore the value of your investment in the fund may also go down. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of the fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the value of the fund’s shares.
Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities – The value of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities will be influenced by factors affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset values, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid, which could negatively impact the fund. Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private issuers, by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or by agencies of the U.S. government, such as Ginnie Mae. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Unlike mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government or
government-sponsored entities, mortgage-related securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment or call and extension risks. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets. The risk of default is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include so-called “sub-prime” mortgages. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less information available than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the fund may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss.
High-Yield Debt Securities – High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. Issuers of junk bonds are typically in weaker financial health. Changes in interest rates, the market’s perception of the issuers, the creditworthiness of the issuers and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally may significantly affect the value of these bonds. Junk bonds are considered speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and may be more difficult to value than higher grade securities, and they may result in losses for the fund. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments.
Liquidity – The fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value, may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in value. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid investment to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss. The fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of less liquid or illiquid securities for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer), and such sale may involve additional costs. Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for the fund to sell. This may prevent the fund from limiting losses.
Sustainability Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment framework to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not apply sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. Securities of companies meeting the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may shift into and out of favor depending
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on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not utilize sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. The sub-adviser monitors the fund’s holdings based on the latest publicly available information. Any delay in obtaining public information regarding the fund’s holdings could result in the fund holding an investment that no longer meets the fund’s sustainability investing principals. “Sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying sustainability criteria involves subjective assessment.
Counterparty – The fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the fund invests will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties (including derivatives exchanges and clearinghouses) may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Extension – When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause the fund's share price to be more volatile or go down.
Prepayment or Call – Many issuers have a right to prepay their fixed income securities. Issuers may be more likely to prepay their securities if interest rates fall. If this happens, the fund will not benefit from the rise in the market price of the securities that normally accompanies a decline in interest rates and will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on prepaid securities. The fund may also lose any premium it paid on prepaid securities.
Management – The value of your investment may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. You may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, investment techniques applied, or the analyses employed or relied on, by the investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. The fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. Any of these things could cause the fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Active Trading – The fund may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts,
would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations – To the extent the fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Convertible Securities – Convertible securities are subject to risks associated with both fixed income and equity securities. When the underlying common stock falls in value, the market price of the convertible security may be more influenced by the security’s yield and fixed income characteristics. When the underlying common stock rises in value, the market price may be more influenced by the equity conversion features. Since the convertible security derives its value from the underlying common stock, the security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality.
Currency – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Currency Hedging – The fund may hedge its currency risk using currency futures, forwards or options. However, hedging strategies and/or these instruments may not always work as intended, and a fund may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging strategy or instrument.
Derivatives – Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the fund. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional or heightened risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Their usage can increase fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices or volatility, interest rates, currencies, or the derivatives themselves, behave in a way not anticipated. Using derivatives may have a leveraging effect, increase fund volatility and not produce the result intended. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on the fund. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty (including, if applicable, the fund’s clearing broker, the derivatives exchange or the clearinghouse) may default on its obligations to the fund. In certain cases, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against or closing out derivatives instruments
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with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses. Derivatives are subject to additional risks such as operational risk, including settlement issues, and legal risk, including that underlying documentation is incomplete or ambiguous. Derivatives are also generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative, including market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, management and valuation risk. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more or less than, or otherwise not correlate well with, the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. The fund may be required to segregate or earmark liquid assets or otherwise cover its obligations under derivatives transactions and may have to liquidate positions before it is desirable in order to meet these segregation and coverage requirements. Use of derivatives may have different tax consequences for the fund than an investment in the underlying assets or indices, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities – Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. The fund may suffer significant losses if the reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. The fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties, and the fund could lose its entire investment.
Dollar Rolls – The use of dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money. Dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker/dealer to whom the fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the fund’s ability to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
Emerging Markets – Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems and regulatory and accounting standards that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors such as the fund from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s ESG criteria to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as
to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by the sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Equity Securities – Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and consequently may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile and the value of equity securities may go up or down sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities. The value of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If the fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Floating Rate Loans – Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in the fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, the fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase.
Focused Investing – To the extent the fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Foreign Investments – Investing in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involves additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated,
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less transparent and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the fund’s foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and weaker legal systems and accounting standards also may affect the value of these securities. Foreign investments may have lower liquidity and be more difficult to value than investments in U.S. issuers.
Hedging – The fund may buy and sell futures contracts, put and call options, forward contracts and other instruments as a hedge. Some hedging strategies could hedge the fund’s portfolio against price fluctuations. Other hedging strategies would tend to increase the fund’s exposure to the securities market. Forward contracts could be used to try to manage foreign currency risks on the fund’s foreign investments. The fund’s hedging strategies may not work as intended, and the fund may be in a less favorable position than if it had not used a hedging instrument.
Inflation-Protected Securities – Inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. The market for U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”) and corporate inflation-protected securities (“CIPS”) may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets. Also, the inflation index utilized by a particular inflation-protected security may not accurately reflect the true rate of inflation, in which case the market value of the security could be adversely affected.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds – A significant portion of the fund’s shares may be owned by other funds sponsored by Transamerica. Transactions by these funds may be disruptive to the management of the fund. For example, the fund may experience large redemptions and could be required to sell securities at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase the fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, sizeable redemptions could cause the fund’s total expenses to increase.
Leveraging – The value of your investment may be more volatile to the extent that the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Other risks also will be compounded because leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in the loss of a substantial amount, and possibly all, of the fund's assets. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation or coverage requirements.
Loans – Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan. Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower’s capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. The fund's investments in loans are also subject to prepayment or call risk. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain the fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
Municipal Securities – The municipal bond market can be susceptible to unusual volatility, particularly for lower-rated and unrated securities. Liquidity can be reduced unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening. Municipal issuers may be adversely affected by rising health care costs, increasing unfunded pension liabilities, and by the phasing out of federal programs providing financial support. Unfavorable conditions and developments relating to projects financed with municipal securities can result in lower revenues to issuers of municipal securities, potentially resulting in defaults. Issuers often depend on revenues from these projects to make principal and interest payments. The value of municipal securities can also be adversely affected by changes in the financial condition of one or more individual municipal issuers or insurers of municipal issuers, regulatory and political developments, tax law changes or other legislative actions, and by uncertainties and public perceptions concerning these and other factors. To the extent the fund invests significantly in a single state or in securities the payments on which are dependent upon a single project or source of revenues, or that relate to a sector or industry, the fund will be more susceptible to associated risks and developments. Municipal issuers may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. A number of municipal issuers have defaulted on obligations, commenced insolvency proceedings, or suffered credit downgrading. Financial difficulties of municipal issuers may continue or worsen.
Investment in municipal securities of issuers in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other U.S. territories may have more risks than tax-exempt securities issued by other issuers due to the political, social and/or economic conditions in the particular territory.
New Fund – The fund was recently formed. Investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders.
Preferred Stock – Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors
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that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid and have limited voting rights.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities - Restricted securities, which include private placements of private and public companies, are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to sell at the time and price a fund prefers. Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale, both of which may result in substantial losses. An insufficient number of eligible buyers interested in purchasing restricted securities held by a fund could adversely affect the marketability of such securities and a fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices, adversely affecting a fund’s overall liquidity. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. A fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities.
Repurchase Agreements – In a repurchase agreement, the fund purchases securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the fund at a later date, and at a specified price, which is typically higher than the purchase price paid by the fund. The securities purchased serve as the fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. If the counterparty does not repurchase the securities, the fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss. If the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.
Sovereign Debt – Sovereign debt instruments are subject to the risk that the governmental entity may delay or fail to pay interest or repay principal on its sovereign debt. If a governmental entity defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans, or the debt may be restructured. There may be no established legal process for collecting sovereign debt that a government does not pay, nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected.
Structured Instruments – The fund may invest in, or have exposure to, various types of structured instruments, including securities that have demand, tender or put features, or interest rate reset features. Structured instruments are a type of derivative instrument and the payment and credit qualities of these instruments derive from the assets embedded in the structure from which they are issued. Structured instruments may be leveraged and may behave in ways not anticipated by the fund, or they may not receive tax, accounting or regulatory treatment anticipated by the fund. Structured instruments may also be less liquid and more difficult to value accurately than more traditional securities and instruments.
To Be Announced (TBA) Transactions – Although the securities that are delivered in TBA transactions must meet certain standards, there is a risk that the actual securities received by the fund may be less favorable than what was anticipated when entering into the transaction. TBA transactions also involve the risk that a counterparty will fail to deliver the security, exposing the fund to further losses. Whether or not the fund takes delivery of the securities at the termination date of a TBA transaction, it will nonetheless be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations – Government agency obligations have different levels of credit support and, therefore, different degrees of credit risk. Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government generally present a lesser degree of credit risk than securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the credit of the issuing agencies. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price.
Valuation – The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets, that are priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund's ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Yield – The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Performance: No performance is shown for the fund. Performance information will appear in a future version of this prospectus once the fund has a full calendar year of performance information to report to investors.
The fund's benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamerica.com/individual/products/mutual-funds/performance/ or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
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Management:
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Sub-Adviser: Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Charles Foster, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jeremy Mead, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jose Pluto, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jeremy Thurm, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
James Rich Portfolio Manager since 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: Shares of the fund are available to individual and institutional investors through certain retirement plans. These plans include, but are not limited to, 401(k), 403(b) and 457 Plans, Money Purchase Plans, Profit Sharing Plans, Simplified Employee Pension Plans, Keogh Plans, defined benefit plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans and IRAs. Shares may be purchased by these investors through a plan administrator, recordkeeper or authorized financial intermediary. If you are a participant in a plan, you should obtain the plan’s conditions for participation from your plan administrator. Shares of the fund are also available to other investors, including endowment funds and foundations, any state, county or city, or its instrumentality, department, authority or agency, and accounts registered to insurance companies, trust companies and bank trust departments. Such investors may purchase shares in the fund through the transfer agent directly. You may purchase shares of the fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Requests to purchase shares for the fund should be mailed to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945. Participants in retirement plans administered by Transamerica Retirement Solutions should contact Transamerica Retirement Solutions at 1-800-755-5801 for additional information. If you would like to purchase shares in a fund by a wire transfer, please call 1-888-233-4339 for wire transfer instructions. You buy and redeem shares at the fund’s next-determined net asset value (“NAV”) after receipt of your request in good order. There is no minimum investment for eligible retirement plans investing in Class R shares. The minimum initial investment for Class R4 shares is $5,000. There is no minimum for subsequent investments in Class R or R4 shares. A retirement plan may, however, impose minimum investment requirements. Plan participants or IRA holders should consult their plan administrator, recordkeeper or authorized financial intermediary.
Redemption requests may be made by mail and, in certain circumstances, telephone. The proceeds of the redemption will be sent by mail or, if authorized on the Account Application, wire transfer. Requests to redeem shares of the fund should be mailed to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945. You may redeem shares by telephone if you authorized telephone redemptions on your Account Application. The fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption request if it is believed it is advisable to do so. The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any time without advance notice.
The fund does not currently offer Class R and Class R4 shares.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. In that case, you may be taxed when you take a distribution from such plan, depending on the type of plan, the circumstances of your distribution and other factors.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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More on each Fund’s Strategies and Investments
    
The following provides additional information regarding each fund’s strategies and investments described at the front of this prospectus. Except as otherwise expressly stated in this prospectus or in the statement of additional information or as required by law, there is no limit on the amount of each fund’s assets that may be invested in a particular type of security or investment.
Transamerica High Yield ESG: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in high-yield securities. The sub-adviser focuses on investments that the sub-adviser views as having a favorable Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) profile based on the sub-adviser’s internal ESG evaluation process. The fund normally invests primarily in U.S. securities.
High yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) are high-risk debt securities rated, at the time of investment, below BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the fund’s sub-adviser. The high yield securities in which the fund invests are primarily corporate bonds.
The sub-adviser’s ESG evaluation process is designed to emphasize positive selection of investments with favorable ESG characteristics in the view of the sub-adviser, while minimizing exposure to companies considered by the sub-adviser as having less favorable ESG qualities. In this process, the sub-adviser excludes companies involved in certain industries and/or business practices that are viewed as exhibiting the most negative ESG impacts. The sub-adviser then employs a fundamental, proprietary research approach to identify potential investments and categorizes them as belonging to one of five ESG categories.
Category one includes companies viewed by the sub-adviser as leaders in sustainable business practices or demonstrating commitment to the pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Category two companies are judged by the sub-adviser to have low exposure to ESG risks or have policies in place to mitigate such risks. Category three companies are those, in the view of the sub-adviser, which face future ESG risks of uncertain timing or magnitude that could negatively affect the company. Category four companies are those which the sub-adviser views as exhibiting current ESG risks that are impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals, but are not significant enough to impact the overall credit quality of the company. Category five includes companies that, in the sub-adviser’s view, have ESG factors negatively impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals to the extent credit quality is also impacted.
The fund’s investment universe consists of companies classified by the sub-adviser within categories one through four with the fund’s investments predominantly falling in categories one through three.
When assessing a company’s ESG practices, the sub-adviser may take into account a number of ESG considerations of an environmental, social or governance nature. Environmental considerations may include, but are not limited to, climate change and carbon emissions, energy efficiency, waste and pollution, water use and conservation, deforestation, natural resource use and renewable energy. Social considerations may include, but are not limited to, human rights and labor standards, product safety and liability, workplace safety, workplace benefits, employee relations, diversity/inclusion policies, data protection and privacy, community involvement, nutrition and health, and supply chain sourcing. Governance considerations may include, but are not limited to, board independence, board diversity, anticorruption policies, shareholder rights, compensation structures, corporate political contributions and corporate behavior.
The sub-adviser’s research-intensive process uses a combination of a global top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environment and proprietary bottom-up research of corporate debt, stressed and distressed securities, and other debt instruments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that it believes affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis assists the sub-adviser in analyzing fund risk and allocating assets among sectors, industries, and credit quality categories. In its proprietary bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as creditworthiness and capital structure. The sub-adviser integrates ESG factors into its analysis by combining external data with internal research to evaluate the investment’s ESG characteristics. The process incorporates both qualitative elements (such as company commitment to sustainable initiatives) and quantitative elements (such as measurable ESG risks) to assess the potential material influence of ESG factors on an investment’s credit fundamentals.
The fund has no maturity or duration requirements or limitations. The fund may invest in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in emerging market securities.
The fund may invest in investment grade bonds, bank loans, preferred equity securities, common equity securities (received in connection with exchanges or restructurings) and cash equivalents. The fund may also invest in hybrid instruments having both debt and equity characteristics.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, are subject to the sub-adviser’s ESG assessment framework.
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The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
Transamerica Sustainable Bond: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. The fund’s investments in fixed-income securities may include U.S. government and foreign government bonds and notes (including emerging markets), mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations), investment grade and below (commonly known as “junk bonds”) corporate bonds of issuers in the U.S. and foreign countries (including emerging markets), convertible bonds and other convertible securities (including contingent convertible securities), bank loans and loan participations, structured notes, municipal bonds and preferred securities. The fund’s investment in fixed-income securities may also include dollar rolls, inflation-protected securities, repurchase agreements and to be announced (“TBA”) transactions. The fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration. Under normal circumstances, the fund has an average credit rating of investment grade.
The fund’s investment universe is defined by the sub-adviser’s Sustainable Investment Committee (“SIC”) which consists of employees of the sub-adviser and affiliated entities within the global Aegon Asset Management organization, who have responsible investing expertise. The fund’s sub-adviser focuses on fixed-income securities of issuers that are, in the sub-adviser’s view, aligned with sustainability initiatives. All potential investments are screened utilizing the sub-adviser’s proprietary sustainability assessment framework which evaluates issuers or securities using internal and external inputs. Eligible investments include issuers or securities that are viewed by the sub-adviser as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, various environmental and societal initiatives. The sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment focuses on key sustainability pillars, including climate change, eco solutions, resource efficiency, health and well-being and sustainable growth. These sustainable investment opportunities also align with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of goals that seek to address the world’s most pressing sustainability issues. While the SDGs provide a helpful framework for identifying sustainable themes, the sub-adviser relies on their proprietary sustainability assessment to determine the eligible investment universe.
The fund uses positive screening to identify issuers and securities that the sub-adviser believes align with sustainability themes. Given the fund’s inclusionary stance and thematic approach to selecting the investment universe, the sub-adviser avoids investments in issuers, industries or sectors that are wholly inconsistent with its sustainable investing philosophy. As a result, the fund does not utilize a specific exclusions list.
The sub-adviser uses a research-driven process in an effort to identify sustainable investment opportunities. The process consists of five primary steps:
1. Sustainability research: The sub-adviser generates sustainable investment ideas using a sustainability assessment process to identify fixed income investments that the sub-adviser believes will contribute to or benefit from the long-term sustainability of the global economy, environment and society. The process combines internal expertise alongside external data to analyze a potential investment’s sustainability profile. Sustainable investment ideas are presented to the SIC for further evaluation.
2. Sustainability determination: The SIC reviews the sustainability research and ultimately determines the sustainable investment universe for the fund. The SIC reviews investments for alignment with sustainable initiatives and identifies an eligible investment universe consisting of issuers that are viewed as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability. Issuers and securities are classified into one of five categories depending on level of alignment with sustainability initiatives. The sustainability criteria is tailored to the fixed income sector.
3. Economic research and recommendation: In its proprietary, bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, creditworthiness, capital structure, covenants, cash-flows and, as applicable, collateral.
4. Portfolio construction: The sub-adviser combines the proprietary bottom-up research with top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis includes a relative value assessment across asset classes as the sub-adviser constructs a sustainability-themed portfolio based on the eligible sustainable investment universe set by the SIC. The fund invests in issuers or securities that meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria within categories one through three. As an example, category one “sustainable leaders” may include companies with a material amount of revenues tied to products or services aligned with sustainability initiatives. Conversely, category five companies that do not meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may be involved in controversial activities that are against sustainable initiatives.
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5. Engagement: The sub-adviser’s dedicated Responsible Investment team may engage with issuers in an effort to encourage issuers to enhance the sustainability of their businesses and make positive change.
The fund may utilize derivatives, such as options, futures, forward currency contracts and swaps, including, but not limited to, interest rate, total return and credit default swaps. These investment strategies may be employed as a hedging technique, as a means of altering investment characteristics of the fund’s portfolio (such as shortening or lengthening duration), in an attempt to enhance returns or for other purposes. The fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward-commitment basis.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and derivatives instruments used for duration or temporary cashflow management purposes, are subject to the sub-adviser’s sustainability screening process.
The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
More on Risks of Investing in the Funds
    
The value of your investment in a fund changes with the values of that fund’s investments. Many factors and risks can affect those values, including the risks described below. There is no guarantee that a fund will be able to achieve its investment objective. It is possible to lose money by investing in a fund.
Some of the risks of investing in the funds, including the principal risks of the funds, are discussed below. A fund may be subject to factors and risks other than those identified in this prospectus, and these other factors and risks could adversely affect the fund’s investment results. More information about risks appears in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Absence of Regulation: A fund may engage in over-the-counter (“OTC”) transactions, which trade in a dealer network, rather than on an exchange. In general, there is less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions in the OTC markets than of transactions entered into on organized exchanges. Transactions in the OTC markets also are subject to the credit risk of the counterparty.
Active Trading: Certain funds may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations: To the extent a fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Cash Management and Defensive Investing: The value of investments held by a fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate. Like other fixed income securities, cash and cash equivalent securities are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If a fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash, it will not earn income on the cash and the fund’s yield will go down. If a significant amount of a fund’s assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective.
Conflicts of Interest: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”) and its affiliates are engaged in a variety of businesses and have interests other than those related to managing the funds. The broad range of activities and interests of TAM and its affiliates gives rise to actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest that could affect the funds and their shareholders. Certain actual and potential conflicts are described below. Other conflicts may arise from time to time.
TAM and the funds have adopted practices, policies and procedures that are intended to identify, manage and, where possible, mitigate conflicts of interest. There is no assurance, however, that these practices, policies and procedures will be effective.
TAM serves as investment manager to and is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day investment advice and management of certain funds of funds that invest in underlying Transamerica funds and is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among the underlying funds. For certain other funds of funds, TAM has hired a sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager and is subject to conflicts of interest in connection with the selection and allocation by the sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager of the fund of funds’ assets. TAM has designed certain funds of funds where only Transamerica funds are underlying investment options. This means that TAM or the fund of funds’ sub-adviser or portfolio construction managers, as applicable, does not, nor does it expect to, consider any unaffiliated funds as underlying investment options for the fund of funds. TAM
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and its affiliates will receive more revenue when TAM, a portfolio construction manager or sub-adviser selects a Transamerica fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in a fund of funds and could result in the selection of funds with relatively lower historical investment results. TAM has an incentive for the funds of funds’ assets to be allocated to those underlying funds for which the net management fees payable to TAM are higher than the fees payable by other underlying funds or to those underlying funds for which an affiliate of TAM serves as the sub-adviser. TAM also has an incentive for a fund of funds’ assets to be allocated to subscale underlying Transamerica funds to provide scale and reduce amounts waived and/or reimbursed by TAM to maintain applicable expense caps. Sub-advisers to certain funds of funds also have conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among underlying funds.
TAM may have a financial incentive to implement or not to implement certain changes to the funds. For example, TAM may, from time to time, recommend a change in sub-adviser or the combination of two or more funds. TAM and its affiliates will benefit to the extent that an affiliated sub-adviser replaces an unaffiliated sub-adviser or additional assets are combined into a fund having a higher net management fee payable to TAM and/or that is sub-advised by an affiliate of TAM. TAM will also benefit to the extent that it replaces a sub-adviser with a new sub-adviser with a lower sub-advisory fee. The aggregation of assets of multiple funds for purposes of calculating breakpoints or discounts in sub-advisory fees also gives rise to conflicts of interest for TAM.
TAM manages other funds and products that have investment objectives similar to or the same as those of the funds and/or engage in transactions in the same types of securities and instruments as the funds. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which a fund invests, and could have an adverse impact on the fund’s performance. These other accounts and products may buy or sell positions while the funds are undertaking the same or a differing, including potentially opposite, strategy, which could disadvantage the funds. A position taken by TAM, on behalf of one or more other funds or products, may be contrary to a position taken on behalf of a fund or may be adverse to a company or issuer in which the fund has invested. The results of the investment activities of a fund may differ significantly from the results achieved for other funds or products.
TAM and certain of its affiliates provide services including investment management, administration, sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds and earn fees from these relationships with the funds. TAM and its affiliates face conflicts of interest when the funds select affiliated service providers because TAM and/or its affiliates receive greater compensation when they are used.
TAM, its affiliates and other financial service providers have conflicts associated with their promotion of the funds or other dealings with the funds that would create incentives for them to promote the funds. TAM, its affiliates and/or the funds’ sub-advisers or their affiliates, make revenue sharing payments to brokers and other financial intermediaries to promote the distribution of the funds. TAM and its affiliates will benefit from increased amounts of assets under management. TAM or its affiliates also receive revenue sharing payments from certain of the funds’ sub-advisers or their affiliates.
TAM and/or its affiliates have existing and may have potential future other business dealings or arrangements with current or proposed sub-advisers or other fund service providers (or their affiliates) recommended by TAM. Such other business dealings or arrangements present conflicts of interest. For example, TAM has an incentive to hire as a sub-adviser or other service provider an entity with which TAM or one or more of its affiliates have, or would like to have, significant or other business dealings or arrangements, and TAM has a disincentive to recommend the termination of such a sub-adviser or service provider.
The performance of certain funds impacts the financial exposure of affiliates of TAM under guarantees that the Transamerica insurance companies provide as issuers of the variable insurance contracts. TAM and/or its affiliates derive certain ancillary benefits from providing investment management, administration, investment sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds.
The range of activities, services and interests of a sub-adviser may give rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest that could disadvantage a fund and its shareholders. For example, a sub-adviser’s or the portfolio construction manager’s portfolio managers may manage multiple funds and accounts for multiple clients which may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest. A sub-adviser, the portfolio construction manager and/or their respective affiliates also may derive ancillary benefits from providing investment sub-advisory services to a fund.
A further discussion of conflicts of interest appears in the SAI. These discussions are not, and are not intended to be, a complete enumeration or description of all the actual and potential conflicts that may arise.
Convertible Securities: Convertible securities share investment characteristics of both fixed income and equity securities. The value of these securities may vary more with fluctuations in the value of the underlying common stock than with fluctuations in interest rates. The value of convertible securities also may be less volatile than the underlying common stock. Since the convertible security derives its value from the underlying common stock, the security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. Convertible securities may include corporate notes or preferred stock, but ordinarily are a long-term debt obligation of the issuer convertible at a stated exchange rate into common stock of the issuer. Convertible securities
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generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. Convertible securities are normally “junior” securities, meaning that the issuers usually must first make payments on non-convertible securities before making payments on convertible securities. If the issuer of a convertible security stops making payments, these securities may become worthless.
Counterparty: A fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Credit: The value of your investment in a fund could decline if the issuer of a security held by the fund or another obligor for that security (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) fails to pay, otherwise defaults, is perceived to be less creditworthy, becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy. The value of your investment in a fund could also decline if the credit rating of a security held by the fund is downgraded or the credit quality or value of any assets underlying the security declines. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. If a single entity provides credit enhancement to more than one of the fund’s investments, the adverse effects resulting from the downgrade or default will increase the adverse effects on a fund. If a fund enters into financial contracts (such as certain derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions), the fund will be subject to the credit risk presented by the counterparty. In addition, a fund may incur expenses and may be hindered or delayed in an effort to protect the fund’s interests or to enforce its rights. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract. Credit risk may be broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which a fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. Credit rating may also be influenced by conflicts of interest. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade (Baa/BBB or Baa-/BBB-) may possess certain speculative characteristics.
A fund is subject to greater amounts of credit risk to the extent it invests in below investment grade debt securities (that is, securities rated below the Baa/BBB categories or unrated securities of comparable quality), or “junk” bonds. These securities have a higher risk of issuer default because, among other reasons, issuers of junk bonds often have more debt in relation to total capitalization than issuers of investment grade securities. Junk bonds are considered speculative, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher rated securities and may involve significant risk of exposure to adverse conditions and negative sentiments. These securities may be in danger of default as to principal and interest. Unrated securities of comparable quality share these risks.
A fund may invest in securities which are subordinated to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated securities. A fund is more likely to suffer a credit loss on subordinated securities than on non-subordinated securities of the same issuer. If there is a default, bankruptcy or liquidation of the issuer, most subordinated securities are paid only if sufficient assets remain after payment of the issuer's non-subordinated securities. In addition, any recovery of interest or principal may take more time. As a result, even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer is likely to have a greater impact on subordinated securities.
Currency: The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets, and currency risk may be particularly high to the extent the fund invests in foreign securities or currencies that are economically tied to emerging market or frontier market countries. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Currency Hedging: A fund may use currency futures, forwards or options to hedge against declines in the value of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency fluctuation on purchases and sales of such securities. Hedging strategies and/or these instruments may not always work as intended, and a fund may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging strategy or instrument. Shifting a fund's currency exposure from one currency to another may remove a fund's opportunity to profit from the original currency and involves a risk of increased losses for a fund if the sub-adviser’s projection of future exchange rates is inaccurate.
Cybersecurity and Operations: A fund, and its service providers and distribution platforms, and your ability to transact with a fund, may be negatively impacted by, among other things, human error, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, shareholder data (including private shareholder information), and/or proprietary information, or cause a fund, TAM, a sub-adviser and/or its service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident or operational issue may disrupt the processing of
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shareholder transactions, impact a fund's ability to calculate its net asset values, and prevent shareholders from redeeming their shares. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of those securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents or operational issues.
Depositary Receipts: Depositary receipts are generally subject to the same risks that the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted are, and they may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives: Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to a fund, even when used for hedging purposes. Using derivatives exposes a fund to additional or heightened risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Their usage can increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices or volatility, interest rates or currencies, or the derivatives themselves, behave in a way not anticipated by a fund, especially in abnormal market conditions. Using derivatives may have a leveraging effect, which may increase investment losses and may increase fund volatility, which is the degree to which the fund’s share price may fluctuate within a short time period. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on a fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. This risk is greater for forward currency contracts, swaps and other over-the-counter traded derivatives. The other parties to derivatives transactions present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed-income securities. Derivatives also tend to involve greater liquidity risk and they may be difficult to value. A fund may be unable to terminate or sell its derivative positions. In fact, many over-the-counter derivatives will not have liquidity except through the counterparty to the instrument. Derivatives are subject to additional risks such as operational risk (such as documentation issues and settlement issues) and legal risk (such as insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, or issues with the legality or enforceability of a contract). Derivatives are also generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative, including market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, management and valuation risk. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more than, or otherwise not correlate well with, the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. A fund’s use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. The U.S. government and foreign governments are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing and on-facility execution of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance, or disrupt markets. For derivatives that are required to be cleared by a regulated clearinghouse, a fund may be exposed to risks arising from its relationship with a brokerage firm through which it would submit derivatives trades for clearing. A fund would also be exposed to counterparty risk with respect to the clearinghouse. In certain cases, a fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against or closing out derivatives instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses.
Derivatives may be used by a fund for a variety of purposes, including:
As a hedging technique in an attempt to manage risk in the fund's portfolio
As a means of changing investment characteristics of the fund's portfolio
As a means of attempting to enhance returns
As a means of providing additional exposure to types of investments or market factors
As a substitute for buying or selling securities
As a cash flow management technique
Using derivatives, especially for non-hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to a fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated by the fund. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may have different tax consequences for a fund than an investment in the underlying asset or indices, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
When a fund enters into derivative transactions, it may be required to segregate assets, or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations. Such segregation will not limit the fund’s exposure to loss, however, and the fund will have investment risk with respect to both the derivative itself and the assets that have been segregated to cover the fund’s derivative exposure. If the segregated assets represent a large portion of the fund’s portfolio, this may impede portfolio management or the fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
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Some derivatives may be difficult to value, or may be subject to the risk that changes in the value of the instrument may not correlate well with the underlying asset, rate or index. In addition, derivatives may be subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. A fund could lose the entire amount of its investment in a derivative and, in some cases, could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative instruments may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices. A fund’s sub-adviser may not make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons.
Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that an increased portion of a fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
The SEC has proposed a new rule that would change the regulation of the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as the fund. If the proposed rule takes effect, it could limit the ability of a fund to invest in derivatives.
Derivatives may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Options. An option is an agreement that, for a premium payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not the obligation to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified price (the exercise price) during a period of time or on a specified date. Investments in options are considered speculative. The fund may lose the premium paid for them if the price of the underlying security or other asset decreased or remained the same (in the case of a call option) or increased or remained the same (in the case of a put option). If a put or call option purchased by the fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the fund. Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change a fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the fund if currencies do not perform as a sub-adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions could reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency moves in the direction opposite to the position taken. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors which influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to a fund and poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges. Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing a fund's investment objective, such as when a sub-adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to a fund's holdings, further increases the fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that a sub-adviser’s use of currency derivatives will benefit a fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.
Forwards and Futures Contracts. The use of futures contracts is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. A futures contract is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the “long” position) and a seller (holding the “short” position) for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into off-setting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. In addition, futures exchanges often impose a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract for each trading session. The fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Moreover, to the extent the fund engages in futures contracts on foreign exchanges, such exchanges may not provide the same protection as US exchanges. The loss that may be incurred in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the fund's NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the fund. Investment in these instruments involve risks, including counterparty risk (i.e., the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (i.e., a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains, which may lead to losses within the fund) and pricing risk (i.e., the instrument may be difficult to value).
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts. In connection with its investments in foreign securities, a fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, a fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies. Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change a fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could
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  result in losses to the fund if currencies do not perform as its sub-adviser expects. A sub-adviser’s success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the applicable fund's investment objectives, such as when the sub-adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to a fund's holdings, further increases the fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that a sub-adviser’s use of currency derivatives will benefit a fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.
Swaps. Swap contracts, including credit default swaps, involve heightened risks and may result in losses to the fund. Swaps may in some cases be illiquid and difficult to value, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the swap. If the fund buys a credit default swap, it will be subject to the risk that the credit default swap may expire worthless, as the credit default swap would only generate income in the event of a default on the underlying debt security or other specified event. As a buyer, the fund would also be subject to credit risk relating to the seller's payment of its obligations in the event of a default (or similar event). If the fund sells a credit default swap, it will be exposed to the credit risk of the issuer of the obligation to which the credit default swap relates. As a seller, the fund would also be subject to leverage risk, because it would be liable for the full notional amount of the swap in the event of default (or similar event). Swaps may be difficult to unwind or terminate. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to the issuer of the referenced obligation and either their counterparty to the credit default swap or, if it is a cleared transaction, the brokerage firm through which the trade was cleared and the clearing organization that is the counterparty to that trade. Certain index-based credit default swaps are structured in tranches, whereby junior tranches assume greater default risk than senior tranches. The absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions may lead, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. New regulations require many kinds of swaps to be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. Although this clearing mechanism is generally expected to reduce counterparty credit risk, it may disrupt or limit the swap market and may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value. As swaps become more standardized, the fund may not be able to enter into swaps that meet its investment needs. The fund also may not be able to find a clearinghouse willing to accept the swaps for clearing. In a cleared swap, a central clearing organization will be the counterparty to the transaction. The fund will assume the risk that the clearinghouse may be unable to perform its obligations. The new regulations may make using swaps more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Contracts for Difference. Contracts for differences (“CFDs”) are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of CFDs is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. To the extent that there is an imperfect correlation between the return on the fund's obligation to its counterparty under the CFD and the return on related assets in its portfolio, the CFD transaction may increase the fund's financial risk. CFDs, like many other derivative instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require the fund to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which the fund is liable. CFDs are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities: Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. A fund may suffer significant losses if a reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. A fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties and a fund could lose its entire investment. Distressed or defaulted securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.
Dollar Rolls: A dollar roll transaction involves a sale by a fund of a mortgage-backed or other security concurrently with an agreement by the fund to repurchase a similar security at a later date at an agreed-upon price. The securities that are repurchased will bear the same interest rate and stated maturity as those sold, but pools of mortgages collateralizing those securities may have different prepayment histories than those sold.
The use of dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money. Dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities a fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker/dealer to whom a fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the fund’s ability to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
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Emerging Markets: Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets bear heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries typically have economic and political systems that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Some emerging market countries are especially vulnerable to economic conditions in other countries. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility, which could make security valuations more difficult. Less certainty with respect to security valuations may lead to additional challenges and risks in calculating the fund’s net asset value. A fund investing in emerging market countries may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing, and the fund may experience problems or delays with the clearing and settling of trades that are not typically experienced in more developed markets. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Energy Sector: Certain risks inherent in investing in energy companies include the following:
Supply and Demand. A decrease in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, coal or other energy commodities, a decrease in the volume of such commodities available for transportation, mining, processing, storage or distribution or a sustained decline in demand for such commodities, may adversely impact the financial performance of energy companies. Energy companies are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events and economic conditions, among others. The United States relies heavily on foreign imports of energy such as crude oil and refined products. If a supply source decides to restrict supply to the United States or is unable to meet demand, some energy companies’ cash flows may be adversely impacted. The substantial market disruption and slowdown in economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impact the demand for oil and other energy commodities. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and other oil-producing countries have agreed to reduce production in response to the pandemic. An extended period of reduced production and continued price volatility may significantly lengthen the time the energy sector would need to recover after a stabilization of prices.
Depletion and Exploration. Energy reserves naturally deplete as they are consumed over time. Energy companies that are either engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, or coal, or are engaged in transporting, storing, distributing and processing these items and refined products on behalf of the owners of such commodities. To maintain or grow their revenues, these companies or their customers need to maintain or expand their reserves through exploration of new sources of supply, through the development of existing sources or through acquisitions. The financial performance of energy companies may be adversely affected if they, or the companies to whom they provide services, are unable to cost-effectively acquire additional energy deposits sufficient to replace the natural decline of existing reserves. Also, the quantities of reserves may be overstated, or deposits may not be produced in the time periods anticipated. If an energy company is not able to raise capital on favorable terms, it may not be able to add to or maintain its reserves.
Reserve. Energy companies engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and other energy commodities are subject to the risk that the quantities of their reserves are overstated, or will not be produced in the time periods anticipated, for a variety of reasons including the risk that no commercially productive amounts of such energy commodities can be produced from estimated reserves because of the curtailment, delay or cancellation of production activities as a result of unexpected conditions or miscalculations, title problems, pressure or irregularities in formations, equipment failures or accidents, adverse weather conditions, compliance with environmental and other governmental requirements and cost of, or shortages or delays in the availability of, drilling rigs and other equipment, and operational risks and hazards associated with the development of the underlying properties, including natural disasters, blowouts, explosions, fires, leakage of such energy commodities, mechanical failures, cratering and pollution.
Regulatory. Energy companies are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including (i) how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, (ii) how and where wells are drilled, (iii) how services are provided, (iv) environmental and safety controls, and, in some cases (v) the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies. In particular, changes to laws and increased regulations or enforcement policies as a result of the Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies.
Commodity Pricing. The operations and financial performance of energy companies may be directly affected by energy commodity prices, especially those energy companies which own the underlying energy commodity or receive payments for services that are based on commodity prices. Such impact may be a result of changes in the price for such commodity or a result of changes in the price of one energy commodity relative to the price of another energy commodity (i.e., the price of natural gas relative to the price of natural gas liquids). These prices may fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, including global
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  and domestic economic conditions, weather conditions, the supply and price of imported energy commodities, the production and storage levels of energy commodities in certain regions or in the world, political stability, transportation facilities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation and the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for energy companies to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.
Acquisition. The ability of energy companies to grow operating cash flow and increase such company’s enterprise value can be highly dependent on their ability to make acquisitions that result in an increase in cash available for distributions. Recently, the acquisition market has become more competitive as a result of the increased amount of energy companies, as well as significant private equity interest in midstream energy assets. As a result, the competitive nature of the market has resulted in higher multiples, which may reduce the attractiveness of returns on acquisitions. Accordingly, MLP Entities may be unable to make accretive acquisitions because they are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates, negotiate acceptable purchase contracts, raise financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, or because they are outbid by competitors. Such circumstances may limit future growth and their ability to raise distributions could be reduced. Furthermore, even if energy companies do consummate acquisitions that they believe will be accretive, the acquisitions may instead result in a decrease in operating cash flow or a decrease in enterprise value. Any acquisition involves risks, including, among other things: mistaken assumptions about revenues and costs, including synergies; the assumption of unknown liabilities; limitations on rights to indemnity from the seller; the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; unforeseen difficulties operating in new product or geographic areas; and customer or key employee losses at the acquired businesses. The substantial market disruption and slowdown in economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may limit the ability of energy companies to make acquisitions.
Affiliated Party. Certain energy companies are dependent on their parents or sponsors for a majority of their revenues. Any failure by such company’s parents or sponsors to satisfy their payments or obligations would impact such company’s revenues and operating cash flows and ability to make interest payments and/or distributions.
Catastrophe. The operations of energy companies are subject to many hazards inherent in the exploring, developing, producing, generating, transporting, transmission, storing, gathering, processing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or electricity, including: damage to pipelines, storage tanks, plants or related equipment and surrounding properties caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent damage from construction and farm equipment; well blowouts; leaks of such energy commodities; fires and explosions. These hazards could result in substantial losses, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, and pollution or other environmental damage and may result in the curtailment or suspension of their related operations. Energy companies may not be insured against all risks inherent to their businesses. If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully insured, it could adversely affect the energy company’s operations and financial condition.
Terrorism/Market Disruption. Events in the Middle East and elsewhere could have significant adverse effects on the U.S. economy, financial and commodities markets. Energy assets could be direct targets, or indirect casualties, of an act of terror. The U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically the United States’ pipeline infrastructure, may be the future target of terrorist organizations.
Weather. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, (i) could result in substantial damage to the facilities of certain energy companies located in the affected areas, (ii) significantly increase the volatility in the supply of energy commodities and (iii) adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies, and could therefore adversely affect their securities. The damage done by extreme weather also may serve to increase many insurance premiums paid by energy companies and could adversely affect such companies’ financial condition.
Renewable Energy. Renewable energy infrastructure companies’ future growth may be highly dependent upon on government policies that support renewable power generation and enhance the economic viability of owning renewable electric generation assets. Such policies can include tax credits, accelerated cost-recovery systems of depreciation and renewable portfolio standard programs, which mandate that a specified percentage of electricity sales come from eligible sources of renewable energy. Furthermore, a portion of revenues from investments in renewable energy infrastructure assets is tied, either directly or indirectly, to the wholesale market price for electricity in the markets served. Wholesale market electricity prices are impacted by a number of factors including: the price of fuel (for example, natural gas) that is used to generate electricity; the cost of and management of generation and the amount of excess generating capacity relative to load in a particular market; and conditions (such as extremely hot or cold weather) that impact electrical system demand. In addition, there is uncertainty surrounding the trend in electricity demand growth, which is influenced by macroeconomic conditions; absolute and relative energy prices; and energy conservation and demand management. This volatility and uncertainty in power markets could have a material adverse effect on the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow of the companies in which a fund invests.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing: Applying ESG criteria to a sub-adviser’s investment analysis for a fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, applicable funds may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by a sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market
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and economic conditions, and a fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Equity Securities: Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and, consequently, may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. Because a company’s equity securities rank junior in priority to the interests of bond holders and other creditors, a company’s equity securities will usually react more strongly than its bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by a fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If a fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Expenses: Your actual costs of investing in a fund may be higher than the expenses shown in this prospectus for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease, or if a fee limitation is changed or terminated, or with respect to a newly offered fund or class, if average net assets are lower than estimated. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Extension: When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause a fund’s share price to be more volatile or go down.
Fixed-Income Securities: Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment or risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by a fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed-income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
If interest rates rise, repayments of fixed-income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market. This may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and they remain outstanding longer. This is sometimes referred to as extension risk.
Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, a fund will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. This is sometimes referred to as prepayment or call risk.
Floating Rate Loans: Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in a fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, a fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase. Certain courts have determined that floating rate loans are not securities and, therefore, purchasers such as a fund may not be entitled to the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws, including the prohibitions on insider trading. Some floating rate loans may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and thus would be subject to LIBOR risk.
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Floating rate loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. However, in periods of high demand by lenders like a fund for floating rate loan investments, borrowers may limit these covenants and weaken a lender’s ability to access collateral securing the loan; reprice the credit risk associated with the borrower; and mitigate potential loss. A fund may experience greater losses or delays and expenses in enforcing its rights with respect to floating rate loans with fewer restrictive covenants.
Focused Investing: To the extent a fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including through weather events and through regulation or business trends driven by climate change. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Foreign Investments: Investments in securities of foreign issuers (including those denominated in U.S. dollars) or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets are subject to additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of a fund's foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuers as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Values may also be affected by restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country.
Less information may be publicly available about foreign companies than about U.S. companies. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies. Some securities issued by non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of such governments. Even where a security is backed by the full faith and credit of a government, it may be difficult or impossible for the fund to pursue its rights against the government. Some non-U.S. governments have defaulted on principal and interest payments. In certain foreign markets, settlement and clearance procedures may result in delays in payment for or delivery of securities not typically associated with settlement and clearance of U.S. investments. In addition, a fund's investments in foreign securities may be subject to the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls or restrictions on the repatriation of foreign currency, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability and adverse diplomatic developments. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale or disposition of, foreign securities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, and special U.S. tax considerations may apply.
Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Economic sanctions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate a fund's ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities for a substantial period of time, and may make the fund's investments in such securities harder to value. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, may adversely affect a fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by unfavorable governmental actions such as the imposition of capital and price controls, nationalization of companies or industries, currency blockage, expropriation of assets, or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of a fund's investments. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair the fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer a fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by a fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When a fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.
Investment in securities of foreign issuers may also be subject to foreign custody risk which refers to the risks inherent in the process of clearing and settling trades and to the holding of securities, cash and other assets by banks, agents and depositories in securities markets outside the United States. Low trading volumes and volatile prices in less developed markets make trades harder to complete and settle, and governments or trade groups may compel non-U.S. agents to hold securities in designated depositories that may not be subject to independent evaluation. The laws of certain countries may place limitations on the ability to recover assets if a non-U.S. bank, agent or depository becomes insolvent or enters bankruptcy. Non-U.S. agents are held only to the standards of care of their local markets, and thus may be subject to limited or no government oversight. In general, the less developed a country’s securities markets are, or the more difficult communication is with that location, the greater the likelihood of custody problems.
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American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) are generally subject to all of the risks that direct investments in foreign securities are.
Hedging: A fund may buy and sell futures contracts, put and call options, forward contracts, and other instruments as a hedge. Some hedging strategies could hedge a fund’s portfolio against price fluctuations. Other hedging strategies would tend to increase a fund’s exposure to the securities market. Forward contracts could be used to try to manage foreign currency risks on a fund’s foreign investments. A fund’s hedging strategies may not work as intended, and the fund may be in a less favorable position than if it had not used a hedging instrument.
High-Yield Debt Securities: High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” (that is, securities rated below Baa/BBB) or, if unrated, are determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. High-yield debt securities have a higher risk of issuer default because, among other reasons, issuers of junk bonds often have more debt in relation to total capitalization than issuers of investment grade securities. These securities are considered speculative, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher rated securities and may involve major risk of exposure to adverse conditions and negative sentiments, which may result in losses for the fund. These securities may be in default or in danger of default as to principal and interest. High-yield debt securities range from those for which the prospect for repayment of principal and interest is predominantly speculative to those which are currently in default on principal or interest payments or in bankruptcy. In the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of high-yield debt holders, leaving few or no assets available to repay high-yield debt holders. A fund with high-yield debt securities may be more susceptible to credit risk and market risk than a fund that invests only in higher quality debt securities because these lower-rated debt securities are less secure financially and more sensitive to downturns in the economy. High-yield securities are not generally meant for short-term investing. Unrated securities of comparable quality share these risks.
Hybrid Instruments: Hybrid instruments combine elements of derivative contracts with those of another security (typically a fixed-income security). All or a portion of the interest or principal payable on a hybrid security is determined by reference to changes in the price of an underlying asset or by reference to another benchmark (such as interest rates, currency exchange rates or indices). Hybrid instruments also include convertible securities with conversion terms related to an underlying asset or benchmark. Investing in hybrid instruments involves a combination of risks, including risks of investing in securities, commodities, options, futures, and currencies. Thus, an investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional fixed-income or convertible securities. Hybrid instruments are also potentially more volatile and may carry greater interest rate risks than traditional instruments. Moreover, depending on the structure of the particular hybrid, it may expose a fund to leverage risks or carry liquidity risks.
Inflation-Protected Securities: Inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. The market for U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”) and corporate inflation-protected securities (“CIPS”) may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets. Also, the inflation index utilized by a particular inflation-protected security may not accurately reflect the true rate of inflation, in which case the market value of the security could be adversely affected.
Interest Rate: Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. A fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities will generally fall. A change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed-income securities. Generally, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater the impact of a rise in interest rates on the security’s value. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and foreign interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of a fund investments. When interest rates go down, the income received by a fund, and the fund’s yield, may decline. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. The maturity of a security may be significantly longer than its duration. A security’s maturity and other features may be more relevant than its duration in determining the security’s sensitivity to other factors affecting the issuer or markets generally such as changes in credit quality or in the yield premium that the market may establish for certain types of securities.
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Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed-income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Similarly, a fund with a longer average portfolio duration will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with an average duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point.
Certain fixed-income securities pay interest at variable or floating rates. Variable rate securities tend to reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities may reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the impact of changes in market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that may produce a leveraging effect; others may also provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the net asset value of the fund’s shares. Some variable and floating rate securities are tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and thus they also subject the fund to “LIBOR” risk.
Inflation protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds: Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon, Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon and Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon, each separate series of Transamerica Funds, as well as Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Conservative VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Growth VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Moderate VP, Transamerica BlackRock Tactical Allocation VP and Transamerica JPMorgan International Moderate Growth VP, each separate series of Transamerica Series Trust, are asset allocation funds (the “Asset Allocation Funds”) that invest in certain series of Transamerica Funds and may own a significant portion of the shares of an underlying fund.
Unaffiliated funds (the “Unaffiliated Funds”) may invest in series of Transamerica Funds subject to the fund of funds restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Unaffiliated Funds with exemptive relief from the SEC may invest in an underlying fund beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions. An Unaffiliated Fund may own a significant portion of the shares of an underlying fund.
Transactions by the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds may be disruptive to the management of an underlying fund. An underlying fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in fund shares by the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on an underlying fund's performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, an underlying fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase an underlying fund's brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, when the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds own a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares, a large redemption by an Asset Allocation Fund and/or an Unaffiliated Fund could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying fund's expense ratio.
Redemptions of underlying fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in an underlying fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when an Asset Allocation Fund and/or an Unaffiliated Fund purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares.
When possible, TAM, the sub-adviser and/or the portfolio construction manager will consider how to minimize these potential adverse effects, and may take such actions as it deems appropriate to address potential adverse effects, including carrying out the transactions over a period of time, although there can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.
Legal and Regulatory: Legal and regulatory changes could occur that may adversely affect a fund, its investments, and its ability to pursue its investment strategies and/or increase the costs of implementing such strategies. New or revised laws or regulations may be imposed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Federal Reserve or other governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations that could adversely affect a fund. A fund also may be adversely affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and rules by governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations.
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Leveraging: The value of your investment may be more volatile to the extent a fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Other risks also will be compounded because leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than a fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. A fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation or coverage requirements. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice that may result in the loss of a substantial amount, and possibly all, of a fund’s assets.
LIBOR: Many financial instruments, financings or other transactions to which the fund may be a party use or may use a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). LIBOR is widely used in financial markets. In July 2017, the United Kingdom’s financial regulatory body announced that after 2021 it will cease its active encouragement of banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR. That announcement suggests that LIBOR may cease to be published or utilized after that time. Various financial industry groups have begun planning for that transition, but the effect of the transition process and its ultimate success cannot yet be determined. The transition process may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments the terms of which are based on LIBOR. It could also lead to a reduction in the value of some LIBOR-based investments and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against existing LIBOR-based investments. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021. The willingness and ability of issuers to include enhanced provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments also remains uncertain. Any of these factors may adversely affect the fund’s performance or NAV.
Liquidity: A fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Investments may become illiquid due to the lack of an active market, a reduced number of traditional market participants, legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or reduced capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in securities. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value. If a fund is forced to sell less liquid or illiquid investments to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss, and such sale may involve additional costs. In addition, securities, once sold by a fund, may not settle for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer). The fund will not receive its sales proceeds until that time, which may constrain the fund’s ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for a fund to sell. This may prevent a fund from limiting losses. Further, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain investments, a fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector or asset class. A fund is required by law to maintain a liquidity risk management program to assess and manage the fund’s liquidity risk. This program is intended to reduce liquidity risk, but may not achieve the desired results. Analyses and judgments made under the program may be incorrect, and changes in market conditions, which may be rapid and unexpected, may adversely affect the program.
Loans: Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, a fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan.
A fund may invest in certain commercial loans, including loans generally known as “syndicated bank loans,” by acquiring participations or assignments in such loans. The lack of a liquid secondary market for such securities may have an adverse impact on the value of the securities and a fund’s ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet redemptions of shares or to meet a fund’s liquidity needs. When purchasing a participation, a fund may be subject to the credit risks of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When purchasing a loan assignment, a fund acquires direct rights against the borrowers, but only to the extent of those held by the assigning lender. Investment in loans through a direct assignment from the financial institution’s interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to a fund.
Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower's capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. Second lien loans are secured by the assets of the issuer. In a typical structure, the claim on collateral and right of payment of second lien loans are junior to those of first-lien loans. Subordinated bridge loans are loans that are intended to provide short-term financing to provide a “bridge” to an asset sale, bond offering, stock offering, or divestiture. Generally, bridge loans are provided by arrangers as part of an overall financing package. Typically, the issuer will agree to increasing interest rates if the loan is not repaid as expected. A subordinated bridge loan is junior to a senior bridge loan in right of payment.
There may be no active trading market for loans. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain a fund’s ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
Certain courts have determined that loans are not securities and, therefore, purchasers such as a fund may not be entitled to the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws, including the prohibitions on insider trading.
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Loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. However, in periods of high demand by lenders like a fund for loan investments, borrowers may limit these covenants and weaken a lender’s ability to access collateral securing the loan; reprice the credit risk associated with the borrower; and mitigate potential loss. A fund may experience greater losses or delays and expenses in enforcing its rights with respect to loans with fewer restrictive covenants.
Management: The value of your investment in a fund may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. The value of your investment in a fund may decrease if its investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgment about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, is incorrect. A fund may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by its investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser’s investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. A fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. In addition, a fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the investment manager or sub-adviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund. Any of these things could cause a fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Market: The market prices of a fund’s securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the value of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. A fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
In the past decade, financial markets throughout the world have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. Governmental and non-governmental issuers defaulted on, or were forced to restructure, their debts. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread.
The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks took steps to support financial markets during the last decade following the financial crisis that began in 2007, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels and by purchasing large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (“quantitative easing”). Similar steps were taken again in 2020 in an effort to support the coronavirus pandemic. This and other government interventions may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Future policy changes by the Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank support, including interest rate increases or reducing quantitative easing, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which a fund invests.
Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, a fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this prospectus will likely increase. As a result, whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Europe. A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in conflicts and social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, in 2016, voters in the United Kingdom approved withdrawal from the European Union. This resulted in significant political and economic uncertainty, and the outcome and ramifications may not be known for some time. Given the size and importance of the United Kingdom’s economy, uncertainty about its legal, political, and economic relationship with the remaining member states of the
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European Union may continue to be a source of instability. Moreover, other countries may seek to withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. The Ukraine has experienced ongoing military conflict; this conflict may expand and military conflicts could potentially occur elsewhere in Europe. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geopolitical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. Whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the fund's investments.
Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities: The value of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities will be influenced by factors affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset values, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid, which could negatively impact the fund’s net asset value. Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private issuers, by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae (formally known as Federal National Mortgage Association) or Freddie Mac (formally known as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) or by agencies of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”). Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Unlike mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government or government-sponsored entities, mortgage-related securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. Certain asset-backed securities present a heightened level of risk because, in the event of default, the liquidation value of the underlying assets may be inadequate to pay any unpaid principal or interest.
The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets. The risk of default is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include so-called “sub-prime” mortgages. For mortgage-backed securities, when market conditions result in an increase in the default rates on the underlying mortgages and the foreclosure values of the underlying real estate are below the outstanding amount of the underlying mortgages, collection of the full amount of accrued interest and principal on these investments may be doubtful.
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment or call and extension risks. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less available information than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, a fund may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss.
Municipal Securities: Issuers of municipal securities tend to derive a significant portion of their revenue from taxes, particularly property and income taxes, and decreases in personal income levels and property values and other unfavorable economic factors, such as a general economic recession, adversely affect municipal securities. Municipal issuers may also be adversely affected by rising health care costs, increasing unfunded pension liabilities and by the phasing out of federal programs providing financial support. Where municipal securities are issued to finance particular projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation, housing, water or sewer and utilities, issuers often depend on revenues from those projects to make principal and interest payments. Adverse conditions and developments in those sectors can result in lower revenues to issuers of municipal securities and can also have an adverse effect on the broader municipal securities market. To the extent a fund invests significantly in a single state, or in securities the payments on which are dependent upon a single project or source of revenues, or that relate to a sector or industry, such as health care, the fund will be more susceptible to associated risks and developments. Municipal issuers may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. A number of municipal issuers have defaulted on obligations, commenced insolvency proceedings, or suffered credit downgrading. Financial difficulties of municipal issuers may continue to worsen.
There may be less public information available on municipal issuers or projects than other issuers, and valuing municipal securities may be more difficult. In addition, the secondary market for municipal securities is less well developed and liquid than other markets, and dealers may be less willing to offer and sell municipal securities in times of market turbulence. Changes in the financial condition of one or more individual municipal issuers (or one or more insurers of municipal issuers), or one or more defaults by municipal issuers or insurers, can adversely affect liquidity and valuations in the overall market for municipal securities. The value of municipal securities can also be adversely affected by regulatory and political developments affecting the ability of municipal issuers to pay interest or repay principal, actual or anticipated tax law changes or other legislative actions, and by uncertainties and public perceptions concerning these and other factors.
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The rate of interest paid on municipal securities normally is lower than the rate of interest paid on fully taxable securities. Some municipal securities, such as general obligation issues, are backed by the issuer’s taxing authority, while other municipal securities, such as revenue issues, are backed only by revenues from certain facilities or other sources and not by the issuer itself.
The municipal market can be susceptible to unusual volatility, particularly for lower-rated and unrated securities. Liquidity can be reduced unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.
To the extent that a fund invests in municipal securities whose issuers are located in a single state, such as California, the fund will be more susceptible to economic, political and other developments that may adversely affect issuers in that state than are funds whose portfolios are more geographically diverse. These developments may include state or local legislation or policy changes, voter-passed initiatives, erosion of the tax base or reduction in revenues of the state or one or more local governments, the effects of terrorist acts or the threat of terrorist acts, the effects of possible natural disasters, or other economic or credit problems affecting the state generally or any individual locality. The major sources of revenues for local government, property taxes and sales taxes, as well as fees based on real estate development, are all adversely affected by the recent economic recession. Unfavorable developments in any economic sector may adversely affect a particular state’s overall municipal market. Historically, California’s economy has been more volatile than that of the nation as a whole. Although California has a relatively diversified economy, California has concentrations in high technology, trade, entertainment, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, construction, government and services.
Investment in municipal securities of issuers in Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories, may have more risks than tax-exempt securities issued by other issuers. Like many U.S. states and municipalities, Puerto Rico experienced a significant downturn during the recent recession. Puerto Rico’s downturn was particularly severe, and it continues to face a very challenging economic and fiscal environment. As a result, securities issued by many Puerto Rican issuers have low credit ratings or are on “negative watch” by credit rating organizations, and markets in such securities have been volatile. If the economic situation in Puerto Rico persists or worsens, the volatility and credit quality of Puerto Rican municipal securities could be adversely affected, and the market for such securities may experience continued volatility. On June 28, 2015, the Governor of Puerto Rico indicated that the Commonwealth would be unable to fully pay its debt, which caused Puerto Rico municipal securities to drop in value. In early August 2015, Puerto Rico failed to pay certain debts. The Commonwealth undertook extraordinary measures to avoid an additional default on December 1, 2015. However, Puerto Rico defaulted on certain of its debt payments on January 4, 2016. If issuers of Puerto Rico municipal securities held by a fund default on their obligations, the fund may lose the value of those investments. In May 2017, Puerto Rico made a filing in the U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico to commence a debt restructuring process similar to that of a traditional municipal bankruptcy. The debt restructuring process commenced by Puerto Rico is under a new federal law for insolvent U.S. territories called Promesa. Puerto Rico’s case will be the first ever heard under Promesa for which there is no existing body of court precedent. Accordingly, Puerto Rico’s debt restructuring process could take significantly longer than recent municipal bankruptcy proceedings adjudicated pursuant to Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and it is not clear whether a debt restructuring process will ultimately be approved. To the extent a fund holds any Puerto Rico municipal securities, the fund may lose some or all of the value of those investments.
Natural Resource-Related Securities: Securities of companies involved with natural resources may be subject to significant price fluctuations, reflecting the volatility of energy and basic materials’ prices, possible instability of supply and changes in demand or inflation. In addition, some companies may be subject to the risks generally associated with extraction of natural resources and the risks of the hazards associated with natural resources.
New Fund: If a fund is newly-formed, investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders. Such a liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and will cause shareholders to incur the expenses of liquidation.
Operational: Your ability to transact with a fund or the valuation of your investment may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology (including as a result of cybersecurity incidents), changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect a fund or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Preferred Stock: Preferred stock represents an interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of the company’s common stock, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from any liquidation of the company. Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. Preferred stock does not generally carry voting rights.
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Prepayment or Call: Many fixed income securities give the issuer the option to repay or call the security prior to its maturity date. Issuers often exercise this right when interest rates fall. Accordingly, if a fund holds a fixed income security subject to prepayment or call risk, it will not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed income securities generally experience when interest rates fall. Upon prepayment of the security, a fund would also be forced to reinvest the proceeds at then current yields, which would be lower than the yield of the security that was paid off. This may adversely affect a fund’s net asset value. In addition, if a fund purchases a fixed income security at a premium (at a price that exceeds its stated par or principal value), the fund may lose the amount of the premium paid in the event of prepayment.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities: Restricted securities, which include private placements of private and public companies, are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to sell at the time and price a fund prefers. Restricted Securities include securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers initially offered and sold outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S. Restricted securities also include private placements of securities with agreed upon contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities that are in addition to applicable legal restrictions.
Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. Also, a fund may get only limited information about the issuer of a given restricted security, and therefore may be less able to predict a loss. Restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses.
An insufficient number of eligible buyers interested in purchasing restricted securities held by a fund could adversely affect the marketability of such securities and a fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. For this reason, restricted securities may adversely affect a fund’s overall liquidity if eligible buyers are or become uninterested in buying them at a particular time.
Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. A fund may not always be able to sell such securities without experiencing delays in finding buyers or reducing the sale price for such securities. A fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities, including all or a portion of the cost to register the securities for resale, and other transaction costs which may be higher for restricted securities than unrestricted securities.
Recent Events: The respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus has resulted in a global pandemic and major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some interest rates are very low and in some cases yields are negative. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the U.S., have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The impact of these measures, and whether they will be effective to mitigate the economic and market disruption, may not be known for some time. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, likewise may not be known for some time.
Redemption: A fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, particularly during periods of declining or illiquid markets. In that event, the value of your investment in the fund would go down. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that a fund has investors with large shareholdings, short investment horizons, or unpredictable cash flow needs. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of overall market turmoil. The redemption by one or more large shareholders of their holdings in a fund could hurt performance and/or cause the remaining shareholders in the fund to lose money. Further, a fund’s redemption risk is increased if one decision maker has control of fund shares owned by separate fund shareholders, including clients or affiliates of the investment manager and/or sub-adviser.
Regulatory: In recent years, the U.S. government adopted and implemented regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives as well as margin, reporting and registration requirements. Additional U.S. or other regulations may make derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the value or performance of derivatives. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act (the “Reform Act”) substantially increased regulation of the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives market and participants in that market, including imposing clearing and reporting requirements on transactions involving instruments that fall within the Reform Act’s definition of “swap” and “security-based swap,” which terms generally include OTC derivatives, and imposing registration and potential substantive requirements on certain swap and security-based swap market participants. In addition, under the Reform Act, a fund may be subject to additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Other future regulatory developments may also impact a fund’s ability to invest or remain invested in certain
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derivatives. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which a fund itself is regulated. The impact of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented on the ability of a fund to use swaps or any other financial derivative product is not known at this time, and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Repurchase Agreements: In a repurchase agreement, a fund purchases securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the fund at a later date, and at a specified price, which is typically higher than the purchase price paid by the fund. The securities purchased serve as the fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. If the counterparty does not repurchase the securities, the fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss. If the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.
Securities Lending: A fund may lend securities to other financial institutions that provide cash or U.S. government or agency securities as collateral. When a fund lends portfolio securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned, and the fund will also receive a fee or interest on the collateral. Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a fund may lose money and there may be a delay in recovering the loaned securities. A fund could also lose money if it does not recover the securities and/or the value of the cash or non-cash collateral falls, including the value of investments made with cash collateral. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for a fund.
Sovereign Debt: Sovereign debt instruments, which are debt obligations issued or guaranteed by a foreign governmental entity, are subject to the risk that the governmental entity may delay or fail to pay interest or repay principal on debt that it has issued or guaranteed, due, for example, to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, relationships with other lenders such as commercial banks, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies. If a governmental entity defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans, the debt may be restructured, or it may ask for forgiveness of interest or principal on its existing debt. Unlike most corporate debt restructurings, the fees and expenses of financial and legal advisers to the creditors in connection with a restructuring may be borne by the holders of the sovereign debt securities instead of the sovereign entity itself. On the other hand, a governmental entity may be unwilling to renegotiate the terms of its sovereign debt. There is no established legal process for a U.S. bondholder (such as a fund) to enforce its rights against a governmental entity that does not fulfill its obligations, nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected.
Certain countries in Europe currently have large sovereign debts and/or fiscal deficits which has led to significant uncertainties in the market as to whether or not the governments of those countries will be able pay in full and on time the amounts due in respect of those debts.
Strategies and Styles: Investment strategies and styles with different characteristics tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market and economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. A fund may outperform or underperform other funds that employ a different strategy or style. A fund may employ a combination of strategies and/or styles that impact its risk characteristics.
Structured Instruments: A fund may invest in, or have exposure to, various types of structured instruments, including securities that have demand, tender or put features, or interest rate reset features. These may include instruments issued by structured investment or special purpose vehicles or conduits, and may be asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. Structured instruments may take the form of participation interests or receipts in underlying securities or other assets, and in some cases are backed by a financial institution serving as a liquidity provider. Some of these instruments may have an interest rate swap feature which substitutes a floating or variable interest rate for the fixed interest rate on an underlying security, and some may be asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. Structured instruments are a type of derivative instrument and the payment and credit qualities of these instruments derive from the assets embedded in the structure from which they are issued. For structured securities that have embedded leverage features, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. Structured instruments may be less liquid and therefore more difficult to value accurately than more traditional securities and instruments. Structured instruments may behave in ways not anticipated by a fund, or they may not receive the tax, accounting or regulatory treatment anticipated by a fund.
Sustainability Investing: Applying a sustainability assessment framework to a sub-adviser’s investment analysis for a fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not apply sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. Securities of companies meeting the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and a fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not utilize sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. The sub-adviser monitors the fund’s holdings
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based on the latest publicly available information. Any delay in obtaining public information regarding a fund’s holdings could result in the fund holding an investment that no longer meets the fund’s sustainability investing principals. “Sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying sustainability criteria involves subjective assessment.
Tax: In order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), a fund must meet certain requirements regarding the composition of its income, the diversification of its assets, and the amounts of its distributions. In particular, a fund must generally diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the fund’s total assets is represented by (1) cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and (2) 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 fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. If a fund were to fail to meet any of these requirements, the fund might not be eligible for treatment as a RIC, in which case it would be subject to federal income tax on its net income at the corporate rate (without reduction for distributions to shareholders). The fund may be able to preserve its RIC qualification by meeting certain conditions, in which case it may be subject to certain additional taxes.
Any income a fund derives from investments in certain hard asset ETFs, such as certain commodity ETFs, and from other non-qualifying sources must be limited to a maximum of 10% of the fund’s gross income. If a fund fails to meet the 10% requirement, the fund may be subject to the federal income tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph. A fund may invest no more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of entities treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. If a fund fails to meet the 25% requirement, the fund may be subject to the federal income tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph.
An MLP is an entity treated as a partnership under the Internal Revenue Code, the partnership interests of which are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. To qualify as an MLP, an entity must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as interest, dividends, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. For this purpose, mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines) of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or industrial source carbon dioxide. If it does not so qualify, it will generally be subject to tax as a corporation.

Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to a fund from investments in MLPs in a given year will generally reduce the fund’s taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in the fund’s income in one or more subsequent years. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though those shareholders might not have held shares in the fund at the time the deductions were taken by the fund, and even though those shareholders may not have corresponding economic gain on their shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, a fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional recapture income.
To Be Announced (TBA) Transactions: Although the securities that are delivered in TBA transactions must meet certain standards, there is a risk that the actual securities received by a fund may be less favorable than what was anticipated when entering into the transaction. TBA transactions also involve the risk that a counterparty will fail to deliver the security, exposing a fund to further losses. Whether or not a fund takes delivery of the securities at the termination date of a TBA transaction, it will nonetheless be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations: Government agency obligations have different levels of credit support and, therefore, different degrees of credit risk. Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as the Federal Housing Administration and Ginnie Mae, present little credit risk. Other securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, subject to certain limitations, such as securities issued by Federal Home Loan Banks and securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the credit of the issuing agencies, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, are subject to a greater degree of credit risk. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price.
Valuation: Many factors may influence the price at which a fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ — higher or lower — from a fund's last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities, securities priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, a fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value methodologies. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when a fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or greater or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities
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and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before a fund determines its net asset value. A fund’s ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Warrants and Rights: Warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments because they do not entitle a holder to the dividends or voting rights for the securities that may be purchased, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. Also, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. If the warrant or right is not exercised before the expiration date, it generally expires without any value and the fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant or right.
Yield: The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment in a fund and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the SAI. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Shareholder Information
    
Management of Transamerica Funds
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the management and business affairs of Transamerica Funds. It oversees the operation of Transamerica Funds by its officers. It also reviews the management of each fund’s assets by the investment manager and sub-advisers. Information about the Trustees and executive officers of Transamerica Funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Investment Manager
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM” ), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, serves as investment manager for Transamerica Funds. TAM provides continuous and regular investment management services to the funds. For each of the funds, TAM currently acts as a “manager of managers” and hires investment sub-advisers to furnish investment advice and recommendations and has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with each fund’s sub-adviser. In acting as a manager of managers, TAM provides investment management services that include, without limitation, selection, proactive oversight and monitoring of sub-advisers, daily monitoring of the sub-adviser’s buying and selling of securities for the funds and regular review and evaluation of sub-adviser performance and adherence to investment style and process. TAM’s management services include, among other things, the provision of supervisory, compliance and administrative services to each fund. More information on the investment management services rendered by TAM is included in the SAI. TAM is paid investment management fees for its service as investment manager to each fund. These fees are calculated on the average daily net assets of each fund.
TAM has been a registered investment adviser since 1996. As of December 31, 2019, TAM has approximately $80.5 billion in total assets under management. The funds are operated by TAM pursuant to an exclusion from registration as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
TAM is directly owned by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company (“TPLIC”) (77%) and AUSA Holding, LLC (“AUSA”) (23%), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Aegon NV. TPLIC is owned by Commonwealth General Corporation (“Commonwealth”). Commonwealth and AUSA are wholly owned by Transamerica Corporation (DE). Transamerica Corporation (DE) is wholly owned by The Aegon Trust, which is wholly owned by Aegon International B.V., which is wholly owned by Aegon NV, a Netherlands corporation, and a publicly traded international insurance group.
TAM acts as a manager of managers for the funds pursuant to an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (Release IC- 23379 dated August 5, 1998). TAM has responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, to, among other matters, oversee and monitor sub-advisers, recommend selection of sub-advisers and recommend changes to sub-advisers where it believes appropriate or advisable. The exemptive order permits TAM, subject to certain conditions including the approval of the Board of Trustees, but without the approval of the applicable fund’s shareholders, to:
(1) employ a new unaffiliated sub-adviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new investment sub-advisory agreement, either as a replacement for an existing sub-adviser or as an additional sub-adviser;
(2) materially change the terms of any sub-advisory agreement; and
(3) continue the employment of an existing sub-adviser on sub-advisory contract terms where a contract has been assigned because of a change of control of the sub-adviser.
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Pursuant to the exemptive order, each fund has agreed to provide certain information about new sub-advisers and new sub-advisory agreements to its shareholders.
Management Fees Paid for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2019
As of the date of this prospectus, Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond had not operated for a full fiscal year, so no management fee is shown. Each fund’s management fee schedule is shown below.
Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica High Yield ESG 0.554% of the first $1.25 billion
0.544% over $1.25 billion up to $2 billion
0.52% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Sustainable Bond 0.41% of the first $500 million
0.39% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.38% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.375% in excess of $1.5 billion
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of each fund’s investment management agreement will be available in each fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020.
Sub-Adviser
Pursuant to an Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between TAM and the sub-adviser on behalf of the funds, the sub-adviser shall provide day-to-day investment advice and recommendations for the funds.
The sub-adviser receives compensation from TAM.
Funds Sub-Adviser Sub-Adviser Address
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 6300 C Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52499
Further Information About the Sub-Adviser
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC, a wholly-owned and indirect subsidiary of Aegon N.V., has been a registered investment adviser since December 2001. As of December 31, 2019, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC has approximately $101.4 billion in total assets under management.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Each fund is managed by the portfolio manager(s) listed below. The SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager’s ownership in each fund they manage.
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Kevin Bakker, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Co-Head of U.S. High-Yield; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2007; Senior Research Analyst 2003 – 2007
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Co-Head of U.S. High-Yield; Senior Research Analyst with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 1993 – 2006
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2004; Director of Distressed Debt from 2004-2014; Head of Leveraged Finance from 2014-2020; Co-Head of Public Fixed Income from 2017-2020 and Deputy Chief Investment Officer from 2018-2020; Global Head of Leveraged Finance since 2020
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Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Derek Thoms Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2015. High Yield Trader with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 2013 - 2015
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2004; Co-Head of Investment Grade Credit from 2015-2017 and Head of Investment Grade Credit since 2017
Charles Foster, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2003
Jeremy Mead, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC from 1994-2010 and 2016 - present
Jose Pluto, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2019 and Structured Finance Analyst since 2017; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee; Fixed Income Analyst, Thornburg Investment Management 2013-2016
Jeremy Thurm, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2019 and Credit Research Analyst since 2007; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee
James Rich Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2013; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee
Trustees’ Approval of Sub-Advisory Agreements
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of each fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement will be available in each fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
A detailed description of each fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI and available on the Transamerica Funds website at www.transamerica.com.
Fund Expenses
During times of market volatility or decline, assets of your fund may decline significantly, causing total annual fund operating expenses (as a percentage of the value of your investment) to become higher than the numbers shown in your fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table under “Fees and Expenses” in this prospectus. In addition, the total annual fund operating expenses shown in your fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table may not correlate to the ratios of expenses to average net assets shown in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus, which reflect the operating expenses of your fund and do not include certain expenses such as acquired (i.e., underlying) funds’ fees and expenses.
The “Other expenses” items in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table for your fund include fees for custodial, legal, transfer agency, and, as applicable, sub-transfer agency services. “Other expenses” also include various other expenses applicable to each share class of your fund.
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Sub-Transfer Agency Fees
The share classes offered in this prospectus do not pay sub-transfer agency fees directly, but, the transfer agent may use its available resources to pay for sub-transfer agency services for any share class, including those that pay sub-transfer agency fees directly.
How To Contact the Funds
    
Retirement plan participants in a retirement plan administered by Transamerica Retirement Solutions, TAM’s affiliate, may contact 1-800-755-5801 for additional information. If you hold your account through an unaffiliated plan administrator, recordkeeper or financial intermediary, please contact them directly for account specific questions.
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339 – Monday through Friday; hours of operation as posted on the funds’ website at www.transamerica.com/contact-us.
Internet: www.transamerica.com
Fax: 1-888-329-4339
   
Mailing Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
Overnight Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
330 W. 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
The following information applies to Class R and Class R4 shares. Each fund offers only Class R and Class R4 shares in this prospectus. Each fund offers other share classes in separate prospectuses.
Availability of Shares
    
Class R shares and Class R4 shares are available to individual and institutional investors through certain retirement plans. These plans include, but are not limited to, 401(k), 403(b) and 457 Plans, Money Purchase Plans, Profit Sharing Plans, Simplified Employee Pension Plans, Keogh Plans, defined benefit plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans and IRAs. Shares may be purchased by these investors through a plan administrator, recordkeeper or authorized financial intermediary. If you are a participant in a plan, you should obtain the plan’s conditions for participation from your plan administrator. A plan’s record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary must have an agreement with Transamerica Funds or its agents to utilize Class R or Class R4 shares in certain investment products or programs.
A financial service firm serving as an intermediary can provide participants with detailed information on how to participate in the plan, elect a fund as an investment option, elect different investment options, alter the amounts contributed to the plan or change allocations among investment options. For questions about participant accounts or to obtain an application to participate in a plan, participants should contact their financial service firm serving as an intermediary, employee benefits office, the plan administrator, or the organization that provides recordkeeping services for the plan.
Financial service firms may provide some of the shareholder servicing and account maintenance services required by retirement plan accounts and their plan participants, including transfers of registration, dividend payee charges and generation of confirmation statements, and may arrange for plan administrators to provide other investment or administrative services. Financial service firms may charge retirement plans and plan participants transaction fees and/or other additional amounts for such services. Similarly, retirement plans may charge plan participants for certain expenses. These fees and additional amounts could reduce the return of investments in Class R and Class R4 shares of the funds.
Class R and Class R4 shares are also available to other investors, including endowment funds and foundations, any state, county or city, or its instrumentality, department, authority or agency, and accounts registered to insurance companies, trust companies and bank trust departments.
The funds reserve the right to discontinue offering Class R and Class R4 shares at any time, to liquidate or merge such share classes into another class of shares, or to cease investment operations entirely.
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Opening an Account and Purchasing Shares
    
Federal regulations may require a fund to obtain, verify and record certain information from you and persons authorized to act on your behalf in order to establish an account. Required information includes name, date of birth (for an individual), permanent residential address or principal place of business and Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. The fund may also ask to see other identifying documents. If you do not provide the information, the fund may not be able to open your account. Identifying information must be provided for each trader on an account. The fund may also place limits on account transactions while it is in the process of verifying your identity. If a fund is unable to verify your identity, or that of another person(s) authorized to act on your behalf, or if the fund believes it has identified potentially criminal activity, the fund reserves the right to take action it deems appropriate or as required by law, which may include redeeming your shares and closing your account.
Eligible retirement plans generally may open an account and purchase Class R and Class R4 shares by contacting any broker, dealer or other financial service firm authorized to sell Class R and Class R4 shares of the funds. Additional shares may be purchased through a retirement plan’s administrator, record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary. There is no minimum investment for eligible retirement plans investing in Class R shares. The minimum initial investment for Class R4 shares is $5,000. There is no minimum for subsequent investments in Class R or Class R4 shares. The funds are currently waiving this minimum. A retirement plan may, however, impose minimum investment requirements. Plan participants or IRA holders should consult their plan administrator, recordkeeper or authorized financial intermediary.
Shares are purchased at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), without a sales charge.
Transamerica Funds must receive your payment within two business days after your order is accepted.
Transamerica Funds or its agents may reject a request for purchase of shares at any time, in whole or in part, including any purchase under the exchange privilege. Each fund reserves the right to discontinue offering Class R or Class R4 shares at any time, to liquidate or merge into another class of shares, or to cease investment operations entirely.
Each fund reserves the right to make additional exceptions or otherwise to modify the foregoing policies at any time.
Through an Authorized Dealer
The dealer is responsible for opening your account and may need to provide Transamerica Funds with your taxpayer identification number.
  
Selling Shares
    
Shares may be sold (or “redeemed”) on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Proceeds from the redemption of shares will normally be sent to redeeming shareholders within two business days after receipt of a redemption request in good order, but in any event within seven days, regardless of the method the fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic funds transfer (ACH)). However, Transamerica Funds may postpone payment under certain circumstances, such as when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the SEC or authorized by law.
If you own Class R or Class R4 shares, please refer to the retirement plan documents for information on how to redeem Class R or Class R4 shares of the funds.
Shares are redeemed at NAV.
Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to wholly or partly redeem its shares in kind, under unusual circumstances (such as adverse or unstable market, economic, or political conditions), in an effort to protect the interests of shareholders by the delivery of securities selected from its assets at its discretion. On the same redemption date, some shareholders may be paid in whole or in part in securities (which may differ among those shareholders), while other shareholders may be paid entirely in cash. The disposal of the securities received in-kind may be subject to brokerage costs and, until sold, such securities remain at market risk and liquidity risk, including the risk that such securities are or become difficult to sell. If the fund pays your redemption with illiquid or less liquid securities, you will bear the risk of not being able to sell such securities. The funds may pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements, if available. Please see the SAI for more details.
Please see additional information relating to original signature guarantee later in this prospectus.
Through an Authorized Dealer
You may redeem your shares through an authorized dealer (they may impose a service charge). Contact your Registered Representative or call your plan administrator, recordkeeper or financial intermediary for assistance.
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Exchanging Shares
    
For Class R and Class R4 shares, if authorized by your plan, you can request an exchange of your shares in one fund for corresponding shares of another fund. Please refer to your plan’s documents for additional information. An exchange is treated as a redemption of a fund’s shares followed by a purchase of the shares of the fund into which you exchanged. Prior to making exchanges into a fund you do not own, please read the prospectus of that fund.
An exchange of shares in one fund for shares of another fund is considered a redemption followed by a purchase and generally results in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, unless you are investing through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account. You should consult your tax advisor before making an exchange.
Converting Shares
If you hold Class R or Class R4 shares and are eligible for purchase of Class I shares as described in the Class I prospectus, you may be eligible to convert your shares to Class I shares of the same fund, subject to the discretion of Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. to permit or reject such a conversion. Please contact your financial adviser or plan administrator, recordkeeper or financial intermediary for conversion requirements and instructions. Class I shares are not available in this prospectus.
A conversion between share classes of the same fund is a nontaxable event.
If you convert from one class of shares to another, the transaction will be based on the respective NAVs of the two classes on the trade date for the conversion. Consequently, a conversion may provide you with fewer shares or more shares than you originally owned, depending on that day’s NAV. At the time of conversion, the total dollar value of your “old” shares will equal the total dollar value of your “new” shares. However, subsequent share price fluctuations may decrease or increase the total dollar value of your “new” shares compared with that of your “old” shares.
Choosing a Share Class
    
Class R Shares
Class R shares are generally intended for purchase by smaller retirement plan clients of Transamerica Retirement Solutions, LLC. For Class R shares, a fund may pay TCI and/or financial intermediaries annual distribution and service fees of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the fund’s Class R shares. Class R shares are only offered through 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans). Class R shares are available only to eligible retirement plans where either Class R shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
Class R4 Shares
Class R4 shares are generally intended for purchase by larger retirement plan clients of Transamerica Retirement Solutions, LLC. Class R4 shares of a fund may pay TCI and/or financial intermediaries annual distribution and service fees of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the fund’s Class R4 shares. Class R4 shares of are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans described below and under the following conditions:
° 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans).
° Class R4 shares are available only to eligible retirement plans where Class R4 shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
° The plan’s record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary must have an agreement with Transamerica Funds or its agents to utilize Class R4 shares in certain investment products or programs.
  
Features and Policies
    
Customer Service
Please contact your retirement plan's administrator, recordkeeper or financial service firm acting as intermediary for account specific information.
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Minimum Account Balance
Due to the proportionately higher cost of maintaining customer fund accounts with balances below the stated minimums for each class of shares, Transamerica Funds reserves the right to close such accounts or assess an annual fee on such fund accounts to help offset the costs associated with maintaining the account. Transamerica Funds generally provides a 60-day notification to the address of record prior to assessing a minimum fund account fee, or closing any fund account. The following describes the fees assessed against fund accounts with balances below the stated minimum:
Account Balance (per fund account) Fee Assessment (per fund account)
If your balance is below $1,000 per fund account, including solely due to declines in NAV $25 annual fee assessed, until balance reaches $1,000
No fees will be charged on:
accounts opened within the preceding 12 months
accounts with an active monthly Automatic Investment Plan or payroll deduction ($50 minimum per fund account)
accounts owned by an individual that, when combined by Social Security Number, have a balance of $5,000 or more
accounts owned by individuals in the same household (by address) that have a combined balance of $5,000 or more
accounts for which Transamerica Funds in its discretion has waived the minimum account balance requirements
UTMA/UGMA accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
UMB Bank, N.A. Custodial Accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
Coverdell ESA accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
Omnibus and Network Level 3 accounts
While there is currently no minimum account size for maintaining a Class R share account, the funds reserve the right, without prior notice, to establish a minimum amount required to maintain an account.
Professional Fees
Your financial professional may charge a fee for his or her services. This fee will be in addition to any fees charged by Transamerica Funds. Your financial professional will answer any questions that you may have regarding such fees.
Signature Guarantee
An original signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine so that you are protected from unauthorized account transactions. Acceptable guarantors only include participants in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP2000”). Participants in STAMP2000 may include financial institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, trust companies, credit unions, broker-dealers, and member firms of a national securities exchange. For certain requests, a notary may be accepted.
An original signature guarantee is typically required if any of the following is applicable:
You request a redemption or distribution transaction totaling more than $100,000 or, in the case of an IRA with a market value in excess of $100,000, you request a custodian to custodian transfer.
You would like a check made payable to anyone other than the shareholder(s) of record.
You would like a check mailed to an address which has been changed within 10 days of the redemption request.
You would like a check mailed to an address other than the address of record.
You would like your redemption proceeds wired to a bank account other than a bank account of record.
You are adding or removing a shareholder from an account.
You are changing ownership of an account.
When establishing an electronic bank link, if the Transamerica Funds’ account holder’s name does not appear on the check.
Transactions requiring supporting legal documentation.
The funds reserve the right to require an original signature guarantee or a notary under other circumstances or to reject or delay a redemption on certain legal grounds.
An original signature guarantee or notary may be refused if any of the following is applicable:
It does not appear valid or in good form.
The transaction amount exceeds the surety bond limit of the signature guarantee.
The guarantee stamp has been reported as stolen, missing or counterfeit.
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Certain direct institutional accounts may utilize alternative methods in place of a signature guarantee with prior approval from Transamerica. Contact Transamerica for additional details.
Note: For certain maintenance and non-financial requests, Transamerica Funds may require a Signature Validation Program Stamp for your protection. When an institution provides a Signature Validation Program Stamp, it assures Transamerica Funds that the signature and instructions are yours and that you have the authority to provide the instruction(s) contained within the request.
E-Mail Communication
As e-mail communications may not be secure, and because we are unable to take reasonable precautions to verify your shareholder and transaction information, we cannot respond to account-specific requests received via e-mail. For your protection, we ask that all account-specific requests be submitted only via telephone, mail or through the secure link on our website.
Reinvestment Privilege
Within a 90-day period after you sell your shares, you have the right to “reinvest” your money in any fund, in shares of the same class as the shares that you sold. Any CDSC you paid on your shares will be credited to your account. To take advantage of the 90-day reinvestment privilege, a written request must accompany your investment check.
Right to Terminate or Suspend Account Privileges
A fund may, in its discretion, limit or terminate trading activity by any person, group or account that it believes would be disruptive, even if the activity has not exceeded the policy described in this prospectus. As part of the fund’s policy to detect and deter frequent purchases, redemptions and exchanges, the fund may review and consider the history of frequent trading activity in all accounts in the Transamerica Funds known to be under common ownership or control. The fund may send a written warning to a shareholder that it believes may be engaging in disruptive or excessive trading activity; however, the fund reserves the right to suspend or terminate the ability to purchase or exchange shares, with or without warning, for any account that the fund determines, in the exercise of its discretion, has engaged in such trading activity.
Market Timing/Excessive Trading
Some investors try to profit from various short-term or frequent trading strategies known as market timing. Examples of market timing include switching money into funds when their share prices are expected to rise and taking money out when their share prices are expected to fall, and switching from one fund to another and then back again after a short period of time. As money is shifted in and out, a fund may incur expenses for buying and selling securities. Excessive purchases, redemptions or exchanges of fund shares may disrupt portfolio management, hurt fund performance and drive fund expenses higher. For example, a fund may be forced to liquidate investments as a result of short-term trading and incur increased brokerage costs or realize capital gains without attaining any investment advantage. These costs are generally borne by all shareholders, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs.
The Board of Trustees has approved policies and procedures that are designed to discourage market timing or excessive trading, which include limitations on the number of transactions in fund shares. If you intend to engage in such practices, we request that you do not purchase shares of any of the funds. Each fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase shares, including purchases in connection with an exchange transaction, which the fund reasonably believes to be in connection with market timing or excessive trading.
The funds rely primarily on the retirement plan recordkeepers and administrators that make the funds available to retirement plans and their participants (including recordkeepers affiliated with TAM) to monitor market timing and excessive trading by plan participants. The funds seek periodic certifications from these retirement plan recordkeepers that they have policies and procedures in place designed to monitor and prevent market timing and excessive trading activity by plan participants and that they will use their best efforts to prevent market timing and excessive trading activity that appears to be in contravention of the funds’ policies on market timing or excessive trading as disclosed in this prospectus. The funds also may instruct retirement plan recordkeepers from time to time to scrutinize purchases, including purchases in connection with exchange transactions that exceed a certain size. Each fund reserves the right, in its sole discretion and without prior notice, to reject, delay, restrict or refuse, in whole or in part, any request to purchase shares, including purchases in connection with an exchange transaction and orders that have been accepted by an intermediary, which it reasonably determines to be in connection with market timing or excessive trading by a plan participant or by accounts of plan participants under common control (for example, related plan participants, or a financial adviser with discretionary trading authority over multiple accounts). The funds apply these policies and procedures to all investors on a uniform basis and do not make special arrangements or grant exceptions to accommodate market timing or excessive trading.
While the funds discourage market timing and excessive short-term trading, the funds cannot always recognize or detect such trading, particularly if it is facilitated by financial intermediaries or done through Omnibus Account arrangements.
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The funds’ distributor has entered into agreements with intermediaries requiring the intermediaries to provide certain information to help identify harmful trading activity and to prohibit further purchases or exchanges by a shareholder identified as having engaged in excessive trading. There is no guarantee that the procedures used by financial intermediaries will be able to curtail frequent, short-term trading activity. For example, shareholders who seek to engage in frequent, short-term trading activity may use a variety of strategies to avoid detection, and the financial intermediaries’ ability to deter such activity may be limited by the capabilities of operational and information systems. Due to the risk that the funds and financial intermediaries may not detect all harmful trading activity, it is possible that shareholders may bear the risks associated with such activity.
Orders to purchase, redeem or exchange shares forwarded by certain omnibus accounts with Transamerica Funds will not be considered to be market timing or excessive trading for purposes of Transamerica Funds’ policies. However, the market timing and excessive trading policies of these omnibus firms or plans may apply to transactions by the underlying shareholders.
Reallocations in underlying series of Transamerica Funds by an Asset Allocation Fund that invests in other series of Transamerica Funds in furtherance of a fund’s objective are not considered to be market timing or excessive trading.
Additional Information
This prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of a fund. A fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Each fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Each fund’s investment strategies and policies may be changed from time to time without shareholder approval, unless specifically stated otherwise in this prospectus or in the SAI.
A fund that has a policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in the particular type of securities suggested by its name will provide its shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior written notice before making changes to such policy. Such notice will comply with the conditions set forth in any applicable SEC rules then in effect.
Neither this prospectus nor the SAI is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights of any shareholder, other than any rights conferred by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.
The funds enter into contractual arrangements with various parties, including the funds’ investment manager, who provides services to the funds. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements.
To the extent authorized by law, the funds reserve the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or liquidate a class of shares or to cease operations entirely.
Abandoned or Unclaimed Property
Every state has unclaimed property laws that generally provide for escheatment to the state of unclaimed property under various circumstances. In addition to the state unclaimed property laws, we may be required to escheat property pursuant to regulatory demand, finding, agreement or settlement. To help prevent such escheatment, it is important that you keep your contact and other information on file with us up to date, including the names, contact information and identifying information for customers, beneficiaries and other payees. Such updates should be communicated in a form and manner satisfactory to us. Individual states may have their own requirements. For more information regarding escheatment and unclaimed property in your state, ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website.
Sending Forms and Transaction Requests in Good Order
We cannot process your requests for transactions relating to the funds until they are received in good order. “Good order” means the actual receipt of the instructions relating to the requested transaction in writing (or, when appropriate, by telephone or electronically), along with all forms, information and supporting legal documentation necessary to effect the transaction. This information and documentation generally includes, to the extent applicable to the transaction: your completed application; the transaction amount (in dollars, shares or percentage terms); the names, fund and account number(s) and allocations to and/or from the fund accounts affected by the requested transaction; the signatures of all owners (exactly as registered on the account) if necessary; Social Security Number or Taxpayer I.D.; and any other information or supporting documentation that we may require, including any spousal or joint owner’s consents and signature guarantees. With respect to purchase requests, “good order” also generally includes receipt of sufficient funds to effect any purchase. We may, in our sole discretion, determine whether any particular transaction request is in good order, and we reserve the right to change or waive any good order requirements at any time. “Received” or receipt in good order generally means that everything necessary must be received by the funds, at our mailing address specified in this prospectus. We reserve the right to reject electronic transactions that do not meet our requirements.
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Pricing of Shares
    
How Share Price Is Determined
The price at which shares are purchased or redeemed is the NAV, plus any applicable sales charge, that is next calculated following receipt and acceptance of a purchase order in good order or receipt of a redemption order in good order by the fund, an authorized intermediary, or the mail processing center located in Kansas City, Missouri.
When Share Price Is Determined
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is determined on each day the NYSE is open for business as of the scheduled close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at another time, each fund will calculate a NAV for each class of shares as of the scheduled closing time. The NAV is not determined on days when the NYSE is closed (generally New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Foreign securities may trade in their primary markets on weekends or other days when a fund does not price its shares (therefore, the value of a fund’s foreign securities may change on days when shareholders will not be able to buy or sell shares of the funds). These securities will be valued pursuant to the funds’ Pricing and Valuation procedures for such securities.
Purchase orders received in good order and accepted, and redemption orders received in good order, as of the scheduled close of regular trading of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. Purchase and redemption requests received after the NYSE is closed receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE the next day the NYSE is open.
How NAV Is Calculated
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is calculated by taking the value of its net assets and dividing by the number of shares of the fund (or class) that are then outstanding.
The Board has approved procedures to be used to value the funds’ securities for purposes of determining the funds’ NAV. The valuation of the securities of the funds is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. While the Board has primary responsibility to shareholders for valuation of portfolio securities, the Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the funds to TAM.
In general, securities and other investments (including shares of ETFs) are valued based on market prices at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Fund securities (including shares of ETFs) listed or traded on domestic securities exchanges or the NASDAQ/NMS, including dollar-denominated foreign securities or ADRs, are valued at the closing price on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded. With respect to securities traded on the NASDAQ/NMS, such closing price may be the last reported sale price or the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security is valued at the closing bid quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the NOCP, if applicable. Foreign securities traded on U.S. exchanges are generally priced using last sale price regardless of trading activity. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the last bid price. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service, which may use market prices or quotations or a variety of fair value techniques and methodologies. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. The prices that a fund uses may differ from the amounts that would be realized if the investments were sold and the differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Foreign securities generally are valued based on quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are converted from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Market quotations for securities prices may be obtained from automated pricing services. Shares of open-end funds (other than ETF shares) are generally valued at the NAV reported by that investment company. ETF shares are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price on the exchange on which they are traded.
When a market quotation for a security is not readily available (which may include closing prices deemed to be unreliable because of the occurrence of a subsequent event), a valuation committee appointed by the Board may, in good faith, establish a value for the security in accordance with fair valuation procedures adopted by the Board. The Board reviews all fair value determinations typically at its regularly scheduled meetings. The types of securities for which such fair value pricing may be required include, but are not limited to: foreign securities, where a significant event occurs after the close of the foreign market on which such security principally trades that is likely to have changed the value of such security, or the closing value is otherwise deemed unreliable; securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; fixed-income securities that have
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gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation; and securities that are restricted as to transfer or resale. The funds use a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by TAM from time to time.
Valuing securities in accordance with fair value procedures involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on readily available market quotations. The valuation committee makes fair value determinations in good faith in accordance with the funds’ valuation procedures. Fair value determinations can also involve reliance on quantitative models employed by a fair value pricing service. There can be no assurance that a fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV.
Distribution of Shares
    
Distributor
Transamerica Capital, Inc. (“TCI”), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, underwrites and distributes all classes of fund shares and bears the expenses of offering these shares to the public. TCI is an affiliate of the investment manager and the funds.
The funds may pay TCI, or its agent, fees for its services. Of the distribution and service fees it usually receives for Class R or Class R4 shares, TCI, or its agent, may reallow or pay to brokers or dealers who sold them 0.50% and 0.25%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of those shares.
Distribution Plan
Each fund has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Plan”) for each class of shares.
The Plan permits the use of fund assets to pay distribution and service fees for the sale and distribution of its shares. These fees are used to pay TCI, broker-dealers, financial intermediaries and other professionals who sell fund shares and provide ongoing services to shareholders and to pay other marketing and advertising expenses.
Under the Plan, each fund pays the following distribution and service fees (as a percentage of the fund’s average daily net assets):
Class R Shares – Up to 0.50%
Class R4 Shares – Up to 0.25%
Because these fees are paid out of each fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Other Distribution and Service Arrangements
TCI, TAM and their affiliates may enter into arrangements with affiliated entities that provide administrative, recordkeeping and other services with respect to one or more of the funds. Payment for these services is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources and may take the form of internal credit, recognition or cash payments. TCI, TAM and their affiliates may also enter into similar arrangements with unaffiliated entities.
TCI engages in wholesaling activities designed to support, maintain, and increase the number of financial intermediaries who sell shares of the funds. Wholesaling activities include, but are not limited to, recommending and promoting, directly or through intermediaries, the funds to financial intermediaries and providing sales training, retail broker support and other services. Payment for these activities is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources, including revenue sharing payments from others.
TCI (in connection with, or in addition to, wholesaling services), TAM and fund sub-advisers, directly or through TCI, out of their past profits and other available sources, typically provide cash payments or non-cash compensation to unaffiliated brokers and other financial intermediaries who have sold shares of the funds, promote the distribution of the funds or render investor services to fund shareholders. Such payments and compensation are in addition to the sales charges, Rule 12b-1 Plan fees, service fees and other fees that may be paid, directly or indirectly, to such brokers and other financial intermediaries. These arrangements are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing” arrangements. The amount of revenue sharing payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related distribution or shareholder servicing activities. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the funds, at least in part, based on the level of compensation paid. Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated. Revenue sharing payments are not an additional charge to the funds.
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Such additional cash payments may be made to brokers and other financial intermediaries that provide services to the funds and/or fund shareholders, including (without limitation) shareholder servicing, marketing support and/or access to meetings and/or events, sales representatives and management representatives of the broker or other financial intermediaries. Cash compensation may also be paid to brokers and other financial intermediaries for inclusion of a fund on a sales list or mutual fund trading platform, including a preferred or select sales list or trading platform, in other sales programs, or as an expense reimbursement or compensation in cases where the broker or other financial intermediary provides services to fund shareholders. To the extent permitted by applicable law, TCI and other parties may pay or allow other incentives and compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries. TCI, TAM and the other parties making these payments generally assess the advisability of continuing making these payments periodically. These cash payments may take a variety of forms, including (without limitation) reimbursement of ticket charges, additional compensation based on sales, on-going fees for shareholder servicing and maintenance of investor accounts, and finder’s fees that vary depending on the fund or share class and the dollar amount of shares sold. Revenue sharing payments can be calculated: (i) as a percentage of gross or net sales for a particular period; (ii) as a percentage of gross or net assets under management; (iii) as a fixed or negotiated flat fee dollar amount; or (iv) based on a combination of any of these methods. These payments are made on a periodic basis, such as monthly or quarterly. During 2019, in general, payments calculated as a percentage of sales ranged from 10 basis points (0.10%) to 75 basis points (0.75%), payments calculated as a percentage of assets under management ranged from 2 basis points (0.02%) to 15 basis points (0.15%), and flat annual fees ranged from $21,000 to $500,000, which included at times payments for a series of meetings and/or events of other broker-dealers and banks.
As of December 31, 2019, TCI had revenue sharing agreements with more than 70 brokers and other financial intermediaries including, without limitation: 1st Global Capital; Advisor Group, Inc.; Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; AXA Advisors LLC; Merrill Lynch; BBVA Securities, Inc.; BOSC, Inc.; Bruderman Brothers; Cadaret, Grant & Co.; Cambridge Investment Research; Centaurus Financial, Inc.; Citizens/CCO Investments; Cetera Advisor Networks LLC; Cetera Advisors LLC; Cetera Financial Group, Inc.; Cetera Financial Specialists LLC; Cetera Investment Services LLC; CFD Investments, Inc.; Charles Schwab; Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.; Edward Jones; Financial Data Services, Inc.; Equity Services, Inc.; Envestnet Asset Management; First Allied Securities Inc.; FSC Securities Corporation; GeneosWealth Management; GW Sherwold Associates, Inc.; Avantax Investment Services Inc.; Hantz Financial Services, Inc.; Huntington Investment Company; Independent Financial Group; Investacorp, Inc.; Independent Financial Group, LLC; James T. Borello & Co.; Janney Montgomery Scott; Kestra Investment Services; Key Investment Services; KMS Financial Services Inc.; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC; LPL Financial Corp.; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC; M&T Securities Inc.; MML Investors Services; Mutual of Omaha Investor Services Inc.; Oppenheimer & Co.; Park Avenue Securities; Parkland Securities, LLC; Pershing LLC; Raymond James and Associates, Inc.; Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.; RBC Wealth Management; Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.; Sagepoint Financial Inc.; Securian Financial Services; Securities America, Inc.; Securities Service Network, Inc.; Sigma Financial Corporation; Suntrust Investment Services, Inc.; TD Ameritrade; The Investment Center, Inc.; Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.; Triad Advisors, Inc.; UBS Financial Services, Inc.; United Planners Financial Services of America; US Bancorp Investments, Inc.; Voya Financial Advisors, Inc.; Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC; and Woodbury Financial Services. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2019, TCI paid approximately $34 million to these brokers and other financial intermediaries in connection with revenue sharing arrangements. TCI expects to have revenue sharing arrangements with a number of brokers and other financial intermediaries in 2020, including some or all of the foregoing brokers and financial intermediaries, among others, on terms similar to those discussed above.
For the calendar year ended December 31, 2019, TCI and its affiliates received revenue sharing payments that totaled approximately $1.9 million. The firms that paid revenue to participate in TCI sponsored events included but were not limited to the following: Alliance Bernstein; Allianz Global Investors; American Century Investments; American Funds; Amundi Pioneer Asset Management; Aegon USA Investment Management; Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC; BlackRock Investment Management, LLC; ; Carillon Tower Advisers; Charles Schwab Investment Management; Columbia Threadneedle Investments; Dimensional Fund Advisers; Fidelity Investments; Franklin Templeton Investments; Hartford Funds; Ivy Investments; J.P. Morgan Asset Management; Janus Henderson Investors; John Hancock Investments; Legg Mason Global Asset Management; Levin Capital Strategies, LP; Lord Abbett; Milliman Financial Risk Management LLC; Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.; Neuberger Berman; New York Life / MainStay Investments; PGIM Investments; Pacific Investment Management Company; PineBridge Investments; Principal Global Investors; State Street Global Advisors; Systematic Financial Management; T. Rowe Price; Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley; The Vanguard Group; Virtus Investment Partners; Wellington Management Company LLP; and Wells Fargo Asset Management.
As of December 31, 2019, TAM made revenue sharing payments to approximately 10 financial intermediaries with respect to the funds, the most sizeable of which were to TCI and Transamerica Life Insurance Company. For the same period, TAM did not receive any revenue sharing payments from financial services firms.
TAM also serves as investment manager to certain funds of funds that are underlying investment options for Transamerica insurance products. TCI and its affiliates make revenue sharing payments to, or receive revenue sharing payments from, affiliates of certain underlying unaffiliated funds within Transamerica insurance products for the provision of services to investors and distribution activities. These amounts are in addition to any revenue sharing programs described above with respect to mutual fund distributors. A financial intermediary may receive both mutual fund-related and insurance-related revenue sharing payments.
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In addition, while TCI typically pays most of the sales charge applicable to the sale of fund shares to brokers and other financial intermediaries through which purchases are made, TCI may, on occasion, pay the entire sales charge. (Additional information about payments of sales charges to brokers is available in the section titled “Dealer Reallowances” of the SAI.)
From time to time, TCI, its affiliates and/or TAM and/or fund sub-advisers may also, to the extent permitted by applicable law, pay non-cash compensation or revenue sharing to brokers and other financial intermediaries and their sales representatives in the form of, for example: (i) occasional gifts or prizes; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; and/or (iii) ad hoc sponsorship support of broker marketing events, programs, sales contests, promotions or other activities. Such non-cash compensation may also include, in part, assistance with the costs and expenses associated with travel, lodging, and educational sales and promotional meetings, seminars, programs and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law. TCI and TAM may also make payments in connection with the sponsorship by Transamerica or its affiliates of special events which may be attended by brokers and other financial intermediaries. Such non-cash compensation is in addition to the overall revenue sharing arrangements described above.
The non-cash compensation to sales representatives and compensation or reimbursement received by brokers and other financial intermediaries through sales charges, other fees payable from the funds, and/or revenue sharing arrangements for selling shares of the funds may be more or less than the overall compensation or reimbursement on similar or other products and may influence your broker or other financial intermediary to present and recommend the funds over other investment options available in the marketplace. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, your broker or other financial intermediary may have a financial incentive for recommending a particular class of fund shares over other share classes.
Shareholders may obtain more information about these arrangements, including the conflicts of interests that such arrangements may create, from their brokers and other financial intermediaries, and should so inquire if they would like additional information. Intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements to their clients and to members of the public in a manner different from the disclosures in this prospectus and the SAI. A shareholder should ask his/her broker or financial intermediary how he/she will be compensated for investments made in the funds. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments under the shareholder services and distribution plan (where applicable), also benefit TAM, TCI and their affiliates and fund sub-advisers to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the funds on which fees are being charged.
Although a fund may use financial firms that sell fund shares to effect transactions for the fund’s portfolio, the fund and its investment manager or sub-adviser will not consider the sale of fund shares as a factor when choosing financial firms to effect those transactions.
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Distributions and Taxes
    
Dividends and Distributions
Each fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any, to its shareholders monthly. Dividends will be reinvested in additional shares unless you elect to take your dividends in cash. Each fund generally pays any distributions of net capital gains annually.
If necessary, each fund may make distributions at other times as well.
Taxes on Distributions in General
A fund will not generally have to pay income tax on amounts it distributes to shareholders. Shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions (other than any distributions treated as a return of capital), whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares.
The following are guidelines for how certain distributions by a fund are generally taxed to non-corporate shareholders under current federal income tax law:
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) will be taxed as long-term capital gains, generally at rates of up to 20%, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their shares. Certain capital gain dividends attributable to dividends received from REITs may be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at a rate of 25%.
Distributions reported as paid from a fund’s “qualified dividend income” may be taxable to shareholders as qualified dividend income at rates of up to 20%. Qualified dividend income generally is income derived from certain dividends from U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations will be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. A shareholder (and the fund in which the shareholder invests) will have to satisfy certain holding period requirements in order for the shareholder to obtain the benefit of the tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Distributions in excess of a fund’s earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in his or her fund shares, and as a capital gain thereafter (assuming the shareholder holds the shares as capital assets). A distribution treated as a return of capital will not be taxable currently but will reduce the shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, which will generally increase the gain (or decrease the loss) that will be recognized on a subsequent sale or exchange of the shares.
Other distributions generally will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates or trusts. For these purposes, dividends, interest, and certain capital gains are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.
If a fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and pays it in the following January, shareholders will be taxed on the dividend as if they received it in the year in which it was declared.
Each fund in which you invest will send you a tax report annually summarizing the amount and tax aspects of your distributions. If you buy shares of a fund shortly before it makes a taxable distribution (other than, in general, regular monthly distributions paid by funds that declare dividends daily), the distribution will be generally taxable to you even though it may effectively represent a return of a portion of your investment. This is known as “buying a dividend.”
Investors who invest through tax-deferred accounts, such as IRAs, 403(b) accounts, and qualified retirement plans, will ordinarily not be subject to tax until a distribution is made from the account, at which time such distribution is generally taxed as ordinary income. These accounts are subject to complex tax rules, and tax-deferred account investors should therefore consult their tax advisers regarding their investments in a tax-deferred account.
Taxes on the Sale or Exchange of Shares
If you sell shares of a fund or exchange them for shares of another fund, you generally will have a capital gain or loss, which will generally be a long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for more than one year; otherwise it will generally be a short-term capital gain or loss.
Any loss recognized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain that were received with respect to the shares.
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Any gain or loss on the sale or exchange of shares is computed by subtracting your tax basis in the shares from the redemption proceeds in the case of a sale or the value of the shares received in the case of an exchange. Because your tax basis depends on the original purchase price, on the price at which any dividends may have been reinvested, and on the amount of any distributions treated as returns of capital for federal income tax purposes, you should be sure to keep account statements so that you or your tax return preparer will be able to determine whether a sale will result in a taxable gain or loss.
Withholding Taxes
A fund in which you invest may be required to apply backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on all distributions payable to you if you fail to provide the funds with your correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if you have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that you are subject to backup withholding.
The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but is a method by which the IRS ensures that it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax applicable to shareholders that are not U.S. persons.
Non-Resident Alien Withholding
Dividends and certain other payments (but not distributions of net capital gains) to persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States or U.S. entities (“Non-U.S. Persons”) are generally subject to U.S. tax withholding at the rate of 30%. The 30% withholding described in this paragraph will not be imposed on any dividends reported as interest-related dividends or as short-term capital gain dividends. Each fund intends to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30% on taxable distributions and other payments to Non-U.S. Persons that are subject to withholding, regardless of whether a lower rate may be permitted under an applicable treaty.
If you are a Non-U.S. Person, you must provide a U.S. mailing address to establish an account unless your broker-dealer firm submits your account through the National Securities Clearing Corporation. Your broker-dealer will be required to submit a foreign certification form. Investors changing a mailing address to a non-U.S. address will be required to have a foreign certification form completed by their broker-dealer and returned to us before future purchases can be accepted. Additionally, those shareholders will need to provide an appropriate tax form (e.g., Form W-8BEN) and documentary evidence and letter of explanation.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to fund distributions (but not distributions of exempt-interest dividends) payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
Other Tax Information
This tax discussion is for general information only. In addition to federal income taxes, you may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on payments received from, and investments made in shares of, a fund. More information is provided in the SAI of the funds. You should also consult your own tax adviser for information regarding all tax consequences applicable to your investments in the funds.
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Financial Highlights
    
Financial highlights are not shown for Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond because the funds had not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus.
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Both the investment returns and principal value of mutual funds will fluctuate over time so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Transamerica Funds
1801 California Street, Suite 5200
Denver, CO 80202
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339
Shareholder inquiries and transaction requests should be mailed to:
Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION about these funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information dated March 1, 2020, as amended and restated on July 31, 2020, as may be further supplemented or revised from time to time, and in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available). The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Information about the funds (including the Statement of Additional Information) has been filed with and is available from the SEC. Copies of this information may be obtained upon payment of a duplication fee or by electronic request at the following e-mail address, publicinfo@sec.gov. Reports and other information about the funds are also available on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
To obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information or the annual and semi-annual reports (when available), without charge, or to request other information or make other inquiries about the funds, call or write to Transamerica Funds at the phone number or address above or visit Transamerica Funds website at www.transamerica.com. In the Transamerica Funds annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the funds’ performance during the last fiscal year. Additional information about the funds’ investments is available in the funds’ annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available).
Each fund’s most recently calculated net asset value per share is available on our website at www.transamerica.com.
www.transamerica.com
Sales Support: 1-800-851-7555
Distributor: Transamerica Capital, Inc.
The Investment Company Act File Number for Transamerica Funds is 811-04556.


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Transamerica Funds
Prospectus July 31, 2020
Fund | Ticker Class A Class C Class I Class R6    
Transamerica High Yield ESG TACBX TAFQX TAJEX TAVSX    
Transamerica Sustainable Bond TARUX TAILX TAPKX TAAPX  
           
           
The funds listed above are series of Transamerica Funds.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the funds intend to no longer mail paper copies of the funds’ shareholder reports, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the fund or your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank). Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically (“e-delivery”), you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct shareholder with a fund, by calling 1-888-233-4339.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports for funds held through that intermediary. If you are a direct shareholder with a fund, you can call 1-888-233-4339 to let the fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. That election will apply to all Transamerica funds held directly with the fund complex.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Transamerica High Yield ESG
    
Investment Objective: Seeks a high level of current income.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Class: A C I R6
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None 1 1.00% None None
               
1 Purchases of Class A shares in amounts of $1 million or more that are not subject to an initial sales charge may be subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge if those shares are redeemed within 24 months of their purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Class: A C I R6
Management fees 0.55% 0.55% 0.55% 0.55%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.25% 1.00% None None
Other expenses1 0.28% 0.28% 0.38% 0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses 1.08% 1.83% 0.93% 0.84%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement2 0.08% 0.08% 0.16% 0.09%
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 1.00% 1.75% 0.77% 0.75%
1 Other expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
2 Contractual arrangements have been made with the fund’s investment manager, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”), through March 1, 2022 to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed 1.00% for Class A shares, 1.75% for Class C shares, 0.85% for Class I shares and 0.75% for Class R6 shares, excluding, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund’s business. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to March 1, 2022 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during any of the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class. A class may reimburse TAM only if such reimbursement does not cause, on any particular business day of the fund, the class’ total annual operating expenses (after the reimbursement is taken into account) to exceed the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect. In addition, TAM has contractually agreed to reimburse 0.08% of the sub-transfer agency fees and certain per account transfer agency fees on Class I shares through March 1, 2022.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the 1 year dollar amount shown below
reflects TAM's agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
If the shares are redeemed at the end of each period:
  1 year 3 years
Class A $572 $790
Class C $278 $563
Class I $ 79 $271
Class R6 $ 77 $254
If the shares are not redeemed:
  1 year 3 years
Class A $572 $790
Class C $178 $563
Class I $ 79 $271
Class R6 $ 77 $254
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in high-yield securities. The sub-adviser focuses on investments that the sub-adviser views as having a favorable Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) profile based on the sub-adviser’s internal ESG evaluation process. The fund normally invests primarily in U.S. securities.
High yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) are high-risk debt securities rated, at the time of investment, below BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the fund’s sub-adviser. The high yield securities in which the fund invests are primarily corporate bonds.
The sub-adviser’s ESG evaluation process is designed to emphasize positive selection of investments with favorable ESG characteristics in the view of the sub-adviser, while minimizing exposure to companies considered by the sub-adviser as having less favorable ESG qualities. In this process, the sub-adviser excludes companies involved in certain industries and/or business practices that are viewed as exhibiting the most negative ESG impacts. The sub-adviser then employs a fundamental, proprietary research approach to identify potential investments and categorizes them as belonging to one of five ESG categories.
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Category one includes companies viewed by the sub-adviser as leaders in sustainable business practices or demonstrating commitment to the pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Category two companies are judged by the sub-adviser to have low exposure to ESG risks or have policies in place to mitigate such risks. Category three companies are those, in the view of the sub-adviser, which face future ESG risks of uncertain timing or magnitude that could negatively affect the company. Category four companies are those which the sub-adviser views as exhibiting current ESG risks that are impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals, but are not significant enough to impact the overall credit quality of the company. Category five includes companies that, in the sub-adviser’s view, have ESG factors negatively impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals to the extent credit quality is also impacted.
The fund’s investment universe consists of companies classified by the sub-adviser within categories one through four with the fund’s investments predominantly falling in categories one through three.
When assessing a company’s ESG practices, the sub-adviser may take into account a number of ESG considerations of an environmental, social or governance nature. Environmental considerations may include, but are not limited to, climate change and carbon emissions, energy efficiency, waste and pollution, water use and conservation, deforestation, natural resource use and renewable energy. Social considerations may include, but are not limited to, human rights and labor standards, product safety and liability, workplace safety, workplace benefits, employee relations, diversity/inclusion policies, data protection and privacy, community involvement, nutrition and health, and supply chain sourcing. Governance considerations may include, but are not limited to, board independence, board diversity, anticorruption policies, shareholder rights, compensation structures, corporate political contributions and corporate behavior.
The sub-adviser’s research-intensive process uses a combination of a global top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environment and proprietary bottom-up research of corporate debt, stressed and distressed securities, and other debt instruments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that it believes affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis assists the sub-adviser in analyzing fund risk and allocating assets among sectors, industries, and credit quality categories. In its proprietary bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as creditworthiness and capital structure. The sub-adviser integrates ESG factors into its analysis by combining external data with internal research to evaluate the investment’s ESG characteristics. The process incorporates both qualitative elements (such as company commitment to sustainable initiatives) and quantitative elements (such as measurable ESG risks) to assess the potential material influence of ESG factors on an investment’s credit fundamentals.
The fund has no maturity or duration requirements or limitations. The fund may invest in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in emerging market securities.
The fund may invest in investment grade bonds, bank loans, preferred equity securities, common equity securities (received in connection with exchanges or restructurings) and cash equivalents. The fund may also invest in hybrid instruments having both debt and equity characteristics.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, are subject to the sub-adviser’s ESG assessment framework.
Principal Risks: Risk is inherent in all investing. Many factors and risks affect the fund's performance, including those described below. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of principal risks (in alphabetical order after certain key risks) of investing in the fund. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
Market – The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, the fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this summary will likely increase. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
High-Yield Debt Securities – High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. Issuers of junk bonds are typically in weaker financial health. Changes in interest rates, the market’s perception of the issuers, the creditworthiness of the issuers and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally may significantly affect the value of these bonds. Junk bonds are considered speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and may be more difficult to value than higher grade
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securities, and they may result in losses for the fund. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments.
Credit – If an issuer or other obligor (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations or is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against an issuer, obligor or counterparty. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract.
Interest Rate – Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. The fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. The value of fixed income securities generally goes down when interest rates rise, and therefore the value of your investment in the fund may also go down. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of the fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the value of the fund’s shares.
Fixed-Income Securities – Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed-income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by the fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels, so the fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
Liquidity – The fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value, may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in value. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed
income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid investment to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss. The fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of less liquid or illiquid securities for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer), and such sale may involve additional costs. Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for the fund to sell. This may prevent the fund from limiting losses.
Counterparty – The fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the fund invests will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties (including derivatives exchanges and clearinghouses) may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s ESG criteria to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by the sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Extension – When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause the fund's share price to be more volatile or go down.
Prepayment or Call – Many issuers have a right to prepay their fixed income securities. Issuers may be more likely to prepay their securities if interest rates fall. If this happens, the fund will not benefit from the rise in the market price of the securities that normally accompanies a decline in interest rates and will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on prepaid securities. The fund may also lose any premium it paid on prepaid securities.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities – Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. The fund may suffer
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significant losses if the reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. The fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties, and the fund could lose its entire investment.
Focused Investing – To the extent the fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Valuation – The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets, that are priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund's ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Management – The value of your investment may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. You may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, investment techniques applied, or the analyses employed or relied on, by the investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. The fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. Any of these things could cause the fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Active Trading – The fund may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations – To the extent the fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly
regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Currency – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Emerging Markets – Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems and regulatory and accounting standards that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors such as the fund from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Energy Sector – Industries in the energy segment, such as those engaged in the development, production and distribution of energy resources, can be significantly affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil, gas and other consumable fuels, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions likewise will affect the performance of companies in these industries.
Equity Securities – Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and consequently may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile and the value of equity securities may go up or down sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities. The value of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If the fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
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Floating Rate Loans – Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in the fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, the fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase.
Foreign Investments – Investing in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involves additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the fund’s foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and weaker legal systems and accounting standards also may affect the value of these securities. Foreign investments may have lower liquidity and be more difficult to value than investments in U.S. issuers.
Hybrid Instruments – Investing in hybrid instruments involves a combination of risks, including risks of investing in securities, commodities, options, futures, and currencies. An investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional fixed-income or convertible securities.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds – A significant portion of the fund’s shares may be owned by other funds sponsored by Transamerica. Transactions by these funds may be disruptive to the management of the fund. For example, the fund may experience large redemptions and could be required to sell securities at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase the fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, sizeable redemptions could cause the fund’s total expenses to increase.
Loans – Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan. Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower’s capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. The fund's investments in loans are also subject to prepayment or call risk. Loans may have settlement
periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain the fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
New Fund – The fund was recently formed. Investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders.
Preferred Stock – Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid and have limited voting rights.
Yield – The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Performance: No performance is shown for the fund. Performance information will appear in a future version of this prospectus once the fund has a full calendar year of performance information to report to investors.
The fund's benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index.
As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamerica.com/individual/products/mutual-funds/performance/ or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
Management:
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Sub-Adviser: Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
Kevin Bakker, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. Portfolio Manager since 2020
Derek Thoms Portfolio Manager since 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: You may purchase, exchange or redeem shares of the fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business, online or through our website at www.transamerica.com, by mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945, by telephone at 1-888-233-4339, by overnight mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 or through a financial intermediary.
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Class R6 shares are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans such as 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans) and IRAs, and under the following conditions: Class R6 shares are available only when a plan’s recordkeeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary has an agreement with Transamerica Funds, and in such eligible retirement plans where Class R6 shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
The minimum initial purchase for Class A and C shares is $1,000; the minimum subsequent investment is $50. The minimum initial purchase for payroll deduction and automatic investment plan is $500; the minimum subsequent investment is $50 per monthly fund account investment. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000,000. There is no minimum investment for eligible retirement plans investing in Class R6 shares.
The fund does not currently offer Class A, Class C and Class R6 shares.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. In that case, you may be taxed when you take a distribution from such plan, depending on the type of plan, the circumstances of your distribution and other factors.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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Transamerica Sustainable Bond
    
Investment Objective: Seeks to provide high total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Class: A C I R6
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None 1 1.00% None None
               
1 Purchases of Class A shares in amounts of $1 million or more that are not subject to an initial sales charge may be subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge if those shares are redeemed within 24 months of their purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Class: A C I R6
Management fees 0.41% 0.41% 0.41% 0.41%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.25% 1.00% None None
Other expenses1 0.38% 0.38% 0.38% 0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses 1.04% 1.79% 0.79% 0.70%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement2 0.24% 0.24% 0.29% 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 0.80% 1.55% 0.50% 0.45%
1 Other expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
2 Contractual arrangements have been made with the fund’s investment manager, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”), through March 1, 2022 to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed 0.80% for Class A shares, 1.55% for Class C shares, 0.50% for Class I shares and 0.45% for Class R6 shares, excluding, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund’s business. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to March 1, 2022 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during any of the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class. A class may reimburse TAM only if such reimbursement does not cause, on any particular business day of the fund, the class’ total annual operating expenses (after the reimbursement is taken into account) to exceed the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the 1 year dollar amount shown below
reflects TAM's agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
If the shares are redeemed at the end of each period:
  1 year 3 years
Class A $553 $754
Class C $258 $526
Class I $ 51 $205
Class R6 $ 46 $183
If the shares are not redeemed:
  1 year 3 years
Class A $553 $754
Class C $158 $526
Class I $ 51 $205
Class R6 $ 46 $183
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. The fund’s investments in fixed-income securities may include U.S. government and foreign government bonds and notes (including emerging markets), mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations), investment grade and below (commonly known as “junk bonds”) corporate bonds of issuers in the U.S. and foreign countries (including emerging markets), convertible bonds and other convertible securities, bank loans and loan participations, structured notes, municipal bonds and preferred securities. The fund’s investment in fixed-income securities may also include dollar rolls, inflation-protected securities, repurchase agreements and to be announced (“TBA”) transactions. The fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration. Under normal circumstances, the fund has an average credit rating of investment grade.
The fund’s investment universe is defined by the sub-adviser’s Sustainable Investment Committee (“SIC”) which consists of employees of the sub-adviser and affiliated entities within the global Aegon Asset Management organization, who have responsible investing expertise. The fund’s sub-adviser focuses on fixed-income securities of issuers that are, in the sub-adviser’s view, aligned with sustainability initiatives. All potential investments are screened utilizing the sub-adviser’s proprietary sustainability assessment framework which evaluates issuers or securities using
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internal and external inputs. Eligible investments include issuers or securities that are viewed by the sub-adviser as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, various environmental and societal initiatives. The sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment focuses on key sustainability pillars, including climate change, eco solutions, resource efficiency, health and well-being and sustainable growth. These sustainable investment opportunities also align with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of goals that seek to address the world’s most pressing sustainability issues. While the SDGs provide a helpful framework for identifying sustainable themes, the sub-adviser relies on their proprietary sustainability assessment to determine the eligible investment universe.
The fund uses positive screening to identify issuers and securities that the sub-adviser believes align with sustainability themes. Given the fund’s inclusionary stance and thematic approach to selecting the investment universe, the sub-adviser avoids investments in issuers, industries or sectors that are wholly inconsistent with its sustainable investing philosophy. As a result, the fund does not utilize a specific exclusions list.
The sub-adviser uses a research-driven process in an effort to identify sustainable investment opportunities. The process consists of five primary steps:
1. Sustainability research: The sub-adviser generates sustainable investment ideas using a sustainability assessment process to identify fixed income investments that the sub-adviser believes will contribute to or benefit from the long-term sustainability of the global economy, environment and society. The process combines internal expertise alongside external data to analyze a potential investment’s sustainability profile. Sustainable investment ideas are presented to the SIC for further evaluation.
2. Sustainability determination: The SIC reviews the sustainability research and ultimately determines the sustainable investment universe for the fund. The SIC reviews investments for alignment with sustainable initiatives and identifies an eligible investment universe consisting of issuers that are viewed as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability. Issuers and securities are classified into one of five categories depending on level of alignment with sustainability initiatives. The sustainability criteria is tailored to the fixed income sector.
3. Economic research and recommendation: In its proprietary, bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, creditworthiness, capital structure, covenants, cash-flows and, as applicable, collateral.
4. Portfolio construction: The sub-adviser combines the proprietary bottom-up research with top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis includes
a relative value assessment across asset classes as the sub-adviser constructs a sustainability-themed portfolio based on the eligible sustainable investment universe set by the SIC. The fund invests in issuers or securities that meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria within categories one through three. As an example, category one “sustainable leaders” may include companies with a material amount of revenues tied to products or services aligned with sustainability initiatives. Conversely, category five companies that do not meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may be involved in controversial activities that are against sustainable initiatives.
5. Engagement: The sub-adviser’s dedicated Responsible Investment team may engage with issuers in an effort to encourage issuers to enhance the sustainability of their businesses and make positive change.
The fund may utilize derivatives, such as options, futures, forward currency contracts and swaps, including, but not limited to, interest rate, total return and credit default swaps. These investment strategies may be employed as a hedging technique, as a means of altering investment characteristics of the fund’s portfolio (such as shortening or lengthening duration), in an attempt to enhance returns or for other purposes. The fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward-commitment basis.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and derivatives instruments used for duration or temporary cashflow management purposes, are subject to the sub-adviser’s sustainability screening process.
Principal Risks: Risk is inherent in all investing. Many factors and risks affect the fund's performance, including those described below. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of principal risks (in alphabetical order after certain key risks) of investing in the fund. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
Market – The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, and other circumstances in one or
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more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, the fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this summary will likely increase. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Fixed-Income Securities – Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed-income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by the fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels, so the fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
Credit – If an issuer or other obligor (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations or is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against an issuer, obligor or counterparty. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract.
Interest Rate – Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. The fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. The value of fixed income securities generally goes down when interest rates rise, and therefore the value of your investment in the fund may also go down. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of the fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. If the fund holds variable
or floating rate securities, a decrease in interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the value of the fund’s shares.
Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities – The value of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities will be influenced by factors affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset values, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid, which could negatively impact the fund. Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private issuers, by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or by agencies of the U.S. government, such as Ginnie Mae. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Unlike mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government or government-sponsored entities, mortgage-related securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment or call and extension risks. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets. The risk of default is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include so-called “sub-prime” mortgages. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less information available than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the fund may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss.
High-Yield Debt Securities – High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. Issuers of junk bonds are typically in weaker financial health. Changes in interest rates, the market’s perception of the issuers, the creditworthiness of the issuers and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally may significantly affect the value of these bonds. Junk bonds are considered speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and may be more difficult to value than higher grade securities, and they may result in losses for the fund. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments.
Liquidity – The fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value, may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in value. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed
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income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid investment to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss. The fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of less liquid or illiquid securities for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer), and such sale may involve additional costs. Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for the fund to sell. This may prevent the fund from limiting losses.
Sustainability Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment framework to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not apply sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. Securities of companies meeting the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not utilize sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. The sub-adviser monitors the fund’s holdings based on the latest publicly available information. Any delay in obtaining public information regarding the fund’s holdings could result in the fund holding an investment that no longer meets the fund’s sustainability investing principals. “Sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying sustainability criteria involves subjective assessment.
Counterparty – The fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the fund invests will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties (including derivatives exchanges and clearinghouses) may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Extension – When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause the fund's share price to be more volatile or go down.
Prepayment or Call – Many issuers have a right to prepay their fixed income securities. Issuers may be more likely to prepay their securities if interest rates fall. If this happens, the fund will not benefit from the rise in the market price of the securities that normally accompanies a decline in interest rates and will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on prepaid securities. The fund may also lose any premium it paid on prepaid securities.
Management – The value of your investment may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. You may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, investment techniques applied, or the analyses employed or relied on, by the investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. The fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. Any of these things could cause the fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Active Trading – The fund may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations – To the extent the fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Convertible Securities – Convertible securities are subject to risks associated with both fixed income and equity securities. When the underlying common stock falls in value, the market price of the convertible security may be more influenced by the security’s yield and fixed income characteristics. When the underlying common stock rises in value, the market price may be more influenced by the equity conversion features. Since the convertible security derives its value from the underlying common stock, the security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality.
Currency – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
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Currency Hedging – The fund may hedge its currency risk using currency futures, forwards or options. However, hedging strategies and/or these instruments may not always work as intended, and a fund may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging strategy or instrument.
Derivatives – Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the fund. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional or heightened risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Their usage can increase fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices or volatility, interest rates, currencies, or the derivatives themselves, behave in a way not anticipated. Using derivatives may have a leveraging effect, increase fund volatility and not produce the result intended. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on the fund. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty (including, if applicable, the fund’s clearing broker, the derivatives exchange or the clearinghouse) may default on its obligations to the fund. In certain cases, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against or closing out derivatives instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses. Derivatives are subject to additional risks such as operational risk, including settlement issues, and legal risk, including that underlying documentation is incomplete or ambiguous. Derivatives are also generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative, including market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, management and valuation risk. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more or less than, or otherwise not correlate well with, the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. The fund may be required to segregate or earmark liquid assets or otherwise cover its obligations under derivatives transactions and may have to liquidate positions before it is desirable in order to meet these segregation and coverage requirements. Use of derivatives may have different tax consequences for the fund than an investment in the underlying assets or indices, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities – Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. The fund may suffer significant losses if the reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. The fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties, and the fund could lose its entire investment.
Dollar Rolls – The use of dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money. Dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities.
If the broker/dealer to whom the fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the fund’s ability to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
Emerging Markets – Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems and regulatory and accounting standards that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors such as the fund from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s ESG criteria to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by the sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Equity Securities – Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and consequently may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile and the value of equity securities may go up or down sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities. The value of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If the fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Floating Rate Loans – Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may
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result in the fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, the fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase.
Focused Investing – To the extent the fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Foreign Investments – Investing in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involves additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the fund’s foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and weaker legal systems and accounting standards also may affect the value of these securities. Foreign investments may have lower liquidity and be more difficult to value than investments in U.S. issuers.
Hedging – The fund may buy and sell futures contracts, put and call options, forward contracts and other instruments as a hedge. Some hedging strategies could hedge the fund’s portfolio against price fluctuations. Other hedging strategies would tend to increase the fund’s exposure to the securities market. Forward contracts could be used to try to manage foreign currency risks on the fund’s foreign investments. The fund’s hedging strategies may not work as intended, and the fund may be in a less favorable position than if it had not used a hedging instrument.
Inflation-Protected Securities – Inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. The market for U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”) and corporate inflation-protected securities (“CIPS”) may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets. Also, the inflation index utilized by a particular inflation-protected security may not accurately reflect the true rate of inflation, in which case the market value of the security could be adversely affected.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds – A significant portion of the fund’s shares may be owned by other funds sponsored by Transamerica. Transactions by these funds may be disruptive to the management of the fund. For example, the fund may experience large redemptions and could be required to sell securities at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase the fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, sizeable redemptions could cause the fund’s total expenses to increase.
Leveraging – The value of your investment may be more volatile to the extent that the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Other risks also will be compounded because leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in the loss of a substantial amount, and possibly all, of the fund's assets. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation or coverage requirements.
Loans – Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan. Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower’s capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. The fund's investments in loans are also subject to prepayment or call risk. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain the fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
Municipal Securities – The municipal bond market can be susceptible to unusual volatility, particularly for lower-rated and unrated securities. Liquidity can be reduced unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening. Municipal issuers may be adversely affected by rising health care costs, increasing unfunded pension liabilities, and by the phasing out of federal programs providing financial support. Unfavorable conditions and developments relating to projects financed with municipal securities can result in lower revenues to issuers of municipal securities, potentially resulting in defaults. Issuers often depend on revenues from these projects to make principal and interest payments. The value of municipal securities can also be adversely affected by changes in the financial condition of one or more individual municipal issuers or insurers of municipal issuers, regulatory and political developments, tax law changes or other legislative actions, and by uncertainties and public perceptions concerning these and other factors. To the extent the fund invests significantly in a single state or in securities the payments on which are dependent upon a single project or source of revenues, or that relate to a sector or industry, the fund will be more susceptible to associated risks and developments. Municipal issuers may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar
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periods of economic stress. A number of municipal issuers have defaulted on obligations, commenced insolvency proceedings, or suffered credit downgrading. Financial difficulties of municipal issuers may continue or worsen.
Investment in municipal securities of issuers in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other U.S. territories may have more risks than tax-exempt securities issued by other issuers due to the political, social and/or economic conditions in the particular territory.
New Fund – The fund was recently formed. Investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders.
Preferred Stock – Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid and have limited voting rights.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities - Restricted securities, which include private placements of private and public companies, are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to sell at the time and price a fund prefers. Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale, both of which may result in substantial losses. An insufficient number of eligible buyers interested in purchasing restricted securities held by a fund could adversely affect the marketability of such securities and a fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices, adversely affecting a fund’s overall liquidity. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. A fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities.
Repurchase Agreements – In a repurchase agreement, the fund purchases securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the fund at a later date, and at a specified price, which is typically higher than the purchase price paid by the fund. The securities purchased serve as the fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. If the counterparty does not repurchase the securities, the fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss. If the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.
Sovereign Debt – Sovereign debt instruments are subject to the risk that the governmental entity may delay or fail to pay interest or repay principal on its sovereign debt. If a governmental entity
defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans, or the debt may be restructured. There may be no established legal process for collecting sovereign debt that a government does not pay, nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected.
Structured Instruments – The fund may invest in, or have exposure to, various types of structured instruments, including securities that have demand, tender or put features, or interest rate reset features. Structured instruments are a type of derivative instrument and the payment and credit qualities of these instruments derive from the assets embedded in the structure from which they are issued. Structured instruments may be leveraged and may behave in ways not anticipated by the fund, or they may not receive tax, accounting or regulatory treatment anticipated by the fund. Structured instruments may also be less liquid and more difficult to value accurately than more traditional securities and instruments.
To Be Announced (TBA) Transactions – Although the securities that are delivered in TBA transactions must meet certain standards, there is a risk that the actual securities received by the fund may be less favorable than what was anticipated when entering into the transaction. TBA transactions also involve the risk that a counterparty will fail to deliver the security, exposing the fund to further losses. Whether or not the fund takes delivery of the securities at the termination date of a TBA transaction, it will nonetheless be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations – Government agency obligations have different levels of credit support and, therefore, different degrees of credit risk. Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government generally present a lesser degree of credit risk than securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the credit of the issuing agencies. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price.
Valuation – The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets, that are priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund's ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
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Yield – The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Performance: No performance is shown for the fund. Performance information will appear in a future version of this prospectus once the fund has a full calendar year of performance information to report to investors.
The fund's benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamerica.com/individual/products/mutual-funds/performance/ or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
Management:
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Sub-Adviser: Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Charles Foster, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jeremy Mead, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jose Pluto, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jeremy Thurm, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
James Rich Portfolio Manager since 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: You may purchase, exchange or redeem shares of the fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business, online or through our website at www.transamerica.com, by mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945, by telephone at 1-888-233-4339, by overnight mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 or through a financial intermediary.
Class R6 shares are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans such as 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans) and IRAs, and under the following conditions: Class R6 shares are available only when a plan’s recordkeeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary has an agreement with Transamerica Funds, and in such eligible retirement plans where Class R6 shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
The minimum initial purchase for Class A and C shares is $1,000; the minimum subsequent investment is $50. The minimum initial purchase for payroll deduction and automatic investment plan is $500; the minimum subsequent investment is $50 per monthly fund account investment. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000,000. There is no minimum investment for eligible retirement plans investing in Class R6 shares.
The fund does not currently offer Class A, Class C and Class R6 shares.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. In that case, you may be taxed when you take a distribution from such plan, depending on the type of plan, the circumstances of your distribution and other factors.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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More on each Fund’s Strategies and Investments
    
The following provides additional information regarding each fund’s strategies and investments described at the front of this prospectus. Except as otherwise expressly stated in this prospectus or in the statement of additional information or as required by law, there is no limit on the amount of each fund’s assets that may be invested in a particular type of security or investment.
Transamerica High Yield ESG: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in high-yield securities. The sub-adviser focuses on investments that the sub-adviser views as having a favorable Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) profile based on the sub-adviser’s internal ESG evaluation process. The fund normally invests primarily in U.S. securities.
High yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) are high-risk debt securities rated, at the time of investment, below BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the fund’s sub-adviser. The high yield securities in which the fund invests are primarily corporate bonds.
The sub-adviser’s ESG evaluation process is designed to emphasize positive selection of investments with favorable ESG characteristics in the view of the sub-adviser, while minimizing exposure to companies considered by the sub-adviser as having less favorable ESG qualities. In this process, the sub-adviser excludes companies involved in certain industries and/or business practices that are viewed as exhibiting the most negative ESG impacts. The sub-adviser then employs a fundamental, proprietary research approach to identify potential investments and categorizes them as belonging to one of five ESG categories.
Category one includes companies viewed by the sub-adviser as leaders in sustainable business practices or demonstrating commitment to the pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Category two companies are judged by the sub-adviser to have low exposure to ESG risks or have policies in place to mitigate such risks. Category three companies are those, in the view of the sub-adviser, which face future ESG risks of uncertain timing or magnitude that could negatively affect the company. Category four companies are those which the sub-adviser views as exhibiting current ESG risks that are impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals, but are not significant enough to impact the overall credit quality of the company. Category five includes companies that, in the sub-adviser’s view, have ESG factors negatively impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals to the extent credit quality is also impacted.
The fund’s investment universe consists of companies classified by the sub-adviser within categories one through four with the fund’s investments predominantly falling in categories one through three.
When assessing a company’s ESG practices, the sub-adviser may take into account a number of ESG considerations of an environmental, social or governance nature. Environmental considerations may include, but are not limited to, climate change and carbon emissions, energy efficiency, waste and pollution, water use and conservation, deforestation, natural resource use and renewable energy. Social considerations may include, but are not limited to, human rights and labor standards, product safety and liability, workplace safety, workplace benefits, employee relations, diversity/inclusion policies, data protection and privacy, community involvement, nutrition and health, and supply chain sourcing. Governance considerations may include, but are not limited to, board independence, board diversity, anticorruption policies, shareholder rights, compensation structures, corporate political contributions and corporate behavior.
The sub-adviser’s research-intensive process uses a combination of a global top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environment and proprietary bottom-up research of corporate debt, stressed and distressed securities, and other debt instruments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that it believes affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis assists the sub-adviser in analyzing fund risk and allocating assets among sectors, industries, and credit quality categories. In its proprietary bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as creditworthiness and capital structure. The sub-adviser integrates ESG factors into its analysis by combining external data with internal research to evaluate the investment’s ESG characteristics. The process incorporates both qualitative elements (such as company commitment to sustainable initiatives) and quantitative elements (such as measurable ESG risks) to assess the potential material influence of ESG factors on an investment’s credit fundamentals.
The fund has no maturity or duration requirements or limitations. The fund may invest in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in emerging market securities.
The fund may invest in investment grade bonds, bank loans, preferred equity securities, common equity securities (received in connection with exchanges or restructurings) and cash equivalents. The fund may also invest in hybrid instruments having both debt and equity characteristics.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, are subject to the sub-adviser’s ESG assessment framework.
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The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
Transamerica Sustainable Bond: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. The fund’s investments in fixed-income securities may include U.S. government and foreign government bonds and notes (including emerging markets), mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations), investment grade and below (commonly known as “junk bonds”) corporate bonds of issuers in the U.S. and foreign countries (including emerging markets), convertible bonds and other convertible securities (including contingent convertible securities), bank loans and loan participations, structured notes, municipal bonds and preferred securities. The fund’s investment in fixed-income securities may also include dollar rolls, inflation-protected securities, repurchase agreements and to be announced (“TBA”) transactions. The fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration. Under normal circumstances, the fund has an average credit rating of investment grade.
The fund’s investment universe is defined by the sub-adviser’s Sustainable Investment Committee (“SIC”) which consists of employees of the sub-adviser and affiliated entities within the global Aegon Asset Management organization, who have responsible investing expertise. The fund’s sub-adviser focuses on fixed-income securities of issuers that are, in the sub-adviser’s view, aligned with sustainability initiatives. All potential investments are screened utilizing the sub-adviser’s proprietary sustainability assessment framework which evaluates issuers or securities using internal and external inputs. Eligible investments include issuers or securities that are viewed by the sub-adviser as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, various environmental and societal initiatives. The sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment focuses on key sustainability pillars, including climate change, eco solutions, resource efficiency, health and well-being and sustainable growth. These sustainable investment opportunities also align with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of goals that seek to address the world’s most pressing sustainability issues. While the SDGs provide a helpful framework for identifying sustainable themes, the sub-adviser relies on their proprietary sustainability assessment to determine the eligible investment universe.
The fund uses positive screening to identify issuers and securities that the sub-adviser believes align with sustainability themes. Given the fund’s inclusionary stance and thematic approach to selecting the investment universe, the sub-adviser avoids investments in issuers, industries or sectors that are wholly inconsistent with its sustainable investing philosophy. As a result, the fund does not utilize a specific exclusions list.
The sub-adviser uses a research-driven process in an effort to identify sustainable investment opportunities. The process consists of five primary steps:
1. Sustainability research: The sub-adviser generates sustainable investment ideas using a sustainability assessment process to identify fixed income investments that the sub-adviser believes will contribute to or benefit from the long-term sustainability of the global economy, environment and society. The process combines internal expertise alongside external data to analyze a potential investment’s sustainability profile. Sustainable investment ideas are presented to the SIC for further evaluation.
2. Sustainability determination: The SIC reviews the sustainability research and ultimately determines the sustainable investment universe for the fund. The SIC reviews investments for alignment with sustainable initiatives and identifies an eligible investment universe consisting of issuers that are viewed as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability. Issuers and securities are classified into one of five categories depending on level of alignment with sustainability initiatives. The sustainability criteria is tailored to the fixed income sector.
3. Economic research and recommendation: In its proprietary, bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, creditworthiness, capital structure, covenants, cash-flows and, as applicable, collateral.
4. Portfolio construction: The sub-adviser combines the proprietary bottom-up research with top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis includes a relative value assessment across asset classes as the sub-adviser constructs a sustainability-themed portfolio based on the eligible sustainable investment universe set by the SIC. The fund invests in issuers or securities that meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria within categories one through three. As an example, category one “sustainable leaders” may include companies with a material amount of revenues tied to products or services aligned with sustainability initiatives. Conversely, category five companies that do not meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may be involved in controversial activities that are against sustainable initiatives.
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5. Engagement: The sub-adviser’s dedicated Responsible Investment team may engage with issuers in an effort to encourage issuers to enhance the sustainability of their businesses and make positive change.
The fund may utilize derivatives, such as options, futures, forward currency contracts and swaps, including, but not limited to, interest rate, total return and credit default swaps. These investment strategies may be employed as a hedging technique, as a means of altering investment characteristics of the fund’s portfolio (such as shortening or lengthening duration), in an attempt to enhance returns or for other purposes. The fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward-commitment basis.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and derivatives instruments used for duration or temporary cashflow management purposes, are subject to the sub-adviser’s sustainability screening process.
The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
More on Risks of Investing in the Funds
    
The value of your investment in a fund changes with the values of that fund’s investments. Many factors and risks can affect those values, including the risks described below. There is no guarantee that a fund will be able to achieve its investment objective. It is possible to lose money by investing in a fund.
Some of the risks of investing in the funds, including the principal risks of the funds, are discussed below. A fund may be subject to factors and risks other than those identified in this prospectus, and these other factors and risks could adversely affect the fund’s investment results. More information about risks appears in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Absence of Regulation: A fund may engage in over-the-counter (“OTC”) transactions, which trade in a dealer network, rather than on an exchange. In general, there is less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions in the OTC markets than of transactions entered into on organized exchanges. Transactions in the OTC markets also are subject to the credit risk of the counterparty.
Active Trading: Certain funds may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations: To the extent a fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Cash Management and Defensive Investing: The value of investments held by a fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate. Like other fixed income securities, cash and cash equivalent securities are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If a fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash, it will not earn income on the cash and the fund’s yield will go down. If a significant amount of a fund’s assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective.
Conflicts of Interest: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”) and its affiliates are engaged in a variety of businesses and have interests other than those related to managing the funds. The broad range of activities and interests of TAM and its affiliates gives rise to actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest that could affect the funds and their shareholders. Certain actual and potential conflicts are described below. Other conflicts may arise from time to time.
TAM and the funds have adopted practices, policies and procedures that are intended to identify, manage and, where possible, mitigate conflicts of interest. There is no assurance, however, that these practices, policies and procedures will be effective.
TAM serves as investment manager to and is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day investment advice and management of certain funds of funds that invest in underlying Transamerica funds and is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among the underlying funds. For certain other funds of funds, TAM has hired a sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager and is subject to conflicts of interest in connection with the selection and allocation by the sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager of the fund of funds’ assets. TAM has designed certain funds of funds where only Transamerica funds are underlying investment options. This means that TAM or the fund of funds’ sub-adviser or portfolio construction managers, as applicable, does not, nor does it expect to, consider any unaffiliated funds as underlying investment options for the fund of funds. TAM
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and its affiliates will receive more revenue when TAM, a portfolio construction manager or sub-adviser selects a Transamerica fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in a fund of funds and could result in the selection of funds with relatively lower historical investment results. TAM has an incentive for the funds of funds’ assets to be allocated to those underlying funds for which the net management fees payable to TAM are higher than the fees payable by other underlying funds or to those underlying funds for which an affiliate of TAM serves as the sub-adviser. TAM also has an incentive for a fund of funds’ assets to be allocated to subscale underlying Transamerica funds to provide scale and reduce amounts waived and/or reimbursed by TAM to maintain applicable expense caps. Sub-advisers to certain funds of funds also have conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among underlying funds.
TAM may have a financial incentive to implement or not to implement certain changes to the funds. For example, TAM may, from time to time, recommend a change in sub-adviser or the combination of two or more funds. TAM and its affiliates will benefit to the extent that an affiliated sub-adviser replaces an unaffiliated sub-adviser or additional assets are combined into a fund having a higher net management fee payable to TAM and/or that is sub-advised by an affiliate of TAM. TAM will also benefit to the extent that it replaces a sub-adviser with a new sub-adviser with a lower sub-advisory fee. The aggregation of assets of multiple funds for purposes of calculating breakpoints or discounts in sub-advisory fees also gives rise to conflicts of interest for TAM.
TAM manages other funds and products that have investment objectives similar to or the same as those of the funds and/or engage in transactions in the same types of securities and instruments as the funds. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which a fund invests, and could have an adverse impact on the fund’s performance. These other accounts and products may buy or sell positions while the funds are undertaking the same or a differing, including potentially opposite, strategy, which could disadvantage the funds. A position taken by TAM, on behalf of one or more other funds or products, may be contrary to a position taken on behalf of a fund or may be adverse to a company or issuer in which the fund has invested. The results of the investment activities of a fund may differ significantly from the results achieved for other funds or products.
TAM and certain of its affiliates provide services including investment management, administration, sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds and earn fees from these relationships with the funds. TAM and its affiliates face conflicts of interest when the funds select affiliated service providers because TAM and/or its affiliates receive greater compensation when they are used.
TAM, its affiliates and other financial service providers have conflicts associated with their promotion of the funds or other dealings with the funds that would create incentives for them to promote the funds. TAM, its affiliates and/or the funds’ sub-advisers or their affiliates, make revenue sharing payments to brokers and other financial intermediaries to promote the distribution of the funds. TAM and its affiliates will benefit from increased amounts of assets under management. TAM or its affiliates also receive revenue sharing payments from certain of the funds’ sub-advisers or their affiliates.
TAM and/or its affiliates have existing and may have potential future other business dealings or arrangements with current or proposed sub-advisers or other fund service providers (or their affiliates) recommended by TAM. Such other business dealings or arrangements present conflicts of interest. For example, TAM has an incentive to hire as a sub-adviser or other service provider an entity with which TAM or one or more of its affiliates have, or would like to have, significant or other business dealings or arrangements, and TAM has a disincentive to recommend the termination of such a sub-adviser or service provider.
The performance of certain funds impacts the financial exposure of affiliates of TAM under guarantees that the Transamerica insurance companies provide as issuers of the variable insurance contracts. TAM and/or its affiliates derive certain ancillary benefits from providing investment management, administration, investment sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds.
The range of activities, services and interests of a sub-adviser may give rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest that could disadvantage a fund and its shareholders. For example, a sub-adviser’s or the portfolio construction manager’s portfolio managers may manage multiple funds and accounts for multiple clients which may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest. A sub-adviser, the portfolio construction manager and/or their respective affiliates also may derive ancillary benefits from providing investment sub-advisory services to a fund.
A further discussion of conflicts of interest appears in the SAI. These discussions are not, and are not intended to be, a complete enumeration or description of all the actual and potential conflicts that may arise.
Convertible Securities: Convertible securities share investment characteristics of both fixed income and equity securities. The value of these securities may vary more with fluctuations in the value of the underlying common stock than with fluctuations in interest rates. The value of convertible securities also may be less volatile than the underlying common stock. Since the convertible security derives its value from the underlying common stock, the security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. Convertible securities may include corporate notes or preferred stock, but ordinarily are a long-term debt obligation of the issuer convertible at a stated exchange rate into common stock of the issuer. Convertible securities
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generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. Convertible securities are normally “junior” securities, meaning that the issuers usually must first make payments on non-convertible securities before making payments on convertible securities. If the issuer of a convertible security stops making payments, these securities may become worthless.
Counterparty: A fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Credit: The value of your investment in a fund could decline if the issuer of a security held by the fund or another obligor for that security (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) fails to pay, otherwise defaults, is perceived to be less creditworthy, becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy. The value of your investment in a fund could also decline if the credit rating of a security held by the fund is downgraded or the credit quality or value of any assets underlying the security declines. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. If a single entity provides credit enhancement to more than one of the fund’s investments, the adverse effects resulting from the downgrade or default will increase the adverse effects on a fund. If a fund enters into financial contracts (such as certain derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions), the fund will be subject to the credit risk presented by the counterparty. In addition, a fund may incur expenses and may be hindered or delayed in an effort to protect the fund’s interests or to enforce its rights. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract. Credit risk may be broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which a fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. Credit rating may also be influenced by conflicts of interest. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade (Baa/BBB or Baa-/BBB-) may possess certain speculative characteristics.
A fund is subject to greater amounts of credit risk to the extent it invests in below investment grade debt securities (that is, securities rated below the Baa/BBB categories or unrated securities of comparable quality), or “junk” bonds. These securities have a higher risk of issuer default because, among other reasons, issuers of junk bonds often have more debt in relation to total capitalization than issuers of investment grade securities. Junk bonds are considered speculative, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher rated securities and may involve significant risk of exposure to adverse conditions and negative sentiments. These securities may be in danger of default as to principal and interest. Unrated securities of comparable quality share these risks.
A fund may invest in securities which are subordinated to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated securities. A fund is more likely to suffer a credit loss on subordinated securities than on non-subordinated securities of the same issuer. If there is a default, bankruptcy or liquidation of the issuer, most subordinated securities are paid only if sufficient assets remain after payment of the issuer's non-subordinated securities. In addition, any recovery of interest or principal may take more time. As a result, even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer is likely to have a greater impact on subordinated securities.
Currency: The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets, and currency risk may be particularly high to the extent the fund invests in foreign securities or currencies that are economically tied to emerging market or frontier market countries. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Currency Hedging: A fund may use currency futures, forwards or options to hedge against declines in the value of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency fluctuation on purchases and sales of such securities. Hedging strategies and/or these instruments may not always work as intended, and a fund may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging strategy or instrument. Shifting a fund's currency exposure from one currency to another may remove a fund's opportunity to profit from the original currency and involves a risk of increased losses for a fund if the sub-adviser’s projection of future exchange rates is inaccurate.
Cybersecurity and Operations: A fund, and its service providers and distribution platforms, and your ability to transact with a fund, may be negatively impacted by, among other things, human error, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, shareholder data (including private shareholder information), and/or proprietary information, or cause a fund, TAM, a sub-adviser and/or its service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident or operational issue may disrupt the
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processing of shareholder transactions, impact a fund's ability to calculate its net asset values, and prevent shareholders from redeeming their shares. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of those securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents or operational issues.
Depositary Receipts: Depositary receipts are generally subject to the same risks that the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted are, and they may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives: Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to a fund, even when used for hedging purposes. Using derivatives exposes a fund to additional or heightened risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Their usage can increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices or volatility, interest rates or currencies, or the derivatives themselves, behave in a way not anticipated by a fund, especially in abnormal market conditions. Using derivatives may have a leveraging effect, which may increase investment losses and may increase fund volatility, which is the degree to which the fund’s share price may fluctuate within a short time period. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on a fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. This risk is greater for forward currency contracts, swaps and other over-the-counter traded derivatives. The other parties to derivatives transactions present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed-income securities. Derivatives also tend to involve greater liquidity risk and they may be difficult to value. A fund may be unable to terminate or sell its derivative positions. In fact, many over-the-counter derivatives will not have liquidity except through the counterparty to the instrument. Derivatives are subject to additional risks such as operational risk (such as documentation issues and settlement issues) and legal risk (such as insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, or issues with the legality or enforceability of a contract). Derivatives are also generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative, including market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, management and valuation risk. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more than, or otherwise not correlate well with, the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. A fund’s use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. The U.S. government and foreign governments are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing and on-facility execution of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance, or disrupt markets. For derivatives that are required to be cleared by a regulated clearinghouse, a fund may be exposed to risks arising from its relationship with a brokerage firm through which it would submit derivatives trades for clearing. A fund would also be exposed to counterparty risk with respect to the clearinghouse. In certain cases, a fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against or closing out derivatives instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses.
Derivatives may be used by a fund for a variety of purposes, including:
As a hedging technique in an attempt to manage risk in the fund's portfolio
As a means of changing investment characteristics of the fund's portfolio
As a means of attempting to enhance returns
As a means of providing additional exposure to types of investments or market factors
As a substitute for buying or selling securities
As a cash flow management technique
Using derivatives, especially for non-hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to a fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated by the fund. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may have different tax consequences for a fund than an investment in the underlying asset or indices, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
When a fund enters into derivative transactions, it may be required to segregate assets, or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations. Such segregation will not limit the fund’s exposure to loss, however, and the fund will have investment risk with respect to both the derivative itself and the assets that have been segregated to cover the fund’s derivative exposure. If the segregated assets represent a large portion of the fund’s portfolio, this may impede portfolio management or the fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
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Some derivatives may be difficult to value, or may be subject to the risk that changes in the value of the instrument may not correlate well with the underlying asset, rate or index. In addition, derivatives may be subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. A fund could lose the entire amount of its investment in a derivative and, in some cases, could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative instruments may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices. A fund’s sub-adviser may not make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons.
Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that an increased portion of a fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
The SEC has proposed a new rule that would change the regulation of the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as the fund. If the proposed rule takes effect, it could limit the ability of a fund to invest in derivatives.
Derivatives may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Options. An option is an agreement that, for a premium payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not the obligation to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified price (the exercise price) during a period of time or on a specified date. Investments in options are considered speculative. The fund may lose the premium paid for them if the price of the underlying security or other asset decreased or remained the same (in the case of a call option) or increased or remained the same (in the case of a put option). If a put or call option purchased by the fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the fund. Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change a fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the fund if currencies do not perform as a sub-adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions could reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency moves in the direction opposite to the position taken. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors which influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to a fund and poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges. Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing a fund's investment objective, such as when a sub-adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to a fund's holdings, further increases the fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that a sub-adviser’s use of currency derivatives will benefit a fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.
Forwards and Futures Contracts. The use of futures contracts is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. A futures contract is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the “long” position) and a seller (holding the “short” position) for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into off-setting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. In addition, futures exchanges often impose a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract for each trading session. The fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Moreover, to the extent the fund engages in futures contracts on foreign exchanges, such exchanges may not provide the same protection as US exchanges. The loss that may be incurred in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the fund's NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the fund. Investment in these instruments involve risks, including counterparty risk (i.e., the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (i.e., a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains, which may lead to losses within the fund) and pricing risk (i.e., the instrument may be difficult to value).
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts. In connection with its investments in foreign securities, a fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, a fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies. Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change a fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could
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  result in losses to the fund if currencies do not perform as its sub-adviser expects. A sub-adviser’s success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the applicable fund's investment objectives, such as when the sub-adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to a fund's holdings, further increases the fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that a sub-adviser’s use of currency derivatives will benefit a fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.
Swaps. Swap contracts, including credit default swaps, involve heightened risks and may result in losses to the fund. Swaps may in some cases be illiquid and difficult to value, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the swap. If the fund buys a credit default swap, it will be subject to the risk that the credit default swap may expire worthless, as the credit default swap would only generate income in the event of a default on the underlying debt security or other specified event. As a buyer, the fund would also be subject to credit risk relating to the seller's payment of its obligations in the event of a default (or similar event). If the fund sells a credit default swap, it will be exposed to the credit risk of the issuer of the obligation to which the credit default swap relates. As a seller, the fund would also be subject to leverage risk, because it would be liable for the full notional amount of the swap in the event of default (or similar event). Swaps may be difficult to unwind or terminate. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to the issuer of the referenced obligation and either their counterparty to the credit default swap or, if it is a cleared transaction, the brokerage firm through which the trade was cleared and the clearing organization that is the counterparty to that trade. Certain index-based credit default swaps are structured in tranches, whereby junior tranches assume greater default risk than senior tranches. The absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions may lead, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. New regulations require many kinds of swaps to be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. Although this clearing mechanism is generally expected to reduce counterparty credit risk, it may disrupt or limit the swap market and may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value. As swaps become more standardized, the fund may not be able to enter into swaps that meet its investment needs. The fund also may not be able to find a clearinghouse willing to accept the swaps for clearing. In a cleared swap, a central clearing organization will be the counterparty to the transaction. The fund will assume the risk that the clearinghouse may be unable to perform its obligations. The new regulations may make using swaps more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Contracts for Difference. Contracts for differences (“CFDs”) are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of CFDs is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. To the extent that there is an imperfect correlation between the return on the fund's obligation to its counterparty under the CFD and the return on related assets in its portfolio, the CFD transaction may increase the fund's financial risk. CFDs, like many other derivative instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require the fund to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which the fund is liable. CFDs are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities: Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. A fund may suffer significant losses if a reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. A fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties and a fund could lose its entire investment. Distressed or defaulted securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.
Dollar Rolls: A dollar roll transaction involves a sale by a fund of a mortgage-backed or other security concurrently with an agreement by the fund to repurchase a similar security at a later date at an agreed-upon price. The securities that are repurchased will bear the same interest rate and stated maturity as those sold, but pools of mortgages collateralizing those securities may have different prepayment histories than those sold.
The use of dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money. Dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities a fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker/dealer to whom a fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the fund’s ability to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
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Emerging Markets: Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets bear heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries typically have economic and political systems that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Some emerging market countries are especially vulnerable to economic conditions in other countries. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility, which could make security valuations more difficult. Less certainty with respect to security valuations may lead to additional challenges and risks in calculating the fund’s net asset value. A fund investing in emerging market countries may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing, and the fund may experience problems or delays with the clearing and settling of trades that are not typically experienced in more developed markets. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Energy Sector: Certain risks inherent in investing in energy companies include the following:
Supply and Demand. A decrease in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, coal or other energy commodities, a decrease in the volume of such commodities available for transportation, mining, processing, storage or distribution or a sustained decline in demand for such commodities, may adversely impact the financial performance of energy companies. Energy companies are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events and economic conditions, among others. The United States relies heavily on foreign imports of energy such as crude oil and refined products. If a supply source decides to restrict supply to the United States or is unable to meet demand, some energy companies’ cash flows may be adversely impacted. The substantial market disruption and slowdown in economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impact the demand for oil and other energy commodities. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and other oil-producing countries have agreed to reduce production in response to the pandemic. An extended period of reduced production and continued price volatility may significantly lengthen the time the energy sector would need to recover after a stabilization of prices.
Depletion and Exploration. Energy reserves naturally deplete as they are consumed over time. Energy companies that are either engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, or coal, or are engaged in transporting, storing, distributing and processing these items and refined products on behalf of the owners of such commodities. To maintain or grow their revenues, these companies or their customers need to maintain or expand their reserves through exploration of new sources of supply, through the development of existing sources or through acquisitions. The financial performance of energy companies may be adversely affected if they, or the companies to whom they provide services, are unable to cost-effectively acquire additional energy deposits sufficient to replace the natural decline of existing reserves. Also, the quantities of reserves may be overstated, or deposits may not be produced in the time periods anticipated. If an energy company is not able to raise capital on favorable terms, it may not be able to add to or maintain its reserves.
Reserve. Energy companies engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and other energy commodities are subject to the risk that the quantities of their reserves are overstated, or will not be produced in the time periods anticipated, for a variety of reasons including the risk that no commercially productive amounts of such energy commodities can be produced from estimated reserves because of the curtailment, delay or cancellation of production activities as a result of unexpected conditions or miscalculations, title problems, pressure or irregularities in formations, equipment failures or accidents, adverse weather conditions, compliance with environmental and other governmental requirements and cost of, or shortages or delays in the availability of, drilling rigs and other equipment, and operational risks and hazards associated with the development of the underlying properties, including natural disasters, blowouts, explosions, fires, leakage of such energy commodities, mechanical failures, cratering and pollution.
Regulatory. Energy companies are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including (i) how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, (ii) how and where wells are drilled, (iii) how services are provided, (iv) environmental and safety controls, and, in some cases (v) the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies. In particular, changes to laws and increased regulations or enforcement policies as a result of the Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies.
Commodity Pricing. The operations and financial performance of energy companies may be directly affected by energy commodity prices, especially those energy companies which own the underlying energy commodity or receive payments for services that are based on commodity prices. Such impact may be a result of changes in the price for such commodity or a result of changes in the price of one energy commodity relative to the price of another energy commodity (i.e., the price of natural gas relative to the price of natural gas liquids). These prices may fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, including global
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  and domestic economic conditions, weather conditions, the supply and price of imported energy commodities, the production and storage levels of energy commodities in certain regions or in the world, political stability, transportation facilities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation and the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for energy companies to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.
Acquisition. The ability of energy companies to grow operating cash flow and increase such company’s enterprise value can be highly dependent on their ability to make acquisitions that result in an increase in cash available for distributions. Recently, the acquisition market has become more competitive as a result of the increased amount of energy companies, as well as significant private equity interest in midstream energy assets. As a result, the competitive nature of the market has resulted in higher multiples, which may reduce the attractiveness of returns on acquisitions. Accordingly, MLP Entities may be unable to make accretive acquisitions because they are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates, negotiate acceptable purchase contracts, raise financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, or because they are outbid by competitors. Such circumstances may limit future growth and their ability to raise distributions could be reduced. Furthermore, even if energy companies do consummate acquisitions that they believe will be accretive, the acquisitions may instead result in a decrease in operating cash flow or a decrease in enterprise value. Any acquisition involves risks, including, among other things: mistaken assumptions about revenues and costs, including synergies; the assumption of unknown liabilities; limitations on rights to indemnity from the seller; the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; unforeseen difficulties operating in new product or geographic areas; and customer or key employee losses at the acquired businesses. The substantial market disruption and slowdown in economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may limit the ability of energy companies to make acquisitions.
Affiliated Party. Certain energy companies are dependent on their parents or sponsors for a majority of their revenues. Any failure by such company’s parents or sponsors to satisfy their payments or obligations would impact such company’s revenues and operating cash flows and ability to make interest payments and/or distributions.
Catastrophe. The operations of energy companies are subject to many hazards inherent in the exploring, developing, producing, generating, transporting, transmission, storing, gathering, processing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or electricity, including: damage to pipelines, storage tanks, plants or related equipment and surrounding properties caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent damage from construction and farm equipment; well blowouts; leaks of such energy commodities; fires and explosions. These hazards could result in substantial losses, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, and pollution or other environmental damage and may result in the curtailment or suspension of their related operations. Energy companies may not be insured against all risks inherent to their businesses. If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully insured, it could adversely affect the energy company’s operations and financial condition.
Terrorism/Market Disruption. Events in the Middle East and elsewhere could have significant adverse effects on the U.S. economy, financial and commodities markets. Energy assets could be direct targets, or indirect casualties, of an act of terror. The U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically the United States’ pipeline infrastructure, may be the future target of terrorist organizations.
Weather. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, (i) could result in substantial damage to the facilities of certain energy companies located in the affected areas, (ii) significantly increase the volatility in the supply of energy commodities and (iii) adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies, and could therefore adversely affect their securities. The damage done by extreme weather also may serve to increase many insurance premiums paid by energy companies and could adversely affect such companies’ financial condition.
Renewable Energy. Renewable energy infrastructure companies’ future growth may be highly dependent upon on government policies that support renewable power generation and enhance the economic viability of owning renewable electric generation assets. Such policies can include tax credits, accelerated cost-recovery systems of depreciation and renewable portfolio standard programs, which mandate that a specified percentage of electricity sales come from eligible sources of renewable energy. Furthermore, a portion of revenues from investments in renewable energy infrastructure assets is tied, either directly or indirectly, to the wholesale market price for electricity in the markets served. Wholesale market electricity prices are impacted by a number of factors including: the price of fuel (for example, natural gas) that is used to generate electricity; the cost of and management of generation and the amount of excess generating capacity relative to load in a particular market; and conditions (such as extremely hot or cold weather) that impact electrical system demand. In addition, there is uncertainty surrounding the trend in electricity demand growth, which is influenced by macroeconomic conditions; absolute and relative energy prices; and energy conservation and demand management. This volatility and uncertainty in power markets could have a material adverse effect on the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow of the companies in which a fund invests.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing: Applying ESG criteria to a sub-adviser’s investment analysis for a fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, applicable funds may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by a sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market
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and economic conditions, and a fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Equity Securities: Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and, consequently, may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. Because a company’s equity securities rank junior in priority to the interests of bond holders and other creditors, a company’s equity securities will usually react more strongly than its bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by a fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If a fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Expenses: Your actual costs of investing in a fund may be higher than the expenses shown in this prospectus for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease, or if a fee limitation is changed or terminated, or with respect to a newly offered fund or class, if average net assets are lower than estimated. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Extension: When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause a fund’s share price to be more volatile or go down.
Fixed-Income Securities: Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment or risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by a fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed-income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
If interest rates rise, repayments of fixed-income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market. This may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and they remain outstanding longer. This is sometimes referred to as extension risk.
Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, a fund will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. This is sometimes referred to as prepayment or call risk.
Floating Rate Loans: Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in a fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, a fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase. Certain courts have determined that floating rate loans are not securities and, therefore, purchasers such as a fund may not be entitled to the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws, including the prohibitions on insider trading. Some floating rate loans may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and thus would be subject to LIBOR risk.
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Floating rate loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. However, in periods of high demand by lenders like a fund for floating rate loan investments, borrowers may limit these covenants and weaken a lender’s ability to access collateral securing the loan; reprice the credit risk associated with the borrower; and mitigate potential loss. A fund may experience greater losses or delays and expenses in enforcing its rights with respect to floating rate loans with fewer restrictive covenants.
Focused Investing: To the extent a fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including through weather events and through regulation or business trends driven by climate change. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Foreign Investments: Investments in securities of foreign issuers (including those denominated in U.S. dollars) or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets are subject to additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of a fund's foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuers as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Values may also be affected by restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country.
Less information may be publicly available about foreign companies than about U.S. companies. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies. Some securities issued by non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of such governments. Even where a security is backed by the full faith and credit of a government, it may be difficult or impossible for the fund to pursue its rights against the government. Some non-U.S. governments have defaulted on principal and interest payments. In certain foreign markets, settlement and clearance procedures may result in delays in payment for or delivery of securities not typically associated with settlement and clearance of U.S. investments. In addition, a fund's investments in foreign securities may be subject to the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls or restrictions on the repatriation of foreign currency, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability and adverse diplomatic developments. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale or disposition of, foreign securities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, and special U.S. tax considerations may apply.
Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Economic sanctions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate a fund's ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities for a substantial period of time, and may make the fund's investments in such securities harder to value. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, may adversely affect a fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by unfavorable governmental actions such as the imposition of capital and price controls, nationalization of companies or industries, currency blockage, expropriation of assets, or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of a fund's investments. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair the fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer a fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by a fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When a fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.
Investment in securities of foreign issuers may also be subject to foreign custody risk which refers to the risks inherent in the process of clearing and settling trades and to the holding of securities, cash and other assets by banks, agents and depositories in securities markets outside the United States. Low trading volumes and volatile prices in less developed markets make trades harder to complete and settle, and governments or trade groups may compel non-U.S. agents to hold securities in designated depositories that may not be subject to independent evaluation. The laws of certain countries may place limitations on the ability to recover assets if a non-U.S. bank, agent or depository becomes insolvent or enters bankruptcy. Non-U.S. agents are held only to the standards of care of their local markets, and thus may be subject to limited or no government oversight. In general, the less developed a country’s securities markets are, or the more difficult communication is with that location, the greater the likelihood of custody problems.
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American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) are generally subject to all of the risks that direct investments in foreign securities are.
Hedging: A fund may buy and sell futures contracts, put and call options, forward contracts, and other instruments as a hedge. Some hedging strategies could hedge a fund’s portfolio against price fluctuations. Other hedging strategies would tend to increase a fund’s exposure to the securities market. Forward contracts could be used to try to manage foreign currency risks on a fund’s foreign investments. A fund’s hedging strategies may not work as intended, and the fund may be in a less favorable position than if it had not used a hedging instrument.
High-Yield Debt Securities: High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” (that is, securities rated below Baa/BBB) or, if unrated, are determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. High-yield debt securities have a higher risk of issuer default because, among other reasons, issuers of junk bonds often have more debt in relation to total capitalization than issuers of investment grade securities. These securities are considered speculative, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher rated securities and may involve major risk of exposure to adverse conditions and negative sentiments, which may result in losses for the fund. These securities may be in default or in danger of default as to principal and interest. High-yield debt securities range from those for which the prospect for repayment of principal and interest is predominantly speculative to those which are currently in default on principal or interest payments or in bankruptcy. In the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of high-yield debt holders, leaving few or no assets available to repay high-yield debt holders. A fund with high-yield debt securities may be more susceptible to credit risk and market risk than a fund that invests only in higher quality debt securities because these lower-rated debt securities are less secure financially and more sensitive to downturns in the economy. High-yield securities are not generally meant for short-term investing. Unrated securities of comparable quality share these risks.
Hybrid Instruments: Hybrid instruments combine elements of derivative contracts with those of another security (typically a fixed-income security). All or a portion of the interest or principal payable on a hybrid security is determined by reference to changes in the price of an underlying asset or by reference to another benchmark (such as interest rates, currency exchange rates or indices). Hybrid instruments also include convertible securities with conversion terms related to an underlying asset or benchmark. Investing in hybrid instruments involves a combination of risks, including risks of investing in securities, commodities, options, futures, and currencies. Thus, an investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional fixed-income or convertible securities. Hybrid instruments are also potentially more volatile and may carry greater interest rate risks than traditional instruments. Moreover, depending on the structure of the particular hybrid, it may expose a fund to leverage risks or carry liquidity risks.
Inflation-Protected Securities: Inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. The market for U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”) and corporate inflation-protected securities (“CIPS”) may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets. Also, the inflation index utilized by a particular inflation-protected security may not accurately reflect the true rate of inflation, in which case the market value of the security could be adversely affected.
Interest Rate: Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. A fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities will generally fall. A change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed-income securities. Generally, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater the impact of a rise in interest rates on the security’s value. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and foreign interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of a fund investments. When interest rates go down, the income received by a fund, and the fund’s yield, may decline. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. The maturity of a security may be significantly longer than its duration. A security’s maturity and other features may be more relevant than its duration in determining the security’s sensitivity to other factors affecting the issuer or markets generally such as changes in credit quality or in the yield premium that the market may establish for certain types of securities.
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Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed-income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Similarly, a fund with a longer average portfolio duration will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with an average duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point.
Certain fixed-income securities pay interest at variable or floating rates. Variable rate securities tend to reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities may reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the impact of changes in market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that may produce a leveraging effect; others may also provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the net asset value of the fund’s shares. Some variable and floating rate securities are tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and thus they also subject the fund to “LIBOR” risk.
Inflation protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds: Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon, Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon and Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon, each separate series of Transamerica Funds, as well as Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Conservative VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Growth VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Moderate VP, Transamerica BlackRock Tactical Allocation VP and Transamerica JPMorgan International Moderate Growth VP, each separate series of Transamerica Series Trust, are asset allocation funds (the “Asset Allocation Funds”) that invest in certain series of Transamerica Funds and may own a significant portion of the shares of an underlying fund.
Unaffiliated funds (the “Unaffiliated Funds”) may invest in series of Transamerica Funds subject to the fund of funds restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Unaffiliated Funds with exemptive relief from the SEC may invest in an underlying fund beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions. An Unaffiliated Fund may own a significant portion of the shares of an underlying fund.
Transactions by the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds may be disruptive to the management of an underlying fund. An underlying fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in fund shares by the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on an underlying fund's performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, an underlying fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase an underlying fund's brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, when the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds own a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares, a large redemption by an Asset Allocation Fund and/or an Unaffiliated Fund could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying fund's expense ratio.
Redemptions of underlying fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in an underlying fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when an Asset Allocation Fund and/or an Unaffiliated Fund purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares.
When possible, TAM, the sub-adviser and/or the portfolio construction manager will consider how to minimize these potential adverse effects, and may take such actions as it deems appropriate to address potential adverse effects, including carrying out the transactions over a period of time, although there can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.
Legal and Regulatory: Legal and regulatory changes could occur that may adversely affect a fund, its investments, and its ability to pursue its investment strategies and/or increase the costs of implementing such strategies. New or revised laws or regulations may be imposed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Federal Reserve or other governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations that could adversely affect a fund. A fund also may be adversely affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and rules by governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations.
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Leveraging: The value of your investment may be more volatile to the extent a fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Other risks also will be compounded because leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than a fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. A fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation or coverage requirements. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice that may result in the loss of a substantial amount, and possibly all, of a fund’s assets.
LIBOR: Many financial instruments, financings or other transactions to which the fund may be a party use or may use a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). LIBOR is widely used in financial markets. In July 2017, the United Kingdom’s financial regulatory body announced that after 2021 it will cease its active encouragement of banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR. That announcement suggests that LIBOR may cease to be published or utilized after that time. Various financial industry groups have begun planning for that transition, but the effect of the transition process and its ultimate success cannot yet be determined. The transition process may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments the terms of which are based on LIBOR. It could also lead to a reduction in the value of some LIBOR-based investments and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against existing LIBOR-based investments. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021. The willingness and ability of issuers to include enhanced provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments also remains uncertain. Any of these factors may adversely affect the fund’s performance or NAV.
Liquidity: A fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Investments may become illiquid due to the lack of an active market, a reduced number of traditional market participants, legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or reduced capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in securities. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value. If a fund is forced to sell less liquid or illiquid investments to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss, and such sale may involve additional costs. In addition, securities, once sold by a fund, may not settle for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer). The fund will not receive its sales proceeds until that time, which may constrain the fund’s ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for a fund to sell. This may prevent a fund from limiting losses. Further, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain investments, a fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector or asset class. A fund is required by law to maintain a liquidity risk management program to assess and manage the fund’s liquidity risk. This program is intended to reduce liquidity risk, but may not achieve the desired results. Analyses and judgments made under the program may be incorrect, and changes in market conditions, which may be rapid and unexpected, may adversely affect the program.
Loans: Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, a fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan.
A fund may invest in certain commercial loans, including loans generally known as “syndicated bank loans,” by acquiring participations or assignments in such loans. The lack of a liquid secondary market for such securities may have an adverse impact on the value of the securities and a fund’s ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet redemptions of shares or to meet a fund’s liquidity needs. When purchasing a participation, a fund may be subject to the credit risks of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When purchasing a loan assignment, a fund acquires direct rights against the borrowers, but only to the extent of those held by the assigning lender. Investment in loans through a direct assignment from the financial institution’s interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to a fund.
Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower's capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. Second lien loans are secured by the assets of the issuer. In a typical structure, the claim on collateral and right of payment of second lien loans are junior to those of first-lien loans. Subordinated bridge loans are loans that are intended to provide short-term financing to provide a “bridge” to an asset sale, bond offering, stock offering, or divestiture. Generally, bridge loans are provided by arrangers as part of an overall financing package. Typically, the issuer will agree to increasing interest rates if the loan is not repaid as expected. A subordinated bridge loan is junior to a senior bridge loan in right of payment.
There may be no active trading market for loans. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain a fund’s ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
Certain courts have determined that loans are not securities and, therefore, purchasers such as a fund may not be entitled to the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws, including the prohibitions on insider trading.
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Loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. However, in periods of high demand by lenders like a fund for loan investments, borrowers may limit these covenants and weaken a lender’s ability to access collateral securing the loan; reprice the credit risk associated with the borrower; and mitigate potential loss. A fund may experience greater losses or delays and expenses in enforcing its rights with respect to loans with fewer restrictive covenants.
Management: The value of your investment in a fund may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. The value of your investment in a fund may decrease if its investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgment about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, is incorrect. A fund may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by its investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser’s investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. A fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. In addition, a fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the investment manager or sub-adviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund. Any of these things could cause a fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Market: The market prices of a fund’s securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the value of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. A fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
In the past decade, financial markets throughout the world have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. Governmental and non-governmental issuers defaulted on, or were forced to restructure, their debts. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread.
The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks took steps to support financial markets during the last decade following the financial crisis that began in 2007, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels and by purchasing large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (“quantitative easing”). Similar steps were taken again in 2020 in an effort to support the coronavirus pandemic. This and other government interventions may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Future policy changes by the Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank support, including interest rate increases or reducing quantitative easing, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which a fund invests.
Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, a fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this prospectus will likely increase. As a result, whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Europe. A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in conflicts and social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, in 2016, voters in the United Kingdom approved withdrawal from the European Union. This resulted in significant political and economic uncertainty, and the outcome and ramifications may not be known for some time. Given the size and importance of the United Kingdom’s economy, uncertainty about its legal, political, and economic relationship with the remaining member states of the
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European Union may continue to be a source of instability. Moreover, other countries may seek to withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. The Ukraine has experienced ongoing military conflict; this conflict may expand and military conflicts could potentially occur elsewhere in Europe. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geopolitical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. Whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the fund's investments.
Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities: The value of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities will be influenced by factors affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset values, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid, which could negatively impact the fund’s net asset value. Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private issuers, by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae (formally known as Federal National Mortgage Association) or Freddie Mac (formally known as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) or by agencies of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”). Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Unlike mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government or government-sponsored entities, mortgage-related securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. Certain asset-backed securities present a heightened level of risk because, in the event of default, the liquidation value of the underlying assets may be inadequate to pay any unpaid principal or interest.
The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets. The risk of default is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include so-called “sub-prime” mortgages. For mortgage-backed securities, when market conditions result in an increase in the default rates on the underlying mortgages and the foreclosure values of the underlying real estate are below the outstanding amount of the underlying mortgages, collection of the full amount of accrued interest and principal on these investments may be doubtful.
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment or call and extension risks. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less available information than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, a fund may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss.
Municipal Securities: Issuers of municipal securities tend to derive a significant portion of their revenue from taxes, particularly property and income taxes, and decreases in personal income levels and property values and other unfavorable economic factors, such as a general economic recession, adversely affect municipal securities. Municipal issuers may also be adversely affected by rising health care costs, increasing unfunded pension liabilities and by the phasing out of federal programs providing financial support. Where municipal securities are issued to finance particular projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation, housing, water or sewer and utilities, issuers often depend on revenues from those projects to make principal and interest payments. Adverse conditions and developments in those sectors can result in lower revenues to issuers of municipal securities and can also have an adverse effect on the broader municipal securities market. To the extent a fund invests significantly in a single state, or in securities the payments on which are dependent upon a single project or source of revenues, or that relate to a sector or industry, such as health care, the fund will be more susceptible to associated risks and developments. Municipal issuers may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. A number of municipal issuers have defaulted on obligations, commenced insolvency proceedings, or suffered credit downgrading. Financial difficulties of municipal issuers may continue to worsen.
There may be less public information available on municipal issuers or projects than other issuers, and valuing municipal securities may be more difficult. In addition, the secondary market for municipal securities is less well developed and liquid than other markets, and dealers may be less willing to offer and sell municipal securities in times of market turbulence. Changes in the financial condition of one or more individual municipal issuers (or one or more insurers of municipal issuers), or one or more defaults by municipal issuers or insurers, can adversely affect liquidity and valuations in the overall market for municipal securities. The value of municipal securities can also be adversely affected by regulatory and political developments affecting the ability of municipal issuers to pay interest or repay principal, actual or anticipated tax law changes or other legislative actions, and by uncertainties and public perceptions concerning these and other factors.
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The rate of interest paid on municipal securities normally is lower than the rate of interest paid on fully taxable securities. Some municipal securities, such as general obligation issues, are backed by the issuer’s taxing authority, while other municipal securities, such as revenue issues, are backed only by revenues from certain facilities or other sources and not by the issuer itself.
The municipal market can be susceptible to unusual volatility, particularly for lower-rated and unrated securities. Liquidity can be reduced unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.
To the extent that a fund invests in municipal securities whose issuers are located in a single state, such as California, the fund will be more susceptible to economic, political and other developments that may adversely affect issuers in that state than are funds whose portfolios are more geographically diverse. These developments may include state or local legislation or policy changes, voter-passed initiatives, erosion of the tax base or reduction in revenues of the state or one or more local governments, the effects of terrorist acts or the threat of terrorist acts, the effects of possible natural disasters, or other economic or credit problems affecting the state generally or any individual locality. The major sources of revenues for local government, property taxes and sales taxes, as well as fees based on real estate development, are all adversely affected by the recent economic recession. Unfavorable developments in any economic sector may adversely affect a particular state’s overall municipal market. Historically, California’s economy has been more volatile than that of the nation as a whole. Although California has a relatively diversified economy, California has concentrations in high technology, trade, entertainment, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, construction, government and services.
Investment in municipal securities of issuers in Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories, may have more risks than tax-exempt securities issued by other issuers. Like many U.S. states and municipalities, Puerto Rico experienced a significant downturn during the recent recession. Puerto Rico’s downturn was particularly severe, and it continues to face a very challenging economic and fiscal environment. As a result, securities issued by many Puerto Rican issuers have low credit ratings or are on “negative watch” by credit rating organizations, and markets in such securities have been volatile. If the economic situation in Puerto Rico persists or worsens, the volatility and credit quality of Puerto Rican municipal securities could be adversely affected, and the market for such securities may experience continued volatility. On June 28, 2015, the Governor of Puerto Rico indicated that the Commonwealth would be unable to fully pay its debt, which caused Puerto Rico municipal securities to drop in value. In early August 2015, Puerto Rico failed to pay certain debts. The Commonwealth undertook extraordinary measures to avoid an additional default on December 1, 2015. However, Puerto Rico defaulted on certain of its debt payments on January 4, 2016. If issuers of Puerto Rico municipal securities held by a fund default on their obligations, the fund may lose the value of those investments. In May 2017, Puerto Rico made a filing in the U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico to commence a debt restructuring process similar to that of a traditional municipal bankruptcy. The debt restructuring process commenced by Puerto Rico is under a new federal law for insolvent U.S. territories called Promesa. Puerto Rico’s case will be the first ever heard under Promesa for which there is no existing body of court precedent. Accordingly, Puerto Rico’s debt restructuring process could take significantly longer than recent municipal bankruptcy proceedings adjudicated pursuant to Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and it is not clear whether a debt restructuring process will ultimately be approved. To the extent a fund holds any Puerto Rico municipal securities, the fund may lose some or all of the value of those investments.
Natural Resource-Related Securities: Securities of companies involved with natural resources may be subject to significant price fluctuations, reflecting the volatility of energy and basic materials’ prices, possible instability of supply and changes in demand or inflation. In addition, some companies may be subject to the risks generally associated with extraction of natural resources and the risks of the hazards associated with natural resources.
New Fund: If a fund is newly-formed, investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders. Such a liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and will cause shareholders to incur the expenses of liquidation.
Operational: Your ability to transact with a fund or the valuation of your investment may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology (including as a result of cybersecurity incidents), changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect a fund or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Preferred Stock: Preferred stock represents an interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of the company’s common stock, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from any liquidation of the company. Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. Preferred stock does not generally carry voting rights.
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Prepayment or Call: Many fixed income securities give the issuer the option to repay or call the security prior to its maturity date. Issuers often exercise this right when interest rates fall. Accordingly, if a fund holds a fixed income security subject to prepayment or call risk, it will not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed income securities generally experience when interest rates fall. Upon prepayment of the security, a fund would also be forced to reinvest the proceeds at then current yields, which would be lower than the yield of the security that was paid off. This may adversely affect a fund’s net asset value. In addition, if a fund purchases a fixed income security at a premium (at a price that exceeds its stated par or principal value), the fund may lose the amount of the premium paid in the event of prepayment.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities: Restricted securities, which include private placements of private and public companies, are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to sell at the time and price a fund prefers. Restricted Securities include securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers initially offered and sold outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S. Restricted securities also include private placements of securities with agreed upon contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities that are in addition to applicable legal restrictions.
Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. Also, a fund may get only limited information about the issuer of a given restricted security, and therefore may be less able to predict a loss. Restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses.
An insufficient number of eligible buyers interested in purchasing restricted securities held by a fund could adversely affect the marketability of such securities and a fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. For this reason, restricted securities may adversely affect a fund’s overall liquidity if eligible buyers are or become uninterested in buying them at a particular time.
Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. A fund may not always be able to sell such securities without experiencing delays in finding buyers or reducing the sale price for such securities. A fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities, including all or a portion of the cost to register the securities for resale, and other transaction costs which may be higher for restricted securities than unrestricted securities.
Recent Events: The respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus has resulted in a global pandemic and major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some interest rates are very low and in some cases yields are negative. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the U.S., have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The impact of these measures, and whether they will be effective to mitigate the economic and market disruption, may not be known for some time. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, likewise may not be known for some time.
Redemption: A fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, particularly during periods of declining or illiquid markets. In that event, the value of your investment in the fund would go down. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that a fund has investors with large shareholdings, short investment horizons, or unpredictable cash flow needs. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of overall market turmoil. The redemption by one or more large shareholders of their holdings in a fund could hurt performance and/or cause the remaining shareholders in the fund to lose money. Further, a fund’s redemption risk is increased if one decision maker has control of fund shares owned by separate fund shareholders, including clients or affiliates of the investment manager and/or sub-adviser.
Regulatory: In recent years, the U.S. government adopted and implemented regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives as well as margin, reporting and registration requirements. Additional U.S. or other regulations may make derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the value or performance of derivatives. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act (the “Reform Act”) substantially increased regulation of the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives market and participants in that market, including imposing clearing and reporting requirements on transactions involving instruments that fall within the Reform Act’s definition of “swap” and “security-based swap,” which terms generally include OTC derivatives, and imposing registration and potential substantive requirements on certain swap and security-based swap market participants. In addition, under the Reform Act, a fund may be subject to additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Other future regulatory developments may also impact a fund’s ability to invest or remain invested in certain
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derivatives. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which a fund itself is regulated. The impact of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented on the ability of a fund to use swaps or any other financial derivative product is not known at this time, and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Repurchase Agreements: In a repurchase agreement, a fund purchases securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the fund at a later date, and at a specified price, which is typically higher than the purchase price paid by the fund. The securities purchased serve as the fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. If the counterparty does not repurchase the securities, the fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss. If the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.
Securities Lending: A fund may lend securities to other financial institutions that provide cash or U.S. government or agency securities as collateral. When a fund lends portfolio securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned, and the fund will also receive a fee or interest on the collateral. Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a fund may lose money and there may be a delay in recovering the loaned securities. A fund could also lose money if it does not recover the securities and/or the value of the cash or non-cash collateral falls, including the value of investments made with cash collateral. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for a fund.
Sovereign Debt: Sovereign debt instruments, which are debt obligations issued or guaranteed by a foreign governmental entity, are subject to the risk that the governmental entity may delay or fail to pay interest or repay principal on debt that it has issued or guaranteed, due, for example, to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, relationships with other lenders such as commercial banks, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies. If a governmental entity defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans, the debt may be restructured, or it may ask for forgiveness of interest or principal on its existing debt. Unlike most corporate debt restructurings, the fees and expenses of financial and legal advisers to the creditors in connection with a restructuring may be borne by the holders of the sovereign debt securities instead of the sovereign entity itself. On the other hand, a governmental entity may be unwilling to renegotiate the terms of its sovereign debt. There is no established legal process for a U.S. bondholder (such as a fund) to enforce its rights against a governmental entity that does not fulfill its obligations, nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected.
Certain countries in Europe currently have large sovereign debts and/or fiscal deficits which has led to significant uncertainties in the market as to whether or not the governments of those countries will be able pay in full and on time the amounts due in respect of those debts.
Strategies and Styles: Investment strategies and styles with different characteristics tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market and economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. A fund may outperform or underperform other funds that employ a different strategy or style. A fund may employ a combination of strategies and/or styles that impact its risk characteristics.
Structured Instruments: A fund may invest in, or have exposure to, various types of structured instruments, including securities that have demand, tender or put features, or interest rate reset features. These may include instruments issued by structured investment or special purpose vehicles or conduits, and may be asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. Structured instruments may take the form of participation interests or receipts in underlying securities or other assets, and in some cases are backed by a financial institution serving as a liquidity provider. Some of these instruments may have an interest rate swap feature which substitutes a floating or variable interest rate for the fixed interest rate on an underlying security, and some may be asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. Structured instruments are a type of derivative instrument and the payment and credit qualities of these instruments derive from the assets embedded in the structure from which they are issued. For structured securities that have embedded leverage features, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. Structured instruments may be less liquid and therefore more difficult to value accurately than more traditional securities and instruments. Structured instruments may behave in ways not anticipated by a fund, or they may not receive the tax, accounting or regulatory treatment anticipated by a fund.
Sustainability Investing: Applying a sustainability assessment framework to a sub-adviser’s investment analysis for a fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not apply sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. Securities of companies meeting the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and a fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not utilize sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. The sub-adviser monitors the fund’s holdings
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based on the latest publicly available information. Any delay in obtaining public information regarding a fund’s holdings could result in the fund holding an investment that no longer meets the fund’s sustainability investing principals. “Sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying sustainability criteria involves subjective assessment.
Tax: In order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), a fund must meet certain requirements regarding the composition of its income, the diversification of its assets, and the amounts of its distributions. In particular, a fund must generally diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the fund’s total assets is represented by (1) cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and (2) 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 fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. If a fund were to fail to meet any of these requirements, the fund might not be eligible for treatment as a RIC, in which case it would be subject to federal income tax on its net income at the corporate rate (without reduction for distributions to shareholders). The fund may be able to preserve its RIC qualification by meeting certain conditions, in which case it may be subject to certain additional taxes.
Any income a fund derives from investments in certain hard asset ETFs, such as certain commodity ETFs, and from other non-qualifying sources must be limited to a maximum of 10% of the fund’s gross income. If a fund fails to meet the 10% requirement, the fund may be subject to the federal income tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph. A fund may invest no more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of entities treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. If a fund fails to meet the 25% requirement, the fund may be subject to the federal income tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph.
An MLP is an entity treated as a partnership under the Internal Revenue Code, the partnership interests of which are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. To qualify as an MLP, an entity must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as interest, dividends, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. For this purpose, mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines) of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or industrial source carbon dioxide. If it does not so qualify, it will generally be subject to tax as a corporation.

Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to a fund from investments in MLPs in a given year will generally reduce the fund’s taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in the fund’s income in one or more subsequent years. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though those shareholders might not have held shares in the fund at the time the deductions were taken by the fund, and even though those shareholders may not have corresponding economic gain on their shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, a fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional recapture income.
To Be Announced (TBA) Transactions: Although the securities that are delivered in TBA transactions must meet certain standards, there is a risk that the actual securities received by a fund may be less favorable than what was anticipated when entering into the transaction. TBA transactions also involve the risk that a counterparty will fail to deliver the security, exposing a fund to further losses. Whether or not a fund takes delivery of the securities at the termination date of a TBA transaction, it will nonetheless be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations: Government agency obligations have different levels of credit support and, therefore, different degrees of credit risk. Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as the Federal Housing Administration and Ginnie Mae, present little credit risk. Other securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, subject to certain limitations, such as securities issued by Federal Home Loan Banks and securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the credit of the issuing agencies, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, are subject to a greater degree of credit risk. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price.
Valuation: Many factors may influence the price at which a fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ — higher or lower — from a fund's last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities, securities priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, a fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value methodologies. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when a fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or greater or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities
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and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before a fund determines its net asset value. A fund’s ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Warrants and Rights: Warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments because they do not entitle a holder to the dividends or voting rights for the securities that may be purchased, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. Also, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. If the warrant or right is not exercised before the expiration date, it generally expires without any value and the fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant or right.
Yield: The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment in a fund and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the SAI. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Shareholder Information
    
Management of Transamerica Funds
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the management and business affairs of Transamerica Funds. It oversees the operation of Transamerica Funds by its officers. It also reviews the management of each fund’s assets by the investment manager and sub-advisers. Information about the Trustees and executive officers of Transamerica Funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Investment Manager
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM” ), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, serves as investment manager for Transamerica Funds. TAM provides continuous and regular investment management services to the funds. For each of the funds, TAM currently acts as a “manager of managers” and hires investment sub-advisers to furnish investment advice and recommendations and has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with each fund’s sub-adviser. In acting as a manager of managers, TAM provides investment management services that include, without limitation, selection, proactive oversight and monitoring of sub-advisers, daily monitoring of the sub-adviser’s buying and selling of securities for the funds and regular review and evaluation of sub-adviser performance and adherence to investment style and process. TAM’s management services include, among other things, the provision of supervisory, compliance and administrative services to each fund. More information on the investment management services rendered by TAM is included in the SAI. TAM is paid investment management fees for its service as investment manager to each fund. These fees are calculated on the average daily net assets of each fund.
TAM has been a registered investment adviser since 1996. As of December 31, 2019, TAM has approximately $80.5 billion in total assets under management. The funds are operated by TAM pursuant to an exclusion from registration as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
TAM is directly owned by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company (“TPLIC”) (77%) and AUSA Holding, LLC (“AUSA”) (23%), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Aegon NV. TPLIC is owned by Commonwealth General Corporation (“Commonwealth”). Commonwealth and AUSA are wholly owned by Transamerica Corporation (DE). Transamerica Corporation (DE) is wholly owned by The Aegon Trust, which is wholly owned by Aegon International B.V., which is wholly owned by Aegon NV, a Netherlands corporation, and a publicly traded international insurance group.
TAM acts as a manager of managers for the funds pursuant to an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (Release IC- 23379 dated August 5, 1998). TAM has responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, to, among other matters, oversee and monitor sub-advisers, recommend selection of sub-advisers and recommend changes to sub-advisers where it believes appropriate or advisable. The exemptive order permits TAM, subject to certain conditions including the approval of the Board of Trustees, but without the approval of the applicable fund’s shareholders, to:
(1) employ a new unaffiliated sub-adviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new investment sub-advisory agreement, either as a replacement for an existing sub-adviser or as an additional sub-adviser;
(2) materially change the terms of any sub-advisory agreement; and
(3) continue the employment of an existing sub-adviser on sub-advisory contract terms where a contract has been assigned because of a change of control of the sub-adviser.
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Pursuant to the exemptive order, each fund has agreed to provide certain information about new sub-advisers and new sub-advisory agreements to its shareholders.
Management Fees Paid for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2019
As of the date of this prospectus, Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond had not operated for a full fiscal year, so no management fee is shown. Each fund’s management fee schedule is shown below.
Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica High Yield ESG 0.554% of the first $1.25 billion
0.544% over $1.25 billion up to $2 billion
0.52% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Sustainable Bond 0.41% of the first $500 million
0.39% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.38% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.375% in excess of $1.5 billion
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of each fund’s investment management agreement will be available in each fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020.
Sub-Adviser
Pursuant to an Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between TAM and the sub-adviser on behalf of the funds, the sub-adviser shall provide day-to-day investment advice and recommendations for the funds.
The sub-adviser receives compensation from TAM.
Funds Sub-Adviser Sub-Adviser Address
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 6300 C Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52499
Further Information About the Sub-Adviser
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC, a wholly-owned and indirect subsidiary of Aegon N.V., has been a registered investment adviser since December 2001. As of December 31, 2019, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC has approximately $101.4 billion in total assets under management.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Each fund is managed by the portfolio manager(s) listed below. The SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager’s ownership in each fund they manage.
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Kevin Bakker, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Co-Head of U.S. High-Yield; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2007; Senior Research Analyst 2003 – 2007
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Co-Head of U.S. High-Yield; Senior Research Analyst with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 1993 – 2006
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2004; Director of Distressed Debt from 2004-2014; Head of Leveraged Finance from 2014-2020; Co-Head of Public Fixed Income from 2017-2020 and Deputy Chief Investment Officer from 2018-2020; Global Head of Leveraged Finance since 2020
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Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Derek Thoms Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2015. High Yield Trader with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 2013 - 2015
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2004; Co-Head of Investment Grade Credit from 2015-2017 and Head of Investment Grade Credit since 2017
Charles Foster, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2003
Jeremy Mead, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC from 1994-2010 and 2016 - present
Jose Pluto, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2019 and Structured Finance Analyst since 2017; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee; Fixed Income Analyst, Thornburg Investment Management 2013-2016
Jeremy Thurm, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2019 and Credit Research Analyst since 2007; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee
James Rich Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2013; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee
Trustees’ Approval of Sub-Advisory Agreements
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of each fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement will be available in each fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
A detailed description of each fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI and available on the Transamerica Funds website at www.transamerica.com.
Fund Expenses
During times of market volatility or decline, assets of your fund may decline significantly, causing total annual fund operating expenses (as a percentage of the value of your investment) to become higher than the numbers shown in your fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table under “Fees and Expenses” in this prospectus. In addition, the total annual fund operating expenses shown in your fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table may not correlate to the ratios of expenses to average net assets shown in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus, which reflect the operating expenses of your fund and do not include certain expenses such as acquired (i.e., underlying) funds’ fees and expenses.
The “Other expenses” items in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table for your fund include fees for custodial, legal, transfer agency, and, as applicable, sub-transfer agency services. “Other expenses” also include various other expenses applicable to each share class of your fund.
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Sub-Transfer Agency Fees
Class I shares may pay sub-transfer agency fees of up to 0.10% to financial intermediaries (including affiliates of TAM) that provide sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping and/or shareholder services with respect to certain shareholder accounts in lieu of the transfer agent providing such services. The other classes offered in this prospectus do not pay sub-transfer agency fees directly, but, the transfer agent may use its available resources to pay for sub-transfer agency services for any share class, including those that pay sub-transfer agency fees directly.
How To Contact the Funds
    
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339 – Monday through Friday; hours of operation as posted on the funds’ website at www.transamerica.com/contact-us.
Internet: www.transamerica.com
Fax: 1-888-329-4339
   
Mailing Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
Overnight Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
330 W. 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
The following information applies to Class A, Class C, Class I and Class R6 shares. The funds may also offer other share classes in separate prospectuses.
Opening an Account
    
Fill out the New Account Application, which is available on our website. Transamerica Funds requires all applications to include an investment representative or an approved broker-dealer of record. An approved broker-dealer is one that is providing services under a valid dealer sales agreement with the funds’ distributor. If you are an institutional entity or an employee of Transamerica and its affiliates that qualifies for Class I share purchases, Transamerica may not require a broker-dealer on your application at the time the account is established.
IRAs and other retirement plan accounts require different applications, which you can request by calling Customer Service or by visiting our website at www.transamerica.com.
Federal regulations may require a fund to obtain, verify and record certain information from you and persons authorized to act on your behalf in order to establish an account. Required information includes name, date of birth (for an individual), permanent residential address or principal place of business and Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. The fund may also ask to see other identifying documents. If you do not provide the information, the fund may not be able to open your account. Identifying information must be provided for each trader on an account. The fund may also place limits on account transactions while it is in the process of verifying your identity. If the fund is unable to verify your identity, or that of another person(s) authorized to act on your behalf, or if the fund believes it has identified potentially criminal activity, the fund reserves the right to take action it deems appropriate or as required by law, which may include redeeming your shares and closing your account.
Additional shares may be purchased through a retirement plan’s administrator, record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary. There is no minimum investment for eligible retirement plans investing in Class R6 shares.
Minimum Investment
Class A and Class C Shares:
Type of Account Minimum
Initial
Investment
(per fund
account)
Minimum
Subsequent
Investment
(per fund
account)
Regular Accounts $1,000 $50
IRA, Roth IRA or Coverdell ESA $1,000 $50
Employer-sponsored Retirement Plans (includes 403(b), SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans) $1,000 $50
Uniform Gift to Minors (“UGMA”) or Transfer to Minors (“UTMA”) $1,000 $50
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Type of Account Minimum
Initial
Investment
(per fund
account)
Minimum
Subsequent
Investment
(per fund
account)
Payroll Deduction and Automatic Investment Plans $500 $50*
Class I Shares**:
Type of Account Minimum
Initial
Investment
(per fund
account)
Minimum
Subsequent
Investment
(per fund
account)
Regular Accounts $1,000,000 N/A
IRA, Roth IRA or Coverdell ESA $1,000,000 N/A
Employer-sponsored Retirement Plans (omnibus or plan level arrangements) Waived N/A
Uniform Gift to Minors (“UGMA”) or Transfer to Minors (“UTMA”) $1,000,000 N/A
Payroll Deduction and Automatic Investment Plans $1,000,000 $ 50*
* Minimum monthly per fund account investment.
Note: Transamerica Funds reserves the right to change the amount of these minimums from time to time or to waive them in whole or in part. Omnibus accounts maintained on behalf of certain 401(k) and other retirement plans are not subject to these account minimum requirements. The minimums may be waived for certain employer-sponsored retirement plans under which the employee limits his or her salary deferral purchase to one fund account. There are no minimums for “wrap” accounts for the benefit of clients of certain broker-dealers, financial institutions, or financial planners who have entered into arrangements with Transamerica Funds or Transamerica Capital, Inc., and for investments made by a retirement plan described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code.
** Class I shares are currently primarily offered for investment to institutional investors including, but not limited to, fee-based programs, qualified retirement plans, certain endowment plans and foundations and Directors, Trustees and employees of the funds’ affiliates. Class I shares may also be available on certain brokerage platforms. An investor transacting in Class I shares through a broker acting as an agent for the investor may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000,000 per fund account, but will be waived for certain investors, including wrap accounts or fee-based programs, qualified retirement plans, certain endowment plans and foundations, financial intermediaries that submit trades on behalf of underlying investors, shareholders who received Class I shares in the conversion of Class P shares to Class I shares on February 10, 2012, Directors, Trustees and officers of any Transamerica-sponsored funds, and employees of Transamerica and its affiliates. The minimum initial investment on Class I shares is waived for investors investing through the Merrill Lynch fee-based advisory platform.
By Mail
Send your completed application and check made payable to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
Through an Authorized Dealer
The dealer is responsible for opening your account and may need to provide Transamerica Funds with your taxpayer identification number.
  
Buying Shares
    
Investors may purchase shares of the funds at the “offering price” of the shares, which is the net asset value per share (“NAV”) plus any applicable initial sales charge. Please note that purchase requests initiated through an automated service that exceed $50,000 per day may be rejected and must be submitted by check or via bank wire.
Please refer to the retirement plan documents for information on how to purchase Class R6 shares of the funds and any fees that may apply.
Transamerica Funds must receive your payment within two business days after your order is accepted.
Transamerica Funds or its agents may reject a request for purchase of shares at any time, in whole or in part, including any purchase under the exchange privilege, without notice and regardless of size. Each fund reserves the right to discontinue offering any class of shares at any time, to liquidate any class of shares or merge any class of shares into another class of shares, or to cease investment operations entirely.
Each fund reserves the right to make additional exceptions or otherwise to modify the foregoing policies at any time.
By Check
Make your check payable and send to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
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If you are purchasing shares in an existing account(s), please reference your account number(s) and the Transamerica fund(s) in which you wish to invest. If you do not specify the fund(s) in which you wish to invest, and your referenced account is invested in one Transamerica fund, your check will be deposited into such fund. If you do not specify the fund(s) in which you wish to invest and own more than one fund, your investment may be rejected.
Redemption proceeds will be withheld for up to 10 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear.
Transamerica Funds does not accept cash, money orders, traveler’s checks, credit card convenience checks, or starter checks without pre-printed information. Cashier’s checks and third-party checks may be accepted, subject to approval by Transamerica Funds. We reserve the right to reject or accept any form of payment. Any unacceptable forms of payment will be returned.
If you are opening a new account, send your completed application along with your check.
By Automatic Investment Plan
With an Automatic Investment Plan (“AIP”), a level dollar amount is invested monthly and payment is deducted electronically from your bank account. Due to your bank’s requirements, please allow up to 30 days for your AIP to begin. Investments may be made between the 3rd and 28th of each month only, and will occur on the 15th if no selection is made. Call Customer Service for information on how to establish an AIP or visit our website to obtain an AIP request form.
By Telephone
You may request an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account to your Transamerica Funds account. The electronic bank link option must be established in advance before Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) purchases will be accepted. Call Customer Service or visit our website at www.transamerica.com for information on how to establish an electronic bank link. Due to your bank’s requirements, please allow up to 30 days to establish this option.
Through an Authorized Dealer
If your dealer has already established your account for you, no additional documentation is needed. Call your dealer to place your order. Transamerica Funds must receive your payment within two business days after your order is accepted.
By Internet
You may request an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account to your Transamerica Funds account. The electronic bank link option must be established in advance before ACH purchases will be accepted. Call Customer Service or visit our website at www.transamerica.com for information on how to establish an electronic bank link.
By Payroll Deduction
You may have money transferred regularly from your payroll to your Transamerica Funds account. Call Customer Service to establish this option.
By Wire Transfer
You may request that your bank wire funds to your Transamerica Funds account (note that your bank may charge a fee for such service). You must have an existing account to make a payment by wire transfer. Ask your bank to send your payment to:
  State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA, ABA#011000028
Credit: Transamerica Funds Acct #00418533
Ref: Shareholder name, Transamerica fund and account numbers.
Shares will be purchased at the next determined public offering price after receipt of your wire if you have supplied all other required information.
Other Information
If your check, draft or electronic transfer is returned unpaid by your bank, you will be charged a fee of $20 for each item that has been returned.
Transamerica Funds reserves the right to terminate your electronic draft privileges if the drafts are returned unpaid by your bank.
Transamerica Funds or its agents may reject a request for purchase of shares at any time, in whole or in part, in its discretion for any reason at any time, and is not obligated to provide notice before rejecting or canceling an order, including, but not limited to, any purchase under the exchange privilege and any purchase request that does not include an investment representative or an approved broker-dealer.
Selling Shares
    
Shares may be sold (or “redeemed”) on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Proceeds from the redemption of shares will normally be sent to redeeming shareholders within two business days after receipt of a redemption request in good order, but in any event within seven days, regardless of the method the fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic funds
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transfer (ACH)). However, Transamerica Funds may postpone payment under certain circumstances, such as when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the SEC or authorized by law.
If you have recently purchased your shares by check or electronic funds transfer, your redemption payment may be delayed until the fund is reasonably satisfied that the check or electronic funds transfer has cleared (which may take up to ten calendar days). This delay may be avoided if you purchase shares by Federal Funds wire or certified check.
Please note that redemption requests greater than $50,000 per day must be submitted in writing. In addition, amounts greater than $50,000 cannot be sent via ACH (check or federal funds wire only). Additionally, requests totaling more than $100,000 must be in writing with an original signature guarantee for all shareholders. Certain direct institutional accounts may utilize alternative methods in place of a signature guarantee.
The electronic bank link option must be established in advance for payments made electronically to your bank such as ACH or expedited wire redemptions. Call Customer Service to verify this feature is in place on your account or to obtain information on how to establish the electronic bank link.
Shares are redeemed at NAV, minus any applicable sales charge.
To request your redemption and receive payment:
Direct Deposit – ACH
You may request an “ACH redemption” in writing, by phone or by internet access to your account. The electronic bank link must be established in advance. Payment should usually be received by your bank account 2-4 banking days after your request is received in good order. Transamerica Funds does not charge for this payment option. Certain IRAs and qualified retirement plans may not be eligible to request redemptions via the internet.
Direct Deposit – Wire
You may request an expedited wire redemption in writing or by phone. The electronic bank link must be established in advance. Otherwise, an original signature guarantee will be required. Wire redemptions have a minimum of $1,000 per wire. Payment should be received by your bank account the next banking day after your request is received in good order. Transamerica Funds charges $10 for this service. Your bank may charge a fee as well.
Check to Address of Record
Written Request – Send a letter requesting a withdrawal to Transamerica Funds. Specify the fund, account number, and dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem. Be sure to include all shareholders’ signatures and any additional documents, as well as an original signature guarantee(s) if required. If you are requesting a distribution from an IRA, federal tax withholding of 10% will apply unless you elect otherwise. If you elect to withhold, the minimum tax withholding rate is 10%.
Telephone or Internet Request – You may request your redemption by phone or internet. Certain IRAs and qualified retirement plans may not be eligible.
Check to Another Party/Address
This request must be in writing, regardless of amount, signed by all account owners with an original signature guarantee.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (by Direct Deposit – ACH or Check)
You can establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”) either at the time you open your account or at a later date. Systematic withdrawals may be made via ACH between the 3rd and 28th day of the month only, or via check on the 20th day of the month only. Call Customer Service for information on how to establish a SWP, or visit our website to obtain the appropriate form to complete.
Through an Authorized Dealer
You may redeem your shares through an authorized dealer (they may impose a service charge). Contact your Registered Representative or Dealer for assistance.
Your Request to Sell Your Shares and Receive Payment May Be Subject to:
The type of account you have and if there is more than one shareholder. For example, we may require additional documentation for certain account types or multiple signatures.
The dollar amount you are requesting; redemptions over $50,000 must be in writing and those redemptions totaling more than $100,000 require a written request with an original signature guarantee for all shareholders on the account.
A written request and original signature guarantee may be required if there have been recent changes made to your account (such as an address change) or other such circumstances. For your protection, if an address change was made in the last 10 days, Transamerica Funds requires a redemption request in writing, signed by all account owners with an original signature guarantee.
When redeeming all shares from an account with an active AIP, your AIP will automatically be stopped. Please contact Customer Service if you wish to re-activate your AIP.
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Each fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption request if it is believed it is advisable to do so. The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any time without advance notice.
Redemption proceeds will be withheld for up to 10 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear.
If you request that a withdrawal check be delivered overnight, a $20 overnight fee will be charged.
Please see additional information relating to original signature guarantee later in this prospectus.
Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to wholly or partly redeem its shares in kind, under unusual circumstances (such as adverse or unstable market, economic, or political conditions), in an effort to protect the interests of shareholders by the delivery of securities selected from its assets at its discretion. On the same redemption date, some shareholders may be paid in whole or in part in securities (which may differ among those shareholders), while other shareholders may be paid entirely in cash. The disposal of the securities received in-kind may be subject to brokerage costs and, until sold, such securities remain at market risk and liquidity risk, including the risk that such securities are or become difficult to sell. If the fund pays your redemption with illiquid or less liquid securities, you will bear the risk of not being able to sell such securities. Each fund may pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements, if available. Please see the SAI for more details.
Involuntary Redemptions
Each fund reserves the right, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to close your account if the account value falls below the fund’s minimum account balance, including solely due to declines in NAV, or you are deemed to engage in activities that are illegal (such as late trading), activity that is believed to be detrimental to the fund (such as market timing), or other potential criminal or fraudulent activity.
Exchanging Shares
    
You may request an exchange in writing, by phone, or by accessing your account through the internet.
You can exchange shares in one fund for shares in the same class of another fund.
Class A and Class C shares minimum exchange to a new fund account is $1,000. This minimum is reduced to $500 per fund account if you elect to establish an AIP and invest a minimum of $50 per month, per fund account. If you want to exchange between existing fund accounts, the required minimum will be $50 per fund account.
Class I shares minimum exchange to a new fund account is $1,000,000 per fund account but will be waived for certain investors as outlined within the Minimum Investment Section.
An exchange is treated as a redemption of a fund’s shares, followed by a purchase of the shares of the fund into which you exchanged. Prior to making exchanges into a fund that you do not own, please read the prospectus for that fund carefully.
If you exchange all your shares to a new fund, any active systematic plan that you maintain with Transamerica Funds will also carry over to this new fund unless otherwise instructed.
In certain circumstances, shares of one class of a fund may also be exchanged directly for shares of another class of the same fund, as described in the Statement of Additional Information and/or in the “Converting Shares” section below.
Transamerica Funds reserves the right to modify or terminate the exchange privilege at any time upon 60 days’ written notice.
Transamerica Funds reserves the right to deny any exchange request involving transactions between classes of shares. Please review your individual circumstances with your financial professional.
The minimum exchange amount may be waived with respect to transactions in omnibus accounts maintained on behalf of certain 401(k) and other retirement plans.
For Class R6 shares, if authorized by your plan, you can request an exchange of your shares in one fund for corresponding shares of another fund. Please refer to your plan’s documents for additional information. An exchange is treated as a redemption of a fund’s shares followed by a purchase of the shares of the fund into which you exchanged. Prior to making exchanges into a fund you do not own, please read the prospectus of that fund.
An exchange of shares in one fund for shares of another fund is considered a redemption followed by a purchase and generally results in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, unless you are investing through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account. An exchange of shares of one class directly for shares of another class of the same fund normally should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. You should consult your tax advisor before making an exchange.
Converting Shares
If you hold Class A, Class C or Class I2 shares and are eligible for purchase of Class I shares as described under the Minimum Investment section, you may be eligible to convert your Class A, Class C or Class I2 shares to Class I shares (or, under certain circumstances, convert to Class A shares) of the same fund, subject to the discretion of Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., to permit or reject such a conversion. If you hold Class I shares and are eligible to purchase Class R6 shares, you may be eligible to convert Class I shares to Class R6 shares of the same fund, subject to certain conditions. If you hold Class I shares and are eligible to purchase Class I2 shares, you may be eligible to convert Class I shares to Class I2 shares of the same fund, subject to certain conditions. Class I
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investors that are no longer eligible for wrap or fee based programs may convert from Class I shares to Class A shares at the request of the financial intermediary. Class I2 shares are not offered in this prospectus. Please contact your financial adviser or Customer Service for conversion requirements and instructions.
A conversion between share classes of the same fund is a nontaxable event.
If you convert from one class of shares to another, the transaction will be based on the respective NAVs of the two classes on the trade date for the conversion. Consequently, a conversion may provide you with fewer shares or more shares than you originally owned, depending on that day’s NAV. At the time of conversion, the total dollar value of your “old” shares will equal the total dollar value of your “new” shares. However, subsequent share price fluctuations may decrease or increase the total dollar value of your “new” shares compared with that of your “old” shares. Note that you may be responsible for paying a CDSC upon conversion if the shares have not reached the applicable holding period.
Choosing a Share Class
    
Individual investors can generally invest in Class A and Class C shares. The amount of your investment and the amount of time that you plan to hold your shares will determine which class of shares you should choose. You should make this decision carefully because all of your future investments in your account will be in the same share class that you designate when you open your account. Your financial professional can help you choose the share class that makes the best sense for you.
If you are investing a large amount and/or plan to hold your shares for a long period, Class A shares may make the most sense for you. If you are investing a lesser amount, you may want to consider Class C shares if you plan to invest for a period of less than 5 years. If you hold Class C shares for ten years from the date of purchase, they will generally automatically convert to Class A shares of the same fund, resulting in lower 12b-1 distribution and fees after conversion. Please see the section “Class C Shares – Level Load” for further information of the conversion process.
Transamerica Funds may, at any time and in its sole discretion, add, delete, or change the sales charges for any share class.
Information regarding sales charges can also be found (free of charge) on the Transamerica Funds website at https://www.transamerica.com/individual/what-we-offer/education/learning-center/. Scroll down to “Get smart with investing basics” and click on “Three important considerations” and click on “download” to download the guide.
Class A Shares – Front Load
With Class A shares, you pay an initial sales charge only when you buy shares. (The offering price includes the sales charge.) Initial sales charges do not apply to Transamerica Government Money Market.
There are 12b-1 distribution and service fees of up to 0.25% per year.
If you are investing $1 million or more in a Transamerica Fund (other than Transamerica Short-Term Bond), you can purchase Class A shares without any sales charge. However, if you redeem any of those shares within 24 months after buying them, you will pay a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”). In the event you exchange Class A shares purchased in an amount of $1 million or more for Class A shares of another fund and subsequently redeem some or all of those shares, you will be subject to the term and CDSC imposed by the fund into which you exchange your shares. The term of this CDSC will commence on the date you initially purchased Class A shares of a Transamerica fund in an amount of $1 million or more. The CDSC may be waived if shares were purchased through a retirement plan described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code with assets of $1 million or more and whose accounts are held through an omnibus or plan level arrangement, or through a “wrap” account or fee-based program for the benefit of clients of certain broker-dealers, financial institutions, or financial planners who have entered into arrangements with Transamerica Funds or TCI and did not receive an upfront commission (finder’s fee).
If you invest $250,000 or more in Transamerica Short-Term Bond, you can purchase Class A shares without any sales charge. However, if you redeem any of these shares within the first 12 months after buying them, you will pay a 0.75% CDSC. In the event you exchange any of these shares for Class A shares of another fund and subsequently redeem some or all of those shares, you will be subject to the term and CDSC imposed by the fund into which you exchange your shares. The term of this CDSC will commence on the date that you initially purchase Class A shares of Transamerica Short-Term Bond in an amount of $250,000 or more as described in this paragraph. The CDSC may be waived if shares were purchased in a retirement plan or “wrap” account or fee-based program as described above and the applicable broker-dealer, financial institution, or financial planner did not receive an upfront commission (finder’s fee).
Sales charge (“load”) waivers may be available for eligible purchases made through financial intermediaries that offer Transamerica Funds Class A shares on a load-waived basis to certain investors in accordance with the intermediary’s policies and procedures. Sales charge waivers may also be available for certain employee benefits or retirement plans, other than employee benefits or retirement plans that purchase Class A Shares through brokerage relationships in which sales charges are customarily imposed.
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Whether a sales charge waiver is available depends upon the policies and procedures of your brokerage firm or intermediary. Purchasers must notify their financial intermediary if they believe they are eligible for a discount or waiver before the placement of an order, and provide information requested by the financial intermediary. Not all financial intermediaries that sell the funds may offer any or all of the discounts or waivers. See the section Waivers and/or Reductions of Charges for further details.
Class C Shares – Level Load
With Class C shares, you pay no initial sales charge. You will pay a 1.00% CDSC if shares are redeemed during the first 12 months. There are 12b-1 distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% per year.
The maximum purchase order in Class C shares is $999,999.99.
Subject to the conditions and circumstances set out below, Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares after ten years from the date of purchase, provided that the relevant Transamerica Funds or the financial intermediary through which you have purchased or hold Class C shares, has records verifying that the Class C shares have been held for at least ten years. Conversion is done at NAV. Please check with your financial intermediary for details. Please note that the financial intermediary involved with your share purchase is solely responsible for converting any eligible Class C shares in an omnibus arrangement. Certain financial intermediaries may choose to convert your Class C shares in an omnibus arrangement earlier than ten years. The automatic conversion of Class C shares to Class A shares will not apply to Class C shares held through group retirement plan recordkeeping platforms of certain financial intermediaries who hold such shares in an omnibus account. Account numbers will need to be provided by the financial intermediary holding the group retirement plan(s) to have those accounts excluded from the automatic conversion. In such circumstances, please speak to your financial advisor (or the plan provider’s financial intermediary) for further information.
Following the conversion of your Class C shares, your new Class A shares will be subject to those charges as set out for Class A shares (above).
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
Your shares may be subject to a CDSC. Dividends and capital gains are not subject to the sales charge. There is no charge on any increase in the value of your shares. Transamerica Funds will always use the first in, first out method to fulfill your redemption requests. If your shares are worth less than when you bought them, the charge will be assessed on their current, lower value. In some cases, the sales charge may be waived.
Waivers and/or Reductions of Charges
You may be eligible for reductions and waivers of sales charges. Sales charges may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances and for certain groups. Information about reductions and waivers of sales charges is set forth below. In addition, certain intermediaries may provide different sales charge discounts and/or waivers. These sales charge variations and the applicable intermediaries are described in an Appendix to this prospectus, “Waivers and Discounts Available from Intermediaries.” You should consult your broker or financial advisor or TAM for assistance.
Class A Sales Charge Reductions
You can lower the sales charge percentage in the following ways:
Substantial investments receive lower sales charge rates (see tables below).
The “rights of accumulation” allows you, your spouse and children under age 21 to include the value of your existing holdings in any class of shares of the Transamerica Funds to determine your Class A sales charge. Breakpoints are derived from the daily NAV at the market close, the current combined account value at the time of the purchase and the gross amount of the new purchase.
A Letter of Intent (“LOI”) allows you, your spouse and children under age 21 to count all share investments, up to a maximum of $1 million, in a Transamerica fund (except as noted below for Transamerica Short-Term Bond) over the next 13 months, as if you were making them all at once, to qualify for reduced sales charges on your Class A investments. The 13 month period will begin on the date of your first purchase following the execution of your LOI. The market value of your existing holdings eligible to be aggregated as of the trading day immediately before the start of your LOI period will be credited toward satisfying your LOI. Purchases made at NAV after the establishment of your LOI (as a result of another waiver or sales charge reduction) shall not count toward meeting the amount stated in your LOI. Transamerica Funds will reserve a portion of your shares to cover any additional sales charge that may apply if your LOI amount is not met.
By investing as part of a qualified group. An individual who is a member of a qualified group may purchase Class A shares at the reduced sales charge applicable to that group as a whole. A “qualified group” is one which has at least ten members; has been in existence for at least six months; has some purpose in addition to the purchase of mutual fund shares at a discount; has agreed to include fund sales publications in mailings to members; has arrangements made for access to the group which are satisfactory to Transamerica Funds’ transfer agent; has arrangements satisfactory to Transamerica Funds’ transfer agent established for verification that the group meets these requirements; and the group’s sole organizational nexus or connection is not that the
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  members are credit card holders of a company, policy holders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or a broker-dealer, clients of an investment manager or security holders of a company. Transamerica Funds reserves the right to waive the requirement that the group continue to meet the minimum membership requirement or the requirement that an investor continues to belong to the group in order to qualify for lower sales charges (but not to waive either of these requirements initially). To establish a group purchase program, both the group itself and each participant must complete an application. Please contact Customer Service (1-888-233-4339) for further information and assistance. Qualified group accounts are not eligible to be counted under a rights of accumulation or LOI sales charge reduction or waiver with accounts other than accounts in the qualified group.
By investing in a SIMPLE IRA plan held by Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. with UMB Bank, N.A. as custodian, you and all plan participants will receive a reduced sales charge on all plan contributions that exceed quantity discount amounts. SIMPLE IRA plan accounts are not eligible to be counted toward a sales charge reduction or waiver with accounts other than accounts in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
   
Class A Share Quantity Discounts
(all funds except Transamerica bond funds1)
Amount of Purchase* Sales Charge
as % of
Offering Price
Sales Charge
as % of
Amount Invested
Under $50,000 5.50% 5.82%
$50,000 to under $100,000 4.75% 4.99%
$100,000 to under $250,000 3.50% 3.63%
$250,000 to under $500,000 2.75% 2.83%
$500,000 to under $1,000,000 2.00% 2.04%
$1,000,000 and over 0.00% 0.00%
    
Class A Share Quantity Discounts
(Transamerica bond funds1 except Transamerica Short-Term Bond, Transamerica High Yield Muni and Transamerica Intermediate Muni)
Amount of Purchase* Sales Charge
as % of
Offering Price
Sales Charge
as % of
Amount Invested
Under $50,000 4.75% 4.99%
$50,000 to under $100,000 4.00% 4.17%
$100,000 to under $250,000 3.50% 3.63%
$250,000 to under $500,000 2.25% 2.30%
$500,000 to under $1,000,000 1.25% 1.27%
$1,000,000 and over 0.00% 0.00%
1 Transamerica bond funds include Transamerica Dynamic Income, Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Bond, Transamerica Floating Rate, Transamerica High Yield Bond, Transamerica High Yield Muni, Transamerica Intermediate Muni Transamerica Inflation Opportunities, Transamerica Short-Term Bond, Transamerica Unconstrained Bond, Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond. Certain Transamerica bond funds are offered in a separate prospectus.
* The transfer agent, Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. must be notified when a purchase is made that qualifies under any of the above provisions. Consequently, when a purchaser acquires shares directly from Transamerica Funds, he/she must indicate in his/her purchase order that such purchase qualifies under any of the above provisions, and must provide enough information to substantiate that claim. When a purchaser acquires shares through a dealer or other financial intermediary, he/she must inform his/her dealer or other financial intermediary of any facts that may qualify a purchase for any of the above provisions, such as, for example, information about other holdings of Class A shares of the funds that the purchaser has, directly with Transamerica Funds, or through other accounts with dealers or financial intermediaries. To substantiate a claim, it may be necessary for a purchaser to provide TFS or his/her dealer or other financial intermediary information or records regarding shares of Transamerica Funds held in all accounts (e.g., retirement plan accounts) of the purchaser directly with Transamerica Funds or with one or several dealers or other financial intermediaries, including to substantiate “rights of accumulation” accounts held by a spouse and children under age 21.
Waiver of Class A Initial Sales Charges
Class A shares may be purchased without a sales charge by:
Current and former trustees, directors, officers, and employees of Transamerica Funds and its affiliates; employees of Transamerica Funds sub-advisers; sales representatives and employees of dealers having a sales agreement with Transamerica Funds’ distributor, TCI; and any family members thereof;
Any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for any of the foregoing persons;
“Wrap” accounts or fee-based programs for the benefit of clients of certain broker-dealers or financial institutions;
Employer-sponsored retirement plans described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code with assets of $1 million or more and whose accounts are held through an Omnibus or plan level arrangement;
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Retirement plans described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), 403(b), or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code whose accounts are held through an Omnibus or plan level arrangement that purchased Class A shares without a sales charge prior to August 31, 2007;
Other retirement plans that purchased Class A shares without a sales charge prior to April 28, 2006;
Other retirement plans whose accounts are held through an arrangement with Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated;
Other retirement plans whose accounts are held through an arrangement with Ascensus (formerly BISYS Retirement);
Other retirement plans whose accounts are held through an arrangement with Sammons Financial NetworkSM LLC;
Other retirement plans, non-qualified brokerage accounts, and other accounts that are opened through an arrangement with Transamerica Retirement Advisors, Inc., Transamerica Retirement Solutions Corporation, Transamerica Investors Securities Corporation or Clark Consulting, LLC;
Other individual retirement accounts held in the Merrill Lynch Investor Choice Annuity (IRA Series) with Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company and Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company;
Certain financial intermediaries who have entered into an agreement with Transamerica Capital, Inc. to offer shares to self-directed investment brokerage accounts or on self-directed platforms that may or may not charge a transaction fee to their customers (Please see the “Appendix – Waivers and Discounts Available from Intermediaries” for more information);
Employees of DST Systems, Inc., for such time as DST Systems, Inc. has an active service agreement with Transamerica Funds; and
Employees of State Street Bank & Trust Company, for such time as State Street Bank & Trust Company has an active service agreement with Transamerica Funds.
Investments by the retirement plan accounts mentioned above are not eligible to be counted under a rights of accumulation or letter of intent sales charge reduction or waiver with accounts other than accounts in the retirement plan.
Any person listed above (including retirement plan accounts and retirement plans) who requests a waiver of sales charges must provide adequate information to his/her broker-dealer or other financial intermediary or the funds’ distributor to substantiate such request.
Persons eligible to buy Class A shares at NAV may not impose a sales charge when they re-sell those shares.
Waiver of Class A and Class C Contingent Deferred Sales Charges
You will not be assessed a sales charge in the following situations:
Following the death of the shareholder on redemptions from the deceased person’s account only. If this deceased person’s account is re-registered to another name, sales charges would continue to apply to this new account. The transfer agent will require satisfactory proof of death before it determines to waive the CDSC fee.
Following the total disability of the shareholder (as determined by the Social Security Administration — applies only to shares held at the time the disability is determined). The transfer agent will require satisfactory proof of disability before it determines to waive the CDSC fee.
On redemptions made under Transamerica Funds’ systematic withdrawal plan (may not exceed an annualized 12% of the account value per fund on the day the systematic withdrawal plan was established).
If you redeem your shares and reinvest the proceeds in the same class of any fund within 90 days of redeeming, the sales charge on the first redemption is waived.
For clients of broker-dealers that redeem Class C shares for which the selling broker-dealer was not paid an up-front commission by TCI.
Information on sales charge reductions and/or waivers can also be found (free of charge) on the Transamerica Funds website at https://www.transamerica.com/individual/what-we-offer/products/mutual-funds/.
The Following Information Applies to Class R6 Shares
Class R6 Availability
Class R6 shares of the funds are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans described below and under the following conditions:
401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans).
Class R6 shares are available only to eligible retirement plans where Class R6 shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
The plan’s record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary must have an agreement with Transamerica Funds or its agents to utilize Class R6 shares in certain investment products or programs.
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The financial service firm serving as an intermediary can provide participants with detailed information on how to participate in the plan, elect a fund as an investment option, elect different investment options, alter the amounts contributed to the plan or change allocations among investment options. For questions about participant accounts or to obtain an application to participate in a plan, participants should contact their financial service firm serving as an intermediary, employee benefits office, the plan administrator, or the organization that provides recordkeeping services for the plan.
Financial service firms may provide some of the shareholder servicing and account maintenance services required by retirement plan accounts and their plan participants, including transfers of registration, dividend payee charges and generation of confirmation statements, and may arrange for plan administrators to provide other investment or administrative services. Financial service firms may charge retirement plans and plan participants transaction fees and/or other additional amounts for such services. Similarly, retirement plans may charge plan participants for certain expenses. These fees and additional amounts could reduce the return of investments in Class R6 shares of the funds.
Opening an Account and Purchasing Shares
Eligible retirement plans generally may open an account and purchase Class R6 shares by contacting any broker, dealer or other financial service firm authorized to sell Class R6 shares of the funds. Additional shares may be purchased through a retirement plan’s administrator, record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary. There is no minimum initial investment for Class R6 shares.
Please refer to the retirement plan documents for information on how to purchase Class R6 shares of the funds and any fees that may apply.
Transamerica Funds must receive your payment within two business days after your order is accepted.
Selling Shares
If you own Class R6 shares, please refer to the retirement plan documents for information on how to redeem those shares of the funds.
Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to wholly or partly redeem its shares in kind, under unusual circumstances (such as adverse or unstable market, economic, or political conditions), in an effort to protect the interests of shareholders by the delivery of securities selected from its assets at its discretion. On the same redemption date, some shareholders may be paid in whole or in part in securities (which may differ among those shareholders), while other shareholders may be paid entirely in cash. The disposal of the securities received in-kind may be subject to brokerage costs and, until sold, such securities remain at market risk and liquidity risk, including the risk that such securities are or become difficult to sell. If the fund pays your redemption with illiquid or less liquid securities, you will bear the risk of not being able to sell such securities. The funds may pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements, if available. Please see the SAI for more details.
Exchanging Shares
For Class R6 shares, if authorized by your plan, you can request an exchange of your shares in one fund for the same class of shares of another fund. Please refer to your plan’s documents for additional information. An exchange is treated as a redemption of a fund’s shares followed by a purchase of the shares of the fund into which you exchanged. Prior to making exchanges into a fund you do not own, please read the prospectus of that fund.
Features and Policies
    
Customer Service
Occasionally, Transamerica Funds experiences high call volume due to unusual market activity or other events that may make it difficult for you to reach a Customer Service Representative by telephone. If you are unable to reach Transamerica Funds by telephone, please consider visiting our website at www.transamerica.com.
You may also send instructions by mail or by fax by using the information in the “How to Contact the Funds” section above, or by using our automated phone system at 1-888-233-4339.
Uncashed Checks Issued on Your Account
If any check Transamerica Funds issues is returned by the Post Office as undeliverable, or remains outstanding (uncashed) for six months, we reserve the right to reinvest check proceeds back into your account at the NAV next calculated after reinvestment. If applicable, we will also change your account distribution option from cash to reinvest. Interest does not accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks. In case we are unable to reinvest check proceeds in the original funds that you held, for example, if a fund has been liquidated or is closed to new investments, we reserve the right to reinvest the proceeds in Transamerica Government Money Market.
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Minimum Dividend Check Amounts
To control costs associated with issuing and administering dividend checks, we reserve the right not to issue checks under a specified amount. For accounts with the cash by check dividend distribution option, if the dividend payment total is less than $10, the distribution will be reinvested into the account and no check will be issued.
Minimum Account Balance
Due to the proportionately higher cost of maintaining customer fund accounts with balances below the stated minimums for each class of shares, Transamerica Funds reserves the right to close such accounts or assess an annual fee on such fund accounts to help offset the costs associated with maintaining the account. Transamerica Funds generally provides a 60-day notification to the address of record prior to assessing a minimum fund account fee, or closing any fund account. The following describes the fees assessed against fund accounts with balances below the stated minimum:
Account Balance (per fund account) Fee Assessment (per fund account)
If your balance is below $1,000 per fund account, including solely due to declines in NAV $25 annual fee assessed, until balance reaches $1,000
No fees will be charged on:
accounts opened within the preceding 12 months
accounts with an active monthly Automatic Investment Plan or payroll deduction ($50 minimum per fund account)
accounts owned by an individual that, when combined by Social Security Number, have a balance of $5,000 or more
accounts owned by individuals in the same household (by address) that have a combined balance of $5,000 or more
accounts for which Transamerica Funds in its discretion has waived the minimum account balance requirements
UTMA/UGMA accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
UMB Bank, N.A. Custodial Accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
Coverdell ESA accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
Omnibus and Network Level 3 accounts
While there is currently no minimum account size for maintaining a Class I share account, the funds reserve the right, without prior notice, to establish a minimum amount required to maintain an account.
Telephone Transactions
Transamerica Funds and its transfer agent, Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. (“TFS”) are not liable for complying with telephone instructions that are deemed by them to be genuine. Transamerica Funds and TFS will employ reasonable procedures to help ensure telephone instructions are genuine. These procedures may include requiring personal identification, providing written confirmation of transactions, and tape recording conversations. In situations where Transamerica Funds or TFS reasonably believe they were acting on genuine telephone instructions, you bear the risk of loss. Transamerica Funds reserves the right to modify the telephone redemption privilege at any time.
Retirement and ESA UMB Bank, N.A. Account Maintenance Fees
Retirement plan and Coverdell ESA UMB Bank, N.A. accounts are subject to an annual custodial fee of $15 per fund account, with a maximum fee of $30 per Social Security Number. For example, an IRA in two fund accounts would normally be subject to a $30 annual custodial fee. The fee is waived if the total of the retirement plan and ESA account(s)’ value per Social Security Number is more than $50,000.
An A share account that holds shares converted from a C-share account shall be considered as part of the original C-share account for purposes of this fee.
Professional Fees
Your financial professional may charge a fee for his or her services. This fee will be in addition to any fees charged by Transamerica Funds. Your financial professional will answer any questions that you may have regarding such fees.
Signature Guarantee
An original signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine so that you are protected from unauthorized account transactions. Acceptable guarantors only include participants in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP2000”). Participants in STAMP2000 may include financial institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, trust companies, credit unions, broker-dealers, and member firms of a national securities exchange. For certain requests, a notary may be accepted.
An original signature guarantee is typically required if any of the following is applicable:
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You request a redemption or distribution transaction totaling more than $100,000 or, in the case of an IRA with a market value in excess of $100,000, you request a custodian to custodian transfer.
You would like a check made payable to anyone other than the shareholder(s) of record.
You would like a check mailed to an address which has been changed within 10 days of the redemption request.
You would like a check mailed to an address other than the address of record.
You would like your redemption proceeds wired to a bank account other than a bank account of record.
You are adding or removing a shareholder from an account.
You are changing ownership of an account.
When establishing an electronic bank link, if the Transamerica Funds’ account holder’s name does not appear on the check.
Transactions requiring supporting legal documentation.
The funds reserve the right to require an original signature guarantee or a notary under other circumstances or to reject or delay a redemption on certain legal grounds.
An original signature guarantee or notary may be refused if any of the following is applicable:
It does not appear valid or in good form.
The transaction amount exceeds the surety bond limit of the signature guarantee.
The guarantee stamp has been reported as stolen, missing or counterfeit.
Certain direct institutional accounts may utilize alternative methods in place of a signature guarantee with prior approval from Transamerica. Contact Transamerica for additional details.
Note:  For certain maintenance and non-financial requests, Transamerica Funds may require a Signature Validation Program Stamp for your protection. When an institution provides a Signature Validation Program Stamp, it assures Transamerica Funds that the signature and instructions are yours and that you have the authority to provide the instruction(s) contained within the request.
Electronic Signatures
Transamerica may accept electronic signatures in certain circumstances. Please contact Customer Service (1-888-233-4339) to see if you are eligible for this feature.
Paperless Legal Program
Transamerica may accept requests to transfer or redeem accounts having an original signature guarantee without the necessity to include additional legal documentation. The shareholder should contact their signature guarantor regarding all documentation that may be required to obtain an original signature guarantee.
Employer Sponsored Accounts
If you participate in an employer sponsored retirement plan and wish to make an allocation change to your current fund selection, you or your financial professional must notify Transamerica Funds by phone or in writing. Please also remember to inform your employer of the change(s) to your fund allocation. Documentation for allocations submitted online or in writing from your employer will be used to allocate your contributions. This documentation will supersede all other prior instructions received from you or your financial professional. (Note: If you perform a partial or complete exchange to a new fund selection, your current fund allocation will remain unchanged for future contributions unless specified otherwise.)
E-Mail Communication
As e-mail communications may not be secure, and because we are unable to take reasonable precautions to verify your shareholder and transaction information, we cannot respond to account-specific requests received via e-mail. For your protection, we ask that all account-specific requests be submitted only via telephone, mail or fax.
Reinvestment Privilege (Does not apply to Class I shares)
Within a 90-day period after you sell your shares, you have the right to “reinvest” your money in any fund, in shares of the same class as the shares that you sold. You will not incur a new sales charge if you use this privilege within the allotted time frame. Any CDSC you paid on your shares will be credited to your account. To take advantage of the 90-day reinvestment privilege, a written request must accompany your investment check.
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Statements and Reports
Transamerica Funds will send you a confirmation statement after every transaction that affects your account balance or registration, with the exception of systematic transactions or transactions necessary to assess account fees. Systematic transactions and fees will be shown on your next regularly scheduled quarterly statement. Information regarding these fees is disclosed in this prospectus. Please review the confirmation statement carefully and promptly notify Transamerica Funds of any error. Information about the tax status of the prior year’s income dividends and capital gains distributions will be mailed to shareholders early each year.
Please retain your statements. If you require historical statements, Transamerica Funds may charge $10 per statement year up to a maximum of $50 per Social Security Number. Financial reports for the funds, which include a list of the holdings, will be mailed twice a year to all shareholders.
eDelivery
By enrolling in eDelivery, you are notified via e-mail when shareholder documents are available for viewing on our website such as account statements, financial transaction confirmations, prospectuses, tax forms, and annual and semi-annual reports. With eDelivery, you can save time by receiving e-mail notifications days before documents might be received through the postal service; reduce clutter by reducing the amount of paper for filing, shredding, or recycling; lower environmental impact by cutting paper waste and transportation requirements; and enjoy added security by accessing your information electronically through our secure website link.
You can enroll in eDelivery when you initially complete your application and include your e-mail address. If your account is already established, visit our website at www.transamerica.com. Click on “Login,” select “Individual”, click next; select “Mutual Funds”, click next; and log into your account. When you have logged into your account, select the “Electronic Delivery” option and follow the simple enrollment steps provided.
Right to Terminate or Suspend Account Privileges
A fund may, in its discretion, limit or terminate trading activity by any person, group or account that it believes would be disruptive, even if the activity has not exceeded the policy described in this prospectus. As part of the fund’s policy to detect and deter frequent purchases, redemptions and exchanges, the fund may review and consider the history of frequent trading activity in all accounts in the Transamerica Funds known to be under common ownership or control. The fund may send a written warning to a shareholder that it believes may be engaging in disruptive or excessive trading activity; however, the fund reserves the right to suspend or terminate the ability to purchase or exchange shares, with or without warning, for any account that the fund determines, in the exercise of its discretion, has engaged in such trading activity.
Market Timing/Excessive Trading
Some investors try to profit from various short-term or frequent trading strategies known as market timing. Examples of market timing include switching money into funds when their share prices are expected to rise and taking money out when their share prices are expected to fall, and switching from one fund to another and then back again after a short period of time. As money is shifted in and out, a fund may incur expenses for buying and selling securities. Excessive purchases, redemptions or exchanges of fund shares may disrupt portfolio management, hurt fund performance and drive fund expenses higher. For example, a fund may be forced to liquidate investments as a result of short-term trading and incur increased brokerage costs or realize capital gains without attaining any investment advantage. These costs are generally borne by all shareholders, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs.
The Board of Trustees has approved policies and procedures that are designed to discourage market timing or excessive trading, which include limitations on the number of transactions in fund shares. If you intend to engage in such practices, we request that you do not purchase shares of any of the funds. Each fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase shares, including purchases in connection with an exchange transaction, which the fund reasonably believes to be in connection with market timing or excessive trading.
While the funds discourage market timing and excessive short-term trading, the funds cannot always recognize or detect such trading, particularly if it is facilitated by financial intermediaries or done through Omnibus Account arrangements.
The funds’ distributor has entered into agreements with intermediaries requiring the intermediaries to provide certain information to help identify harmful trading activity and to prohibit further purchases or exchanges by a shareholder identified as having engaged in excessive trading. There is no guarantee that the procedures used by financial intermediaries will be able to curtail frequent, short-term trading activity. For example, shareholders who seek to engage in frequent, short-term trading activity may use a variety of strategies to avoid detection, and the financial intermediaries’ ability to deter such activity may be limited by the capabilities of operational and information systems. Due to the risk that the funds and financial intermediaries may not detect all harmful trading activity, it is possible that shareholders may bear the risks associated with such activity.
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Orders to purchase, redeem or exchange shares forwarded by certain omnibus accounts with Transamerica Funds will not be considered to be market timing or excessive trading for purposes of Transamerica Funds’ policies. However, the market timing and excessive trading policies of these omnibus firms or plans may apply to transactions by the underlying shareholders.
Reallocations in underlying series of Transamerica Funds by an Asset Allocation Fund that invests in other series of Transamerica Funds in furtherance of a fund’s objective are not considered to be market timing or excessive trading.
Additional Information
This prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of a fund. A fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Each fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Each fund’s investment strategies and policies may be changed from time to time without shareholder approval, unless specifically stated otherwise in this prospectus or in the SAI.
A fund that has a policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in the particular type of securities suggested by its name will provide its shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior written notice before making changes to such policy. Such notice will comply with the conditions set forth in any applicable SEC rules then in effect.
Neither this prospectus nor the SAI is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights of any shareholder, other than any rights conferred by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.
The funds enter into contractual arrangements with various parties, including the funds’ investment manager, who provides services to the funds. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements.
To the extent authorized by law, the funds reserve the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or liquidate a class of shares or to cease operations entirely.
Abandoned or Unclaimed Property
Every state has unclaimed property laws that generally provide for escheatment to the state of unclaimed property under various circumstances. In addition to the state unclaimed property laws, we may be required to escheat property pursuant to regulatory demand, finding, agreement or settlement. To help prevent such escheatment, it is important that you keep your contact and other information on file with us up to date, including the names, contact information and identifying information for customers, beneficiaries and other payees. Such updates should be communicated in a form and manner satisfactory to us. Individual states may have their own requirements. For more information regarding escheatment and unclaimed property in your state, ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website.
Sending Forms and Transaction Requests in Good Order
We cannot process your requests for transactions relating to the funds until they are received in good order. “Good order” means the actual receipt of the instructions relating to the requested transaction in writing (or, when appropriate, by telephone or electronically), along with all forms, information and supporting legal documentation necessary to effect the transaction. This information and documentation generally includes, to the extent applicable to the transaction: your completed application; the transaction amount (in dollars, shares or percentage terms); the names, fund and account number(s) and allocations to and/or from the fund accounts affected by the requested transaction; the signatures of all owners (exactly as registered on the account) if necessary; Social Security Number or Taxpayer I.D.; and any other information or supporting documentation that we may require, including any spousal or joint owner’s consents and signature guarantees. With respect to purchase requests, “good order” also generally includes receipt of sufficient funds to effect any purchase. We may, in our sole discretion, determine whether any particular transaction request is in good order, and we reserve the right to change or waive any good order requirements at any time. “Received” or receipt in good order generally means that everything necessary must be received by the funds, at our mailing address specified in this prospectus. We reserve the right to reject electronic transactions that do not meet our requirements.
Pricing of Shares
    
How Share Price Is Determined
The price at which shares are purchased or redeemed is the NAV, plus any applicable sales charge, that is next calculated following receipt and acceptance of a purchase order in good order or receipt of a redemption order in good order by the fund, an authorized intermediary, or the mail processing center located in Kansas City, Missouri.
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When Share Price Is Determined
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is determined on each day the NYSE is open for business as of the scheduled close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at another time, each fund will calculate a NAV for each class of shares as of the scheduled closing time. The NAV is not determined on days when the NYSE is closed (generally New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Foreign securities may trade in their primary markets on weekends or other days when a fund does not price its shares (therefore, the value of a fund’s foreign securities may change on days when shareholders will not be able to buy or sell shares of the funds). These securities will be valued pursuant to the funds’ Pricing and Valuation procedures for such securities.
Purchase orders received in good order and accepted, and redemption orders received in good order, as of the scheduled close of regular trading of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. Purchase and redemption requests received after the NYSE is closed receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE the next day the NYSE is open.
How NAV Is Calculated
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is calculated by taking the value of its net assets and dividing by the number of shares of the fund (or class) that are then outstanding.
The Board has approved procedures to be used to value the funds’ securities for purposes of determining the funds’ NAV. The valuation of the securities of the funds is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. While the Board has primary responsibility to shareholders for valuation of portfolio securities, the Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the funds to TAM.
In general, securities and other investments (including shares of ETFs) are valued based on market prices at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Fund securities (including shares of ETFs) listed or traded on domestic securities exchanges or the NASDAQ/NMS, including dollar-denominated foreign securities or ADRs, are valued at the closing price on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded. With respect to securities traded on the NASDAQ/NMS, such closing price may be the last reported sale price or the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security is valued at the closing bid quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the NOCP, if applicable. Foreign securities traded on U.S. exchanges are generally priced using last sale price regardless of trading activity. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the last bid price. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service, which may use market prices or quotations or a variety of fair value techniques and methodologies. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. The prices that a fund uses may differ from the amounts that would be realized if the investments were sold and the differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Foreign securities generally are valued based on quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are converted from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Market quotations for securities prices may be obtained from automated pricing services. Shares of open-end funds (other than ETF shares) are generally valued at the NAV reported by that investment company. ETF shares are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price on the exchange on which they are traded.
When a market quotation for a security is not readily available (which may include closing prices deemed to be unreliable because of the occurrence of a subsequent event), a valuation committee appointed by the Board may, in good faith, establish a value for the security in accordance with fair valuation procedures adopted by the Board. The Board reviews all fair value determinations typically at its regularly scheduled meetings. The types of securities for which such fair value pricing may be required include, but are not limited to: foreign securities, where a significant event occurs after the close of the foreign market on which such security principally trades that is likely to have changed the value of such security, or the closing value is otherwise deemed unreliable; securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; fixed-income securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation; and securities that are restricted as to transfer or resale. The funds use a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by TAM from time to time.
Valuing securities in accordance with fair value procedures involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on readily available market quotations. The valuation committee makes fair value determinations in good faith in accordance with the funds’ valuation procedures. Fair value determinations can also involve reliance on quantitative models employed by a fair value pricing service. There can be no assurance that a fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV.
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Distribution of Shares
    
Distributor
Transamerica Capital, Inc. (“TCI”), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, underwrites and distributes all classes of fund shares and bears the expenses of offering these shares to the public. TCI is an affiliate of the investment manager and the funds.
The funds may pay TCI, or its agent, fees for its services. Of the distribution and service fees it usually receives for Class A shares, TCI, or its agent, may reallow or pay to brokers or dealers who sold them 0.25% of the average daily net assets of those shares. In the case of Class C and R6 shares, TCI, or its agent, reallows or pays to brokers, dealers or intermediaries its entire fee to those entities who sold them.
Distribution Plan
Each fund has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Plan”) for each class of shares (except Class I and Class R6 Shares).
The Plan permits the use of fund assets to pay distribution and service fees for the sale and distribution of its shares. These fees are used to pay TCI, broker-dealers, financial intermediaries and other professionals who sell fund shares and provide ongoing services to shareholders and to pay other marketing and advertising expenses.
Under the Plan, each fund pays the following distribution and service fees (as a percentage of the fund’s average daily net assets):
Class A Shares – Up to 0.25%
Class C Shares – Up to 1.00%
Because these fees are paid out of each fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Even though Class C shares do not carry up-front sales loads, the higher distribution and service fees payable by those shares under the Rule 12b-1 Plan, may over time, be higher than the total fees paid by owners of Class A shares.
Other Distribution and Service Arrangements
TCI, TAM and their affiliates may enter into arrangements with affiliated entities that provide administrative, recordkeeping and other services with respect to one or more of the funds. Payment for these services is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources and may take the form of internal credit, recognition or cash payments. TCI, TAM and their affiliates may also enter into similar arrangements with unaffiliated entities.
TCI engages in wholesaling activities designed to support, maintain, and increase the number of financial intermediaries who sell shares of the funds. Wholesaling activities include, but are not limited to, recommending and promoting, directly or through intermediaries, the funds to financial intermediaries and providing sales training, retail broker support and other services. Payment for these activities is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources, including revenue sharing payments from others.
TCI (in connection with, or in addition to, wholesaling services), TAM and fund sub-advisers, directly or through TCI, out of their past profits and other available sources, typically provide cash payments or non-cash compensation to unaffiliated brokers and other financial intermediaries who have sold shares of the funds, promote the distribution of the funds or render investor services to fund shareholders. Such payments and compensation are in addition to the sales charges, Rule 12b-1 Plan fees, service fees and other fees that may be paid, directly or indirectly, to such brokers and other financial intermediaries. These arrangements are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing” arrangements. The amount of revenue sharing payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related distribution or shareholder servicing activities. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the funds, at least in part, based on the level of compensation paid. Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated. Revenue sharing payments are not an additional charge to the funds.
Such additional cash payments may be made to brokers and other financial intermediaries that provide services to the funds and/or fund shareholders, including (without limitation) shareholder servicing, marketing support and/or access to meetings and/or events, sales representatives and management representatives of the broker or other financial intermediaries. Cash compensation may also be paid to brokers and other financial intermediaries for inclusion of a fund on a sales list or mutual fund trading platform, including a preferred or select sales list or trading platform, in other sales programs, or as an expense reimbursement or compensation in cases where the broker or other financial intermediary provides services to fund shareholders. To the extent permitted by applicable law, TCI and other parties may pay or allow other incentives and compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries. TCI, TAM and the
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other parties making these payments generally assess the advisability of continuing making these payments periodically. These cash payments may take a variety of forms, including (without limitation) reimbursement of ticket charges, additional compensation based on sales, on-going fees for shareholder servicing and maintenance of investor accounts, and finder’s fees that vary depending on the fund or share class and the dollar amount of shares sold. Revenue sharing payments can be calculated: (i) as a percentage of gross or net sales for a particular period; (ii) as a percentage of gross or net assets under management; (iii) as a fixed or negotiated flat fee dollar amount; or (iv) based on a combination of any of these methods. These payments are made on a periodic basis, such as monthly or quarterly. During 2019, in general, payments calculated as a percentage of sales ranged from 10 basis points (0.10%) to 75 basis points (0.75%), payments calculated as a percentage of assets under management ranged from 2 basis points (0.02%) to 15 basis points (0.15%), and flat annual fees ranged from $21,000 to $500,000, which included at times payments for a series of meetings and/or events of other broker-dealers and banks.
As of December 31, 2019, TCI had revenue sharing agreements with more than 70 brokers and other financial intermediaries including, without limitation: 1st Global Capital; Advisor Group, Inc.; Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; AXA Advisors LLC; Merrill Lynch; BBVA Securities, Inc.; BOSC, Inc.; Bruderman Brothers; Cadaret, Grant & Co.; Cambridge Investment Research; Centaurus Financial, Inc.; Citizens/CCO Investments; Cetera Advisor Networks LLC; Cetera Advisors LLC; Cetera Financial Group, Inc.; Cetera Financial Specialists LLC; Cetera Investment Services LLC; CFD Investments, Inc.; Charles Schwab; Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.; Edward Jones; Financial Data Services, Inc.; Equity Services, Inc.; Envestnet Asset Management; First Allied Securities Inc.; FSC Securities Corporation; GeneosWealth Management; GW Sherwold Associates, Inc.; Avantax Investment Services Inc.; Hantz Financial Services, Inc.; Huntington Investment Company; Independent Financial Group; Investacorp, Inc.; Independent Financial Group, LLC; James T. Borello & Co.; Janney Montgomery Scott; Kestra Investment Services; Key Investment Services; KMS Financial Services Inc.; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC; LPL Financial Corp.; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC; M&T Securities Inc.; MML Investors Services; Mutual of Omaha Investor Services Inc.; Oppenheimer & Co.; Park Avenue Securities; Parkland Securities, LLC; Pershing LLC; Raymond James and Associates, Inc.; Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.; RBC Wealth Management; Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.; Sagepoint Financial Inc.; Securian Financial Services; Securities America, Inc.; Securities Service Network, Inc.; Sigma Financial Corporation; Suntrust Investment Services, Inc.; TD Ameritrade; The Investment Center, Inc.; Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.; Triad Advisors, Inc.; UBS Financial Services, Inc.; United Planners Financial Services of America; US Bancorp Investments, Inc.; Voya Financial Advisors, Inc.; Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC; and Woodbury Financial Services. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2019, TCI paid approximately $34 million to these brokers and other financial intermediaries in connection with revenue sharing arrangements. TCI expects to have revenue sharing arrangements with a number of brokers and other financial intermediaries in 2020, including some or all of the foregoing brokers and financial intermediaries, among others, on terms similar to those discussed above.
For the calendar year ended December 31, 2019, TCI and its affiliates received revenue sharing payments that totaled approximately $1.9 million. The firms that paid revenue to participate in TCI sponsored events included but were not limited to the following: Alliance Bernstein; Allianz Global Investors; American Century Investments; American Funds; Amundi Pioneer Asset Management; Aegon USA Investment Management; Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC; BlackRock Investment Management, LLC; ; Carillon Tower Advisers; Charles Schwab Investment Management; Columbia Threadneedle Investments; Dimensional Fund Advisers; Fidelity Investments; Franklin Templeton Investments; Hartford Funds; Ivy Investments; J.P. Morgan Asset Management; Janus Henderson Investors; John Hancock Investments; Legg Mason Global Asset Management; Levin Capital Strategies, LP; Lord Abbett; Milliman Financial Risk Management LLC; Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.; Neuberger Berman; New York Life / MainStay Investments; PGIM Investments; Pacific Investment Management Company; PineBridge Investments; Principal Global Investors; State Street Global Advisors; Systematic Financial Management; T. Rowe Price; Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley; The Vanguard Group; Virtus Investment Partners; Wellington Management Company LLP; and Wells Fargo Asset Management.
As of December 31, 2019, TAM made revenue sharing payments to approximately 10 financial intermediaries with respect to the funds, the most sizeable of which were to TCI and Transamerica Life Insurance Company. For the same period, TAM did not receive any revenue sharing payments from financial services firms.
TAM also serves as investment manager to certain funds of funds that are underlying investment options for Transamerica insurance products. TCI and its affiliates make revenue sharing payments to, or receive revenue sharing payments from, affiliates of certain underlying unaffiliated funds within Transamerica insurance products for the provision of services to investors and distribution activities. These amounts are in addition to any revenue sharing programs described above with respect to mutual fund distributors. A financial intermediary may receive both mutual fund-related and insurance-related revenue sharing payments.
In addition, while TCI typically pays most of the sales charge applicable to the sale of fund shares to brokers and other financial intermediaries through which purchases are made, TCI may, on occasion, pay the entire sales charge. (Additional information about payments of sales charges to brokers is available in the section titled “Dealer Reallowances” of the SAI.)
From time to time, TCI, its affiliates and/or TAM and/or fund sub-advisers may also, to the extent permitted by applicable law, pay non-cash compensation or revenue sharing to brokers and other financial intermediaries and their sales representatives in the form of, for example: (i) occasional gifts or prizes; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; and/or (iii) ad hoc sponsorship support
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of broker marketing events, programs, sales contests, promotions or other activities. Such non-cash compensation may also include, in part, assistance with the costs and expenses associated with travel, lodging, and educational sales and promotional meetings, seminars, programs and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law. TCI and TAM may also make payments in connection with the sponsorship by Transamerica or its affiliates of special events which may be attended by brokers and other financial intermediaries. Such non-cash compensation is in addition to the overall revenue sharing arrangements described above.
The non-cash compensation to sales representatives and compensation or reimbursement received by brokers and other financial intermediaries through sales charges, other fees payable from the funds, and/or revenue sharing arrangements for selling shares of the funds may be more or less than the overall compensation or reimbursement on similar or other products and may influence your broker or other financial intermediary to present and recommend the funds over other investment options available in the marketplace. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, your broker or other financial intermediary may have a financial incentive for recommending a particular class of fund shares over other share classes.
Shareholders may obtain more information about these arrangements, including the conflicts of interests that such arrangements may create, from their brokers and other financial intermediaries, and should so inquire if they would like additional information. Intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements to their clients and to members of the public in a manner different from the disclosures in this prospectus and the SAI. A shareholder should ask his/her broker or financial intermediary how he/she will be compensated for investments made in the funds. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments under the shareholder services and distribution plan (where applicable), also benefit TAM, TCI and their affiliates and fund sub-advisers to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the funds on which fees are being charged.
Although a fund may use financial firms that sell fund shares to effect transactions for the fund’s portfolio, the fund and its investment manager or sub-adviser will not consider the sale of fund shares as a factor when choosing financial firms to effect those transactions.
Class I shares of the funds may be offered through certain brokers and financial intermediaries (“service agents”) that have established a shareholder servicing relationship with Transamerica Funds on behalf of their customers. Service agents may impose additional or different conditions than Transamerica Funds on purchases, redemptions or exchanges of fund shares by their customers. Service agents may also independently establish and charge their customers transaction fees, account fees or other amounts in connection with purchases, sales and redemptions of fund shares in addition to any fees charged by Transamerica Funds. These additional fees may vary over time and would increase the cost of the customer’s investment and lower investment returns. Each service agent is responsible for transmitting to its customers a schedule of any such fees and information regarding any additional or different conditions regarding purchases, redemptions and exchanges. Shareholders who are customers of service agents should consult their service agents for information regarding these fees and conditions. Among the service agents with whom Transamerica Funds may enter into a shareholder servicing relationship are firms whose business involves or includes investment consulting, or whose parent or affiliated companies are in the investment consulting business, that may recommend that their clients utilize TAM’s investment management services or invest in the funds or in other products sponsored by TAM and its affiliates.
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Distributions and Taxes
    
Dividends and Distributions
Each fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any, to its shareholders monthly. Dividends will be reinvested in additional shares unless you elect to take your dividends in cash. Each fund generally pays any distributions of net capital gains annually.
If necessary, each fund may make distributions at other times as well.
Taxes on Distributions in General
A fund will not generally have to pay income tax on amounts it distributes to shareholders. Shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions (other than any distributions treated as a return of capital), whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares.
The following are guidelines for how certain distributions by a fund are generally taxed to non-corporate shareholders under current federal income tax law:
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) will be taxed as long-term capital gains, generally at rates of up to 20%, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their shares. Certain capital gain dividends attributable to dividends received from REITs may be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at a rate of 25%.
Distributions reported as paid from a fund’s “qualified dividend income” may be taxable to shareholders as qualified dividend income at rates of up to 20%. Qualified dividend income generally is income derived from certain dividends from U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations will be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. A shareholder (and the fund in which the shareholder invests) will have to satisfy certain holding period requirements in order for the shareholder to obtain the benefit of the tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Distributions in excess of a fund’s earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in his or her fund shares, and as a capital gain thereafter (assuming the shareholder holds the shares as capital assets). A distribution treated as a return of capital will not be taxable currently but will reduce the shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, which will generally increase the gain (or decrease the loss) that will be recognized on a subsequent sale or exchange of the shares.
Other distributions generally will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates or trusts. For these purposes, dividends, interest, and certain capital gains are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.
If a fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and pays it in the following January, shareholders will be taxed on the dividend as if they received it in the year in which it was declared.
Each fund in which you invest will send you a tax report annually summarizing the amount and tax aspects of your distributions. If you buy shares of a fund shortly before it makes a taxable distribution (other than, in general, regular monthly distributions paid by funds that declare dividends daily), the distribution will be generally taxable to you even though it may effectively represent a return of a portion of your investment. This is known as “buying a dividend.”
Investors who invest through tax-deferred accounts, such as IRAs, 403(b) accounts, and qualified retirement plans, will ordinarily not be subject to tax until a distribution is made from the account, at which time such distribution is generally taxed as ordinary income. These accounts are subject to complex tax rules, and tax-deferred account investors should therefore consult their tax advisers regarding their investments in a tax-deferred account.
Taxes on the Sale or Exchange of Shares
If you sell shares of a fund or exchange them for shares of another fund, you generally will have a capital gain or loss, which will generally be a long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for more than one year; otherwise it will generally be a short-term capital gain or loss.
Any loss recognized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain that were received with respect to the shares.
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Any gain or loss on the sale or exchange of shares is computed by subtracting your tax basis in the shares from the redemption proceeds in the case of a sale or the value of the shares received in the case of an exchange. Because your tax basis depends on the original purchase price, on the price at which any dividends may have been reinvested, and on the amount of any distributions treated as returns of capital for federal income tax purposes, you should be sure to keep account statements so that you or your tax return preparer will be able to determine whether a sale will result in a taxable gain or loss.
Withholding Taxes
A fund in which you invest may be required to apply backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on all distributions payable to you if you fail to provide the funds with your correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if you have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that you are subject to backup withholding.
The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but is a method by which the IRS ensures that it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax applicable to shareholders that are not U.S. persons.
Non-Resident Alien Withholding
Dividends and certain other payments (but not distributions of net capital gains) to persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States or U.S. entities (“Non-U.S. Persons”) are generally subject to U.S. tax withholding at the rate of 30%. The 30% withholding described in this paragraph will not be imposed on any dividends reported as interest-related dividends or as short-term capital gain dividends. Each fund intends to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30% on taxable distributions and other payments to Non-U.S. Persons that are subject to withholding, regardless of whether a lower rate may be permitted under an applicable treaty.
If you are a Non-U.S. Person, you must provide a U.S. mailing address to establish an account unless your broker-dealer firm submits your account through the National Securities Clearing Corporation. Your broker-dealer will be required to submit a foreign certification form. Investors changing a mailing address to a non-U.S. address will be required to have a foreign certification form completed by their broker-dealer and returned to us before future purchases can be accepted. Additionally, those shareholders will need to provide an appropriate tax form (e.g., Form W-8BEN) and documentary evidence and letter of explanation.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to fund distributions (but not distributions of exempt-interest dividends) payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
Other Tax Information
This tax discussion is for general information only. In addition to federal income taxes, you may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on payments received from, and investments made in shares of, a fund. More information is provided in the SAI of the funds. You should also consult your own tax adviser for information regarding all tax consequences applicable to your investments in the funds.
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Financial Highlights
    
Financial highlights are not shown for Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond because the funds had not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus.
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Appendix - Waivers and Discounts Available from Intermediaries
    
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on how you purchase your shares, including whether you purchase your shares through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load (“CDSC”) waivers, certain of which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. The sales charge waivers and discounts described in this Appendix are available only if you purchase your shares through the following designated intermediaries:
Ameriprise Financial (“Ameriprise”):
Effective June 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Ameriprise platform or account will be eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers and discounts with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the prospectus or SAI.
Class A Shares Front-end Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
Shares purchased through an Ameriprise investment advisory program (if an Advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available).
Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Ameriprise’s platform (if an Advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available).
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund.
Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to such shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply to exchanges following such shorter period. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares for load waived shares, that waiver will also apply to such exchanges.
Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
Baird (“Baird”):
Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI.
Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A shares Available at Baird
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Baird
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another fund in the Transamerica Fund Family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)
A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
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Shares purchased through employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs
CDSC Waivers on Class A and Class C shares Available at Baird
Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus
Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s prospectus
Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front-end Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
Rights of accumulations which entitles shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Transamerica Fund Family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible Transamerica Fund Family assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of funds within the Transamerica Fund Family through Baird, over a 13-month period of time
Edward D. Jones & Co. (“Edward Jones”):
Effective on or after May 1, 2020, clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from breakpoints and waivers described elsewhere in the mutual fund prospectus or SAI or through another broker‐dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of Transamerica Funds, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for breakpoints or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance.
Breakpoints
Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”)
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except any money market funds and retirement plan share classes) of Transamerica Funds held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). This includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the rights of accumulation calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying his or her financial advisor of such assets at the time of calculation.
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (“LOI”)
Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front‐end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying his or her financial advisor of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not covered under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate's life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing.
Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non‐retirement account.
Shares exchanged into class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
Exchanges from class C shares to class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
The death or disability of the shareholder
Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value
Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”)
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones
Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program
Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement
Other Important Information
1.1 Minimum Purchase Amounts
$250 initial purchase minimum
$50 subsequent purchase minimum
1.2 Minimum Balances
Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform
A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
An account with an active systematic investment plan or letter of intent (“LOI”)
1.3 Changing Share Classes
At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder's holdings in a fund to Class A shares.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (“Janney”):
Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Charge* Waivers on Class A shares available at Janney
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
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Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
CDSC Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares available at Janney
Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.
Front-end Sales Charge* Discounts Available at Janney: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation and/or Letters of Intent
Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
*Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“Merrill Lynch”):
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A shares available at Merrill Lynch
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)
Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
Shares purchased by third party investment advisers on behalf of their advisory clients through a Merrill Lynch platform
Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies and procedures relating to sales load discounts and waivers
Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in the this prospectus
Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement
CDSC Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
Death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
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Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
Shares redeemed through a right of reinstatement
Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee-based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares only)
Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
Front-end Load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the fund’s prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
Letters of Intent (“LOI”) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable)
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”):
Effective July 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in the prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules.
Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund.
Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account.
Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.
Oppenheimer & Co. (“Oppenheimer”):
Effective February 26, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Oppenheimer platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the fund's prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Oppenheimer
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
Shares purchased through a Oppenheimer affiliated investment advisory program
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same amount, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).
A shareholder in the fund's Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Oppenheimer
Employees and registered representatives of Oppenheimer or its affiliates and their family members
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund's investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus
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CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at Oppenheimer
Death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund's prospectus
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the prospectus
Shares sold to pay Oppenheimer fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Oppenheimer
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front-end load Discounts Available at Oppenheimer: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household at Oppenheimer. Eligible fund family assets not held at Oppenheimer may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”):
Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Raymond James
Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C Shares available at Raymond James
Death or disability of the shareholder.
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s prospectus.
Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Both the investment returns and principal value of mutual funds will fluctuate over time so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Transamerica Funds
1801 California Street, Suite 5200
Denver, CO 80202
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339
Shareholder inquiries and transaction requests should be mailed to:
Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION about these funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information dated March 1, 2020, as amended and restated on July 31, 2020, as may be further supplemented or revised from time to time, and in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available). The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Information about the funds (including the Statement of Additional Information) has been filed with and is available from the SEC. Copies of this information may be obtained upon payment of a duplication fee or by electronic request at the following e-mail address, publicinfo@sec.gov. Reports and other information about the funds are also available on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
To obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information or the annual and semi-annual reports (when available), without charge, or to request other information or make other inquiries about the funds, call or write to Transamerica Funds at the phone number or address above or visit Transamerica Funds website at www.transamerica.com. In the Transamerica Funds annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the funds’ performance during the last fiscal year. Additional information about the funds’ investments is available in the funds’ annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available).
Each fund’s most recently calculated net asset value per share is available on our website at www.transamerica.com.
www.transamerica.com
Sales Support: 1-800-851-7555
Distributor: Transamerica Capital, Inc.
The Investment Company Act File Number for Transamerica Funds is 811-04556.


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Transamerica Funds
Prospectus July 31, 2020
Class R3 Shares
Fund | Ticker  
Transamerica High Yield ESG TAOMX
Transamerica Sustainable Bond TAXSX
The funds listed above are series of Transamerica Funds.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the funds intend to no longer mail paper copies of the funds’ shareholder reports, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the fund or your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank). Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically (“e-delivery”), you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct shareholder with a fund, by calling 1-888-233-4339.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports for funds held through that intermediary. If you are a direct shareholder with a fund, you can call 1-888-233-4339 to let the fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. That election will apply to all Transamerica funds held directly with the fund complex.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Transamerica High Yield ESG
    
Investment Objective: Seeks a high level of current income.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None
    
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 0.55%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.25%
Other expenses1 0.44%
Total annual fund operating expenses 1.24%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement2 0.09%
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 1.15%
1 Other expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
2 Contractual arrangements have been made with the fund’s investment manager, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”), through March 1, 2022 to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed 1.15% for Class R3 shares, excluding, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund’s business. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to March 1, 2022 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during any of the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class. A class may reimburse TAM only if such reimbursement does not cause, on any particular business day of the fund, the class’ total annual operating expenses (after the reimbursement is taken into account) to exceed the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the 1 year dollar amount shown below reflects TAM's agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 year 3 years
$117 $379
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected
in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in high-yield securities. The sub-adviser focuses on investments that the sub-adviser views as having a favorable Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) profile based on the sub-adviser’s internal ESG evaluation process. The fund normally invests primarily in U.S. securities.
High yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) are high-risk debt securities rated, at the time of investment, below BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the fund’s sub-adviser. The high yield securities in which the fund invests are primarily corporate bonds.
The sub-adviser’s ESG evaluation process is designed to emphasize positive selection of investments with favorable ESG characteristics in the view of the sub-adviser, while minimizing exposure to companies considered by the sub-adviser as having less favorable ESG qualities. In this process, the sub-adviser excludes companies involved in certain industries and/or business practices that are viewed as exhibiting the most negative ESG impacts. The sub-adviser then employs a fundamental, proprietary research approach to identify potential investments and categorizes them as belonging to one of five ESG categories.
Category one includes companies viewed by the sub-adviser as leaders in sustainable business practices or demonstrating commitment to the pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Category two companies are judged by the sub-adviser to have low exposure to ESG risks or have policies in place to mitigate such risks. Category three companies are those, in the view of the sub-adviser, which face future ESG risks of uncertain timing or magnitude that could negatively affect the company. Category four companies are those which the sub-adviser views as exhibiting current ESG risks that are impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals, but are not significant enough to impact the overall credit quality of the company. Category five includes companies that, in the sub-adviser’s view, have ESG factors negatively impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals to the extent credit quality is also impacted.
The fund’s investment universe consists of companies classified by the sub-adviser within categories one through four with the fund’s investments predominantly falling in categories one through three.
When assessing a company’s ESG practices, the sub-adviser may take into account a number of ESG considerations of an environmental, social or governance nature. Environmental considerations may include, but are not limited to, climate change and carbon emissions, energy efficiency, waste and pollution, water
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use and conservation, deforestation, natural resource use and renewable energy. Social considerations may include, but are not limited to, human rights and labor standards, product safety and liability, workplace safety, workplace benefits, employee relations, diversity/inclusion policies, data protection and privacy, community involvement, nutrition and health, and supply chain sourcing. Governance considerations may include, but are not limited to, board independence, board diversity, anticorruption policies, shareholder rights, compensation structures, corporate political contributions and corporate behavior.
The sub-adviser’s research-intensive process uses a combination of a global top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environment and proprietary bottom-up research of corporate debt, stressed and distressed securities, and other debt instruments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that it believes affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis assists the sub-adviser in analyzing fund risk and allocating assets among sectors, industries, and credit quality categories. In its proprietary bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as creditworthiness and capital structure. The sub-adviser integrates ESG factors into its analysis by combining external data with internal research to evaluate the investment’s ESG characteristics. The process incorporates both qualitative elements (such as company commitment to sustainable initiatives) and quantitative elements (such as measurable ESG risks) to assess the potential material influence of ESG factors on an investment’s credit fundamentals.
The fund has no maturity or duration requirements or limitations. The fund may invest in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in emerging market securities.
The fund may invest in investment grade bonds, bank loans, preferred equity securities, common equity securities (received in connection with exchanges or restructurings) and cash equivalents. The fund may also invest in hybrid instruments having both debt and equity characteristics.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, are subject to the sub-adviser’s ESG assessment framework.
Principal Risks: Risk is inherent in all investing. Many factors and risks affect the fund's performance, including those described below. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of principal risks (in alphabetical order after certain key risks) of investing in the fund. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
Market – The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events,
government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, the fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this summary will likely increase. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
High-Yield Debt Securities – High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. Issuers of junk bonds are typically in weaker financial health. Changes in interest rates, the market’s perception of the issuers, the creditworthiness of the issuers and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally may significantly affect the value of these bonds. Junk bonds are considered speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and may be more difficult to value than higher grade securities, and they may result in losses for the fund. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments.
Credit – If an issuer or other obligor (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations or is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against an issuer, obligor or counterparty. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract.
Interest Rate – Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. The fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. The value of fixed income securities generally goes down when interest rates rise, and therefore the value of your investment in the fund may also go down. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of the fund’s investments. A general rise
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in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the value of the fund’s shares.
Fixed-Income Securities – Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed-income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by the fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels, so the fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
Liquidity – The fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value, may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in value. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid investment to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss. The fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of less liquid or illiquid securities for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer), and such sale may involve additional costs. Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for the fund to sell. This may prevent the fund from limiting losses.
Counterparty – The fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the fund invests will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties (including derivatives exchanges and clearinghouses) may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s ESG criteria to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo
some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by the sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Extension – When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause the fund's share price to be more volatile or go down.
Prepayment or Call – Many issuers have a right to prepay their fixed income securities. Issuers may be more likely to prepay their securities if interest rates fall. If this happens, the fund will not benefit from the rise in the market price of the securities that normally accompanies a decline in interest rates and will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on prepaid securities. The fund may also lose any premium it paid on prepaid securities.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities – Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. The fund may suffer significant losses if the reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. The fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties, and the fund could lose its entire investment.
Focused Investing – To the extent the fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Valuation – The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets, that are priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares
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or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund's ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Management – The value of your investment may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. You may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, investment techniques applied, or the analyses employed or relied on, by the investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. The fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. Any of these things could cause the fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Active Trading – The fund may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations – To the extent the fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Currency – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Emerging Markets – Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems and regulatory and accounting standards that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries.
Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors such as the fund from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Energy Sector – Industries in the energy segment, such as those engaged in the development, production and distribution of energy resources, can be significantly affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil, gas and other consumable fuels, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions likewise will affect the performance of companies in these industries.
Equity Securities – Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and consequently may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile and the value of equity securities may go up or down sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities. The value of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If the fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Floating Rate Loans – Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in the fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, the fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase.
Foreign Investments – Investing in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involves additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the fund’s foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other
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adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and weaker legal systems and accounting standards also may affect the value of these securities. Foreign investments may have lower liquidity and be more difficult to value than investments in U.S. issuers.
Hybrid Instruments – Investing in hybrid instruments involves a combination of risks, including risks of investing in securities, commodities, options, futures, and currencies. An investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional fixed-income or convertible securities.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds – A significant portion of the fund’s shares may be owned by other funds sponsored by Transamerica. Transactions by these funds may be disruptive to the management of the fund. For example, the fund may experience large redemptions and could be required to sell securities at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase the fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, sizeable redemptions could cause the fund’s total expenses to increase.
Loans – Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan. Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower’s capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. The fund's investments in loans are also subject to prepayment or call risk. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain the fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
New Fund – The fund was recently formed. Investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders.
Preferred Stock – Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid and have limited voting rights.
Yield – The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Performance: No performance is shown for the fund. Performance information will appear in a future version of this prospectus once the fund has a full calendar year of performance information to report to investors.
The fund's benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index.
As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamerica.com/individual/products/mutual-funds/performance/ or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
Management:
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Sub-Adviser: Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
Kevin Bakker, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. Portfolio Manager since 2020
Derek Thoms Portfolio Manager since 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: You may purchase, exchange or redeem shares of the fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business, online or through our website at www.transamerica.com, by mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945, by telephone at 1-888-233-4339, by overnight mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 or through a financial intermediary.
Class R3 shares are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans such as 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans) and IRAs, and under the following conditions: Class R3 shares are available only when a plan’s recordkeeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary has an agreement with Transamerica Funds. Class R3 shares are available when rolling assets into a Transamerica IRA, under certain conditions.
There is no minimum investment for eligible retirement plans investing in Class R3 shares.
The fund does not currently offer Class R3 shares.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. In that case, you may be taxed when you take a distribution from such plan, depending on the type of plan, the circumstances of your distribution and other factors.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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Transamerica Sustainable Bond
    
Investment Objective: Seeks to provide high total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None
    
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 0.41%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.25%
Other expenses1 0.44%
Total annual fund operating expenses 1.10%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement2 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 0.85%
1 Other expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
2 Contractual arrangements have been made with the fund’s investment manager, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”), through March 1, 2022 to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed 0.85% for Class R3 shares, excluding, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund’s business. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to March 1, 2022 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during any of the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class. A class may reimburse TAM only if such reimbursement does not cause, on any particular business day of the fund, the class’ total annual operating expenses (after the reimbursement is taken into account) to exceed the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the 1 year dollar amount shown below reflects TAM's agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse fund expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 year 3 years
$87 $310
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected
in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. The fund’s investments in fixed-income securities may include U.S. government and foreign government bonds and notes (including emerging markets), mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations), investment grade and below (commonly known as “junk bonds”) corporate bonds of issuers in the U.S. and foreign countries (including emerging markets), convertible bonds and other convertible securities, bank loans and loan participations, structured notes, municipal bonds and preferred securities. The fund’s investment in fixed-income securities may also include dollar rolls, inflation-protected securities, repurchase agreements and to be announced (“TBA”) transactions. The fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration. Under normal circumstances, the fund has an average credit rating of investment grade.
The fund’s investment universe is defined by the sub-adviser’s Sustainable Investment Committee (“SIC”) which consists of employees of the sub-adviser and affiliated entities within the global Aegon Asset Management organization, who have responsible investing expertise. The fund’s sub-adviser focuses on fixed-income securities of issuers that are, in the sub-adviser’s view, aligned with sustainability initiatives. All potential investments are screened utilizing the sub-adviser’s proprietary sustainability assessment framework which evaluates issuers or securities using internal and external inputs. Eligible investments include issuers or securities that are viewed by the sub-adviser as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, various environmental and societal initiatives. The sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment focuses on key sustainability pillars, including climate change, eco solutions, resource efficiency, health and well-being and sustainable growth. These sustainable investment opportunities also align with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of goals that seek to address the world’s most pressing sustainability issues. While the SDGs provide a helpful framework for identifying sustainable themes, the sub-adviser relies on their proprietary sustainability assessment to determine the eligible investment universe.
The fund uses positive screening to identify issuers and securities that the sub-adviser believes align with sustainability themes. Given the fund’s inclusionary stance and thematic approach to selecting the investment universe, the sub-adviser avoids investments in issuers, industries or sectors that are wholly inconsistent with its sustainable investing philosophy. As a result, the fund does not utilize a specific exclusions list.
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The sub-adviser uses a research-driven process in an effort to identify sustainable investment opportunities. The process consists of five primary steps:
1. Sustainability research: The sub-adviser generates sustainable investment ideas using a sustainability assessment process to identify fixed income investments that the sub-adviser believes will contribute to or benefit from the long-term sustainability of the global economy, environment and society. The process combines internal expertise alongside external data to analyze a potential investment’s sustainability profile. Sustainable investment ideas are presented to the SIC for further evaluation.
2. Sustainability determination: The SIC reviews the sustainability research and ultimately determines the sustainable investment universe for the fund. The SIC reviews investments for alignment with sustainable initiatives and identifies an eligible investment universe consisting of issuers that are viewed as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability. Issuers and securities are classified into one of five categories depending on level of alignment with sustainability initiatives. The sustainability criteria is tailored to the fixed income sector.
3. Economic research and recommendation: In its proprietary, bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, creditworthiness, capital structure, covenants, cash-flows and, as applicable, collateral.
4. Portfolio construction: The sub-adviser combines the proprietary bottom-up research with top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis includes a relative value assessment across asset classes as the sub-adviser constructs a sustainability-themed portfolio based on the eligible sustainable investment universe set by the SIC. The fund invests in issuers or securities that meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria within categories one through three. As an example, category one “sustainable leaders” may include companies with a material amount of revenues tied to products or services aligned with sustainability initiatives. Conversely, category five companies that do not meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may be involved in controversial activities that are against sustainable initiatives.
5. Engagement: The sub-adviser’s dedicated Responsible Investment team may engage with issuers in an effort to encourage issuers to enhance the sustainability of their businesses and make positive change.
The fund may utilize derivatives, such as options, futures, forward currency contracts and swaps, including, but not limited to, interest rate, total return and credit default swaps. These investment strategies may be employed as a hedging technique, as a means of altering investment characteristics of the fund’s portfolio (such as
shortening or lengthening duration), in an attempt to enhance returns or for other purposes. The fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward-commitment basis.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and derivatives instruments used for duration or temporary cashflow management purposes, are subject to the sub-adviser’s sustainability screening process.
Principal Risks: Risk is inherent in all investing. Many factors and risks affect the fund's performance, including those described below. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of principal risks (in alphabetical order after certain key risks) of investing in the fund. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
Market – The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, the fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this summary will likely increase. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Fixed-Income Securities – Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed-income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal
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and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by the fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels, so the fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
Credit – If an issuer or other obligor (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations or is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against an issuer, obligor or counterparty. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract.
Interest Rate – Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. The fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. The value of fixed income securities generally goes down when interest rates rise, and therefore the value of your investment in the fund may also go down. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of the fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the value of the fund’s shares.
Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities – The value of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities will be influenced by factors affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset values, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid, which could negatively impact the fund. Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private issuers, by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or by agencies of the U.S. government, such as Ginnie Mae. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Unlike mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government or government-sponsored entities, mortgage-related securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral,
credit risk or other underwriting characteristics. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment or call and extension risks. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets. The risk of default is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include so-called “sub-prime” mortgages. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less information available than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the fund may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss.
High-Yield Debt Securities – High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. Issuers of junk bonds are typically in weaker financial health. Changes in interest rates, the market’s perception of the issuers, the creditworthiness of the issuers and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally may significantly affect the value of these bonds. Junk bonds are considered speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and may be more difficult to value than higher grade securities, and they may result in losses for the fund. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments.
Liquidity – The fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value, may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in value. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid investment to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss. The fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of less liquid or illiquid securities for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer), and such sale may involve additional costs. Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for the fund to sell. This may prevent the fund from limiting losses.
Sustainability Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment framework to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not apply sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. Securities of companies meeting the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not utilize sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. The sub-adviser monitors
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the fund’s holdings based on the latest publicly available information. Any delay in obtaining public information regarding the fund’s holdings could result in the fund holding an investment that no longer meets the fund’s sustainability investing principals. “Sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying sustainability criteria involves subjective assessment.
Counterparty – The fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the fund invests will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties (including derivatives exchanges and clearinghouses) may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Extension – When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause the fund's share price to be more volatile or go down.
Prepayment or Call – Many issuers have a right to prepay their fixed income securities. Issuers may be more likely to prepay their securities if interest rates fall. If this happens, the fund will not benefit from the rise in the market price of the securities that normally accompanies a decline in interest rates and will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on prepaid securities. The fund may also lose any premium it paid on prepaid securities.
Management – The value of your investment may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. You may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, investment techniques applied, or the analyses employed or relied on, by the investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. The fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. Any of these things could cause the fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Active Trading – The fund may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations – To the extent the fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Convertible Securities – Convertible securities are subject to risks associated with both fixed income and equity securities. When the underlying common stock falls in value, the market price of the convertible security may be more influenced by the security’s yield and fixed income characteristics. When the underlying common stock rises in value, the market price may be more influenced by the equity conversion features. Since the convertible security derives its value from the underlying common stock, the security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality.
Currency – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Currency Hedging – The fund may hedge its currency risk using currency futures, forwards or options. However, hedging strategies and/or these instruments may not always work as intended, and a fund may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging strategy or instrument.
Derivatives – Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the fund. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional or heightened risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Their usage can increase fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices or volatility, interest rates, currencies, or the derivatives themselves, behave in a way not anticipated. Using derivatives may have a leveraging effect, increase fund volatility and not produce the result intended. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on the fund. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty (including, if applicable, the fund’s clearing broker, the derivatives exchange or the clearinghouse) may default on its obligations to the fund. In certain cases, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against or closing out derivatives instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses. Derivatives are subject to additional risks such as operational risk, including
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settlement issues, and legal risk, including that underlying documentation is incomplete or ambiguous. Derivatives are also generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative, including market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, management and valuation risk. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more or less than, or otherwise not correlate well with, the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. The fund may be required to segregate or earmark liquid assets or otherwise cover its obligations under derivatives transactions and may have to liquidate positions before it is desirable in order to meet these segregation and coverage requirements. Use of derivatives may have different tax consequences for the fund than an investment in the underlying assets or indices, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities – Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. The fund may suffer significant losses if the reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. The fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties, and the fund could lose its entire investment.
Dollar Rolls – The use of dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money. Dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker/dealer to whom the fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the fund’s ability to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
Emerging Markets – Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems and regulatory and accounting standards that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors such as the fund from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing – Applying the sub-adviser’s ESG criteria to its investment analysis for the fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use
ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by the sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Equity Securities – Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and consequently may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile and the value of equity securities may go up or down sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities. The value of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If the fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Floating Rate Loans – Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in the fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, the fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase.
Focused Investing – To the extent the fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Foreign Investments – Investing in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involves additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the fund’s foreign investments may decline because of factors
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affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and weaker legal systems and accounting standards also may affect the value of these securities. Foreign investments may have lower liquidity and be more difficult to value than investments in U.S. issuers.
Hedging – The fund may buy and sell futures contracts, put and call options, forward contracts and other instruments as a hedge. Some hedging strategies could hedge the fund’s portfolio against price fluctuations. Other hedging strategies would tend to increase the fund’s exposure to the securities market. Forward contracts could be used to try to manage foreign currency risks on the fund’s foreign investments. The fund’s hedging strategies may not work as intended, and the fund may be in a less favorable position than if it had not used a hedging instrument.
Inflation-Protected Securities – Inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. The market for U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”) and corporate inflation-protected securities (“CIPS”) may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets. Also, the inflation index utilized by a particular inflation-protected security may not accurately reflect the true rate of inflation, in which case the market value of the security could be adversely affected.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds – A significant portion of the fund’s shares may be owned by other funds sponsored by Transamerica. Transactions by these funds may be disruptive to the management of the fund. For example, the fund may experience large redemptions and could be required to sell securities at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase the fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, sizeable redemptions could cause the fund’s total expenses to increase.
Leveraging – The value of your investment may be more volatile to the extent that the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Other risks also will be compounded because leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in the loss of a substantial amount, and possibly all, of the fund's assets. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation or coverage requirements.
Loans – Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity
risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan. Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower’s capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. The fund's investments in loans are also subject to prepayment or call risk. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain the fund's ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
Municipal Securities – The municipal bond market can be susceptible to unusual volatility, particularly for lower-rated and unrated securities. Liquidity can be reduced unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening. Municipal issuers may be adversely affected by rising health care costs, increasing unfunded pension liabilities, and by the phasing out of federal programs providing financial support. Unfavorable conditions and developments relating to projects financed with municipal securities can result in lower revenues to issuers of municipal securities, potentially resulting in defaults. Issuers often depend on revenues from these projects to make principal and interest payments. The value of municipal securities can also be adversely affected by changes in the financial condition of one or more individual municipal issuers or insurers of municipal issuers, regulatory and political developments, tax law changes or other legislative actions, and by uncertainties and public perceptions concerning these and other factors. To the extent the fund invests significantly in a single state or in securities the payments on which are dependent upon a single project or source of revenues, or that relate to a sector or industry, the fund will be more susceptible to associated risks and developments. Municipal issuers may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. A number of municipal issuers have defaulted on obligations, commenced insolvency proceedings, or suffered credit downgrading. Financial difficulties of municipal issuers may continue or worsen.
Investment in municipal securities of issuers in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other U.S. territories, may have more risks than tax-exempt securities issued by other issuers due to the political, social and/or economic conditions in the particular territory.
New Fund – The fund was recently formed. Investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders.
Preferred Stock – Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the
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underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid and have limited voting rights.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities - Restricted securities, which include private placements of private and public companies, are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to sell at the time and price a fund prefers. Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale, both of which may result in substantial losses. An insufficient number of eligible buyers interested in purchasing restricted securities held by a fund could adversely affect the marketability of such securities and a fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices, adversely affecting a fund’s overall liquidity. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. A fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities.
Repurchase Agreements – In a repurchase agreement, the fund purchases securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the fund at a later date, and at a specified price, which is typically higher than the purchase price paid by the fund. The securities purchased serve as the fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. If the counterparty does not repurchase the securities, the fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss. If the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.
Sovereign Debt – Sovereign debt instruments are subject to the risk that the governmental entity may delay or fail to pay interest or repay principal on its sovereign debt. If a governmental entity defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans, or the debt may be restructured. There may be no established legal process for collecting sovereign debt that a government does not pay, nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected.
Structured Instruments – The fund may invest in, or have exposure to, various types of structured instruments, including securities that have demand, tender or put features, or interest rate reset features. Structured instruments are a type of derivative instrument and the payment and credit qualities of these instruments derive from the assets embedded in the structure from which they are issued. Structured instruments may be leveraged and may behave in ways not anticipated by the fund, or they may not receive tax, accounting or regulatory treatment anticipated by the fund. Structured instruments may also be less liquid and more difficult to value accurately than more traditional securities and instruments.
To Be Announced (TBA) Transactions – Although the securities that are delivered in TBA transactions must meet certain standards, there is a risk that the actual securities received by the fund may be less favorable than what was anticipated when entering into the transaction. TBA transactions also involve the risk that a
counterparty will fail to deliver the security, exposing the fund to further losses. Whether or not the fund takes delivery of the securities at the termination date of a TBA transaction, it will nonetheless be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations – Government agency obligations have different levels of credit support and, therefore, different degrees of credit risk. Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government generally present a lesser degree of credit risk than securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the credit of the issuing agencies. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price.
Valuation – The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets, that are priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund's ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Yield – The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Performance: No performance is shown for the fund. Performance information will appear in a future version of this prospectus once the fund has a full calendar year of performance information to report to investors.
The fund's benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamerica.com/individual/products/mutual-funds/performance/ or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
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Management:
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Sub-Adviser: Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Charles Foster, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jeremy Mead, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jose Pluto, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
Jeremy Thurm, CFA Portfolio Manager since 2020
James Rich Portfolio Manager since 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: You may purchase, exchange or redeem shares of the fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business, online or through our website at www.transamerica.com, by mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945, by telephone at 1-888-233-4339, by overnight mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 or through a financial intermediary.
Class R3 shares are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans such as 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans) and IRAs, and under the following conditions: Class R3 shares are available only when a plan’s recordkeeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary has an agreement with Transamerica Funds. Class R3 shares are available when rolling assets into a Transamerica IRA, under certain conditions.
There is no minimum investment for eligible retirement plans investing in Class R3 shares.
The fund does not currently offer Class R3 shares.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. In that case, you may be taxed when you take a distribution from such plan, depending on the type of plan, the circumstances of your distribution and other factors.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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More on each Fund’s Strategies and Investments
    
The following provides additional information regarding each fund’s strategies and investments described at the front of this prospectus. Except as otherwise expressly stated in this prospectus or in the statement of additional information or as required by law, there is no limit on the amount of each fund’s assets that may be invested in a particular type of security or investment.
Transamerica High Yield ESG: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in high-yield securities. The sub-adviser focuses on investments that the sub-adviser views as having a favorable Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) profile based on the sub-adviser’s internal ESG evaluation process. The fund normally invests primarily in U.S. securities.
High yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) are high-risk debt securities rated, at the time of investment, below BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the fund’s sub-adviser. The high yield securities in which the fund invests are primarily corporate bonds.
The sub-adviser’s ESG evaluation process is designed to emphasize positive selection of investments with favorable ESG characteristics in the view of the sub-adviser, while minimizing exposure to companies considered by the sub-adviser as having less favorable ESG qualities. In this process, the sub-adviser excludes companies involved in certain industries and/or business practices that are viewed as exhibiting the most negative ESG impacts. The sub-adviser then employs a fundamental, proprietary research approach to identify potential investments and categorizes them as belonging to one of five ESG categories.
Category one includes companies viewed by the sub-adviser as leaders in sustainable business practices or demonstrating commitment to the pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Category two companies are judged by the sub-adviser to have low exposure to ESG risks or have policies in place to mitigate such risks. Category three companies are those, in the view of the sub-adviser, which face future ESG risks of uncertain timing or magnitude that could negatively affect the company. Category four companies are those which the sub-adviser views as exhibiting current ESG risks that are impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals, but are not significant enough to impact the overall credit quality of the company. Category five includes companies that, in the sub-adviser’s view, have ESG factors negatively impacting the companies’ credit fundamentals to the extent credit quality is also impacted.
The fund’s investment universe consists of companies classified by the sub-adviser within categories one through four with the fund’s investments predominantly falling in categories one through three.
When assessing a company’s ESG practices, the sub-adviser may take into account a number of ESG considerations of an environmental, social or governance nature. Environmental considerations may include, but are not limited to, climate change and carbon emissions, energy efficiency, waste and pollution, water use and conservation, deforestation, natural resource use and renewable energy. Social considerations may include, but are not limited to, human rights and labor standards, product safety and liability, workplace safety, workplace benefits, employee relations, diversity/inclusion policies, data protection and privacy, community involvement, nutrition and health, and supply chain sourcing. Governance considerations may include, but are not limited to, board independence, board diversity, anticorruption policies, shareholder rights, compensation structures, corporate political contributions and corporate behavior.
The sub-adviser’s research-intensive process uses a combination of a global top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environment and proprietary bottom-up research of corporate debt, stressed and distressed securities, and other debt instruments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that it believes affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis assists the sub-adviser in analyzing fund risk and allocating assets among sectors, industries, and credit quality categories. In its proprietary bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as creditworthiness and capital structure. The sub-adviser integrates ESG factors into its analysis by combining external data with internal research to evaluate the investment’s ESG characteristics. The process incorporates both qualitative elements (such as company commitment to sustainable initiatives) and quantitative elements (such as measurable ESG risks) to assess the potential material influence of ESG factors on an investment’s credit fundamentals.
The fund has no maturity or duration requirements or limitations. The fund may invest in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in emerging market securities.
The fund may invest in investment grade bonds, bank loans, preferred equity securities, common equity securities (received in connection with exchanges or restructurings) and cash equivalents. The fund may also invest in hybrid instruments having both debt and equity characteristics.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, are subject to the sub-adviser’s ESG assessment framework.
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The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
Transamerica Sustainable Bond: The fund’s sub-adviser, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (the “sub-adviser”), seeks to achieve the fund’s objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. The fund’s investments in fixed-income securities may include U.S. government and foreign government bonds and notes (including emerging markets), mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations), investment grade and below (commonly known as “junk bonds”) corporate bonds of issuers in the U.S. and foreign countries (including emerging markets), convertible bonds and other convertible securities (including contingent convertible securities), bank loans and loan participations, structured notes, municipal bonds and preferred securities. The fund’s investment in fixed-income securities may also include dollar rolls, inflation-protected securities, repurchase agreements and to be announced (“TBA”) transactions. The fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration. Under normal circumstances, the fund has an average credit rating of investment grade.
The fund’s investment universe is defined by the sub-adviser’s Sustainable Investment Committee (“SIC”) which consists of employees of the sub-adviser and affiliated entities within the global Aegon Asset Management organization, who have responsible investing expertise. The fund’s sub-adviser focuses on fixed-income securities of issuers that are, in the sub-adviser’s view, aligned with sustainability initiatives. All potential investments are screened utilizing the sub-adviser’s proprietary sustainability assessment framework which evaluates issuers or securities using internal and external inputs. Eligible investments include issuers or securities that are viewed by the sub-adviser as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, various environmental and societal initiatives. The sub-adviser’s sustainability assessment focuses on key sustainability pillars, including climate change, eco solutions, resource efficiency, health and well-being and sustainable growth. These sustainable investment opportunities also align with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of goals that seek to address the world’s most pressing sustainability issues. While the SDGs provide a helpful framework for identifying sustainable themes, the sub-adviser relies on their proprietary sustainability assessment to determine the eligible investment universe.
The fund uses positive screening to identify issuers and securities that the sub-adviser believes align with sustainability themes. Given the fund’s inclusionary stance and thematic approach to selecting the investment universe, the sub-adviser avoids investments in issuers, industries or sectors that are wholly inconsistent with its sustainable investing philosophy. As a result, the fund does not utilize a specific exclusions list.
The sub-adviser uses a research-driven process in an effort to identify sustainable investment opportunities. The process consists of five primary steps:
1. Sustainability research: The sub-adviser generates sustainable investment ideas using a sustainability assessment process to identify fixed income investments that the sub-adviser believes will contribute to or benefit from the long-term sustainability of the global economy, environment and society. The process combines internal expertise alongside external data to analyze a potential investment’s sustainability profile. Sustainable investment ideas are presented to the SIC for further evaluation.
2. Sustainability determination: The SIC reviews the sustainability research and ultimately determines the sustainable investment universe for the fund. The SIC reviews investments for alignment with sustainable initiatives and identifies an eligible investment universe consisting of issuers that are viewed as contributing to or aligned with long-term sustainability. Issuers and securities are classified into one of five categories depending on level of alignment with sustainability initiatives. The sustainability criteria is tailored to the fixed income sector.
3. Economic research and recommendation: In its proprietary, bottom-up research, the sub-adviser considers various fundamental and other factors, such as environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, creditworthiness, capital structure, covenants, cash-flows and, as applicable, collateral.
4. Portfolio construction: The sub-adviser combines the proprietary bottom-up research with top-down analysis of the macroeconomic and interest rate environments. In the sub-adviser’s qualitative top-down approach, the sub-adviser analyzes various fundamental, technical, sentiment, and valuation factors that affect the movement of markets and securities prices worldwide. This top-down analysis includes a relative value assessment across asset classes as the sub-adviser constructs a sustainability-themed portfolio based on the eligible sustainable investment universe set by the SIC. The fund invests in issuers or securities that meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria within categories one through three. As an example, category one “sustainable leaders” may include companies with a material amount of revenues tied to products or services aligned with sustainability initiatives. Conversely, category five companies that do not meet the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may be involved in controversial activities that are against sustainable initiatives.
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5. Engagement: The sub-adviser’s dedicated Responsible Investment team may engage with issuers in an effort to encourage issuers to enhance the sustainability of their businesses and make positive change.
The fund may utilize derivatives, such as options, futures, forward currency contracts and swaps, including, but not limited to, interest rate, total return and credit default swaps. These investment strategies may be employed as a hedging technique, as a means of altering investment characteristics of the fund’s portfolio (such as shortening or lengthening duration), in an attempt to enhance returns or for other purposes. The fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward-commitment basis.
All investments by the fund, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and derivatives instruments used for duration or temporary cashflow management purposes, are subject to the sub-adviser’s sustainability screening process.
The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
More on Risks of Investing in the Funds
    
The value of your investment in a fund changes with the values of that fund’s investments. Many factors and risks can affect those values, including the risks described below. There is no guarantee that a fund will be able to achieve its investment objective. It is possible to lose money by investing in a fund.
Some of the risks of investing in the funds, including the principal risks of the funds, are discussed below. A fund may be subject to factors and risks other than those identified in this prospectus, and these other factors and risks could adversely affect the fund’s investment results. More information about risks appears in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Absence of Regulation: A fund may engage in over-the-counter (“OTC”) transactions, which trade in a dealer network, rather than on an exchange. In general, there is less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions in the OTC markets than of transactions entered into on organized exchanges. Transactions in the OTC markets also are subject to the credit risk of the counterparty.
Active Trading: Certain funds may purchase and sell securities without regard to the length of time held. Active trading may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and may generate greater amounts of net short-term capital gains, which, for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts, would generally be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates upon distribution. During periods of market volatility, active trading may be more pronounced.
Bank Obligations: To the extent a fund invests in bank obligations, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting the banking industry. Banks are sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Banks are highly regulated. Decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, and may reduce bank profitability.
Cash Management and Defensive Investing: The value of investments held by a fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate. Like other fixed income securities, cash and cash equivalent securities are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If a fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash, it will not earn income on the cash and the fund’s yield will go down. If a significant amount of a fund’s assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective.
Conflicts of Interest: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”) and its affiliates are engaged in a variety of businesses and have interests other than those related to managing the funds. The broad range of activities and interests of TAM and its affiliates gives rise to actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest that could affect the funds and their shareholders. Certain actual and potential conflicts are described below. Other conflicts may arise from time to time.
TAM and the funds have adopted practices, policies and procedures that are intended to identify, manage and, where possible, mitigate conflicts of interest. There is no assurance, however, that these practices, policies and procedures will be effective.
TAM serves as investment manager to and is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day investment advice and management of certain funds of funds that invest in underlying Transamerica funds and is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among the underlying funds. For certain other funds of funds, TAM has hired a sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager and is subject to conflicts of interest in connection with the selection and allocation by the sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager of the fund of funds’ assets. TAM has designed certain funds of funds where only Transamerica funds are underlying investment options. This means that TAM or the fund of funds’ sub-adviser or portfolio construction managers, as applicable, does not, nor does it expect to, consider any unaffiliated funds as underlying investment options for the fund of funds. TAM
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and its affiliates will receive more revenue when TAM, a portfolio construction manager or sub-adviser selects a Transamerica fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in a fund of funds and could result in the selection of funds with relatively lower historical investment results. TAM has an incentive for the funds of funds’ assets to be allocated to those underlying funds for which the net management fees payable to TAM are higher than the fees payable by other underlying funds or to those underlying funds for which an affiliate of TAM serves as the sub-adviser. TAM also has an incentive for a fund of funds’ assets to be allocated to subscale underlying Transamerica funds to provide scale and reduce amounts waived and/or reimbursed by TAM to maintain applicable expense caps. Sub-advisers to certain funds of funds also have conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among underlying funds.
TAM may have a financial incentive to implement or not to implement certain changes to the funds. For example, TAM may, from time to time, recommend a change in sub-adviser or the combination of two or more funds. TAM and its affiliates will benefit to the extent that an affiliated sub-adviser replaces an unaffiliated sub-adviser or additional assets are combined into a fund having a higher net management fee payable to TAM and/or that is sub-advised by an affiliate of TAM. TAM will also benefit to the extent that it replaces a sub-adviser with a new sub-adviser with a lower sub-advisory fee. The aggregation of assets of multiple funds for purposes of calculating breakpoints or discounts in sub-advisory fees also gives rise to conflicts of interest for TAM.
TAM manages other funds and products that have investment objectives similar to or the same as those of the funds and/or engage in transactions in the same types of securities and instruments as the funds. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which a fund invests, and could have an adverse impact on the fund’s performance. These other accounts and products may buy or sell positions while the funds are undertaking the same or a differing, including potentially opposite, strategy, which could disadvantage the funds. A position taken by TAM, on behalf of one or more other funds or products, may be contrary to a position taken on behalf of a fund or may be adverse to a company or issuer in which the fund has invested. The results of the investment activities of a fund may differ significantly from the results achieved for other funds or products.
TAM and certain of its affiliates provide services including investment management, administration, sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds and earn fees from these relationships with the funds. TAM and its affiliates face conflicts of interest when the funds select affiliated service providers because TAM and/or its affiliates receive greater compensation when they are used.
TAM, its affiliates and other financial service providers have conflicts associated with their promotion of the funds or other dealings with the funds that would create incentives for them to promote the funds. TAM, its affiliates and/or the funds’ sub-advisers or their affiliates, make revenue sharing payments to brokers and other financial intermediaries to promote the distribution of the funds. TAM and its affiliates will benefit from increased amounts of assets under management. TAM or its affiliates also receive revenue sharing payments from certain of the funds’ sub-advisers or their affiliates.
TAM and/or its affiliates have existing and may have potential future other business dealings or arrangements with current or proposed sub-advisers or other fund service providers (or their affiliates) recommended by TAM. Such other business dealings or arrangements present conflicts of interest. For example, TAM has an incentive to hire as a sub-adviser or other service provider an entity with which TAM or one or more of its affiliates have, or would like to have, significant or other business dealings or arrangements, and TAM has a disincentive to recommend the termination of such a sub-adviser or service provider.
The performance of certain funds impacts the financial exposure of affiliates of TAM under guarantees that the Transamerica insurance companies provide as issuers of the variable insurance contracts. TAM and/or its affiliates derive certain ancillary benefits from providing investment management, administration, investment sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds.
The range of activities, services and interests of a sub-adviser may give rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest that could disadvantage a fund and its shareholders. For example, a sub-adviser’s or the portfolio construction manager’s portfolio managers may manage multiple funds and accounts for multiple clients which may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest. A sub-adviser, the portfolio construction manager and/or their respective affiliates also may derive ancillary benefits from providing investment sub-advisory services to a fund.
A further discussion of conflicts of interest appears in the SAI. These discussions are not, and are not intended to be, a complete enumeration or description of all the actual and potential conflicts that may arise.
Convertible Securities: Convertible securities share investment characteristics of both fixed income and equity securities. The value of these securities may vary more with fluctuations in the value of the underlying common stock than with fluctuations in interest rates. The value of convertible securities also may be less volatile than the underlying common stock. Since the convertible security derives its value from the underlying common stock, the security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. Convertible securities may include corporate notes or preferred stock, but ordinarily are a long-term debt obligation of the issuer convertible at a stated exchange rate into common stock of the issuer. Convertible securities
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generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. Convertible securities are normally “junior” securities, meaning that the issuers usually must first make payments on non-convertible securities before making payments on convertible securities. If the issuer of a convertible security stops making payments, these securities may become worthless.
Counterparty: A fund will be subject to the risk that the counterparties to derivatives, repurchase agreements and other financial contracts entered into by the fund or held by special purpose or structured vehicles will not fulfill their contractual obligations. Adverse changes to counterparties may cause the value of financial contracts to go down. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations, the value of your investment in the fund may decline. In addition, the fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against a counterparty.
Credit: The value of your investment in a fund could decline if the issuer of a security held by the fund or another obligor for that security (such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) fails to pay, otherwise defaults, is perceived to be less creditworthy, becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy. The value of your investment in a fund could also decline if the credit rating of a security held by the fund is downgraded or the credit quality or value of any assets underlying the security declines. A decline may be significant, particularly in certain market environments. If a single entity provides credit enhancement to more than one of the fund’s investments, the adverse effects resulting from the downgrade or default will increase the adverse effects on a fund. If a fund enters into financial contracts (such as certain derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions), the fund will be subject to the credit risk presented by the counterparty. In addition, a fund may incur expenses and may be hindered or delayed in an effort to protect the fund’s interests or to enforce its rights. The degree of credit risk of a security or financial contract depends upon, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the security or contract. Credit risk may be broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which a fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. Credit rating may also be influenced by conflicts of interest. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade (Baa/BBB or Baa-/BBB-) may possess certain speculative characteristics.
A fund is subject to greater amounts of credit risk to the extent it invests in below investment grade debt securities (that is, securities rated below the Baa/BBB categories or unrated securities of comparable quality), or “junk” bonds. These securities have a higher risk of issuer default because, among other reasons, issuers of junk bonds often have more debt in relation to total capitalization than issuers of investment grade securities. Junk bonds are considered speculative, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher rated securities and may involve significant risk of exposure to adverse conditions and negative sentiments. These securities may be in danger of default as to principal and interest. Unrated securities of comparable quality share these risks.
A fund may invest in securities which are subordinated to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated securities. A fund is more likely to suffer a credit loss on subordinated securities than on non-subordinated securities of the same issuer. If there is a default, bankruptcy or liquidation of the issuer, most subordinated securities are paid only if sufficient assets remain after payment of the issuer's non-subordinated securities. In addition, any recovery of interest or principal may take more time. As a result, even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer is likely to have a greater impact on subordinated securities.
Currency: The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be impacted by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could reduce or eliminate investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets, and currency risk may be particularly high to the extent the fund invests in foreign securities or currencies that are economically tied to emerging market or frontier market countries. A fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Currency Hedging: A fund may use currency futures, forwards or options to hedge against declines in the value of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency fluctuation on purchases and sales of such securities. Hedging strategies and/or these instruments may not always work as intended, and a fund may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging strategy or instrument. Shifting a fund's currency exposure from one currency to another may remove a fund's opportunity to profit from the original currency and involves a risk of increased losses for a fund if the sub-adviser’s projection of future exchange rates is inaccurate.
Cybersecurity and Operations: A fund, and its service providers and distribution platforms, and your ability to transact with a fund, may be negatively impacted by, among other things, human error, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, shareholder data (including private shareholder information), and/or proprietary information, or cause a fund, TAM, a sub-adviser and/or its service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident or operational issue may disrupt the processing of
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shareholder transactions, impact a fund's ability to calculate its net asset values, and prevent shareholders from redeeming their shares. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of those securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents or operational issues.
Depositary Receipts: Depositary receipts are generally subject to the same risks that the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted are, and they may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives: Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to a fund, even when used for hedging purposes. Using derivatives exposes a fund to additional or heightened risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Their usage can increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices or volatility, interest rates or currencies, or the derivatives themselves, behave in a way not anticipated by a fund, especially in abnormal market conditions. Using derivatives may have a leveraging effect, which may increase investment losses and may increase fund volatility, which is the degree to which the fund’s share price may fluctuate within a short time period. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on a fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. This risk is greater for forward currency contracts, swaps and other over-the-counter traded derivatives. The other parties to derivatives transactions present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed-income securities. Derivatives also tend to involve greater liquidity risk and they may be difficult to value. A fund may be unable to terminate or sell its derivative positions. In fact, many over-the-counter derivatives will not have liquidity except through the counterparty to the instrument. Derivatives are subject to additional risks such as operational risk (such as documentation issues and settlement issues) and legal risk (such as insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, or issues with the legality or enforceability of a contract). Derivatives are also generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative, including market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, management and valuation risk. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more than, or otherwise not correlate well with, the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. A fund’s use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. The U.S. government and foreign governments are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing and on-facility execution of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance, or disrupt markets. For derivatives that are required to be cleared by a regulated clearinghouse, a fund may be exposed to risks arising from its relationship with a brokerage firm through which it would submit derivatives trades for clearing. A fund would also be exposed to counterparty risk with respect to the clearinghouse. In certain cases, a fund may incur costs and may be hindered or delayed in enforcing its rights against or closing out derivatives instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses.
Derivatives may be used by a fund for a variety of purposes, including:
As a hedging technique in an attempt to manage risk in the fund's portfolio
As a means of changing investment characteristics of the fund's portfolio
As a means of attempting to enhance returns
As a means of providing additional exposure to types of investments or market factors
As a substitute for buying or selling securities
As a cash flow management technique
Using derivatives, especially for non-hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to a fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated by the fund. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may have different tax consequences for a fund than an investment in the underlying asset or indices, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
When a fund enters into derivative transactions, it may be required to segregate assets, or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations. Such segregation will not limit the fund’s exposure to loss, however, and the fund will have investment risk with respect to both the derivative itself and the assets that have been segregated to cover the fund’s derivative exposure. If the segregated assets represent a large portion of the fund’s portfolio, this may impede portfolio management or the fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
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Some derivatives may be difficult to value, or may be subject to the risk that changes in the value of the instrument may not correlate well with the underlying asset, rate or index. In addition, derivatives may be subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. A fund could lose the entire amount of its investment in a derivative and, in some cases, could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative instruments may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices. A fund’s sub-adviser may not make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons.
Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that an increased portion of a fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
The SEC has proposed a new rule that would change the regulation of the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as the fund. If the proposed rule takes effect, it could limit the ability of a fund to invest in derivatives.
Derivatives may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Options. An option is an agreement that, for a premium payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not the obligation to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified price (the exercise price) during a period of time or on a specified date. Investments in options are considered speculative. The fund may lose the premium paid for them if the price of the underlying security or other asset decreased or remained the same (in the case of a call option) or increased or remained the same (in the case of a put option). If a put or call option purchased by the fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the fund. Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change a fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the fund if currencies do not perform as a sub-adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions could reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency moves in the direction opposite to the position taken. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors which influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to a fund and poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges. Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing a fund's investment objective, such as when a sub-adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to a fund's holdings, further increases the fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that a sub-adviser’s use of currency derivatives will benefit a fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.
Forwards and Futures Contracts. The use of futures contracts is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. A futures contract is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the “long” position) and a seller (holding the “short” position) for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into off-setting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. In addition, futures exchanges often impose a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract for each trading session. The fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Moreover, to the extent the fund engages in futures contracts on foreign exchanges, such exchanges may not provide the same protection as US exchanges. The loss that may be incurred in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the fund's NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the fund. Investment in these instruments involve risks, including counterparty risk (i.e., the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (i.e., a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains, which may lead to losses within the fund) and pricing risk (i.e., the instrument may be difficult to value).
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts. In connection with its investments in foreign securities, a fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, a fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies. Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change a fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could
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  result in losses to the fund if currencies do not perform as its sub-adviser expects. A sub-adviser’s success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the applicable fund's investment objectives, such as when the sub-adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to a fund's holdings, further increases the fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that a sub-adviser’s use of currency derivatives will benefit a fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.
Swaps. Swap contracts, including credit default swaps, involve heightened risks and may result in losses to the fund. Swaps may in some cases be illiquid and difficult to value, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the swap. If the fund buys a credit default swap, it will be subject to the risk that the credit default swap may expire worthless, as the credit default swap would only generate income in the event of a default on the underlying debt security or other specified event. As a buyer, the fund would also be subject to credit risk relating to the seller's payment of its obligations in the event of a default (or similar event). If the fund sells a credit default swap, it will be exposed to the credit risk of the issuer of the obligation to which the credit default swap relates. As a seller, the fund would also be subject to leverage risk, because it would be liable for the full notional amount of the swap in the event of default (or similar event). Swaps may be difficult to unwind or terminate. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to the issuer of the referenced obligation and either their counterparty to the credit default swap or, if it is a cleared transaction, the brokerage firm through which the trade was cleared and the clearing organization that is the counterparty to that trade. Certain index-based credit default swaps are structured in tranches, whereby junior tranches assume greater default risk than senior tranches. The absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions may lead, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. New regulations require many kinds of swaps to be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. Although this clearing mechanism is generally expected to reduce counterparty credit risk, it may disrupt or limit the swap market and may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value. As swaps become more standardized, the fund may not be able to enter into swaps that meet its investment needs. The fund also may not be able to find a clearinghouse willing to accept the swaps for clearing. In a cleared swap, a central clearing organization will be the counterparty to the transaction. The fund will assume the risk that the clearinghouse may be unable to perform its obligations. The new regulations may make using swaps more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Contracts for Difference. Contracts for differences (“CFDs”) are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of CFDs is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. To the extent that there is an imperfect correlation between the return on the fund's obligation to its counterparty under the CFD and the return on related assets in its portfolio, the CFD transaction may increase the fund's financial risk. CFDs, like many other derivative instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require the fund to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which the fund is liable. CFDs are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation.
Distressed or Defaulted Securities: Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers, including securities that are, or may be, involved in reorganizations or other financial restructurings, either out of court or in bankruptcy, involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities, and are considered speculative. A fund may suffer significant losses if a reorganization or restructuring is not completed as anticipated. A fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers is subject to significant uncertainties and a fund could lose its entire investment. Distressed or defaulted securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.
Dollar Rolls: A dollar roll transaction involves a sale by a fund of a mortgage-backed or other security concurrently with an agreement by the fund to repurchase a similar security at a later date at an agreed-upon price. The securities that are repurchased will bear the same interest rate and stated maturity as those sold, but pools of mortgages collateralizing those securities may have different prepayment histories than those sold.
The use of dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money. Dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities a fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker/dealer to whom a fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the fund’s ability to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
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Emerging Markets: Investments in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets bear heightened foreign investments risks. Emerging market countries typically have economic and political systems that are less developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation, and may be based on only a few industries. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their money at will. Emerging market securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Some emerging market countries are especially vulnerable to economic conditions in other countries. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and extreme price volatility, which could make security valuations more difficult. Less certainty with respect to security valuations may lead to additional challenges and risks in calculating the fund’s net asset value. A fund investing in emerging market countries may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing, and the fund may experience problems or delays with the clearing and settling of trades that are not typically experienced in more developed markets. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Energy Sector: Certain risks inherent in investing in energy companies include the following:
Supply and Demand. A decrease in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, coal or other energy commodities, a decrease in the volume of such commodities available for transportation, mining, processing, storage or distribution or a sustained decline in demand for such commodities, may adversely impact the financial performance of energy companies. Energy companies are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events and economic conditions, among others. The United States relies heavily on foreign imports of energy such as crude oil and refined products. If a supply source decides to restrict supply to the United States or is unable to meet demand, some energy companies’ cash flows may be adversely impacted. The substantial market disruption and slowdown in economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impact the demand for oil and other energy commodities. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and other oil-producing countries have agreed to reduce production in response to the pandemic. An extended period of reduced production and continued price volatility may significantly lengthen the time the energy sector would need to recover after a stabilization of prices.
Depletion and Exploration. Energy reserves naturally deplete as they are consumed over time. Energy companies that are either engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, or coal, or are engaged in transporting, storing, distributing and processing these items and refined products on behalf of the owners of such commodities. To maintain or grow their revenues, these companies or their customers need to maintain or expand their reserves through exploration of new sources of supply, through the development of existing sources or through acquisitions. The financial performance of energy companies may be adversely affected if they, or the companies to whom they provide services, are unable to cost-effectively acquire additional energy deposits sufficient to replace the natural decline of existing reserves. Also, the quantities of reserves may be overstated, or deposits may not be produced in the time periods anticipated. If an energy company is not able to raise capital on favorable terms, it may not be able to add to or maintain its reserves.
Reserve. Energy companies engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and other energy commodities are subject to the risk that the quantities of their reserves are overstated, or will not be produced in the time periods anticipated, for a variety of reasons including the risk that no commercially productive amounts of such energy commodities can be produced from estimated reserves because of the curtailment, delay or cancellation of production activities as a result of unexpected conditions or miscalculations, title problems, pressure or irregularities in formations, equipment failures or accidents, adverse weather conditions, compliance with environmental and other governmental requirements and cost of, or shortages or delays in the availability of, drilling rigs and other equipment, and operational risks and hazards associated with the development of the underlying properties, including natural disasters, blowouts, explosions, fires, leakage of such energy commodities, mechanical failures, cratering and pollution.
Regulatory. Energy companies are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including (i) how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, (ii) how and where wells are drilled, (iii) how services are provided, (iv) environmental and safety controls, and, in some cases (v) the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies. In particular, changes to laws and increased regulations or enforcement policies as a result of the Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies.
Commodity Pricing. The operations and financial performance of energy companies may be directly affected by energy commodity prices, especially those energy companies which own the underlying energy commodity or receive payments for services that are based on commodity prices. Such impact may be a result of changes in the price for such commodity or a result of changes in the price of one energy commodity relative to the price of another energy commodity (i.e., the price of natural gas relative to the price of natural gas liquids). These prices may fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, including global
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  and domestic economic conditions, weather conditions, the supply and price of imported energy commodities, the production and storage levels of energy commodities in certain regions or in the world, political stability, transportation facilities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation and the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for energy companies to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.
Acquisition. The ability of energy companies to grow operating cash flow and increase such company’s enterprise value can be highly dependent on their ability to make acquisitions that result in an increase in cash available for distributions. Recently, the acquisition market has become more competitive as a result of the increased amount of energy companies, as well as significant private equity interest in midstream energy assets. As a result, the competitive nature of the market has resulted in higher multiples, which may reduce the attractiveness of returns on acquisitions. Accordingly, MLP Entities may be unable to make accretive acquisitions because they are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates, negotiate acceptable purchase contracts, raise financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, or because they are outbid by competitors. Such circumstances may limit future growth and their ability to raise distributions could be reduced. Furthermore, even if energy companies do consummate acquisitions that they believe will be accretive, the acquisitions may instead result in a decrease in operating cash flow or a decrease in enterprise value. Any acquisition involves risks, including, among other things: mistaken assumptions about revenues and costs, including synergies; the assumption of unknown liabilities; limitations on rights to indemnity from the seller; the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; unforeseen difficulties operating in new product or geographic areas; and customer or key employee losses at the acquired businesses. The substantial market disruption and slowdown in economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may limit the ability of energy companies to make acquisitions.
Affiliated Party. Certain energy companies are dependent on their parents or sponsors for a majority of their revenues. Any failure by such company’s parents or sponsors to satisfy their payments or obligations would impact such company’s revenues and operating cash flows and ability to make interest payments and/or distributions.
Catastrophe. The operations of energy companies are subject to many hazards inherent in the exploring, developing, producing, generating, transporting, transmission, storing, gathering, processing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or electricity, including: damage to pipelines, storage tanks, plants or related equipment and surrounding properties caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent damage from construction and farm equipment; well blowouts; leaks of such energy commodities; fires and explosions. These hazards could result in substantial losses, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, and pollution or other environmental damage and may result in the curtailment or suspension of their related operations. Energy companies may not be insured against all risks inherent to their businesses. If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully insured, it could adversely affect the energy company’s operations and financial condition.
Terrorism/Market Disruption. Events in the Middle East and elsewhere could have significant adverse effects on the U.S. economy, financial and commodities markets. Energy assets could be direct targets, or indirect casualties, of an act of terror. The U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically the United States’ pipeline infrastructure, may be the future target of terrorist organizations.
Weather. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, (i) could result in substantial damage to the facilities of certain energy companies located in the affected areas, (ii) significantly increase the volatility in the supply of energy commodities and (iii) adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies, and could therefore adversely affect their securities. The damage done by extreme weather also may serve to increase many insurance premiums paid by energy companies and could adversely affect such companies’ financial condition.
Renewable Energy. Renewable energy infrastructure companies’ future growth may be highly dependent upon on government policies that support renewable power generation and enhance the economic viability of owning renewable electric generation assets. Such policies can include tax credits, accelerated cost-recovery systems of depreciation and renewable portfolio standard programs, which mandate that a specified percentage of electricity sales come from eligible sources of renewable energy. Furthermore, a portion of revenues from investments in renewable energy infrastructure assets is tied, either directly or indirectly, to the wholesale market price for electricity in the markets served. Wholesale market electricity prices are impacted by a number of factors including: the price of fuel (for example, natural gas) that is used to generate electricity; the cost of and management of generation and the amount of excess generating capacity relative to load in a particular market; and conditions (such as extremely hot or cold weather) that impact electrical system demand. In addition, there is uncertainty surrounding the trend in electricity demand growth, which is influenced by macroeconomic conditions; absolute and relative energy prices; and energy conservation and demand management. This volatility and uncertainty in power markets could have a material adverse effect on the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow of the companies in which a fund invests.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Investing: Applying ESG criteria to a sub-adviser’s investment analysis for a fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, applicable funds may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. Securities of companies with what are identified by a sub-adviser as having favorable ESG characteristics may shift into and out of favor depending on market
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and economic conditions, and a fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not use ESG criteria or that apply different ESG criteria. ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying ESG criteria involves a subjective assessment. ESG ratings and assessments of issuers can vary across third party data providers.
Equity Securities: Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company’s capital structure and, consequently, may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks. Stock markets are volatile. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition factors affecting a particular industry or industries, and overall market and economic conditions. Because a company’s equity securities rank junior in priority to the interests of bond holders and other creditors, a company’s equity securities will usually react more strongly than its bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by a fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. If a fund holds equity securities in a company that becomes insolvent, the fund’s interests in the company will rank junior in priority to the interests of debtholders and general creditors of the company, and the fund may lose its entire investment in the company.
Expenses: Your actual costs of investing in a fund may be higher than the expenses shown in this prospectus for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease, or if a fee limitation is changed or terminated, or with respect to a newly offered fund or class, if average net assets are lower than estimated. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Extension: When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause a fund’s share price to be more volatile or go down.
Fixed-Income Securities: Fixed-income securities are subject to risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk, prepayment or risk, extension risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of fixed-income securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In addition, the value of a fixed income security may decline if the issuer or other obligor of the security fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. If the value of fixed-income securities owned by a fund falls, the value of your investment will go down. The prices of fixed-income securities will generally go down when interest rates rise. Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed-income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities.
If interest rates rise, repayments of fixed-income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market. This may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and they remain outstanding longer. This is sometimes referred to as extension risk.
Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, a fund will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. This is sometimes referred to as prepayment or call risk.
Floating Rate Loans: Floating rate loans are often made to borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or highly leveraged. These loans frequently are rated below investment grade and are therefore subject to “High-Yield Debt Securities” risk. There is no public market for floating rate loans and the loans may trade infrequently and be subject to wide bid/ask spreads. Many floating rate loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans may have trade settlement periods in excess of seven days, which may result in a fund not receiving proceeds from the sale of a loan for an extended period. As a result, a fund may be subject to greater “Liquidity” risk than a fund that does not invest in floating rate loans and the fund may be constrained in its ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). The lack of an active trading market may also make it more difficult to value floating rate loans. Rising interest rates can lead to increased default rates as payment obligations increase. Certain courts have determined that floating rate loans are not securities and, therefore, purchasers such as a fund may not be entitled to the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws, including the prohibitions on insider trading. Some floating rate loans may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and thus would be subject to LIBOR risk.
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Floating rate loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. However, in periods of high demand by lenders like a fund for floating rate loan investments, borrowers may limit these covenants and weaken a lender’s ability to access collateral securing the loan; reprice the credit risk associated with the borrower; and mitigate potential loss. A fund may experience greater losses or delays and expenses in enforcing its rights with respect to floating rate loans with fewer restrictive covenants.
Focused Investing: To the extent a fund invests in a limited number of countries, regions, sectors, industries or market segments, in a limited number of issuers, or in issuers in related businesses or that are subject to related operating risks, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries, regions, sectors, industries, segments or issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than if it invested more widely. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including through weather events and through regulation or business trends driven by climate change. Local events, such as political upheaval, social unrest, wars and terror attacks, financial troubles, pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters may disrupt a country’s or region’s securities markets. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging and frontier markets.
Foreign Investments: Investments in securities of foreign issuers (including those denominated in U.S. dollars) or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets are subject to additional risks. Foreign markets can be less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of a fund's foreign investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuers as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, tariffs and trade disruptions, political or financial instability, social unrest or other adverse economic or political developments. Values may also be affected by restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country.
Less information may be publicly available about foreign companies than about U.S. companies. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies. Some securities issued by non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of such governments. Even where a security is backed by the full faith and credit of a government, it may be difficult or impossible for the fund to pursue its rights against the government. Some non-U.S. governments have defaulted on principal and interest payments. In certain foreign markets, settlement and clearance procedures may result in delays in payment for or delivery of securities not typically associated with settlement and clearance of U.S. investments. In addition, a fund's investments in foreign securities may be subject to the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls or restrictions on the repatriation of foreign currency, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability and adverse diplomatic developments. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale or disposition of, foreign securities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, and special U.S. tax considerations may apply.
Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Economic sanctions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate a fund's ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities for a substantial period of time, and may make the fund's investments in such securities harder to value. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, may adversely affect a fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by unfavorable governmental actions such as the imposition of capital and price controls, nationalization of companies or industries, currency blockage, expropriation of assets, or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of a fund's investments. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair the fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer a fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by a fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When a fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.
Investment in securities of foreign issuers may also be subject to foreign custody risk which refers to the risks inherent in the process of clearing and settling trades and to the holding of securities, cash and other assets by banks, agents and depositories in securities markets outside the United States. Low trading volumes and volatile prices in less developed markets make trades harder to complete and settle, and governments or trade groups may compel non-U.S. agents to hold securities in designated depositories that may not be subject to independent evaluation. The laws of certain countries may place limitations on the ability to recover assets if a non-U.S. bank, agent or depository becomes insolvent or enters bankruptcy. Non-U.S. agents are held only to the standards of care of their local markets, and thus may be subject to limited or no government oversight. In general, the less developed a country’s securities markets are, or the more difficult communication is with that location, the greater the likelihood of custody problems.
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American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) are generally subject to all of the risks that direct investments in foreign securities are.
Hedging: A fund may buy and sell futures contracts, put and call options, forward contracts, and other instruments as a hedge. Some hedging strategies could hedge a fund’s portfolio against price fluctuations. Other hedging strategies would tend to increase a fund’s exposure to the securities market. Forward contracts could be used to try to manage foreign currency risks on a fund’s foreign investments. A fund’s hedging strategies may not work as intended, and the fund may be in a less favorable position than if it had not used a hedging instrument.
High-Yield Debt Securities: High-yield debt securities, commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are securities that are rated below “investment grade” (that is, securities rated below Baa/BBB) or, if unrated, are determined to be below investment grade by the sub-adviser. High-yield debt securities have a higher risk of issuer default because, among other reasons, issuers of junk bonds often have more debt in relation to total capitalization than issuers of investment grade securities. These securities are considered speculative, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher rated securities and may involve major risk of exposure to adverse conditions and negative sentiments, which may result in losses for the fund. These securities may be in default or in danger of default as to principal and interest. High-yield debt securities range from those for which the prospect for repayment of principal and interest is predominantly speculative to those which are currently in default on principal or interest payments or in bankruptcy. In the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of high-yield debt holders, leaving few or no assets available to repay high-yield debt holders. A fund with high-yield debt securities may be more susceptible to credit risk and market risk than a fund that invests only in higher quality debt securities because these lower-rated debt securities are less secure financially and more sensitive to downturns in the economy. High-yield securities are not generally meant for short-term investing. Unrated securities of comparable quality share these risks.
Hybrid Instruments: Hybrid instruments combine elements of derivative contracts with those of another security (typically a fixed-income security). All or a portion of the interest or principal payable on a hybrid security is determined by reference to changes in the price of an underlying asset or by reference to another benchmark (such as interest rates, currency exchange rates or indices). Hybrid instruments also include convertible securities with conversion terms related to an underlying asset or benchmark. Investing in hybrid instruments involves a combination of risks, including risks of investing in securities, commodities, options, futures, and currencies. Thus, an investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional fixed-income or convertible securities. Hybrid instruments are also potentially more volatile and may carry greater interest rate risks than traditional instruments. Moreover, depending on the structure of the particular hybrid, it may expose a fund to leverage risks or carry liquidity risks.
Inflation-Protected Securities: Inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. The market for U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”) and corporate inflation-protected securities (“CIPS”) may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets. Also, the inflation index utilized by a particular inflation-protected security may not accurately reflect the true rate of inflation, in which case the market value of the security could be adversely affected.
Interest Rate: Interest rates in the U.S. and certain foreign markets have been low relative to historic levels. A fund faces a risk that interest rates may rise. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities will generally fall. A change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed-income securities. Generally, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater the impact of a rise in interest rates on the security’s value. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and foreign interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction. A significant or rapid rise in rates may result in losses. Changes in interest rates may affect the liquidity and value of a fund investments. When interest rates go down, the income received by a fund, and the fund’s yield, may decline. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. The maturity of a security may be significantly longer than its duration. A security’s maturity and other features may be more relevant than its duration in determining the security’s sensitivity to other factors affecting the issuer or markets generally such as changes in credit quality or in the yield premium that the market may establish for certain types of securities.
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Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed-income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Similarly, a fund with a longer average portfolio duration will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with an average duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point.
Certain fixed-income securities pay interest at variable or floating rates. Variable rate securities tend to reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities may reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the impact of changes in market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that may produce a leveraging effect; others may also provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. If the fund holds variable or floating rate securities, a decrease in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the net asset value of the fund’s shares. Some variable and floating rate securities are tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and thus they also subject the fund to “LIBOR” risk.
Inflation protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities and tend to react to changes in “real” interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation protected debt security can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation protected debt securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation.
Investments by Affiliated Funds and Unaffiliated Funds: Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon, Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon and Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon, each separate series of Transamerica Funds, as well as Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Conservative VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Growth VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth VP, Transamerica JPMorgan Asset Allocation – Moderate VP, Transamerica BlackRock Tactical Allocation VP and Transamerica JPMorgan International Moderate Growth VP, each separate series of Transamerica Series Trust, are asset allocation funds (the “Asset Allocation Funds”) that invest in certain series of Transamerica Funds and may own a significant portion of the shares of an underlying fund.
Unaffiliated funds (the “Unaffiliated Funds”) may invest in series of Transamerica Funds subject to the fund of funds restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Unaffiliated Funds with exemptive relief from the SEC may invest in an underlying fund beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions. An Unaffiliated Fund may own a significant portion of the shares of an underlying fund.
Transactions by the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds may be disruptive to the management of an underlying fund. An underlying fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in fund shares by the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on an underlying fund's performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, an underlying fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase an underlying fund's brokerage and/or other transaction costs. In addition, when the Asset Allocation Funds and/or the Unaffiliated Funds own a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares, a large redemption by an Asset Allocation Fund and/or an Unaffiliated Fund could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying fund's expense ratio.
Redemptions of underlying fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in an underlying fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when an Asset Allocation Fund and/or an Unaffiliated Fund purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares.
When possible, TAM, the sub-adviser and/or the portfolio construction manager will consider how to minimize these potential adverse effects, and may take such actions as it deems appropriate to address potential adverse effects, including carrying out the transactions over a period of time, although there can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.
Legal and Regulatory: Legal and regulatory changes could occur that may adversely affect a fund, its investments, and its ability to pursue its investment strategies and/or increase the costs of implementing such strategies. New or revised laws or regulations may be imposed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Federal Reserve or other governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations that could adversely affect a fund. A fund also may be adversely affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and rules by governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations.
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Leveraging: The value of your investment may be more volatile to the extent a fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Other risks also will be compounded because leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than a fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. A fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation or coverage requirements. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice that may result in the loss of a substantial amount, and possibly all, of a fund’s assets.
LIBOR: Many financial instruments, financings or other transactions to which the fund may be a party use or may use a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). LIBOR is widely used in financial markets. In July 2017, the United Kingdom’s financial regulatory body announced that after 2021 it will cease its active encouragement of banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR. That announcement suggests that LIBOR may cease to be published or utilized after that time. Various financial industry groups have begun planning for that transition, but the effect of the transition process and its ultimate success cannot yet be determined. The transition process may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments the terms of which are based on LIBOR. It could also lead to a reduction in the value of some LIBOR-based investments and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against existing LIBOR-based investments. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021. The willingness and ability of issuers to include enhanced provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments also remains uncertain. Any of these factors may adversely affect the fund’s performance or NAV.
Liquidity: A fund may make investments that are illiquid or that become illiquid after purchase. Investments may become illiquid due to the lack of an active market, a reduced number of traditional market participants, legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or reduced capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in securities. As a general matter, a reduction in the willingness or ability of dealers and other institutional investors to make markets in fixed income securities may result in even less liquidity in certain markets. Illiquid investments can be difficult to value. If a fund is forced to sell less liquid or illiquid investments to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss, and such sale may involve additional costs. In addition, securities, once sold by a fund, may not settle for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer). The fund will not receive its sales proceeds until that time, which may constrain the fund’s ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders). Liquidity of particular investments, or even an entire market segment, can deteriorate rapidly, particularly during times of market turmoil, and those investments may be difficult or impossible for a fund to sell. This may prevent a fund from limiting losses. Further, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain investments, a fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector or asset class. A fund is required by law to maintain a liquidity risk management program to assess and manage the fund’s liquidity risk. This program is intended to reduce liquidity risk, but may not achieve the desired results. Analyses and judgments made under the program may be incorrect, and changes in market conditions, which may be rapid and unexpected, may adversely affect the program.
Loans: Loans are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Economic downturns or increases in interest rates may cause an increase in defaults, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Loans may or may not be collateralized at the time of acquisition, and any collateral may be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, a fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan.
A fund may invest in certain commercial loans, including loans generally known as “syndicated bank loans,” by acquiring participations or assignments in such loans. The lack of a liquid secondary market for such securities may have an adverse impact on the value of the securities and a fund’s ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet redemptions of shares or to meet a fund’s liquidity needs. When purchasing a participation, a fund may be subject to the credit risks of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When purchasing a loan assignment, a fund acquires direct rights against the borrowers, but only to the extent of those held by the assigning lender. Investment in loans through a direct assignment from the financial institution’s interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to a fund.
Junior loans, which have a lower place in the borrower's capital structure than senior loans and may be unsecured, involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower. Second lien loans are secured by the assets of the issuer. In a typical structure, the claim on collateral and right of payment of second lien loans are junior to those of first-lien loans. Subordinated bridge loans are loans that are intended to provide short-term financing to provide a “bridge” to an asset sale, bond offering, stock offering, or divestiture. Generally, bridge loans are provided by arrangers as part of an overall financing package. Typically, the issuer will agree to increasing interest rates if the loan is not repaid as expected. A subordinated bridge loan is junior to a senior bridge loan in right of payment.
There may be no active trading market for loans. Loans may have settlement periods in excess of seven days. Failure to receive sales proceeds on a timely basis may constrain a fund’s ability to meet its obligations (including obligations to redeeming shareholders).
Certain courts have determined that loans are not securities and, therefore, purchasers such as a fund may not be entitled to the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws, including the prohibitions on insider trading.
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Loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. However, in periods of high demand by lenders like a fund for loan investments, borrowers may limit these covenants and weaken a lender’s ability to access collateral securing the loan; reprice the credit risk associated with the borrower; and mitigate potential loss. A fund may experience greater losses or delays and expenses in enforcing its rights with respect to loans with fewer restrictive covenants.
Management: The value of your investment in a fund may go down if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgments and decisions are incorrect or otherwise do not produce the desired results. The value of your investment in a fund may decrease if its investment manager’s or sub-adviser's judgment about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, is incorrect. A fund may also suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by its investment manager or sub-adviser, if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results or otherwise do not work as intended, or if the investment manager’s or sub-adviser’s investment style is out of favor or otherwise fails to produce the desired results. A fund’s investment strategies may not work as intended or otherwise fail to produce the desired results. In addition, a fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the investment manager or sub-adviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund. Any of these things could cause a fund to lose value or its results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Market: The market prices of a fund’s securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as overall economic trends or events, government actions or interventions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political factors or adverse investor sentiment. The market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors, industries or issuers. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. If the value of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment will go down. A fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
In the past decade, financial markets throughout the world have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. Governmental and non-governmental issuers defaulted on, or were forced to restructure, their debts. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread.
The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks took steps to support financial markets during the last decade following the financial crisis that began in 2007, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels and by purchasing large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (“quantitative easing”). Similar steps were taken again in 2020 in an effort to support the coronavirus pandemic. This and other government interventions may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Future policy changes by the Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank support, including interest rate increases or reducing quantitative easing, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which a fund invests.
Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, a fund’s exposure to the risks described elsewhere in this prospectus will likely increase. As a result, whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Europe. A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in conflicts and social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, in 2016, voters in the United Kingdom approved withdrawal from the European Union. This resulted in significant political and economic uncertainty, and the outcome and ramifications may not be known for some time. Given the size and importance of the United Kingdom’s economy, uncertainty about its legal, political, and economic relationship with the remaining member states of the
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European Union may continue to be a source of instability. Moreover, other countries may seek to withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. The Ukraine has experienced ongoing military conflict; this conflict may expand and military conflicts could potentially occur elsewhere in Europe. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geopolitical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. Whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the fund's investments.
Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities: The value of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities will be influenced by factors affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset values, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid, which could negatively impact the fund’s net asset value. Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private issuers, by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae (formally known as Federal National Mortgage Association) or Freddie Mac (formally known as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) or by agencies of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”). Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Unlike mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government or government-sponsored entities, mortgage-related securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. Certain asset-backed securities present a heightened level of risk because, in the event of default, the liquidation value of the underlying assets may be inadequate to pay any unpaid principal or interest.
The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets. The risk of default is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include so-called “sub-prime” mortgages. For mortgage-backed securities, when market conditions result in an increase in the default rates on the underlying mortgages and the foreclosure values of the underlying real estate are below the outstanding amount of the underlying mortgages, collection of the full amount of accrued interest and principal on these investments may be doubtful.
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment or call and extension risks. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less available information than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, a fund may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss.
Municipal Securities: Issuers of municipal securities tend to derive a significant portion of their revenue from taxes, particularly property and income taxes, and decreases in personal income levels and property values and other unfavorable economic factors, such as a general economic recession, adversely affect municipal securities. Municipal issuers may also be adversely affected by rising health care costs, increasing unfunded pension liabilities and by the phasing out of federal programs providing financial support. Where municipal securities are issued to finance particular projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation, housing, water or sewer and utilities, issuers often depend on revenues from those projects to make principal and interest payments. Adverse conditions and developments in those sectors can result in lower revenues to issuers of municipal securities and can also have an adverse effect on the broader municipal securities market. To the extent a fund invests significantly in a single state, or in securities the payments on which are dependent upon a single project or source of revenues, or that relate to a sector or industry, such as health care, the fund will be more susceptible to associated risks and developments. Municipal issuers may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. A number of municipal issuers have defaulted on obligations, commenced insolvency proceedings, or suffered credit downgrading. Financial difficulties of municipal issuers may continue to worsen.
There may be less public information available on municipal issuers or projects than other issuers, and valuing municipal securities may be more difficult. In addition, the secondary market for municipal securities is less well developed and liquid than other markets, and dealers may be less willing to offer and sell municipal securities in times of market turbulence. Changes in the financial condition of one or more individual municipal issuers (or one or more insurers of municipal issuers), or one or more defaults by municipal issuers or insurers, can adversely affect liquidity and valuations in the overall market for municipal securities. The value of municipal securities can also be adversely affected by regulatory and political developments affecting the ability of municipal issuers to pay interest or repay principal, actual or anticipated tax law changes or other legislative actions, and by uncertainties and public perceptions concerning these and other factors.
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The rate of interest paid on municipal securities normally is lower than the rate of interest paid on fully taxable securities. Some municipal securities, such as general obligation issues, are backed by the issuer’s taxing authority, while other municipal securities, such as revenue issues, are backed only by revenues from certain facilities or other sources and not by the issuer itself.
The municipal market can be susceptible to unusual volatility, particularly for lower-rated and unrated securities. Liquidity can be reduced unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.
To the extent that a fund invests in municipal securities whose issuers are located in a single state, such as California, the fund will be more susceptible to economic, political and other developments that may adversely affect issuers in that state than are funds whose portfolios are more geographically diverse. These developments may include state or local legislation or policy changes, voter-passed initiatives, erosion of the tax base or reduction in revenues of the state or one or more local governments, the effects of terrorist acts or the threat of terrorist acts, the effects of possible natural disasters, or other economic or credit problems affecting the state generally or any individual locality. The major sources of revenues for local government, property taxes and sales taxes, as well as fees based on real estate development, are all adversely affected by the recent economic recession. Unfavorable developments in any economic sector may adversely affect a particular state’s overall municipal market. Historically, California’s economy has been more volatile than that of the nation as a whole. Although California has a relatively diversified economy, California has concentrations in high technology, trade, entertainment, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, construction, government and services.
Investment in municipal securities of issuers in Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories, may have more risks than tax-exempt securities issued by other issuers. Like many U.S. states and municipalities, Puerto Rico experienced a significant downturn during the recent recession. Puerto Rico’s downturn was particularly severe, and it continues to face a very challenging economic and fiscal environment. As a result, securities issued by many Puerto Rican issuers have low credit ratings or are on “negative watch” by credit rating organizations, and markets in such securities have been volatile. If the economic situation in Puerto Rico persists or worsens, the volatility and credit quality of Puerto Rican municipal securities could be adversely affected, and the market for such securities may experience continued volatility. On June 28, 2015, the Governor of Puerto Rico indicated that the Commonwealth would be unable to fully pay its debt, which caused Puerto Rico municipal securities to drop in value. In early August 2015, Puerto Rico failed to pay certain debts. The Commonwealth undertook extraordinary measures to avoid an additional default on December 1, 2015. However, Puerto Rico defaulted on certain of its debt payments on January 4, 2016. If issuers of Puerto Rico municipal securities held by a fund default on their obligations, the fund may lose the value of those investments. In May 2017, Puerto Rico made a filing in the U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico to commence a debt restructuring process similar to that of a traditional municipal bankruptcy. The debt restructuring process commenced by Puerto Rico is under a new federal law for insolvent U.S. territories called Promesa. Puerto Rico’s case will be the first ever heard under Promesa for which there is no existing body of court precedent. Accordingly, Puerto Rico’s debt restructuring process could take significantly longer than recent municipal bankruptcy proceedings adjudicated pursuant to Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and it is not clear whether a debt restructuring process will ultimately be approved. To the extent a fund holds any Puerto Rico municipal securities, the fund may lose some or all of the value of those investments.
Natural Resource-Related Securities: Securities of companies involved with natural resources may be subject to significant price fluctuations, reflecting the volatility of energy and basic materials’ prices, possible instability of supply and changes in demand or inflation. In addition, some companies may be subject to the risks generally associated with extraction of natural resources and the risks of the hazards associated with natural resources.
New Fund: If a fund is newly-formed, investors in the fund bear the risk that the sub-adviser may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, or that the fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for shareholders. Such a liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and will cause shareholders to incur the expenses of liquidation.
Operational: Your ability to transact with a fund or the valuation of your investment may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology (including as a result of cybersecurity incidents), changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect a fund or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Preferred Stock: Preferred stock represents an interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of the company’s common stock, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from any liquidation of the company. Preferred stock’s right to dividends and liquidation proceeds is junior to the rights of a company’s debt securities. Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. The value of preferred stock may be subject to factors that affect fixed income and equity securities, including changes in interest rates and in a company’s creditworthiness. The value of preferred stock tends to vary more with fluctuations in the underlying common stock and less with fluctuations in interest rates and tends to exhibit greater volatility. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. Preferred stock does not generally carry voting rights.
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Prepayment or Call: Many fixed income securities give the issuer the option to repay or call the security prior to its maturity date. Issuers often exercise this right when interest rates fall. Accordingly, if a fund holds a fixed income security subject to prepayment or call risk, it will not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed income securities generally experience when interest rates fall. Upon prepayment of the security, a fund would also be forced to reinvest the proceeds at then current yields, which would be lower than the yield of the security that was paid off. This may adversely affect a fund’s net asset value. In addition, if a fund purchases a fixed income security at a premium (at a price that exceeds its stated par or principal value), the fund may lose the amount of the premium paid in the event of prepayment.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities: Restricted securities, which include private placements of private and public companies, are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to sell at the time and price a fund prefers. Restricted Securities include securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers initially offered and sold outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S. Restricted securities also include private placements of securities with agreed upon contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities that are in addition to applicable legal restrictions.
Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. Also, a fund may get only limited information about the issuer of a given restricted security, and therefore may be less able to predict a loss. Restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses.
An insufficient number of eligible buyers interested in purchasing restricted securities held by a fund could adversely affect the marketability of such securities and a fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. For this reason, restricted securities may adversely affect a fund’s overall liquidity if eligible buyers are or become uninterested in buying them at a particular time.
Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. A fund may not always be able to sell such securities without experiencing delays in finding buyers or reducing the sale price for such securities. A fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities, including all or a portion of the cost to register the securities for resale, and other transaction costs which may be higher for restricted securities than unrestricted securities.
Recent Events: The respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus has resulted in a global pandemic and major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some interest rates are very low and in some cases yields are negative. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the U.S., have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The impact of these measures, and whether they will be effective to mitigate the economic and market disruption, may not be known for some time. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, likewise may not be known for some time.
Redemption: A fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, particularly during periods of declining or illiquid markets. In that event, the value of your investment in the fund would go down. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that a fund has investors with large shareholdings, short investment horizons, or unpredictable cash flow needs. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of overall market turmoil. The redemption by one or more large shareholders of their holdings in a fund could hurt performance and/or cause the remaining shareholders in the fund to lose money. Further, a fund’s redemption risk is increased if one decision maker has control of fund shares owned by separate fund shareholders, including clients or affiliates of the investment manager and/or sub-adviser.
Regulatory: In recent years, the U.S. government adopted and implemented regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives as well as margin, reporting and registration requirements. Additional U.S. or other regulations may make derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the value or performance of derivatives. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act (the “Reform Act”) substantially increased regulation of the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives market and participants in that market, including imposing clearing and reporting requirements on transactions involving instruments that fall within the Reform Act’s definition of “swap” and “security-based swap,” which terms generally include OTC derivatives, and imposing registration and potential substantive requirements on certain swap and security-based swap market participants. In addition, under the Reform Act, a fund may be subject to additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Other future regulatory developments may also impact a fund’s ability to invest or remain invested in certain
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derivatives. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which a fund itself is regulated. The impact of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented on the ability of a fund to use swaps or any other financial derivative product is not known at this time, and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Repurchase Agreements: In a repurchase agreement, a fund purchases securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the fund at a later date, and at a specified price, which is typically higher than the purchase price paid by the fund. The securities purchased serve as the fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. If the counterparty does not repurchase the securities, the fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss. If the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.
Securities Lending: A fund may lend securities to other financial institutions that provide cash or U.S. government or agency securities as collateral. When a fund lends portfolio securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned, and the fund will also receive a fee or interest on the collateral. Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a fund may lose money and there may be a delay in recovering the loaned securities. A fund could also lose money if it does not recover the securities and/or the value of the cash or non-cash collateral falls, including the value of investments made with cash collateral. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for a fund.
Sovereign Debt: Sovereign debt instruments, which are debt obligations issued or guaranteed by a foreign governmental entity, are subject to the risk that the governmental entity may delay or fail to pay interest or repay principal on debt that it has issued or guaranteed, due, for example, to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, relationships with other lenders such as commercial banks, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies. If a governmental entity defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans, the debt may be restructured, or it may ask for forgiveness of interest or principal on its existing debt. Unlike most corporate debt restructurings, the fees and expenses of financial and legal advisers to the creditors in connection with a restructuring may be borne by the holders of the sovereign debt securities instead of the sovereign entity itself. On the other hand, a governmental entity may be unwilling to renegotiate the terms of its sovereign debt. There is no established legal process for a U.S. bondholder (such as a fund) to enforce its rights against a governmental entity that does not fulfill its obligations, nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected.
Certain countries in Europe currently have large sovereign debts and/or fiscal deficits which has led to significant uncertainties in the market as to whether or not the governments of those countries will be able pay in full and on time the amounts due in respect of those debts.
Strategies and Styles: Investment strategies and styles with different characteristics tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market and economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. A fund may outperform or underperform other funds that employ a different strategy or style. A fund may employ a combination of strategies and/or styles that impact its risk characteristics.
Structured Instruments: A fund may invest in, or have exposure to, various types of structured instruments, including securities that have demand, tender or put features, or interest rate reset features. These may include instruments issued by structured investment or special purpose vehicles or conduits, and may be asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. Structured instruments may take the form of participation interests or receipts in underlying securities or other assets, and in some cases are backed by a financial institution serving as a liquidity provider. Some of these instruments may have an interest rate swap feature which substitutes a floating or variable interest rate for the fixed interest rate on an underlying security, and some may be asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. Structured instruments are a type of derivative instrument and the payment and credit qualities of these instruments derive from the assets embedded in the structure from which they are issued. For structured securities that have embedded leverage features, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. Structured instruments may be less liquid and therefore more difficult to value accurately than more traditional securities and instruments. Structured instruments may behave in ways not anticipated by a fund, or they may not receive the tax, accounting or regulatory treatment anticipated by a fund.
Sustainability Investing: Applying a sustainability assessment framework to a sub-adviser’s investment analysis for a fund may impact the sub-adviser’s investment decisions as to securities of certain issuers and, therefore, the fund may forgo some investment opportunities available to funds that do not apply sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. Securities of companies meeting the sub-adviser’s sustainability criteria may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and a fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of similar funds that do not utilize sustainability investing principals or that apply different sustainability criteria. The sub-adviser monitors the fund’s holdings
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based on the latest publicly available information. Any delay in obtaining public information regarding a fund’s holdings could result in the fund holding an investment that no longer meets the fund’s sustainability investing principals. “Sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic and applying sustainability criteria involves subjective assessment.
Tax: In order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), a fund must meet certain requirements regarding the composition of its income, the diversification of its assets, and the amounts of its distributions. In particular, a fund must generally diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the fund’s total assets is represented by (1) cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and (2) 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 fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. If a fund were to fail to meet any of these requirements, the fund might not be eligible for treatment as a RIC, in which case it would be subject to federal income tax on its net income at the corporate rate (without reduction for distributions to shareholders). The fund may be able to preserve its RIC qualification by meeting certain conditions, in which case it may be subject to certain additional taxes.
Any income a fund derives from investments in certain hard asset ETFs, such as certain commodity ETFs, and from other non-qualifying sources must be limited to a maximum of 10% of the fund’s gross income. If a fund fails to meet the 10% requirement, the fund may be subject to the federal income tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph. A fund may invest no more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of entities treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. If a fund fails to meet the 25% requirement, the fund may be subject to the federal income tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph.
An MLP is an entity treated as a partnership under the Internal Revenue Code, the partnership interests of which are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. To qualify as an MLP, an entity must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as interest, dividends, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. For this purpose, mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines) of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or industrial source carbon dioxide. If it does not so qualify, it will generally be subject to tax as a corporation.

Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to a fund from investments in MLPs in a given year will generally reduce the fund’s taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in the fund’s income in one or more subsequent years. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though those shareholders might not have held shares in the fund at the time the deductions were taken by the fund, and even though those shareholders may not have corresponding economic gain on their shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, a fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional recapture income.
To Be Announced (TBA) Transactions: Although the securities that are delivered in TBA transactions must meet certain standards, there is a risk that the actual securities received by a fund may be less favorable than what was anticipated when entering into the transaction. TBA transactions also involve the risk that a counterparty will fail to deliver the security, exposing a fund to further losses. Whether or not a fund takes delivery of the securities at the termination date of a TBA transaction, it will nonetheless be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations: Government agency obligations have different levels of credit support and, therefore, different degrees of credit risk. Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as the Federal Housing Administration and Ginnie Mae, present little credit risk. Other securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, subject to certain limitations, such as securities issued by Federal Home Loan Banks and securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities sponsored by the U.S. government that are supported only by the credit of the issuing agencies, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, are subject to a greater degree of credit risk. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price.
Valuation: Many factors may influence the price at which a fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ — higher or lower — from a fund's last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities, securities priced based upon valuations provided by third-party pricing services that use matrix or evaluated pricing systems, and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, a fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value methodologies. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when a fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or greater or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities
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and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before a fund determines its net asset value. A fund’s ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers.
Warrants and Rights: Warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments because they do not entitle a holder to the dividends or voting rights for the securities that may be purchased, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. Also, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. If the warrant or right is not exercised before the expiration date, it generally expires without any value and the fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant or right.
Yield: The amount of income received by the fund will go up or down depending on day-to-day variations in short-term interest rates, and the fund’s expenses could absorb all or a significant portion of the fund’s income. If interest rates increase, the fund’s yield may not increase proportionately.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment in a fund and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the SAI. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Shareholder Information
    
Management of Transamerica Funds
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the management and business affairs of Transamerica Funds. It oversees the operation of Transamerica Funds by its officers. It also reviews the management of each fund’s assets by the investment manager and sub-advisers. Information about the Trustees and executive officers of Transamerica Funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Investment Manager
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM” ), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, serves as investment manager for Transamerica Funds. TAM provides continuous and regular investment management services to the funds. For each of the funds, TAM currently acts as a “manager of managers” and hires investment sub-advisers to furnish investment advice and recommendations and has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with each fund’s sub-adviser. In acting as a manager of managers, TAM provides investment management services that include, without limitation, selection, proactive oversight and monitoring of sub-advisers, daily monitoring of the sub-adviser’s buying and selling of securities for the funds and regular review and evaluation of sub-adviser performance and adherence to investment style and process. TAM’s management services include, among other things, the provision of supervisory, compliance and administrative services to each fund. More information on the investment management services rendered by TAM is included in the SAI. TAM is paid investment management fees for its service as investment manager to each fund. These fees are calculated on the average daily net assets of each fund.
TAM has been a registered investment adviser since 1996. As of December 31, 2019, TAM has approximately $80.5 billion in total assets under management. The funds are operated by TAM pursuant to an exclusion from registration as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
TAM is directly owned by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company (“TPLIC”) (77%) and AUSA Holding, LLC (“AUSA”) (23%), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Aegon NV. TPLIC is owned by Commonwealth General Corporation (“Commonwealth”). Commonwealth and AUSA are wholly owned by Transamerica Corporation (DE). Transamerica Corporation (DE) is wholly owned by The Aegon Trust, which is wholly owned by Aegon International B.V., which is wholly owned by Aegon NV, a Netherlands corporation, and a publicly traded international insurance group.
TAM acts as a manager of managers for the funds pursuant to an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (Release IC- 23379 dated August 5, 1998). TAM has responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, to, among other matters, oversee and monitor sub-advisers, recommend selection of sub-advisers and recommend changes to sub-advisers where it believes appropriate or advisable. The exemptive order permits TAM, subject to certain conditions including the approval of the Board of Trustees, but without the approval of the applicable fund’s shareholders, to:
(1) employ a new unaffiliated sub-adviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new investment sub-advisory agreement, either as a replacement for an existing sub-adviser or as an additional sub-adviser;
(2) materially change the terms of any sub-advisory agreement; and
(3) continue the employment of an existing sub-adviser on sub-advisory contract terms where a contract has been assigned because of a change of control of the sub-adviser.
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Pursuant to the exemptive order, each fund has agreed to provide certain information about new sub-advisers and new sub-advisory agreements to its shareholders.
Management Fees Paid for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2019
As of the date of this prospectus, Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond had not operated for a full fiscal year, so no management fee is shown. Each fund’s management fee schedule is shown below.
Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica High Yield ESG 0.554% of the first $1.25 billion
0.544% over $1.25 billion up to $2 billion
0.52% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Sustainable Bond 0.41% of the first $500 million
0.39% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.38% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.375% in excess of $1.5 billion
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of each fund’s investment management agreement will be available in each fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020.
Sub-Adviser
Pursuant to an Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between TAM and the sub-adviser on behalf of the funds, the sub-adviser shall provide day-to-day investment advice and recommendations for the funds.
The sub-adviser receives compensation from TAM.
Funds Sub-Adviser Sub-Adviser Address
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 6300 C Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52499
Further Information About the Sub-Adviser
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC, a wholly-owned and indirect subsidiary of Aegon N.V., has been a registered investment adviser since December 2001. As of December 31, 2019, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC has approximately $101.4 billion in total assets under management.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Each fund is managed by the portfolio manager(s) listed below. The SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager’s ownership in each fund they manage.
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Kevin Bakker, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Co-Head of U.S. High-Yield; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2007; Senior Research Analyst 2003 – 2007
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Co-Head of U.S. High-Yield; Senior Research Analyst with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 1993 – 2006
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2004; Director of Distressed Debt from 2004-2014; Head of Leveraged Finance from 2014-2020; Co-Head of Public Fixed Income from 2017-2020 and Deputy Chief Investment Officer from 2018-2020; Global Head of Leveraged Finance since 2020
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Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Derek Thoms Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2015. High Yield Trader with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 2013 - 2015
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Name Sub-Adviser Positions Over Past
Five Years
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2004; Co-Head of Investment Grade Credit from 2015-2017 and Head of Investment Grade Credit since 2017
Charles Foster, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2003
Jeremy Mead, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC from 1994-2010 and 2016 - present
Jose Pluto, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2019 and Structured Finance Analyst since 2017; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee; Fixed Income Analyst, Thornburg Investment Management 2013-2016
Jeremy Thurm, CFA Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2019 and Credit Research Analyst since 2007; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee
James Rich Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC Portfolio Manager of the fund since 2020; Portfolio Manager with Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC since 2013; Member of the Sustainable Investment Committee
Trustees’ Approval of Sub-Advisory Agreements
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of each fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement will be available in each fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
A detailed description of each fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI and available on the Transamerica Funds website at www.transamerica.com.
Fund Expenses
During times of market volatility or decline, assets of your fund may decline significantly, causing total annual fund operating expenses (as a percentage of the value of your investment) to become higher than the numbers shown in your fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table under “Fees and Expenses” in this prospectus. In addition, the total annual fund operating expenses shown in your fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table may not correlate to the ratios of expenses to average net assets shown in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus, which reflect the operating expenses of your fund and do not include certain expenses such as acquired (i.e., underlying) funds’ fees and expenses.
The “Other expenses” items in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table for your fund include fees for custodial, legal, transfer agency, and, as applicable, sub-transfer agency services. “Other expenses” also include various other expenses applicable to each share class of your fund.
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Sub-Transfer Agency Fees
Class R3 shares may pay sub-transfer agency fees of up to 0.15% to financial intermediaries (including affiliates of TAM) that provide sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping and/or shareholder services with respect to certain shareholder accounts in lieu of the transfer agent providing such services.
How To Contact the Funds
    
Retirement plan participants in a retirement plan administered by Transamerica Retirement Solutions, TAM’s affiliate, may contact 1-800-755-5801 for additional information. If you hold your account through an unaffiliated plan administrator, recordkeeper or financial intermediary, please contact them directly for account specific questions.
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339 – Monday through Friday; hours of operation as posted on the funds’ website at www.transamerica.com/contact-us.
Internet: www.transamerica.com
Fax: 1-888-329-4339
   
Mailing Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
Overnight Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
330 W. 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Class R3 shares are offered in this prospectus. Each fund may offer other share classes in separate prospectuses.
Availability of Shares
    
Class R3 shares of each fund are intended for purchase into IRA rollover accounts by participants in certain retirement plans described below and under the following conditions:
401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans) and individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”).
The plan’s record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary must have an agreement with Transamerica Funds or its agents to utilize Class R3 shares in certain investment products or programs.
The financial service firm serving as an intermediary can provide participants with detailed information on how to participate in the plan, elect a fund as an investment option, elect different investment options, alter the amounts contributed to the plan or change allocations among investment options. For questions about participant accounts or to obtain an application to participate in a plan, participants should contact their financial service firm serving as an intermediary, employee benefits office, the plan administrator, or the organization that provides recordkeeping services for the plan.
Financial service firms may provide some of the shareholder servicing and account maintenance services required by retirement plan accounts and their plan participants, including transfers of registration, dividend payee charges and generation of confirmation statements, and may arrange for plan administrators to provide other investment or administrative services. Financial service firms may charge retirement plans and plan participants transaction fees and/or other additional amounts for such services. Similarly, retirement plans may charge plan participants for certain expenses. These fees and additional amounts could reduce the return of investments in Class R3 shares of each fund.
Opening an Account and Purchasing Shares
    
Federal regulations may require a fund to obtain, verify and record certain information from you and persons authorized to act on your behalf in order to establish an account. Required information includes name, date of birth (for an individual), permanent residential address or principal place of business and Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. The fund may also ask to see other identifying documents. If you do not provide the information, the fund may not be able to open your account. Identifying information must be provided for each trader on an account. The fund may also place limits on account transactions while it is in the process of verifying your identity. If a fund is unable to verify your identity, or that of another person(s) authorized to act on your behalf, or if the fund believes it has identified potentially criminal activity, the fund reserves the right to take action it deems appropriate or as required by law, which may include redeeming your shares and closing your account.
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Class R3 shares are offered in a specific IRA that plan participants may choose to invest in should they have a need for a rollover IRA. The primary method of distribution for Class R3 shares is an “education-only” team that focuses on participants with retirement asset balances of less than $50,000.
There is no minimum investment for eligible retirement plans investing in Class R3 shares.
Please refer to the retirement plan documents for information on how to purchase Class R3 shares of the fund and any fees that may apply.
Transamerica Funds must receive your payment within two business days after your order is accepted.
Transamerica Funds or its agents may reject a request for purchase of shares at any time, in whole or in part, including any purchase under the exchange privilege. Each fund reserves the right to discontinue offering Class R3 shares at any time, to liquidate Class R3 shares or merge Class R3 a shares into another class of shares, or to cease investment operations entirely.
Each fund reserves the right to make additional exceptions or otherwise to modify the foregoing policies at any time.
Selling Shares
    
Shares may be sold (or “redeemed”) on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Proceeds from the redemption of shares will normally be sent to redeeming shareholders within two business days after receipt of a redemption request in good order, but in any event within seven days, regardless of the method the fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic funds transfer (ACH)). However, Transamerica Funds may postpone payment under certain circumstances, such as when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the SEC or authorized by law.
If you own Class R3 shares, please refer to the retirement plan documents for information on how to redeem Class R3 shares of the funds.
Shares are redeemed at NAV.
Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to wholly or partly redeem its shares in kind, under unusual circumstances (such as adverse or unstable market, economic, or political conditions), in an effort to protect the interests of shareholders by the delivery of securities selected from its assets at its discretion. On the same redemption date, some shareholders may be paid in whole or in part in securities (which may differ among those shareholders), while other shareholders may be paid entirely in cash. The disposal of the securities received in-kind may be subject to brokerage costs and, until sold, such securities remain at market risk and liquidity risk, including the risk that such securities are or become difficult to sell. If the fund pays your redemption with illiquid or less liquid securities, you will bear the risk of not being able to sell such securities. Each fund may pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements, if available. Please see the SAI for more details.
Please see additional information relating to original signature guarantee later in this prospectus.
Exchanging Shares
    
For Class R3 shares, if authorized by your plan, you can request an exchange of your shares in one fund for corresponding shares of another fund. Please refer to your plan’s documents for additional information. An exchange is treated as a redemption of a fund’s shares followed by a purchase of the shares of the fund into which you exchanged. Prior to making exchanges into a fund you do not own, please read the prospectus of that fund.
An exchange of shares in one fund for shares of another fund is considered a redemption followed by a purchase and generally results in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, unless you are investing through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account. You should consult your tax advisor before making an exchange.
Features and Policies
    
Customer Service
Please contact your retirement plan's administrator, recordkeeper or financial service firm acting as intermediary for account specific information.
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Minimum Account Balance
Due to the proportionately higher cost of maintaining customer fund accounts with balances below the stated minimums for each class of shares, Transamerica Funds reserves the right to close such accounts or assess an annual fee on such fund accounts to help offset the costs associated with maintaining the account. Transamerica Funds generally provides a 60-day notification to the address of record prior to assessing a minimum fund account fee, or closing any fund account. The following describes the fees assessed against fund accounts with balances below the stated minimum:
Account Balance (per fund account) Fee Assessment (per fund account)
If your balance is below $1,000 per fund account, including solely due to declines in NAV $25 annual fee assessed, until balance reaches $1,000
No fees will be charged on:
accounts opened within the preceding 12 months
accounts with an active monthly Automatic Investment Plan or payroll deduction ($50 minimum per fund account)
accounts owned by an individual that, when combined by Social Security Number, have a balance of $5,000 or more
accounts owned by individuals in the same household (by address) that have a combined balance of $5,000 or more
accounts for which Transamerica Funds in its discretion has waived the minimum account balance requirements
UTMA/UGMA accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
UMB Bank, N.A. Custodial Accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
Coverdell ESA accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
Omnibus and Network Level 3 accounts
Professional Fees
Your financial professional may charge a fee for his or her services. This fee will be in addition to any fees charged by Transamerica Funds. Your financial professional will answer any questions that you may have regarding such fees.
Signature Guarantee
An original signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine so that you are protected from unauthorized account transactions. Acceptable guarantors only include participants in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP2000”). Participants in STAMP2000 may include financial institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, trust companies, credit unions, broker-dealers, and member firms of a national securities exchange.
An original signature guarantee is typically required if any of the following is applicable:
You request a redemption or distribution transaction totaling more than $100,000 or, in the case of an IRA with a market value in excess of $100,000, you request a custodian to custodian transfer.
You would like a check made payable to anyone other than the shareholder(s) of record.
You would like a check mailed to an address which has been changed within 10 days of the redemption request.
You would like a check mailed to an address other than the address of record.
You would like your redemption proceeds wired to a bank account other than a bank account of record.
You are adding or removing a shareholder from an account.
You are changing ownership of an account.
When establishing an electronic bank link, if the Transamerica Funds’ account holder’s name does not appear on the check.
Transactions requiring supporting legal documentation.
The funds reserve the right to require an original signature guarantee or a notary under other circumstances or to reject or delay a redemption on certain legal grounds.
An original signature guarantee may be refused if any of the following is applicable:
It does not appear valid or in good form.
The transaction amount exceeds the surety bond limit of the signature guarantee.
The guarantee stamp has been reported as stolen, missing or counterfeit.
Note: For certain maintenance and non-financial requests, Transamerica Funds requires a Signature Validation Program Stamp for your protection. When an institution provides a Signature Validation Program Stamp, it assures Transamerica Funds that the signature and instructions are yours and that you have the authority to provide the instruction(s) contained within the request.
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E-Mail Communication
As e-mail communications may not be secure, and because we are unable to take reasonable precautions to verify your shareholder and transaction information, we cannot respond to account-specific requests received via e-mail. For your protection, we ask that all account-specific requests be submitted only via telephone, mail or through the secure link on our website.
Right to Terminate or Suspend Account Privileges
A fund may, in its discretion, limit or terminate trading activity by any person, group or account that it believes would be disruptive, even if the activity has not exceeded the policy described in this prospectus. As part of the fund’s policy to detect and deter frequent purchases, redemptions and exchanges, the fund may review and consider the history of frequent trading activity in all accounts in the Transamerica Funds known to be under common ownership or control. The fund may send a written warning to a shareholder that it believes may be engaging in disruptive or excessive trading activity; however, the fund reserves the right to suspend or terminate the ability to purchase or exchange shares, with or without warning, for any account that the fund determines, in the exercise of its discretion, has engaged in such trading activity.
Market Timing/Excessive Trading
Some investors try to profit from various short-term or frequent trading strategies known as market timing. Examples of market timing include switching money into funds when their share prices are expected to rise and taking money out when their share prices are expected to fall, and switching from one fund to another and then back again after a short period of time. As money is shifted in and out, a fund may incur expenses for buying and selling securities. Excessive purchases, redemptions or exchanges of fund shares may disrupt portfolio management, hurt fund performance and drive fund expenses higher. For example, a fund may be forced to liquidate investments as a result of short-term trading and incur increased brokerage costs or realize taxable capital gains without attaining any investment advantage. These costs are generally borne by all shareholders, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs.
The Board of Trustees has approved policies and procedures that are designed to discourage market timing or excessive trading, which include limitations on the number of transactions in fund shares. If you intend to engage in such practices, we request that you do not purchase shares of any of the funds. Each fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase shares, including purchases in connection with an exchange transaction, which the fund reasonably believes to be in connection with market timing or excessive trading.
While the funds discourage market timing and excessive short-term trading, the funds cannot always recognize or detect such trading, particularly if it is facilitated by financial intermediaries or done through Omnibus Account arrangements.
The funds’ distributor has entered into agreements with intermediaries requiring the intermediaries to provide certain information to help identify harmful trading activity and to prohibit further purchases or exchanges by a shareholder identified as having engaged in excessive trading. There is no guarantee that the procedures used by financial intermediaries will be able to curtail frequent, short-term trading activity. For example, shareholders who seek to engage in frequent, short-term trading activity may use a variety of strategies to avoid detection, and the financial intermediaries’ ability to deter such activity may be limited by operational and information systems capabilities. Due to the risk that the funds and financial intermediaries may not detect all harmful trading activity, it is possible that shareholders may bear the risks associated with such activity.
Orders to purchase, redeem or exchange shares forwarded by certain omnibus accounts with Transamerica Funds will not be considered to be market timing or excessive trading for purposes of Transamerica Funds’ policies. However, the market timing and excessive trading policies of these omnibus firms or plans may apply to transactions by the underlying shareholders.
Additional Information
This prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of a fund. A fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Each fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Each fund’s investment strategies and policies may be changed from time to time without shareholder approval, unless specifically stated otherwise in this prospectus or in the SAI.
A fund that has a policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in the particular type of securities suggested by its name will provide its shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior written notice before making changes to such policy. Such notice will comply with the conditions set forth in any applicable SEC rules then in effect.
Neither this prospectus nor the SAI is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights of any shareholder, other than any rights conferred by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.
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The funds enter into contractual arrangements with various parties, including the funds’ investment manager, who provide services to the funds. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements.
To the extent authorized by law, the funds reserve the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or liquidate a class of shares or to cease operations entirely.
Abandoned or Unclaimed Property
Every state has unclaimed property laws that generally provide for escheatment to the state of unclaimed property under various circumstances. In addition to the state unclaimed property laws, we may be required to escheat property pursuant to regulatory demand, finding, agreement or settlement. To help prevent such escheatment, it is important that you keep your contact and other information on file with us up to date, including the names, contact information and identifying information for customers, beneficiaries and other payees. Such updates should be communicated in a form and manner satisfactory to us. Individual states may have their own requirements. For more information regarding escheatment and unclaimed property in your state, ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website.
Sending Forms and Transaction Requests in Good Order
We cannot process your requests for transactions relating to the funds until they are received in good order. “Good order” means the actual receipt of the instructions relating to the requested transaction in writing (or, when appropriate, by telephone or electronically), along with all forms, information and supporting legal documentation necessary to effect the transaction. This information and documentation generally includes, to the extent applicable to the transaction: your completed application; the transaction amount (in dollars, shares or percentage terms); the names, fund and account number(s) and allocations to and/or from the fund accounts affected by the requested transaction; the signatures of all owners (exactly as registered on the account) if necessary; Social Security Number or Taxpayer I.D.; and any other information or supporting documentation that we may require, including any spousal or joint owner’s consents and signature guarantees. With respect to purchase requests, “good order” also generally includes receipt of sufficient funds to effect any purchase. We may, in our sole discretion, determine whether any particular transaction request is in good order, and we reserve the right to change or waive any good order requirements at any time. “Received” or receipt in good order generally means that everything necessary must be received by the funds, at our mailing address specified in this prospectus. We reserve the right to reject electronic transactions that do not meet our requirements.
Pricing of Shares
    
How Share Price Is Determined
The price at which shares are purchased or redeemed is the NAV that is next calculated following receipt and acceptance of a purchase order in good order or receipt of a redemption order in good order by the fund, an authorized intermediary, or the mail processing center located in Kansas City, Missouri.
When Share Price Is Determined
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is determined on each day the NYSE is open for business as of the scheduled close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at another time, each fund will calculate a NAV for each class of shares as of the scheduled closing time. The NAV is not determined on days when the NYSE is closed (generally New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Foreign securities may trade in their primary markets on weekends or other days when a fund does not price its shares (therefore, the value of a fund’s foreign securities may change on days when shareholders will not be able to buy or sell shares of the funds). These securities will be valued pursuant to the funds’ Pricing and Valuation procedures for such securities
Purchase orders received in good order and accepted, and redemption orders received in good order, as of the scheduled close of regular trading of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. Purchase and redemption requests received after the NYSE is closed receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE the next day the NYSE is open.
How NAV Is Calculated
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is calculated by taking the value of its net assets and dividing by the number of shares of the fund (or class) that are then outstanding.
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The Board has approved procedures to be used to value the funds’ securities for purposes of determining the funds’ NAV. The valuation of the securities of the funds is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. While the Board has primary responsibility to shareholders for valuation of portfolio securities, the Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the funds to TAM.
In general, securities and other investments (including shares of ETFs) are valued based on market prices at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Fund securities (including shares of ETFs) listed or traded on domestic securities exchanges or the NASDAQ/NMS, including dollar-denominated foreign securities or ADRs, are valued at the closing price on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded. With respect to securities traded on the NASDAQ/NMS, such closing price may be the last reported sale price or the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security is valued at the closing bid quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the NOCP, if applicable. Foreign securities traded on U.S. exchanges are generally priced using last sale price regardless of trading activity. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the last bid price. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service, which may use market prices or quotations or a variety of fair value techniques and methodologies. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. The prices that a fund uses may differ from the amounts that would be realized if the investments were sold and the differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Foreign securities generally are valued based on quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are converted from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Market quotations for securities prices may be obtained from automated pricing services. Shares of open-end funds (other than ETF shares) are generally valued at the NAV reported by that investment company. ETF shares are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price on the exchange on which they are traded.
When a market quotation for a security is not readily available (which may include closing prices deemed to be unreliable because of the occurrence of a subsequent event), a valuation committee appointed by the Board may, in good faith, establish a value for the security in accordance with fair valuation procedures adopted by the Board. The Board reviews all fair value determinations typically at its regularly scheduled meetings. The types of securities for which such fair value pricing may be required include, but are not limited to: foreign securities, where a significant event occurs after the close of the foreign market on which such security principally trades that is likely to have changed the value of such security, or the closing value is otherwise deemed unreliable; securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; fixed-income securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation; and securities that are restricted as to transfer or resale. The funds use a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by TAM from time to time.
Valuing securities in accordance with fair value procedures involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on readily available market quotations. The valuation committee makes fair value determinations in good faith in accordance with the funds’ valuation procedures. Fair value determinations can also involve reliance on quantitative models employed by a fair value pricing service. There can be no assurance that a fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV.
Distribution of Shares
    
Distributor
Transamerica Capital, Inc. (“TCI”), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, underwrites and distributes all classes of fund shares and bears the expenses of offering these shares to the public. TCI is an affiliate of the investment manager and the funds.
The funds may pay TCI, or its agent, fees for its services. In the case of Class R3 shares, TCI, or its agent, reallows or pays to brokers, dealers or intermediaries its entire fee to those entities who sold them.
Distribution Plan
Each fund has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Plan”) for Class R3 shares.
The Plan permits the use of fund assets to pay distribution and service fees for the sale and distribution of its shares. These fees are used to pay TCI, broker-dealers, financial intermediaries and other professionals who sell fund shares and provide ongoing services to shareholders and to pay other marketing and advertising expenses.
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Under the Plan, each fund pays the following distribution and service fees (as a percentage of the fund’s average daily net assets):
Class R3 Shares – Up to 0.25%
Because these fees are paid out of each fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Other Distribution and Service Arrangements
TCI, TAM and their affiliates may enter into arrangements with affiliated entities that provide administrative, recordkeeping and other services with respect to one or more of the funds. Payment for these services is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources and may take the form of internal credit, recognition or cash payments. TCI, TAM and their affiliates may also enter into similar arrangements with unaffiliated entities.
TCI engages in wholesaling activities designed to support, maintain, and increase the number of financial intermediaries who sell shares of the funds. Wholesaling activities include, but are not limited to, recommending and promoting, directly or through intermediaries, the funds to financial intermediaries and providing sales training, retail broker support and other services. Payment for these activities is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources, including revenue sharing payments from others.
TCI (in connection with, or in addition to, wholesaling services), TAM and fund sub-advisers, directly or through TCI, out of their past profits and other available sources, typically provide cash payments or non-cash compensation to unaffiliated brokers and other financial intermediaries who have sold shares of the funds, promote the distribution of the funds or render investor services to fund shareholders. Such payments and compensation are in addition to the sales charges, Rule 12b-1 Plan fees, service fees and other fees that may be paid, directly or indirectly, to such brokers and other financial intermediaries. These arrangements are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing” arrangements. The amount of revenue sharing payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related distribution or shareholder servicing activities. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the funds, at least in part, based on the level of compensation paid. Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated. Revenue sharing payments are not an additional charge to the funds.
Such additional cash payments may be made to brokers and other financial intermediaries that provide services to the funds and/or fund shareholders, including (without limitation) shareholder servicing, marketing support and/or access to meetings and/or events, sales representatives and management representatives of the broker or other financial intermediaries. Cash compensation may also be paid to brokers and other financial intermediaries for inclusion of a fund on a sales list or mutual fund trading platform, including a preferred or select sales list or trading platform, in other sales programs, or as an expense reimbursement or compensation in cases where the broker or other financial intermediary provides services to fund shareholders. To the extent permitted by applicable law, TCI and other parties may pay or allow other incentives and compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries. TCI, TAM and the other parties making these payments generally assess the advisability of continuing making these payments periodically. These cash payments may take a variety of forms, including (without limitation) reimbursement of ticket charges, additional compensation based on sales, on-going fees for shareholder servicing and maintenance of investor accounts, and finder’s fees that vary depending on the fund or share class and the dollar amount of shares sold. Revenue sharing payments can be calculated: (i) as a percentage of gross or net sales for a particular period; (ii) as a percentage of gross or net assets under management; (iii) as a fixed or negotiated flat fee dollar amount; or (iv) based on a combination of any of these methods. These payments are made on a periodic basis, such as monthly or quarterly. During 2019, in general, payments calculated as a percentage of sales ranged from 10 basis points (0.10%) to 75 basis points (0.75%), payments calculated as a percentage of assets under management ranged from 2 basis points (0.02%) to 15 basis points (0.15%), and flat annual fees ranged from $21,000 to $500,000, which included at times payments for a series of meetings and/or events of other broker-dealers and banks.
As of December 31, 2019, TCI had revenue sharing agreements with more than 70 brokers and other financial intermediaries including, without limitation: 1st Global Capital; Advisor Group, Inc.; Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; AXA Advisors LLC; Merrill Lynch; BBVA Securities, Inc.; BOSC, Inc.; Bruderman Brothers; Cadaret, Grant & Co.; Cambridge Investment Research; Centaurus Financial, Inc.; Citizens/CCO Investments; Cetera Advisor Networks LLC; Cetera Advisors LLC; Cetera Financial Group, Inc.; Cetera Financial Specialists LLC; Cetera Investment Services LLC; CFD Investments, Inc.; Charles Schwab; Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.; Edward Jones; Financial Data Services, Inc.; Equity Services, Inc.; Envestnet Asset Management; First Allied Securities Inc.; FSC Securities Corporation; GeneosWealth Management; GW Sherwold Associates, Inc.; Avantax Investment Services Inc.; Hantz Financial Services, Inc.; Huntington Investment Company; Independent Financial Group; Investacorp, Inc.; Independent Financial Group, LLC; James T. Borello & Co.; Janney Montgomery Scott; Kestra Investment Services; Key Investment Services; KMS Financial Services Inc.; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC; LPL Financial Corp.; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC; M&T Securities Inc.; MML Investors Services; Mutual of Omaha Investor Services Inc.; Oppenheimer & Co.; Park Avenue Securities; Parkland Securities, LLC; Pershing LLC; Raymond James and Associates, Inc.; Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.; RBC Wealth Management; Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.; Sagepoint Financial Inc.; Securian Financial Services; Securities America, Inc.;
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Securities Service Network, Inc.; Sigma Financial Corporation; Suntrust Investment Services, Inc.; TD Ameritrade; The Investment Center, Inc.; Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.; Triad Advisors, Inc.; UBS Financial Services, Inc.; United Planners Financial Services of America; US Bancorp Investments, Inc.; Voya Financial Advisors, Inc.; Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC; and Woodbury Financial Services. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2019, TCI paid approximately $34 million to these brokers and other financial intermediaries in connection with revenue sharing arrangements. TCI expects to have revenue sharing arrangements with a number of brokers and other financial intermediaries in 2020, including some or all of the foregoing brokers and financial intermediaries, among others, on terms similar to those discussed above.
For the calendar year ended December 31, 2019, TCI and its affiliates received revenue sharing payments that totaled approximately $1.9 million. The firms that paid revenue to participate in TCI sponsored events included but were not limited to the following: Alliance Bernstein; Allianz Global Investors; American Century Investments; American Funds; Amundi Pioneer Asset Management; Aegon USA Investment Management; Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC; BlackRock Investment Management, LLC; ; Carillon Tower Advisers; Charles Schwab Investment Management; Columbia Threadneedle Investments; Dimensional Fund Advisers; Fidelity Investments; Franklin Templeton Investments; Hartford Funds; Ivy Investments; J.P. Morgan Asset Management; Janus Henderson Investors; John Hancock Investments; Legg Mason Global Asset Management; Levin Capital Strategies, LP; Lord Abbett; Milliman Financial Risk Management LLC; Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.; Neuberger Berman; New York Life / MainStay Investments; PGIM Investments; Pacific Investment Management Company; PineBridge Investments; Principal Global Investors; State Street Global Advisors; Systematic Financial Management; T. Rowe Price; Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley; The Vanguard Group; Virtus Investment Partners; Wellington Management Company LLP; and Wells Fargo Asset Management.
As of December 31, 2019, TAM made revenue sharing payments to approximately 10 financial intermediaries with respect to the funds, the most sizeable of which were to TCI and Transamerica Life Insurance Company. For the same period, TAM did not receive any revenue sharing payments from financial services firms.
TAM also serves as investment manager to certain funds of funds that are underlying investment options for Transamerica insurance products. TCI and its affiliates make revenue sharing payments to, or receive revenue sharing payments from, affiliates of certain underlying unaffiliated funds within Transamerica insurance products for the provision of services to investors and distribution activities. These amounts are in addition to any revenue sharing programs described above with respect to mutual fund distributors. A financial intermediary may receive both mutual fund-related and insurance-related revenue sharing payments.
In addition, while TCI typically pays most of the sales charge applicable to the sale of fund shares to brokers and other financial intermediaries through which purchases are made, TCI may, on occasion, pay the entire sales charge. (Additional information about payments of sales charges to brokers is available in the section titled “Dealer Reallowances” of the SAI.)
From time to time, TCI, its affiliates and/or TAM and/or fund sub-advisers may also, to the extent permitted by applicable law, pay non-cash compensation or revenue sharing to brokers and other financial intermediaries and their sales representatives in the form of, for example: (i) occasional gifts or prizes; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; and/or (iii) ad hoc sponsorship support of broker marketing events, programs, sales contests, promotions or other activities. Such non-cash compensation may also include, in part, assistance with the costs and expenses associated with travel, lodging, and educational sales and promotional meetings, seminars, programs and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law. TCI and TAM may also make payments in connection with the sponsorship by Transamerica or its affiliates of special events which may be attended by brokers and other financial intermediaries. Such non-cash compensation is in addition to the overall revenue sharing arrangements described above.
The non-cash compensation to sales representatives and compensation or reimbursement received by brokers and other financial intermediaries through sales charges, other fees payable from the funds, and/or revenue sharing arrangements for selling shares of the funds may be more or less than the overall compensation or reimbursement on similar or other products and may influence your broker or other financial intermediary to present and recommend the funds over other investment options available in the marketplace. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, your broker or other financial intermediary may have a financial incentive for recommending a particular class of fund shares over other share classes.
Shareholders may obtain more information about these arrangements, including the conflicts of interests that such arrangements may create, from their brokers and other financial intermediaries, and should so inquire if they would like additional information. Intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements to their clients and to members of the public in a manner different from the disclosures in this prospectus and the SAI. A shareholder should ask his/her broker or financial intermediary how he/she will be compensated for investments made in the funds. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments under the shareholder services and distribution plan (where applicable), also benefit TAM, TCI and their affiliates and fund sub-advisers to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the funds on which fees are being charged.
Although a fund may use financial firms that sell fund shares to effect transactions for the fund’s portfolio, the fund and its investment manager or sub-adviser will not consider the sale of fund shares as a factor when choosing financial firms to effect those transactions.
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Distributions and Taxes
    
Dividends and Distributions
Each fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any, to its shareholders monthly. Dividends will be reinvested in additional shares unless you elect to take your dividends in cash. Each fund generally pays any dividends and other distributions annually.
If necessary, each fund may make distributions at other times as well.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Trustees of Transamerica Funds has delegated authority to TAM to change the frequency with which dividends are declared and paid by a fund, including if a fund does not have any income to distribute, and to declare and make payments of long-term capital gains with respect to a fund as permitted or required by law or in order to avoid tax penalties. Further, each fund reserves the right to change its dividend distribution policy at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
Taxes on Distributions in General
A fund will not generally have to pay income tax on amounts it distributes to shareholders. Shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions (other than any distributions treated as a return of capital), whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares.
The following are guidelines for how certain distributions by a fund are generally taxed to non-corporate shareholders under current federal income tax law:
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) will be taxed as long-term capital gains, generally at rates of up to 20%, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their shares. Certain capital gain dividends attributable to dividends received from REITs may be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at a rate of 25%.
Distributions reported as paid from a fund’s “qualified dividend income” may be taxable to shareholders as qualified dividend income at rates of up to 20%. Qualified dividend income generally is income derived from certain dividends from U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations will be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. A shareholder (and the fund in which the shareholder invests) will have to satisfy certain holding period requirements in order for the shareholder to obtain the benefit of the tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Distributions in excess of a fund’s earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in his or her fund shares, and as a capital gain thereafter (assuming the shareholder holds the shares as capital assets). A distribution treated as a return of capital will not be taxable currently but will reduce the shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, which will generally increase the gain (or decrease the loss) that will be recognized on a subsequent sale or exchange of the shares.
Other distributions generally will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates or trusts. For these purposes, dividends, interest, and certain capital gains are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.
If a fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and pays it in the following January, shareholders will be taxed on the dividend as if they received it in the year in which it was declared.
Each fund in which you invest will send you a tax report annually summarizing the amount and tax aspects of your distributions. If you buy shares of a fund shortly before it makes a taxable distribution (other than, in general, regular monthly distributions paid by funds that declare dividends daily), the distribution will be generally taxable to you even though it may effectively represent a return of a portion of your investment. This is known as “buying a dividend.”
Investors who invest through tax-deferred accounts, such as IRAs, 403(b) accounts, and qualified retirement plans, will ordinarily not be subject to tax until a distribution is made from the account, at which time such distribution is generally taxed as ordinary income. These accounts are subject to complex tax rules, and tax-deferred account investors should therefore consult their tax advisers regarding their investments in a tax-deferred account.
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Taxes on the Sale or Exchange of Shares
If you sell shares of a fund or exchange them for shares of another fund, you generally will have a capital gain or loss, which will generally be a long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for more than one year; otherwise it will generally be a short-term capital gain or loss.
Any loss recognized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain that were received with respect to the shares.
Any gain or loss on the sale or exchange of shares is computed by subtracting your tax basis in the shares from the redemption proceeds in the case of a sale or the value of the shares received in the case of an exchange. Because your tax basis depends on the original purchase price, on the price at which any dividends may have been reinvested, and on the amount of any distributions treated as returns of capital for federal income tax purposes, you should be sure to keep account statements so that you or your tax return preparer will be able to determine whether a sale will result in a taxable gain or loss.
Withholding Taxes
A fund in which you invest may be required to apply backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on all distributions payable to you if you fail to provide the fund with your correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if you have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that you are subject to backup withholding.
The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but is a method by which the IRS ensures that it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax applicable to shareholders that are not U.S. persons.
Non-Resident Alien Withholding
Dividends and certain other payments (but not distributions of net capital gains) to persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States or U.S. entities (“Non-U.S. Persons”) are generally subject to U.S. tax withholding at the rate of 30%. The 30% withholding described in this paragraph will not be imposed on any dividends reported as interest-related dividends or as short-term capital gain dividends. Each fund intends to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30% on taxable distributions and other payments to Non-U.S. Persons that are subject to withholding, regardless of whether a lower rate may be permitted under an applicable treaty.
If you are a Non-U.S. Person, you must provide a U.S. mailing address to establish an account unless your broker-dealer firm submits your account through the National Securities Clearing Corporation. Your broker-dealer will be required to submit a foreign certification form. Investors changing a mailing address to a non-U.S. address will be required to have a foreign certification form completed by their broker-dealer and returned to us before future purchases can be accepted. Additionally, those shareholders will need to provide an appropriate tax form (e.g., Form W-8BEN) and documentary evidence and letter of explanation.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to fund distributions payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
Other Tax Information
This tax discussion is for general information only. In addition to federal income taxes, you may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on payments received from, and investments made in shares of, a fund. More information is provided in the SAI of the funds. You should also consult your own tax adviser for information regarding all tax consequences applicable to your investments in the funds.
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Financial Highlights
    
Financial highlights are not shown for Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond because the funds had not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus.
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Both the investment returns and principal value of mutual funds will fluctuate over time so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Transamerica Funds
1801 California Street, Suite 5200
Denver, CO 80202
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339
Shareholder inquiries and transaction requests should be mailed to:
Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION about these funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information dated March 1, 2020, as amended and restated on July 31, 2020, as may be further supplemented or revised from time to time, and in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available). The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Information about the funds (including the Statement of Additional Information) has been filed with and is available from the SEC. Copies of this information may be obtained upon payment of a duplication fee or by electronic request at the following e-mail address, publicinfo@sec.gov. Reports and other information about the funds are also available on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
To obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information or the annual and semi-annual reports (when available), without charge, or to request other information or make other inquiries about the funds, call or write to Transamerica Funds at the phone number or address above or visit Transamerica Funds website at www.transamerica.com. In the Transamerica Funds annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the funds’ performance during the last fiscal year. Additional information about the funds’ investments is available in the funds’ annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available).
Each fund’s most recently calculated net asset value per share is available on our website at www.transamerica.com.
www.transamerica.com
Sales Support: 1-800-851-7555
Distributor: Transamerica Capital, Inc.
The Investment Company Act File Number for Transamerica Funds is 811-04556.


Table of Contents
Transamerica Funds
Statement of Additional Information
March 1, 2020, as amended and restated on July 31, 2020
Fund   Class R
Ticker
  Class R4
Ticker
  Class I3
Ticker
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon  
TAARX
 
TAAFX
 
-
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon  
TALRX
 
TALFX
 
-
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon  
TSHRX
 
TSHFX
 
-
Transamerica Balanced II  
TBLRX
 
TBLFX
 
TBLTX
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities  
TEORX
 
TEOPX
 
-
Transamerica Government Money Market1  
-
 
TFGXX
 
TGTXX
Transamerica High Quality Bond  
TBDRX
 
TBDFX
 
TBDTX
Transamerica High Yield Bond  
TAHRX
 
TAHFX
 
TAHTX
Transamerica High Yield ESG  
TANKX
 
TAYNX
 
-
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities  
TPRRX
 
TPRFX
 
TPRTX
Transamerica Intermediate Bond  
TMBRX
 
TMBFX
 
TMBTX
Transamerica International Equity  
TRWRX
 
TRWFX
 
TRWTX
Transamerica International Growth  
TIGSX
 
TIGFX
 
-
Transamerica Large Core  
TLARX
 
TLAFX
 
TLATX
Transamerica Large Growth  
TGWRX
 
TGWFX
 
TGWTX
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities  
TLORX
 
TLOFX
 
TLOTX
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth  
TMIRX
 
TMIFX
 
TMITX
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities  
TOTRX
 
TOTFX
 
TOTTX
Transamerica Small Cap Growth  
TSPRX
 
TSPFX
 
TSPTX
Transamerica Small Cap Value  
TRSLX
 
TSLFX
 
TSLTX
Transamerica Sustainable Bond  
TAUKX
 
TAZOX
 
-
1Class R2: TGRXX
Each of the funds listed above is a series of Transamerica Funds. Each fund with “–” listed for a share class above indicates that share class is not currently offered by the fund.
Each of the funds listed above is a series of Transamerica Funds. This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus, and should be read in conjunction with the funds’ prospectuses dated March 1, 2020 (for all funds except Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond), and July 31, 2020 (for Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond), as they may be supplemented or revised from time to time.
This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the prospectus. The prospectus and this SAI may be obtained free of charge by writing or calling the funds at the below address or toll-free telephone number. This SAI sets forth information that may be of interest to shareholders, but that is not necessarily included in the prospectus. Additional information about the funds’ investments is available in the funds’ Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders, which may be obtained free of charge by writing or calling the funds at the below address or telephone number.
The Annual Reports contain financial statements that are incorporated herein by reference.
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
1801 California Street, Suite 5200
Denver, CO 80202
Customer Service (888) 233-4339 (toll free)

 


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General Description of the Trust and the Funds
Transamerica Funds (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Shares of the Trust are currently divided into separate series (each a “fund” or together, the “funds”) described herein. Each fund offers one or more classes. The Trust may create additional series and classes from time to time.
The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 25, 2005. Prior to March 1, 2008, the Trust’s name was Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds. The Trust is the successor to a Massachusetts business trust named Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds.
Each fund is classified as diversified under the 1940 Act.
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM” or the “Investment Manager”) is the investment manager for each fund.
During the last five years, the names of certain funds have changed as follows:
Fund Name Fund Name History
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon1 N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon1 N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon1 N/A
Transamerica Balanced II1 N/A
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities2 N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market Transamerica Money Market was renamed Transamerica Government Money Market on May 1, 2016.
Transamerica High Quality Bond1 N/A
Transamerica High Yield Bond N/A
Transamerica High Yield ESG3 N/A
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities1 N/A
Transamerica Intermediate Bond N/A
Transamerica International Equity N/A
Transamerica International Growth Transamerica International Equity Opportunities was renamed Transamerica International Growth on March 1, 2018.
Transamerica Large Core1 N/A
Transamerica Large Growth1 N/A
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities1 N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Growth N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Value N/A
Transamerica Sustainable Bond3 N/A
The footnote references below are intended for use as relevant to each applicable table included in this SAI:
1 Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon, Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon, Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon, Transamerica Balanced II, Transamerica High Quality Bond, Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities, Transamerica Large Core, Transamerica Large Growth and Transamerica Large Value Opportunities commenced operations on November 11, 2016, and as such, there is no historical information for those funds for fiscal years ended prior to that date.
2 Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities commenced operations on December 19, 2019, and as such, there is no historical information for the fund for fiscal years ended prior to that date.
3 Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond have not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and, as such, there is no historical information for the fiscal years ended prior to the date of this SAI.
Investment Objectives, Policies, Practices and Associated Risk Factors
The investment objective of each fund and the strategies each fund employs to achieve its objective are described in each fund’s prospectus. There can be no assurance that a fund will achieve its objective.
As indicated in each prospectus in the section entitled “Additional Information,” each fund’s investment objective and, unless otherwise noted in the prospectus or in this SAI, its investment policies and techniques may be changed by the funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without approval of shareholders. A change in the investment objective or policies of a fund may result in the fund having an investment objective or policies different from those which a shareholder deemed appropriate at the time of investment.
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Investment Policies
Fundamental Investment Policies
Fundamental investment policies of each fund may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund, defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities of the fund present at a shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the fund.
Each fund has adopted the following fundamental policies:
1. Borrowing
The fund may not borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
2. Underwriting Securities
The fund may not engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
3. Making Loans
The fund may make loans only as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
4. Senior Securities
The fund may not issue any senior security, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted from time to time by regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
5. Real Estate
The fund may not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
6. Commodities
The fund may not purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities, except as permitted from time to time under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
7. Concentration of Investments
The fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry, as the relevant terms are used in the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
Solely for purposes of the above fundamental investment policies, the “1940 Act” shall mean the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder, all as amended from time to time, or other successor law governing the regulation of investment companies, or interpretations or modifications thereof by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), SEC staff or other authority, or exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
Additional Information about Fundamental Investment Policies
The following provides additional information about each fund’s fundamental investment policies. This information does not form part of the funds’ fundamental investment policies.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth in (1) above, the 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes (the fund’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed). To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the fund to maintain at all times an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the fund’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth in (2) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, the 1940 Act permits a fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the fund’s underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the fund’s investments in issuers where the fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuer’s registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 1933 Act are considered restricted securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability.
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Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause a fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy in (2) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth in (3) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets. Each fund will be permitted by this policy to make loans of money, including to other funds, portfolio securities or other assets. Each fund has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to make short term loans to other Transamerica funds through a credit facility in order to satisfy redemption requests or to cover unanticipated cash shortfalls; as discussed below under “Additional Information - Interfund Lending”. The conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending, however no lending activity is without risk.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (4) above, “senior securities” are defined as fund obligations that have a priority over the fund’s shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a fund from issuing senior securities, except that the fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose. A fund also may borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by a fund can increase the speculative character of the fund’s outstanding shares through leveraging.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to real estate set forth in (5) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning real estate; however, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in real estate are considered illiquid, rules under the 1940 Act generally limit a fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent a fund from investing in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) instruments (like mortgages) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or real estate investment trust securities. Investing in real estate may involve risks, including that real estate is generally considered illiquid and may be difficult to value and sell. In addition, owners of real estate may be subject to various liabilities, including environmental liabilities.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth in (6) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning commodities, whether physical commodities and contracts related to physical commodities (such as oil or grains and related futures contracts), or financial commodities and contracts related to financial commodities (such as currencies and, possibly, currency futures). However, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in commodities are considered illiquid, rules under the 1940 Act generally limit a fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in (7) above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. The policy in (7) above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions (excluding private activity municipal securities backed principally by non-governmental issuers); and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers based solely on their domicile in a single jurisdiction or country as an issuer’s domicile will not be considered an industry for purposes of the policy. A type of investment (e.g., equity securities, fixed income securities, investment companies, etc.) will not be considered to be an industry under the policy. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to a fund as to how to reasonably classify issuers within or among industries. For purposes of determining compliance with its concentration policy, each fund will consider the holdings of any underlying Transamerica-sponsored mutual funds in which the fund invests. The funds have been advised by the SEC staff that the staff currently views securities issued by a foreign government to be in a single industry for purposes of calculating applicable limits on concentration.
The funds’ fundamental policies are written and will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC, its staff and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the practice will be considered to be permitted if either the 1940 Act permits the practice or the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice.
Except for the fundamental policy on borrowing set forth in (1) above, if any percentage restriction described above is complied with at the time of an investment, a later increase or decrease in the percentage resulting from a change in values or assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction.
The investment practices described above involve risks. Please see your fund’s prospectus(es) and this SAI for a description of certain of these risks.
Non-Fundamental Policies
The funds have adopted the following non-fundamental policies, which may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.
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1. Illiquid investments (all funds)
No fund may purchase any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets (5% of total assets with respect to Transamerica Government Money Market) would be invested in illiquid securities.
2. Purchasing securities on margin
No fund may purchase securities on margin except to obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, provided that margin payments and other deposits made in connection with transactions in options, futures contracts, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
3. Underlying funds in funds-of-funds investment limitation (applicable funds: all funds except Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon, Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon and Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon)
No fund may acquire any securities of registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on the provisions of Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. This policy does not prevent a fund from investing in securities of registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on any other provision of applicable law or regulation.
Additional Information Regarding Investment Practices
Each fund’s principal investment strategies are set forth in its prospectus. This section further explains policies and strategies utilized by the funds.
Please refer to each fund’s prospectus and investment restrictions for the policies and strategies pertinent to a particular fund.
Unless otherwise indicated, all limitations applicable to fund investments (as stated in the prospectus and elsewhere in this SAI) apply only at the time a transaction is entered into. If a percentage limitation is complied with at the time of an investment, any subsequent change in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets, or a change in credit quality, will not constitute a violation of that limitation. There is no limit on the ability of a fund to make any type of investment or to invest in any type of security, except as expressly stated in the prospectus(es) or in this SAI or as imposed by law.
Recent Market Events
In the past decade, financial markets throughout the world have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. Governmental and non-governmental issuers defaulted on, or were forced to restructure, their debts. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread.
The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks took steps to support financial markets during the last decade following the financial crisis that began in 2007, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels and by purchasing large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (“quantitative easing”). Similar steps were taken again in 2020 in an effort to support the coronavirus pandemic. This and other government interventions may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Future policy changes by the Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank support, including interest rate increases or reducing quantitative easing, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which a fund invests.
Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, a fund’s exposure to the risks described in this Statement of Additional Information will likely increase. As a result, whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Europe: A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in conflicts and social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial
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markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, in 2016, voters in the United Kingdom approved withdrawal from the European Union. This resulted in significant political and economic uncertainty, and the outcome and ramifications may not be known for some time. Given the size and importance of the United Kingdom’s economy, uncertainty about its legal, political, and economic relationship with the remaining member states of the European Union may continue to be a source of instability. Moreover, other countries may seek to withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. The Ukraine has experienced ongoing military conflict; this conflict may expand and military conflicts could potentially occur elsewhere in Europe. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geopolitical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. Whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments.
COVID-19. The respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus has resulted in a global pandemic and major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some interest rates are very low and in some cases yields are negative. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the U.S., have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The impact of these measures, and whether they will be effective to mitigate the economic and market disruption, may not be known for some time. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, likewise may not be known for some time.
Debt Securities and Fixed-Income Investing
Debt securities include securities such as corporate bonds and debentures; commercial paper; trust preferreds, debt securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities; or foreign governments; asset-backed securities; collateralized-mortgage obligations (“CMOs”); zero coupon bonds; floating rate, inverse floating rate and index obligations; “strips”; structured notes; and pay-in-kind and step securities.
Fixed-income investing is the purchase of a debt security that maintains a level of income that does not change, at least for some period of time. When a debt security is purchased, the fund owns “debt” and becomes a creditor to the company or government.
Consistent with each fund's investment policies, a fund may invest in debt securities, which may be referred to as fixed income instruments. These may include securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or government-sponsored enterprises; corporate debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, including convertible securities and corporate commercial paper; mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities; inflation-indexed bonds issued both by governments and corporations; structured notes, including hybrid or “indexed” securities, event-linked bonds and loan participations; delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities; bank certificates of deposit (“CDs”), fixed time deposits and bankers’ acceptances; repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements; debt securities issued by state or local governments and their agencies, authorities and other government-sponsored enterprises; obligations of non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and government-sponsored enterprises; and obligations of international agencies or supranational entities. Consistent with its investment policies, a fund may invest in derivatives based on fixed income instruments.
Generally, a fund uses the terms “debt security,” “bond,” “fixed income instrument” and “fixed income security” interchangeably, and these terms are interpreted broadly by the funds and include instruments that are intended to provide one or more of the characteristics of a direct investment in one or more debt securities. As new debt securities are developed, the funds may invest in those securities as well.
Maturity and Duration: The maturity of a fixed income security is a measure of the time remaining until the final payment on the security is due. For simple fixed income securities, duration indicates the average time at which the security’s cash flows are to be received. For simple fixed income securities with interest payments occurring prior to the payment of principal, duration is always less than maturity. For example, a current coupon bullet bond with a maturity of 3.5 years will have a duration of approximately three years. In general, the lower the stated or coupon rate of interest of a fixed income security, the closer its duration will be to its final maturity; conversely, the higher the stated or coupon rate of interest of a fixed income security, the shorter its duration will be compared to its final maturity. The determination of duration becomes more complex when fixed income securities with features like floating coupon payments, optionality, prepayments, and structuring are evaluated. There are differing methodologies for computing effective duration prevailing in the industry. As a result, different investors may estimate duration differently.
Debt and fixed-income securities share three principal risks. First, the level of interest income generated by a fund’s fixed income investments may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates. If rates decline, when a fund’s fixed income securities mature or are sold, they may be replaced by lower-yielding investments. Second, the values of fixed income securities fluctuate with changes in interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result in an increase in the value of a fund’s fixed income investments. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of a fund’s fixed income investments will generally decline. However, a change in interest rates will not have
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the same impact on all fixed rate securities. For example, the magnitude of these fluctuations will generally be greater when a fund’s duration or average maturity is longer. Third, certain fixed income securities are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of securities will be unable to pay principal and interest when due, or that the value of the security will suffer because investors believe the issuer is unable to pay.
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or private issuers such as banks, insurance companies, and savings and loans. Some of these securities, such as Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) certificates, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury while others, such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federated National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) certificates, are not. The U.S. government has provided recent financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored entities in the future.
Mortgage-backed securities represent interests in a pool of mortgages. Principal and interest payments made on the mortgages in the underlying mortgage pool are passed through to the fund. These securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their stated maturity dates would indicate as a result of principal prepayments on the underlying loans. This can result in significantly greater price and yield volatility than with traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of declining interest rates, prepayments can be expected to accelerate which will shorten these securities’ weighted average life and may lower their return. Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the weighted average life of these securities which generally would cause their values to fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates.
The value of these securities also may change because of changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the federal agency or private institution that issued or guarantees them. In addition, the mortgage securities market in general may be adversely affected by changes in governmental regulation or tax policies.
Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, are not subject to a fund’s industry concentration restrictions, by virtue of the exclusion from that test available to all U.S. government securities. In the case of privately issued mortgage-related securities, the funds may take the position that mortgage-related securities do not represent interests in any particular “industry” or group of industries.
As noted above, there are a number of important differences among the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that issue mortgage related securities and among the securities that they issue. Mortgage-related securities issued by GNMA include GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as “Ginnie Maes”) which are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by GNMA and such guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA certificates also are supported by the authority of GNMA to borrow funds from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under its guarantee. Mortgage-related securities issued by Fannie Mae include Fannie Mae Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as “Fannie Maes”) which are solely the obligations of Fannie Mae and are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and credit of the U.S. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored organization owned entirely by private stockholders. Fannie Maes are guaranteed as to the timely payment of the principal and interest by Fannie Mae. Mortgage-related securities issued by Freddie Mac include Freddie Mac Mortgage Participation Certificates (also known as “Freddie Macs” or “PCs”). Freddie Mac is a corporate instrumentality of the U.S., created pursuant to an Act of Congress, which is owned entirely by Federal Home Loan Banks. Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the U.S. or by any Federal Home Loan Banks and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the U.S. or of any Federal Home Loan Bank. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to the timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by Freddie Mac. Freddie Mac guarantees either ultimate collection or the timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. When Freddie Mac does not guarantee timely payment of principal, Freddie Mac may remit the amount due on account of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable.
CMOs, which are debt obligations collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities, provide the holder with a specified interest in the cash flow of a pool of underlying mortgages or other mortgage-backed securities. Issuers of CMOs frequently elect to be taxed as pass-through entities known as real estate mortgage investment conduits. CMOs are issued in multiple classes, each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final distribution date. The relative payment rights of the various CMO classes may be structured in many ways. In most cases, however, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in the order of their respective stated maturities, so that no principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity date are paid in full. The classes may include accrual certificates (also known as “Z-Bonds”), which only accrue interest at a specified rate until other specified classes have been retired and are converted thereafter to interest-paying securities. They may also include planned amortization classes which generally require, within certain limits, that specified amounts of principal be applied on each payment date, and generally exhibit less yield and market volatility than other classes. In many cases, CMOs are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities or may be collateralized by a fund of mortgages or mortgage-related securities guaranteed by such an agency or instrumentality. Certain CMOs in which a fund may invest are not guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities (“SMBS”) are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
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SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.
The repayment of certain mortgage-related securities depends primarily on the cash collections received from the issuer’s underlying asset portfolio and, in certain cases, the issuer’s ability to issue replacement securities (such as asset-backed commercial paper). As a result, a fund could experience losses in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the issuer’s underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing securities, or the issuer’s inability to issue new or replacement securities. This is also true for other asset-backed securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the investors in a security held by a fund may become the holders of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss. If mortgage-backed securities or asset-backed securities are bought at a discount, however, both scheduled payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments will increase current and total returns and will accelerate the recognition of income.
Unlike mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its sponsored entities, mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee, but may have credit enhancement provided by external entities such as banks or financial institutions or achieved through the structuring of the transaction itself. Examples of such credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include the issue of senior and subordinated securities (e.g., the issuance of securities by a special purpose vehicle in multiple classes or “tranches,” with one or more classes being senior to other subordinated classes as to the payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgage loans are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class); creation of “reserve funds” (in which case cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying mortgage loans, are held in reserve against future losses); and “over-collateralization” (in which case the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying mortgage loans exceeds that required to make payment of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). However, there can be no guarantee that credit enhancements, if any, will be sufficient to prevent losses in the event of defaults on the underlying mortgage loans. A fund may also buy mortgage-backed securities without insurance or guarantees.
If a fund purchases subordinated mortgage-backed securities, the payments of principal and interest on the fund’s subordinated securities generally will be made only after payments are made to the holders of securities senior to the fund’s securities. Therefore, if there are defaults on the underlying mortgage loans, a fund will be less likely to receive payments of principal and interest, and will be more likely to suffer a loss. Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-backed securities held in a fund may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.
In addition, mortgage-backed securities that are issued by private issuers are not subject to the underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-backed securities that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying private mortgage-backed securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. Privately issued pools more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value mortgages and manufactured housing loans. The coupon rates and maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a private-label mortgage-backed securities pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a government guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had, in many cases, higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements.
The risk of non-payment is greater for mortgage-backed securities that are backed by mortgage pools that contain subprime loans, but a level of risk exists for all loans. Market factors adversely affecting mortgage loan repayments may include a general economic turndown, high unemployment, a general slowdown in the real estate market, a drop in the market prices of real estate, or an increase in interest rates resulting in higher mortgage payments by holders of adjustable rate mortgages.
The funds may invest in mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and by private issuers entities, provided, however, that to the extent that a fund purchases mortgage-related securities from such issuers which may, solely for purposes of the 1940 Act, be deemed to be investment companies, the fund’s investment in such securities will be subject to the limitations on its investment in investment company securities.
Asset-Backed Securities
Asset-backed securities are generally issued as pass-through certificates, which represent undivided fractional ownership interests in the underlying pool of assets, or as debt instruments, which are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. The pool of assets generally represents the obligations of a number of different parties.
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Asset-backed securities have many of the same characteristics and risks as the mortgage-backed securities described above, except that asset-backed securities may be backed by non-real-estate loans, leases or receivables such as auto, credit card or home equity loans.
Non-mortgage asset-backed securities are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or government-sponsored entities; however, the payment of principal and interest on such obligations may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution (such as a bank or insurance company) which may be affiliated or unaffiliated with the issuers of such securities. In addition, such securities generally will have remaining estimated lives at the time of purchase of five years or less.
Asset-backed securities frequently carry credit protection in the form of extra collateral, subordinated certificates, cash reserve accounts, letters of credit or other enhancements. For example, payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or other enhancement issued by a financial institution. Assets which, to date, have been used to back asset-backed securities include motor vehicle installment sales contracts or installment loans secured by motor vehicles, and receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements. Other types of asset-backed securities include those that represent interest in pools of corporate bonds (such as collateralized bond obligations or “CBOs”), bank loans (such as collateralized loan obligations or “CLOs”) and other debt obligations (such as collateralized debt obligations or “CDOs”).
Asset-backed security values may also be affected by factors such as changes in interest rates, the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing any credit enhancement and the exhaustion of any credit enhancement. The risks of investing in asset-backed securities depend upon payment of the underlying loans by the individual borrowers (i.e., the backing asset). In its capacity as purchaser of an asset-backed security, a fund would generally have no recourse to the entity that originated the loans in the event of default by the borrower. If a letter of credit or other form of credit enhancement is exhausted or otherwise unavailable, holders of asset-backed securities may experience delays in payments or losses if the full amounts due on underlying assets are not realized. Asset-backed securities may also present certain additional risks related to the particular type of collateral. For example, credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Asset-backed securities are also subject to prepayment risk, which may shorten the weighted average life of such securities and may lower their return. In addition, asset backed securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with mortgage-backed securities, as well as additional risks associated with the nature of the assets and the servicing of those assets.
Asset-backed securities may be subject to greater risk of default during periods of economic downturn than other securities, which could result in possible losses to a fund. In addition, the secondary market for asset-backed securities may not be as liquid as the market for other securities which may result in a fund’s experiencing difficulty in selling or valuing asset-backed securities.
Corporate Debt Securities
Corporate debt securities exist in great variety, differing from one another in quality, maturity, and call or other provisions. Lower-grade bonds, whether rated or unrated, usually offer higher interest income, but also carry increased risk of default. Corporate bonds may be secured or unsecured, senior to or subordinated to other debt of the issuer, and, occasionally, may be guaranteed by another entity. In addition, they may carry other features, such as those described under “Convertible Securities” and “Variable or Floating Rate Securities,” or have special features such as the right of the holder to shorten or lengthen the maturity of a given debt instrument, rights to purchase additional securities, rights to elect from among two or more currencies in which to receive interest or principal payments, or provisions permitting the holder to participate in earnings of the issuer or to participate in the value of some specified commodity, financial index, or other measure of value.
Commercial Paper
Commercial paper refers to short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by commercial and industrial corporations to finance their current operations. Commercial paper may be issued at a discount and redeemed at par, or issued at par with interest added at maturity. The interest or discount rate depends on general interest rates, the credit standing of the issuer, and the maturity of the note, and generally moves in tandem with rates on large CDs and Treasury bills. An established secondary market exists for commercial paper, particularly that of stronger issuers which are rated by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”). Investments in commercial paper are subject to the risks that general interest rates will rise, that the credit standing or rating of the issuer will fall, or that the secondary market in the issuer’s notes will become too limited to permit their liquidation at a reasonable price.
Commercial paper includes asset-backed commercial paper (“ABCP”) that is issued by structured investment vehicles or other conduits. These conduits may be sponsored by mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and special purpose finance entities. ABCP typically refers to a debt security with an original term to maturity of up to 270 days, the payment of which is supported by cash flows from underlying assets, or one or more liquidity or credit support providers, or both. Assets backing ABCP, which may be included in revolving pools of assets with large numbers of obligors, include credit card, car loan and other consumer receivables and home or commercial mortgages, including subprime mortgages. The repayment of ABCP issued by a conduit depends primarily on the cash collections received from the conduit’s underlying asset portfolio and the conduit’s ability to issue new ABCP. Therefore, there could be losses to a fund investing in ABCP in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the conduit’s underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing ABCP, or the
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conduit’s inability to issue new ABCP. To protect investors from these risks, ABCP programs may be structured with various protections, such as credit enhancement, liquidity support, and commercial paper stop-issuance and wind-down triggers. However, there can be no guarantee that these protections will be sufficient to prevent losses to investors in ABCP.
Some ABCP programs provide for an extension of the maturity date of the ABCP if, on the related maturity date, the conduit is unable to access sufficient liquidity through the issue of additional ABCP. This may delay the sale of the underlying collateral, and a fund may incur a loss if the value of the collateral deteriorates during the extension period. Alternatively, if collateral for ABCP deteriorates in value, the collateral may be required to be sold at inopportune times or at prices insufficient to repay the principal and interest on the ABCP. ABCP programs may provide for the issuance of subordinated notes as an additional form of credit enhancement. The subordinated notes are typically of a lower credit quality and have a higher risk of default. A fund purchasing these subordinated notes will therefore have a higher likelihood of loss than investors in the senior notes.
Bank Obligations
Bank obligations include dollar-denominated CDs, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances and other short-term debt obligations issued by domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan associations and other banking institutions. CDs are short-term, unsecured, negotiable obligations of commercial banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banks for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable time drafts drawn on commercial banks usually in connection with international transactions.
Domestic commercial banks organized under federal law are supervised and examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are required to be members of the Federal Reserve System and to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Domestic banks organized under state law are supervised and examined by state banking authorities, but are members of the Federal Reserve System only if they elect to join. Most state institutions are insured by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to a fund, depending upon the principal amount of obligations of each held by the fund) and are subject to federal examination and to a substantial body of federal law and regulation. As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, domestic banks are, among other things, generally required to maintain specified levels of reserves and are subject to other supervision and regulation designed to promote financial soundness. However, not all of such laws and regulations apply to the foreign branches of domestic banks.
Obligations of foreign branches and subsidiaries of domestic banks and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, such as CDs and time deposits, may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and governmental regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are those of domestic banks or domestic branches of foreign banks. These risks include foreign economic and political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations, foreign exchange controls and foreign withholding and other taxes on interest income. Foreign branches of domestic banks and foreign branches of foreign banks are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to domestic banks, such as mandatory reserve requirements, loan limitations and accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly available about a foreign branch of a domestic bank or about a foreign bank than about a domestic bank.
Obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank, in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by state and federal regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A domestic branch of a foreign bank with assets in excess of $1 billion may or may not be subject to reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in which the branch is located if the branch is licensed in that state. In addition, branches licensed by the Comptroller of the Currency and branches licensed by certain states (“State Branches”) may or may not be required to: (i) pledge to the regulator, by depositing assets with a designated bank within the state; and (ii) maintain assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank payable at or through all of its agencies or branches within the state. The deposits of State Branches may not necessarily be insured by the FDIC. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about a domestic branch of a foreign bank than about a domestic bank.
Bank Capital Securities: Bank capital securities are issued by banks to help fulfill their regulatory capital requirements. There are two common types of bank capital: Tier I and Tier II. Bank capital is generally, but not always, of investment grade quality. Tier I securities often take the form of trust preferred securities. Tier II securities are commonly thought of as hybrids of debt and preferred stock, are often perpetual (with no maturity date), callable and, under certain conditions, allow for the issuer bank to withhold payment of interest until a later date.
Collateralized Debt Obligations
Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities. CBOs and CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust or other special purpose entity (“SPE”) which is typically backed by a diversified pool of fixed income securities (which may include high-risk, below-investment-grade securities). A CLO is a trust or other SPE that is typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, 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. Although certain CDOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, such enhancement may not always be present, and may fail to protect a fund against the risk of loss on default of the collateral. Certain CDOs may use derivatives contracts to create “synthetic” exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly. CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses, which are in addition to those of a fund.
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For both CBOs and CLOs, the cashflows from the SPE are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche, which bears the first loss from defaults from the bonds or loans in the SPE and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default (though such protection is not complete). Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a CBO trust or CLO trust typically has higher ratings and lower yields than its underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO or CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of subordinate tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as investor aversion to CBO or CLO securities as a class. Interest on certain tranches of a CDO may be paid in kind (paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments.
The risks of an investment in a CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO in which a fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by a fund as illiquid securities. However, an active dealer market may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO to qualify for Rule 144A transactions. In addition to the risks typically associated with fixed income securities discussed elsewhere in this SAI and a fund’s prospectus (e.g., interest rate risk and credit risk), 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 collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) a fund may invest in tranches of CDOs that are subordinate to other tranches; (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; and (v) the CDO’s manager may perform poorly.
Zero Coupon, Step Coupon, Deferred Payment, Stripped and Pay-In-Kind Securities
Zero coupon bonds are issued and traded at a discount from their face values. They do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity. Step coupon bonds are issued and trade at a discount from their face values and pay coupon interest. The coupon rate typically is low for an initial period and then increases to a higher coupon rate thereafter. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain zero coupon securities until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals. The discount from the face amount or par value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. Stripped securities are securities that are stripped of their interest after the securities are issued, but otherwise are comparable to zero coupon bonds. Pay-in-kind securities may pay all or a portion of their interest or dividends in the form of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities.
Federal income tax law requires holders of zero coupon, step coupon and deferred payment securities to report the portion of the original issue discount on such securities that accrues that year as interest income, even if prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payment. In order to avoid a fund-level tax, a fund must distribute each year substantially all of its taxable income, including original issue discount accrued on zero coupon, step coupon or deferred payment securities. Because a fund may not receive full or even any cash payments on a current basis in respect of accrued original-issue discount on zero coupon, step coupon or deferred payment securities, in some years a fund may have to distribute cash obtained from other sources in order to satisfy those distribution requirements. A fund might obtain such cash from selling other fund holdings. These actions may reduce the assets to which a fund’s expenses could be allocated and may reduce the rate of return for the fund. In some circumstances, such sales might be necessary in order to satisfy cash distribution requirements even though investment considerations might otherwise make it undesirable for the fund to sell the securities at the time.
Generally, the market prices of zero coupon, step coupon, deferred payment, stripped and pay-in-kind securities are more volatile than the prices of securities that pay interest periodically and in cash and are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than other types of debt securities having similar maturities and credit quality. Investments in zero coupon and step coupon bonds may be more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value because of changes in interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently.
Repurchase Agreements
In a repurchase agreement, a fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon date within a number of days (usually not more than seven) from the date of purchase. The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which typically is unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security and represents compensation to the seller for use of the purchased security. A repurchase agreement involves the obligation of the seller to pay the agreed-upon price, which obligation is in effect secured by the value (at least equal to the amount of the agreed-upon resale price and marked-to-market daily) of the underlying security or collateral. All repurchase agreements entered into by a fund are fully collateralized at all times during the period of the agreement.
Repurchase agreements involve the risk that the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that case, a fund will bear the risk of market value fluctuations until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur costs in liquidating the security. Repurchase agreements involve risks in the event of default or insolvency of the other party, including possible delays or restrictions upon a fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities, the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which the fund seeks to assert its right to them, the risk of incurring expenses associated with asserting those rights and the risk of losing all or part of the income from the agreement.
A fund may, together with other registered investment companies managed by the fund’s sub-adviser or its affiliates, transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements, including tri-party subcustody repurchase arrangements.
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Convertible Securities
Convertible securities are fixed income securities that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into underlying shares of common stock. Convertible securities have general characteristics similar to both fixed income and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent than with fixed income securities generally, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities. A significant feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so they may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock.
As fixed income securities, convertible securities provide for a stream of income. The yields on convertible securities generally are higher than those of common stocks. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. However, a convertible security offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, enabling the holder to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock of the same issuer. Because of the subordination feature, however, convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.
DECS (“Dividend Enhanced Convertible Stock,” or “Debt Exchangeable for Common Stock” when-issued as a debt security) offer a substantial dividend advantage with the possibility of unlimited upside potential if the price of the underlying common stock exceeds a certain level. DECS convert to common stock at maturity. The amount received is dependent on the price of the common stock at the time of maturity. DECS contain two call options at different strike prices. The DECS participate with the common stock up to the first call price. They are effectively capped at that point unless the common stock rises above a second price point, at which time they participate with unlimited upside potential.
PERCS (“Preferred Equity Redeemable Stock,” convert into an equity issue that pays a high cash dividend, has a cap price and mandatory conversion to common stock at maturity) offer a substantial dividend advantage, but capital appreciation potential is limited to a predetermined level. PERCS are less risky and less volatile than the underlying common stock because their superior income mitigates declines when the common stock falls, while the cap price limits gains when the common stock rises.
In evaluating investment in a convertible security, primary emphasis will be given to the attractiveness of the underlying common stock. The convertible debt securities in which a fund may invest are subject to the same rating criteria as the fund’s investment in non-convertible debt securities.
Unlike a convertible security which is a single security, a synthetic convertible security is comprised of two distinct securities that together resemble convertible securities in certain respects. Synthetic convertible securities are created by combining non-convertible bonds or preferred shares with common stocks, warrants or stock call options. The options that will form elements of synthetic convertible securities will be listed on a securities exchange or on NASDAQ. The two components of a synthetic convertible security, which will be issued with respect to the same entity, generally are not offered as a unit, and may be purchased and sold by a fund at different times. Synthetic convertible securities differ from convertible securities in certain respects, including that each component of a synthetic convertible security has a separate market value and responds differently to market fluctuations. Investing in synthetic convertible securities involves the risk normally involved in holding the securities comprising the synthetic convertible security.
A fund will limit its holdings of convertible debt securities to those that, at the time of purchase, are rated at least B- by S&P or B3 by Moody’s or B- by Fitch, Inc., or, if not rated by S&P, Moody’s or Fitch, are of equivalent investment quality as determined by the sub-adviser.
High Yield Securities
Debt securities rated below investment grade (lower than Baa as determined by Moody’s, lower than BBB as determined by S&P or Fitch, Inc.) or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by a fund’s sub-adviser, are commonly referred to as “lower grade debt securities” or “junk bonds.” Generally, such securities offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher rated securities, but also are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. The market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality bonds. In addition, medium and lower rated securities and comparable unrated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. Lower grade debt securities generally are unsecured and frequently subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. In addition, the market value of securities in lower rated categories is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which medium and lower rated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for a fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its securities and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for a fund to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of a fund to sell securities at their fair value either to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets.
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Lower rated debt securities also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption, a fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Also, the principal value of bonds moves inversely with movements in interest rates; in the event of rising interest rates, the value of the securities held by a fund may decline more than a fund consisting of higher rated securities. If a fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its higher rated bonds, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the securities held by the fund and increasing the exposure of the fund to the risks of lower rated securities.
Subsequent to its purchase by a fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by a fund. Neither event will require sale of these securities by a fund, but a sub-adviser will consider the event in determining whether the fund should continue to hold the security.
Except for certain funds, a fund’s investments in convertible debt securities and other high-yield, non-convertible debt securities rated below investment grade will comprise less than 35% of the fund’s net assets. Debt securities rated below the four highest categories are not considered “investment-grade” obligations.
Distressed Debt Securities
Distressed debt securities are debt securities that are purchased in the secondary market and are the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise in default as to the repayment of principal and/or interest at the time of acquisition by a fund or are rated in the lower rating categories (Ca or lower by Moody’s and CC or lower by S&P) or which, if unrated, are in the judgment of a sub-adviser of equivalent quality. Investment in distressed debt securities is speculative and involves significant risk. The risks associated with high-yield securities are heightened by investing in distressed debt securities.
A fund will generally make such investments only when the fund’s sub-adviser believes it is reasonably likely that the issuer of the distressed debt securities will make an exchange offer or will be the subject of a plan of reorganization pursuant to which the fund will receive new securities (e.g., equity securities). However, there can be no assurance that such an exchange offer will be made or that such a plan of reorganization will be adopted. In addition, a significant period of time may pass between the time at which a fund makes its investment in distressed debt securities and the time that any such exchange offer or plan of reorganization is completed. During this period, it is unlikely that the fund will receive any interest payments on the distressed debt securities, the fund will be subject to significant uncertainty as to whether or not the exchange offer or plan will be completed and the fund may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses to protect or recover its investment. Even if an exchange offer is made or plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to the distressed debt securities held by a fund, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by the fund in connection with such exchange offer or plan of reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment was made. Moreover, any securities received by the fund upon completion of an exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a result of a fund’s participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of distressed debt securities, the fund may be restricted from disposing of such securities.
Defaulted Securities
Defaulted securities are debt securities on which the issuer is not currently making interest payments. Generally, a fund will invest in defaulted securities only when its sub-adviser believes, based upon analysis of the financial condition, results of operations and economic outlook of an issuer, that there is potential for resumption of income payments, that the securities offer an unusual opportunity for capital appreciation or that other advantageous developments appear likely in the future. Notwithstanding a sub-adviser’s belief as to the resumption of income payments, however, the purchase of any security on which payment of interest or dividends is suspended involves a high degree of risk. Such risk includes, among other things, the following:
Investments in securities that are in default involve a high degree of financial and market risks that can result in substantial, or at times even total, losses. Issuers of defaulted securities may have substantial capital needs and may become involved in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings. Among the problems involved in investments in such issuers is the fact that it may be difficult to obtain information about the condition of such issuers. The market prices of such securities also are subject to abrupt and erratic movements and above average price volatility, and the spread between the bid and asked prices of such securities may be greater than normally expected.
A fund will limit holdings of any such securities to amounts that its sub-adviser (if applicable) believes could be readily sold, and its holdings of such securities would, in any event, be limited so as not to limit the fund’s ability to readily dispose of securities to meet redemptions.
Structured Notes and Related Instruments
“Structured” notes and other related instruments are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an “embedded index”), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates, or the differential performance of two assets or markets, such as indexes reflecting bonds. Structured instruments may be issued by corporations, including banks, as well as by governmental agencies and frequently are assembled in the form of medium-term notes, but a variety of forms is available and may be used in particular circumstances. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but ordinarily not below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index(es) or other asset(s). Application of a multiplier
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involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Investment in indexed securities and structured notes involves certain risks, including the credit risk of the issuer and the normal risks of price changes in response to changes in interest rates. Further, in the case of certain indexed securities or structured notes, a decline in the reference instrument may cause the interest rate to be reduced to zero, and any further declines in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Finally, these securities may be less liquid than other types of securities, and may be more volatile than their underlying reference instruments.
U.S. Government Securities
U.S. Government obligations generally include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as U.S. Treasury bills, notes, and bonds) and obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. Examples of the types of U.S. government securities that a fund may hold include the Federal Housing Administration, Small Business Administration, General Services Administration, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and Maritime Administration. U.S. government securities may be supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (such as securities of the Small Business Administration); by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank); by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations (such as securities of Fannie Mae); or only by the credit of the issuing agency.
Examples of agencies and instrumentalities which may not always receive financial support from the U.S. government are: Federal Land Banks; Central Bank for Cooperatives; Federal Intermediate Credit Banks; Federal Home Loan Banks; Farmers Home Administration; and Fannie Mae.
Obligations guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or government-sponsored entities include issues by non-government-sponsored entities (like financial institutions) that carry direct guarantees from U.S. government agencies as part of government initiatives in response to the market crisis or otherwise. In the case of obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S., a fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S. itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. Neither the U.S. government nor any of its agencies or instrumentalities guarantees the market value of the securities they issue. Therefore, the market value of such securities will fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates.
On August 5, 2011, S& P lowered the long-term sovereign credit rating assigned to the U.S. to AA+ with a negative outlook. On June 10, 2013, S&P revised the negative outlook to a stable outlook. The long-term impact of the downgrade or the impact of any potential future downgrades are unknown and could negatively impact the funds.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities
Variable and floating rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. The terms of such obligations provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based upon an interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event-based, such as based on a change in the prime rate.
The interest rate on a floating rate debt instrument (a “floater”) is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a corporate bond index or Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. Because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters may provide a fund with a certain degree of protection against rising interest rates, although a fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two bonds or other securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.
The interest rate on an inverse floating rate debt instrument (an “inverse floater”) resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floating rate security may exhibit greater price volatility than a fixed rate obligation of similar credit quality.
A floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in some floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market values.
Such instruments may include variable amount master demand notes that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary in addition to providing for periodic adjustments in the interest rate. The absence of an active secondary market with respect to particular variable and floating rate instruments could make it difficult for a fund to dispose of a variable or floating rate note if the issuer defaulted on its payment obligation or during periods that a fund is not entitled to exercise its demand rights, and a fund could, for these or other reasons, suffer a loss with respect to such instruments. In determining average-weighted portfolio maturity, an instrument will be deemed to have a maturity equal to either the period remaining until the next interest rate adjustment or the time a fund involved can recover payment of principal as specified in the instrument, depending on the type of instrument involved.
Variable rate master demand notes are unsecured commercial paper instruments that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for periodic adjustment in the interest rate. Because variable rate master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between a fund and the issuer, they are not normally traded.
Although no active secondary market may exist for these notes, a fund may demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any time or may resell the note to a third party. While the notes are not typically rated by credit rating agencies, issuers of variable rate master demand notes must satisfy a sub-adviser that the ratings are within the two highest ratings of commercial paper.
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In addition, when purchasing variable rate master demand notes, a sub-adviser will consider the earning power, cash flows, and other liquidity ratios of the issuers of the notes and will continuously monitor their financial status and ability to meet payment on demand.
In the event an issuer of a variable rate master demand note defaulted on its payment obligations, a fund might be unable to dispose of the note because of the absence of a secondary market and could, for this or other reasons, suffer a loss to the extent of the default.
Municipal Securities
Municipal securities generally include debt obligations (bonds, notes or commercial paper) issued by or on behalf of any of the 50 states and their political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities, certain other governmental issuers (such as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam) or other qualifying issuers, participation or other interests in these securities and other related investments. A shareholder in a fund will generally exclude from gross income its allocable share of the interest the fund receives on municipal securities.
Municipal securities are issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities, such as airports, bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets, water and sewer works, gas, and electric utilities. They may also be issued to refund outstanding obligations, to obtain funds for general operating expenses, or to obtain funds to loan to other public institutions and facilities and in anticipation of the receipt of revenue or the issuance of other obligations.
The two principal classifications of municipal securities are “general obligation” securities and “limited obligation” or “revenue” securities. General obligation securities are secured by a municipal issuer’s pledge of its full faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Accordingly, the capacity of the issuer of a general obligation bond as to the timely payment of interest and the repayment of principal when due is affected by the issuer’s maintenance of its tax base. Revenue securities are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source. Accordingly, the timely payment of interest and the repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the revenue security is a function of the economic viability of the facility or revenue source. Revenue securities include private activity bonds (described below) which are not payable from the unrestricted revenues of the issuer. Consequently, the credit quality of private activity bonds is usually directly related to the credit standing of the corporate user of the facility involved. Municipal securities may also include “moral obligation” bonds, which are normally issued by special purpose public authorities. If the issuer of moral obligation bonds is unable to meet its debt service obligations from current revenues, it may draw on a reserve fund the restoration of which is a moral commitment but not a legal obligation of the state or municipality which created the issuer.
Private Activity Bonds: Private activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to provide funds, usually through a loan or lease arrangement, to a private entity for the purpose of financing construction of privately operated industrial facilities, such as warehouse, office, plant and storage facilities and environmental and pollution control facilities. Such bonds are secured primarily by revenues derived from loan repayments or lease payments due from the entity, which may or may not be guaranteed by a parent company or otherwise secured. Private activity bonds generally are not secured by a pledge of the taxing power of the issuer of such bonds. Therefore, repayment of such bonds generally depends on the revenue of a private entity. The continued ability of an entity to generate sufficient revenues for the payment of principal and interest on such bonds will be affected by many factors, including the size of the entity, its capital structure, demand for its products or services, competition, general economic conditions, government regulation and the entity’s dependence on revenues for the operation of the particular facility being financed.
Interest income on certain types of private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986 to finance non-governmental activities is a specific tax preference item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax (“AMT”). Bonds issued in 2009 and 2010 generally are not treated as private activity bonds, and interest earned on such bonds generally is not treated as a tax preference item. Investors may be subject to a federal AMT to the extent that the fund derives interest from private activity bonds.
Industrial Development Bonds: Industrial development bonds (“IDBs”) are issued by public authorities to obtain funds to provide financing for privately-operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, convention or trade show facilities, airport, mass transit, port and parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, and certain facilities for water supply, gas, electricity or sewerage or solid waste disposal. Although IDBs are issued by municipal authorities, the payment of principal and interest on IDBs is dependent solely on the ability of the user of the facilities financed by the bonds to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of the real and personal property being financed as security for such payments. IDBs are considered municipal securities if the interest paid is exempt from regular federal income tax. Interest earned on IDBs may be subject to the federal AMT.
Municipal Notes: Municipal notes are short-term debt obligations issued by municipalities which normally have a maturity at the time of issuance of six months to three years. Such notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes and project notes. Notes sold in anticipation of collection of taxes, a bond sale or receipt of other revenues are normally obligations of the issuing municipality or agency.
Municipal Commercial Paper: Municipal commercial paper is short-term debt obligations issued by municipalities. Although done so infrequently, municipal commercial paper may be issued at a discount (sometimes referred to as Short-Term Discount Notes). These obligations are issued to meet seasonal working capital needs of a municipality or interim construction financing and are paid from a municipality's general revenues or refinanced with long-term debt. Although the availability of municipal commercial paper has been limited, from time to time the amounts of such debt obligations offered have increased, and this increase may continue.
Participation Interests: A participation interest in municipal obligations (such as private activity bonds and municipal lease obligations) gives a fund an undivided interest in the municipal obligation in the proportion that the fund’s participation interest bears to the total principal
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amount of the municipal obligation. Participation interests in municipal obligations may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of, or a right to put to, a bank (which may be the bank issuing the participation interest, a bank issuing a confirming letter of credit to that of the issuing bank, or a bank serving as agent of the issuing bank with respect to the possible repurchase of the participation interest) or insurance policy of an insurance company. A fund has the right to sell the participation interest back to the institution or draw on the letter of credit or insurance after a specified period of notice, for all or any part of the full principal amount of the fund’s participation in the security, plus accrued interest. Purchase of a participation interest may involve the risk that a fund will not be deemed to be the owner of the underlying municipal obligation for purposes of the ability to claim tax exemption of interest paid on that municipal obligation.
Variable Rate Obligations: The interest rate payable on a variable rate municipal obligation is adjusted either at predetermined periodic intervals or whenever there is a change in the market rate of interest upon which the interest rate payable is based. A variable rate obligation may include a demand feature pursuant to which a fund would have the right to demand prepayment of the principal amount of the obligation prior to its stated maturity. The issuer of the variable rate obligation may retain the right to prepay the principal amount prior to maturity.
Municipal Lease Obligations: Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase or a conditional sales contract. Municipal lease obligations are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities such as state and municipal vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment, and other capital assets. Interest payments on qualifying municipal leases are exempt from federal income taxes. A fund may purchase these obligations directly, or they may purchase participation interests in such obligations. Municipal leases are generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds. State laws set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet in order to issue municipal obligations; and such obligations may contain a covenant by the issuer to budget for, appropriate, and make payments due under the obligation. However, certain municipal lease obligations may contain “non-appropriation” clauses which provide that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year. Accordingly, such obligations are subject to “non-appropriation” risk. While municipal leases are secured by the underlying capital asset, it may be difficult to dispose of such assets in the event of non-appropriation or other default.
Residual Interest Bonds: Residual Interest Bonds (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters) (“RIBs”) are created by brokers by depositing a Municipal Bond in a trust. The trust in turn issues a variable rate security and RIBs. The interest rate on the short-term component is reset by an index or auction process normally every seven to 35 days, while the RIB holder receives the balance of the income from the underlying Municipal Bond less an auction fee. Therefore, rising short-term interest rates result in lower income for the RIB, and vice versa. An investment in RIBs typically will involve greater risk than an investment in a fixed rate bond. RIBs have interest rates that bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Because increases in the interest rate on the other security or index reduce the residual interest paid on a RIB, the value of a RIB is generally more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. RIBs have interest rate adjustment formulas that generally reduce or, in the extreme, eliminate the interest paid to a fund when short-term interest rates rise, and increase the interest paid to the funds when short-term interest rates fall. RIBs have varying degrees of liquidity that approximate the liquidity of the underlying bond(s), and the market price for these securities is volatile. RIBs can be very volatile and may be less liquid than other Municipal Bonds of comparable maturity. These securities will generally underperform the market of fixed rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market of fixed rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable.
Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper: Tax-exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 270 days or less. It is issued by state and local governments or their agencies to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short term financing in anticipation of longer term financing. While tax-exempt commercial paper is intended to be repaid from general revenues or refinanced, it frequently is backed by a letter of credit, lending arrangement, note repurchase agreement or other credit facility agreement offered by a bank or financial institution.
Custodial Receipts and Certificates: Custodial receipts or certificates underwritten by securities dealers or banks evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain municipal obligations. The underwriter of these certificates or receipts typically purchases municipal obligations and deposits the obligations in an irrevocable trust or custodial account with a custodian bank, which then issues receipts or certificates that evidence ownership of the periodic unmatured coupon payments and the final principal payment on the obligations. Although under the terms of a custodial receipt, a fund would be typically authorized to assert its rights directly against the issuer of the underlying obligation, a fund could be required to assert through the custodian bank those rights as may exist against the underlying issuer. Thus, in the event the underlying issuer fails to pay principal and/or interest when due, the fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the fund had purchased a direct obligation of the issuer. In addition, in the event that the trust or custodial account in which the underlying security has been deposited is determined to be an association taxable as a corporation, instead of a non-taxable entity, the yield on the underlying security would be reduced in recognition of any taxes paid.
Stand-By Commitments: Under a stand-by commitment a dealer agrees to purchase, at the fund’s option, specified municipal obligations held by the fund at a specified price and, in this respect, stand-by commitments are comparable to put options. A stand-by commitment entitles the holder to achieve same day settlement and to receive an exercise price equal to the amortized cost of the underlying security plus accrued interest, if any, at the time of exercise. The fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to an institution providing a stand-by commitment and a decline in the credit quality of the institution could cause losses to the fund.
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Tender Option Bonds: A tender option bond is a municipal bond (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax-exempt rates, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a financial institution, pursuant to which such institution grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the institution generally receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the municipal bond’s fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder would effectively hold a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax-exempt rate.
Loan Participations and Assignments
Loan participations typically represent direct participation in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. A fund may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a lender. A fund’s investment in a loan participation typically will result in the fund having a contractual relationship only with the lender and not with the borrower. A fund will 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 the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing a participation, a fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any right of set-off against the borrower, and the fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, a fund may be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling a participation, a fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower. Some loans may be secured in whole or in part by assets or other collateral. In other cases, loans may be unsecured or may become undersecured by declines in the value of assets or other collateral securing such loan.
When a fund purchases a loan assignment from lenders, it will acquire direct rights against the borrowers on the loan. Because assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by a fund as the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.
Certain of the participations or assignments acquired by a fund may involve unfunded commitments of the lenders or revolving credit facilities under which a borrower may from time to time borrow and repay amounts up to the maximum amount of the facility. In such cases, the fund would have an obligation to advance its portion of such additional borrowings upon the terms specified in the loan documentation. A fund may acquire loans of borrowers that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience, financial difficulty, including loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Although loans in which a fund may invest generally will be secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of nonpayment of scheduled interest or principal, or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, a fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a senior loan.
Because there is no liquid market for commercial loans, the funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and a fund’s ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet redemptions of fund shares, to meet the fund’s liquidity needs or when necessary in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for a fund to assign a value to those securities for purposes of valuing the fund’s investments and calculating its net asset value.
Investments in loans through a direct assignment of the financial institution’s interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to a fund. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, a fund could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a fund could be held liable as co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, a fund relies on its sub-adviser’s research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the fund.
Subordinated Securities
Subordinated securities are subordinated or “junior” to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated or junior securities. Such securities may include so-called “high yield” or “junk” bonds (i.e., bonds that are rated below investment grade by a rating agency or that are determined by a fund’s sub-adviser to be of equivalent quality) and preferred stock. Under the terms of subordinated securities, payments that would otherwise be made to their holders may be required to be made to the holders of more senior securities, and/or the subordinated or junior securities may have junior liens, if they have any rights at all, in any collateral (meaning proceeds of the collateral are required to be paid first to the holders of more senior securities). As a result, subordinated or junior securities will be disproportionately adversely affected by a default or even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer.
Participation Interests
A participation interest gives a fund an undivided interest in the security in the proportion that the fund’s participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the security. These instruments may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest, with remaining maturities of 13 months or less. If the participation interest is unrated, or has been given a rating below that which is permissible for purchase by a fund, the participation interest will be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank, or the payment obligation otherwise will be
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collateralized by U.S. government securities, or, in the case of unrated participation interests, the fund’s sub-adviser must have determined that the instrument is of comparable quality to those instruments in which the fund may invest. For certain participation interests, a fund will have the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days’ notice, for all or any part of the fund’s participation interest in the security, plus accrued interest. As to these instruments, a fund intends to exercise its right to demand payment only upon a default under the terms of the security, as needed to provide liquidity to meet redemptions, or to maintain or improve the quality of its investment fund.
Unsecured Promissory Notes
A fund also may purchase unsecured promissory notes which are not readily marketable and have not been registered under the 1933 Act, provided such investments are consistent with the fund’s investment objective.
Guaranteed Investment Contracts
A fund may invest in guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) issued by insurance companies. Pursuant to such contracts, a fund makes cash contributions to a deposit portfolio of the insurance company’s general account. The insurance company then credits to the portfolio guaranteed interest. The GICs provide that this guaranteed interest will not be less than a certain minimum rate. The insurance company may assess periodic charges against a GIC for expenses and service costs allocable to it, and the charges will be deducted from the value of the deposit portfolio. Because a fund may not receive the principal amount of a GIC from the insurance company on seven days’ notice or less, the GIC is considered an illiquid investment. In determining average weighted portfolio maturity, a GIC will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the longer of the period of time remaining until the next readjustment of the guaranteed interest rate or the period of time remaining until the principal amount can be recovered from the issuer through demand.
Credit-Linked Securities
Credit-linked securities are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain high yield or other fixed income markets. For example, a fund may invest in credit-linked securities as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to the high yield markets and/or to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available. Like an investment in a bond, investments in credit-linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the trust’s receipt of payments from, and the trust’s potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the trust invests. For instance, the trust may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the trust would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the trust would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that a fund would receive as an investor in the trust. A fund’s investments in these instruments are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default or similar event risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk. It is expected that the securities will be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments.
Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, the funds’ investments in these structured products may be subject to limits applicable to investments in investment companies and may be subject to restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.
Event-Linked Bonds
A fund may invest a portion of its net assets in “event-linked bonds,” which are fixed income securities for which the return of principal and payment of interest is contingent on the non-occurrence of specific “trigger” event, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or other physical or weather-related phenomenon. Some event-linked bonds are commonly referred to as “catastrophe bonds.” If a trigger event causes losses exceeding a specific amount in the geographic region and time period specified in a bond, a fund investing in the bond may lose a portion or all of its principal invested in the bond. If no trigger event occurs, the fund will recover its principal plus interest. For some event-linked bonds, the trigger event or losses may be based on company-wide losses, index-portfolio losses, industry indices, or readings of scientific instruments rather than specified actual losses. Often the event-linked bonds provide for extensions of maturity that are mandatory, or optional at the discretion of the issuer, in order to process and audit loss claims in those cases where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. In addition to the specified trigger events, event-linked bonds also may expose a fund to certain unanticipated risks including but not limited to issuer risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, liquidity risk, and adverse tax consequences.
Equity Securities and Related Investments
Equity securities, such as common stock, generally represent an ownership interest in a company. While equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular equity security held by a fund. Also, the prices of equity securities, particularly common stocks, are sensitive to general movements in the stock market. A drop in the stock market may depress the price of equity securities held by a fund.
Holders of equity securities are not creditors of the issuer. As such, if an issuer liquidates, holders of equity securities are entitled to their pro rata share of the issuer’s assets, if any, after creditors (including the holders of fixed income securities and senior equity securities) are paid.
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There may be little trading in the secondary market for particular equity securities, which may adversely affect a fund’s ability to value accurately or dispose of such equity securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and/or liquidity of equity securities.
Common Stocks: Common stocks are the most prevalent type of equity security. Common stockholders receive the residual value of the issuer’s earnings and assets after the issuer pays its creditors and any preferred stockholders. As a result, changes in an issuer’s earnings directly influence the value of its common stock.
Preferred Stocks: A fund may purchase preferred stock. Preferred stock pays dividends at a specified rate and has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of an issuer’s assets but is junior to the debt securities of the issuer in those same respects. Preferred stock generally pays quarterly dividends. Preferred stocks may differ in many of their provisions. Among the features that differentiate preferred stocks from one another are the dividend rights, which may be cumulative or non-cumulative and participating or non-participating, redemption provisions, and voting rights. Such features will establish the income return and may affect the prospects for capital appreciation or risks of capital loss.
The market prices of preferred stocks are subject to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to changes in an issuer’s creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. Under ordinary circumstances, preferred stock does not carry voting rights.
Investments in Initial Public Offerings: A fund may invest in initial public offerings of equity securities. The market for such securities may be more volatile and entail greater risk of loss than investments in more established companies. Investments in initial public offerings may represent a significant portion of a fund’s investment performance. A fund cannot assure that investments in initial public offerings will continue to be available to the fund or, if available, will result in positive investment performance. In addition, as a fund’s portfolio grows in size, the impact of investments in initial public offerings on the overall performance of the fund is likely to decrease.
Warrants and Rights
A fund may invest in warrants and rights. A warrant is a type of security that entitles the holder to buy a given number of common stock at a specified price, usually higher than the market price at the time of issuance, for a period of years or to perpetuity. The purchaser of a warrant expects the market price of the security will exceed the purchase price of the warrant plus the exercise price of the warrant, thus resulting in a profit. Of course, because the market price may never exceed the exercise price before the expiration date of the warrant, the purchaser of the warrant risks the loss of the entire purchase price of the warrant. In contrast, rights, which also represent the right to buy common shares, normally have a subscription price lower than the current market value of the common stock and are offered during a set subscription period.
Warrants and rights are subject to the same market risks as common stocks, but may be more volatile in price. An investment in warrants or rights may be considered speculative. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and a warrant or right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.
Derivatives
The following investments are subject to limitations as set forth in each fund’s investment restrictions and policies.
A fund may utilize options, futures contracts (sometimes referred to as “futures”), options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps (including total return swaps, some of which may be known as contracts for difference), swaps on futures contracts, caps, floors, collars, indexed securities, various mortgage-related obligations, structured or synthetic financial instruments and other derivative instruments (collectively, “Financial Instruments”). A fund may use Financial Instruments for any purpose, including as a substitute for other investments, to attempt to enhance its portfolio’s return or yield and to alter the investment characteristics of its portfolio (including to attempt to mitigate risk of loss in some fashion, or “hedge”). A fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and no assurance can be given that any derivatives strategy employed will be successful.
The U.S. government and certain foreign governments are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. There may be additional regulation of the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as the funds, which could significantly affect their use. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.
The use of Financial Instruments may be limited by applicable law and any applicable regulations of the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), or the exchanges on which some Financial Instruments may be traded. (Note, however, that some Financial Instruments that a fund may use may not be listed on any exchange and may not be regulated by the SEC or the CFTC.) In addition, a fund’s ability to use Financial Instruments may be limited by tax considerations.
In addition to the instruments and strategies discussed in this section, a sub-adviser may discover additional opportunities in connection with Financial Instruments and other similar or related techniques. These opportunities may become available as a sub-adviser develops new techniques, as regulatory authorities broaden the range of permitted transactions and as new Financial Instruments or other techniques are developed. A sub-adviser may utilize these opportunities and techniques to the extent that they are consistent with a fund’s investment objective and permitted by its investment limitations and applicable regulatory authorities. These opportunities and techniques may involve risks different from or in addition to those summarized herein.
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This discussion is not intended to limit a fund’s investment flexibility, unless such a limitation is expressly stated, and therefore will be construed by a fund as broadly as possible. Statements concerning what a fund may do are not intended to limit any other activity. Also, as with any investment or investment technique, even when the prospectus or this discussion indicates that a fund may engage in an activity, it may not actually do so for a variety of reasons, including cost considerations.
The use of Financial Instruments involves special considerations and risks, certain of which are summarized below, and may result in losses to a fund. In general, the use of Financial Instruments may increase the volatility of a fund and may involve a small investment of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk or exposure assumed. Even a small investment in derivatives may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses to a fund. As noted above, there can be no assurance that any derivatives strategy will succeed.
Financial Instruments are subject to the risk that the market value of the derivative itself or the market value of underlying instruments will change in a way adverse to a fund’s interest. Many Financial Instruments are complex, and successful use of them depends in part upon the sub-adviser’s ability to forecast correctly future market trends and other financial or economic factors or the value of the underlying security, index, interest rate, currency or other instrument or measure. Even if a sub-adviser’s forecasts are correct, other factors may cause distortions or dislocations in the markets that result in unsuccessful transactions. Financial Instruments may behave in unexpected ways, especially in abnormal or volatile market conditions.
A fund may be required to maintain assets as “cover,” maintain segregated accounts, post collateral or make margin payments when it takes positions in Financial Instruments. Assets that are segregated or used as cover, margin or collateral may be required to be in the form of cash or liquid securities, and typically may not be sold while the position in the Financial Instrument is open unless they are replaced with other appropriate assets. If markets move against a fund’s position, the fund may be required to maintain or post additional assets and may have to dispose of existing investments to obtain assets acceptable as collateral or margin. This may prevent it from pursuing its investment objective. Assets that are segregated or used as cover, margin or collateral typically are invested, and these investments are subject to risk and may result in losses to a fund. These losses may be substantial, and may be in addition to losses incurred by using the Financial Instrument in question. If a fund is unable to close out its positions, it may be required to continue to maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the positions expire or mature, and the fund will continue to be subject to investment risk on the assets. In addition, a fund may not be able to recover the full amount of its margin from an intermediary if that intermediary were to experience financial difficulty. Segregation, cover, margin and collateral requirements may impair a fund’s ability to sell a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so, or require the fund to sell a portfolio security or close out a derivatives position at a disadvantageous time or price.
A fund’s ability to close out or unwind a position in a Financial Instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and willingness of the other party to the transaction (the “counterparty”) to enter into a transaction closing out the position. If there is no market or a fund is not successful in its negotiations, a fund may not be able to sell or unwind the derivative position at a particular time or at an anticipated price. This may also be the case if the counterparty to the Financial Instrument becomes insolvent. A fund may be required to make delivery of portfolio securities or other assets underlying a Financial Instrument in order to close out a position or to sell portfolio securities or assets at a disadvantageous time or price in order to obtain cash to close out the position. While the position remains open, a fund continues to be subject to investment risk on the Financial Instrument. A fund may or may not be able to take other actions or enter into other transactions, including hedging transactions, to limit or reduce its exposure to the Financial Instrument.
Certain Financial Instruments transactions may have a leveraging effect on a fund, and adverse changes in the value of the underlying security, index, interest rate, currency or other instrument or measure can result in losses substantially greater than the amount invested in the Financial Instrument itself. When a fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect, the value of the fund is likely to be more volatile and all other risks also are likely to be compounded. This is because leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of an asset and creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than a fund would otherwise have. Certain Financial Instruments have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
Many Financial Instruments may be difficult to value, which may result in increased payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a fund.
Liquidity risk exists when a particular Financial Instrument is difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, a fund may be unable to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price. Certain Financial Instruments, including certain over-the-counter (or “OTC”) options and swaps, may be considered illiquid and therefore subject to a fund’s limitation on illiquid investments.
In a hedging transaction there may be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between the identity, price or price movements of a Financial Instrument and the identity, price or price movements of the investments being hedged. This lack of correlation may cause the hedge to be unsuccessful and may result in a fund incurring substantial losses and/or not achieving anticipated gains. Even if the strategy works as intended, a fund might have been in a better position had it not attempted to hedge at all.
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Financial Instruments used for non-hedging purposes may result in losses which would not be offset by increases in the value of portfolio holdings or declines in the cost of securities or other assets to be acquired. In the event that a fund uses a Financial Instrument as an alternative to purchasing or selling other investments or in order to obtain desired exposure to an index or market, the fund will be exposed to the same risks as are incurred in purchasing or selling the other investments directly, as well as the risks of the transaction itself.
Certain Financial Instruments involve the risk of loss resulting from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure by the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. In the event of default by a counterparty, a fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, which may be limited by applicable law in the case of the counterparty’s bankruptcy.
Financial Instruments involve operational risk. There may be incomplete or erroneous documentation or inadequate collateral or margin, or transactions may fail to settle. For Financial Instruments not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a fund may have only contractual remedies in the event of a counterparty default, and there may be delays, costs or disagreements as to the meaning of contractual terms and litigation, in enforcing those remedies.
Certain Financial Instruments transactions, including certain options, swaps, forward contracts, and certain options on foreign currencies, are entered into directly by the counterparties and/or through financial institutions acting as market makers (“OTC derivatives”), rather than being traded on exchanges or in markets registered with the CFTC or the SEC. Many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available to participants in OTC derivatives transactions. For example, OTC derivatives transactions are not subject to the guarantee of an exchange, and only OTC derivatives that are either required to be cleared or submitted voluntarily for clearing to a clearinghouse will enjoy the protections that central clearing provides against default by the original counterparty to the trade. In an OTC derivatives transaction that is not cleared, the fund bears the risk of default by its counterparty. In a cleared derivatives transaction, the fund is instead exposed to the risk of default of the clearinghouse and the risk of default of the broker through which it has entered into the transaction. Information available on counterparty creditworthiness may be incomplete or outdated, thus reducing the ability to anticipate counterparty defaults.
Swap contracts involve special risks. Swaps may in some cases be illiquid. In the absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions, they may be difficult to trade or value, especially in the event of market disruptions. The Dodd-Frank Act established a comprehensive new regulatory framework for swaps. Under this framework, regulation of the swap market is divided between the SEC and the CFTC. The SEC and CFTC have approved a number rules and interpretations as part of the establishment of this new regulatory regime. It is possible that developments in the swap market, including these new or additional regulations, could adversely affect a fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements. Credit default swaps involve additional risks. For example, credit default swaps increase credit risk since a fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation (typically a debt obligation) and the counterparty to the credit default swap.
Certain derivatives, such as interest rate swaps and credit default swaps that are based on an index, are required under applicable law to be cleared by a regulated clearinghouse. Swaps subject to this requirement are typically submitted for clearing through brokerage firms that are members of the clearinghouse. A fund would establish an account with a brokerage firm to facilitate clearing such a swap, and the clearinghouse would become the fund’s counterparty. A brokerage firm would guarantee the fund’s performance on the swap to the clearinghouse. The fund would be exposed to the credit risk of the clearinghouse and the brokerage firm that holds the cleared swap. The brokerage firm also would impose margin requirements with respect to open cleared swap positions held by the fund, and the brokerage firm would be able to require termination of those positions in certain circumstances. These margin requirements and termination provisions may adversely affect the fund’s ability to trade cleared swaps. In addition, the fund may not be able to recover the full amount of its margin from a brokerage firm if the firm were to go into bankruptcy. It is also possible that the fund would not be able to enter into a swap transaction that is required to be cleared if no clearinghouse will accept the swap for clearing.
Swaps that are required to be cleared must be traded on a regulated execution facility or contract market that makes them available for trading. The transition from trading swaps bilaterally to trading them on such a facility or market may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value and may present certain execution risks if these facilities and markets do not operate properly. On-facility trading of swaps is also expected to lead to greater standardization of their terms. It is possible that a fund may not be able to enter into swaps that fully meet its investment needs, or that the costs of entering into customized swaps, including any applicable margin requirements, will be significant.
Financial Instruments transactions conducted outside the U.S. may not be conducted in the same manner as those entered into on U.S. exchanges, and may be subject to different margin, exercise, settlement or expiration procedures. Many of the risks of Financial Instruments transactions are also applicable to Financial Instruments used outside the U.S. Financial Instruments used outside the U.S. also are subject to the risks affecting foreign securities, currencies and other instruments.
Financial Instruments involving currency are subject to additional risks. Currency related transactions may be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations. Exchange rates may be influenced by factors extrinsic to a country’s economy. Also, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to foreign currencies. As a result, the information on which trading in currency derivatives is based may not be as complete as, and may be delayed beyond, comparable data for other transactions.
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Use of Financial Instruments involves transaction costs, which may be significant. Use of Financial Instruments also may increase the amount of taxable income to shareholders.
Hedging: As stated above, the term “hedging” often is used to describe a transaction or strategy that is intended to mitigate risk of loss in some fashion. Hedging strategies can be broadly categorized as “short hedges” and “long hedges.” A short hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument intended partially or fully to offset potential declines in the value of one or more investments held in a fund’s portfolio. In a short hedge, a fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in the opposite direction of the price of the investment being hedged.
Conversely, a long hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument intended partially or fully to offset potential increases in the acquisition cost of one or more investments that a fund intends to acquire. Thus, in a long hedge, a fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in the same direction as the price of the prospective investment being hedged. A long hedge is sometimes referred to as an anticipatory hedge. In an anticipatory hedge transaction, a fund does not own a corresponding security and, therefore, the transaction does not relate to the portfolio security that a fund owns. Rather, it relates to a security that a fund intends to acquire. If a fund does not complete the hedge by purchasing the security it anticipated purchasing, the effect on the fund’s portfolio is the same as if the transaction were entered into for speculative purposes.
In hedging transactions, Financial Instruments on securities (such as options and/or futures) generally are used to attempt to hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that a fund owns or intends to acquire. Financial Instruments on indices, in contrast, generally are used to attempt to hedge against price movements in market sectors in which a fund has invested or expects to invest. Financial Instruments on debt securities generally are used to hedge either individual securities or broad debt market sectors.
Options – Generally: A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying investment at the agreed-upon price during the option period. A put option gives the purchaser the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying investment at the agreed-upon price during the option period. Purchasers of options pay an amount, known as a premium, to the option writer in exchange for the right under the option contract.
Exchange-traded options in the U.S. are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with the exchange on which the option is listed that, in effect, guarantees completion of every exchange-traded option transaction. In contrast, OTC options are contracts between a fund and its counterparty (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no clearing organization guarantee. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of OTC options generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract. When a fund purchases an OTC option, it relies on the counterparty from whom it purchased the option to make or take delivery of the underlying investment upon exercise of the option. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any premium paid by a fund as well as the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
Writing put or call options can enable a fund to enhance income or yield by reason of the premiums paid by the purchasers of such options. However, a fund may also suffer a loss. For example, if the market price of the security underlying a put option written by a fund declines to less than the exercise price of the option, minus the premium received, it can be expected that the option will be exercised and a fund would be required to purchase the security at more than its market value. If a security appreciates to a price higher than the exercise price of a call option written by a fund, it can be expected that the option will be exercised and a fund will be obligated to sell the security at less than its market value.
The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the current market value of the underlying investment, the time remaining until expiration, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the underlying investment, the historical price volatility of the underlying investment and general market conditions. Options purchased by a fund that expire unexercised have no value, and the fund will realize a loss in the amount of the premium paid and any transaction costs. If an option written by a fund expires unexercised, the fund realizes a gain equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. Transaction costs must be included in these calculations.
A fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an option by entering into a closing transaction. For example, a fund may terminate its obligation under a call or put option that it had written by purchasing an identical call or put option; this is known as a closing purchase transaction. Conversely, a fund may terminate a position in a put or call option it had purchased by writing an identical put or call option; this is known as a closing sale transaction. Closing transactions permit a fund to realize profits or limit losses on an option position prior to its exercise or expiration. There can be no assurance that it will be possible for a fund to enter into any closing transaction.
A type of put that a fund may purchase is an “optional delivery standby commitment,” which is entered into by parties selling debt securities to a fund. An optional delivery standby commitment gives a fund the right to sell the security back to the seller on specified terms. This right is provided as an inducement to purchase the security.
Transamerica High Yield Bond may not write covered put and call options or buy put and call options and warrants on securities that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter.
Options on Indices: Puts and calls on indices are similar to puts and calls on securities (described above) or futures contracts (described below) except that all settlements are in cash and gain or loss depends on changes in the index in question rather than on price movements in individual securities or futures contracts. When a fund writes a call on an index, it receives a premium and agrees that, prior to the expiration date, the purchaser of the call, upon exercise of the call, will receive from a fund an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the call is based is greater than the exercise price of the call. The amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of
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the index and the exercise price of the call times a specified multiple (“multiplier”), which determines the total dollar value for each point of such difference. When a fund buys a call on an index, it pays a premium and has the same rights as to such call as are indicated above. When a fund buys a put on an index, it pays a premium and has the right, prior to the expiration date, to require the seller of the put, upon the fund’s exercise of the put, to deliver to the fund an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the put is based is less than the exercise price of the put, which amount of cash is determined by the multiplier, as described above for calls. When a fund writes a put on an index, it receives a premium and the purchaser of the put has the right, prior to the expiration date, to require the fund to deliver to it an amount of cash equal to the difference between the closing level of the index and exercise price times the multiplier if the closing level is less than the exercise price.
Options on indices may, depending on the circumstances, involve greater risk than options on securities. Because index options are settled in cash, when a fund writes a call on an index it may not be able to provide in advance for its potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts: A financial futures contract sale creates an obligation by the seller to deliver the type of Financial Instrument or, in the case of index and similar futures, cash, called for in the contract in a specified delivery month for a stated price. A financial futures contract purchase creates an obligation by the purchaser to take delivery of the asset called for in the contract in a specified delivery month at a stated price. Options on futures give the purchaser the right to assume a position in a futures contract at the specified option exercise price at any time during the period of the option.
Futures strategies can be used to change the duration of a fund’s portfolio. If a sub-adviser wishes to shorten the duration of the fund’s portfolio, a fund may sell a debt futures contract or a call option thereon, or purchase a put option on that futures contract. If a sub-adviser wishes to lengthen the duration of a fund’s portfolio, the fund may buy a debt futures contract or a call option thereon, or sell a put option thereon.
Futures contracts may also be used for other purposes, such as to simulate full investment in underlying securities while retaining a cash balance for portfolio management purposes, as a substitute for direct investment in a security, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs, or to seek higher investment returns when a futures contract or option is priced more attractively than the underlying security or index.
No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the inception of a futures contract a fund is required to deposit “initial margin.” Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, a fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.
Subsequent “variation margin” payments are made to and from the futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as “marking-to-market.” Daily variation margin calls could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If a fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a disadvantageous time or price.
Although some futures and options on futures call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities, currencies or cash, generally those contracts are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures or options (involving the same index, currency or underlying security and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a fund realizes a gain, or if it is more, a fund realizes a loss. If an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a fund realizes a gain, or if it is less, a fund realizes a loss. A fund will also bear transaction costs for each contract, which will be included in these calculations. Positions in futures and options on futures may be closed only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures contract or options position.
Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract can vary from the previous day’s settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions.
If a fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract or an option on a futures position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market, the imposition of price limits or otherwise, it could incur substantial losses. A fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of purchased options, a fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account.
If an index future is used for hedging purposes the risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the price of index futures and movements in the price of the securities that are the subject of the hedge increases as the composition of a fund’s portfolio diverges from the securities included in the applicable index. The price of the index futures may move more than or less than the price of the securities being hedged. To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of the securities being hedged and movements in the price of the index futures, a fund may buy or sell index futures in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of the securities being hedged if the historical volatility of the prices of such securities being hedged is more than the historical volatility of the prices of the securities included in the index. It is also possible that, where a fund has sold index futures contracts to hedge against a decline in the market, the market may advance and the value of the securities held in the fund may decline. If this occurred, a fund would lose money on the futures contract and also experience a decline in value of its portfolio securities.
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Where index futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the price of securities before a fund is able to invest in them in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline instead. If a sub-adviser then concludes not to invest in them at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, a fund will realize a loss on the futures contract that is not offset by a reduction in the price of the securities it had anticipated purchasing.
Non-U.S. Currency Strategies: A fund may invest in securities that are denominated in non-U.S. currencies and may engage in a variety of non-U.S. currency exchange transactions to protect against uncertainty in the level of future exchange rates or to earn additional income. A fund may use options and futures contracts, swaps and indexed notes relating to non-U.S. currencies and forward currency contracts to attempt to hedge against movements in the values of the non-U.S. currencies in which the fund’s securities are denominated or to attempt to enhance income or yield. Currency hedges can protect against price movements in a security that a fund owns or intends to acquire that are attributable to changes in the value of the currency in which it is denominated. Such hedges do not, however, protect against price movements in the securities that are attributable to other causes.
The value of Financial Instruments on non-U.S. currencies depends on the value of the underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because non-U.S. currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the use of such Financial Instruments, a fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying non-U.S. currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for non-U.S. currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information generally is representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates might be less favorable. The interbank market in non-U.S. currencies is a global, round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options or futures markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the markets for the Financial Instruments until they reopen.
Settlement of transactions involving non-U.S. currencies might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency. Thus, a fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying non-U.S. currency in accordance with any U.S. or non-U.S. regulations regarding the maintenance of non-U.S. banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery assessed in the issuing country.
Generally, OTC non-U.S. currency options used by a fund are European-style options. This means that the option is only exercisable immediately prior to its expiration. This is in contrast to American-style options, which are exercisable at any time prior to the expiration date of the option.
Forward Currency Contracts: A fund may enter into forward currency contracts to purchase or sell non-U.S. currencies for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or another non-U.S. currency. A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (term) from the date of the forward currency contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the forward currency contract. These forward currency contracts are traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
The cost to a fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. When a fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
As is the case with futures contracts, parties to forward currency contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing transactions on futures contracts, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty.
If a fund engages in a forward currency contract with respect to particular securities, the precise matching of forward currency contract amounts and the value of the securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the non-U.S. currency, will change after the forward currency contract has been established. Thus, a fund might need to purchase or sell non-U.S. currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such non-U.S. currencies are not covered by forward currency contracts.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars: A fund may enter into swaps, caps, floors and collars to preserve a return or a spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, to attempt to enhance yield or total return, or as a substitute for other investments. A swap typically involves the exchange by a fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive cash flows, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed-rate payments. The purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined value, to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the cap. The purchase of a floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined value, to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the floor. A collar combines elements of a cap and a floor.
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Swap agreements, including caps, floors and collars, can be individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a fund’s investments and its share price and yield because, and to the extent, these agreements affect a fund’s exposure to long- or short-term interest rates, non-U.S. currency values, mortgage-backed or other security values, corporate borrowing rates or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates.
Swap agreements will tend to shift a fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options.
If a counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of the agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses.
A fund may enter into credit default swap contracts for investment purposes. As the seller in a credit default swap contract, a fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or a non-U.S. corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, a fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, a fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, a fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap which may be significantly larger than a fund’s cost to enter into the credit default swap.
A fund may purchase credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities held in its portfolio, in which case a fund would function as the counterparty referenced in the preceding paragraph. This would involve the risk that the investment may expire worthless and would only generate income in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (or, as applicable, a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability). It would also involve credit risk – that the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to a fund in the event of a default.
The net amount of the excess, if any, of a fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap will be accrued on a daily basis, depending on whether a threshold amount (if any) is exceeded, and an amount of cash or liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value approximately equal to the accrued excess will be earmarked or set aside as cover, as described below. A fund will also maintain collateral with respect to its total obligations under any swaps that are not entered into on a net basis, including segregating assets to cover any potential obligation under a credit default swap sold by it, and will maintain cover as required by SEC guidelines from time to time with respect to caps and floors written by a fund.
Contracts for Difference: A fund may enter into contracts for difference (“CFDs”). A CFD is a contract between two parties, typically described as “buyer” and “seller,” stipulating that the seller will pay to the buyer the difference between the current value of an asset and its value in the future. (If the difference is negative, then the buyer instead pays the seller.) In effect, CFDs are Financial Instruments that allow a fund to take synthetic long or synthetic short positions on underlying assets.
CFDs are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of the CFD is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. To the extent that there is an imperfect correlation between the return on a fund’s obligation to its counterparty under the CFD and the return on related assets in its portfolio, the CFD transaction may increase the fund’s financial risk. CFDs, like many other Financial Instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require the fund to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which the fund is liable. CFDs are not registered with the SEC or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation.
Combined Positions: A fund may purchase and write options in combination with each other, or in combination with other Financial Instruments, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of its overall position. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
Cover: Transactions using Financial Instruments may involve obligations which if not covered could be construed as “senior securities.” A fund will comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and will, if the guidelines so require, segregate, set aside or earmark on its books cash or liquid assets in the prescribed amount as determined daily. A fund may cover such transactions using other methods permitted under the 1940 Act, orders or releases issued by the SEC thereunder, or no-action letters or other guidance of the SEC staff. Although SEC guidelines on cover are designed to limit the transactions involving Financial Instruments that a fund may be engaged in at any time, the segregation of assets does not reduce the risks to a fund of entering into transactions in Financial Instruments.
Turnover: A fund’s derivatives activities may affect its turnover rate and brokerage commission payments. The exercise of calls or puts written by a fund, and the sale or purchase of futures contracts, may cause it to sell or purchase related investments, thus increasing its turnover rate. Once a fund has received an exercise notice on an option it has written, it cannot effect a closing transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver or receive the underlying securities at the exercise price. The exercise of puts purchased by a fund may also cause the sale of related investments, also increasing turnover; although such exercise is within a fund’s control, holding a protective put might cause it to sell the related investments for reasons that would not exist in the absence of the put. A fund will pay a brokerage commission each time it buys or sells a put or call or purchases or sells a futures contract. Such commissions may be higher than those that would apply to direct purchases or sales.
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Foreign Securities
The following investments are subject to limitations as set forth in each fund’s investment restrictions and policies.
A fund may invest in foreign securities through the purchase of securities of foreign issuers or of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and Fiduciary Depositary Receipts (“FDRs”) or other securities representing underlying shares of foreign companies.
The risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers or issuers with significant exposure to non-U.S. markets may be related, among other things, to (i) differences in size, liquidity and volatility of, and the degree and manner of regulation of, the securities markets of certain non-U.S. markets compared to the securities markets in the U.S.; (ii) economic, political and social factors; and (iii) foreign exchange matters, such as restrictions on the repatriation of capital, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which a fund’s portfolio securities are quoted or denominated, exchange control regulations and costs associated with currency exchange. The political and economic structures in certain foreign countries, particularly emerging markets and frontier markets, are expected to undergo significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries.
Unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of a fund’s investments in such countries. The economies and securities and currency markets of many emerging markets have experienced significant disruption and declines. There can be no assurances that these economic and market disruptions will not continue.
Securities of some foreign companies are less liquid, and their prices are more volatile, than securities of comparable domestic companies. Certain foreign countries are known to experience long delays between the trade and settlement dates of securities purchased or sold resulting in increased exposure of a fund to market and foreign exchange fluctuations brought about by such delays, and to the corresponding negative impact on fund liquidity.
The interest payable on a fund’s foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, which will reduce the fund’s return on its investments. In addition, the operating expenses of a fund making such investment can be expected to be higher than those of an investment company investing exclusively in U.S. securities, since the costs of investing in foreign securities, such as custodial costs, valuation costs and communication costs, are higher than the costs of investing exclusively in U.S. securities.
There may be less publicly available information about non-U.S. markets and issuers than is available with respect to U.S. securities and issuers. Non-U.S. companies generally are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The trading markets for most non-U.S. securities are generally less liquid and subject to greater price volatility than the markets for comparable securities in the U.S. The markets for securities in frontier markets and certain emerging markets are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in certain non-U.S. markets, including emerging countries, may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the U.S. In addition, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity. The less liquid a market, the more difficult it may be for a fund to accurately price its portfolio securities or to dispose of such securities at the times determined by a sub-adviser to be appropriate. The risks associated with reduced liquidity may be particularly acute in situations in which a fund’s operations require cash, such as in order to meet redemptions and to pay its expenses.
A fund may invest in securities of emerging market and frontier market countries. Emerging market countries typically have economic and political systems that are less fully developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than emerging markets countries. These securities may be U.S. dollar denominated or non-U.S. dollar denominated and include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities, including Brady Bonds; (b) debt obligations of supranational entities; (c) debt obligations (including dollar and non-dollar denominated) and other debt securities of foreign corporate issuers; and (d) non-dollar denominated debt obligations of U.S. corporate issuers. A fund may also invest in securities denominated in currencies of emerging market or frontier market countries. There is no minimum rating criteria for a fund’s investments in such securities.
Certain non-U.S. countries, including emerging markets and frontier markets, may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability. Such instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved economic, political and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection and conflict. Such economic, political and social instability could significantly disrupt the financial markets in such countries and the ability of the issuers in such countries to repay their obligations. In addition, it may be difficult for the fund to pursue claims against a foreign issuer in the courts of a foreign country. Investing in emerging countries also involves the risk of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation in any emerging country, a fund could lose its entire investment in that country. Certain emerging market countries restrict or control foreign investment in their securities markets to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit a fund’s investment in those markets and may increase the expenses of a fund. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain markets in the region is subject to restrictions such as the need for certain governmental consents. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of a fund’s operation. Economies in individual non-U.S. countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation,
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currency valuation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions. Many non-U.S. countries have experienced substantial, and in some cases extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. 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 countries. Economies in emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been, and may continue to be, affected adversely and significantly by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.
Custodian services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the U.S. Such markets have settlement and clearance procedures that differ from those in the U.S. In certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of a fund to make intended securities purchases because of settlement problems could cause a fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses to a fund because of a subsequent decline in value of the portfolio security or could result in possible liability to the fund. In addition, security settlement and clearance procedures in some emerging countries may not fully protect a fund against loss or theft of its assets.
A fund may be subject to taxes, including withholding taxes imposed by certain non-U.S. countries on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) earned with respect to the fund’s investments in such countries. These taxes will reduce the return achieved by a fund. Treaties between the U.S. and such countries may reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates.
The value of the securities quoted or denominated in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the relative currency exchange rates and by exchange control regulations. A fund’s investment performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a currency in which the fund’s investments are quoted or denominated. Further, a fund’s investment performance may be significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in another currency will increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in relation to the U.S. dollar.
The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. Changes in the exchange rate may result over time from the interaction of many factors directly or indirectly affecting economic conditions and political developments in other countries. Of particular importance are rates of inflation, interest rate levels, the balance of payments and the extent of government surpluses or deficits in the U.S. and the particular foreign country. All these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of the U.S. and other foreign countries important to international trade and finance. Government intervention may also play a significant role. National governments rarely voluntarily allow their currencies to float freely in response to economic forces. Sovereign governments use a variety of techniques, such as intervention by a country’s central bank or imposition of regulatory controls or taxes, to affect the exchange rates of their currencies.
ADRs, EDRs and GDRs: A fund may also purchase ADRs, American Depositary Debentures, American Depositary Notes, American Depositary Bonds, EDRs, GDRs and FDRs, or other securities representing underlying shares of foreign companies. ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the U.S. and are issued through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” arrangements. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the depository’s transaction fees, whereas under an unsponsored arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes no obligation and the depository’s transaction fees are paid by the ADR holders. In addition, less information is available in the U.S. about an unsponsored ADR than about a sponsored ADR, and the financial information about a company may not be as reliable for an unsponsored ADR as it is for a sponsored ADR. A fund may invest in ADRs through both sponsored and unsponsored arrangements. EDRs and GDRs are securities that are typically issued by foreign banks or foreign trust companies, although U.S. banks or U.S. trust companies may issue them. EDRs and GDRs are structured similarly to the arrangements of ADRs. EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets.
Eurodollar or Yankee Obligations: Eurodollar bank obligations are dollar denominated debt obligations issued outside the U.S. capital markets by foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. Yankee obligations are dollar denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by foreign issuers. Eurodollar (and to a limited extent, Yankee) obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a foreign government might prevent dollar denominated funds from flowing across its borders. Other risks include: adverse political and economic developments in a foreign country; the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions; the imposition of foreign withholding taxes; and expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers.
Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt: A fund may invest in all types of debt securities of governmental issuers in all countries, including emerging markets. These sovereign debt securities may include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, governmental agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions located in emerging market countries; debt securities issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities located in emerging market countries; interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by any of the above issuers; Brady Bonds, which are debt securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan as a means for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness; participations in loans between emerging market governments and financial institutions; or debt securities issued by supranational entities such as the World Bank or the European Economic Community. A supranational entity is a bank, commission or company established or financially supported by the national governments of one or more countries to promote reconstruction or development.
Sovereign debt is subject to risks in addition to those relating to non-U.S. investments generally. As a sovereign entity, the issuing government may be immune from lawsuits in the event of its failure or refusal to pay the obligations when due. The debtor’s willingness or ability to repay
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in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on disbursements or assistance from foreign governments or multinational agencies, the country’s access to trade and other international credits, and the country’s balance of trade. Assistance may be dependent on a country’s implementation of austerity measures and reforms, which measures may limit or be perceived to limit economic growth and recovery. Some sovereign debtors have rescheduled their debt payments, declared moratoria on payments or restructured their debt to effectively eliminate portions of it, and similar occurrences may happen in the future. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
Russian Securities
A fund may invest directly in the securities of Russian issuers or may have indirect exposure to Russian securities through its investment in one or more funds with direct investments in Russia. Investment in those securities presents many of the same risks as investing in the securities of emerging country issuers, as described above. The social, political, legal, and operational risks of investing in Russian issuers, and of having assets held in custody within Russia, however, may be particularly pronounced relative to investments in more developed countries. Russia’s system of share registration and custody creates certain risks of loss (including the risk of total loss) that are not normally associated with investments in other securities markets.
A risk of particular note with respect to direct investment in Russian securities results from the way in which ownership of shares of companies is normally recorded. Ownership of shares (except where shares are held through depositories that meet the requirements of the 1940 Act) is defined according to entries in the company’s share register and normally evidenced by “share extracts” from the register or, in certain circumstances, by formal share certificates. However, there is no central registration system for shareholders and these services are carried out by the companies themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. The share registrars are controlled by the issuer of the security, and investors are provided with few legal rights against such registrars. These registrars are not necessarily subject to effective state supervision, nor are they licensed with any governmental entity. It is possible for a fund to lose its registration through fraud, negligence, or even mere oversight. Each applicable fund will endeavor to ensure that its interest is appropriately recorded, which may involve a custodian or other agent inspecting the share register and obtaining extracts of share registers through regular confirmations. However, these extracts have no legal enforceability and it is possible that a subsequent illegal amendment or other fraudulent act may deprive a fund of its ownership rights or improperly dilute its interests. In addition, while applicable Russian regulations impose liability on registrars for losses resulting from their errors, it may be difficult for a fund to enforce any rights it may have against the registrar or issuer of the securities in the event of a loss of share registration. Further, significant delays or problems may occur in registering the transfer of securities, which could cause a fund to incur losses due to a counterparty’s failure to pay for securities the fund has delivered or the fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.
Also, although a Russian public enterprise having a certain minimum number of shareholders is required by law to contract out the maintenance of its shareholder register to an independent entity that meets certain criteria, this regulation has not always been strictly enforced in practice. Because of this lack of independence, management of a company may be able to exert considerable influence over who can purchase and sell the company’s shares by illegally instructing the registrar to refuse to record transactions in the share register.
Other Investments
Illiquid Securities
An illiquid security is any security that a fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value, and a fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities promptly.
The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the OTC markets. A fund may be restricted in its ability to sell such securities at a time when a fund’s sub-adviser deems it advisable to do so. In addition, in order to meet redemption requests, a fund may have to sell other assets, rather than such illiquid securities, at a time that is not advantageous.
Each fund monitors the portion of its total assets that are invested in illiquid securities on an ongoing basis, not only at the time of the investment in such securities.
Investments in the Real Estate Industry and Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate, or real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Debt securities issued by REITs, for the most part, are general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs.
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Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes in interest rates and the ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their obligations. REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are not diversified. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees or borrowers. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as health care, are also subject to industry related risks.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risk. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, REITs have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 Index.
Certain funds may invest in foreign real estate companies, which are similar to entities organized and operated as REITs in the U.S. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, investments in REITs and foreign real estate companies may involve duplication of management fees and certain other expenses, and a fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs and foreign real estate companies in which it invests.
Commodities and Natural Resources
Commodities may include, among other things, oil, gas, timber, farm products, minerals, precious metals, for example, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and other natural resources. Certain funds may invest in companies (such as mining, dealing or transportation companies) with substantial exposure to, or instruments that result in exposure to, commodities markets. Commodities generally and particular commodities have, at times been subject to substantial price fluctuations over short periods of time and may be affected by unpredictable monetary and political policies such as currency devaluations or revaluations, economic and social conditions within a country, trade imbalances, or trade or currency restrictions between countries. The prices of commodities may be, however, less subject to local and company-specific factors than securities of individual companies. As a result, commodity prices may be more or less volatile in price than securities of companies engaged in commodity-related businesses. Investments in commodities can present concerns such as delivery, storage and maintenance, possible illiquidity, and the unavailability of accurate market valuations.
Commodity-Linked Investments
A fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in commodity-linked investments, including commodities futures contracts, commodity-linked derivatives, and commodity-linked notes. Real assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments. The value of commodity-linked investments held by a fund may be affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments.
The prices of commodity-linked investments may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked investments have been parallel to those of debt and equity securities. Commodities have historically tended to increase and decrease in value during different parts of the business cycle than financial assets. Nevertheless, at various times, commodities prices may move in tandem with the prices of financial assets and thus may not provide overall fund diversification benefits. Under favorable economic conditions, a fund's commodity-linked investments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities.
Hybrid Instruments
Hybrid instruments combine the elements of futures contracts or options with those of debt, preferred equity or a depository instrument. Often these hybrid instruments are indexed to the price of a commodity, particular currency, or a domestic or foreign debt or equity securities index. Hybrid instruments may take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, debt instruments with interest or principal payments or redemption terms determined by reference to the value of a currency or commodity or securities index at a future point in time, preferred stock with dividend rates determined by reference to the value of a currency, or convertible securities with the conversion terms related to a particular commodity. Hybrid instruments may bear interest or pay dividends at below-market (or even relatively nominal) rates. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of such an instrument could be zero. Hybrid instruments are normally at the bottom of an issuer’s debt capital structure. As such, they may be more sensitive to economic changes than more senior debt securities. These securities may also be viewed as more equity-like by the market when the issuer or its parent company experience financial problems. Hybrid instruments can have volatile prices and limited liquidity, and their use may not be successful.
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Trade Claims
Trade claims are non-securitized rights of payment arising from obligations that typically arise when vendors and suppliers extend credit to a company by offering payment terms for products and services. If the company files for bankruptcy, payments on these trade claims stop and the claims are subject to compromise along with the other debts of the company. Trade claims may be purchased directly from the creditor or through brokers. There is no guarantee that a debtor will ever be able to satisfy its trade claim obligations. Trade claims are speculative and are subject to the risks associated with low-quality obligations.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
Certain foreign entities called passive foreign investment companies have been the only or primary way to invest in certain countries. In addition to bearing their proportionate share of a fund’s expenses (management fees and operating expenses), shareholders will also indirectly bear similar expenses of passive foreign investment companies in which the fund invests. Capital gains on the sale of such holdings are considered ordinary income regardless of how long the fund held its investment. In addition, the shareholders may be subject to corporate income tax and an interest charge on certain dividends and capital gains earned by a fund from these investments.
To avoid such tax and interest, each fund generally intends to treat these securities as sold on the last day of its fiscal year and recognize any gains for tax purposes at that time; deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent of any gains resulting from these deemed sales for prior taxable years. Such gains and losses will be treated as ordinary income.
Master Limited Partnerships
Master Limited Partnership (“MLPs”) are limited partnerships whose shares (or units) are listed and traded on a U.S. securities exchange, just like common stock. To qualify for tax treatment as a partnership, an MLP must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as natural resource activities. Natural resource activities include the exploration, development, mining, production, processing, refining, transportation, storage and marketing of mineral or natural resources. MLPs generally have two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners. The general partner, which is generally a major energy company, investment fund or the management of the MLP, typically controls the MLP through a 2% general partner equity interest in the MLP plus common units and subordinated units. Limited partners own the remainder of the partnership, through ownership of common units, and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management.
MLPs are typically structured such that common units have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum quarterly dividend (“MQD”). Common units also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common units have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD, but subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD paid to both common and subordinated units is distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner which maximizes value to unit holders. As the general partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners, the general partner receives an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions. A common arrangement provides that the general partner can reach a tier where the general partner is receiving 50% of every incremental dollar paid to common and subordinated unit holders. By providing for incentive distributions the general partner is encouraged to streamline costs and acquire assets in order to grow the partnership, increase the partnership’s cash flow, and raise the quarterly cash distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results benefit all security holders of the MLP.
MLP I-Shares
I-Shares represent an ownership interest issued by an affiliated party of an MLP. The MLP affiliate issuing the I-Shares is structured as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. I-Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the NYSE AMEX. The MLP affiliate uses the proceeds from the sale of I-Shares to purchase limited partnership interests in the MLP in the form of i-units. i-units generally receive no allocations of income, gain, loss or deduction unless and until the MLP is liquidated. In addition, rather than receiving cash distributions, the MLP affiliate receives additional i-units based on a formula. Similarly, holders of I-Shares will receive additional I-Shares, in the same proportion as the MLP affiliates’ receipt of i-units, rather than cash distributions. Distributions of additional i-units and of additional I-Shares generally are not taxable events for the MLP affiliate and the holder of the I-Shares, respectively. I-Shares themselves have limited voting rights which are similar to those applicable to MLP common units.
Energy Infrastructure Companies
Companies engaged in the energy infrastructure sector principally include publicly-traded MLPs and limited liability companies taxed as partnerships, MLP affiliates, Canadian income trusts and their successor companies, pipeline companies, utilities, and other companies that derive a substantial portion of their revenues from operating or providing services in support of infrastructure assets such as pipelines, power transmission and petroleum and natural gas storage in the petroleum, natural gas and power generation industries (collectively, “Energy Infrastructure Companies”).
Energy Infrastructure Companies may be directly affected by energy commodity prices, especially those Energy Infrastructure Companies which own the underlying energy commodity. Commodity prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in market and economic conditions, the impact of weather on demand, levels of domestic production and imported commodities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation and the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems.
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A decrease in the production or availability of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, coal or other energy commodities or a decrease in the volume of such commodities available for transportation, processing, storage or distribution may adversely impact the financial performance of Energy Infrastructure Companies. In addition, Energy Infrastructure Companies engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or coal are subject to the risk that their commodity reserves naturally deplete over time.
Energy Infrastructure Companies are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices they may charge for products and services. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of Energy Infrastructure Companies.
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, also may impact Energy Infrastructure Companies.
Other Investment Companies
Subject to applicable statutory and regulatory limitations, a fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including shares of other mutual funds, closed-end funds, and unregistered investment companies. Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under a statutory exemption or an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, a fund may invest in other investment companies beyond the statutory limits prescribed by the 1940 Act.
Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risk of the securities in which those investment companies invest. In addition, to the extent a fund invests in securities of other investment companies, fund shareholders would indirectly pay a portion of the operating costs of such companies in addition to the expenses of a fund’s own operation. These costs include management, brokerage, shareholder servicing and other operational expenses.
Certain sub-advisers have received an exemptive order from the SEC permitting funds that are sub-advised by the sub-adviser to invest in affiliated registered money market funds and ETFs, and in an affiliated private investment company; provided however, that, among other limitations, in all cases the fund’s aggregate investment of cash in shares of such investment companies shall not exceed 25% of its total assets at any time.
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
ETFs are typically registered investment companies whose securities are traded over an exchange at their market price. ETFs generally represent a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index or other group of securities. Other ETFs are actively managed and seek to achieve a stated objective by investing in a portfolio of securities and other assets. A fund may purchase an ETF to temporarily gain exposure to a portion of the U.S. or a foreign market pending the purchase of individual securities. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities, although the potential lack of liquidity of an ETF could result in it being more volatile. There is also a risk that the general level of securities prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of ETFs invested in by a fund. Moreover, a fund’s investments in index-based ETFs may not exactly match the performance of a direct investment in the respective indices or portfolios of securities to which they are intended to correspond due to the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or other factors, such as discrepancies with respect to the weighting of securities. Additionally, ETFs have management fees which increase their costs.
Unlike shares of typical mutual funds or unit investment trusts, shares of ETFs are designed to be traded throughout a trading day, bought and sold based on market values and not at net asset value. For this reason, shares could trade at either a premium or discount to net asset value. However, the funds held by index-based ETFs are publicly disclosed on each trading day, and an approximation of actual net asset value is disseminated throughout the trading day. Because of this transparency, the trading prices of index based ETFs tend to closely track the actual net asset value of the underlying portfolios and a fund will generally gain or lose value depending on the performance of the index. However, gains or losses on a fund’s investment in ETFs will ultimately depend on the purchase and sale price of the ETF. A fund may invest in ETFs that are actively managed. Actively managed ETFs do not have the transparency of index-based ETFs, and also therefore, are more likely to trade at a discount or premium to actual net asset values.
Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)
ETNs are generally notes representing debt of the issuer, usually a financial institution. ETNs combine both aspects of bonds and ETFs. An ETN’s returns are based on the performance of one or more underlying assets, reference rates or indexes, minus fees and expenses. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETN’s maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance of the specific asset, index or rate (“reference instrument”) to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs do not make periodic interest payments, and principal is not protected. ETNs are not registered or regulated as investment companies under the 1940 Act.
The value of an ETN may be influenced by, among other things, time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying markets, changes in the applicable interest rates, the performance of the reference instrument, changes in the issuer’s credit rating and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the reference instrument. An ETN that is tied to a reference instrument may not replicate the performance of the reference instrument. ETNs also incur certain expenses not incurred by their
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applicable reference instrument. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Levered ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form. While leverage allows for greater potential return, the potential for loss is also greater. Finally, additional losses may be incurred if the investment loses value because, in addition to the money lost on the investment, the loan still needs to be repaid.
Because the return on the ETN is dependent on the issuer’s ability or willingness to meet its obligations, the value of the ETN may change due to a change in the issuer’s credit rating, despite no change in the underlying reference instrument. The market value of ETN shares may differ from the value of the reference instrument. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETN shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the assets underlying the reference instrument that the ETN seeks to track.
There may be restrictions on a fund’s right to redeem its investment in an ETN, which are generally meant to be held until maturity. The fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. An investor in an ETN could lose some or all of the amount invested. The timing and character of income and gains derived from ETNs is under consideration by the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and may also be affected by future legislation.
Dollar Roll Transactions
“Dollar roll” transactions consist of the sale by a fund to a bank or broker-dealer (the “counterparty”) of Ginnie Mae certificates or other mortgage-backed securities together with a commitment to purchase from the counterparty similar, but not identical, securities at a future date. The counterparty receives all principal and interest payments, including prepayments, made on the security while it is the holder. A fund receives a fee from the counterparty as consideration for entering into the commitment to purchase. Dollar rolls may be renewed over a period of several months with a different repurchase price and a cash settlement made at each renewal without physical delivery of securities. Moreover, the transaction may be preceded by a firm commitment agreement pursuant to which a fund agrees to buy a security on a future date.
A fund will not use such transactions for leveraging purposes and will segregate liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet its purchase obligations under the transactions.
The entry into dollar rolls involves potential risks of loss that are different from those related to the securities underlying the transactions. For example, if the counterparty becomes insolvent, a fund’s right to purchase from the counterparty might be restricted. In addition, the value of such securities may change adversely before a fund is able to purchase them. Similarly, a fund may be required to purchase securities in connection with a dollar roll at a higher price than may otherwise be available on the open market. Since, as noted above, the counterparty is required to deliver a similar, but not identical, security to a fund, the security that the fund is required to buy under the dollar roll may be worth less than an identical security. Finally, there can be no assurance that a fund’s use of the cash that it receives from a dollar roll will provide a return that exceeds the transaction costs.
Short Sales
In short selling transactions, a fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the price of the security will decline. The fund must borrow the same security and deliver it to the buyer to complete the sale. The fund will incur a profit or a loss, depending upon whether the market price of the security decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the fund must replace the borrowed security. Unlike taking a long position in a security by purchasing the security, where potential losses are limited to the purchase price, possible losses from short sales may, theoretically, be unlimited (e.g., if the price of a stock sold short rises) and a fund may be unable to replace a borrowed security sold short. A fund also may be unable to close out an established short position at an acceptable price and may have to sell long positions at disadvantageous times to cover its short positions.
Short sales also involve other costs. A fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to turn over any payments received on such borrowed securities to the lender of the securities. A fund secures its obligation to replace the borrowed security by depositing collateral with the lender or its custodian or qualified sub-custodian, usually in cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities similar to those borrowed. All short sales will be fully collateralized.
A fund may sell securities “short against the box.” In short sales “against the box,” the fund, at all times when the short position is open, owns an equal amount of the securities sold short or has the right to obtain, at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. When selling short against the box, if the price of such securities were to increase rather than decrease, the fund would forgo the potential realization of the increased value of the shares sold short.
International Agency Obligations
Bonds, notes or Eurobonds of international agencies include securities issued by the Asian Development Bank, the European Economic Community, and the European Investment Bank. A fund may also purchase obligations of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development which, while technically not a U.S. government agency or instrumentality, has the right to borrow from the participating countries, including the U.S.
When-Issued, Delayed Settlement and Forward Delivery Securities
Securities may be purchased and sold on a “when-issued,” “delayed settlement” or “forward (delayed) delivery” basis. “When-issued” or “forward delivery” refers to securities whose terms are available, and for which a market exists, but which are not available for immediate delivery. When-issued or forward delivery transactions may be expected to occur a month or more before delivery is due.
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A fund may engage in when-issued or forward delivery transactions to obtain what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of the transaction. When a fund engages in when-issued or forward delivery transactions, it will do so consistent with its investment objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment leverage (although leverage may result).
“Delayed settlement” is a term used to describe settlement of a securities transaction in the secondary market that will occur sometime in the future. No payment or delivery is made by a fund until it receives payment or delivery from the other party to any of the above transactions. A fund will segregate with its custodian cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid assets at least equal to the value or purchase commitments (alternatively, liquid assets may be earmarked on the fund’s records) until payment is made. Typically, no income accrues on securities purchased on a delayed delivery basis prior to the time delivery of the securities is made, although a fund may earn income on securities it has segregated to collateralize its delayed delivery purchases.
New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
At the time of settlement, the market value and/or the yield of the security may be more or less than the purchase price. A fund bears the risk of such market value fluctuations. These transactions also involve the risk that the other party to the transaction may defaults on its obligation to make payment or delivery. As a result, a fund may be delayed or prevented from completing the transaction and may incur additional costs as a consequence of the delay.
Additional Information
Temporary Defensive Position
At times a fund’s sub-adviser may judge that conditions in the securities markets make pursuing the fund’s typical investment strategy inconsistent with the best interest of its shareholders. At such times, a sub-adviser may temporarily use alternative strategies, primarily designed to reduce fluctuations in the value of the fund’s assets. In implementing these defensive strategies, a fund may invest without limit in securities that a sub-adviser believes present less risk to a fund, including equity securities, debt and fixed income securities, preferred stocks, U.S. government and agency obligations, cash or money market instruments, CDs, demand and time deposits, bankers’ acceptance or other securities a sub-adviser considers consistent with such defensive strategies, such as, but not limited to, options, futures, warrants or swaps. During periods in which such strategies are used, the duration of a fund may diverge from the duration range for that fund disclosed in its prospectus (if applicable). It is impossible to predict when, or for how long, a fund will use these alternative strategies. As a result of using these alternative strategies, a fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Borrowings
A fund may engage in borrowing transactions as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests, for other temporary or emergency purposes or, to the extent permitted by its investment policies, to raise additional cash to be invested by the fund’s portfolio managers in other securities or instruments in an effort to increase the fund’s investment returns.
When a fund invests borrowing proceeds in other securities, the fund will bear the risk that the market value of the securities in which the proceeds are invested goes down and is insufficient to repay borrowed proceeds. Like other leveraging risks, this makes the value of an investment in a fund more volatile and increases the fund’s overall investment exposure. In addition, if a fund’s return on its investment of the borrowing proceeds does not equal or exceed the interest that a fund is obligated to pay under the terms of a borrowing, engaging in these transactions will lower the fund’s return.
A fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to its borrowing obligations. This could adversely affect the portfolio managers’ strategy and result in lower fund returns. Interest on any borrowings will be a fund expense and will reduce the value of a fund’s shares.
A fund may borrow on a secured or on an unsecured basis. If a fund enters into a secured borrowing arrangement, a portion of the fund’s assets will be used as collateral. During the term of the borrowing, the fund will remain at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of these assets in addition to any securities purchased with the proceeds of the loan. In addition, a fund may be unable to sell the collateral at a time when it would be advantageous to do so, which could adversely affect the portfolio managers’ strategy and result in lower fund returns. The fund would also be subject to the risk that the lender may file for bankruptcy, become insolvent, or otherwise default on its obligations to return the collateral to the fund. In the event of a default by the lender, there may be delays, costs and risks of loss involved in a fund’s exercising its rights with respect to the collateral or those rights may be limited by other contractual agreements or obligations or by applicable law.
The 1940 Act requires a fund to maintain at all times an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the fund’s total assets, minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Although complying with this guideline would have the effect of limiting the amount that the fund may borrow, it does not otherwise mitigate the risks of entering into borrowing transactions.
Interfund Lending
To satisfy redemption requests or to cover unanticipated cash shortfalls, a fund may enter into lending agreements (“Interfund Lending Agreements”) under which the fund would lend money and borrow money for temporary purposes directly to and from another Transamerica
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fund through a credit facility (“Interfund Loan”), subject to meeting the conditions of an SEC exemptive order granted to TAM and the Trust permitting such interfund lending. All Interfund Loans will consist only of uninvested cash reserves that the fund otherwise would invest in repurchase agreements or other short-term instruments.
If a fund has outstanding borrowings, any Interfund Loans to the fund (a) will be at an interest rate equal to or lower than any outstanding bank loan, (b) will be secured at least on an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding bank loan that requires collateral, (c) will have a maturity no longer than any outstanding bank loan (and in any event not over seven days), and (d) will provide that, if an event of default occurs under any agreement evidencing an outstanding bank loan to the fund, the event of default will automatically (without need for action or notice by the lending fund) constitute an immediate event of default under the Interfund Lending Agreement entitling the lending fund to call the Interfund Loan (and exercise all rights with respect to any collateral) and that such call will be made if the lending bank exercises its right to call its loan under its agreement with the borrowing fund.
A fund may make an unsecured borrowing through the credit facility if its outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately after the interfund borrowing total 10% or less of its total assets; provided, that if the fund has a secured loan outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another Transamerica fund, the fund’s interfund borrowing will be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding loan that requires collateral. If a fund’s total outstanding borrowings immediately after an interfund borrowing would be greater than 10% of its total assets, the fund may borrow through the credit facility on a secured basis only. A fund may not borrow through the credit facility nor from any other source if its total outstanding borrowings immediately after the interfund borrowing would be more than 33 13% of its total assets.
No fund may lend to another fund through the interfund lending credit facility if the loan would cause its aggregate outstanding loans through the credit facility to exceed 15% of the lending fund’s net assets at the time of the loan. A fund’s Interfund Loans to any one fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending fund’s net assets. The duration of Interfund Loans is limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days. Loans effected within seven days of each other will be treated as separate loan transactions for purposes of this condition. Each Interfund Loan may be called on one business day’s notice by a lending fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing fund.
The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending fund and the borrowing fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a fund borrows money from another fund, there is a risk that the loan could be called on one day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the fund may have to borrow from a bank at higher rates (if such borrowing is available) or sell securities at a loss if an Interfund Loan were not available from another fund. A delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
A reverse repurchase agreement has the characteristics of a secured borrowing and creates leverage. In a reverse repurchase transaction, a fund sells a portfolio instrument to another person, such as a financial institution or broker/dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, a fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed-upon time and at a price that is greater than the amount of cash that the fund received when it sold the instrument, representing the equivalent of an interest payment by the fund for the use of the cash. During the term of the transaction, a fund will continue to receive any principal and interest payments (or the equivalent thereof) on the underlying instruments.
A fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests or for other temporary or emergency purposes. Unless otherwise limited in its prospectus or this SAI, a fund may also engage in reverse repurchase agreements to the extent permitted by its fundamental investment policies in order to raise additional cash to be invested by the fund’s portfolio managers in other securities or instruments in an effort to increase the fund’s investment returns.
During the term of the transaction, a fund will remain at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement as if it had not entered into the transaction. When a fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement in other securities, the fund will bear the risk that the market value of the securities in which the proceeds are invested goes down and is insufficient to satisfy the fund’s obligations under the reverse repurchase agreement. Like other leveraging risks, this makes the value of an investment in a fund more volatile and increases the fund’s overall investment exposure. This could also result in the fund having to dispose of investments at inopportune times and at disadvantageous amounts. In addition, if a fund’s return on its investment of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement does not equal or exceed the implied interest that it is obligated to pay under the reverse repurchase agreement, engaging in the transaction will lower the fund’s return.
When a fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it is subject to the risk that the buyer under the agreement may file for bankruptcy, become insolvent, or otherwise default on its obligations to the fund. In the event of a default by the counterparty, there may be delays, costs and risks of loss involved in a fund’s exercising its rights under the agreement, or those rights may be limited by other contractual agreements or obligations or by applicable law.
In addition, a fund may be unable to sell the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement at a time when it would be advantageous to do so, or may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to its obligations under a reverse repurchase agreement. This could adversely affect the portfolio managers’ strategy and result in losses. At the time a fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the fund is required to set aside or earmark on its books cash or other appropriate liquid securities in the amount of the fund’s obligation under the reverse repurchase agreement or take certain other actions in
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accordance with SEC guidelines, which may affect a fund’s liquidity and ability to manage its assets. Although complying with SEC guidelines would have the effect of limiting the amount of fund assets that may be committed to reverse repurchase agreements and other similar transactions at any time, it does not otherwise mitigate the risks of entering into reverse repurchase agreements.
Lending
Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and the limitations as set forth in each fund's investment restrictions and policies, a fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations meeting capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. Loans of securities will be secured continuously by collateral in cash or U.S. government or agency securities maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral received by a fund will be invested in high quality short-term instruments, or in one or more funds maintained by the lending agent for the purpose of investing cash collateral. During the term of the loan, a fund will continue to have investment risk with respect to the security loaned, as well as risk with respect to the investment of the cash collateral. Either party has the right to terminate a loan at any time on customary industry settlement notice (which will not usually exceed three business days). During the existence of a loan, a fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and, with respect to cash collateral, will receive any income generated by the fund’s investment of the collateral (subject to a rebate payable to the borrower and a percentage of the income payable to the lending agent). Where the borrower provides a fund with collateral other than cash, the borrower is also obligated to pay the fund a fee for use of the borrowed securities. A fund does not have the right to vote any securities having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but would retain the right to call the loan in anticipation of an important vote to be taken among holders of the securities or of the giving or withholding of their consent on a material matter affecting the investment. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In addition, a fund could suffer loss if the loan terminates and the fund is forced to liquidate investments at a loss in order to return the cash collateral to the buyer.
Voluntary Actions
From time to time, a fund may voluntarily participate in actions (for example, rights offerings, conversion privileges, exchange offers, credit event settlements, etc.) where the issuer or counterparty offers securities or instruments to holders or counterparties, such as a fund, and the acquisition is determined to be beneficial to fund shareholders (“Voluntary Action”). Notwithstanding any percentage investment limitation listed under this section or any percentage investment limitation of the 1940 Act or rules thereunder, if a fund has the opportunity to acquire a permitted security or instrument through a Voluntary Action, and the fund will exceed a percentage investment limitation following the acquisition, it will not constitute a violation if, after announcement of the offering, but prior to the receipt of the securities or instruments, the fund sells an offsetting amount of assets that are subject to the investment limitation in question at least equal to the value of the securities or instruments to be acquired.
Cybersecurity
With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, a fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks through breaches in cybersecurity. In general, a breach in cybersecurity can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber incidents affecting a fund’s investment adviser, sub-adviser and other service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with a fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of fund shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber incidents affecting issuers of securities in which a fund invests, counterparties with which a fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for fund shareholders) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While a fund’s service providers have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Furthermore, a fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the fund or its shareholders. Cybersecurity risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the fund invests, which may cause the fund’s investments in such issuers to lose value. A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Portfolio Turnover
Portfolio turnover rate is, in general, the percentage calculated by taking the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities (excluding short-term securities) for a year and dividing it by the monthly average of the market value of such securities held during the year.
Changes in security holdings are made by a fund’s investment manager or sub-adviser when it is deemed necessary. Such changes may result from: liquidity needs; securities having reached a price or yield objective; anticipated changes in interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer; or developments not foreseen at the time of the investment decision.
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The investment manager or a sub-adviser may engage in a significant number of short-term transactions if such investing serves a fund’s objective. The rate of portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor when such short-term investing is considered appropriate. Increased turnover results in higher brokerage costs or mark-up charges for a fund; these charges are ultimately borne by the shareholders.
In computing the portfolio turnover rate, securities whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less are excluded. Subject to this exclusion, the turnover rate for a fund is calculated by dividing (a) the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by (b) the monthly average of portfolio securities owned by the fund during the fiscal year.
There are no fixed limitations regarding the portfolio turnover rates of the funds. Portfolio turnover rates are expected to fluctuate under constantly changing economic conditions and market circumstances. Higher turnover rates tend to result in higher brokerage fees. Securities initially satisfying the basic policies and objective of a fund may be disposed of when they are no longer deemed suitable.
The following funds had a significant variation in their portfolio turnover rates over the fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019:
Transamerica High Quality Bond had increased trading in 2018, leading to a higher turnover rate for that year.
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities underwent a sub-adviser change in 2018, leading to a higher turnover rate for that year.
Transamerica International Growth underwent a sub-adviser change in 2018, leading to a higher turnover rate for that year.
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth underwent a sub-adviser change in 2018, leading to a higher turnover rate for that year.
Transamerica Small Cap Value underwent a sub-adviser change in 2018, leading to a higher turnover rate for that year.
Historical turnover rates are included in the Financial Highlights tables in the prospectus.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
It is the policy of the funds to protect the confidentiality of their holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information about portfolio holdings. The funds’ service providers are required to comply with this policy. No non-public information concerning the portfolio holdings may be disclosed to any unaffiliated third party, except as provided below. The Board has adopted formal procedures governing compliance with these policies.
The funds believe the policy is in the best interests of each fund and its shareholders and that it strikes an appropriate balance between the desire of investors for information about portfolio holdings and the need to protect funds from potentially harmful disclosures. Any conflicts of interest between the interests of fund shareholders and those of TAM or its affiliates are addressed in a manner that places the interests of fund shareholders first.
The funds, or their duly authorized service providers, may publicly disclose holdings in accordance with regulatory requirements, such as periodic portfolio disclosure in filings with the SEC. A summary or list of a fund’s completed purchases and sales may only be made available after the public disclosure of portfolio holdings.
The funds generally make publicly available their complete portfolio holdings no sooner than 15 days after month-end. Typically, the funds achieve public disclosure by publishing all holdings on their website at www.transamerica.com. Such information generally remains online for 6 months, or as otherwise consistent with applicable regulations. Following public disclosure, the funds may then forward the information to investors and consultants requesting it.
Transamerica Government Money Market files monthly a schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-MFP. The information filed on Form N-MFP is made available to the public by the SEC 60 days after the end of the month to which the information pertains. A schedule of portfolio holdings for Transamerica Government Money Market is posted each month to the fund’s website in accordance with Rule 2a-7(c)(12) under the 1940 Act.
There are numerous mutual fund evaluation services and due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wirehouses that regularly analyze the holdings of mutual funds’ portfolios in order to monitor and report on various attributes including style, capitalization, maturity, yield, beta, etc. These services and departments then distribute the results of their analysis to the public, paid subscribers and/or in-house brokers. In order to facilitate the review of the funds’ holdings by these services and departments, the funds may distribute (or authorize their service providers to distribute) holdings to such services and departments before their public disclosure is required or authorized provided that: (i) the recipient does not distribute the holdings or results of the analysis to third parties, other departments or persons who are likely to use the information for purposes of purchasing or selling the funds before the holdings or results of the analysis become public information; and (ii) the recipient signs a written confidentiality agreement. Persons and entities unwilling to execute an acceptable confidentiality agreement may only receive portfolio holdings information that has otherwise been publicly disclosed. Neither the funds nor their service providers receive any compensation from such services and departments. Subject to such departures as the funds’ investment manager and compliance department believe reasonable and consistent with reasonably protecting the confidentiality of the portfolio information, each confidentiality agreement should provide that, among other things: the portfolio information is the confidential property of the funds (and their service providers, if applicable) and may not be shared or used directly or indirectly for any purpose except as expressly provided in the confidentiality agreement. The recipient of the portfolio information agrees to limit access to the portfolio information to its employees (and
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agents) who, on a need to know basis, are (1) authorized to have access to the portfolio information and (2) subject to a duty of confidentiality, including duties not to share the non-public information with an unauthorized source and not to trade on non-public information. Upon written request, the recipient agrees to promptly return or destroy, as directed, the portfolio information.
The funds (or their authorized service providers) may disclose portfolio information before their public disclosure based on the criteria described above. The frequency with which such information may be disclosed, and the length of the lag, if any, between the disclosure date of the information and the date on which the information is publicly disclosed, varies based on the terms of the applicable confidentiality agreement. The funds currently provide portfolio information to the following third parties at the stated frequency as part of ongoing arrangements that include the release of portfolio holdings information in accordance with the policy:
Name   Frequency
Advent Software, Inc.   Daily
Evare   Daily
FactSet   Daily
Morningstar Investment Management LLC   Daily
StarCompliance   Daily
Lipper, Inc.   Quarterly
Thompson Financial, Ltd.   Quarterly
Bloomberg   Quarterly
Investment Company Institute   Quarterly
Portfolio holdings information may also be provided at any time (and as frequently as daily) to the funds’ service providers and others who generally need access to such information in the performance of their contractual duties and responsibilities, such as TAM, the sub-advisers, the custodian, administrator, sub-administrator, independent public accountants, attorneys, and the funds’ officers and trustees, subject to a duty of confidentiality with respect to any portfolio holdings information. TAM also receives portfolio holdings information to assist in the selection of underlying funds for certain asset allocation funds.
In addition to these ongoing arrangements, the policy permits the release by the funds (or their authorized service providers) of the following information concerning a fund before disclosure of full portfolio holdings is made publicly available, provided that the information has been publicly disclosed (via the funds’ website or otherwise):
Top Ten Holdings – A fund’s top ten holdings and the total percentage of the fund such aggregate holdings represent.
Sector Holdings – A fund’s sector information and the total percentage of the fund held in each sector.
Other Portfolio Characteristic Data – Any other analytical data with respect to a fund that does not identify any specific portfolio holding.
Funds of ETFs and Funds of Funds – For any fund whose investments (other than cash alternatives) consist solely of shares of ETFs or other Funds, no sooner than 10 days after the end of a month the names of the ETFs or Funds held as of the end of that month and the percentage of the fund’s net assets held in each ETF or Fund as of the end of that month.
The Board and an appropriate officer of the Investment Manager’s compliance department or the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) may, on a case-by-case basis, impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of portfolio information and waive certain requirements. Any exceptions to the policy must be consistent with the purposes of the policy. The CCO reports to the Board material compliance violations of the funds’ policies and procedures on disclosure of portfolio holdings.
Morningstar Investment Management LLC, the portfolio construction manager of certain asset allocation funds, receives portfolio holdings information to assist in the selection of underlying funds for those asset allocation funds. Information concerning the portfolio holdings of certain portfolios may be disclosed to the risk assessment department of Transamerica insurance companies solely to allow them to hedge their obligations under variable annuity and life products. Morningstar Investment Management LLC and each applicable Transamerica insurance company have signed confidentiality agreements.
In addition, separate account and unregistered product clients of TAM, the sub-advisers of the funds, or their respective affiliates generally have access to information regarding the portfolio holdings of their own accounts. Prospective clients may also have access to representative portfolio holdings. These clients and prospective clients are not subject to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies described above. Some of these separate accounts and unregistered product clients have substantially similar or identical investment objectives and strategies to certain funds, and therefore may have substantially similar or nearly identical portfolio holdings as those funds.
Certain information in the above section may not apply to all of the funds managed by the Investment Manager.
Commodity Exchange Act Registration
The Investment Manager has registered as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) with respect to its service as investment manager to Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities. Compliance with applicable Commodity Futures Trading disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping regulations is expected to increase fund expenses.
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The Investment Manager relies on CFTC Rule 4.12(c)(3) with respect to Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities. CFTC Rule 4.12(c)(3) relieves the Investment Manager from certain CFTC recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure requirements.
The remaining funds are operated by the Investment Manager pursuant to an exclusion from registration as a CPO with respect to such funds under the CEA, and therefore, are not subject to registration or regulation with respect to the funds under the CEA. These funds are limited in their ability to enter into commodity interests positions subject to CFTC jurisdiction.
Management of the Trust
Each of the funds is supervised by the Board.
Board Members and Officers
The members of the Board (“Board Members”) and executive officers of the Trust are listed below.
“Interested Board Member” means a board member who may be deemed an “interested person” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust because of his current or former service with TAM or an affiliate of TAM. Interested Board Members may also be referred to herein as “Interested Trustees.” “Independent Board Member” means a Board Member who is not an “interested person” (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust and may also be referred to herein as an “Independent Trustee.”
The Board governs each fund and is responsible for protecting the interests of the shareholders. The Board Members are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the business affairs of each fund and the operation of each fund by its officers. The Board also reviews the management of each fund’s assets by the investment manager and its respective sub-adviser.
The funds are among the funds managed and sponsored by TAM (collectively, “Transamerica Fund Family”). The Transamerica Fund Family consists of (i) Transamerica Funds (“TF”); (ii) Transamerica Series Trust (“TST”); (iii) Transamerica ETF Trust (“TET”); and (iv) Transamerica Asset Allocation Variable Funds (“TAAVF”). The Transamerica Fund Family consists of 124 funds as of the date of this SAI. With the exception of Mr. Smit, none of the Board Members serve on the board of trustees of TET. TET is overseen by a separate board of trustees.
The mailing address of each Board Member is c/o Secretary, 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202.
The Board Members, their age, their positions with the Trust, and their principal occupations for at least the past five years (their titles may have varied during that period) the number of funds in the Transamerica Fund Family the Board oversees, and other board memberships they hold are set forth in the table below. The length of time served is provided from the date a Board Member became a member of the Board.
Name and Age Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
Other
Directorships Held
By Board Member
INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS
Marijn P. Smit
(46)
Chairman of
the Board,
President and
Chief Executive
Officer
Since 2014 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, TF, TST and TAAVF (2014 – present);
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, TET (2017 – present);
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transamerica Partners Portfolio (“TPP”), Transamerica Partners Funds Group (“TPFG”) and Transamerica Partners Funds Group II (“TPFG II”) (2014 – 2018);
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transamerica Income Shares, Inc. (“TIS”) (2014 – 2015);
Director, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”) and Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. (“TFS”) (2014 – present);
Senior Vice President, Transamerica Retirement Solutions LLC (2012 - present); Trust Officer, Massachusetts Fidelity Trust
Company (2014 - present); President, Investment Solutions, Transamerica Investments & Retirement (2014 – 2016);
Vice President, Transamerica Premier Life
124 Director, Massachusetts Fidelity Trust Company (2014 - present);
Director, Aegon Global Funds (2016 - present); Director – Akaan-Aegon, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (financial services joint venture in Mexico) (2017 - present)
Director, Mongeral Aegon Seguros e Previdencia S.A. (2019 - present); and Director, Mongeral Aegon Investimentos Ltda. (2018 - present)
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Name and Age Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
Other
Directorships Held
By Board Member
INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERScontinued
Marijn P. Smit
(continued)
    Insurance Company (2010 – 2016);
Vice President, Transamerica Life Insurance Company (2010 – 2016);
Senior Vice President, Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company (2013 – 2016);
Senior Vice President, Transamerica Retirement Advisors, Inc. (2013 – 2016);
and President and Director, Transamerica Stable Value Solutions, Inc. (2010 – 2016).
   
Alan F. Warrick
(71)
Board Member Since 2012 Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2012 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2012 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2012 – 2015); Senior Advisor, Lovell Minnick Equity Partners
(2010 – present); Retired (2010).
119 N/A
INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS
Sandra N. Bane
(68)
Board Member Since 2008 Retired (1999 – present);
Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2008 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2008 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2008 – 2015); Board Member, Transamerica Investors, Inc. (“TII”) (2003 – 2010); and Partner, KPMG (1975 – 1999).
119 Big 5 Sporting Goods (2002 – present);
Southern Company Gas (energy services holding company) (2008 – present)
Leo J. Hill
(64)
Lead Independent
Board Member
Since 2002 Principal, Advisor Network Solutions, LLC (business consulting) (2006 – present);
Board Member, TST (2001 – present);
Board Member, TF (2002 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2007 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2002 – 2015);
Board Member, TAAVF (2007 – present);
Board Member, TII (2008 – 2010); Market President, Nations Bank of Sun Coast
Florida (1998 – 1999); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Barnett Banks of Treasure Coast Florida (1994 – 1998);
Executive Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, Barnett Banks of Jacksonville,
Florida (1991 – 1994); and Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Administration Officer, Wachovia Bank of Georgia (1976 – 1991).
119 Ameris Bancorp (2013 – present);
Ameris Bank (2013 – present)
David W. Jennings
(73)
Board Member Since 2009 Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2009 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2009 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2009 – 2015); Board
Member, TII (2009 – 2010); Managing Director, Hilton Capital Management, LLC
(2010 – present); Principal, Maxam Capital Management, LLC (2006 – 2008); and
Principal, Cobble Creek Management LP (2004 – 2006).
119 N/A
Fredric A. Nelson III
(63)
Board Member Since 2017 Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2017 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II
119 N/A
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Name and Age Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
Other
Directorships Held
By Board Member
INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERScontinued
Fredric A. Nelson III
(continued)
    (2017 – 2018);
Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”),
Commonfund (2011 – 2015); Vice Chairman, CIO, ING Investment Management Americas (2003 – 2009);
Managing Director, Head of U.S. Equity, JP Morgan Investment Management (1994 –
2003); Managing Director, Head of Global Quantitative Investments Group, Bankers Trust Global Investment Management (1981 – 1994).
   
John E. Pelletier
(56)
Board Member Since 2017 Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2017 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II
(2017 – 2018);Director, Center for Financial Literacy, Champlain College (2010 – present);
Co-Chair, Vermont Financial Literacy Commission with Vermont State Treasurer
(2015 – 2018); Chairman, Vermont Universal Children’s Higher Education Savings Account Program Advisory Committee (2015 – present);
Founder and Principal, Sterling Valley Consulting LLC (a financial services
consulting firm) (2009 – 2017); Independent Director, The Sentinel Funds and Sentinel Variable Products Trust (2013 – 2017);
Chief Legal Officer, Eaton Vance Corp.
(2007 – 2008); and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2004 - 2007), General Counsel (1997 – 2004), Natixis Global Associates.
119 N/A
Patricia L. Sawyer
(70)
Board Member Since 2007 Retired (2007 – present);
President/Founder, Smith & Sawyer LLC (management consulting) (1989 – 2007);
Board Member, TF and TST (2007 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (1993 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2007 – 2015); Board
Member, TII (2008 – 2010); Board Member,
TAAVF (1993 – present); and Trustee, Chair of Finance Committee and Chair of Nominating Committee (1987 – 1996), Bryant University.
119 Honorary Trustee, Bryant University (1996 – present)
John W. Waechter
(68)
Board Member Since 2005 Partner, Englander Fischer (2016 – present);
Attorney, Englander Fischer (2008 – 2015);
Retired (2004 – 2008); Board Member, TST (2004 – present);
Board Member, TF (2005 – present);
Board Member, TAAVF (2007 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2007 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2004 – 2015); Board
Member, TII (2008 – 2010); Employee, RBC Dain Rauscher (securities dealer)
(2004); Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, William R. Hough & Co. (securities
119 Board Member, Operation PAR, Inc. (non-profit organization) (2008 – present);
Board Member, Remember Honor Support, Inc. (non-profit organization)
(2013-present)
Board Member, WRH Income Properties, Inc. (real estate) (2014-present);
Board Member, Boley PAR, Inc. (non-profit organization)
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Name and Age Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
Other
Directorships Held
By Board Member
INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERScontinued
John W. Waechter
(continued)
    dealer) (1979 – 2004); and Treasurer, The Hough Group of Funds (1993 – 2004).   (2016-present)
* Each Board Member shall hold office until: 1) his or her successor is elected and qualified or 2) he or she resigns, retires or his or her term as a Board Member is terminated in accordance with the Trust’s Declaration of Trust.
Officers
The mailing address of each officer is c/o Secretary, 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202. The following table shows information about the officers, including their year of birth, their positions held with the Trust and their principal occupations during the past five years (their titles may have varied during that period). Each officer will hold office until his or her successor has been duly elected or appointed or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Name and Age Position Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*
Principal Occupation(s) or Employment
During Past Five Years
Marijn P. Smit
(46)
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Since 2014 See Interested Board Members Table Above.
Christopher A. Staples, CFA
(49)
Vice President and Chief
Investment Officer,
Advisory Services
Since 2005 Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services, Transamerica Funds and TST (2007 – present); TET (2017 – present);
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services (2007 – 2015), TIS;
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services, TAAVF (2007 – present);
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2007 – 2018);
Director (2005 – 2019), Senior Vice President (2006 – present), Senior Director, Investments (2016 – present), Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services (2012 – 2016) and Lead Portfolio Manager (2007 – present), TAM;
Director, TFS (2005 – 2019);
Trust Officer, Massachusetts Fidelity Trust Company (2010 -
present); Registered Representative (2007 – 2016), TCI;
Registered Representative, TFA (2005 – present).
Thomas R. Wald, CFA
(59)
Chief Investment Officer Since 2014 Chief Investment Officer, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2014 – present); TET (2017 – present);
Chief Investment Officer, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2014 – 2018);
Chief Investment Officer, TIS (2014 – 2015);
Director (2017 – present), Akaan Transamerica, S.A. de C.V., Sociedad Operadora de Fondos de Inversión, Director (2019 -
present); Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, TAM (2014 – present);
Chief Investment Officer, Transamerica Investments & Retirement
(2014 – present); Director, Transamerica Funds Services, Inc. (2019 - present); and Trust Officer, Massachusetts Fidelity Trust Company (2015 - present).
Vincent J. Toner
(50)
Vice President and Treasurer Since 2014 Vice President and Treasurer, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2014 – present), TET (2017 – present);
Vice President and Treasurer, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2014 – 2018);
Vice President and Treasurer, TIS (2014 – 2015);
Vice President (2016 – present), Treasurer (2016 – 2019), Vice President, Administration and Treasurer (2014 – 2016), TAM;
Vice President, Administration and Treasurer, TFS (2014 – present); Vice President (2016 – present), Transamerica Capital, Inc.; Trust Officer (2015 – present), Massachusetts Fidelity Trust Company.
Francine J. Rosenberger
(52)
Chief Compliance Officer Since 2019 Chief Compliance Officer, Transamerica Funds, TST, TET and TAAVF (2019 – present); Chief Compliance Officer (2019 – present), TAM; General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Fund Chief Compliance Officer, Steben & Company, Inc. (2013 – 2019).
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Name and Age Position Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*
Principal Occupation(s) or Employment
During Past Five Years
Molly Possehl
(42)
Anti-Money Laundering Officer Since 2019 Anti-Money Laundering Officer, Transamerica Funds, TST, TET and TAAVF (2019 – present); Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2019 – present), TAM; Assistant General Counsel, Transamerica Life Insurance Company/Aegon USA (2013 – present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Fraud Officer, Transamerica Life Insurance Company/Aegon USA (2015 – present); Attorney, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer (Annuity products), Transamerica Life Insurance Company/Aegon USA (2006 – 2015).
Erin D. Nelson
(43)
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary Since 2019 Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST, TET and TAAVF (2019 – present); Assistant General Counsel II and Assistant Secretary, TAM (2019 – present), Assistant Secretary (2019 – present, TFS; Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, ALPS Advisors, Inc. (2015 – 2019).
Rhonda A. Mills
(54)
Assistant Secretary Since 2016 Assistant Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2019 – present);
Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2019); Assistant Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2016 – 2019);
Assistant Secretary, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2016 – 2018);
Assistant Secretary, Vice President and High Level Specialist Attorney (2014 – 2016), Assistant General Counsel (2016 – present), TAM;
Vice President (2014 – 2016) and Assistant Secretary (2014 – present), TFS.
Blake Boettcher
(34)
Tax Manager Since 2018 Tax Manager, Transamerica Funds, TST, TAAVF and TET (2018 – present);
Senior Manager – Tax, Charles Schwab Investment Management (2015 – 2017);
Tax Manager, Deloitte Tax LLP (2012 – 2015).
Peter Sattelmair
(42)
Assistant Treasurer Since 2018 Assistant Treasurer, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2018 – present);
Director, Fund Administration, TAM (2014 – present).
* Elected and serves at the pleasure of the Board of the Trust.
If an officer has held offices for different funds for different periods of time, the earliest applicable date is shown. No officer of the Trust, except for the Chief Compliance Officer, receives any compensation from the Trust.
Each of the Board Members, other than Mr. Jennings, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Pelletier, Mr. Smit and Mr. Warrick, previously served as a trustee or director of the TAM, Diversified or Premier fund family, and each Board Member was thus initially selected by the board of the applicable predecessor fund family. In connection with the consolidation of all “manager of managers” investment advisory services within Transamerica in 2007, a single board was established to oversee the TAM and Diversified fund families, and each of the Board Members, other than Ms. Bane, Mr. Jennings, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Pelletier, Mr. Smit and Mr. Warrick, joined the Board at that time. The Board was established with a view both to ensuring continuity of representation by board members of the TAM and Diversified fund families on the Board and in order to establish a Board with experience in and focused on overseeing various types of funds, which experience would be further developed and enhanced over time. Ms. Bane joined the Board in 2008 when the Premier fund family was consolidated into the Transamerica Fund Family. Mr. Jennings joined the Board in 2009. Mr. Warrick joined the Board in 2012. Mr. Smit joined the Board in 2014. Mr. Nelson and Mr. Pelletier both joined the Board in 2017.
The Board believes that each Board Member’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Board Members lead to the conclusion that the Board possesses the requisite skills and attributes. The Board believes that the Board Members’ ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with TAM, the sub-advisers, other services providers, counsel and independent auditors, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties, support this conclusion. The Board also has considered the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, among others, of its members in reaching its conclusion: his or her character and integrity; such person’s service as a board member of a predecessor fund family (other than Mr. Jennings, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Pelletier, Mr. Smit and Mr. Warrick); such person’s willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Board Member; the fact that such person’s service would be consistent with the requirements of the retirement policies of the Trust; as to each Board Member other than Mr. Smit and Mr. Warrick, his or her status as not being an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act; as to Mr. Smit, his status as a representative of TAM; and, as to Mr. Warrick, his former service in various executive positions for certain affiliates of TAM. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply as to each Board Member: Ms. Bane, accounting experience and experience as a board member of multiple organizations; Mr. Hill, financial and entrepreneurial experience as an executive, owner and consultant; Mr. Jennings, investment management experience as an executive of investment management organizations and portfolio manager; Mr. Nelson, business experience, securities industry and fund executive experience; Mr. Pelletier, securities industry and fund legal and operations experience, entrepreneurial
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experience as an executive, owner and consultant, and board experience; Ms. Sawyer, management consulting and board experience; Mr. Waechter, securities industry and fund accounting and fund compliance experience, legal experience and board experience; Mr. Smit, investment management and insurance experience as an executive and leadership roles with TAM and affiliated entities; and Mr. Warrick, financial services industry experience as an executive and consultant with various TAM affiliates and other entities. References to the qualifications, attributes and skills of Board Members are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Board Member as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
The Board is responsible for overseeing the management and operations of the funds. Mr. Smit serves as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Smit is an interested person of the funds. Independent Board Members constitute more than 75% of the Board.
The Board currently believes that an interested Chairman is appropriate and is in the best interests of the funds and their shareholders, and that its committees, as further described below, help ensure that the funds have effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board believes that an interested Chairman has a professional interest in the quality of the services provided to the funds and that the Chairman is best equipped to provide oversight of such services on a day-to-day basis because of TAM’s sponsorship of the funds and TAM’s ongoing monitoring of the investment sub-advisers that manage the assets of each fund. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Board Members from management. The Independent Board Members also believe that they can effectively act independently without having an Independent Board Member act as Chairman. Among other reasons, this belief is based on the fact that the Independent Board Members represent over 75% of the Board.
Board Committees
The Board has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee. Both the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee are chaired by an Independent Board Member and composed of all of the Independent Board Members. In addition, the Board has a Lead Independent Board Member.
The Lead Independent Board Member and the chairs of the Audit and Nominating Committees work with the Chairman to set the agendas for Board and committee meetings. The Lead Independent Board Member also serves as a key point person for dealings between management and the Independent Board Members. Through the funds’ board committees, the Independent Board Members consider and address important matters involving the funds, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management, and they believe they can act independently and effectively. The Board believes that its leadership structure is appropriate and facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Board Members from management.
The Audit Committee, among other things, oversees the accounting and reporting policies and practices and internal controls of the Trust, oversees the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Trust, approves, prior to appointment, the engagement of the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, reviews and evaluates the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance, and approves the compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee also approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to each fund by the independent registered public accounting firm and all permissible non-audit services provided by each fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to TAM and any affiliated service providers if the engagement relates directly to each fund’s operations and financial reporting.
The Nominating Committee is a forum for identifying, considering, selecting and nominating, or recommending for nomination by the Board, candidates to fill vacancies on the Board. The Nominating Committee may consider diversity in identifying potential candidates, including differences of viewpoint, professional experience and skill, as well as such other individual qualities and attributes as it may deem relevant. The Nominating Committee has not adopted a formal procedure for the implementation, or for assessing the effectiveness, of its policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying potential candidates.
When addressing vacancies, the Nominating Committee sets any necessary standards or qualifications for service on the Board and may consider nominees recommended by any source it deems appropriate, including management and shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Trust’s Secretary that include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Board Members. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by the shareholders. The Nominating Committee will consider all submissions meeting the applicable requirements stated herein that are received by December 31 of the most recently completed calendar year.
The Nominating Committee also identifies potential nominees through its network of contacts and may also engage, if it deems appropriate, a professional search firm. The committee meets to discuss and consider such candidates’ qualifications and then chooses a candidate by majority vote.
Risk Oversight
Through its oversight of the management and operations of the funds, the Board also has a risk oversight function, which includes (without limitation) the following: (i) requesting and reviewing reports on the operations of the funds (such as reports about the performance of the funds); (ii) reviewing compliance reports and approving compliance policies and procedures of the funds and their service providers; (iii) meeting with management to consider areas of risk and to seek assurances that adequate resources are available to address risks; (iv) meeting with service providers, including fund auditors, to review fund activities; and (v) meeting with the Chief Compliance Officer and other
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officers of the funds and their service providers to receive information about compliance, and risk assessment and management matters. Such oversight is exercised primarily through the Board and its Audit Committee but, on an ad hoc basis, also can be exercised by the Independent Board Members during executive sessions. The Board has emphasized to TAM and the sub-advisers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the funds can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the funds' goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Board Members as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the funds' investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through TAM, its affiliates, the sub-advisers and other service providers each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the funds' and each other in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to substantial limitations. In addition, some risks may be beyond the reasonable control of the Board, the funds, TAM, its affiliates, the sub-advisers or other service providers.
In addition, it is important to note that each fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future.
Additional Information about the Committees of the Board
Both the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee are composed of all of the Independent Board Members. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the Audit Committee met 4 times and the Nominating Committee did not meet.
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Trustee Ownership of Equity Securities
The table below gives the dollar range of shares of the funds, as well as the aggregate dollar range of shares of all funds/portfolios in the Transamerica Fund Family, owned by each current Trustee as of December 31, 2019.
Fund Interested Trustees              
  Marijn P. Smit Alan F. Warrick Sandra N. Bane Leo J. Hill David W. Jennings Fredric A. Nelson III John E. Pelletier Patricia L. Sawyer John W. Waechter
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Balanced II None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Government Money Market None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica High Quality Bond $10,001 - $50,000 None None None None None None None None
Transamerica High Yield Bond $10,001 - $50,000 None None None None None None None None
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Intermediate Bond None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica International Equity Over $100,000 None None $10,001 - $50,000 None None None $10,001 - $50,000 None
Transamerica International Growth None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Large Core None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Large Growth None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $50,001 – $100,000 None None None None None $1 - $10,000 None None
Transamerica Small Cap Growth None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Small Cap Value None None None None None None $1 - $10,000 None None
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
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Transamerica Fund Family
Trustee Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities
Interested Trustees  
Marijn P. Smit Over $100,000
Alan F. Warrick None
Independent Trustees  
Sandra N. Bane None
Leo J. Hill Over $100,000
David W. Jennings None
Fredric A. Nelson III None
John E. Pelletier Over $100,000
Patricia L. Sawyer Over $100,000
John W. Waechter Over $100,000
As of December 31, 2019, none of the Independent Board Members or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of the Investment Manager, sub-advisers or Distributor of the funds, or in a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Investment Manager, sub-advisers or Distributor of the funds.
Trustee Compensation
As of January 1, 2020, the Independent Board Members receive a base retainer of $330,000 from the funds/portfolios of Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF.
The Trust pays a pro rata share of these fees allocable to each series of the Trust based on the relative assets of the series.
As of January 1, 2020, the Lead Independent Trustee of the Board receives an additional retainer of $63,000 per year. The Audit Committee Chairperson receives an additional retainer of $28,000 per year and the Nominating Committee Chairperson receives an additional retainer of $15,000 per year. The Trust also pays a pro rata share allocable to each series of Transamerica Funds based on the relative assets of the series for the Lead Independent Trustee, Audit Committee Chairperson and Nominating Committee Chairperson retainers.
Any fees and expenses paid to an Interested Board Member and officers are paid by TAM or an affiliate and not by the Trust, except for the Chief Compliance Officer, a portion of whose fees and expenses are paid by TAM or an affiliate, and a portion of whose fees and expenses are paid by the Trust.
Under a non-qualified deferred compensation plan effective January 1, 2008, as amended and restated (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), available to the Board Members, compensation may be deferred that would otherwise be payable by the Trust to an Independent Board Member on a current basis for services rendered as Board Member. Deferred compensation amounts will accumulate based on the value of the investment option, as elected by the Board Members.
Amounts deferred and accrued under the Deferred Compensation Plan are unfunded and unsecured claims against the general assets of the Trust.
Compensation Table
The following table provides compensation amounts paid by the funds to the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019. Interested Trustees are not compensated by the funds. Messrs. Smit and Warrick are compensated for their Board service by TAM or an affiliate of TAM.
Name of Person, Position Aggregate Compensation from the Trust Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Funds Expenses(a) Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement(a) Total Compensation from the Transamerica Fund Family (including the Trust)(b)
Sandra N. Bane, Trustee $119,582 N/A N/A $316,500
Leo J. Hill, Trustee $140,360 N/A N/A $371,500
David W. Jennings, Trustee $119,582 N/A N/A $316,500
Russell A. Kimball, Jr.,Trustee(c) $24,327 N/A N/A $63,500
Fredric A. Nelson III, Trustee $118,624 N/A N/A $314,000
John E. Pelletier, Trustee $118,643 N/A N/A $314,000
Patricia L. Sawyer, Trustee $124,493 N/A N/A $329,500
John W. Waechter, Trustee $129,026 N/A N/A $341,500
(a) The Trust has no plan or other arrangement pursuant to which the Trustees receive pension or retirement benefits.
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(b) Compensation expenses are allocated pro rata based on the relative net assets of each fund included in the Transamerica Fund Family. Of this aggregate compensation, the total amounts deferred from the funds (including earnings and dividends) and accrued for the benefit of the participating Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 were as follows: Patricia L. Sawyer, $4,116 and John E. Pelletier, $103,620.
(c) Effective as of December 31, 2018, Mr. Kimball retired as a member of the Board of the Trust.
Shareholder Communication Procedures with the Board of Trustees
The Board of the Trust has adopted these procedures by which shareholders of the Trust may send written communications to the Board. Shareholders may mail written communications to the Board, addressed to the care of the Secretary of the Trust (“Secretary”), as follows:
Board of Trustees
Transamerica Funds
c/o Secretary
1801 California Street, Suite 5200
Denver, CO 80202
Each shareholder communication must (i) be in writing and be signed by the shareholder, (ii) identify the underlying series of the Trust to which it relates, and (iii) identify the class (if applicable) held by the shareholder. The Secretary is responsible for collecting, reviewing and organizing all properly submitted shareholder communications. Usually, with respect to each properly submitted shareholder communication, the Secretary shall either (i) provide a copy of the communication to the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the communication requires more immediate attention, forward the communication to the Board promptly after receipt. The Secretary may, in good faith, determine that a shareholder communication should not be provided to the Board because the communication (i) does not reasonably relate to a series of the Trust or its operation, management, activities, policies, service providers, Board, officers, shareholders or other matters relating to an investment in the Trust, or (ii) is ministerial in nature (such as a request for Trust literature, share data or financial information). These Procedures shall not apply to (i) any communication from an officer or Trustee of the Trust, (ii) any communication from an employee or agent of the Trust, unless such communication is made solely in such employee’s or agent’s capacity as a shareholder, (iii) any shareholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) or any communication made in connection with such a proposal, or (iv) any communication that reasonably may be considered to be a complaint regarding the Trust or shareholder services, which complaint shall instead be promptly forwarded to the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Trustees are not required to attend the Trust’s shareholder meetings, if any, or to otherwise make themselves available to shareholders for communications, other than pursuant to these Procedures.
Code of Ethics
The Trust, TAM, each sub-adviser and TCI have each adopted a Code of Ethics as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, TAM, each sub-adviser and TCI from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the funds (which may also be held by persons subject to a code of ethics). There can be no assurance that the codes of ethics will be effective in preventing such activities.
Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the funds, TAM, the sub-advisers and the distributor each have adopted a code of ethics that permits their personnel to invest in securities for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by a fund. All personnel must place the interests of clients first, must not act upon non-public information, must not take inappropriate advantage of their positions, and are required to fulfill their fiduciary obligations. All personal securities transactions by employees must adhere to the requirements of the codes of ethics and must be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest, the appearance of such a conflict, or the abuse of an employee’s position of trust and responsibility.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
TAM exercises voting discretion for the Asset Allocation Funds. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the respective sub-advisers are used to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held by the remainder of the funds. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the funds, TAM and the sub-advisers are attached hereto as Appendix A.
TAM’s proxy voting policy and procedures address material conflicts of interest that may arise between TAM or its affiliates and the funds by either: (i) providing for voting in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party or the Board; (ii) voting shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of a fund's shares; or (iii) obtaining the consent of the Board (or a Board Committee) with full disclosure of the conflict.
The Trust files SEC Form N-PX, with the complete proxy voting records of the funds for the 12 months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. The Form is available without charge: (1) upon request by calling 1-888-233-4339; and (2) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
I. Statement of Principle
Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion to secure the long-term interests of the shareholders of the funds. The funds seek to assure that proxies received by the funds are voted in the best interests of the funds’ shareholders and have accordingly adopted these procedures.
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II. Delegation of Proxy Voting/Adoption of Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser Policies
Each fund delegates the authority to vote proxies related to portfolio securities to TAM, as investment manager to each fund, which in turn delegates proxy voting authority for most funds of the Trust to the sub-adviser retained to provide day-to-day portfolio management for that fund. The Board of each fund adopts the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Investment Manager and sub-advisers as the proxy voting policies and procedures (each a “Proxy Voting Policy”) that will be used by each of these respective entities when exercising voting authority on behalf of the fund. These policies and procedures are herein.
Each fund delegates the authority to vote proxies related to portfolio securities to TAM, as investment manager to each fund, which in turn delegates proxy voting authority for most of the funds to the sub-adviser retained to provide day-to-day portfolio management for that fund. For each fund, TAM and/or the sub-adviser make voting decisions pursuant to their own proxy voting policies and procedures, which have been adopted by the applicable fund and approved by the applicable fund’s Board of Trustees.
III. Securities on Loan
The Board has authorized TAM, in conjunction with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), to lend portfolio securities on behalf of the funds. Securities on loan generally are voted by the borrower of such securities. Should a sub-adviser to the fund wish to exercise its vote for a particular proxy, TAM will promptly contact State Street and terminate the loan.
IV. Conflicts of Interest
The Board seeks to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of fund shareholders. For certain proxy proposals, TAM’s interests, the interests of the sub-adviser and/or their affiliates may differ from fund shareholders’ interests. To avoid the appearance of impropriety and to fulfill their fiduciary responsibility to shareholders in these circumstances, TAM and the sub-advisers are required to establish procedures that are reasonably designed to address material conflicts between their interests and those of the funds.
When a sub-adviser deems that it is conflicted with respect to a voting matter, its policy may call for it to seek voting instructions from the client. TAM is authorized by the Board to consider any such matters and provide voting instructions to the sub-adviser, unless TAM has determined that its interests are conflicted with fund shareholders with respect to the voting matter. In those instances, TAM will instruct the sub-adviser to vote in accordance with the recommendation of a third-party proxy voting advisory service.
If a material conflict arises between TAM or its affiliates and the funds, in every case where TAM exercises voting discretion, TAM will (i) vote in accordance with the recommendation of a third-party (such as Glass Lewis) or Board(s); (ii) vote the shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of the fund’s shares; or (iii) obtain the consent of the Board (or a Board Committee) with full disclosure of the conflict.
If the methods for addressing conflicts of interest, as described above, are deemed by TAM to be unreasonable due to cost, timing or other factors, then TAM may decline to vote in those instances.
V. Recordkeeping
TAM and the sub-advisers shall maintain records of all votes cast on behalf of the funds. Such documentation will include the firm’s proxy voting policies and procedures, company reports provided by proxy voting advisory services, additional information gathered by TAM or the sub-adviser that was material to reaching a voting decision, and communications to TAM regarding any identified conflicts. TAM and the sub-advisers shall maintain voting records in a manner to facilitate the funds’ production of the Form N-PX filing on an annual basis.
All books and records required to be maintained under this Section V will be maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal years during which the last entry was made on the record, the first two years in an appropriate location.
VI. Disclosure
TAM will coordinate the compilation of the funds’ proxy voting record for each year ended June 30 and file the required information with the SEC via Form N-PX by August 31. TAM will include a copy of or a summary of this policy and the proxy voting policies and procedures of TAM and the sub-advisers, as applicable, in each fund’s SAI. In each fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, TAM will disclose that a description of this policy and the proxy voting policies and procedures of TAM and the sub-advisers, as applicable, is (a) available upon request, without charge, by toll-free telephone request, (b) on the funds’ website (if applicable), and (c) on the SEC’s website in the SAI. The SAI and shareholder reports will also disclose that the funds’ proxy voting record is available by toll-free telephone request (or on the funds’ website) and on the SEC’s website by way of the Form N-PX. Within three business days of receiving a request, TAM will send a copy of the policy description or voting record by first-class mail.
VII. Manager Oversight
TAM shall review a sub-adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures for compliance with this Policy and applicable laws and regulations prior to initial delegation of proxy voting authority. TAM will request each sub-adviser to provide a current copy of its Proxy Voting Policy, or certify that there have been no material changes to its Proxy Voting Policy or that all material changes have been previously provided for review, and verify that such Proxy Voting Policy is consistent with those of the funds and TAM.
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Revised: July 2015, March 2020
Investment Management and Other Services
The Investment Manager
TAM serves as the investment manager for the funds. The Trust has entered into an Investment Management Agreement (“Management Agreement”), on behalf of each fund with TAM. TAM, located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, provides continuous and regular investment management services to the funds. TAM supervises each respective fund’s investments, conducts its investment program and provides supervisory, compliance and administrative services to each fund.
TAM is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day management of the Transamerica Asset Allocation Horizon funds. For each of the other funds, TAM currently acts as a “manager of managers” and hires sub-advisers to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations. TAM may, in the future, determine to provide all aspects of the day-to-day management of any such fund without the use of a sub-adviser. When acting as a manager of managers, TAM provides investment management services that include, without limitation, the design and development of each fund and its investment strategy and the ongoing review and evaluation of that investment strategy including recommending changes in strategy where it believes appropriate or advisable; the selection of one or more sub-advisers for each fund employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative screens, research, analysis and due diligence; negotiation of sub-advisory agreements and fees; oversight and monitoring of sub-advisers and recommending changes to sub-advisers where it believes appropriate or advisable; recommending fund combinations and liquidations where it believes appropriate or advisable; selection and oversight of transition managers, as needed; regular supervision of the funds’ investments; regular review and evaluation of sub-adviser performance; daily monitoring of the sub-advisers’ buying and selling of securities for the funds; regular review of holdings; ongoing trade oversight and analysis; regular monitoring to ensure adherence to investment process; regular calls and periodic on-site visits with sub-advisers; portfolio construction and asset allocation when using multiple sub-advisers for a fund; risk management oversight and analysis; oversight of negotiation of investment documentation and agreements; design, development, implementation and regular monitoring of the valuation process; periodic due diligence reviews of pricing vendors and vendor methodology; design, development, implementation and regular monitoring of the compliance process; respond to regulatory inquiries and determine appropriate litigation strategy, as needed; review of proxies voted by sub-advisers; oversight of preparation, and review, of materials for meetings of the funds’ Board, participation in these meetings and preparation of regular communications with the Board; oversight of preparation, and review, of prospectuses, shareholder reports and other disclosure materials and regulatory filings for the funds; oversight of other service providers to the funds, such as the custodian, the transfer agent, the funds’ independent accounting firm and legal counsel; supervision of the performance of recordkeeping and shareholder relations functions for the funds; and oversight of cash management services. TAM uses a variety of quantitative and qualitative tools to carry out its investment management services.
TAM’s investment management services also include the provision of supervisory and administrative services to each fund. These services include performing certain administrative services for the funds and supervising and overseeing the administrative, clerical, recordkeeping and bookkeeping services provided to the funds by State Street, to whom TAM has outsourced the provision of certain services as described below; to the extent agreed upon by TAM and the funds from time to time, monitoring and verifying the custodian’s daily calculation of net asset values; shareholder relations functions; compliance services; valuation services; assisting in due diligence and in oversight and monitoring of certain activities of sub-advisers and certain aspects of fund investments; assisting with fund combinations and liquidations; oversight of the preparation and filing, and review, of all returns and reports, in connection with federal, state and local taxes; oversight and review of regulatory reporting; supervising and coordinating the funds’ custodian and dividend disbursing agent and monitoring their services to the funds; assisting the funds in preparing reports to shareholders; acting as liaison with the funds’ independent public accountants and providing, upon request, analyses, fiscal year summaries and other audit related services; assisting in the preparation of agendas and supporting documents for and minutes of meetings of Trustees and committees of Trustees; assisting in the preparation of regular communications with the Trustees; and providing personnel and office space, telephones and other office equipment as necessary in order for TAM to perform supervisory and administrative services to the funds.
TAM is directly owned by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company (77%) (“TPLIC”) and AUSA Holding, LLC (23%) (“AUSA”), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Aegon N.V. TPLIC is owned by Commonwealth General Corporation (“Commonwealth”). Commonwealth and AUSA are wholly owned by Transamerica Corporation, a financial services holding company whose primary emphasis is on life and health insurance, and annuity and investment products. Transamerica Corporation is owned by The Aegon Trust, which is owned by Aegon International B.V., which is owned by Aegon N.V., a Netherlands corporation, and a publicly traded international insurance group.
Management Agreement
TAM has agreed, under each fund’s Management Agreement, to regularly provide the fund with investment management services, including management, supervision and investment research and advice, and to furnish a continuous investment program for the fund’s portfolio of securities and other investments consistent with the fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as stated in the fund’s prospectus and SAI. TAM also provides supervisory and administrative services to each fund, as well as services incidental to the foregoing services. TAM is permitted to enter into contracts with sub-advisers, subject to the Board’s approval. TAM has entered into sub-advisory agreements, as described below.
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As compensation for services performed, each fund pays TAM a fee computed daily at an annual rate of the fund’s average daily net assets as described below. TAM bears all expenses incurred by it in the performance of its duties under each fund’s Management Agreement. A fund bears all expenses not expressly assumed by TAM incurred in the operation of the fund and the offering of its shares.
The Management Agreement for a fund will terminate, unless sooner terminated as set forth therein, two years from its effective date, and will continue in effect from year to year thereafter, if continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of the Board Members who are not parties thereto or interested persons of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval of the terms of renewal, and by (ii) either the Board or the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that fund.
Each Management Agreement provides that TAM may render services to others. Under each fund’s Management Agreement, TAM assumes no responsibility other than to render the services called for by the Management Agreement in good faith, and TAM and its affiliates will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the fund or in the performance of its other services thereunder. TAM and its affiliates are not protected, however, against any liability to a fund to which TAM or an affiliate would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Management Agreement.
Each Management Agreement provides that it may be terminated with respect to any fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon 60 days’ written notice to TAM, or by TAM upon 60 days’ written notice to the fund. A fund may effect termination by action of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund, accompanied by appropriate notice. The Management Agreement terminates automatically in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act).
TAM has outsourced the provision of certain specific administrative services to State Street. State Street performs back office services to support TAM, including furnishing financial and performance information about the funds for inclusion in regulatory filings and Trustee and shareholder reports; preparing drafts of regulatory filings, Trustee materials, tax returns, and reports and budgets; tax testing; and maintaining books and records. State Street’s address is One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111.
TAM and the Trust have entered into a Management Agreement with respect to each fund under which TAM serves as investment manager performing investment advisory and administrative services for a single management fee.
Investment Manager Compensation
TAM receives compensation calculated daily and paid monthly from the funds, at the annual rates indicated below. TAM pays the sub-advisers their sub-advisory fees out of its management fees.
Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon 0.12%
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon 0.12%
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon 0.12%
Transamerica Balanced II 0.48%
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities 0.83% of the first $250 million
0.80% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.75% in excess of $500 million
Transamerica Government Money Market 0.24% of the first $1 billion
0.22% over $1 billion up to $3 billion
0.21% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica High Quality Bond 0.38%
Transamerica High Yield Bond 0.554% of the first $1.25 billion
0.544% over $1.25 billion up to $2 billion
0.52% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica High Yield ESG 0.554% of the first $1.25 billion
0.544% over $1.25 billion up to $2 billion
0.52% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities(1) 0.38%
Transamerica Intermediate Bond 0.38% of the first $2 billion
0.365% over $2 billion up to $3.5 billion
0.36% over $3.5 billion up to $5 billion
0.355% in excess of $5 billion
Transamerica International Equity 0.77% of the first $500 million
0.75% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.72% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.69% over $2 billion up to $6 billion
0.68% in excess of $6 billion
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Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica International Growth 0.77% of the first $500 million
0.76% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.71% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.695% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.68% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica Large Core 0.45% of the first $250 million
0.44% over $250 million up to $750 million
0.43% in excess of $750 million
Transamerica Large Growth 0.65% of the first $1 billion
0.635% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.615% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.605% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.59% over $3 billion up to $4 billion
0.575% over $4 billion up to $5 billion
0.57% in excess of $5 billion
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities 0.45% of the first $250 million
0.44% over $250 million up to $750 million
0.43% in excess of $750 million
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth 0.705% of the first $200 million
0.685% over $200 million up to $1 billion
0.670% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities 0.70% of the first $750 million
0.695% over $750 million up to $1.5 billion
0.685% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.6775% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Small Cap Growth 0.87% of the first $300 million
0.83% in excess of $300 million
Transamerica Small Cap Value 0.80% of the first $300 million
0.75% over $300 million up to $800 million
0.71% in excess of $800 million
Transamerica Sustainable Bond 0.41% of the first $500 million
0.39% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.38% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.375% in excess of $1.5 billion
(1) Effective July 2, 2018, PineBridge Investments LLC (“PineBridge”), the sub-adviser for Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities, agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee (as a percentage of daily nets assets). Effective July 2, 2018, TAM has agreed to voluntarily waive its management fee in an amount equal to any savings resulting from PineBridge’s voluntary waiver of its sub-advisory fee. These waivers by PineBridge and TAM are voluntary. PineBridge’s sub-advisory fee waiver may be discontinued by PineBridge upon obtaining consent from TAM.
The following tables set forth the total amounts the funds paid to TAM (after waivers/expense reimbursements and recapture), Management Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed by TAM to the funds, and Management Fees Recaptured by TAM from the funds, if any, for the last three fiscal years. “N/A” in the tables below indicate that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no management fees are shown.
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Fund Name Management Fees (after
waivers/expense reimbursements and recapture)
Management Fees
Waived/Expenses Reimbursed
  2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon $ 354,919 $ 418,410 $ 244,129 $ 72,314 $ 85,403 $ 44,660
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon $ 202,625 $ 243,850 $ 137,564 $ 42,559 $ 51,744 $ 27,238
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon $ 138,821 $ 167,837 $ 94,051 $ 28,052 $ 34,074 $ 18,308
Transamerica Balanced II $ 589,726 $ 563,706 $ 58,920 $ 6,435 $ 151,430 $ 30,422
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market $ 2,747,603 $ 2,419,499 $ 734,649 $485,121 $ 776,802 $366,693
Transamerica High Quality Bond $ 926,846 $ 989,566 $ 487,823 $ 31,052 $ 110,446 $163,040
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 7,843,516 $ 8,946,630 $ 9,886,126 $245,653 $ 564,767 $193,864
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities $ 444,791 $ 358,834 $ 282,825 $ 60,560 $ 259,271 $193,318
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $10,525,992 $11,302,846 $ 6,958,849 $ 54,954 $ 293,364 $177,176
Transamerica International Equity $35,072,589 $40,981,526 $32,024,204 $ 98,681 $ 38,568 $ 800
Transamerica International Growth $ 8,526,362 $10,918,077 $11,087,808 $ 559 $ 67 -
Transamerica Large Core $ 1,319,124 $ 1,696,102 $ 1,022,077 $ 687 $ 127,098 $220,700
Transamerica Large Growth $ 5,163,002 $ 5,250,548 $ 3,302,453 $ 50,676 $ 395,793 $466,184
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities $ 2,564,297 $ 2,964,564 $ 1,399,844 $ 4,984 $ 192,908 $352,921
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 600,850 $ 1,080,949 $ 1,246,483 $100,445 $ 222,072 $100,036
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $10,584,915 $10,273,642 $ 9,104,383 $627,978 $1,159,521 $484,042
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 1,131,398 $ 1,161,965 $ 999,972 $ 95,606 $ 193,051 $137,912
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 1,895,351 $ 2,160,491 $ 1,344,973 $ 16,550 $ 298,684 $ 57,941
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
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Fund Name Management Fees Recaptured
  2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon $ 6 - $ 86
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon $ 30 $ 382 $ 15
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon - $ 12 -
Transamerica Balanced II - $ 29,489 -
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market $234,866 $311,226 $258,856
Transamerica High Quality Bond $ 3,650 $ 8,200 $ 31,177
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 15,699 $ 19,031 $ 53,095
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities $ 38,860 $ 4,856 $ 47,970
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $ 2,366 $ 7,607 $ 16,777
Transamerica International Equity $ 48,304 $ 22,968 $ 800
Transamerica International Growth $ 33 $ 11 -
Transamerica Large Core $155,645 $ 81,120 $ 59,825
Transamerica Large Growth $ 2,184 $ 6,517 $135,980
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities $ 53,566 $ 42,264 $ 60,117
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 56,500 $ 11,531 $ 30,837
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $ 86,747 $ 30,804 $ 52,754
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 14,885 $ 21,483 $ 68,219
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 2,778 $ 4,412 $ 12,806
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A
The funds paid administrative services fees in the following amounts for the last three fiscal years:
Fund Name Administrative Services Fees Paid
2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Balanced II N/A N/A $197,071
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Quality Bond N/A N/A $ 8,425
Transamerica High Yield Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities N/A N/A $ 9,579
Transamerica Intermediate Bond N/A N/A $ 36,006
Transamerica International Equity N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica International Growth N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Large Core N/A N/A $ 1,033
Transamerica Large Growth N/A N/A $ 8,131
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities N/A N/A $ 16,605
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth N/A N/A $ 1,634
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Growth N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Value N/A N/A $ 1,004
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A
“N/A” in the above table indicates that no administrative service fees were charged during the period. Fees shown relate to administrative fees paid by the predecessor Transamerica Partners fund which reorganized into the corresponding Transamerica Fund in 2017. TAM served as administrator to the predecessor Transamerica Partners funds.
Expense Limitation
TAM has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Trust on behalf of certain funds, pursuant to which TAM has agreed to implement an expense cap to limit the ordinary operating expenses of one or more share classes of those funds. The expense caps and waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses exclude, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the relevant fund’s business. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class of a fund during the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class, but only if, after such recapture, the class’s expense ratio does not exceed
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the current expense cap or any other lower limit then in effect for the class. These recapture arrangements may be limited or terminated under certain circumstances. The expense limitation agreement continues automatically for one-year terms unless TAM provides written notice to the Trust prior to the end of the then-current term. In addition, the agreement will terminate automatically upon termination of the Management Agreement.
In addition, TAM or any of its affiliates, in addition to any contractual expense limitation arrangements in effect from time to time, may voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of one or more classes of Transamerica Government Money Market to such level(s) as the Trust’s officers may reasonably determine from time to time in an effort to prevent the fund’s yield from falling below zero. Any such waiver or expense reimbursement may be discontinued by TAM or its affiliates at any time. TAM is entitled to reimbursement by the applicable class(es) of the fund of any amounts so waived and/or reimbursed by TAM or any of its affiliates during the previous 36 months so long as the reimbursement does not cause the class’s effective daily yield to be negative. Any reimbursement of amounts voluntarily waived and/or reimbursed may result in the class’s expenses exceeding the contractual expense cap for the class. There is no guarantee that Transamerica Government Money Market will be able to prevent a negative yield.
The current expense caps for the applicable share classes of the relevant funds are listed in the table set forth below. Each expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to its stated expiration date without the Board of Trustees’ consent.
Fund Name Expense Cap Class R Expense Cap Class R4 Expense Cap Class I3 Expiration Date of Expense Cap
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon 0.60% 0.35% N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon 0.60% 0.35% N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon 0.60% 0.35% N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Balanced II 1.10% 0.75% 0.75% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities 1.80% 1.55% N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Government Money Market1 N/A 0.50% 0.38% March 1, 2021
Transamerica High Quality Bond 1.00% 0.65% 0.55% March 1, 2021
Transamerica High Yield Bond 1.10% 0.85% 0.75% March 1, 2021
Transamerica High Yield ESG 1.25% 1.00% N/A March 1, 2022
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities 1.00% 0.65% 0.53% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Intermediate Bond 1.00% 0.65% 0.50% March 1, 2021
Transamerica International Equity 1.40% 1.15% 0.90% March 1, 2021
Transamerica International Growth 1.55% 1.20% N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Large Core 1.15% 0.90% 0.65% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Large Growth 1.25% 0.90% 0.75% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities 1.00% 0.75% 0.65% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth 1.35% 0.95% 0.85% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities 1.25% 0.90% 0.80% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Small Cap Growth 1.55% 1.15% 1.00% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Small Cap Value 1.50% 1.10% 0.95% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Sustainable Bond 1.05% 0.70% N/A March 1, 2022
1 Transamerica Government Money Market Class R2: 0.80%
Conflicts of Interest
TAM and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and personnel (collectively, for purposes of this section, “Transamerica”), including the entities and personnel who may be involved in the management, operations or distribution of the funds are engaged in a variety of businesses and have interests other than those related to managing the funds. Transamerica is a global financial services company with many lines of business providing a wide range of financial services. The broad range of activities and interests of Transamerica gives rise to actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest that could affect the funds and their shareholders.
Certain actual and potential conflicts of interest are described below. This is not, and is not intended to be, a complete enumeration or description of all the actual and potential conflicts that may arise. Additional or unanticipated conflicts of interest may arise from time to time in the ordinary course of Transamerica’s various businesses.
TAM and the funds have adopted practices, policies and procedures that are intended to identify, manage and, where possible, mitigate conflicts of interest. There is no assurance, however, that these practices, policies and procedures will be effective, and these practices, policies and procedures also may limit the funds’ investment activities and affect their performance.
Transamerica manages or advises other funds and products in addition to the funds (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). In some cases, Transamerica oversees sub-advisers who provide day-to-day investment advice and recommendations with respect to the Other Accounts, and in other cases Transamerica itself performs all aspects of the day-to-day management. Certain Other Accounts have investment objectives similar to or the same as those of the funds and/or engage in transactions in the same types of securities and instruments as the funds. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which a fund invests, and could have an adverse
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impact on the fund’s performance. Other Accounts may buy or sell positions while the funds are undertaking the same or a differing, including potentially opposite, strategy, which could disadvantage the funds. A position taken by Transamerica, on behalf of one or more Other Accounts, may be contrary to a position taken on behalf of a fund or may be adverse to a company or issuer in which the fund has invested.
The results of the investment activities of the funds may differ significantly from the results achieved for Other Accounts. Transamerica may give advice, and take action, with respect to any current or future Other Accounts that may compete or conflict with advice TAM may give to, or actions TAM may take for, the funds. Transamerica may receive more compensation with respect to certain Other Accounts than that received with respect to the funds or may receive compensation based on the performance of certain Other Accounts. Transamerica personnel may have greater economic and other interests in certain Other Accounts promoted or managed by such personnel as compared to the funds.
TAM and certain of its affiliates provide services including investment management, administration, investment sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds and Other Accounts and earn fees from these relationships. TAM and its affiliates face conflicts of interest when the funds and Other Accounts select affiliated service providers because TAM and/or its affiliates receive greater compensation when they are used. Although these fees are generally based on asset levels, the fees are not directly contingent on fund performance and TAM and its affiliates as service providers will still receive significant compensation from the funds and Other Accounts even if shareholders lose money.
Transamerica and other financial service providers have conflicts associated with their promotion of the funds or other dealings with the funds that would create incentives for them to promote the funds. Transamerica will directly or indirectly receive a portion of the fees and/or commissions charged to the funds or their shareholders. Transamerica will also benefit from increased amounts of assets under management. These compensation matters create a financial incentive on the part of Transamerica to recommend the funds over other accounts or products or to effect transactions differently in the funds as compared to other accounts or products. Transamerica has an interest in increasing fund assets, including in circumstances when that may not be in the funds’ or their shareholders’ interests.
Transamerica and/or the funds’ sub-advisers (or their affiliates), out of their past profits and other available sources, provide cash payments or non-cash compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries to promote the distribution of the funds and Other Accounts or the variable insurance contracts that invest in certain Other Accounts. These arrangements are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing” arrangements. The amount of revenue sharing payments is substantial and may be substantial to any given recipient. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the funds, the Other Accounts or variable insurance contracts that invest in the Other Accounts, at least in part, based on the level of compensation paid. Revenue sharing payments benefit Transamerica to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the funds, Other Accounts or the variable insurance contracts that invest in the Other Accounts on which fees are being charged. Certain fund sub-advisers (or their affiliates) make revenue sharing payments to Transamerica in connection with investments by holders of variable insurance contracts and other retirement products in funds advised by the sub-adviser (or its affiliates) that are offered in Transamerica insurance and retirement products. Certain sub-advisers have funds that are offered in these products which make Rule 12b-1 and/or other payments to Transamerica. Certain fund sub-advisers (or their affiliates) also make revenue sharing payments to Transamerica for their participation in functions, events and meetings sponsored by Transamerica. These payments present certain conflicts of interest and may provide a disincentive for TAM to recommend the termination of such sub-advisers.
Certain Other Accounts are offered as investment options through variable insurance contracts offered and sold by Transamerica insurance companies. The performance of certain funds and Other Accounts impacts Transamerica’s financial exposure under guarantees that the Transamerica insurance companies provide as issuers of the variable insurance contracts. TAM’s investment decisions and the design of the applicable funds and Other Accounts may be influenced by these factors. For example, a fund or Other Account being managed or designed in a more conservative fashion may help reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to the Transamerica insurance companies that provide the guarantees, and facilitate the provision of those guaranteed benefits, including by making more predictable the costs of the guarantees and by reducing the capital needed to provide them.
TAM serves as investment manager to and is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day investment advice and management of certain funds and Other Accounts which operate as funds of funds that invest in affiliated underlying funds and/or Other Accounts, and TAM is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among the underlying funds or Other Accounts. For certain funds and Other Accounts that operate as funds of funds, TAM has hired a sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager and is subject to conflicts of interest in connection with the selection and allocation by the sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager of the assets of the fund of funds or Other Account. TAM has designed certain funds and Other Accounts that operate as funds of funds where only affiliated funds are underlying investment options. This means that TAM or the fund of funds’ sub-adviser or portfolio construction managers, as applicable, does not, nor does it expect to, consider any unaffiliated funds as underlying investment options for these funds and Other Accounts. TAM will receive more revenue when it or a sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager selects an affiliated fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in a fund of funds. This conflict provides an incentive for TAM to include affiliated funds as investment options for funds of funds and, when making the underlying fund selections, to cause investments by funds of funds in affiliated funds that perform less well than unaffiliated funds. The inclusion of affiliated funds will also permit TAM and/or the sub-adviser to make increased revenue sharing payments, including to Transamerica. TAM has an incentive for a fund or Other Account’s assets to be allocated to those underlying funds or
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Other Accounts for which the net management fees payable to TAM are higher than the fees payable by other underlying funds or Other Accounts or to those underlying funds or Other Accounts for which an affiliate of TAM serves as the sub-adviser. TAM also has an incentive for a fund or Other Account’s assets to be allocated to subscale underlying funds or Other Accounts to provide scale and reduce amounts waived and/or reimbursed by TAM to maintain applicable expense caps. Sub-advisers to certain funds of funds that are funds and certain funds of funds that are Other Accounts also have conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among underlying funds and/or Other Accounts, including where the sub-adviser acts as investment adviser or sub-adviser to available underlying funds. TAM Compliance monitors allocation changes by the funds of funds.
TAM may have a financial incentive to implement certain changes to the funds or Other Accounts. For example, TAM may, from time to time, recommend a change in sub-adviser or the combination of two or more funds. Transamerica will benefit to the extent that an affiliated sub-adviser replaces an unaffiliated sub-adviser or additional assets are combined into a fund or Other Account having a higher net management fee payable to TAM and/or that is sub-advised by an affiliate of TAM. TAM will also benefit to the extent that it replaces a sub-adviser with a new sub-adviser with a lower sub-advisory fee. Any recommendation to the Board concerning the appointment of or continued service of an affiliated sub-adviser for a fund, or a fund combination, is subject to TAM’s fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of a fund and its shareholders. Moreover, TAM’s “manager of managers” exemptive order from the SEC requires fund shareholder approval of any sub-advisory agreement appointing an affiliated sub-adviser as the sub-adviser to a fund (in the case of a new fund, the initial sole shareholder of the fund, typically an affiliate of Transamerica, may provide this approval).
The aggregation of assets of multiple funds or Other Accounts for purposes of calculating breakpoints or discounts in sub-advisory fees based on the level of assets allocated to a sub-adviser across funds and/or Other Accounts or otherwise, as applicable, give rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the funds and their shareholders. This aggregation of assets creates an incentive for TAM to select sub-advisers, or allocate additional assets to a sub-adviser, where the selection or allocation may serve to lower a sub-advisory fee and possibly increase the management fee retained by TAM on a fund and provides a disincentive for TAM to recommend the termination of a sub-adviser from a fund if the termination will cause the sub-advisory fee payable by TAM to increase on a fund and/or Other Account that aggregates its assets with the fund or if the assets of the fund are counted as part of a sub-advisory fee discount arrangement.
Transamerica has existing and may have potential future other business dealings or arrangements with current or proposed sub-advisers or other fund service providers (or their affiliates) recommended by TAM. Such other business dealings or arrangements present conflicts of interest that could influence TAM’s selection and retention or termination of sub-advisers or service providers. For example, TAM has an incentive to hire as a sub-adviser or other service provider an entity with which TAM or one or more of its affiliates have, or would like to have, significant or other business dealings or arrangements, and TAM has a disincentive to recommend the termination of such a sub-adviser or service provider.
TAM and/or its affiliates also derive ancillary benefits from providing investment management, administration, investment sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds and Other Accounts, and providing such services to the funds and Other Accounts may enhance TAM’s and/or its affiliates’ relationships with various parties, facilitate additional business development, and enable TAM and/or its affiliates to obtain additional business and generate additional revenue.
Morningstar Investment Management LLC, the portfolio construction manager of certain funds of funds, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. (for purposes of this section, “Morningstar”). As part of its overall operation, Morningstar is engaged in the business of providing ratings and analysis on financial products. A potential conflict of interest exists since Morningstar could be providing ratings and analysis on products to which Morningstar Investment Management LLC provides services. First, Morningstar will not create analyst commentary for the funds in which Morningstar’s subsidiaries act as a portfolio construction manager/sub-adviser. This commentary is generally subjective in nature and could represent a conflict of interest. This means that the funds in which Morningstar Investment Management LLC is involved with will not receive written analyst commentary from Morningstar. However, such funds will receive Morningstar RatingsTM. These ratings are purely quantitative and, therefore, cannot be biased by subjective factors. Also, the Morningstar Style BoxTM assignment is primarily based on quantitative characteristics of the underlying securities in the fund. The initial assignment and subsequent style box changes follow established procedures and are subject to review by personnel within the Morningstar Data business unit – a separate and distinct unit within Morningstar. A situation may occur where personnel of Morningstar Investment Management LLC provide information to the Morningstar Data unit to clarify style box assignment. However, the assignment process takes place and is monitored by a Morningstar business unit that is completely independent from Morningstar Investment Management LLC.
The range of activities, services and interests of a sub-adviser or the portfolio construction manager may give rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest that could disadvantage a fund and its shareholders. Among other things, a sub-adviser’s or the portfolio construction manager’s portfolio managers may manage multiple funds and accounts for multiple clients. In addition to one or more funds, these funds and accounts may include, for example, other mutual funds, separate accounts, collective trusts and offshore funds. Managing multiple funds and accounts may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest, including, for example, conflicts among investment strategies, conflicts in the allocation of limited investment opportunities, and conflicts in the aggregation and allocation of securities trades. A sub-adviser’s or the portfolio construction manager’s portfolio managers may also manage funds or accounts with different fee rates and/or fee structures, including performance-based fee arrangements. Differences in fee arrangements may create an incentive for a portfolio manager to favor higher-fee funds or accounts. A sub-adviser, the portfolio construction manager and/or their respective affiliates also may
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derive ancillary benefits from providing investment sub-advisory services to a fund, and providing such services to a fund may enhance the sub-adviser’s, portfolio construction manager’s and/or applicable affiliate(s)’ relationships with various parties, facilitate additional business development, and enable the sub-adviser, portfolio construction manager and/or affiliate to obtain additional business and generate additional revenue. Please see Appendix B for a further discussion of sub-adviser conflicts of interest.
Sub-Advisers
Each sub-adviser listed below serves, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between TAM and such sub-adviser, as sub-adviser to the applicable fund. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, each sub-adviser carries out and effectuates the investment strategy designed for the funds by TAM. Subject to review by TAM and the Board, the sub-advisers are responsible for providing day-to-day investment advice and recommendations for the fund(s) TAM assigns to them and for making decisions to buy, sell or hold a particular security. Each sub-adviser bears all of its expenses in connection with the performance of its services under its sub-advisory agreement such as compensating its officers and employees connected with investment and economic research, trading and investment management of the respective fund(s) and furnishing them office space.
Each sub-advisory agreement will terminate, unless sooner terminated as set forth therein, two years from its effective date, and will continue in effect from year to year thereafter, if continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of the Board Members who are not parties thereto or interested persons of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval of the terms of renewal, and by (ii) either the Board or the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the particular fund.
Each of the sub-advisers also serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser to other funds and/or private accounts that may have investment objectives identical or similar to those of the funds. Securities frequently meet the investment objectives of one or all of these funds, the other funds and the private accounts. In such cases, a sub-adviser’s decision to recommend a purchase to one fund or account rather than another is based on a number of factors as set forth in the sub-advisers’ allocation procedures. The determining factors in most cases are the amounts available for investment by each fund or account, the amount of securities of the issuer then outstanding, the value of those securities and the market for them. Another factor considered in the investment recommendations is other investments which each fund or account presently has in a particular industry.
It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by more than one fund or account. However, positions in the same issue may vary and the length of time that any fund or account may choose to hold its investment in the same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that more than one of the funds or private accounts served by a sub-adviser seeks to acquire or sell the same security at about the same time, either the price obtained by the funds or the amount of securities that may be purchased or sold by a fund at one time may be adversely affected. On the other hand, if the same securities are bought or sold at the same time by more than one fund or account, the resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better executions for the funds. In the event more than one fund or account purchases or sells the same security on a given date, the purchase and sale transactions are allocated among the fund(s), the other funds and the private accounts in a manner believed by the sub-advisers to be equitable to each.
Each sub-adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”).
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC, located at 6300 C Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52499, is a registered investment adviser. Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Aegon NV, a Netherlands corporation and publicly traded international insurance group, and is an affiliate of TAM.
Sub-Advisory Fees
TAM, not the funds, is responsible for paying the sub-advisers for their services, and sub-advisory fees are TAM’s expense. As a matter of administrative convenience, sub-advisory fees may be deducted directly from a fund’s bank account, in which case payment to TAM of the management fee would be net of amounts paid to the applicable sub-adviser.
Each sub-adviser receives monthly compensation from TAM at the annual rate of a specified percentage, indicated below, of the applicable fund’s average daily net assets:
Fund Sub-Adviser Sub-Advisory Fees
Transamerica Balanced II Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC(1) 0.12% of the first $1 billion
0.05% in excess of $1 billion
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.(2) 0.15% of the first $2 billion
0.13% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.12% over $3 billion up to $4 billion
0.11% in excess of $4 billion
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities Wellington Management Company LLP 0.40% of the first $250 million
0.33% in excess of $250 million
Transamerica Government Money Market BlackRock Investment Management, LLC 0.024%
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Fund Sub-Adviser Sub-Advisory Fees
Transamerica High Quality Bond Merganser Capital Management, LLC 0.20% of the first $100 million
0.15% over $100 million up to $200 million
0.10% over $200 million up to $300 million
0.05% in excess of $300 million
Transamerica High Yield Bond(3) Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.35% of the first $20 million
0.24% over $20 million up to $40 million
0.19% over $40 million up to $125 million
0.14% in excess of $125 million
Transamerica High Yield ESG(3) Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.35% of the first $20 million
0.24% over $20 million up to $40 million
0.19% over $40 million up to $125 million
0.14% in excess of $125 million
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities(4) PineBridge Investments LLC 0.15% of the first $100 million
0.10% over $100 million up to $250 million
0.05% in excess of $250 million
Transamerica Intermediate Bond(5) Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.12% of the first $1 billion
0.05% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica International Equity(6) Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC 0.30% of the first $1 billion
0.28% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.265% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica International Growth(7) TDAM USA Inc. 0.27% of the first $1 billion
0.25% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.24% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Large Core(8) PineBridge Investments LLC 0.10% of the first $250 million
0.09% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.08% in excess of $500 million
Transamerica Large Growth Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.(9) 0.27% of the first $1.5 billion
0.23% over $1.5 billion up to $3 billion
0.22% over $3 billion up to $5 billion
0.20% in excess of $5 billion
Wellington Management Company LLP(10) 0.18% of the first $500 million
0.17% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.16% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.15% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities(11) PineBridge Investments LLC 0.10% of the first $250 million
0.09% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.08% in excess of $500 million
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth Wellington Management Company LLP 0.33% of the first $200 million
0.31% in excess of $200 million
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities(12) Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC 0.275% of the first $750 million
0.27% over $750 million up to $1.5 billion
0.265% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.26% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Small Cap Growth Ranger Investment Management, L.P. 0.415% of the first $300 million
0.375% in excess of $300 million
Transamerica Small Cap Value Peregrine Capital Management, LLC 0.36% of the first $300 million
0.31% over $300 million up to $800 million
0.30% in excess of $800 million
Transamerica Sustainable Bond Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.12% of the first $250 million
0.10% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.08% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.075% in excess of $1 billion
(1) The average daily net assets for the purposes of calculating sub-advisory fees paid will be determined on the basis of the combined average daily net assets of Transamerica Intermediate Bond, Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced VP and Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced, and the portion of assets of Balanced Ret Opt and Bond Ret Opt, each separately managed accounts of Transamerica Life Insurance Company, that are advised by Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC.
(2) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on the basis of the combined assets of Transamerica JPMorgan Enhanced Index VP and AEGON Balanced Retirement Opportunities plus the assets of Transamerica Balanced II, Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced and Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced VP allocated to J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. by TAM from time to time. Effective May 1, 2020, the sub-adviser agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee (as a percentage of net assets) when the assets of these mandates, in the aggregate, exceed a specified level. This waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued by the sub-adviser upon obtaining consent from TAM.
(3) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on the basis of the combined assets of Transamerica High Yield Bond, Transamerica Aegon High Yield Bond VP and Transamerica High Yield ESG.
(4) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Unconstrained Bond. Effective July 2, 2018, the sub-adviser agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee (as a percentage of daily net assets). This waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued by the sub-adviser upon obtaining consent from TAM.
(5) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced, Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced VP, Transamerica Balanced II, and the portion of assets of Balanced Ret Opt and Bond Ret Opt, each separately managed accounts of Transamerica Life Insurance Company that are advised by Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC.
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(6) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica TS&W International Equity VP.
(7) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with the assets of Transamerica International Growth VP.
(8) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with the assets of Transamerica Large Value Opportunities.
(9) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on the basis of the combined assets of Transamerica Capital Growth, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Capital Growth VP and Morgan Stanley Growth Retirement Option, a separately managed account of Transamerica Life Insurance Company that is also advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
(10) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on the basis of the combined assets of Transamerica US Growth, Transamerica WMC US Growth VP, Transamerica WMC US Growth II VP and the portion of the assets of Transamerica Large Growth that are sub-advised by Wellington Management Company LLP, and WMC Core Equity and Disciplined US Growth Equity, each separately managed accounts of Transamerica Life Insurance Company that are advised by Wellington Management Company LLP. Effective August 2, 2019, the sub-adviser agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee (as a percentage of net assets) when the assets of these mandates, in the aggregate, exceed a specified level. This waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued by the sub-adviser upon obtaining consent from TAM.
(11) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with the assets of Transamerica Large Core.
(12) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with the assets of Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value and Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value VP for the portion of assets that are sub-advised by Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC.
The following table sets forth the total amounts of sub-advisory fee paid by TAM, on behalf of a fund, to each sub-adviser for the last three fiscal years.
“N/A” in the table below indicates that the fund was not in operation or did not have a sub-adviser during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no sub-advisory fees are shown.
  Sub-Advisory Fees Paid
(Net of Fees Reimbursed)
Fund Name 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Balanced II $ 162,438 $ 185,593 $ 24,050
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market $ 305,221 $ 464,088 $ 122,829
Transamerica High Quality Bond $ 401,120 $ 437,073 $ 239,919
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 2,183,987 $ 2,568,654 $ 2,785,608
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities $ 171,562 $ 210,578 $ 139,116
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $ 1,889,537 $ 2,014,235 $ 1,757,217
Transamerica International Equity $13,575,292 $15,837,320 $12,398,807
Transamerica International Growth $ 2,950,788 $ 4,186,619 $ 5,010,509
Transamerica Large Core $ 230,682 $ 508,622 $ 369,320
Transamerica Large Growth $ 1,801,858 $ 1,972,589 $ 1,328,001
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities $ 504,312 $ 1,153,441 $ 666,974
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 303,005 $ 645,782 $ 881,787
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $ 4,292,930 $ 4,395,960 $ 3,768,032
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 578,195 $ 636,134 $ 518,160
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 859,106 $ 1,092,533 $ 1,095,819
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market
On November 1, 2018, TAM hired BlackRock Investment Management, LLC as sub-adviser to Transamerica Government Money Market to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to November 1, 2018, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (“AUIM”) served as sub-adviser to Transamerica Government Money Market.
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities
On June 29, 2018, TAM hired PineBridge Investments LLC as sub-adviser to Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to June 29, 2018, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. served as sub-adviser to Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities. BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. was paid $145,755 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
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Transamerica Large Core
On September 1, 2018, TAM hired PineBridge Investments LLC as sub-adviser to Transamerica Large Core to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to September 1, 2018, AJO, LP (“AJO”) served as sub-adviser to Transamerica Large Core. AJO was paid $466,954 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
Transamerica Large Growth
On October 18, 2019, TAM hired Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. as co-sub-adviser to Transamerica Large Growth to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to October 18, 2019, Jennison Associates LLC (“Jennison”) served as co-sub-adviser to Transamerica Large Growth. Jennison was paid $1,063,998 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities
On September 1, 2018, TAM hired PineBridge Investments LLC as sub-adviser to Transamerica Large Value Opportunities to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to September 1, 2018, AJO, LP (“AJO”) served as sub-adviser to Transamerica Large Value Opportunities. AJO was paid $1,060,634 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth
On December 1, 2018, TAM hired Wellington Management Company LLP as sub-adviser to Transamerica Mid Cap Growth to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to December 1, 2018, Quantum Capital Management, LLP (“Quantum”) served as sub-adviser to Transamerica Mid Cap Growth.
Transamerica Small Cap Value
On November 1, 2018, TAM hired Peregrine Capital Management, LLC as sub-adviser to Transamerica Small Cap Value to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to November 1, 2018, Boston Advisors, LLC (“Boston Advisors”) served as sub-adviser to Transamerica Small Cap Value.
Portfolio Manager Information
Information regarding other accounts for which any portfolio manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day investment advice and management or recommendations, a description of any material conflict of interest that may arise in connection with the portfolio manager’s management of the fund’s investments, the structure of, and method used to determine, the compensation of each portfolio manager and the dollar range of equity securities in the fund beneficially owned by each portfolio manager are provided in Appendix B of this SAI.
Transfer Agent
TFS serves as the transfer agent, withholding agent and dividend disbursing agent for each fund. As transfer agent, TFS maintains an account for each shareholder of a fund and performs other transfer agency functions. TFS has outsourced the provision of certain transfer agency services to DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., located at 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, MA 02169.
Class R2 shares pay sub-transfer agency fees to financial intermediaries (including affiliates of TAM) that provide sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping and/or shareholder services to shareholder accounts in lieu of TFS providing such services. The other share classes do not pay sub-transfer agency fees directly, but TFS may use its available resources to pay for sub-transfer agency services for any share class, including those that pay sub-transfer agency fees directly.
Each share class pays the following transfer agency fees and, as applicable, sub-transfer agency fees:
Class R*  
Open Account $24.00 per account
Closed Account $2.00 per account
Class I3, R4*  
Asset Fee to TFS 0.75 bps
Class R2*  
Sub-Transfer Agent and Omnibus Intermediary Fees $11.00 per account
*Applicable out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, quarterly shareholder statements and postage, will be charged directly to the funds.
Transaction requests should be mailed to Transamerica Funds, P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945 or Transamerica Funds, 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 (for overnight mail).
There were no brokerage credits received for the periods ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
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Custodian
State Street, located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, serves as the Trust’s custodian.
State Street, among other things, maintains a custody account or accounts in the name of each fund, receives and delivers all assets for the funds upon purchase and upon sale or maturity, collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the assets of the funds and makes disbursements on behalf of the funds. State Street neither determines the funds’ investment policies nor decides which securities the funds will buy or sell. For its services, State Street receives a monthly fee based upon the daily average market value of securities held in custody and also receives securities transaction charges, including out-of-pocket expenses. The funds may also periodically enter into arrangements with other qualified custodians with respect to certain types of securities or other transactions such as repurchase agreements or derivatives transactions. State Street also acts as the funds’ securities lending agent and receives a share of the income generated by such activities.
Securities Lending Activities
The dollar amounts of income and fees and compensation paid to all service providers (including fees paid to State Street as securities lending agent and for cash collateral management) related to those funds that engaged in securities lending activities during the most recent fiscal year are provided in Appendix C of this SAI. The securities lending agent’s fees will be calculated on, and deducted from, the securities lending revenues of the applicable funds.
To the extent a fund engaged in securities lending activities, the services provided by State Street as securities lending agent would include: selection of securities to be loaned; locating borrowers previously approved by the funds’ board; negotiation of loan terms; monitoring daily the value of the loaned securities and collateral; requiring additional collateral as necessary; investing cash collateral in accordance with the funds’ instructions; marking to market non-cash collateral; maintaining custody of non-cash collateral; recordkeeping and account servicing; monitoring dividend activity and material proxy votes relating to loaned securities; transferring loaned securities; recalling loaned securities in accordance with the funds’ instructions; and arranging for return of loaned securities to the fund at loan termination.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP, located at 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, serves as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, and provides audit services and tax return review services.
Distributor and Distribution Plan
Distributor
Under the Underwriting Agreement, Transamerica Capital, Inc. (“TCI”), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, is appointed as principal underwriter and distributor in connection with the offering and sale of shares of each fund. TCI is an affiliate of TAM. TCI offers the shares on an agency or “best efforts” basis under which a fund issues only the number of shares actually sold. Shares of each fund are continuously offered by TCI.
The Underwriting Agreement is renewable from year to year with respect to a fund if approved (a) by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the fund’s outstanding voting securities, and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons of any party by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose.
The Underwriting Agreement is terminable with respect to any fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund, or by TCI, on not less than 60 days’ written notice to the other party (unless the notice period is waived by mutual consent). The Underwriting Agreement will automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its assignment.
“N/A” in the tables below indicates that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year or had share classes with no underwriting commissions, accordingly, no information is shown.
Underwriting Commission
Fund Name Commissions Received
for the Period Ended
October 31
Commissions Retained
for the Period Ended
October 31
  2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Balanced II N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Quality Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
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Fund Name Commissions Received
for the Period Ended
October 31
Commissions Retained
for the Period Ended
October 31
  2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Intermediate Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica International Equity N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica International Growth N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Large Core N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Large Growth N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Growth N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Value N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
    
Fund Name For the Period Ended October 31, 2019
Net
Underwriting
Discounts and
Commissions
Compensation
on Redemptions
& Repurchases
Brokerage
Commissions
Other
Compensation
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon N/A N/A N/A $1,743,345
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon N/A N/A N/A $ 965,818
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon N/A N/A N/A $ 687,301
Transamerica Balanced II N/A N/A N/A $ 372,970
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market N/A N/A N/A $ 366,331
Transamerica High Quality Bond N/A N/A N/A $ 158,220
Transamerica High Yield Bond N/A N/A N/A $1,130,737
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities N/A N/A N/A $ 61,970
Transamerica Intermediate Bond N/A N/A N/A $ 787,314
Transamerica International Equity N/A N/A N/A $ 212,742
Transamerica International Growth N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Large Core N/A N/A N/A $ 346,242
Transamerica Large Growth N/A N/A N/A $ 737,121
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities N/A N/A N/A $ 511,332
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth N/A N/A N/A $ 105,456
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities N/A N/A N/A $1,129,643
Transamerica Small Cap Growth N/A N/A N/A $ 87,766
Transamerica Small Cap Value N/A N/A N/A $ 43,426
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A
    
Distribution Plan
The Trust adopted a distribution plan (“12b-1 Distribution Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act applicable to Class R, Class R2 and Class R4 shares of the funds, as applicable. Class I3 shares are not subject to distribution and service fees.
Each fund’s 12b-1 Distribution Plan permits the fund to pay fees to TCI and others as compensation for their services, not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. Thus, even if their expenses exceed the fees provided for by the 12b-1 Distribution Plan, the fund would not be obligated to pay more than those fees and, if their expenses are less than the fees paid to them, they will realize a profit. Under each 12b-1 Distribution Plan, a fund may pay the fees to the Distributor and others until the 12b-1 Distribution Plan is terminated or not renewed.
The 12b-1 Distribution Plan will remain in effect for successive one year periods, so long as such continuance is approved annually by vote of the fund’s Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance. For so long as the 12b-1 Distribution Plan is in effect, selection and nomination of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the fund shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the fund.
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The 12b-1 Distribution Plan may be amended by vote of the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the fund that have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Distribution Plan or any agreement relating thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose. Any amendment of the 12b-1 Distribution Plan that would materially increase the costs to a fund requires approval by the shareholders of that fund.
Any amendment of the 12b-1 Distribution Plan that would materially increase the costs to a particular class of shares of a fund also requires approval by the shareholders of that class.
A 12b-1 Distribution Plan may be terminated as to a class of shares of a fund at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable class.
Under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class R shares, a fund may pay TCI and/or financial intermediaries annual distribution and service fees of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the fund’s Class R shares. For Class R2 and Class R4 shares, a fund may pay TCI and/or financial intermediaries annual distribution and service fees of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the fund’s Class R2 and Class R4 shares.
Because the Trust pays these fees out of its assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Financial intermediaries that receive distribution and/or service fees may in turn pay and/or reimburse all or a portion of these fees to their customers. The prospectus contains a description of distribution and service fees payable under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan with respect to the shares offered in that prospectus.
TCI may use the fees payable under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan as it deems appropriate to pay for activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Class R, Class R2 or Class R4 shares, or in personal service to and/or maintenance of these shareholder accounts.
More specifically, these fees may be used by TCI or a financial intermediary for expenses related to a fund, including: costs of printing and distributing the fund prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports to prospective investors in the fund; costs involved in preparing, printing and distributing sales literature pertaining to the fund and reports for persons other than existing shareholders; an allocation of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses of TCI or a financial intermediary; payments made to, and expenses of, a TCI or a financial intermediary and other persons who provide support or personal services to shareholders in connection with the distribution of the fund’s shares; and interest-related expenses, or the cost of capital associated with, the financing of any of the foregoing. In the case of funds or classes of shares that are closed to new investors or investments, TCI also may use the fees payable under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan to make payments to brokers and other financial intermediaries for past sales and distribution efforts.
In the case of a fund or a class of shares that is closed to new investors or investments, the fees are paid for services to and for maintenance of existing shareholder accounts and compensation of broker-dealers or other intermediaries for past sales and distribution efforts.
In determining whether to approve the 12b-1 Distribution Plan and the Distribution Agreements, the Trustees considered the anticipated benefits to shareholders from adopting the 12b-1 Distribution Plans and Distribution Agreements. The Trustees were informed by representatives of TCI that payments of distribution-related expenses by the funds under the 12b-1 Distribution Plans would provide incentives to TCI to establish and maintain an enhanced distribution system whereby new investors will be attracted to the funds. The Trustees believe the 12b-1 Distribution Plan will enable each fund to promote sales of its shares and provide personal service and maintenance with respect to shareholder accounts as appropriate for the fund. In turn, these promotion efforts are expected to result in increased sales and lead to an increase in a fund’s net asset levels, which should enable the funds to achieve economies of scale and lower their per-share operating expenses. In addition, higher net asset levels could enhance the investment management of the funds, for net inflows of cash from new sales may enable a fund’s investment manager and sub-adviser to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities. Finally, reduced redemptions could eliminate the potential need to liquidate attractive securities positions in order to raise the capital necessary to meet redemption requests.
The 12b-1 Distribution Plan requires that at least quarterly the Trust and the Distributor shall provide to the Board of Trustees and the Board of Trustees shall review a written report of the amounts expended (and the purposes therefor) under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan.
Distribution Fees Paid Under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, Class R and Class R4 shares of the Trust paid $6,589,901 and $3,062,516, respectively, to Transamerica Retirement Solutions, LLC.
The table below shows the total dollar amounts paid to the Distributor for the last three fiscal years.
“N/A” in the table below indicates that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no distribution fees are shown.
Fund 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon $701,689 $ 39,173 N/A
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Fund 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon $402,647 $ 21,809 N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon $274,076 $ 15,987 N/A
Transamerica Balanced II $147,018 $ 8,662 N/A
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market $ 0 $187,063 N/A
Transamerica High Quality Bond $ 99,450 $ 5,632 N/A
Transamerica High Yield Bond $760,000 $ 99,281 $19,138
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities $ 29,673 $ 2,892 N/A
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $375,080 $ 39,001 $ 35
Transamerica International Equity $ 41,605 N/A $ 101
Transamerica International Growth $ 0 $ 15,760 N/A
Transamerica Large Core $ 20,808 $ 15,943 $ 55
Transamerica Large Growth $ 97,241 $ 49,365 $ 103
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities $ 88,554 $ 16,778 $ 27
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 16,341 $ 31,734 $ 230
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $650,160 $ 60,045 $ 8,115
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 14,489 $ 36,588 $ 79
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 3,917 $ 8,815 $ 49
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A
The table below shows total distribution and service fees and expenses paid to the Distributor for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 with respect to Class R and Class R4 shares of the funds.
“N/A” in the table below indicates that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no distribution fees are shown.
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 293,936 12,666
Printing and Postage 13,791 594
Promotional Expenses 53,449 2,303
Travel 40,792 1,758
Office and Other Expenses 270,734 11,666
TOTALS $672,702 $28,987
    
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 156,764 19,172
Printing and Postage 7,355 900
Promotional Expenses 28,506 3,486
Travel 21,755 2,661
Office and Other Expenses 144,389 17,659
TOTALS $358,769 $43,878
    
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 117,001 2,757
Printing and Postage 5,489 129
Promotional Expenses 21,275 501
Travel 16,237 383
Office and Other Expenses 107,765 2,539
TOTALS $267,767 $6,309
    
Transamerica Balanced II
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 64,239 0
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Transamerica Balanced II
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Printing and Postage 3,014 0
Promotional Expenses 11,681 0
Travel 8,915 0
Office and Other Expenses 59,169 0
TOTALS $147,018 $0
    
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers N/A N/A
Compensation to Sales Personnel N/A N/A
Printing and Postage N/A N/A
Promotional Expenses N/A N/A
Travel N/A N/A
Office and Other Expenses N/A N/A
TOTALS N/A N/A
    
Transamerica Government Money Market
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R2 Class R4
Compensation to dealers $0 $0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 0 0
Printing and Postage 0 0
Promotional Expenses 0 0
Travel 0 0
Office and Other Expenses 0 0
TOTALS $0 $0
    
Transamerica High Quality Bond
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 11,048 32,407
Printing and Postage 518 1,520
Promotional Expenses 2,009 5,893
Travel 1,533 4,497
Office and Other Expenses 10,176 29,849
TOTALS $25,284 $74,166
    
Transamerica High Yield Bond
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 4,486 324,687
Printing and Postage 453 15,233
Promotional Expenses 1,755 59,041
Travel 1,339 45,059
Office and Other Expenses 8,890 299,057
TOTALS $16,923 $743,077
    
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers N/A N/A
Compensation to Sales Personnel N/A N/A
Printing and Postage N/A N/A
Promotional Expenses N/A N/A
Travel N/A N/A
Office and Other Expenses N/A N/A
TOTALS N/A N/A
    
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 8,382 4,584
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Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Printing and Postage 393 215
Promotional Expenses 1,524 834
Travel 1,163 636
Office and Other Expenses 7,720 4,222
TOTALS $19,182 $10,491
    
Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 2,431 159,885
Printing and Postage 245 7,501
Promotional Expenses 951 29,073
Travel 726 22,188
Office and Other Expenses 4,816 147,264
TOTALS $9,169 $365,911
    
Transamerica International Equity
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 2,161 14,618
Printing and Postage 218 686
Promotional Expenses 845 2,658
Travel 645 2,029
Office and Other Expenses 4,281 13,464
TOTALS $8,150 $33,455
    
Transamerica International Growth
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $0 $0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 0 0
Printing and Postage 0 0
Promotional Expenses 0 0
Travel 0 0
Office and Other Expenses 0 0
TOTALS $0 $0
    
Transamerica Large Core
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 2,842 4,407
Printing and Postage 287 207
Promotional Expenses 1,112 801
Travel 849 612
Office and Other Expenses 5,632 4,059
TOTALS $10,722 $10,086
    
Transamerica Large Growth
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 6,473 31,821
Printing and Postage 653 1,493
Promotional Expenses 2,532 5,786
Travel 1,932 4,416
Office and Other Expenses 12,826 29,309
TOTALS $24,416 $72,825
    
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 1,989 35,415
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Transamerica Large Value Opportunities
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Printing and Postage 201 1,662
Promotional Expenses 778 6,440
Travel 594 4,915
Office and Other Expenses 3,941 32,619
TOTALS $7,503 $81,051
    
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 2,841 2,458
Printing and Postage 287 115
Promotional Expenses 1,111 447
Travel 848 341
Office and Other Expenses 5,629 2,264
TOTALS $10,716 $5,625
    
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 4,493 276,681
Printing and Postage 453 12,981
Promotional Expenses 1,758 50,312
Travel 1,341 38,397
Office and Other Expenses 8,903 254,841
TOTALS $16,948 $633,212
Transamerica Small Cap Growth
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 2,344 2,467
Printing and Postage 237 116
Promotional Expenses 917 449
Travel 700 342
Office and Other Expenses 4,645 2,272
TOTALS $8,843 $5,646
    
Transamerica Small Cap Value
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 910 212
Printing and Postage 92 10
Promotional Expenses 356 38
Travel 272 29
Office and Other Expenses 1,803 195
TOTALS $3,433 $484
    
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class R Class R4
Compensation to dealers N/A N/A
Compensation to Sales Personnel N/A N/A
Printing and Postage N/A N/A
Promotional Expenses N/A N/A
Travel N/A N/A
Office and Other Expenses N/A N/A
TOTALS N/A N/A
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Table of Contents
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares
Shareholder Accounts
Detailed information about general procedures for Shareholder Accounts and specific types of accounts is set forth in each fund’s prospectus.
Purchase of Shares
Class I3, Class R, Class R2 and Class R4 Shares
As stated in the prospectuses, the funds currently offer investors a choice of thirteen classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I, Class I2, Class I3, Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4, Class R6, Class T and Class T2 shares. Not all Transamerica Funds offer all classes of shares.
Class I3 shares are intended for purchase by certain funds of funds, registered and unregistered insurance company separate accounts and collective investment trusts.
This SAI references the Class R shares offered by the funds listed on the cover page of the SAI. Class R shares of certain other series of the Trust are discussed in a separate SAI.
Class R shares of Transamerica Government Money Market were renamed Class R2 shares on October 13, 2017.
Class R and Class R2 shares are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans as described in the prospectus. Class R and Class R2 shares are generally intended for purchase by smaller retirement plan clients of Transamerica Retirement Solutions, LLC. Class R and Class R2 shares are only offered through 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans). Class R and Class R2 shares are available only to eligible retirement plans where either Class R or Class R2 shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
Class R4 shares are generally intended for purchase by larger retirement plan clients of Transamerica Retirement Solutions, LLC. As stated in the prospectus, Class R4 shares of the applicable funds are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans described below and under the following conditions:
401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans).
Class R4 shares are available only to eligible retirement plans where Class R4 shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
The plan’s record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary must have an agreement with Transamerica Funds or its agents to utilize Class R4 shares in certain investment products or programs.
Shareholders whose investments are transferred from one class of shares of a Transamerica fund to another class of shares of the same Transamerica fund for administrative or eligibility reasons also may qualify for a waiver or reduction of sales charges and/or redemption charges in connection with the exchange.
Each fund reserves the right to make additional exceptions or otherwise to modify the foregoing policies at any time.
Information regarding sales charges can be found (free of charge) on the Transamerica Funds website at https://www.transamerica.com/individual/what-we-offer/education/learning-center/. Scroll down to “Get smart with investing basics” and click on “Three important considerations” and click on “download” to download the guide.
Redemption of Shares
Shareholders may redeem their shares at any time at a price equal to the net asset value per share next determined following receipt of a valid redemption order by the transfer agent, in proper form. Payment will normally be sent within two business days of the receipt of a redemption request in good order, but in any event within seven days, regardless of the method a fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic funds transfer (ACH)). However, redemption payments may be delayed up to ten calendar days if the shares being redeemed were recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer. The value of shares on redemption may be more or less than the shareholder’s cost, depending upon the market value of the fund’s net assets at the time of redemption.
Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to wholly or partly redeem its shares in kind, under unusual circumstances (such as adverse or unstable market, economic, or political conditions), in an effort to protect the interests of the remaining shareholders by the delivery of securities selected from its assets at its discretion. Transamerica Funds has, however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which a fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of a fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or in kind. On the same redemption date, some shareholders may be
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paid in whole or in part in securities (which may differ among those shareholders), while other shareholders may be paid entirely in cash. The disposal of the securities received in-kind by redeeming shareholders may be subject to brokerage costs and, until sold, such securities remain subject to market risk and liquidity risk, including the risk that such securities are or become difficult to sell. If the fund pays your redemption with illiquid or less liquid securities, you will bear the risk of not being able to sell such securities. The method of valuing securities used to make redemptions in kind will be the same as the method of valuing portfolio securities described under “Net Asset Value Determination,” and such valuation will be made as of the same time the redemption price is determined. The funds may pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements, if available.
Redemption of shares may be suspended, or the date of payment may be postponed, whenever: (1) trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or the NYSE is closed (except for holidays and weekends); (2) the SEC permits such suspension and so orders; or (3) an emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that disposal of securities and determination of net asset value is not reasonably practicable.
Share Conversion
If you hold Class R, Class R2, Class R4 or Class I3 shares and are eligible for purchase of Class I shares (as described in the Class I prospectus), you may be eligible to convert your shares to Class I shares of the same fund, subject to the discretion of Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. to permit or reject such a conversion. Please contact your financial adviser or Customer Service for conversion requirements and instructions.
Net Asset Valuation (“NAV”) Determination
How Share Price Is Determined
The price at which shares are purchased or redeemed is the NAV, plus any applicable sales charge, that is next calculated following receipt and acceptance of a purchase order in good order or receipt of a redemption order in good order by the fund, an authorized intermediary, or the mail processing center located in Kansas City, Missouri.
When Share Price Is Determined
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is determined on each day the NYSE is open for business as of the scheduled close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at another time, each fund will calculate a NAV for each class of shares as of the scheduled closing time. The NAV is not determined on days when the NYSE is closed (generally New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Foreign securities may trade in their primary markets on weekends or other days when a fund does not price its shares (therefore, the value of a fund’s foreign securities may change on days when shareholders will not be able to buy or sell shares of the funds). These securities will be valued pursuant to the funds’ Pricing and Valuation procedures for such securities.
Purchase orders received in good order and accepted, and redemption orders received in good order, as of the scheduled close of regular trading of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. Purchase and redemption requests received after the NYSE is closed receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE the next day the NYSE is open.
How NAV Is Calculated
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is calculated by taking the value of its net assets and dividing by the number of shares of the fund (or class) that are then outstanding.
The Board has approved procedures to be used to value the funds’ securities for purposes of determining the funds’ NAV. The valuation of the securities of the funds is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. While the Board has primary responsibility to shareholders for valuation of portfolio securities, the Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the funds to TAM.
In general, securities and other investments (including shares of ETFs) are valued based on market prices at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Fund securities (including shares of ETFs) listed or traded on domestic securities exchanges or the NASDAQ/NMS, including dollar-denominated foreign securities or ADRs, are valued at the closing price on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded. With respect to securities traded on the NASDAQ/NMS, such closing price may be the last reported sale price or the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security is valued at the closing bid quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the NOCP, if applicable. Foreign securities traded on U.S. exchanges are generally priced using last sale price regardless of trading activity. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the last bid price. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service, which may use market prices or quotations or a variety of fair value techniques and methodologies. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. The prices that a fund uses may differ from the amounts that would be realized if the investments were sold and the differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin
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markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Foreign securities generally are valued based on quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are converted from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Market quotations for securities prices may be obtained from automated pricing services. Shares of open-end funds (other than ETF shares) are generally valued at the NAV reported by that investment company. ETF shares are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price on the exchange on which they are traded.
When a market quotation for a security is not readily available (which may include closing prices deemed to be unreliable because of the occurrence of a subsequent event), a valuation committee appointed by the Board may, in good faith, establish a value for the security in accordance with fair valuation procedures adopted by the Board. The Board reviews all fair value determinations typically at its regularly scheduled meetings. The types of securities for which such fair value pricing may be required include, but are not limited to: foreign securities, where a significant event occurs after the close of the foreign market on which such security principally trades that is likely to have changed the value of such security, or the closing value is otherwise deemed unreliable; securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; fixed-income securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation; and securities that are restricted as to transfer or resale. The funds use a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by TAM from time to time.
Valuing securities in accordance with fair value procedures involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on readily available market quotations. The valuation committee makes fair value determinations in good faith in accordance with the funds’ valuation procedures. Fair value determinations can also involve reliance on quantitative models employed by a fair value pricing service. There can be no assurance that a fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV.
Brokerage
Subject to policies established by the Board and TAM, the sub-advisers are responsible for placement of the funds’ securities transactions. In placing orders, it is the policy of a fund to seek to obtain the most favorable price and execution available, except to the extent it may be permitted to pay higher brokerage commissions as described below. In seeking the most favorable price and execution, TAM or the sub-adviser, as applicable, having in mind the fund’s best interests, considers all factors it deems relevant, including: the size of the transaction; the nature of the market for the security; the amount of the commission; the timing of the transaction taking into account market prices and trends; the reputation, experience and financial stability of the broker-dealer involved and the quality of service rendered by the broker-dealer in that or other transactions; trade confidentiality including anonymity; and research products and services provided, which include: (i) furnishing advice, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the value of securities, the advisability of purchasing or selling specific securities and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities and (ii) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends and portfolio strategy and products and other services (such as third party publications, reports and analyses, and computer and electronic access, equipment, software, information and accessories) that assist each sub-adviser in carrying out its responsibilities.
Decisions as to the selection of broker-dealers and the assignment of fund brokerage business for a fund and negotiation of its commission rates are made by TAM or the sub-adviser, as applicable, whose policy is to seek to obtain “best execution” (prompt and reliable execution at the most favorable security price) of all fund transactions. In doing so, a fund may pay higher commission rates than the lowest available when its sub-adviser believes it is reasonable to do so in light of the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker effecting the transaction, as discussed below.
There is generally no stated commission in the case of fixed-income securities and other securities traded on a principal basis in the over-the-counter markets, but the price paid by a fund usually includes an undisclosed dealer commission or mark-up. In underwritten offerings, the price paid by a fund includes a disclosed, fixed commission or discount retained by the underwriter or dealer. Transactions on U.S. stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve the payment by a fund of negotiated brokerage commissions. Such commissions vary among different brokers. Also, a particular broker may charge different commissions according to such factors as the difficulty and size of the transaction. Transactions in foreign securities generally involve the payment of fixed brokerage commissions, which are generally higher than those in the U.S.
It has for many years been a common practice in the investment advisory business for advisers of investment companies and other institutional investors to receive research and brokerage products and services (together, “services”) from broker-dealers that execute portfolio transactions for the clients of such advisers. Consistent with this practice, the sub-advisers may receive services from many broker-dealers with which the sub-advisers place the fund’s portfolio transactions. These services, which in some cases may also be purchased for cash, may include, among other things, such items as general economic and security market reviews, industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities, recommendations as to the purchase and sale of securities, and services related to the execution of securities transactions. The services obtained through brokers or dealers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by a sub-adviser. The expenses of a sub-adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information. A sub-adviser may use such services in servicing other accounts in addition to the respective fund. Conversely, services provided
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to a sub-adviser by broker-dealers in connection with trades executed on behalf of other clients of the sub-adviser may be useful to the sub-adviser in managing the fund, although not all of these services may be necessarily useful and of value to the sub-adviser in managing such other clients. The receipt of such services enables a sub-adviser to avoid the additional expenses that might otherwise be incurred if it were to attempt to develop comparable information through its own staff.
In reliance on the “safe harbor” provided by Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act and the SEC’s interpretive guidance thereunder, a sub-adviser may cause a fund to pay a broker-dealer that provides “brokerage and research services” (as defined for purposes of Section 28(e)) to the sub-adviser an amount of commission for effecting a securities transaction for the fund in excess of the commission that another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the sub-adviser determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker-dealer. If a sub-adviser determines that any research product or service has a mixed use, such that it also serves functions that do not assist in the investment decision-making process, the sub-adviser will allocate the costs of such service or product accordingly. The portion of the product or service that a sub-adviser determines will assist it in the investment decision-making process may be paid for in brokerage commission dollars. Such allocation may create a conflict of interest for the sub-adviser. Conversely, such supplemental information obtained by the placement of business for a sub-adviser will be considered by and may be useful to the sub-adviser in carrying out its obligations to a fund.
A sub-adviser may place transactions for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities with affiliates of TAM or the sub-adviser. A sub-adviser may place transactions with a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of TAM or the sub-adviser where, in the judgment of the sub-adviser, such firm will be able to obtain a price and execution at least as favorable as other qualified broker-dealers. Pursuant to rules of the SEC, a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of TAM or the sub-adviser may receive and retain compensation for effecting portfolio transactions for the fund on a securities exchange if the commissions paid to such an affiliated broker-dealer by the fund do not exceed “usual and customary brokerage commissions.” The rules define “usual and customary” commissions to include amounts that are “reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time.”
A sub-adviser to a fund, to the extent consistent with the best execution and with TAM’s usual commission rate policies and practices, may place security transactions with broker/dealers with which the Trust has established a Commission Recapture Program. A Commission Recapture Program is any arrangement under which a broker/dealer applies a portion of the commissions received by such broker/dealer on the security transactions to the funds. In no event will commissions paid by a fund be used to pay expenses that would otherwise be borne by any other fund in the Trust, or by any other party. These commissions are not used for promoting or selling fund shares or otherwise related to the distribution of fund shares.
Securities held by a fund may also be held by other separate accounts, mutual funds or other accounts for which TAM or a sub-adviser serves as an adviser, or held by TAM or a sub-adviser for their own accounts. Because of different investment objectives or other factors, a particular security may be bought by TAM or a sub-adviser for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the same security. If purchases or sales of securities for a fund or other entities for which they act as investment adviser or for their advisory clients arise for consideration at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the respective entities and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of TAM or a sub-adviser during the same period may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.
On occasions when TAM or a sub-adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a fund as well as other accounts or companies, it may to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, but will not be obligated to, aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the fund with those to be sold or purchased for such other accounts or companies in order to obtain favorable execution and lower brokerage commissions. In that event, allocation of the securities purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by TAM or the sub-adviser in the manner it considers to be most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the fund and to such other accounts or companies. In some cases this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position obtainable for a fund.
The Board of the Trust reviews on a quarterly basis the brokerage placement practices of each sub-adviser on behalf of the funds, and reviews the prices and commissions, if any, paid by the funds to determine if they were reasonable.
Brokerage Commissions Paid
The following funds paid the aggregate brokerage commissions indicated for the last three fiscal years:
“N/A” in the table below indicates that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no commissions are shown.
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Fund Name Brokerage Commissions Paid
(including affiliated commissions)
Affiliated Brokerage
Commissions Paid
  2019($) 2019(%)^ 2018($) 2018(%)^ 2017($) 2017(%)^ 2019($) 2019(%)* 2018($) 2018(%)* 2017($) 2017(%)*
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Balanced II $ 16,135 0.12% $ 22,386 0.15% $ 2,676 0.02% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica High Quality Bond $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 0.00 0.00% $ 1,580 0.01% $ 8,267 0.06% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities $ 0.00 0.00% $ 8,847 0.06% $ 19,912 0.14% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $ 115 0.00% $ 879 0.01% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica International Equity $1,809,001 13.06% $2,502,933 16.59% $2,546,564 17.95% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica International Growth $ 612,036 4.42% $1,063,045 7.04% $ 322,540 2.27% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Large Core $ 143,769 1.04% $ 108,952 0.72% $ 45,190 0.32% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Large Growth $ 199,383 1.44% $ 209,576 1.39% $ 166,892 1.17% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities $ 514,536 3.71% $ 438,129 2.90% $ 141,468 1.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 91,849 0.66% $ 315,209 2.09% $ 203,613 1.43% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $2,107,719 15.21% $2,116,847 14.03% $1,300,344 9.16% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 181,249 1.31% $ 131,779 0.87% $ 137,667 0.97% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 814,948 5.88% $ 327,063 2.17% $ 353,820 2.49% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
^ Brokerage Commissions Paid by the fund as a percentage of overall Brokerage Commissions Paid by all Transamerica Funds.
* Affiliated Brokerage Commissions Paid by the fund as a percentage of total Brokerage Commissions Paid by the fund.
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Brokerage Commissions Paid for Research
The following table provides an estimate of brokerage commissions that were directed to brokers for brokerage and research services provided during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.
Fund Name Paid as of
October 31, 2019
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon $ -
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon $ -
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon $ -
Transamerica Balanced II $ 2,851
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities $ -
Transamerica Government Money Market $ -
Transamerica High Quality Bond $ -
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ -
Transamerica High Yield ESG $ -
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities $ -
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $ -
Transamerica International Equity $1,261,850
Transamerica International Growth $ 583,178
Transamerica Large Core $ 126,211
Transamerica Large Growth $ 109,614
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities $ 483,349
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 32,698
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $1,624,294
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 134,982
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 494,634
Transamerica Sustainable Bond $ -
The estimates above are based upon custody data provided to CAPIS and were calculated using the following methodology: Total Commissions minus transactions executed at discounted rates and/or directed to the funds’ commission recapture program equals total research commissions. USD transactions executed at commission rates below $.02 per share, non-USD developed market transactions executed at 8 basis points and below, and non-USD emerging market transactions executed at 12 basis points and below are considered to be executed at discounted rates. For example, Commission paid on USD transactions at rates at or above $.02 per share and not directed for commission recapture are assumed to be paid to brokers that provide research and brokerage services within the scope of Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act. Commissions paid on fixed price offerings and transactions in futures and options are not included in this analysis.
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Securities of Regular Broker Dealers
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the funds purchased securities issued by the following regular broker-dealers of the funds, which had the following values as of October 31, 2019.
Fund Name Bank of
America
Corp.
Bank of
New
York
Mellon
Barclays
Capital,
Inc.
Citigroup,
Inc.
Credit
Suisse
Securities
(USA) LLC
Goldman
Sachs
Group,
Inc.
J.P. Morgan
SecuritiesLLC
Morgan
Stanley &
Co., Inc.
Societe Generale State
Street
Bank &
Trust Co.
Wells Fargo & Co.
Transamerica Balanced II $ 1,387,104 $203,038 $ 411,718 $ 1,665,090 $ 388,150 $ 496,907 $ 401,255 $ 1,416,617 $ - $- $ 879,653
Transamerica High Quality Bond $ 2,501,106 $ - $ 3,192,675 $ 4,653,290 $ 1,802,823 $ 5,540,115 $ 1,942,094 $ 3,217,969 $ - $- $ 2,462,384
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ - $ - $ 8,776,269 $ 9,714,255 $15,474,511 $ 5,079,757 $ 1,918,442 $ - $5,618,245 $- $ -
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities $ 1,032,138 $ - $ - $ 921,369 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $- $ -
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $20,048,629 $ - $13,364,789 $23,275,831 $ 9,410,380 $23,893,907 $32,455,021 $33,142,348 $ - $- $17,852,505
Transamerica Large Core $ 4,460,353 $ - $ - $ 1,460,914 $ - $ - $ 1,423,089 $ 273,028 $ - $- $ -
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities $10,118,003 $ - $ - $ 2,835,236 $ - $ - $11,125,500 $ - $ - $- $ 3,560,147
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Principal Shareholders and Control Persons
Principal Shareholders
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of July 10, 2020, the following persons owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the funds indicated.
Unless otherwise noted, the address of each investor is c/o TAM, 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202.
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon R 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon R 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon R 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Balanced II I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Balanced II R 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Government Money Market I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R2 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2426
Transamerica Government Money Market R2 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Government Money Market R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Quality Bond I3 100.00 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Quality Bond R 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Quality Bond R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Yield Bond I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Yield Bond R 77.05 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica High Yield Bond R 12.44 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica High Yield Bond R 10.51 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Yield Bond R4 99.99 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities R 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Intermediate Bond I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Intermediate Bond R 89.66 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Intermediate Bond R 10.34 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Intermediate Bond R4 100.00 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica International Equity I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica International Equity R 87.21 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica International Equity R 12.79 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica International Equity R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Core I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Core R 91.49 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Large Core R 8.44 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Core R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Growth I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Growth R 89.51 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Large Growth R 10.49 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Growth R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities R 95.07 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth R 75.09 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth R 24.91 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities R 86.72 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities R 13.09 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities R4 98.96 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Growth I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Growth R 74.03 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Small Cap Growth R 25.97 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Growth R4 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Value I3 100.00 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Value R 80.39 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Small Cap Value R 19.61 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Value R4 100.00 %
Control Persons
Any shareholder who holds beneficially 25% or more of a fund may be deemed to control the fund until such time as it holds beneficially less than 25% of the outstanding common shares of the fund. Any shareholder controlling a fund may be able to determine the outcome of issues that are submitted to shareholders for vote, and may be able to take action regarding the fund without the consent or approval of the other shareholders.
Unless otherwise noted, the address of each investor is c/o TAM, 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202.
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of July 10, 2020, the shareholders who held beneficially 25% or more of a fund were as follows:
Name & Address Fund Name Percentage of Fund Owned
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Asset Allocation Intermediate Horizon 96.95%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Asset Allocation Long Horizon 94.91%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Asset Allocation Short Horizon 99.39%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Balanced II 56.51%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Balanced II 43.49%
Transamerica Asset
Allocation-Moderate VP
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities 26.13%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R2 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2426
Transamerica Government Money Market 69.38%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Quality Bond 71.57%
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Name & Address Fund Name Percentage of Fund Owned
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities 88.91%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Intermediate Bond 33.94%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth 27.05%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth 26.75%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Core 65.05%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Core 29.90%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Growth 78.81%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities 76.36%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth 34.14%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth 27.68%
Management Ownership
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of July 10, 2020, the Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of any class of each fund’s outstanding shares.
Further Information About the Trust and the Funds
The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust. Delaware law provides a statutory framework for the powers, duties, rights and obligations of the Trustees and shareholders of the Trust, while the more specific powers, duties, rights and obligations of the Trustees and the shareholders are determined by the Trustees as set forth in the Trust’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (“Declaration”) dated as of December 10, 2015, and the Trust’s Bylaws, as may be amended from time to time. Every shareholder, by virtue of purchasing shares and becoming a shareholder, agrees to be bound by the terms of the Declaration. Some of the more significant provisions of the Declaration are described below.
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Shareholder Voting. The Declaration provides for shareholder voting as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable laws but otherwise permits, consistent with Delaware law, actions by the Trustees without seeking the consent of shareholders. A fund is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but a fund will call special meetings of shareholders whenever required by the 1940 Act or by the terms of the Declaration. The Declaration provides for “dollar-weighted voting” which means that a shareholder’s voting power is determined, not by the number of shares he or she owns, but by the net asset value, in U.S. dollars, of those shares determined at the close of business on the record date. All shareholders of record of all series and classes of the Trust vote together, except where required by the 1940 Act to vote separately by series or by class, or when the Trustees have determined that a matter affects only the interests of one or more series or classes of shares. There is no cumulative voting on any matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders.
Election and Removal of Trustees. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board may be filled by a vote or consent of the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that a mandatory retirement age may be set by action of two-thirds of the Trustees and that any Trustee may be removed by a vote of shareholders holding two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.
Amendments to the Declaration. The Trustees are authorized to amend the Declaration without the vote of shareholders, but no amendment may be made that impairs the exemption from personal liability granted in the Declaration to persons who are or have been shareholders, Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, that limits the rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance provided in the Declaration with respect to actions or omissions of persons entitled to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance under the Declaration prior to the amendment.
Issuance and Redemption of Shares. A fund may issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the Trustees may determine. All shares offered pursuant to the prospectus of a fund, when issued, will be fully paid and non- assessable. Shareholders are not entitled to any appraisal, preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights, except as the Trustees may determine. A fund may involuntarily redeem a shareholder’s shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the Trustees, including, for example, if the shareholder fails to provide a fund with identification required by law, or if the fund is unable to verify the information received from the shareholder or the shareholder fails to provide the required information. In addition, as discussed below, shares may be redeemed in connection with the closing of small accounts.
Disclosure of Shareholder Holdings. The Declaration specifically requires shareholders, upon demand, to disclose in writing to a fund information with respect to the direct and indirect ownership of shares in order to comply with various laws or regulations, and a fund may disclose such ownership if required by law or regulation, or as the Trustees otherwise decide.
Small Accounts. The Declaration provides that a fund may close out a shareholder’s account by redeeming all of the shares in the account if the account falls below a minimum account size (which may vary by class) that may be set by the Trustees from time to time. Alternately, the Declaration permits a fund to assess a fee for small accounts (which may vary by class) and redeem shares in the account to cover such fees, or convert the shares into another share class that is geared to smaller accounts.
Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability. The Declaration provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of a fund and requires the fund to indemnify a shareholder against any loss or expense arising from any such liability. A fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder.
The Declaration provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as a Trustee is not personally liable to any person, other than the Trust or any series, in connection with the affairs of the Trust. The Declaration also provides that no Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust owes any duty to any person (including without limitation any shareholder), other than the Trust or any series. Each Trustee is required to perform his or her duties in good faith and in a manner he or she believes to be in the best interests of the Trust. All actions and omissions of Trustees are presumed to be in accordance with the foregoing standard of performance, and any person alleging the contrary has the burden of proving that allegation.
The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and expenses in connection with any claim or proceeding in which he or she is involved by virtue of having been a Trustee, officer or employee. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available.
The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board, a member or chair of a committee of the Board, lead independent Trustee, audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.
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Derivative and Direct Actions. The Declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative or direct actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to a fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder claims, demands and derivative actions.
Prior to bringing a derivative action, the Declaration requires that a demand by no fewer than three unrelated shareholders must be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. The Trustees are not required to consider a demand that is not submitted in accordance with the requirements contained in the Declaration. The Declaration also requires that, in order to bring a derivative action, the complaining shareholders must be joined in the action by shareholders owning, at the time of the alleged wrongdoing, at the time of demand, and at the time the action is commenced, shares representing at least 5% of the voting power of the affected funds. The Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by up to an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand (or a committee comprised of some or all of such Trustees), with the assistance of counsel who may be retained by such Trustees on behalf and at the expense of the Trust, determine that a suit should be maintained, then the Trust will commence the suit and the suit generally will proceed directly and not derivatively. If a majority of the independent Trustees determines that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the funds, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not consistent with the standard of performance required of the Trustees in performing their duties. If a demand is rejected, each complaining shareholder will be responsible, jointly and severally with any and all other complaining shareholders, for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the consideration of the demand, if, in the judgment of the independent Trustees, the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose.
The Declaration provides that no Shareholder may bring a direct action claiming injury as a shareholder of the Trust, or any series or class thereof, where the matters alleged (if true) would give rise to a claim by the Trust or by the Trust on behalf of a series or class, unless the shareholder has suffered an injury distinct from that suffered by the shareholders of the Trust, or the series or class, generally. Under the Declaration, a shareholder bringing a direct claim must be a shareholder of the series or class with respect to which the direct action is brought at the time of the injury complained of, or have acquired the shares afterwards by operation of law from a person who was a shareholder at that time.
If a derivative or direct action is brought in violation of the Declaration, each shareholder who commences or maintains such action will be required. jointly and severally, to reimburse the Trust for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the action if the action is dismissed on the basis of the failure to comply with the Declaration. In addition, if a court determines that any derivative action has been brought without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose, the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the action will be borne, jointly and severally, by each shareholder who commenced the action.
The Declaration further provides that a fund shall be responsible for payment of attorneys’ fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder bring a derivative or direct claim only if required by law, and any attorneys’ fees that the fund is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. The Declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against the Trust or a fund be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, or if not permitted to be brought in federal court, then in the New York Supreme Court sitting in New York County with assignment to the Commercial Division to the extent such assignment is permitted under the applicable court rules, and that the right to jury trial be waived to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Series and Classes. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish series and classes in addition to those currently established and that the Trustees may determine the rights and preferences, limitations and restrictions, including qualifications for ownership, conversion and exchange features, minimum purchase and account size, expenses and charges, and other features of the series and classes. The Trustees may change any of those features, terminate any series or class, combine series with other series in the Trust, combine one or more classes of a series with another class in that series or convert the shares of one class into shares of another class. Each share of a fund, as a series of the Trust, represents an interest in the fund only and not in the assets of any other series of the Trust.
The shares of beneficial interest are divided into thirteen classes: Class A, Class C, Class I, Class I2, Class I3, Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4, Class R6, Class T and Class T2. Not all funds offer all classes of shares. See a fund’s prospectus for a discussion of which classes of shares of that fund are available for purchase and who is eligible to purchase shares of each class. Class A, Class C, Class I, Class I2, Class R1, Class R3, Class R6, Class T and Class T2 are discussed in separate SAIs. Each class represents interests in the same assets of the fund and differ as follows: each class of shares has exclusive voting rights on matters pertaining to its plan of distribution or any other matter appropriately limited to that class; the classes are subject to differing sales charges as described in the prospectus; Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4 and Class T2 shares are subject to ongoing distribution and service fees. Class I, Class I2, Class I3, Class R6 and Class T shares have no annual distribution and service fees. Each class may bear differing amounts of certain class-specific expenses, and each class has a separate exchange privilege. Class T shares are not available to new investors; only existing Class T shareholders may purchase additional Class T shares. On November 30, 2009, all shares previously designated as Class I shares were
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re-designated as Class I2 shares. On February 10, 2012, all shares previously designated as Class P shares were converted into Class I shares. Class R1 and Class T2 shares are not currently offered. On October 13, 2017, Class R shares of Transamerica Government Money Market were renamed Class R2 shares.
The Trust does not anticipate that there will be any conflicts between the interests of holders of the different classes of shares of the same fund by virtue of these classes. On an ongoing basis, the Board will consider whether any such conflict exists and, if so, take appropriate action.
Dividends and Other Distributions
An investor may choose among several options with respect to dividends and capital gains distributions payable to the investor. Dividends or other distributions will be paid in full and fractional shares at the net asset value determined as of the ex-dividend date unless the shareholder has elected another distribution option as described in the prospectus. The December annual ex-dividend date for all Asset Allocation Funds will be subsequent to the ex-dividend date of the underlying Transamerica funds in which they invest. Transaction confirmations and checks for payments designated to be made in cash generally will be mailed on the payable date. The per share income dividends on Class R shares of a fund are anticipated to be lower than the per share income dividends on Class I3, Class R2 and Class R4 shares of that fund as a result of higher distribution and service fees applicable to Class R shares.
Taxes
Each fund has qualified (or expects to qualify in its first year), and expects to continue to qualify, for treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Code. In order to qualify for that treatment, a fund must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction, and 90% of its net exempt-interest income, if any (the “Distribution Requirement”). Each fund must also meet several other requirements. These requirements include the following: (1) a fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships; (2) at the close of each quarter of a fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities (limited in respect of any one issuer of such other securities to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer); and (3) at the close of each quarter of a fund’s taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, in securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers that the fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or in securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
If a fund qualifies as a RIC and timely distributes to its shareholders substantially all of its net income and net capital gains, then the fund should have little or no income taxable to it under the Code. If a fund meets the Distribution Requirement but retains some portion of its taxable income or gains, it generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on the amounts retained. A fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed those liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a fund is permitted to carry forward indefinitely a net capital loss from any taxable year that began after December 22, 2010 to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the fund and may not be distributed as such to shareholders. Generally, the funds may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. Under certain circumstances, a fund may elect to treat certain losses as though they were incurred on the first day of the taxable year immediately following the taxable year in which they were actually incurred.
Assuming a fund has sufficient earnings and profits, its shareholders generally are required to include distributions from the fund (whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares) as (1) ordinary income, to the extent the distributions are attributable to the fund’s investment income (except for qualified dividend income as discussed below), net short-term capital gain and certain net realized foreign exchange gains or (2) capital gains, to the extent of the fund’s net capital gain (i.e., the fund’s net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses).
If a fund fails to qualify for treatment as a RIC, the fund will be subject to U.S. federal, and possibly state, corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains, and distributions to its shareholders (including distributions that would otherwise qualify as capital gain dividends or as
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exempt-interest dividends) will constitute ordinary dividend income to the extent of the fund’s available earnings and profits. Under certain circumstances, a fund may be able to cure a failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, but in order to do so, the fund may incur significant fund-level taxes and may be forced to dispose of certain assets.
Distributions by a fund in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) each shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, and any distributions in excess of that basis will be treated as gain from the sale of shares, as discussed below.
A fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income (for that calendar year) and capital gain net income (for the one-year period generally ending on October 31 of that year), increased or decreased by certain other amounts. Each fund intends to distribute annually a sufficient amount of any taxable income and capital gains so as to avoid liability for this excise tax.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by a fund in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record during such a month, and paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared. In addition, certain distributions made after the close of a taxable year of a fund may be “spilled back” and treated for certain purposes as paid by the relevant fund during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders generally will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made. For purposes of calculating the amount of a RIC’s undistributed income and gain subject to the 4% excise tax described above, such “spilled back” dividends are treated as paid by the RIC when they are actually paid.
U.S. federal income tax law generally taxes noncorporate taxpayers on long-term capital gains and on “qualified dividend income” at rates of up to 20%.
Other distributions, including distributions of earnings from, in general, dividends paid to a fund that are not themselves qualified dividend income to the fund, interest income, other types of ordinary income and short-term capital gains, will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate applicable to the taxpayer.
Qualified dividend income generally means dividend income received from a fund’s investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain “qualified foreign corporations,” provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the fund and the shareholder receiving a distribution of the dividend income. Qualified dividend income generally also includes any dividend income (i) that is received by a fund from an underlying fund that is itself treated as a RIC and that received such income as dividends on common and preferred stock of U.S. companies or on stock of certain qualified foreign corporations, and (ii) that is reported as qualified dividend income by the underlying RICs, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by the underlying fund, the fund and the shareholders. If 95% or more of a fund’s gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, that fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.
A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose if it is incorporated in a possession of the U.S. or it is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the U.S. and meets certain additional requirements. Certain foreign corporations that are not otherwise qualified foreign corporations will be treated as qualified foreign corporations with respect to dividends paid by them if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. Passive foreign investment companies are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose.
A dividend that is attributable to qualified dividend income of a fund and that is paid by the fund to a shareholder will not be taxable as qualified dividend income to such shareholder (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of the fund held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share became “ex-dividend” with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, or (3) if the shareholder elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest. The “ex-dividend” date is the date on which the owner of the share at the commencement of such date is entitled to receive the next issued dividend payment for such share even if the share is sold by the owner on that date or thereafter. Dividends received by a fund from REITs generally do not qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income.
Certain dividends received by a fund, or attributable to dividends received by an underlying fund, from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the fund or underlying fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately reported by the fund may be eligible for the 50% dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under the Code. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend in order to be eligible. Capital gain dividends distributed to a fund from other RICs are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their fund
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shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their fund shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to fund shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those shares. The applicable holding period requirements must also be satisfied by the fund and any underlying fund. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax advisor regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of “extraordinary dividends” received with respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required.
Any fund distribution (other than a dividend that is declared on a daily basis) will have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of shares in the fund by the amount of the distribution. Shareholders purchasing shares shortly before the record date of any dividend distribution that is not declared daily may thus pay the full price for the shares then effectively receive a portion of the purchase price back as a taxable distribution.
The U.S. federal income tax status of all distributions will be reported to shareholders annually.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates or trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends and certain capital gains are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.
Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of fund shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.
If a fund is the holder of record of any stock on the record date for any dividends payable with respect to such stock, such dividends will be included in the fund’s gross income not as of the date received, but as of the later of (a) the date such stock became ex-dividend with respect to such dividends or (b) the date the fund acquired such stock. Accordingly, in order to satisfy its income distribution requirements, a fund may be required to pay dividends based on anticipated earnings, and shareholders may receive dividends in an earlier year than would otherwise be the case.
Redemptions, sales and exchanges generally are taxable events for shareholders that are subject to tax. Redemptions, sales or exchanges of shares of Transamerica Government Money Market will not result in taxable gain or loss if that fund maintains a constant net asset value per share. In general, if shares of a fund other than Transamerica Government Money Market are redeemed, sold or exchanged, the shareholder will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds of the redemption or sale or the value of the shares exchanged and the shareholder’s adjusted basis in the shares redeemed, sold or exchanged. This capital gain or loss may be long-term or short-term, generally depending upon the shareholder's holding period for the shares. For tax purposes, a loss will be disallowed on the redemption, sale or exchange of shares if the disposed of shares are replaced (including replacement by shares acquired pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of the redemption, sale or exchange of such shares. Should the replacement of such shares fall within this 61-day period, the basis of the acquired shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by the shareholder on its disposition of fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain with respect to such shares (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains).
Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to fund shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder, or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, in any single taxable year (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Shareholders who own portfolio securities directly are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement but, under current guidance, shareholders of RICs are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
None of the Asset Allocation funds (each, a “Fund of Funds”) will be able to offset gains distributed by any underlying fund in which it invests against losses incurred by another underlying fund in which it invests because the underlying funds cannot distribute losses. A Fund of Funds’ redemptions and sales of shares in an underlying fund, including those resulting from changes in the allocation among underlying funds, could cause the Fund of Funds to recognize taxable gain or loss. A portion of any such gains may be short-term capital gains that would be distributable as ordinary income to shareholders of the Fund of Funds. Further, a portion of losses on redemptions of shares in the underlying funds may be deferred. Short-term capital gains earned by an underlying fund will be treated as ordinary dividends when distributed to a Fund of Funds and therefore may not be offset by any short-term capital losses incurred by that Fund of Funds. Thus, a Fund of Funds’ short-term capital losses may offset its long-term capital gains, which might otherwise be eligible for reduced U.S. federal income tax rates for noncorporate shareholders, as discussed above. As a result of these factors, the use of the fund-of-funds structure by the Funds of Funds could adversely affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to their shareholders.
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The funds and underlying funds may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains with respect to their investments in those countries. Any such taxes would, if imposed, reduce the yield on or return from those investments. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. If more than 50% of a fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consist of stock or securities of foreign corporations, the fund may elect to pass through to its shareholders their pro rata shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by the fund for that taxable year. If at least 50% of a fund’s total assets at the close of each quarter of a taxable year consist of interests in other RICs, the fund may make the same election and pass through to its shareholders their pro rata shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by those other RICs and passed through to the fund for that taxable year. If the fund so elects, its shareholders would be required to include the passed-through taxes in their gross incomes (in addition to the dividends and distributions they actually receive), would treat such taxes as foreign taxes paid by them, and as described below may be entitled to a tax deduction for such taxes or a tax credit, subject to a holding period requirement and other limitations under the Code.
Qualified foreign taxes generally include taxes that would be treated as income taxes under U.S. tax regulations but do not include most other taxes, such as stamp taxes, securities transaction taxes, and similar taxes. If a fund qualifies to make, and makes, the election described above, shareholders may deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the fund or those other RICs for that taxable year in computing their income subject to U.S. federal income taxation or, alternatively, claim them as credits, subject to applicable limitations under the Code, against their U.S. federal income taxes. Shareholders who do not itemize deductions for U.S. federal income tax purposes will not, however, be able to deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the fund or those other RICs, although such shareholders will be required to include their shares of such taxes in gross income if the fund makes the election described above. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their AMT liability.
If a fund makes this election and a shareholder chooses to take a credit for the foreign taxes deemed paid by such shareholder, the amount of the credit that may be claimed in any year may not exceed the same proportion of the U.S. tax against which such credit is taken that the shareholder’s taxable income from foreign sources (but not in excess of the shareholder’s entire taxable income) bears to his entire taxable income. For this purpose, long-term and short-term capital gains the fund realizes and distributes to shareholders will generally not be treated as income from foreign sources in their hands, nor will distributions of certain foreign currency gains subject to Section 988 of the Code or of any other income realized by the fund that is deemed, under the Code, to be U.S.-source income in the hands of the fund. This foreign tax credit limitation may also be applied separately to certain specific categories of foreign-source income and the related foreign taxes. As a result of these rules, which may have different effects depending upon each shareholder’s particular tax situation, certain shareholders may not be able to claim a credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by a fund or other RICs in which the fund invests. Shareholders who are not liable for U.S. federal income taxes, including tax-exempt shareholders, will ordinarily not benefit from this election. If a fund does make the election, it will provide required tax information to shareholders. RICs generally may deduct any foreign taxes that are not passed through to their shareholders in computing their income available for distribution to shareholders to satisfy applicable tax distribution requirements. Under certain circumstances, if a fund or an underlying fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of the fund’s shares or the value of the underlying fund’s shares, as applicable, could be affected, or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.
The following paragraphs are intended to disclose risks of investments that certain funds may make directly and that the Funds of Funds may make indirectly, through underlying funds. Thus, references in the following paragraphs to one or more “funds” should be read to include, as applicable, references to one or more “underlying funds.”
Master Limited Partnerships: A fund may invest no more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of MLPs and other entities treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. An MLP is an entity treated as a partnership under the Code, the partnership interests of which are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. An entity that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes generally is not itself subject to federal income tax. Instead, each partner in the partnership is generally required to take into account its distributive share of items of the partnership’s income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit for each taxable year substantially as though such items had been realized directly by the partner and without regard to whether the partnership distributes any amount to its partners. To qualify for that treatment, an MLP must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as interest, dividends, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. For this purpose, mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines) of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or industrial source carbon dioxide. If it does not so qualify, it will generally be subject to tax as a corporation, and there could be a material decrease in the value of its securities.
Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to a fund from any investments in MLPs in a given year will generally reduce that fund’s taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in that fund’s income in one or more subsequent years. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to fund shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though those shareholders might not have held shares in the fund recognizing recapture income at the time the deductions were taken by that fund, and even though those shareholders may not have corresponding economic gain on their shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, a fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional recapture income.
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Noncorporate taxpayers are generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of “qualified publicly traded partnership income.” A fund will not be able to claim such a deduction in respect of income allocated to it by any MLPs or other publicly traded partnerships in which it invests, and shareholders will not be able to claim such a deduction in respect of fund dividends attributable to any such income.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies: Certain funds may invest in the stock of “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). A PFIC is a foreign corporation that, in general, meets either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is derived from passive investments; or (2) at least 50% of its assets (generally computed based on average fair market value) held during the taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, a fund will be subject to federal income tax on gain from the disposition of PFIC shares and on certain distributions from a PFIC (collectively, “excess distributions”), plus interest thereon, even if the fund distributes the excess distributions as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. If a fund invests in a PFIC and elects in the first year in which it holds such investment (or if it elects subsequently and makes certain other elections) to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund,” then in lieu of the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the fund will be required to include in income each year its pro rata share of the qualified electing fund’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses). This income inclusion is required even if the PFIC does not distribute such income and gains to the fund, and the amounts so included would be subject to the Distribution Requirement described above. In many instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof. In order to distribute any such income and gains and satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, a fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund.
A fund may, in the alternative, elect to mark to market its PFIC stock at the end of each taxable year, with the result that unrealized gains are treated as though they were realized as of such date. Any such gains will be ordinary income rather than capital gain. In order for a fund making this election to distribute any such income and gains and satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, the fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. If the mark-to-market election were made, tax at the fund level under the excess distribution rules would be eliminated, but a fund could still incur nondeductible interest charges if it makes the mark-to-market election in a year after the first taxable year in which it acquired the PFIC stock.
Controlled Foreign Corporations: If a sufficient percentage of the interests in a foreign issuer are held by a fund, independently or together with certain other U.S. persons, that issuer may be treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” (a “CFC”) with respect to the fund, in which case the fund will be required to take into account each year, as ordinary income, its share of certain portions of that issuer’s income, whether or not such amounts are distributed. A fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities (potentially resulting in the recognition of taxable gain or loss, and potentially under disadvantageous circumstances) to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to meet its distribution requirements and avoid fund-level taxes. In addition, some fund gains on the disposition of interests in such an issuer may be treated as ordinary income. A fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in issuers that could be treated as CFCs in order to limit its tax liability or maximize its after-tax return from these investments.
Options, Futures and Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements: Certain options, futures contracts, and forward contracts in which a fund may invest may be “Section 1256 contracts.” Gains or losses on Section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses; however, foreign currency gains or losses arising from certain Section 1256 contracts may be treated as ordinary income or loss. Also, Section 1256 contracts held by a fund at the end of each taxable year are “marked to market” with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized. In order to distribute any such gains, satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs and avoid taxation, a fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund.
Generally, the hedging transactions undertaken by a fund may result in “straddles” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by a fund. In addition, losses realized by a fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in which such losses are realized. Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in options, futures, forward contracts, swap agreements and other financial contracts to a fund are not entirely clear. The transactions may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders.
A fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code which are applicable to straddles. If a fund makes any of the elections, the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections may operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions.
Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased as compared to a fund that did not engage in such hedging transactions.
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Because only a few regulations regarding the treatment of swap agreements, and related caps, floors and collars, have been promulgated, the tax consequences of such transactions are not entirely clear. The funds intend to account for such transactions in a manner deemed by them to be appropriate, but the IRS might not accept such treatment. If it did not, the status of a fund as a RIC might be affected.
The requirements applicable to a fund’s qualification as a RIC may limit the extent to which a fund will be able to engage in transactions in options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swap agreements and other financial contracts.
Certain hedging activities may cause a dividend that would otherwise be subject to the lower tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income to instead be taxed at the rate of tax applicable to ordinary income.
Original Issue Discount: If a fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the fund generally must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, each fund must distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and net tax-exempt income, including any such accrued income, to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the Code and avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, a fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements. Such a disposition of securities may potentially result in additional taxable gain or loss to a fund.
Constructive Sales: The constructive sale rules may affect timing and character of gain if a fund engages in transactions that reduce or eliminate its risk of loss with respect to appreciated financial positions. If a fund enters into certain transactions in property while holding substantially identical property, the fund will be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and will be taxed on any gain (but not loss) from the constructive sale. The character of any gain from a constructive sale will depend upon the fund’s holding period in the property. Any loss from a constructive sale will be recognized when the property is subsequently disposed of, and the character of such loss will depend on the fund’s holding period and the application of various loss deferral provisions of the Code.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, a noncorporate taxpayer is generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of the taxpayer’s “qualified REIT dividends.” If a fund receives dividends (other than capital gain dividends) in respect of REIT shares, the fund may report its own dividends as eligible for the 20% deduction, to the extent the fund’s income is derived from such qualified REIT dividends, as reduced by allocable Fund expenses. In order for the fund’s dividends to be eligible for this deduction when received by a noncorporate shareholder, the fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the REIT shares on which the fund received the eligible dividends, and the noncorporate shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the fund shares.
Foreign Currency Transactions: Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time a fund accrues income or expenses denominated in a foreign currency (or determined by reference to the value of one or more foreign currencies) and the time that a fund actually receives or makes payment of such income or expenses, generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts and options, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition generally are also treated as ordinary gain or loss. Some of the funds have elected, or may elect, to treat this foreign currency income as capital gain or capital loss.
Backup Withholding: Each fund is required to withhold (as “backup withholding”) a portion of reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain distributions and the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges or repurchases of fund shares (except for proceeds of redemptions of shares in Transamerica Government Money Market), paid to shareholders who have not complied with certain IRS regulations. The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. In order to avoid this withholding requirement, shareholders, other than certain exempt entities, must certify that the Social Security Number or other Taxpayer Identification Number they provide is correct and that they are not currently subject to backup withholding, or that they are exempt from backup withholding. A fund may nevertheless be required to backup withhold if it receives notice from the IRS or a broker that the number provided is incorrect or backup withholding is applicable as a result of previous underreporting of interest or dividend income.
Cost Basis: Each fund (other than Transamerica Government Money Market) will report to the IRS the amount of sale proceeds that a shareholder receives from a sale or exchange of fund shares. For sales or exchanges of shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, each fund (other than Transamerica Government Money Market) will also report basis and acquisition date information in those shares and the character of any gain or loss that the shareholder realizes on the sale or exchange (i.e., short-term or long-term). If a shareholder has a different basis for different shares of a fund in the same account (e.g., if a shareholder purchased fund shares in the same account when the shares were at different prices), the fund or the shareholder’s Service Agent (banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the funds’ distributor to sell shares of the applicable fund), as applicable, will calculate the basis of the shares sold using its default method unless the shareholder has properly elected to use a different method. The funds’ default method for calculating basis will be the average cost method. A shareholder may elect, on an account-by-account basis, to use a method other than average cost by following procedures
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established by the fund or the shareholder’s Service Agent, as applicable. For purposes of calculating and reporting basis, shares acquired prior to January 1, 2012 and shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 will generally be treated as held in separate accounts. If a shareholder elects to use a different method of basis calculation, the application of that method will depend on whether shares in an account have already been sold or exchanged. For information regarding available methods for calculating cost basis and procedures for electing a method other than the average cost method, shareholders who hold their shares directly with a fund may call the fund at 1-888-233-4339 Monday through Friday during the hours of operation as posted on the funds’ website at www.transamerica.com/contact-us. Shareholders who hold shares through a Service Agent should contact the Service Agent for information concerning the Service Agent’s default method for calculating basis and procedures for electing to use an alternative method. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of applying the average cost method or electing another method of basis calculation.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders: Dividends from net investment income that are paid to a shareholder who, as to the U.S., is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign corporation or a foreign estate or foreign trust (each, a “foreign shareholder”) may be subject to a withholding tax at a rate of 30% or any lower applicable tax rate established in a treaty between the U.S. and the shareholder’s country of residence. Dividends that are derived from “qualified net interest income” and dividends that are derived from “qualified short-term gain” may be exempt from the 30% withholding tax, provided that the distributing fund chooses to follow certain procedures. A fund may choose to not follow such procedures and there can be no assurance as to the amount, if any, of dividends that would not be subject to withholding. Qualified net interest income is a fund’s net income derived from U.S.-source interest and original issue discount, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. Qualified short-term gain generally means the excess of the net short-term capital gain of a fund for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. The withholding rules described in this paragraph do not apply to a dividend paid to a foreign shareholder if the dividend income is “effectively connected with the shareholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the U.S.” and the shareholder provides appropriate tax forms and documentation. Backup withholding (described above) will not be imposed on foreign shareholders who are subject to the 30% withholding tax described in this paragraph.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to fund distributions payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
Foreign shareholders are subject to U.S. tax on disposition of a “United States real property interest” (a “USRPI”). Gain on such a disposition is sometimes referred to as “FIRPTA gain.” The Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of “FIRPTA gain” if certain requirements are met. If the look-through rule applies, certain distributions attributable to income received by a fund, e.g., from REITs, may be treated as gain from the disposition of a USRPI, causing distributions to be subject to U.S. withholding tax at rates of up to 21%, and requiring non-U.S. shareholders to file nonresident U.S. income tax returns.
The treatment of dividends and other distributions by a fund to shareholders under the various state income tax laws may not parallel that under U.S. federal income tax law. Qualification as a RIC does not involve supervision of a fund’s management or of its investment policies and practices by any governmental authority.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations, including any federal, state, local or foreign tax liabilities.
Financial Statements
The audited financial statements and financial highlights for the funds as of October 31, 2019 have been filed with the SEC as part of the annual report of the funds on January 3, 2020 (SEC Accession #0001193125-20-001394), and are hereby incorporated by reference into this SAI.
Financial statements for Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities are not included in this SAI because the fund did not commence operations until after the most recent fiscal year end.
Financial statements for Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond are not included in this SAI because these funds had not commenced operations as of October 31, 2019.
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Appendix A – Proxy Voting Policies
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Proxy Voting Policy
Section 1: Introduction
1.01: Rule References
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (“AUIM”) hereby adopts this Proxy Voting Policy (“Policy”) pursuant to Rules 206(4)-6 and 206(4)-7 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to reasonably ensure that it votes proxies and other securities actions (“Proxies”) in its Clients' best interests.
Specifically, Rule 206(4)-6 requires each registered investment adviser that exercises securities voting (“Proxy Voting”) authority with respect to Client securities to:
a. Adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes Client securities in the Clients’ best interests. Such policies and procedures must address the manner in which the adviser will resolve material conflicts of interest that can arise during the proxy voting process;
b. Disclose to Clients how they may obtain information from the adviser about how the adviser voted with respect to their securities; and
c. Describe to Clients the adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines and, upon request, furnish a copy of the policies and procedures.
AUIM is a fiduciary that owes each of its clients a duty of care and loyalty with respect to all services undertaken on the client’s behalf, including Proxy Voting. The duty of care generally requires AUIM to monitor corporate events and to vote Proxies, unless a Client has agreed otherwise. AUIM Employees who exercise Proxy Voting authority must do so in accordance with this Policy.
This Policy is also designed to comply with the books and records requirements prescribed in Rule 204-2(c)(2).
1.02: Policy Owner
AUIM’s Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) or his designee is primarily responsible for administering and enforcing this Policy. The CIO may delegate performance of policy responsibilities to other Employees, including Asset Specialists, acting individually or collectively, for whom he shall retain supervision and oversight. The Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) and/or his designees (collectively referred to as “Compliance” or the “Compliance team”) shall provide policy administration, support, and monitoring.
Employees who exercise Proxy Voting authority must vote Client Securities in accordance with this Policy and in the Clients’ best interests.
1.03: Definitions
Except as otherwise defined herein, for the purpose of this Policy, the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed below:
Act: The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and all regulations promulgated thereunder.
Affiliate: An entity that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with AUIM.
Asset Specialist(s): AUIM Employees responsible for providing expertise and knowledge on a particular asset class or topic.
Client: (a) Any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (“IC Act”) for whom AUIM acts as investment adviser or sub-adviser, (b) any Separate Account, Private Fund, or collective investment trust fund where AUIM acts as investment adviser, or (c) investment arrangement where AUIM acts as investment adviser with discretion on the account or is engaged to provide non-discretionary advice.
Conflict of Interest: A condition or situation, or the appearance thereof, in which competing professional, personal, financial, or other interests of AUIM or its Employees are contrary to the interests of AUIM and/or its Clients.
Employees: AUIM managers, officers, Employees, access persons, and other individuals identified by Compliance.
Equity Securities Voting Policy Guidelines: AUIM roadmap for arriving at voting decisions on common or routine proxy matters.
Private Fund: As defined in the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, a Private Fund is an issuer that would be an investment company as defined in section 3 of the IC Act but for sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the IC Act.
Procedures: Procedures, protocols and practices of AUIM or part thereof as AUIM’s President, or his designees, may approve or sanction from time to time.
Security: The SEC defines the term “Security” broadly to include stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, options, interests in private placements, futures contracts on other Securities, participations in profit-sharing agreements, and interests in oil, gas, or other mineral royalties or leases, among other things. “Security” is also defined to include any instrument commonly known as a Security. On the other hand, in most – but not necessarily all – instances, a promissory note is not considered to be a “Security.” Any questions about whether an instrument is a Security for purposes of the federal Securities laws should be directed to the CCO.
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Separate Account: A type of Client that is a separately managed investment account (i.e., a Client account that is not a pooled investment vehicle). Separate Accounts can include accounts of both third-party Clients and Clients that are Affiliates of AUIM.
Section 2: Proxy Voting General Principles
AUIM recognizes and adheres to the principle that an important Client interest associated with owning a Security is exercising the right to vote in the election of the company’s directors and on matters affecting the company’s structure and operations. AUIM endeavours to vote Client Securities in the best interest of its Clients. In general, votes will be determined on a case-by-case basis, after taking into consideration all factors relevant to the issues presented. AUIM seeks to vote Proxies in a manner consistent with its fiduciary obligations and other contractual responsibilities.
Section 3: Proxy Voting Responsibilities
AUIM votes on behalf of all Client accounts for which it has the requisite discretionary authority except for situations in which any Client notifies AUIM in writing that it has retained, and intends to exercise, the authority to vote its own Securities. Clients may also ask AUIM to vote their Securities in accordance with specific guidelines furnished by the Client, in which case AUIM will vote such Securities within the Client’s guidelines.
AUIM primarily manages Client portfolios of debt Securities. For most fixed income Clients, the issues for which AUIM votes fixed income Securities generally involve amendments to loan documentation, borrower compliance with financial covenants, registration rights, prepayments, insolvency, and other distressed creditor situations. Because these and related fixed income issues are generally unique to each particular borrower and relevant fact situation, they do not lend themselves to broad characterization that can be addressed by standard Proxy Voting guidelines.
Routine proxy matters associated with equity Securities (including but not limited to electing board of directors, selecting auditors, shareholder rights, proxy contests, corporate governance matters, and executive and director compensation) are typically voted in accordance with its Equity Proxy Voting Guidelines (“Guidelines”) (see Appendix A). These Guidelines are not designed to be exhaustive or to address non-routine matters that may be raised in Proxy ballots or other voting opportunities. To the extent relevant and appropriate, AUIM may consider these Guidelines when voting Client debt Securities.
Section 4: INTERNAL CONTROLS
4.01: Proxy Voting Exceptions
AUIM will use its best efforts to vote all Client Proxies. There may be instances (e.g., when Client Securities have been loaned) that at the time the vote is due circumstances exist that impact or prevent AUIM’s ability to vote Client Proxies.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in some situations, AUIM may determine that it is in the Client’s best interest to abstain from voting Proxies. Accordingly, where AUIM believes the cost of voting Proxies outweighs the benefits of doing so, it will generally abstain. For example, AUIM will generally abstain from voting Proxies on international Securities where personal appearance is required, or where it does not have sufficient information to vote the Proxy, and the cost or administrative burden of obtaining such information is not commensurate with the reasonably foreseeable impact of the matter being voted upon in the Proxy.
4.02: Use of an Independent Third Party
Because of the expertise of its staff with the issues upon which it votes Client debt Securities, AUIM will not generally seek the services of a qualified independent third party (“Independent Third Party”) to provide guidance on such matters.
AUIM will generally research and cast Proxy Votes based on its own Policy and Guidelines. In instances deemed appropriate by the CIO, particularly when AUIM has a material Conflict of Interest, or when AUIM lacks sufficient knowledge or resources, it may engage an Independent Third Party to, among other things, provide Proxy research and/or to make recommendations. When AUIM considers the research or recommendations provided by an Independent Third Party, it retains all Proxy Voting responsibilities.
4.03: ERISA Accounts
Where Client accounts are governed by ERISA, AUIM shall vote all Proxies unless the ERISA Plan documents (e.g., Plan, Trust, etc.) explicitly provide that AUIM is not to vote Proxies and/or another Plan fiduciary or the trustee retains Proxy Voting authority.
4.04: Securities Voting Committee
The Securities Voting Committee (“Committee”) consists of representatives from Investment Management, Credit Research, Compliance and Legal. The Committee meets at least annually, and has the following responsibilities:
Review potential Material Conflicts and decide whether a material conflict is present, and needs to be addressed according to these policies and procedures.
Review the Guidelines and make revisions as appropriate.
Review these Policies and Procedures annually for accuracy and effectiveness, and recommend and adopt any necessary changes.
Review all Guideline overrides.
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Review voting metrics.
4.05: Operational Considerations
AUIM shall take reasonable efforts to ensure that all accounts where it has Proxy Voting responsibility are properly established and maintained in order for it to carry out these responsibilities. Furthermore, AUIM shall maintain Procedures reasonably designed to ensure that all applicable Proxies are received, considered, and votes cast in accordance with this Policy and/or related Guidelines.
Section 5: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
In fulfilling its Proxy voting responsibilities, AUIM may face conflicts of interest. Conflicts include any position or interest, financial or otherwise, which causes a division in or impairs AUIM’s independence or judgment concerning how to vote Proxies in the clients’ best interests. A material conflict of interest may arise between the self-interest of the firm, an Employee, the Committee, and AUIM’s clients.
The Asset Specialist, with assistance from the CCO and others as mandated, will consider whether AUIM is subject to any conflicts of interest in connection with a Proxy Vote. Employees must notify the CCO and the Committee if they are aware of any conflict of interest associated with a Proxy Vote. It is not possible to anticipate all conflicts of interest that could arise in connection with Proxy Voting. The following examples are meant to help Employees identify potential conflicts:AUIM or an affiliate has a financial interest in the outcome of a proxy vote, such as when AUIM is asked to vote on a change in Rule 12b-1 fees paid by a mutual fund to it or its affiliates;An issuer or some other third-party offers AUIM or an Employee compensation in exchange for voting a proxy in a particular way; andAn Employee, or a member of an Employee’s household, has a personal or business relationship with an issuer and AUIM receives a proxy solicitation from that issuer.
AUIM recognizes the potential for conflicts that may arise between its own interests and those of its clients. To address these concerns, AUIM, as advised by the Committee, will generally take one of the following steps to avoid any impropriety or the appearance of impropriety in any situation involving a conflict of interest:Obtain a review from AUIM’s General Counsel regarding determination of a conflict;Obtain the guidance from the client(s) whose account(s) is/are involved in the conflict;Vote Proxies in accordance with the recommendation of an Independent Third Party; orVote in strict accordance with its Guidelines
Section 6: Proxy Voting Reports
AUIM shall provide, upon client request and at no cost:
a. A description of its Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines (either as part of Part 2B of AUIM’s Form ADV or as a standalone document);
b. A copy of this Policy; and/or
c. Information regarding how AUIM voted Proxies on behalf of the Client.
AUIM shall not provide to any Client, information about AUIM’s Proxy Voting activities for any other Client.
Section 7: Proxy Voting Monitoring and Oversight
Compliance may conduct periodic testing and/or surveillance of AUIM’s Proxy Voting activities. Issues relating to such activities, at the Compliance team’s discretion, may be escalated to the CIO, CCO, or the appropriate governance Committee.
Section 8: Books and Records
In accordance with Rule 204-2(c)(2), AUIM must retain:
a. Its Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines;
b. Proxy statements received;
c. Records of Proxy votes;
d. Records of Client requests on how Client Proxies were voted; and
e. All documents prepared by AUIM that were material to making a decision on how to vote (including decisions not to vote or to “abstain” from voting), or that memorialize the basis for Proxy Voting decisions (e.g., Committee meeting minutes).
All documents must be kept for no less than six years from the date of creation.
It is required by Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act that a copy of each proxy cast by AUIM on behalf of a Client be maintained along with all proxy statements received, whether voted or not.
Section 9: Escalation; Prompt Corrective Action
Every Employee has an obligation to report any violations of AUIM’s Compliance Policies, as outlined in the Escalation Policy. Employees should be aware of their responsibility to quickly identify and mitigate and/or escalate any potential Conflicts of Interest.
In addition, all Employees are subject to the AAM Operational Risk Management Policy, which sets out principles for recording, approving, reporting, and escalating errors and other risk events. Employees shall report any violation of this Policy to their Department Head and the CCO in addition to any additional reporting requirements outlined in other applicable policies.
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Appendix A: Equity Securities Voting Policy Guidelines
The following is a concise summary of AUIM’s securities voting policy guidelines.
1. Auditors
Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply:
An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent,
Fees for non-audit services are non-standard, or
There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position.
2. Board of Directors
Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections
Votes on director nominees should be made on a case-by-case basis, examining the following factors: independence of the board and key board committees, attendance at board meetings, corporate governance provisions and takeover activity, long-term company performance, responsiveness to shareholder proposals, any egregious board actions, and any non-standard non-audit fees or other potential auditor conflicts.
Classification/Declassification of the Board
Vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board.
Vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.
Independent Chairman (Separate Chairman/CEO)
Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals requiring that the positions of chairman and CEO be held separately. Because some companies have governance structures in place that counterbalance a combined position, certain factors should be taken into account in determining whether the proposal warrants support. These factors include the presence of a lead director, board and committee independence, governance guidelines, company performance, and annual review by outside directors of CEO pay.
Majority of Independent Directors/Establishment of Committees
Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that a majority or more of directors be independent unless the board composition already meets the proposed threshold by AUIM’s definition of independence.
Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that board audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors if they currently do not meet that standard.
3. Shareholder Rights
Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.
Vote for proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.
Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings
Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.
Vote for proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.
Supermajority Vote Requirements
Vote AGAINST proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote.
Vote FOR proposals to lower supermajority vote requirements.
Cumulative Voting
Vote against proposals to eliminate cumulative voting.
Vote proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting on a case-by-case basis relative to the company’s other governance provisions.
Confidential Voting
Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that corporations adopt confidential voting, use independent vote tabulators and use independent inspectors of election, as long as the proposal includes a provision for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential Voting Policy. If the dissidents agree, the Policy remains in place. If the dissidents will not agree, the confidential Voting Policy is waived.
Vote FOR management proposals to adopt confidential voting.
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4. Proxy Contests
Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections
Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the factors that include the long-term financial performance, management’s track record, qualifications of director nominees (both slates), and an evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders.
5. Poison Pills
Vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification. Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill and management proposals to ratify a poison pill.
6. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and corporate restructurings based on such features as the fairness opinion, pricing, strategic rationale, and the negotiating process.
7. Reincorporation Proposals
Proposals to change a company's state of incorporation should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, giving consideration to both financial and corporate governance concerns, including the reasons for reincorporating, a comparison of the governance provisions, and a comparison of the jurisdictional laws. Vote FOR reincorporation when the economic factors outweigh any neutral or negative governance changes.
8. Capital Structure
Common Stock Authorization
Votes on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote on proposals at companies with dual-class capital structures to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote on proposals to approve increases beyond the allowable increase when a company's shares are in danger of being delisted or if a company's ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Dual-class Stock
Vote on proposals to create a new class of common stock with superior voting rights on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote on proposals to create a new class of nonvoting or sub-voting common stock on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, reviewing in particular if:
It is intended for financing purposes with minimal or no dilution to current shareholders
It is not designed to preserve the voting power of an insider or significant shareholder
9. Executive and Director Compensation
Votes with respect to compensation plans should be determined on a case-by-case basis. AUIM reviews Executive and Director compensation plans (including broad-based option plans) in the context of the transfer of shareholder wealth. This review encompasses not only a comparison of a plan relative to peer companies, but also on an absolute basis, considering the cost of the plan vs. the operating income and overall profitability of the firm in question.
Vote AGAINST equity plans that explicitly permit repricing or where the company has a history of repricing without shareholder approval.
Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options
Vote AGAINST proposals by management seeking approval to reprice options.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Votes on employee stock purchase plans should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote FOR employee stock purchase plans where all of the following apply:
Purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value
Offering period is 27 months or less, and
Potential voting power dilution (VPD) is ten percent or less.
Vote AGAINST employee stock purchase plans where any of the opposite conditions apply.
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. Shareholder Proposals on Compensation
Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis for all other shareholder proposals regarding executive and director pay, taking into account company performance, pay level versus peers, pay level versus industry, and long term corporate outlook.
10. Social and Environmental Issues
These issues cover a wide range of topics, including consumer and public safety, environment and energy, general corporate issues, labor standards and human rights, military business, and workplace diversity.
In general, vote CASE-BY-CASE. While a wide variety of factors goes into each analysis, the overall principal guiding all vote recommendations focuses on how the proposal will enhance the economic value of the company.
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BlackRock Fund Advisors, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, BlackRock International Limited and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited
Corporate governance and proxy voting guidelines for U.S. securities
January 2020
Contents
Introduction 3
Voting guidelines 3
Boards and directors 3
Auditors and audit-related issues 8
Capital structure proposals 9
Mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions 10
Executive compensation 10
Environmental and social issues 13
General corporate governance matters 14
Shareholder protections 16
If you would like additional information, please contact: ContactStewardship@blackrock.com
These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the BlackRock Investment Stewardship Global Corporate Governance and Engagement Principles.
Introduction
BlackRock, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “BlackRock”) seek to make proxy voting decisions in the manner most likely to protect and enhance the economic value of the securities held in client accounts. The following issue-specific proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”) are intended to summarize BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s general philosophy and approach to corporate governance issues that most commonly arise in proxy voting for U.S. securities. These Guidelines are not intended to limit the analysis of individual issues at specific companies and are not intended to provide a guide to how BlackRock will vote in every instance. Rather, they share our view about corporate governance issues generally, and provide insight into how we typically approach issues that commonly arise on corporate ballots, as well as our expectations of boards of directors. They are applied with discretion, taking into consideration the range of issues and facts specific to the company and the individual ballot item.
Voting guidelines
These guidelines are divided into eight key themes which group together the issues that frequently appear on the agenda of annual and extraordinary meetings of shareholders:
Boards and directors
Auditors and audit-related issues
Capital structure
Mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions
Executive compensation
Environmental and social issues
General corporate governance matters
Shareholder protections
Boards and directors
Director elections
In general, BlackRock supports the election of directors as recommended by the board in uncontested elections. However, we believe that when a company is not effectively addressing a material issue, its directors should be held accountable. We may withhold votes from directors or members of particular board committees in certain situations, as indicated below. Independence
Independence
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We expect a majority of the directors on the board to be independent. In addition, all members of key committees, including audit, compensation, and nominating / governance committees, should be independent. Our view of independence may vary slightly from listing standards.
In particular, common impediments to independence in the U.S. may include:
Employment as a senior executive by the company or a subsidiary within the past five years
An equity ownership in the company in excess of 20%
Having any other interest, business, or relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the director’s ability to act in the best interests of the company
We may vote against directors serving on key committees that we do not consider to be independent.
When evaluating controlled companies, as defined by the U.S. stock exchanges, we will only vote against insiders or affiliates who sit on the audit committee, but not other key committees.
Oversight
We expect the board to exercise appropriate oversight over management and business activities of the company. We will consider voting against committee members and / or individual directors in the following circumstances:
Where the board has failed to exercise oversight with regard to accounting practices or audit oversight, we will consider voting against the current audit committee, and any other members of the board who may be responsible. For example, this may apply to members of the audit committee during a period when the board failed to facilitate quality, independent auditing if substantial accounting irregularities suggest insufficient oversight by that committee
Members of the compensation committee during a period in which executive compensation appears excessive relative to performance and peers, and where we believe the compensation committee has not already substantially addressed this issue
The chair of the nominating / governance committee, or where no chair exists, the nominating / governance committee member with the longest tenure, where the board is not comprised of a majority of independent directors. However, this would not apply in the case of a controlled company
Where it appears the director has acted (at the company or at other companies) in a manner that compromises his / her reliability to represent the best long-term economic interests of shareholders
Where a director has a pattern of poor attendance at combined board and applicable key committee meetings. Excluding exigent circumstances, BlackRock generally considers attendance at less than 75% of the combined board and applicable key committee meetings by a board member to be poor attendance
Where a director serves on an excess number of boards, which may limit his / her capacity to focus on each board’s requirements. The following illustrates the maximum number of boards on which a director may serve, before he / she is considered to be over-committed:
   
  Public Company CEO # Outside Public Boards* Total # of Public Boards
Director A 1 2
Director B   3 4
*In addition to the company under review
Responsiveness to shareholders
We expect a board to be engaged and responsive to its shareholders. Where we believe a board has not substantially addressed shareholder concerns, we may vote against the appropriate committees and / or individual directors. The following illustrates common circumstances:
The independent chair or lead independent director, members of the nominating / governance committee, and / or the longest tenured director(s), where we observe a lack of board responsiveness to shareholders, evidence of board entrenchment, and / or failure to promote adequate board succession planning
The chair of the nominating / governance committee, or where no chair exists, the nominating / governance committee member with the longest tenure, where board member(s) at the most recent election of directors have received withhold votes from more than 30% of shares voted and the board has not taken appropriate action to respond to shareholder concerns. This may not apply in cases where BlackRock did not support the initial withhold vote
The independent chair or lead independent director and / or members of the nominating / governance committee, where a board fails to implement shareholder proposals that receive a majority of votes cast at a prior shareholder meeting, and the proposals, in our view, have a direct and substantial impact on shareholders’ fundamental rights or long-term economic interests
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Shareholder rights
We expect a board to act with integrity and to uphold governance best practices. Where we believe a board has not acted in the best interests of its shareholders, we may vote against the appropriate committees and / or individual directors. The following illustrates common circumstances:
The independent chair or lead independent director and members of the governance committee, where a board implements or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval
The independent chair or lead independent director and members of the governance committee, where a board implements or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval
The independent chair or lead independent director and members of the governance committee, where a board amends the charter / articles / bylaws such that the effect may be to entrench directors or to significantly reduce shareholder rights
Members of the compensation committee where the company has repriced options without shareholder approval
If a board maintains a classified structure, it is possible that the director(s) with whom we have a particular concern may not be subject to election in the year that the concern arises. In such situations, if we have a concern regarding a committee or committee chair that is not up for re-election, we will generally register our concern by withholding votes from all available members of the relevant committee
Board composition and effectiveness
We encourage boards to periodically renew their membership to ensure relevant skills and experience within the boardroom. To this end, regular performance reviews and skills assessments should be conducted by the nominating / governance committee.
Furthermore, we expect boards to be comprised of a diverse selection of individuals who bring their personal and professional experiences to bear in order to create a constructive debate of competing views and opinions in the boardroom. We recognize that diversity has multiple dimensions. In identifying potential candidates, boards should take into consideration the full breadth of diversity including personal factors, such as gender, ethnicity, and age; as well as professional characteristics, such as a director’s industry, area of expertise, and geographic location. In addition to other elements of diversity, we encourage companies to have at least two women directors on their board. Our publicly available commentary explains our approach to engaging on board diversity.
We encourage boards to disclose their views on:
The mix of competencies, experience, and other qualities required to effectively oversee and guide management in light of the stated long-term strategy of the company
The process by which candidates are identified and selected, including whether professional firms or other sources outside of incumbent directors’ networks have been engaged to identify and / or assess candidates
The process by which boards evaluate themselves and any significant outcomes of the evaluation process, without divulging inappropriate and / or sensitive details
The consideration given to board diversity, including, but not limited to, gender, ethnicity, race, age, experience, geographic location, skills, and perspective in the nomination process
While we support regular board refreshment, we are not opposed in principle to long-tenured directors, nor do we believe that long board tenure is necessarily an impediment to director independence. A variety of director tenures within the boardroom can be beneficial to ensure board quality and continuity of experience.
Our primary concern is that board members are able to contribute effectively as corporate strategy evolves and business conditions change, and that all directors, regardless of tenure, demonstrate appropriate responsiveness to shareholders. We acknowledge that no single person can be expected to bring all relevant skill sets to a board; at the same time, we generally do not believe it is necessary or appropriate to have any particular director on the board solely by virtue of a singular background or specific area of expertise.
Where boards find that age limits or term limits are the most efficient and objective mechanism for ensuring periodic board refreshment, we generally defer to the board’s determination in setting such limits.
To the extent that we believe that a company has not adequately accounted for diversity in its board composition within a reasonable timeframe, we may vote against the nominating / governance committee for an apparent lack of commitment to board effectiveness.
Board size
We typically defer to the board in setting the appropriate size and believe directors are generally in the best position to assess the optimal board size to ensure effectiveness. However, we may oppose boards that appear too small to allow for effective shareholder representation or too large to function efficiently. CEO and management succession planning
CEO and management succession planning
There should be a robust CEO and senior management succession plan in place at the board level that is reviewed and updated on a regular basis. We expect succession planning to cover both long-term planning consistent with the strategic direction of the company and identified
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leadership needs over time, as well as short-term planning in the event of an unanticipated executive departure. We encourage the company to explain its executive succession planning process, including where accountability lies within the boardroom for this task, without prematurely divulging sensitive information commonly associated with this exercise.
Classified board of directors/staggered terms
We believe that directors should be re-elected annually and that classification of the board generally limits shareholders’ rights to regularly evaluate a board’s performance and select directors. While we will typically support proposals requesting board de-classification, we may make exceptions, should the board articulate an appropriate strategic rationale for a classified board structure, such as when a company needs consistency and stability during a time of transition, e.g. newly public companies or companies undergoing a strategic restructuring. A classified board structure may also be justified at non-operating companies in certain circumstances. We would, however, expect boards with a classified structure to periodically review the rationale for such structure and consider when annual elections might be appropriate.
Without a voting mechanism to immediately address concerns of a specific director, we may choose to vote against or withhold votes from the available slate of directors by default (see “Shareholder rights” for additional detail). Contested director elections
Contested director elections
The details of contested elections, or proxy contests, are assessed on a case-by-case basis. We evaluate a number of factors, which may include: the qualifications of the dissident and management candidates; the validity of the concerns identified by the dissident; the viability of both the dissident’s and management’s plans; the likelihood that the dissident’s solutions will produce the desired change; and whether the dissident represents the best option for enhancing long-term shareholder value. Cumulative voting
Cumulative voting
We believe that a majority vote standard is in the best long-term interest of shareholders. It ensures director accountability via the requirement to be elected by more than half of the votes cast. As such, we will generally oppose proposals requesting the adoption of cumulative voting, which may disproportionately aggregate votes on certain issues or director candidates.
Director compensation and equity programs
We believe that compensation for directors should be structured to attract and retain the best possible directors, while also aligning their interests with those of shareholders. We believe director compensation packages that are based on the company’s long-term value creation and include some form of long-term equity compensation are more likely to meet this goal. In addition, we expect directors to build meaningful share ownership over time.
Majority vote requirements
BlackRock believes that directors should generally be elected by a majority of the shares voted and will normally support proposals seeking to introduce bylaws requiring a majority vote standard for director elections. Majority voting standards assist in ensuring that directors who are not broadly supported by shareholders are not elected to serve as their representatives. Some companies with a plurality voting standard have adopted a resignation policy for directors who do not receive support from at least a majority of votes cast. Where we believe that the company already has a sufficiently robust majority voting process in place, we may not support a shareholder proposal seeking an alternative mechanism.
Risk oversight
Companies should have an established process for identifying, monitoring, and managing key risks. Independent directors should have ready access to relevant management information and outside advice, as appropriate, to ensure they can properly oversee risk management. We encourage companies to provide transparency around risk measurement, mitigation, and reporting to the board. We are particularly interested in understanding how risk oversight processes evolve in response to changes in corporate strategy and / or shifts in the business and related risk environment. Comprehensive disclosure provides investors with a sense of the company’s long-term operational risk management practices and, more broadly, the quality of the board’s oversight. In the absence of robust disclosures, we may reasonably conclude that companies are not adequately managing risk.
Separation of chairman and CEO
We believe that independent leadership is important in the boardroom. In the U.S. there are two commonly accepted structures for independent board leadership: 1) an independent chairman; or 2) a lead independent director when the roles of chairman and CEO are combined.
In the absence of a significant governance concern, we defer to boards to designate the most appropriate leadership structure to ensure adequate balance and independence.
In the event that the board chooses a combined chair / CEO model, we generally support the designation of a lead independent director if they have the power to: 1) provide formal input into board meeting agendas; 2) call meetings of the independent directors; and 3) preside at meetings of independent directors. Furthermore, while we anticipate that most directors will be elected annually, we believe an element of continuity is important for this role for an extended period of time to provide appropriate leadership balance to the chair / CEO.
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The following table illustrates examples of responsibilities under each board leadership model:
  Combined Chair/ CEO Model Separate Chair Model
  Chair/ CEO Lead Director Chair
Board Meetings      
Authority to call full meetings of the board of directors Attends full meetings of the board of directors Authority to call full meetings of the board of directors
  Authority to call meetings of independent directors  
  Briefs CEO on issues arising from executive sessions  
Agenda      
Primary responsibility for shaping board agendas, consulting with the lead director Collaborates with chair/CEO to set board agenda and board information Primary responsibility for shaping board agendas, in conjunction with CEO
Board Communications      
Communicates with all directors on key issues and concerns outside board meetings Facilitates discussion among independent directors on key issues and concerns outside board meetings, including contributing to the oversight of CEO and management succession planning Facilitates discussion among independent directors on key issues and concerns outside board meetings, including contributing to the oversight of CEO and management succession planning
Auditors and audit-related issues
BlackRock recognizes the critical importance of financial statements to provide a complete and accurate portrayal of a company’s financial condition. Consistent with our approach to voting on boards of directors, we seek to hold the audit committee of the board responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function at a company, and may withhold votes from the audit committee members where the board has failed to facilitate quality, independent auditing. We look to the audit committee report for insight into the scope of the audit committee responsibilities, including an overview of audit committee processes, issues on the audit committee agenda, and key decisions taken by the audit committee. We take particular note of cases involving significant financial restatements or material weakness disclosures, and we expect timely disclosure and remediation of accounting irregularities.
The integrity of financial statements depends on the auditor effectively fulfilling its role. To that end, we favor an independent auditor. In addition, to the extent that an auditor fails to reasonably identify and address issues that eventually lead to a significant financial restatement, or the audit firm has violated standards of practice that protect the interests of shareholders, we may also vote against ratification.
From time to time, shareholder proposals may be presented to promote auditor independence or the rotation of audit firms. We may support these proposals when they are consistent with our views as described above.
Capital structure proposals
Equal voting rights
BlackRock believes that shareholders should be entitled to voting rights in proportion to their economic interests. We believe that companies that look to add or already have dual or multiple class share structures should review these structures on a regular basis or as company circumstances change. Companies should receive shareholder approval of their capital structure on a periodic basis via a management proposal on the company’s proxy. The proposal should give unaffiliated shareholders the opportunity to affirm the current structure or establish mechanisms to end or phase out controlling structures at the appropriate time, while minimizing costs to shareholders.
Blank check preferred
We frequently oppose proposals requesting authorization of a class of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock) because they may serve as a transfer of authority from shareholders to the board and as a possible entrenchment device. We generally view the board’s discretion to establish voting rights on a when-issued basis as a potential anti-takeover device, as it affords the board the ability to place a block of stock with an investor sympathetic to management, thereby foiling a takeover bid without a shareholder vote.
Nonetheless, we may support the proposal where the company:
Appears to have a legitimate financing motive for requesting blank check authority
Has committed publicly that blank check preferred shares will not be used for anti-takeover purposes
Has a history of using blank check preferred stock for financings
Has blank check preferred stock previously outstanding such that an increase would not necessarily provide further anti-takeover protection but may provide greater financing flexibility
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Increase in authorized common shares
BlackRock considers industry-specific norms in our analysis of these proposals, as well as a company’s history with respect to the use of its common shares. Generally, we are predisposed to support a company if the board believes additional common shares are necessary to carry out the firm’s business. The most substantial concern we might have with an increase is the possibility of use of common shares to fund a poison pill plan that is not in the economic interests of shareholders.
Increase or issuance of preferred stock
We generally support proposals to increase or issue preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock where the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.
Stock splits
We generally support stock splits that are not likely to negatively affect the ability to trade shares or the economic value of a share. We generally support reverse stock splits that are designed to avoid delisting or to facilitate trading in the stock, where the reverse split will not have a negative impact on share value (e.g. one class is reduced while others remain at pre-split levels). In the event of a proposal for a reverse split that would not also proportionately reduce the company’s authorized stock, we apply the same analysis we would use for a proposal to increase authorized stock.
Mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions
BlackRock’s primary concern is the best long-term economic interests of shareholders. While merger, asset sales, and other special transaction proposals vary widely in scope and substance, we closely examine certain salient features in our analyses, such as:
The degree to which the proposed transaction represents a premium to the company’s trading price. We consider the share price over multiple time periods prior to the date of the merger announcement. In most cases, business combinations should provide a premium. We may consider comparable transaction analyses provided by the parties’ financial advisors and our own valuation assessments. For companies facing insolvency or bankruptcy, a premium may not apply
There should be clear strategic, operational, and / or financial rationale for the combination
Unanimous board approval and arm’s-length negotiations are preferred. We will consider whether the transaction involves a dissenting board or does not appear to be the result of an arm’s-length bidding process. We may also consider whether executive and / or board members’ financial interests in a given transaction appear likely to affect their ability to place shareholders’ interests before their own
We prefer transaction proposals that include the fairness opinion of a reputable financial advisor assessing the value of the transaction to shareholders in comparison to recent similar transactions
Poison pill plans
Where a poison pill is put to a shareholder vote by management, our policy is to examine these plans individually. Although we oppose most plans, we may support plans that include a reasonable “qualifying offer clause.” Such clauses typically require shareholder ratification of the pill and stipulate a sunset provision whereby the pill expires unless it is renewed. These clauses also tend to specify that an all cash bid for all shares that includes a fairness opinion and evidence of financing does not trigger the pill, but forces either a special meeting at which the offer is put to a shareholder vote, or the board to seek the written consent of shareholders where shareholders could rescind the pill at their discretion. We may also support a pill where it is the only effective method for protecting tax or other economic benefits that may be associated with limiting the ownership changes of individual shareholders.
We generally vote in favor of shareholder proposals to rescind poison pills Reimbursement of expenses for successful shareholder campaigns
Reimbursement of expenses for successful shareholder campaigns
We generally do not support shareholder proposals seeking the reimbursement of proxy contest expenses, even in situations where we support the shareholder campaign. We believe that introducing the possibility of such reimbursement may incentivize disruptive and unnecessary shareholder campaigns.
Executive Compensation
We note that there are both management and shareholder proposals related to executive compensation. We generally vote on these proposals as described below, except that we typically oppose shareholder proposals on issues where the company already has a reasonable policy in place that we believe is sufficient to address the issue. We may also oppose a shareholder proposal regarding executive compensation if the company’s history suggests that the issue raised is not likely to present a problem for that company.
Advisory resolutions on executive compensation (“Say on Pay”)
In cases where there is a Say on Pay vote, BlackRock will respond to the proposal as informed by our evaluation of compensation practices at that particular company and in a manner that appropriately addresses the specific question posed to shareholders. In a commentary on our website, entitled “BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s approach to executive compensation,” we explain our beliefs and expectations related to executive compensation practices, our Say on Pay analysis framework, and our typical approach to engagement and voting on Say on Pay.
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Advisory votes on the frequency of Say on Pay resolutions
BlackRock will generally support triennial pay frequency votes, but we defer to the board to determine the appropriate timeframe upon which pay should be reviewed. In evaluating pay, we believe that the compensation committee is responsible for constructing a plan that appropriately incentivizes executives for long-term value creation, utilizing relevant metrics and structure to ensure overall pay and performance alignment. In a similar vein, we defer to the board to establish the most appropriate timeframe for review of pay structure, absent a change in strategy that would suggest otherwise.
However, we may support an annual pay frequency vote in some situations, for example, where we conclude that a company has failed to align pay with performance. In these circumstances, we will also consider voting against the compensation committee members.
Claw back proposals
We generally favor recoupment from any senior executive whose compensation was based on faulty financial reporting or deceptive business practices. In addition to fraudulent acts, we also favor recoupment from any senior executive whose behavior caused direct financial harm to shareholders, reputational risk to the company, or resulted in a criminal investigation, even if such actions did not ultimately result in a material restatement of past results. This includes, but is not limited to, settlement agreements arising from such behavior and paid for directly by the company. We typically support shareholder proposals on these matters unless the company already has a robust claw back policy that sufficiently addresses our concerns.
Employee stock purchase plans
We believe these plans can provide performance incentives and help align employees’ interests with those of shareholders. The most common form of employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. We will typically support qualified ESPP proposals.
Equity compensation plans
BlackRock supports equity plans that align the economic interests of directors, managers, and other employees with those of shareholders. We believe that boards should establish policies prohibiting the use of equity awards in a manner that could disrupt the intended alignment with shareholder interests (e.g. the use of stock as collateral for a loan; the use of stock in a margin account; the use of stock [or an unvested award] in hedging or derivative transactions). We may support shareholder proposals requesting the establishment of such policies.
Our evaluation of equity compensation plans is based on a company’s executive pay and performance relative to peers and whether the plan plays a significant role in a pay-for-performance disconnect. We generally oppose plans that contain “evergreen” provisions, which allow for the unlimited increase of shares reserved without requiring further shareholder approval after a reasonable time period. We also generally oppose plans that allow for repricing without shareholder approval. We may also oppose plans that provide for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even in situations where an actual change of control may not occur. We encourage companies to structure their change of control provisions to require the termination of the covered employee before acceleration or special payments are triggered.
Golden parachutes
We generally view golden parachutes as encouragement to management to consider transactions that might be beneficial to shareholders. However, a large potential pay-out under a golden parachute arrangement also presents the risk of motivating a management team to support a sub-optimal sale price for a company.
When determining whether to support or oppose an advisory vote on a golden parachute plan, we normally support the plan unless it appears to result in payments that are excessive or detrimental to shareholders. In evaluating golden parachute plans, BlackRock may consider several factors, including:
Whether we believe that the triggering event is in the best interest of shareholders
Whether management attempted to maximize shareholder value in the triggering event
The percentage of total premium or transaction value that will be transferred to the management team, rather than shareholders, as a result of the golden parachute payment
Whether excessively large excise tax gross-up payments are part of the pay-out
Whether the pay package that serves as the basis for calculating the golden parachute payment was reasonable in light of performance and peers
Whether the golden parachute payment will have the effect of rewarding a management team that has failed to effectively manage the company
It may be difficult to anticipate the results of a plan until after it has been triggered; as a result, BlackRock may vote against a golden parachute proposal even if the golden parachute plan under review was approved by shareholders when it was implemented.
We may support shareholder proposals requesting that implementation of such arrangements require shareholder approval. We generally support proposals requiring shareholder approval of plans that exceed 2.99 times an executive’s current salary and bonus, including equity compensation.
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Option exchanges
We believe that there may be legitimate instances where underwater options create an overhang on a company’s capital structure and a repricing or option exchange may be warranted. We will evaluate these instances on a case-by-case basis. BlackRock may support a request to reprice or exchange underwater options under the following circumstances:
The company has experienced significant stock price decline as a result of macroeconomic trends, not individual company performance
● Directors and executive officers are excluded; the exchange is value neutral or value creative to shareholders; tax, accounting, and other technical considerations have been fully contemplated
● There is clear evidence that absent repricing, the company will suffer serious employee incentive or retention and recruiting problems
BlackRock may also support a request to exchange underwater options in other circumstances, if we determine that the exchange is in the best interest of shareholders.
Pay-for-Performance plans
In order for executive compensation exceeding $1 million USD to qualify for federal tax deductions, related to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“OBRA”) requires companies to link compensation for the company’s top five executives to disclosed performance goals and submit the plans for shareholder approval. The law further requires that a compensation committee comprised solely of outside directors administer these plans. Because the primary objective of these proposals is to preserve the deductibility of such compensation, we generally favor approval in order to preserve net income.
Supplemental executive retirement plans
BlackRock may support shareholder proposals requesting to put extraordinary benefits contained in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (“SERP”) agreements to a shareholder vote unless the company’s executive pension plans do not contain excessive benefits beyond what is offered under employee-wide plans.
Environmental and social issues
Our fiduciary duty to clients is to protect and enhance their economic interest in the companies in which we invest on their behalf. It is within this context that we undertake our corporate governance activities. We believe that well-managed companies will deal effectively with the material environmental and social (“E&S”) factors relevant to their businesses. Robust disclosure is essential for investors to effectively gauge companies’ business practices and planning related to E&S risks and opportunities.
BlackRock expects companies to issue reports aligned with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the standards put forward by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). We view the SASB and TCFD frameworks as complementary in achieving the goal of disclosing more financially material information, particularly as it relates to industry-specific metrics and target setting. TCFD’s recommendations provide an overarching framework for disclosure on the business implications of climate change, and potentially other E&S factors. We find SASB’s industry-specific guidance (as identified in its materiality map) beneficial in helping companies identify and discuss their governance, risk assessments, and performance against these key performance indicators (KPIs). Any global standards adopted, peer group benchmarking undertaken, and verification process in place should also be disclosed and discussed in this context.
BlackRock has been engaging with companies for several years on disclosure of material E&S factors. Given the increased understanding of sustainability risks and opportunities, and the need for better information to assess them, we specifically ask companies to::
1) Publish disclosures in line with industry specific SASB guidelines by year-end, if they have not already done so, or disclose a similar set of data in a way that is relevant to their particular business; and
2) Disclose climate-related risks in line with the TCFD’s recommendations, if they have not already done so. This should include the company’s plan for operating under a scenario where the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to less than two degrees is fully realized, as expressed by the TCFD guidelines.
See our commentary on our approach to engagement on TCFD and SASB aligned reporting for greater detail of our expectations.
We will use these disclosures and our engagements to ascertain whether companies are properly managing and overseeing these risks within their business and adequately planning for the future. In the absence of robust disclosures, investors, including BlackRock, will increasingly conclude that companies are not adequately managing risk.
We believe that when a company is not effectively addressing a material issue, its directors should be held accountable. We will generally engage directly with the board or management of a company when we identify issues. We may vote against the election of directors where we have concerns that a company might not be dealing with E&S factors appropriately. Sometimes we may reflect such concerns by supporting a shareholder proposal on the issue, where there seems to be either a significant potential threat or realized harm to shareholders’ interests caused by poor management of material E&S factors. In deciding our course of action, we will assess the nature of our engagement with the company on the issue over time, including whether:
The company has already taken sufficient steps to address the concern
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The company is in the process of actively implementing a response
There is a clear and material economic disadvantage to the company in the near-term if the issue is not addressed in the manner requested by the shareholder proposal
We do not see it as our role to make social, ethical, or political judgments on behalf of clients, but rather, to protect their long-term economic interests as shareholders. We expect investee companies to comply, at a minimum, with the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which they operate. They should explain how they manage situations where such laws or regulations are contradictory or ambiguous.
Climate risk
Within the framework laid out above, as well as our guidance on “How BlackRock Investment Stewardship engages on climate risk,” we believe that climate presents significant investment risks and opportunities that may impact the long-term financial sustainability of companies. We believe that the reporting frameworks developed by TCFD and SASB provide useful guidance to companies on identifying, managing, and reporting on climate-related risks and opportunities.
We expect companies to help their investors understand how the company may be impacted by climate risk, in the context of its ability to realize a long-term strategy and generate value over time. We expect companies to convey their governance around this issue through their corporate disclosures aligned with TCFD and SASB. For companies in sectors that are significantly exposed to climate-related risk, we expect the whole board to have demonstrable fluency in how climate risk affects the business and how management approaches assessing, adapting to, and mitigating that risk.
Where a company receives a shareholder proposal related to climate risk, in addition to the factors laid out above, our assessment will take into account the robustness of the company’s existing disclosures as well as our understanding of its management of the issues as revealed through our engagements with the company and board members over time. In certain instances, we may disagree with the details of a climate-related shareholder proposal but agree that the company in question has not made sufficient progress on climate-related disclosures. In these instances, we may not support the proposal, but may vote against the election of relevant directors.
Corporate political activities
Companies may engage in certain political activities, within legal and regulatory limits, in order to influence public policy consistent with the companies’ values and strategies, and thus serve shareholders’ best long-term economic interests. These activities can create risks, including: the potential for allegations of corruption; the potential for reputational issues associated with a candidate, party, or issue; and risks that arise from the complex legal, regulatory, and compliance considerations associated with corporate political activity. We believe that companies which choose to engage in political activities should develop and maintain robust processes to guide these activities and to mitigate risks, including a level of board oversight.
When presented with shareholder proposals requesting increased disclosure on corporate political activities, we may consider the political activities of that company and its peers, the existing level of disclosure, and our view regarding the associated risks. We generally believe that it is the duty of boards and management to determine the appropriate level of disclosure of all types of corporate activity, and we are generally not supportive of proposals that are overly prescriptive in nature. We may decide to support a shareholder proposal requesting additional reporting of corporate political activities where there seems to be either a significant potential threat or actual harm to shareholders’ interests, and where we believe the company has not already provided shareholders with sufficient information to assess the company’s management of the risk.
Finally, we believe that it is not the role of shareholders to suggest or approve corporate political activities; therefore we generally do not support proposals requesting a shareholder vote on political activities or expenditures.
General corporate governance matters
Adjourn meeting to solicit additional votes
We generally support such proposals unless the agenda contains items that we judge to be detrimental to shareholders’ best long-term economic interests.
Bundled proposals
We believe that shareholders should have the opportunity to review substantial governance changes individually without having to accept bundled proposals. Where several measures are grouped into one proposal, BlackRock may reject certain positive changes when linked with proposals that generally contradict or impede the rights and economic interests of shareholders.
Exclusive forum provisions
BlackRock generally supports proposals to seek exclusive forum for certain shareholder litigation. In cases where a board unilaterally adopts exclusive forum provisions that we consider unfavorable to the interests of shareholders, we will vote against the independent chair or lead independent director and members of the governance committee.
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Multi-jurisdictional companies
Where a company is listed on multiple exchanges or incorporated in a country different from its primary listing, we will seek to apply the most relevant market guideline(s) to our analysis of the company’s governance structure and specific proposals on the shareholder meeting agenda. In doing so, we typically consider the governance standards of the company’s primary listing, the market standards by which the company governs itself, and the market context of each specific proposal on the agenda. If the relevant standards are silent on the issue under consideration, we will use our professional judgment as to what voting outcome would best protect the long-term economic interests of investors. We expect that companies will disclose the rationale for their selection of primary listing, country of incorporation, and choice of governance structures, in particular where there is conflict between relevant market governance practices.
Other business
We oppose giving companies our proxy to vote on matters where we are not given the opportunity to review and understand those measures and carry out an appropriate level of shareholder oversight.
Reincorporation
Proposals to reincorporate from one state or country to another are most frequently motivated by considerations of anti-takeover protections, legal advantages, and / or cost savings. We will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, the economic and strategic rationale behind the company’s proposal to reincorporate. In all instances, we will evaluate the changes to shareholder protection under the new charter / articles / bylaws to assess whether the move increases or decreases shareholder protections. Where we find that shareholder protections are diminished, we may support reincorporation if we determine that the overall benefits outweigh the diminished rights.
IPO governance
We expect boards to consider and disclose how the corporate governance structures adopted upon initial public offering (“IPO”) are in shareholders’ best long-term interests. We also expect boards to conduct a regular review of corporate governance and control structures, such that boards might evolve foundational corporate governance structures as company circumstances change, without undue costs and disruption to shareholders. In our letter on unequal voting structures, we articulate our view that “one vote for one share” is the preferred structure for publicly-traded companies. We also recognize the potential benefits of dual class shares to newly public companies as they establish themselves; however, we believe that these structures should have a specific and limited duration. We will generally engage new companies on topics such as classified boards and supermajority vote provisions to amend bylaws, as we believe that such arrangements may not be in the best interest of shareholders in the long-term.
We will typically apply a one-year grace period for the application of certain director-related guidelines (including, but not limited to, director independence and over-boarding considerations), during which we expect boards to take steps to bring corporate governance standards in line with our expectations.
Further, if a company qualifies as an emerging growth company (an “EGC”) under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), we will give consideration to the NYSE and NASDAQ governance exemptions granted under the JOBS Act for the duration such a company is categorized as an EGC. We expect an EGC to have a totally independent audit committee by the first anniversary of its IPO, with our standard approach to voting on auditors and audit-related issues applicable in full for an EGC on the first anniversary of its IPO.
Shareholder Protections
Amendment to charter/articles/by-laws
We believe that shareholders should have the right to vote on key corporate governance matters, including on changes to governance mechanisms and amendments to the charter / articles / bylaws. We may vote against certain directors where changes to governing documents are not put to a shareholder vote within a reasonable period of time, in particular if those changes have the potential to impact shareholder rights (see “Director elections” herein). In cases where a board’s unilateral adoption of changes to the charter / articles / bylaws promotes cost and operational efficiency benefits for the company and its shareholders, we may support such action if it does not have a negative effect on shareholder rights or the company’s corporate governance structure.
When voting on a management or shareholder proposal to make changes to the charter / articles / bylaws, we will consider in part the company’s and / or proponent’s publicly stated rationale for the changes, the company’s governance profile and history, relevant jurisdictional laws, and situational or contextual circumstances which may have motivated the proposed changes, among other factors. We will typically support changes to the charter / articles / bylaws where the benefits to shareholders, including the costs of failing to make those changes, demonstrably outweigh the costs or risks of making such changes.
Proxy access
We believe that long-term shareholders should have the opportunity, when necessary and under reasonable conditions, to nominate directors on the company’s proxy card.
In our view, securing the right of shareholders to nominate directors without engaging in a control contest can enhance shareholders’ ability to meaningfully participate in the director election process, stimulate board attention to shareholder interests, and provide shareholders an
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effective means of directing that attention where it is lacking. Proxy access mechanisms should provide shareholders with a reasonable opportunity to use this right without stipulating overly restrictive or onerous parameters for use, and also provide assurances that the mechanism will not be subject to abuse by short-term investors, investors without a substantial investment in the company, or investors seeking to take control of the board.
In general, we support market-standardized proxy access proposals, which allow a shareholder (or group of up to 20 shareholders) holding three percent of a company’s outstanding shares for at least three years the right to nominate the greater of up to two directors or 20% of the board. Where a standardized proxy access provision exists, we will generally oppose shareholder proposals requesting outlier thresholds..
Right to act by written consent
In exceptional circumstances and with sufficiently broad support, shareholders should have the opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting. We therefore believe that shareholders should have the right to solicit votes by written consent provided that: 1) there are reasonable requirements to initiate the consent solicitation process (in order to avoid the waste of corporate resources in addressing narrowly supported interests); and 2) shareholders receive a minimum of 50% of outstanding shares to effectuate the action by written consent. We may oppose shareholder proposals requesting the right to act by written consent in cases where the proposal is structured for the benefit of a dominant shareholder to the exclusion of others, or if the proposal is written to discourage the board from incorporating appropriate mechanisms to avoid the waste of corporate resources when establishing a right to act by written consent. Additionally, we may oppose shareholder proposals requesting the right to act by written consent if the company already provides a shareholder right to call a special meeting that we believe offers shareholders a reasonable opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting.
Right to call a special meeting
In exceptional circumstances and with sufficiently broad support, shareholders should have the opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting. We therefore believe that shareholders should have the right to call a special meeting in cases where a reasonably high proportion of shareholders (typically a minimum of 15% but no higher than 25%) are required to agree to such a meeting before it is called, in order to avoid the waste of corporate resources in addressing narrowly supported interests. However, we may oppose this right in cases where the proposal is structured for the benefit of a dominant shareholder to the exclusion of others. We generally believe that a right to act via written consent is not a sufficient alternative to the right to call a special meeting.
Simple majority voting
We generally favor a simple majority voting requirement to pass proposals. Therefore, we will support the reduction or the elimination of supermajority voting requirements to the extent that we determine shareholders’ ability to protect their economic interests is improved. Nonetheless, in situations where there is a substantial or dominant shareholder, supermajority voting may be protective of public shareholder interests and we may support supermajority requirements in those situations.
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J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines
Part I: JPMorgan Asset Management Global
Proxy Voting Procedures
A. Objective
As an investment adviser within JPMorgan Asset Management, each of the entities listed on Exhibit A attached hereto (each referred to individually as a “JPMAM Entity” and collectively as “JPMAM”) may be granted by its clients the authority to vote the proxies of the securities held in client portfolios. In such cases, JPMAM's objective is to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients. To further that objective, JPMAM adopted these Procedures.1
These Procedures incorporate detailed guidelines for voting proxies on specific types of issues (the “Guidelines”). The Guidelines have been developed and approved by the relevant Proxy Committee (as defined below) with the objective of encouraging corporate action that enhances shareholder value. Because proxy proposals and individual company facts and circumstances may vary, JPMAM may not always vote proxies in accordance with the Guidelines.
B. Proxy Committee
To oversee the proxy-voting process on an ongoing basis, a Proxy Committee has been established for each global location where proxy-voting decisions are made. Each Proxy Committee is composed of a Proxy Administrator (as defined below) and senior officers from among the Investment, Legal, Compliance and Risk Management Departments. The primary functions of each Proxy Committee are to periodically review general proxy-voting matters; to determine the independence of any third-party vendor which it has delegated proxy voting responsibilities and to conclude that there are no conflicts of interest that would prevent such vendor from providing such proxy voting services prior to delegating proxy responsibilities; review and approve the Guidelines annually; and provide advice and recommendations on general proxy-voting matters as well as on specific voting issues to be implemented by the relevant JPMAM Entity. The Proxy Committee may delegate certain of its responsibilities to subgroups composed of 13 Proxy Committee members. The Proxy Committee meets at least semi-annually, or more frequently as circumstances dictate.
C. The Proxy Voting Process
JPMAM investment professionals monitor the corporate actions of the companies held in their clients’ portfolios. To assist JPMAM investment professionals with public companies’ proxy voting proposals, a JPMAM Entity may, but shall not be obligated to, retain the services of an independent proxy voting service (“Independent Voting Service”). The Independent Voting Service is assigned responsibility for various functions, which may include one or more of the following: coordinating with client custodians to ensure that all proxy materials are processed in a timely fashion; providing JPMAM with a comprehensive analysis of each proxy proposal and providing JPMAM with recommendations on how to vote each proxy proposal based on the Guidelines or, where no Guideline exists or where the Guidelines require a case-by-case analysis, on the Independent Voting Service’s analysis; and executing the voting of the proxies in accordance with Guidelines and its recommendation, except when a recommendation is overridden by JPMAM, as described below. If those functions are not assigned to an Independent Voting Service, they are performed or coordinated by a Proxy Administrator (as defined below). The Proxy Voting Committee has adopted procedures to identify significant proxies and to recall shares on loan.2
Situations often arise in which more than one JPMAM client invests in the same company or in which a single client may invest in the same company but in multiple accounts. In those situations, two or more clients, or one client with different accounts, may be invested in strategies having different investment objectives, investment styles, or portfolio managers. As a result, JPMAM may cast different votes on behalf of different clients or on behalf of the same client with different accounts.
Each JPMAM Entity appoints a JPMAM professional to act as a proxy administrator (“Proxy Administrator”) for each global location of such entity where proxy-voting decisions are made. The Proxy Administrators are charged with oversight of these Procedures and the entire proxy-voting process. Their duties, in the event an Independent Voting Service is retained, include the following: evaluating the quality of services provided by the Independent Voting Service; escalating proposals identified by the Independent Voting Service as non-routine, but for which a Guideline exists (including, but not limited to, compensation plans, anti-takeover proposals, reincorporation, mergers, acquisitions and proxy-voting contests) to the attention of the appropriate investment professionals and confirming the Independent Voting Service’s recommendation with the appropriate JPMAM investment professional (documentation of those confirmations will be retained by the appropriate Proxy Administrator); escalating proposals identified by the Independent Voting Service as not being covered by the Guidelines (including proposals requiring a case-by-case determination under the Guidelines) to the appropriate investment professional and obtaining a recommendation with respect thereto; reviewing recommendations of JPMAM investment professionals with respect to proposals not covered by the Guidelines (including proposals requiring a case-by-case determination under the Guidelines) or to override the

1 Proxies for the JPMorgan Value Opportunities Fund are voted in accordance with the Fund’s proxy voting policies and not the policies of JPMAM. The Undiscovered Managers Behavioral Growth Fund, and Undiscovered Managers Behavioral Value Fund, the JPMorgan Access Growth Fund and the JPMorgan Access Balanced Fund vote proxies in accordance with the voting policies of their subadvisers other than J.P. Morgan Private Investments, Inc. and not the policies of JPMAM.

2The Proxy Voting Committee may determine: (a) not to recall securities on loan if, in its judgment, the negative consequences to clients of recalling the loaned securities would outweigh the benefits of voting in the particular instance or (b) not to vote certain foreign securities positions if, in its judgment, the expense and administrative inconvenience or other burdens outweigh the benefits to clients of voting the securities.
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Guidelines (collectively, “Overrides”); referring investment considerations regarding Overrides to the Proxy Committee, if necessary; determining, in the case of Overrides, whether a material conflict, as described below, exists; escalating material conflicts to the Proxy Committee; and maintaining the records required by these Procedures.
In the event investment professionals are charged with recommending how to vote the proxies, the Proxy Administrator’s duties include the following: reviewing recommendations of investment professionals with respect to Overrides; referring investment considerations regarding such Overrides to the Proxy Committee, if necessary; determining, in the case of such Overrides, whether a material conflict, as described below, exists; escalating material conflicts to the Proxy Committee; and maintaining the records required by these Procedures.
In the event a JPMAM investment professional makes a recommendation in connection with an Override, the investment professional must provide the appropriate Proxy Administrator with a written certification (“Certification”) which shall contain an analysis supporting his or her recommendation and a certification that he or she (A) received no communication in regard to the proxy that would violate either the J.P. Morgan Chase (“JPMC”) Safeguard Policy (as defined below) or written policy on information barriers, or received any communication in connection with the proxy solicitation or otherwise that would suggest the existence of an actual or potential conflict between JPMAM’S interests and that of its clients and (B) was not aware of any personal or other relationship that could present an actual or potential conflict of interest with the clients’ interests.
D. Material Conflicts of Interest
The U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940 requires that the proxy-voting procedures adopted and implemented by a U.S. investment adviser include procedures that address material conflicts of interest that may arise between the investment adviser’s interests and those of its clients. To address such material potential conflicts of interest, JPMAM relies on certain policies and procedures. In order to maintain the integrity and independence of JPMAM’s investment processes and decisions, including proxy-voting decisions, and to protect JPMAM’s decisions from influences that could lead to a vote other than in its clients’ best interests, JPMC (including JPMAM) adopted a Safeguard Policy, and established formal informational barriers designed to restrict the flow of information from JPMC's securities, lending, investment banking and other divisions to JPMAM investment professionals. The information barriers include, where appropriate: computer firewalls; the establishment of separate legal entities; and the physical separation of employees from separate business divisions. Material conflicts of interest are further avoided by voting in accordance with JPMAM’s predetermined Guidelines. When an Override occurs, any potential material conflict of interest that may exist is analyzed in the process outlined in these Procedures.
Examples of such material conflicts of interest that could arise include circumstances in which: (i) management of a JPMAM investment management client or prospective client, distributor or prospective distributor of its investment management products, or critical vendor, is soliciting proxies and failure to vote in favor of management may harm JPMAM's relationship with such company and materially impact JPMAM's business; or (ii) a personal relationship between a JPMAM officer and management of a company or other proponent of a proxy proposal could impact JPMAM’s voting decision.
A conflict is deemed to exist when the proxy is for JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock or for J.P. Morgan Funds, or when the proxy administrator has actual knowledge indicating that a JPMorgan affiliate is an investment banker or rendered a fairness opinion with respect to the matter that is the subject of the proxy vote. When such conflicts are identified, the proxy will be voted by an independent third party either in accordance with JPMorgan proxy voting guidelines or by the third party using its own guidelines provided, however, that JPMAM investment professional(s) may request an exception to this process to vote against a proposal rather than referring it to an independent third party (“Exception Request”) where the proxy administrator has actual knowledge indicating that a JPMorgan affiliate is an investment banker or rendered a fairness opinion with respect to the matter that is the subject of a proxy vote. The Proxy Committee shall review the Exception Request and shall determine whether JPMAM should vote against the proposal or whether such proxy should still be referred to an independent third party due to the potential for additional conflicts or otherwise.
E. Escalation of Material Conflicts of Interest
When an Override occurs, the investment professional must complete the Certification and the Proxy Administrator will review the circumstances surrounding such Certification. When a potential material conflict of interest has been identified, the Proxy Administrator, in consultation with a subgroup of the Proxy Committee, will evaluate the potential conflict and determine whether an actual material conflict of interest exists. That subgroup shall include a Proxy Committee member from the Investment Department and one or more Proxy Committee members from the Legal, Compliance or Risk Management Departments. In the event that the Proxy Administrator and the subgroup of the Proxy Committee determine that an actual material conflict of interest exists, they shall make a recommendation on how the relevant JPMAM Entity shall vote the proxy. Sales and marketing professionals will be precluded from participating in the decision-making process.
Depending upon the nature of the material conflict of interest, JPMAM, in the course of addressing the material conflict, may elect to take one or more of the following measures, or other appropriate action:
removing certain JPMAM personnel from the proxy voting process;
“walling off” personnel with knowledge of the material conflict to ensure that such personnel do not influence the relevant proxy vote;
voting in accordance with the applicable Guidelines, if any, if the application of the Guidelines would objectively result in the casting of a proxy vote in a predetermined manner; or
deferring the vote to the Independent Voting Service, if any, which will vote in accordance with its own recommendation.
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The resolution of all potential and actual material conflict issues will be documented in order to demonstrate that JPMAM acted in the best interests of its clients.
F. Recordkeeping
JPMAM is required to maintain in an easily accessible place for seven (7) years all records relating to the proxy voting process. Those records include the following:
a copy of the JPMAM Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines;
a copy of each proxy statement received on behalf of JPMAM clients;
a record of each vote cast on behalf of JPMAM client holdings;
a copy of all documents created by JPMAM personnel that were material to making a decision on the voting of client securities or that memorialize the basis of the decision;
a copy of the documentation of all dialogue with issuers and JPMAM personnel created by JPMAM personnel prior to the voting of client securities; and
a copy of each written request by a client for information on how JPMAM voted proxies on behalf of the client, as well as a copy of any written response by JPMAM to any request by a JPMAM client for information on how JPMAM voted proxies on behalf of our client.
It should be noted that JPMAM reserves the right to use the services of the Independent Voting Service to maintain certain required records in accordance with all applicable regulations.
Exhibit A
JPMorgan Chase Bank , NA
J.P. Morgan Asset Management (UK) Limited
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
JF Asset Management Limited
JF Asset Management (Singapore) Limited
JF International Management Inc.
J.P. Morgan Private Investments, Inc.
Security Capital Research & Management Incorporated
Bear Stearns Asset Management
Part II: Proxy Voting Guidelines
JPMAM is a global asset management organization with the capabilities to invest in securities of issuers located around the globe. Because the regulatory framework and the business cultures and practices vary from region to region, our proxy voting guidelines have been customized for each region to take into account such variations.
JPMAM currently has four sets of proxy voting guidelines covering the regions of (1) North America, (2) Europe, Middle East, Africa, Central America and South America (3) Asia (ex-Japan) and (4) Japan, respectively. Notwithstanding the variations among the guidelines, all of these guidelines have been designed with the uniform objective of encouraging corporate action that enhances shareholder value. As a general rule, in voting proxies of a particular security, each JPMAM Entity will apply the guidelines of the region in which the issuer of such security is organized.
In March 2007, JPMAM signed the Principles for Responsible Investment, an initiative of the UN Secretary-General.
Part II.A: North America Proxy Voting
1a. Uncontested Director Elections
Votes on director nominees should be made on a case-by-case (for) basis. Votes generally will be WITHHELD from directors who:
1) attend less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse for the absences;
2) adopt or renew a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of an newly public company, do not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold recommendation for this issue.
3) are inside or affiliated outside directors and sit on the audit, compensation, or nominating committees. For purposes of defining affiliation we will apply either the NYSE listing rule for companies listed on that exchange or the NASDAQ listing rule for all other companies.
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4) ignore a shareholder proposal that is approved by a i) majority of the shares outstanding, or ii) majority of the votes cast. The review period will be the vote results over a consecutive two year time frame.
5) are inside or affiliated outside directors and the full board serves as the audit, compensation, or nominating committee or the company does not have one of these committees
6) are insiders and affiliated outsiders on boards that are not at least majority independent. In the case of a controlled company, vote case-by case on the directors.
7) are CEOs of publicly-traded companies who serve on more than two public boards (besides his or her own board) and all other directors who serve on more than four public company boards.
8) are compensation committee members where there is a pay-for performance disconnect for Russell 3000 companies. (See 9a – Stock- Based Incentive Plans, last paragraph). WITHHOLD votes from compensation committee members if the company does not submit one-time transferable stock options to shareholders for approval.
9) are audit committee members in circumstances in which there is evidence (such as audit reports or reports mandated under the Sarbanes Oxley Act) that there exists material weaknesses in the company’s internal controls.
10) are compensation committee members who were present at the time of the grant of backdated options or options the pricing or the timing of which we believe may have been manipulated to provide additional benefits to executives.
11) demonstrated history of poor performance or inadequate risk oversight.
12) and/or committee members when the board adopts changes to the company’s by-laws or charter without shareholder approval if the changes materially diminish shareholder rights.
13) chair the board, are lead independent directors, or chair governance committees of publicly traded companies where employees have departed for significant violation of code of conduct without claw back of compensation.
14) for newly public companies, vote case-by-case on directors as we believe the company should have the appropriate time frame to mature and better its governance structure
We recognize the importance of shareholder access to the ballot process as a means to ensure that boards do not become self-perpetuating and self-serving. However, we are also aware that some proposals may promote certain interest groups and could be disruptive to the nomination process.
1b. CEO Votes
Except as otherwise described above, we generally do not vote against a sitting CEO in recognition of the impact the vote may have on the management of the company.
1c. Proxy Access
Generally vote for shareholder proposals requesting companies to amend their by-laws in order to facilitate shareholders’ ability to nominate candidates for directors as long as the minimum threshold of share ownership is 3% (defined as either a single shareholder or group of shareholders) and the minimum holding period of share ownership is 3 years. Generally, we will oppose proposals which restrict share ownership thresholds to a single shareholder.
We recognize the importance of shareholder access to the ballot process as one means to ensure that boards do not become self-perpetuating and self-serving. We generally support the board when they have adopted proxy access at a 3% / 3 year threshold either through a majority supported shareholder ballot or by adopting the bylaw on its own initiative. However, we are also aware that some proposals may promote certain interest groups to the detriment of shareholders generally and could be disruptive to the nomination process. Hence, we will generally vote against shareholder proposals which seek to amend an existing proxy access by law unless the terms of the proxy access right is unduly restrictive to shareholders.
2. Proxy Contests
2a. Election of Directors
Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: long-term financial performance of the subject company relative to its industry; management’s track record; background to the proxy contest; qualifications of director nominees (both slates); evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met; and stock ownership positions.
2b. Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses
Decisions to provide full reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest should be made on a case by-case basis.
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3. Ratification of Auditors
Vote for proposals to ratify auditors, unless an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position.
Generally vote against auditor ratification and withhold votes from Audit Committee members if non-audit fees exceed audit fees.
Vote case-by-case on auditor Rotation Proposals: tenure of Audit Firm; establishment and disclosure of a renewal process whereby the auditor is regularly evaluated for both audit quality and competitive price; length of the rotation period advocated in the proposal; significant audit related issues; and number of annual Audit Committee meetings held and the number of financial experts that serve on the Audit Committee.
Generally vote against auditor indemnification and limitation of liability; however we recognize there may be situations where indemnification and limitations on liability may be appropriate.
4. Proxy Contest Defenses
4a. Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections
Proposals regarding classified boards will be voted on a case-by-case basis. Classified boards normally will be supported if the company’s governing documents contain each of the following provisions:
1) Majority of board composed of independent directors,
2) Nominating committee composed solely of independent directors,
3) Do not require more than a two-thirds shareholders’ vote to remove a director, revise any bylaw or revise any classified board provision,
4) Confidential voting (however, there may be a provision for suspending confidential voting during proxy contests),
5) Ability of shareholders to call special meeting or to act by written consent with 90 days’ notice,
6) Absence of superior voting rights for one or more classes of stock,
7) Board does not have the sole right to change the size of the board beyond a stated range that has been approved by shareholders, and
8) Absence of shareholder rights plan that can only be removed by the incumbent directors (dead-hand poison pill).
4b. Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors
Vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.
Vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.
Vote against proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.
Vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.
4c. Cumulative Voting
Cumulative voting proposals will be voted on a case-by-case basis. If there are other safeguards to ensure that shareholders have reasonable access and input into the process of nominating and electing directors, cumulative voting is not essential. Generally, a company’s governing documents must contain the following provisions for us to vote against restoring or providing for cumulative voting:
1) Annually elected board,
2) Majority of board composed of independent directors,
3) Nominating committee composed solely of independent directors,
4) Confidential voting (however, there may be a provision for suspending confidential voting during proxy contests),
5) Ability of shareholders to call special meeting or to act by written consent with 90 days’ notice,
6) Absence of superior voting rights for one or more classes of stock,
7) Board does not have the sole right to change the size of the board beyond a stated range that has been approved by shareholders, and
8) Absence of shareholder rights plan that can only be removed by the incumbent directors (dead-hand poison pill).
4d. Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meeting
Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings so long as the ability to call special meetings requires the affirmative vote of less than 15% of the shares outstanding. The ability to call special meetings enables shareholders to remove directors or initiate a shareholder resolution without having to wait for the next scheduled meeting, should require more than a de minimus number of shares to call the meeting and subject the company to the expense of a shareholder meeting.
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Vote for proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.
4e. Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
We generally vote for proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent. The requirement that all shareholders be given notice of a shareholders’ meeting and matters to be discussed therein seems to provide a reasonable protection of minority shareholder rights.
We generally vote against proposals to allow or facilitate shareholder action by written consent.
4f. Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board
Vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.
Vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.
5. Tender Offer Defenses
5a. Poison Pills
Vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.
Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill. Studies indicate that companies with a rights plan secure higher premiums in hostile takeover situations.
Review on a case-by-case basis management proposals to ratify a poison pill. We generally look for shareholder friendly features including a two- to three-year sunset provision, a permitted bid provision, a 20 percent or higher flip-in provision, and the absence of dead-hand features.
If the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after an offer is announced, ten percent of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill.
5b. Fair Price Provisions
Vote proposals to adopt fair price provisions on a case-by-case basis, evaluating factors such as the vote required to approve the proposed acquisition, the vote required to repeal the fair price provision, and the mechanism for determining the fair price.
Generally, vote against fair price provisions with shareholder vote requirements greater than a majority of disinterested shares.
5c. Greenmail
Vote for proposals to adopt antigreenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.
5d. Unequal Voting Rights
Generally, vote against dual-class recapitalizations as they offer an effective way for a firm to thwart hostile takeovers by concentrating voting power in the hands of management or other insiders.
Vote for dual-class recapitalizations when the structure is designed to protect economic interests of investors.
5e. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend Charter or Bylaws
Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments. Supermajority provisions violate the principle that a simple majority of voting shares should be all that is necessary to effect change regarding a company.
Vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments.
5f. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers
Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations. Supermajority provisions violate the principle that a simple majority of voting shares should be all that is necessary to effect change regarding a company.
Vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.
6. Miscellaneous Board Provisions
6a. Separate Chairman and CEO Positions
We will generally vote for proposals looking to separate the CEO and Chairman roles unless the company has governance structures in place that can satisfactorily counterbalance a combined chairman and CEO/president post. Such a structure should include most or all of the following:
Designated lead director, appointed from the ranks of the independent board members with clearly delineated duties. At a minimum these should include:
(1) Presides at all meetings of the board at which the chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors,
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(2) Serves as liaison between the chairman and the independent directors,
(3) Approves information sent to the board,
(4) Approves meeting agendas for the board,
(5) Approves meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items,
(6) Has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors, and
(7) If requested by major shareholders, ensures that he is available for consultation and direct communication;
2/3 of independent board;
All-independent key committees;
Committee chairpersons nominated by the independent directors;
CEO performance is reviewed annually by a committee of outside directors; and
Established governance guidelines.
Additionally, the company should not have underperformed its peers and index on a one-year and three-year basis, unless there has been a change in the Chairman/CEO position within that time. Performance will be measured according to shareholder returns against index and peers.
6b. Lead Directors and Executive Sessions
In cases where the CEO and Chairman roles are combined, we will vote for the appointment of a “lead” (non-insider) director and for regular “executive” sessions (board meetings taking place without the CEO/Chairman present).
6c. Majority of Independent Directors
We generally vote for proposals that call for the board to be composed of a majority of independent directors. We believe that a majority of independent directors can be an important factor in facilitating objective decision making and enhancing accountability to shareholders.
Vote for shareholder proposals requesting that the board’s audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees include independent directors exclusively.
Generally vote for shareholder proposals asking for a 2/3 independent board.
6d. Stock Ownership Requirements
Vote for shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board, so long as such minimum amount is not excessive or unreasonable. We support full disclosure of the policies of the company regarding pledging and/or hedging of company stocks by executives and board directors. We will vote FOR shareholder proposals which ask for disclosure of this policy. We will vote Case by Case for directors if it is determined that hedging and /or pledging of securities has occurred.
6e. Hedging / Pledging of Securities
We support full disclosure of the policies of the company regarding pledging and/or hedging of company stocks by executives and board directors. We will vote FOR shareholder proposals which ask for disclosure of this policy. We will vote Case by Case for directors if it is determined that hedging and /or pledging of securities has occurred.
6f. Term of Office
Vote against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors. Term limits pose artificial and arbitrary impositions on the board and could harm shareholder interests by forcing experienced and knowledgeable directors off the board.
6g. Board Composition
We support board refreshment, independence, and a diverse skillset for directors. We believe that board composition should contribute to overall corporate strategies and risk management and will evaluate the board’s skills, expertise, and qualifications. As a matter of principle, we expect our investee companies to be committed to diversity and inclusiveness in their general recruitment policies as we believe such diversity contributes to the effectiveness of boards. We will utilize our voting power to bring about change where Boards are lagging in gender and ethnic diversity. We generally will vote case-by-case on shareholder proposals which seek to force the board to add specific expertise or to change the composition of the board.
6h. Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection
Proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Vote against proposals to limit or eliminate director and officer liability for monetary damages for violating the relevant duty of care.
Vote against indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligations than mere carelessness.
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Vote for proposals that provide such expanded coverage in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful only if: (1) the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the company’s best interests, and (2) the director’s legal expenses would be covered.
6i. Board Size
Vote for proposals to limit the size of the board to 15 members.
6j. Majority Vote Standard
We would generally vote for proposals asking for the board to initiate the appropriate process to amend the company’s governance documents (certificate of incorporation or bylaws) to provide that director nominees shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the majority of votes cast at an annual meeting of shareholders. We would generally review on a case-by-case basis proposals that address alternative approaches to a majority vote requirement.
7. Miscellaneous Governance Provisions
7a. Independent Nominating Committee
Vote for the creation of an independent nominating committee.
7b. Confidential Voting
Vote for shareholder proposals requesting that companies adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators, and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.
Vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting.
7c. Equal Access
Vote for shareholder proposals that would give significant company shareholders equal access to management’s proxy material in order to evaluate and propose voting recommendations on proxy proposals and director nominees and to nominate their own candidates to the board.
7d. Bundled Proposals
Review on a case-by-case basis bundled or “conditioned” proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances where the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders’ best interests, vote against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, support such proposals.
7e. Charitable Contributions
Vote against shareholder proposals regarding charitable contributions. In the absence of bad faith, self-dealing, or gross negligence, management should determine which contributions are in the best interests of the company.
7f. Date/Location of Meeting
Vote against shareholder proposals to change the date or location of the shareholders’ meeting. No one site will meet the needs of all shareholders.
7g. Include Nonmanagement Employees on Board
Vote against shareholder proposals to include nonmanagement employees on the board. Constituency representation on the board is not supported, rather decisions are based on director qualifications.
7h. Adjourn Meeting if Votes are Insufficient
Vote for proposals to adjourn the meeting when votes are insufficient. Management has additional opportunities to present shareholders with information about its proposals.
7i. Other Business
Vote for proposals allowing shareholders to bring up “other matters” at shareholder meetings.
7j. Disclosure of Shareholder Proponents
Vote for shareholder proposals requesting that companies disclose the names of shareholder proponents. Shareholders may wish to contact the proponents of a shareholder proposal for additional information.
7k. Exclusive Venue
Generally, vote for management proposals which seek shareholder approval to make the state of incorporation the exclusive forum for disputes, if the company is a Delaware corporation; otherwise, vote on a case-by-case basis on management proposals which seek shareholder approval to make the state of incorporation, or another state, the exclusive forum for disputes.
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8. Capital Structure
8a. Common Stock Authorization
Review proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue on a case-by-case basis.
Vote against proposals to increase the number of authorized shares of a class of stock that has superior voting rights in companies that have dual-class capital structure.
8b. Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends
Vote for management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in an excessive number of shares available for issuance given a company’s industry and performance as measured by total shareholder returns.
8c. Reverse Stock Splits
Vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split that also reduces the number of authorized common shares to a level where the number of shares available for issuance is not excessive given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.
Vote case-by-case on proposals to implement a reverse stock split that does not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized for issue.
8d. Blank Check Preferred Authorization
Vote against proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock).
Vote for proposals to create “blank check” preferred stock in cases when the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover device.
Vote for proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases when the company specifies voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.
Vote case-by-case on proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance as measured by total shareholder returns.
8e. Shareholder Proposals Regarding Blank Check Preferred Stock
Vote for shareholder proposals to have blank check preferred stock placements, other than those shares issued for the purpose of raising capital or making acquisitions in the normal course of business, submitted for shareholder ratification.
8f. Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock
Vote for management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock. The purpose of par value is to establish the maximum responsibility of a shareholder in the event that a company becomes insolvent.
8g. Restructurings/Recapitalizations
Review proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan or if the company is in danger of being delisted on a case-by-case basis. Consider the following issues:
Dilution – How much will ownership interest of existing shareholders be reduced, and how extreme will dilution to any future earnings be?
Change in Control – Will the transaction result in a change in control of the company?
Bankruptcy – Generally, approve proposals that facilitate debt restructurings unless there are clear signs of self-dealing or other abuses.
8h. Share Repurchase Programs
Vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.
8i. Targeted Share Placements
These shareholder proposals ask companies to seek stockholder approval before placing 10% or more of their voting stock with a single investor. The proposals are in reaction to the placement by various companies of a large block of their voting stock in an ESOP, parent capital fund or with a single friendly investor, with the aim of protecting themselves against a hostile tender offer. These proposals are voted on a case by case basis after reviewing the individual situation of the company receiving the proposal.
9. Execute and Director Compensation
9a. Stock-based Incentive Plans
Votes with respect to compensation plans should be determined on a case-by-case basis. The analysis of compensation plans focuses primarily on the transfer of shareholder wealth (the dollar cost of pay plans to shareholders). Other matters included in our analysis are the
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amount of the company's outstanding stock to be reserved for the award of stock options, whether the exercise price of an option is less than the stock's fair market value at the date of the grant of the options, and whether the plan provides for the exchange of outstanding options for new ones at lower exercise prices.
In addition, we will assess the structure of the equity plan taking into consideration certain plan features as well as grant practices. This will include whether dividends are paid or accrued to the unvested equity awards. Once the cost of the plan is estimated and other features are taken into consideration, the plan will be reviewed to determine if it is in the best interest of the shareholders. Problematic pay practices will have a bearing on whether we support the plan. We will consider the pay practices of other companies in the relevant industry and peer companies in this analysis.
Review case-by-case stock based plans for companies which rely heavily upon stock for incentive compensation, taking into consideration the factors mentioned above. These companies include high growth and financial services companies where the plan cost as measured by shareholder value transfer (SVT) appears to be high.
9a. Stock-based Incentive Plans
For companies in the Russell 3000 we will generally vote against a plan and/or withhold from members of the compensation committee, when there is a disconnect between the CEO’s pay and performance (an increase in pay and a decrease in performance), the main source for the pay increase is equity-based, and the CEO participates in the plan being voted on. Specifically, if the company has negative one- and three-year total shareholder returns, and its CEO also had an increase in total direct compensation from the prior year, it would signify a disconnect in pay and performance. If more than half of the increase in total direct compensation is attributable to the equity component, we would generally recommend against the equity plan in which the CEO participates.
9b. Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans
Vote for cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from limits on deductibility under the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code.
9c. Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay
Generally, vote for shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information.
Review on a case-by-case basis all other shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director pay.
Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals for performance pay such as indexed or premium priced options if a company has a history of oversized awards and one-, two- and three-year returns below its peer group.
9d. Say on Pay – Advisory Vote
Generally, review on a case-by-case basis executive pay and practices as well as certain aspects of outside director compensation.
Where the company’s Say on Pay proposal received 60% or less support on its previous Say on Pay proposal, WITHHOLD votes for the compensation committee and or vote against the current Say on Pay proposal unless the company has demonstrated active engagement with shareholders to address the issue as well as the specific actions taken to address the low level of support. Where executive compensation seems excessive relative to peers and is not supported by long term performance, or where we believe performance metrics and targets used to determine executive compensation are not aligned with long term shareholder value, WITHHOLD from select members of the compensation committee.
In the case of externally-managed REITs, generally vote against the advisory vote as there is a lack of transparency in both compensation structure and payout.
Say on Pay – Frequency
JPMAM will review compensation versus long/term performance on an annual basis.
9e. Golden and Tin Parachutes
Review on a case-by-case basis all proposals to ratify or cancel golden or tin parachutes. Favor golden parachutes that limit payouts to two times base salary, plus guaranteed retirement and other benefits.
Change-in-control payments should only be made when there is a significant change in company ownership structure, and when there is a loss of employment or substantial change in job duties associated with the change in company ownership structure (“double-triggered”). Change-in-control provisions should exclude excise tax gross-up and eliminate the acceleration of vesting of equity awards upon a change in control unless provided under a double-trigger scenario.
Generally vote case-by-case for proposals calling companies to adopt a policy of obtaining shareholder approval for any future agreements and corporate policies that could oblige the company to make payments or awards following the death of a senior executive in the form of unearned salary or bonuses, accelerated vesting or the continuation in force of unvested equity grants, perquisites and other payments or awards made in lieu of compensation. This would not apply to any benefit programs or equity plan proposals for which the broad-based employee population is eligible.
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9f. 401(k) Employee Benefit Plans
Vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.
9g. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Vote for qualified employee stock purchase plans with the following features: the purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value; the offering period is 27 months or less; and potential voting power dilution (shares allocated to the plan as a percentage of outstanding shares) is ten percent or less.
Vote for nonqualified employee stock purchase plans with the following features: broad-based participation (i.e., all employees of the company with the exclusion of individuals with five percent or more of beneficial ownership of the company); limits on employee contribution, which may be a fixed dollar amount or expressed as a percentage of base salary; company matching contribution up to 25 percent of the employee’s contribution, which is effectively a discount of 20 percent from market value; and no discount on the stock price on the date of purchase since there is a company matching contribution
9h. Option Expensing
Generally, vote for shareholder proposals to expense fixed-price options.
9i. Option Repricing
In most cases, we take a negative view of option repricings and will, therefore, generally vote against such proposals. We do, however, consider the granting of new options to be an acceptable alternative and will generally support such proposals, provided such options are valued appropriately.
9j. Stock Holding Periods
Generally vote against all proposals requiring executives to hold the stock received upon option exercise for a specific period of time.
9k. Transferable Stock Options
Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to grant transferable stock options or otherwise permit the transfer of outstanding stock options, including cost of proposal and alignment with shareholder interests.
9l. Recoup Bonuses
1) Vote FOR on shareholder proposals to recoup unearned incentive bonuses or other incentive payments made to senior executives if it is later determined that fraud, misconduct, or negligence significantly contributed to a restatement of financial results that led to the awarding of unearned incentive compensation.
2) Vote FOR shareholder proposals to recoup incentive payments if it is determined that the individual engaged in misconduct or poor performance prior to payment of the award or bonus, and that such award or bonus would not have been paid, in whole or in part, had the misconduct or poor performance been known prior to payment.
9m. Two Tiered Compensation
Vote against proposals to adopt a two tiered compensation structure for board directors.
10. Incorporation
10a. Reincoporation Outside of the United States
Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to reincorporate the company outside of the U.S.
10b. Voting on State Takeover Statues
Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freezeout provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, antigreenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).
10c. Voting on Reincorporation Proposals
Proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation should be examined on a case-by-case basis. Review management’s rationale for the proposal, changes to the charter/bylaws, and differences in the state laws governing the companies.
11. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
11a. Mergers and Acquisitions
Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors including the following: anticipated financial and operating benefits; offer price (cost vs. premium); prospects of the combined companies; how the deal was negotiated; and changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights.
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11b. Nonfinancial Effects of a Merger or Acquisition
Some companies have proposed a charter provision which specifies that the board of directors may examine the nonfinancial effect of a merger or acquisition on the company. This provision would allow the board to evaluate the impact a proposed change in control would have on employees, host communities, suppliers and/or others. We generally vote against proposals to adopt such charter provisions. We feel it is the directors' fiduciary duty to base decisions solely on the financial interests of the shareholders.
11c. Corporate Restructuring
Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including minority squeezeouts, leveraged buyouts, “going private” proposals, spin-offs, liquidations, and asset sales, should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
11d. Spin-offs
Votes on spin-offs should be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.
11e. Asset Sales
Votes on asset sales should be made on a case-by-case basis after considering the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of diseconomies.
11f. Liquidations
Votes on liquidations should be made on a case-by-case basis after reviewing management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.
11g. Appraisal Rights
Vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal. Rights of appraisal provide shareholders who are not satisfied with the terms of certain corporate transactions the right to demand a judicial review in order to determine a fair value for their shares.
11h. Changing Corporate Name
Vote for changing the corporate name.
12. Social and Environmental Issues
We believe that a company’s environmental policies may have a long-term impact on the company’s financial performance. We believe that good corporate governance policies should consider the impact of company operations on the environment and the cost of compliance with laws and regulations relating to environmental matters, physical damage to the environment (including the costs of clean-ups and repairs), consumer preferences and capital investments related to climate change. Furthermore, we believe that corporate shareholders have a legitimate need for information to enable them to evaluate the potential risks and opportunities that climate change and other environmental matters pose to the company’s operations, sales and capital investments. We acknowledge that many companies disclose their practices relating to social and environmental issues and that disclosure is improving over time. We generally encourage a level of reporting that is not unduly costly or burdensome and which does not place the company at a competitive disadvantage, but which provides meaningful information to enable shareholders to evaluate the impact of the company’s environmental policies and practices on its financial performance.
With regard to social issues, among other factors, we consider the company’s labor practices, supply chain, how the company supports and monitors those issues, what types of disclosure the company and its peers currently provide, and whether the proposal would result in a competitive disadvantage for the company.
In evaluating how to vote environmental proposals, considerations may include but are not limited to the following—
Issuer Considerations
Asset profile of the company, including whether it is exposed to potentially declining demand for the company’s products or services due to environmental considerations
capital deployment of the company
cost structure of the company, including its position on the cost curve, expected impact of future carbon tax and exposure to high fixed operating costs
corporate behavior of the company, including whether senior management is incentivized for long-term returns
demonstrated capabilities of the company, its strategic planning process, and past performance
current level of disclosure of the company and consistency of disclosure across its industry
whether the company incorporates environmental or social issues in a risk assessment or risk reporting framework
Proposal Considerations
would adoption of the proposal inform and educate shareholders and have companies that adopted proposal provided insightful and meaningful information that would allow shareholders to evaluate the long-term risks and performance of the company
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does the proposal require disclosure that is already addressed by existing and proposed mandated regulatory requirements or formal guidance at the local, state, or national level or the company’s existing disclosure practices
does the proposal create the potential for unintended consequences such as a competitive disadvantage.
In general, we support management disclosure practices that are overall consistent with the goals and objective expressed above. Proposals with respect to companies that have been involved in controversies, fines or litigation are expected to be subject to heightened review and consideration.
Vote against chair of committee responsible for providing oversight of environmental matters and/or risk where we believe the company is lagging peers in terms of disclosure, business practices or targets. Vote against committee members, lead independent director and/or board chair for companies that have lagged over several years.
12a. Military Business
Vote case-by-case on defense issue proposals.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information on military-related operations.
12b. International Labor Organization Code of Conduct
Vote case-by-case on proposals to endorse international labor organization code of conducts.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information on company activities in this area.
12c. Promote Human Rights
Vote case-by-case on proposals to promote human rights.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information on company activities regarding human rights.
12d. Equal Employment Opportunity and Discrimination
Vote case-by-case on proposals regarding equal employment opportunities and discrimination.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information about affirmative action efforts, particularly when it appears that companies have been unresponsive to shareholder requests.
12e. Animal Rights
Vote case-by-case on proposals that deal with animal rights.
12f. Product Integrity and Marketing
Vote case-by-case on proposals that ask companies to end their production of legal, but socially questionable, products.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information regarding product integrity and marketing issues.
Vote case-by-case on resolutions requesting the disclosure and implementation of Internet privacy and censorship policies and procedures.
Vote case-by-case on proposals requesting the company to report on its policies, initiatives/procedures, oversight mechanisms related to toxic materials, including certain product line toxicities, and/or product safety in its supply chain.
12g. Human Resources Issues
Vote case-by-case on proposals regarding human resources issues.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information regarding human resources issues.
12h. Link Executive Pay with Social and/or Environmental Criteria
Vote case-by-case on proposals to link executive pay with the attainment of certain social and/or environmental criteria.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information regarding this issue.
12i. High Risk Markets
Vote case-by-case on requests for the company to review and report on the financial and reputation risks associated with operations in “high risk” markets, such as a terrorism-sponsoring state or otherwise.
12j. Political Contribution
Generally vote against proposals asking the company to affirm political non-partisanship in the workplace.
Vote against proposals to publish the company’s political contributions taking into consideration recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending.
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13. Foreign Proxies
Responsibility for voting non-U.S. proxies rests with our Proxy Voting Committee located in London. The Proxy Committee is composed of senior analysts and portfolio managers and officers of the Legal and Compliance Department. It is chaired by a Managing Director of the Firm. A copy of our policy for voting international proxies can be provided upon request.
14. Pre-Solicitation Contact
From time to time, companies will seek to contact analysts, portfolio managers and others in advance of the formal proxy solicitation to solicit support for certain contemplated proposals. Such contact can potentially result in the recipient receiving material non-public information and result in the imposition of trading restrictions. Accordingly, pre-solicitation contact should occur only under very limited circumstances and only in accordance with the terms set forth herein.
What is material non-public information?
The definition of material non-public information is highly subjective. The general test, however, is whether or not such information would reasonably affect an investor's decision to buy, sell or hold securities, or whether it would be likely to have a significant market impact. Examples of such information include, but are not limited to:
a pending acquisition or sale of a substantial business;
financial results that are better or worse than recent trends would lead one to expect;
major management changes;
an increase or decrease in dividends;
calls or redemptions or other purchases of its securities by the company;
a stock split, dividend or other recapitalization; or
financial projections prepared by the Company or the Company's representatives.
What is pre-solicitation contact?
Pre-solicitation contact is any communication, whether oral or written, formal or informal, with the Company or a representative of the Company regarding proxy proposals prior to publication of the official proxy solicitation materials. This contact can range from simply polling investors as to their reaction to a broad topic, e.g., “How do you feel about dual classes of stock?”, to very specific inquiries, e.g., “Here's a term sheet for our restructuring. Will you vote to approve this?”
Determining the appropriateness of the contact is a factual inquiry which must be determined on a case-by-case basis. For instance, it might be acceptable for us to provide companies with our general approach to certain issues. Promising our vote, however, is prohibited under all circumstances. Likewise, discussion of our proxy guidelines, in whole or in part, with a company or others is prohibited. In the event that you are contacted in advance of the publication of proxy solicitation materials, please notify the Legal/Compliance Department immediately. The Company or its representative should be instructed that all further contact should be with the Legal/Compliance Department.
It is also critical to keep in mind that as a fiduciary, we exercise our proxies solely in the best interests of our clients. Outside influences, including those from within J.P. Morgan Chase should not interfere in any way in our decision making process. Any calls of this nature should be referred to the Legal/Compliance Department for response.
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Merganser Capital Management, LLC
Proxy Voting
Policy – Proxy Voting
Adopted:
October 5, 2004
Amended:
January 3, 2011
January 22, 2009
November 16, 2006
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that proxies are voted in accordance with our clients’ best interests or instructions.
Background:
Rule 275.206(4)-6 of the IAA governs proxy voting by investment advisers. It requires advisers to implement written policies and procedures governing how they will vote proxies. It also requires them to disclose to clients, when requested, how they voted certain proxies and to furnish clients with a copy of the advisers’ policies and procedures on proxy voting.
Given the nature of fixed income securities, Merganser is rarely required to vote on proxies. The typical exception occurs with respect to Money Market Mutual Funds that are used as sweep vehicles by custodian banks.
Policy:
1. Merganser will notify the client giving them the opportunity to vote or instruct us how to vote their proxy. When a client specifically instructs Merganser not to contact them about proxies, Merganser will vote the proxy in a manner which in its best judgment reflects the client’s best economic interest and fosters good corporate governance. In other routine matters, Merganser will vote in accordance with management recommendations.
2. If requested, Merganser will offer our clients advice on proxy questions.
3. Merganser will facilitate the proxy voting so as to minimize the administrative burden on our clients. Therefore, for all Money Market Mutual Fund proxies, Compliance will vote to approve all auditor, director and legal counsel requests. If Merganser wishes to deviate from this, they shall notify the client of such decision.
4. If our contract assigns responsibility for proxy voting to the client or the client otherwise indicates a desire to vote proxies, Merganser will forward all materials to them for voting.
PROCEDURES:
1. Receipt of proxies
Upon receipt of proxy material, Merganser will date stamp the ballot and forward all material to the Compliance Department (“Compliance”). Compliance will log the receipt on the Proxy Voting Control sheet.
2. Review of proxy material
a. For all Money Market Mutual Fund proxies, Compliance will vote to approve all auditor, director and legal counsel requests.
b. For all non-Money Market Mutual Fund proxies, Compliance will review the material. Compliance will then forward a copy of the ballot and other material to the Portfolio Manager (“PM”) for review and recommendation(s). Compliance will offer the PM recommendations where appropriate.
c. PM will review the proxy material and make recommendation(s) for the client’s consideration. The proxy material will be returned to Compliance with the PM’s recommendations.
3. Advising clients of our recommendations
a. Unless Merganser has been directed by the client to vote all proxies without consulting them, the Relationship Manager (“RM”) will contact the client with our recommendations on voting the proxy and offer the opportunity to instruct us otherwise.
b. RM will contact the client by telephone, letter or e-mail to review the proxy material and determine how the client wants to vote. If requested, the RM, with assistance of the PM, may offer advice to the client. A letter with copies of proxy documents will be sent to the client upon request.
4. Voting proxies
a. The proxy material will be returned to Compliance for voting. The vote will be made via Internet whenever possible.
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5. Recordkeeping
a. A record of the vote, PM recommendations and any client correspondence will be filed in the client legal folder.
b. Compliance will update the Proxy Voting Control sheet.
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Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
September 2019
Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
I. POLICY STATEMENT
Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s (“MSIM”) policy and procedures for voting proxies (“Policy”) with respect to securities held in the accounts of clients applies to those MSIM entities that provide discretionary investment management services and for which an MSIM entity has authority to vote proxies. This Policy is reviewed and updated as necessary to address new and evolving proxy voting issues and standards.
The MSIM entities covered by this Policy currently include the following: Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company, Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Japan) Co. Limited and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited (each a “MSIM Affiliate” and collectively referred to as the “MSIM Affiliates” or as “we” below).
Each MSIM Affiliate will use its best efforts to vote proxies as part of its authority to manage, acquire and dispose of account assets.
With respect to the registered management investment companies sponsored, managed or advised by any MSIM affiliate (the “MSIM Funds”), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the MSIM Funds.
For other pooled investment vehicles (e.g., UCITS), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the relevant governing board.
For separately managed accounts (including ERISA and ERISA-equivalent clients), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under the applicable investment advisory agreement or investment management agreement. Where a MSIM Affiliate has the authority to vote proxies on behalf of ERISA and ERISA-equivalent clients, the MSIM Affiliate must do so in accordance with its fiduciary duties under ERISA (and the Internal Revenue Code).
In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may reserve the authority to vote proxies for itself or an outside party or may provide a MSIM Affiliate with a statement of proxy voting policy. The MSIM Affiliate will comply with the client’s policy.
A MSIM Affiliate will not vote proxies unless the investment management or investment advisory agreement explicitly authorizes the MSIM Affiliate to vote proxies.
MSIM Affiliates will vote proxies in a prudent and diligent manner and in the best interests of clients, including beneficiaries of and participants in a client’s benefit plan(s) for which the MSIM Affiliates manage assets, consistent with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns (“Client Proxy Standard”). In addition to voting proxies at portfolio companies, MSIM routinely engages with the management or board of companies in which we invest on a range of environmental, social and governance issues. Governance is a window into or proxy for management and board quality. MSIM engages with companies where we have larger positions, voting issues are material or where we believe we can make a positive impact on the governance structure. MSIM’s engagement process, through private communication with companies, allows us to understand the governance structures at investee companies and better inform our voting decisions. In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may provide an MSIM Affiliate with a proxy voting policy. In these situations, the MSIM Affiliate will comply with the client’s policy.
Retention and Oversight of Proxy Advisory Firms - Institutional Shareholder Service (ISS) and Glass Lewis (together with other proxy research providers as we may retain from time to time, the “Research Providers”) are independent advisers that specialize in providing a variety of fiduciary-level proxy-related services to institutional investment managers, plan sponsors, custodians, consultants, and other institutional investors. The services provided include in-depth research, global issuer analysis, and voting recommendations.
MSIM has retained Research Providers to analyze proxy issues and to make vote recommendations on those issues. While we review the recommendations of one or more Research Providers in making proxy voting decisions, we are in no way obligated to follow such recommendations. MSIM votes all proxies based on its own proxy voting policies in the best interests of each client. In addition to research, ISS provides vote execution, reporting, and recordkeeping services to MSIM.
As part of MSIM’s ongoing oversight of the Research Providers, MSIM performs periodic due diligence on the Research Providers. Topics of the reviews include, but are not limited to, conflicts of interest, methodologies for developing their policies and vote recommendations, and resources.
Voting Proxies for Certain Non-U.S. Companies - Voting proxies of companies located in some jurisdictions may involve several problems that can restrict or prevent the ability to vote such proxies or entail significant costs. These problems include, but are not limited to: (i) proxy statements and ballots being written in a language other than English; (ii) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings; (iii) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuer’s jurisdiction of organization to exercise votes; (iv) requirements to vote proxies in person; (v) the imposition of restrictions on the sale of the securities for a period of time in proximity to the shareholder meeting; and (vi)
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requirements to provide local agents with power of attorney to facilitate our voting instructions. As a result, we vote clients’ non-U.S. proxies on a best efforts basis only, after weighing the costs and benefits of voting such proxies, consistent with the Client Proxy Standard. ISS has been retained to provide assistance in connection with voting non-U.S. proxies.
Securities Lending - MSIM Funds or any other investment vehicle sponsored, managed or advised by a MSIM affiliate may participate in a securities lending program through a third party provider. The voting rights for shares that are out on loan are transferred to the borrower and therefore, the lender (i.e., a MSIM Fund or another investment vehicle sponsored, managed or advised by a MSIM affiliate) is not entitled to vote the lent shares at the company meeting. In general, MSIM believes the revenue received from the lending program outweighs the ability to vote and we will not recall shares for the purpose of voting. However, in cases in which MSIM believes the right to vote outweighs the revenue received, we reserve the right to recall the shares on loan on a best efforts basis.
II. GENERAL PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
To promote consistency in voting proxies on behalf of our clients, we follow this Policy (subject to any exception set forth herein). The Policy addresses a broad range of issues, and provides general voting parameters on proposals that arise most frequently. However, details of specific proposals vary, and those details affect particular voting decisions, as do factors specific to a given company. Pursuant to the procedures set forth herein, we may vote in a manner that is not in accordance with the following general guidelines, provided the vote is approved by the Proxy Review Committee (see Section III for description) and is consistent with the Client Proxy Standard. Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP (Morgan Stanley AIP) will follow the procedures as described in Appendix A.
We endeavor to integrate governance and proxy voting policy with investment goals, using the vote to encourage portfolio companies to enhance long-term shareholder value and to provide a high standard of transparency such that equity markets can value corporate assets appropriately.
We seek to follow the Client Proxy Standard for each client. At times, this may result in split votes, for example when different clients have varying economic interests in the outcome of a particular voting matter (such as a case in which varied ownership interests in two companies involved in a merger result in different stakes in the outcome). We also may split votes at times based on differing views of portfolio managers.
We may abstain on matters for which disclosure is inadequate.
A. Routine Matters.
We generally support routine management proposals. The following are examples of routine management proposals:
Approval of financial statements and auditor reports if delivered with an unqualified auditor’s opinion.
General updating/corrective amendments to the charter, articles of association or bylaws, unless we believe that such amendments would diminish shareholder rights.
Most proposals related to the conduct of the annual meeting, with the following exceptions. We generally oppose proposals that relate to “the transaction of such other business which may come before the meeting,” and open-ended requests for adjournment. However, where management specifically states the reason for requesting an adjournment and the requested adjournment would facilitate passage of a proposal that would otherwise be supported under this Policy (i.e., an uncontested corporate transaction), the adjournment request will be supported. We do not support proposals that allow companies to call a special meeting with a short (generally two weeks or less) time frame for review.
We generally support shareholder proposals advocating confidential voting procedures and independent tabulation of voting results.
B. Board of Directors.
1. Election of directors: Votes on board nominees can involve balancing a variety of considerations. In vote decisions, we may take into consideration whether the company has a majority voting policy in place that we believe makes the director vote more meaningful. In the absence of a proxy contest, we generally support the board’s nominees for director except as follows:
a. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if we believe a direct conflict exists between the interests of the nominee and the public shareholders, including failure to meet fiduciary standards of care and/or loyalty. We may oppose directors where we conclude that actions of directors are unlawful, unethical or negligent. We consider opposing individual board members or an entire slate if we believe the board is entrenched and/or dealing inadequately with performance problems; if we believe the board is acting with insufficient independence between the board and management; or if we believe the board has not been sufficiently forthcoming with information on key governance or other material matters.
b. We consider withholding support from or voting against interested directors if the company’s board does not meet market standards for director independence, or if otherwise we believe board independence is insufficient. We refer to prevalent market standards as promulgated by a stock exchange or other authority within a given market (e.g., New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq rules for most U.S. companies, and The Combined Code on Corporate Governance in the United Kingdom). Thus, for an NYSE company with no controlling shareholder, we would expect that at a minimum a majority of directors should be independent as defined by NYSE. Where we view market standards as inadequate, we may withhold votes based on stronger independence standards. Market standards notwithstanding, we generally do not view long board tenure alone as a basis to classify a director as non-independent.
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i.     At a company with a shareholder or group that controls the company by virtue of a majority economic interest in the company, we have a reduced expectation for board independence, although we believe the presence of independent directors can be helpful, particularly in staffing the audit committee, and at times we may withhold support from or vote against a nominee on the view the board or its committees are not sufficiently independent. In markets where board independence is not the norm (e.g. Japan), however, we consider factors including whether a board of a controlled company includes independent members who can be expected to look out for interests of minority holders.
ii.      We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if he or she is affiliated with a major shareholder that has representation on a board disproportionate to its economic interest.
c. Depending on market standards, we consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who is interested and who is standing for election as a member of the company’s compensation/remuneration, nominating/governance or audit committee.
d. We consider withholding support from or voting against nominees if the term for which they are nominated is excessive. We consider this issue on a market-specific basis.
e. We consider withholding support from or voting against nominees if in our view there has been insufficient board renewal (turnover), particularly in the context of extended poor company performance. Also, if the board has failed to consider diversity, including gender and ethnicity, in its board composition.
f. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee standing for election if the board has not taken action to implement generally accepted governance practices for which there is a “bright line” test. For example, in the context of the U.S. market, failure to eliminate a dead hand or slow hand poison pill would be seen as a basis for opposing one or more incumbent nominees.
g. In markets that encourage designated audit committee financial experts, we consider voting against members of an audit committee if no members are designated as such. We also consider voting against the audit committee members if the company has faced financial reporting issues and/or does not put the auditor up for ratification by shareholders.
h. We believe investors should have the ability to vote on individual nominees, and may abstain or vote against a slate of nominees where we are not given the opportunity to vote on individual nominees.
i. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who has failed to attend at least 75% of the nominee’s board and board committee meetings within a given year without a reasonable excuse. We also consider opposing nominees if the company does not meet market standards for disclosure on attendance.
j. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who appears overcommitted, particularly through service on an excessive number of boards. Market expectations are incorporated into this analysis; for U.S. boards, we generally oppose election of a nominee who serves on more than five public company boards (excluding investment companies), or public company CEOs that serve on more than two outside boards given level of time commitment required in their primary job.
k. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee where we believe executive remuneration practices are poor, particularly if the company does not offer shareholders a separate “say-on-pay” advisory vote on pay.
2. Discharge of directors’ duties: In markets where an annual discharge of directors' responsibility is a routine agenda item, we generally support such discharge. However, we may vote against discharge or abstain from voting where there are serious findings of fraud or other unethical behavior for which the individual bears responsibility. The annual discharge of responsibility represents shareholder approval of disclosed actions taken by the board during the year and may make future shareholder action against the board difficult to pursue.
3. Board independence: We generally support U.S. shareholder proposals requiring that a certain percentage (up to 66 23%) of the company’s board members be independent directors, and promoting all-independent audit, compensation and nominating/governance committees.
4. Board diversity: We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals urging diversity of board membership with respect to gender, race or other factors.
5. Majority voting: We generally support proposals requesting or requiring majority voting policies in election of directors, so long as there is a carve-out for plurality voting in the case of contested elections.
6. Proxy access: We consider proposals on procedures for inclusion of shareholder nominees and to have those nominees included in the company’s proxy statement and on the company’s proxy ballot on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include ownership thresholds, holding periods, the number of directors that shareholders may nominate and any restrictions on forming a group.
7. Reimbursement for dissident nominees: We generally support well-crafted U.S. shareholder proposals that would provide for reimbursement of dissident nominees elected to a board, as the cost to shareholders in electing such nominees can be factored into the voting decision on those nominees.
8. Proposals to elect directors more frequently: In the U.S. public company context, we usually support shareholder and management proposals to elect all directors annually (to “declassify” the board), although we make an exception to this policy where we believe that long-term shareholder value may be harmed by this change given particular circumstances at the company at the time of the vote
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on such proposal. As indicated above, outside the United States we generally support greater accountability to shareholders that comes through more frequent director elections, but recognize that many markets embrace longer term lengths, sometimes for valid reasons given other aspects of the legal context in electing boards.
9. Cumulative voting: We generally support proposals to eliminate cumulative voting in the U.S. market context. (Cumulative voting provides that shareholders may concentrate their votes for one or a handful of candidates, a system that can enable a minority bloc to place representation on a board.) U.S. proposals to establish cumulative voting in the election of directors generally will not be supported.
10. Separation of Chairman and CEO positions: We vote on shareholder proposals to separate the Chairman and CEO positions and/or to appoint an independent Chairman based in part on prevailing practice in particular markets, since the context for such a practice varies. In many non-U.S. markets, we view separation of the roles as a market standard practice, and support division of the roles in that context. In the United States, we consider such proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering, among other things, the existing board leadership structure, company performance, and any evidence of entrenchment or perceived risk that power is overly concentrated in a single individual.
11. Director retirement age and term limits: Proposals setting or recommending director retirement ages or director term limits are voted on a case-by-case basis that includes consideration of company performance, the rate of board renewal, evidence of effective individual director evaluation processes, and any indications of entrenchment.
12. Proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or broaden indemnification of officers and directors: Generally, we will support such proposals provided that an individual is eligible only if he or she has not acted in bad faith, with gross negligence or with reckless disregard of their duties.
C. Statutory auditor boards.
The statutory auditor board, which is separate from the main board of directors, plays a role in corporate governance in several markets. These boards are elected by shareholders to provide assurance on compliance with legal and accounting standards and the company’s articles of association. We generally vote for statutory auditor nominees if they meet independence standards. In markets that require disclosure on attendance by internal statutory auditors, however, we consider voting against nominees for these positions who failed to attend at least 75% of meetings in the previous year. We also consider opposing nominees if the company does not meet market standards for disclosure on attendance.
D. Corporate transactions and proxy fights.
We examine proposals relating to mergers, acquisitions and other special corporate transactions (i.e., takeovers, spin-offs, sales of assets, reorganizations, restructurings and recapitalizations) on a case-by-case basis in the interests of each fund or other account. Proposals for mergers or other significant transactions that are friendly and approved by the Research Providers usually are supported if there is no portfolio manager objection. We also analyze proxy contests on a case-by-case basis.
E. Changes in capital structure.
1. We generally support the following:
Management and shareholder proposals aimed at eliminating unequal voting rights, assuming fair economic treatment of classes of shares we hold.
U.S. management proposals to increase the authorization of existing classes of common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) if: (i) a clear business purpose is stated that we can support and the number of shares requested is reasonable in relation to the purpose for which authorization is requested; and/or (ii) the authorization does not exceed 100% of shares currently authorized and at least 30% of the total new authorization will be outstanding. (We consider proposals that do not meet these criteria on a case-by-case basis.)
U.S. management proposals to create a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50% of issued capital, unless we have concerns about use of the authority for anti-takeover purposes.
Proposals in non-U.S. markets that in our view appropriately limit potential dilution of existing shareholders. A major consideration is whether existing shareholders would have preemptive rights for any issuance under a proposal for standing share issuance authority. We generally consider market-specific guidance in making these decisions; for example, in the U.K. market we usually follow Association of British Insurers’ (“ABI”) guidance, although company-specific factors may be considered and for example, may sometimes lead us to voting against share authorization proposals even if they meet ABI guidance.
Management proposals to authorize share repurchase plans, except in some cases in which we believe there are insufficient protections against use of an authorization for anti-takeover purposes.
Management proposals to reduce the number of authorized shares of common or preferred stock, or to eliminate classes of preferred stock.
Management proposals to effect stock splits.
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Management proposals to effect reverse stock splits if management proportionately reduces the authorized share amount set forth in the corporate charter. Reverse stock splits that do not adjust proportionately to the authorized share amount generally will be approved if the resulting increase in authorized shares coincides with the proxy guidelines set forth above for common stock increases.
Management dividend payout proposals, except where we perceive company payouts to shareholders as inadequate.
2. We generally oppose the following (notwithstanding management support):
Proposals to add classes of stock that would substantially dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.
Proposals to increase the authorized or issued number of shares of existing classes of stock that are unreasonably dilutive, particularly if there are no preemptive rights for existing shareholders. However, depending on market practices, we consider voting for proposals giving general authorization for issuance of shares not subject to pre-emptive rights if the authority is limited.
Proposals that authorize share issuance at a discount to market rates, except where authority for such issuance is de minimis, or if there is a special situation that we believe justifies such authorization (as may be the case, for example, at a company under severe stress and risk of bankruptcy).
Proposals relating to changes in capitalization by 100% or more.
We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to increase dividend payout ratios, in light of market practice and perceived market weaknesses, as well as individual company payout history and current circumstances. For example, currently we perceive low payouts to shareholders as a concern at some Japanese companies, but may deem a low payout ratio as appropriate for a growth company making good use of its cash, notwithstanding the broader market concern.
F. Takeover Defenses and Shareholder Rights.
1. Shareholder rights plans: We generally support proposals to require shareholder approval or ratification of shareholder rights plans (poison pills). In voting on rights plans or similar takeover defenses, we consider on a case-by-case basis whether the company has demonstrated a need for the defense in the context of promoting long-term share value; whether provisions of the defense are in line with generally accepted governance principles in the market (and specifically the presence of an adequate qualified offer provision that would exempt offers meeting certain conditions from the pill); and the specific context if the proposal is made in the midst of a takeover bid or contest for control.
2. Supermajority voting requirements: We generally oppose requirements for supermajority votes to amend the charter or bylaws, unless the provisions protect minority shareholders where there is a large shareholder. In line with this view, in the absence of a large shareholder we support reasonable shareholder proposals to limit such supermajority voting requirements. Also, we oppose provisions that do not allow shareholders any right to amend the charter or bylaws.
3. Shareholders right to call a special meeting: We consider proposals to enhance a shareholder’s rights to call meetings on a case-by-case basis. At large-cap U.S. companies, we generally support efforts to establish the right of holders of 10% or more of shares to call special meetings, unless the board or state law has set a policy or law establishing such rights at a threshold that we believe to be acceptable.
4. Written consent rights: In the U.S. context, we examine proposals for shareholder written consent rights on a case-by-case basis.
5. Reincorporation: We consider management and shareholder proposals to reincorporate to a different jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. We oppose such proposals if we believe the main purpose is to take advantage of laws or judicial precedents that reduce shareholder rights.
6. Anti-greenmail provisions: Proposals relating to the adoption of anti-greenmail provisions will be supported, provided that the proposal: (i) defines greenmail; (ii) prohibits buyback offers to large block holders (holders of at least 1% of the outstanding shares and in certain cases, a greater amount) not made to all shareholders or not approved by disinterested shareholders; and (iii) contains no anti-takeover measures or other provisions restricting the rights of shareholders.
7. Bundled proposals: We may consider opposing or abstaining on proposals if disparate issues are “bundled” and presented for a single vote.
G. Auditors.
We generally support management proposals for selection or ratification of independent auditors. However, we may consider opposing such proposals with reference to incumbent audit firms if the company has suffered from serious accounting irregularities and we believe rotation of the audit firm is appropriate, or if fees paid to the auditor for non-audit-related services are excessive. Generally, to determine if non-audit fees are excessive, a 50% test will be applied (i.e., non-audit-related fees should be less than 50% of the total fees paid to the auditor). We generally vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.
H. Executive and Director Remuneration.
1. We generally support the following:
Proposals for employee equity compensation plans and other employee ownership plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest. Such approval may be against shareholder interest if it authorizes excessive dilution and shareholder cost, particularly in the context of high usage (“run rate”) of equity compensation in the recent past; or if there are objectionable plan design and provisions.
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Proposals relating to fees to outside directors, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry, and provided that the structure is appropriate within the market context. While stock-based compensation to outside directors is positive if moderate and appropriately structured, we are wary of significant stock option awards or other performance-based awards for outside directors, as well as provisions that could result in significant forfeiture of value on a director’s decision to resign from a board (such forfeiture can undercut director independence).
Proposals for employee stock purchase plans that permit discounts, but only for grants that are part of a broad-based employee plan, including all non-executive employees, and only if the discounts are limited to a reasonable market standard or less.
Proposals for the establishment of employee retirement and severance plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest.
2. We generally oppose retirement plans and bonuses for non-executive directors and independent statutory auditors.
3. In the U.S. context, we generally vote against shareholder proposals requiring shareholder approval of all severance agreements, but we generally support proposals that require shareholder approval for agreements in excess of three times the annual compensation (salary and bonus) or proposals that require companies to adopt a provision requiring an executive to receive accelerated vesting of equity awards if there is a change of control and the executive is terminated. We generally oppose shareholder proposals that would establish arbitrary caps on pay. We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals that seek to limit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs), but support such shareholder proposals where we consider SERPs excessive.
4. Shareholder proposals advocating stronger and/or particular pay-for-performance models will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of the merits of the individual proposal within the context of the particular company and its labor markets, and the company’s current and past practices. While we generally support emphasis on long-term components of senior executive pay and strong linkage of pay to performance, we consider factors including whether a proposal may be overly prescriptive, and the impact of the proposal, if implemented as written, on recruitment and retention.
5. We generally support proposals advocating reasonable senior executive and director stock ownership guidelines and holding requirements for shares gained in executive equity compensation programs.
6. We generally support shareholder proposals for reasonable “claw-back” provisions that provide for company recovery of senior executive bonuses to the extent they were based on achieving financial benchmarks that were not actually met in light of subsequent restatements.
7. Management proposals effectively to re-price stock options are considered on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include the company’s reasons and justifications for a re-pricing, the company’s competitive position, whether senior executives and outside directors are excluded, potential cost to shareholders, whether the re-pricing or share exchange is on a value-for-value basis, and whether vesting requirements are extended.
8. Say-on-Pay: We consider proposals relating to an advisory vote on remuneration on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include a review of the relationship between executive remuneration and performance based on operating trends and total shareholder return over multiple performance periods. In addition, we review remuneration structures and potential poor pay practices, including relative magnitude of pay, discretionary bonus awards, tax gross ups, change-in-control features, internal pay equity and peer group construction. As long-term investors, we support remuneration policies that align with long-term shareholder returns.
I. Social and Environmental Issues.
Shareholders in the United States and certain other markets submit proposals encouraging changes in company disclosure and practices related to particular social and environmental matters. As MSIM believes that relevant social and environmental issues can influence risk and return, we consider how to vote on proposals related to social and environmental issues on a case-by-case basis by determining the relevance of social and environmental issues identified in the proposal and their likely impacts on shareholder value. We generally support proposals that if implemented would enhance useful disclosure, such as disclosures aligned with SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) and the TCFD (Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) and proposals that aim to reduce or mitigate a company’s impact on the global climate. We generally vote against proposals requesting reports or actions that we believe are duplicative, related to matters not material to the business, or that would impose unnecessary or excessive costs. In reviewing proposals on social and environmental issues, we consider a company’s current disclosures and our understanding of the company’s management of material social and environmental issues in comparison to peers. We seek to balance concerns on reputational and other risks that lie behind a proposal against costs of implementation, while considering appropriate shareholder and management prerogatives. We may abstain from voting on proposals that do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value and we may oppose proposals that intrude excessively on management prerogatives and/or board discretion.
J. Funds of Funds.
Certain MSIM Funds advised by an MSIM Affiliate invest only in other MSIM Funds. If an underlying fund has a shareholder meeting, in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest, such proposals will be voted in the same proportion as the votes of the other shareholders of the underlying fund, unless otherwise determined by the Proxy Review Committee. In markets where proportional voting is not available we will not vote at the meeting, unless otherwise determined by the Proxy Review Committee. Other MSIM Funds invest in unaffiliated
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funds.If an unaffiliated underlying fund has a shareholder meeting and the MSIM Fund owns more than 25% of the voting shares of the underlying fund, the MSIM Fund will vote its shares in the unaffiliated underlying fund in the same proportion as the votes of the other shareholders of the underlying fund to the extent possible.
III. ADMINISTRATION OF POLICY
The MSIM Proxy Review Committee (the “Committee”) has overall responsibility for the Policy. The Committee consists of investment professionals who represent the different investment disciplines and geographic locations of MSIM, and is chaired by the director of the Corporate Governance Team (“CGT”). Because proxy voting is an investment responsibility and impacts shareholder value, and because of their knowledge of companies and markets, portfolio managers and other members of investment staff play a key role in proxy voting, although the Committee has final authority over proxy votes.
The CGT Director is responsible for identifying issues that require Committee deliberation or ratification. The CGT, working with advice of investment teams and the Committee, is responsible for voting on routine items and on matters that can be addressed in line with these Policy guidelines. The CGT has responsibility for voting case-by-case where guidelines and precedent provide adequate guidance.
The Committee will periodically review and have the authority to amend, as necessary, the Policy and establish and direct voting positions consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.
CGT and members of the Committee may take into account Research Providers’ recommendations and research as well as any other relevant information they may request or receive, including portfolio manager and/or analyst comments and research, as applicable. Generally, proxies related to securities held in accounts that are managed pursuant to quantitative, index or index-like strategies (“Index Strategies”) will be voted in the same manner as those held in actively managed accounts, unless economic interests of the accounts differ. Because accounts managed using Index Strategies are passively managed accounts, research from portfolio managers and/or analysts related to securities held in these accounts may not be available. If the affected securities are held only in accounts that are managed pursuant to Index Strategies, and the proxy relates to a matter that is not described in this Policy, the CGT will consider all available information from the Research Providers, and to the extent that the holdings are significant, from the portfolio managers and/or analysts.
A. Committee Procedures
The Committee meets at least quarterly, and reviews and considers changes to the Policy at least annually. Through meetings and/or written communications, the Committee is responsible for monitoring and ratifying “split votes” (i.e., allowing certain shares of the same issuer that are the subject of the same proxy solicitation and held by one or more MSIM portfolios to be voted differently than other shares) and/or “override voting” (i.e., voting all MSIM portfolio shares in a manner contrary to the Policy). The Committee will review developing issues and approve upcoming votes, as appropriate, for matters as requested by CGT.
The Committee reserves the right to review voting decisions at any time and to make voting decisions as necessary to ensure the independence and integrity of the votes.
B. Material Conflicts of Interest
In addition to the procedures discussed above, if the CGT Director determines that an issue raises a material conflict of interest, the CGT Director may request a special committee (“Special Committee”) to review, and recommend a course of action with respect to, the conflict(s) in question.
A potential material conflict of interest could exist in the following situations, among others:
1. The issuer soliciting the vote is a client of MSIM or an affiliate of MSIM and the vote is on a matter that materially affects the issuer.
2. The proxy relates to Morgan Stanley common stock or any other security issued by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates except if echo voting is used, as with MSIM Funds, as described herein.
3. Morgan Stanley has a material pecuniary interest in the matter submitted for a vote (e.g., acting as a financial advisor to a party to a merger or acquisition for which Morgan Stanley will be paid a success fee if completed).
4. One of Morgan Stanley’s independent directors or one of MSIM Funds’ directors also serves on the board of directors or is a nominee for election to the board of directors of a company held by a MSIM Fund or affiliate.
If the CGT Director determines that an issue raises a potential material conflict of interest, depending on the facts and circumstances, the issue will be addressed as follows:
1. If the matter relates to a topic that is discussed in this Policy, the proposal will be voted as per the Policy.
2. If the matter is not discussed in this Policy or the Policy indicates that the issue is to be decided case-by-case, the proposal will be voted in a manner consistent with the Research Providers, provided that all the Research Providers consulted have the same recommendation, no portfolio manager objects to that vote, and the vote is consistent with MSIM’s Client Proxy Standard.
3. If the Research Providers’ recommendations differ, the CGT Director will refer the matter to a Special Committee to vote on the proposal, as appropriate.
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Any Special Committee shall be comprised of the CGT Director, and at least two portfolio managers (preferably members of the Committee), as approved by the Committee. The CGT Director may request non-voting participation by MSIM’s General Counsel or his/her designee and the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. In addition to the research provided by Research Providers, the Special Committee may request analysis from MSIM Affiliate investment professionals and outside sources to the extent it deems appropriate.
C. Proxy Voting Reporting
The CGT will document in writing all Committee and Special Committee decisions and actions, which documentation will be maintained by the CGT for a period of at least six years. To the extent these decisions relate to a security held by an MSIM Fund, the CGT will report the decisions to each applicable Board of Trustees/Directors of those Funds (the “Board”) at each Board’s next regularly scheduled Board meeting. The report will contain information concerning decisions made during the most recently ended calendar quarter immediately preceding the Board meeting.
In addition, to the extent that Committee and Special Committee decisions and actions relate to a security held by other pooled investment vehicles, the GST will report the decisions to the relevant governing board of the pooled investment vehicle.
MSIM will promptly provide a copy of this Policy to any client requesting it. MSIM will also, upon client request, promptly provide a report indicating how each proxy was voted with respect to securities held in that client’s account.
MSIM’s Legal Department is responsible for filing an annual Form N-PX on behalf of each MSIM Fund for which such filing is required, indicating how all proxies were voted with respect to such Fund’s holdings.
Also, MSIM maintains voting records of individual agenda items at company meetings in a searchable database on its website on a rolling 12-month basis.
In addition, ISS provides vote execution, reporting and recordkeeping services to MSIM.
IV. RECORDKEEPING
Records are retained in accordance with Morgan Stanley’s , which establishes general Firm-wide standards and procedures regarding the retention, handling, and destruction of official books and records and other information of legal or operational significance. The incorporates Morgan Stanley’s , which lists various record classes and associated retention periods on a global basis.
Approved by the Board September 24-25, 2019
Appendix A
Appendix A applies to the following accounts managed by Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP (i) closed-end funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; (ii) discretionary separate accounts; (iii) unregistered funds; and (iv) non-discretionary accounts offered in connection with AIP’s Custom Advisory Portfolio Solutions service. Generally, AIP will follow the guidelines set forth in Section II of MSIM’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures. To the extent that such guidelines do not provide specific direction, or AIP determines that consistent with the Client Proxy Standard, the guidelines should not be followed, the Proxy Review Committee has delegated the voting authority to vote securities held by accounts managed by AIP to the Fund of Hedge Funds investment team, the Private Equity Fund of Funds investment team the Private Equity Real Estate Fund of Funds investment team or the Portfolio Solutions team of AIP. A summary of decisions made by the applicable investment teams will be made available to the Proxy Review Committee for its information at the next scheduled meeting of the Proxy Review Committee.
In certain cases, AIP may determine to abstain from determining (or recommending) how a proxy should be voted (and therefore abstain from voting such proxy or recommending how such proxy should be voted), such as where the expected cost of giving due consideration to the proxy does not justify the potential benefits to the affected account(s) that might result from adopting or rejecting (as the case may be) the measure in question.
Waiver of Voting Rights
For regulatory reasons, AIP may either 1) invest in a class of securities of an underlying fund (the “Fund”) that does not provide for voting rights; or 2) waive 100% of its voting rights with respect to the following:
1. Any rights with respect to the removal or replacement of a director, general partner, managing member or other person acting in a similar capacity for or on behalf of the Fund (each individually a “Designated Person,” and collectively, the “Designated Persons”), which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the election or removal of a Designated Person in the event of such Designated Person’s death, disability, insolvency, bankruptcy, incapacity, or other event requiring a vote of interest holders of the Fund to remove or replace a Designated Person; and
2. Any rights in connection with a determination to renew, dissolve, liquidate, or otherwise terminate or continue the Fund, which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the renewal, dissolution, liquidation, termination or continuance of the Fund upon the occurrence of an event described in the Fund’s organizational documents; provided, however, that, if the Fund’s organizational documents require the consent of the Fund’s general partner or manager, as the case may be, for any such termination or continuation of the Fund to be effective, then AIP may exercise its voting rights with respect to such matter.
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Peregrine Capital Management, LLC
Philosophy
Peregrine votes proxies for the sole benefit of the clients. Our objective is to protect the financial investment of the shareholder (or participant in a qualified employee benefit plan). Therefore, we review each proposal to determine its financial implications for shareholders.
Our purchase and retention of a stock inherently project confidence that management will operate the company in a manner consistent with earning a reasonable return. For example, we support management on routine, noneconomic proposals. However, we also exercise discretion in determining how we can best protect the financial investment of the shareholder while providing support to management in the operation of the business.
Policy
The Board of Directors develops proxy policy and philosophy and approves proxy guidelines.
The Portfolio Managers vote proxies in adherence to established policies and guidelines.
Portfolio Managers document the rationale for their vote, either by referencing established guidelines or by a specific explanation.
If a Portfolio Manager votes contrary to established guidelines, they are required to receive prior approval from the CCO.
Portfolio Managers must vote proxies for specific securities identically across accounts unless specific client instruction is accepted.
Portfolio Managers should vote proxies related to common issues consistently unless circumstances are materially different. (See qualification above)
Our internal voting position guidelines cover four types of proposals: routine management proposals; anti-takeover proposals; shareholder proposals; and non-routine non-compensation proposals.
The CCO reviews votes in advance and reports quarterly to the Board.
Peregrine employees that becomes aware of an actual or potential proxy voting conflict of interest must communicate the issue to Compliance, who will inform the Board. Any proxy vote that presents the potential for a material conflict of interest between clients, the firm, or its employees will vote in favor of clients who are not directly or indirectly involved in the conflict. Material conflicts of interest may develop in situations such as proxy votes for companies that are clients of Peregrine and proxy votes in which a particular client attempts to influence our votes. The Board reviews proxy votes with the potential for material conflicts of interest. The Board will ensure that such votes are consistent with our responsibility to vote stock held in our accounts for the sole and exclusive benefit of the beneficiaries. Proxy votes for companies that are also clients of Peregrine must be disclosed (subject to confidentiality issues) in our client proxy reports.
Peregrine does not routinely recall securities on loan to vote proxies. Portfolio Managers may recall shares on loan if the vote may materially impact the potential return on the security.
Despite our best efforts to vote proxies promptly, there may be circumstances outside of our control that interfere with our ability to do so. Examples include late notice of the vote; lack of timely confirmation by the custodian of shares available for vote; and delays in the recall of shares on loan.
Procedures
Peregrine contacts the Custodian, informing them that Peregrine has been authorized to vote proxies, and forwards proxy cards to the attention of the Proxy Coordinators of Peregrine Capital Management.
Peregrine utilizes ISS Proxy Exchange, an online proxy voting system, for accounts we are authorized to vote. We download meeting information via the website through an automated interface (meeting date, record date, proposals, ballots received).
The Proxy Coordinators set up each meeting upon notification from Institutional Shareholding Services, Inc. (ISS). ISS provides a listing of the ballots received, number of shares held per client account and proxy materials. Discrepancies in shares are forwarded via the ISS service or reviewed by the Proxy Coordinator and researched with internal accounting and, if necessary, the custodian until resolved.
The Proxy Coordinator forwards the proxy documentation to the appropriate Portfolio Manager to vote.
  Exception due to automatic voting standing instructions: The Board has approved automatic voting standing instructions for three proposals: A1, the election of directors, A2, the ratification and appointment of auditors, and A10, advisory vote on compensation/say on pay frequency. We cast a FOR vote for these three proposals unless the Portfolio Manager provides timely instructions to the contrary. Each style determines how they wish to vote the A10 issues. When a meeting includes only proposals A1, A2, and A10 the Proxy Coordinators send an e-mail to the Portfolio Manager and Compliance containing information about the meeting and its proposals. If the Portfolio Manager or Compliance do not respond to the contrary designation, the Proxy Coordinator votes the proposals according to the standing instructions.
  Meeting information is available through the ISS website for nine years.
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Records of votes, including the supporting rationale, are maintained electronically at Peregrine for seven years, except as described above.
We prepare and distribute reports to clients every quarter (or client's desired frequency) summarizing the proxy voting activity. Votes against management and votes that are contrary to our proxy guidelines are footnoted and explained.
Routine Management Proposals
A. Consistent with our general philosophy of supporting management, we vote in support of management on the following routine management proposals:
A1. Election of directors and other officers of the corporation.
A2. Appointment of auditors.
A3. Amending the By-laws or Articles of Incorporation to conform with modern business practices, for simplification or to comply with applicable laws.
A4. Reduce supermajority vote requirement.
A5. Indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents.
A6. Increasing/decreasing the number of shares outstanding for ordinary business purposes.
A7. Declaring stock splits and stock dividends.
A8. Authorizing a new class or series of securities for ordinary business purposes.
A9. Changing or fixing the number of directors.
A10. Advisory vote on compensation/say on pay frequency.
A11. Changing the date and/or location of annual meetings.
A12. Employment contracts between the company and its executives and remuneration for directors. (cash plan)
A13. Automatic dividend reinvestment plans.
A14. Changing the company name (without a re-organization).
A15. Qualified and non-qualified restricted stock option plans for employees and/or directors.
A16. Thrift and saving plans.
A17. Retirement plans, pension plans, profit sharing plans and employee stock ownership plans, creation of and amendments thereto.
Anti-takeover Proposals
B. Although we generally support management proposals, management initiatives that limit the price appreciation potential or the marketability of a stock may not be in the best interests of the shareholders. In these cases, our responsibility to vote the proxy in the best financial interests of the shareholders overrides our general desire to support management. We vote against the following management when deemed to provide such a conflict:
B1. Board classification without cumulative voting.
B2. Elimination of shareholder action by written consent.
B3. Blank check preferred stock.
B4. Restricting removal of directors for cause only and only by a supermajority vote.
B5. Fair-price proposals combined with supermajority rules.
B6. Multiple anti-takeover proposals.
B7. Poison Pill proposals, includes action that is designed to reduce the value of a company to a potential acquirer such as the right to purchase shares of the acquirer at a discount, a sale of assets of a subsidiary to a third-party in the event of an acquisition, immediate vesting of pension rights, continuation of salaries for employees with a certain number of years of tenure, etc.
B8. Golden Parachutes, includes continuation of employee contracts with top executives, payment of a certain multiple of annual compensation, immediate vesting of incentive, stock, and merit programs, etc.
B9. Excessive requests for additional shares (currently authorized shares plus requested shares over four times the combination of outstanding shares and shares reserved for option programs) with no specific purpose.
Shareholder Proposals
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C. Consistent with our policy of supporting management, we generally vote against shareholder proposals opposed by management. Exceptions to this guideline must be considered to be in the best financial interests of the shareholder.
Non-Routine Non-Salary Compensation Proposals
D. Although we generally support management proposals, management initiatives that result in the transfer of equity ownership, that may prove highly dilutive to existing shareholders, or that materially reduce the shareholder's role in controlling non-salary compensation may not be in the best interests of shareholders. In these cases, our responsibility to vote the proxy in the best financial interests of the shareholders overrides our general desire to support management. We vote against the following management proposals for non-salary compensation plans when deemed to provide such a conflict:
D1. Plans which provide for exercise prices below 85% of market value at time of grant.
D2. Plans which result in total dilution potential of over 10% (2% per year) for companies with moderate growth prospects and over 25% (5% per year) for companies with rapid growth prospects (20% or better annual growth).
D3. Plans that would (or delegate to the Board the authority to) reprice or replace underwater options.
D4. Plans which give the Board the authority to establish exercise prices without preset limits.
D5. Plans which provide for a laundry list of vehicles for grants including stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, and outright awards of stock and/or delegate broad authority to the Board to determine the size, nature, and conditions of the awards.
D6. Combinations of the initiatives above.
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PineBridge Investments LLC
I. Introduction
Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders, such as PineBridge Clients, for which PineBridge must take reasonable care and diligence to ensure such rights are properly and timely exercised. PineBridge, as a fiduciary for its Clients, must vote proxies in each Client’s best interest.
II. Policy Statement
Proxy Procedures
As a registered investment adviser that votes (or delegates the voting of) securities held in Client portfolios, PineBridge has implemented proxy voting procedures that are reasonably designed to help ensure that a) PineBridge votes proxies in the best interest of its Clients; b) describes its proxy voting procedures to its Clients, and c) discloses to Clients how they may obtain information on how PineBridge voted their proxies. These procedures are designed to help enable PineBridge to manage material conflicts of interest. While PineBridge must disclose its votes upon request to Clients, no public disclosure is required. (Note that disclosure is required for any mutual funds advised by PineBridge, on Form N-PX.)
Record-Keeping
PineBridge must retain (i) these proxy voting policies and procedures; (ii) proxy statements received regarding Client securities; (iii) records of votes it casts on behalf of Clients; (iv) records of Client requests for proxy voting information, and; (v) any documents prepared by PineBridge that were material to making a decision how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision. PineBridge may rely on proxy statements filed on EDGAR instead of keeping its own copies, and rely on proxy statements and records of proxy votes cast by PineBridge that are maintained by contract with a third party proxy voting service or other third party.
Proxies of Shares of Non-U.S. Corporations
PineBridge has implemented general voting policies with respect to non-U.S. shares owned by Clients. However, although U.S. companies must give shareholders at least 20 days’ advance notice to vote proxies, some non-U.S. companies may provide considerably shorter notice or none at all. PineBridge is not required to “rush” voting decisions in order to meet an impractical deadline, and as a result, PineBridge or PineBridge affiliates’ regional designees under certain circumstances may not vote certain proxies. In addition, certain non-U.S. regulations impose additional costs to a Portfolio that votes proxies, and PineBridge will take that into consideration when determining whether or not to vote.
Policy on Monitoring Class Action Suits
In the event that PineBridge has purchased the same security for a Client’s portfolio alongside its investments on behalf of itself or an affiliate, PineBridge generally will seek to inform a Client that such Client may also have a cause of action whenever such issuer is subject to class action litigation. PineBridge as a general matter will also make available to the Client such rights, if any, as that PineBridge may have against any such issuer in its capacity as the Client’s agent, and PineBridge will, where possible, give the Client such assistance as it may reasonably require to exercise its rights in any such action.
PineBridge generally does not, however, search out potential legal claims or monitor class action lawsuits against issuers arising from investments held in a Client portfolio, nor may PineBridge institute a lawsuit on a Client’s behalf arising from investments held in the Client portfolio.
In addition, given the size and breadth of PineBridge’s business, it is possible that there may be situations in which PineBridge or an affiliate might become aware of a potential lawsuit with respect to a security, one of which may also be held within a Client portfolio. In these situations, there is the possibility, due to confidentiality requirements or conflicts of interest, that PineBridge would be restricted from informing a Client of potential legal actions and activities.
In the case of a material conflict between the interests of PineBridge and those of its Clients, PineBridge will take steps to address such conflicts (which may include consulting with counsel), and will attempt to resolve all conflicts in the Client’s best interest.
III. Procedures
PineBridge will vote proxies in the best interests of its Clients, which may result in different voting results for proxies for the same issuer.
Compliance is responsible for ensuring that the PineBridge ADV includes the appropriate language summarizing PineBridge’s proxy voting procedures and for updating the summary in the ADV whenever the procedures are updated. Compliance is also responsible for consulting with Legal to ensure that PineBridge’s proxy voting policy is kept up to date and in a form appropriate for transmission to Clients.
If a Client or potential Client requests a copy of the Proxy Voting Policy from Client Relations or Sales, Compliance should be contacted for the most recent version, or it may be obtained from the intranet. Client Relations will send to such Client a copy of the current version of the voting procedures within 7 days and will ensure that Compliance receives a log of each Client’s request and the action taken.
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If a Client requests access to the records of how PineBridge voted its proxies, the Client should be assured that this will be provided, and Operations should be consulted. Operations has access to these proxy voting records.
PineBridge has established a Proxy Committee (the “Committee”). The PineBridge Proxy Committee is comprised of members of the Investment Department, and senior management, and is attended by members of Legal & Compliance and Operations.
The Committee conducts an annual review of the proxy voting guidelines for domestic and non-U.S. Portfolios. Guidelines are reviewed to ensure that the interests of PineBridge’s Clients are best served.
Issues not addressed in the voting guidelines are determined on a case-by-case basis with input from the Committee and portfolio managers.
PineBridge has engaged a third party vendor to administer proxy voting on its behalf. The vendor receives, in a majority of cases, proxies directly from the Client’s custodian and votes them based on PineBridge’s voting guidelines
In circumstances where PineBridge receives proxies directly, these proxies must be sent to the vendor promptly. The vendor then votes them in accordance with PineBridge’s voting guidelines. The vendor maintains a listing of all votes cast on behalf of PineBridge Clients.
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Ranger Investment Management, L.P.
Proxy Voting
Introduction
Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act requires every investment adviser to adopt and implement written policies and procedures, reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its investors. The Rule further requires the adviser to provide a concise summary of the adviser’s proxy voting process and offer to provide copies of the complete proxy voting policy and procedures to investors upon request. Lastly, the Rule requires that the adviser disclose to investors how they may obtain information on how the adviser voted their proxies.
The Firm votes proxies for many of its investors, and therefore has adopted and implemented this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures. Any questions about this document should be directed to the Firm’s CCO or other designated compliance officer.
The Firm views seriously its responsibility to exercise voting authority over securities which form part of its investors’ portfolios. Proxy statements increasingly contain controversial issues involving shareholder rights and corporate governance, among others, which deserve careful review and consideration.
It is the Firm’s policy to review each proxy statement on an individual basis and to base its voting decision exclusively on its judgment of what will best serve the financial interests of the beneficial owners of the security. Each proposal will be evaluated on its merits, the facts presented and with both principals and rules-based guidelines taken into consideration. Beneficial owners include members of pooled investment funds for which the Firm acts as investment manager or general partner, and investor accounts for which the Firm acts as investment manager.
The Firm may engage the services of a third-party service (“Proxy Service”) to assist it with administration of the proxy voting process. In addition to general administration assistance, the Proxy Service may also include proxy voting recommendations based upon research and guidelines published. However, the Firm’s proxy voting policies and case-by-case evaluation of each issue may result in proxy votes on certain issues that differ from Proxy Service recommendations.
A number of recurring issues can be identified with respect to the governance of a company and actions proposed by that company’s board. The Firm follows internal Proxy Voting procedures (described below) that allow the Firm to vote on these issues in a uniform manner. Proxies are generally considered by the investment team members responsible for monitoring the security being voted. That person will cast his votes in accordance with this Proxy Voting Policy and procedures. Any non-routine matters are referred to the Portfolio Manager.
The Firm, in exercising its voting powers, also has regard to the statutes and rules applicable to registered investment advisors. The manner in which votes are cast by the Firm is reported to investors by delivery of this Proxy Voting Policy. In addition, the Firm will provide, upon request, a list of how each proxy was voted for an investor.
Key Proxy Voting Issues:
Election of Directors and Appointment of Accountants – The Firm will vote for management’s proposed directors in uncontested elections. For contested elections, the Firm votes for candidates it believes best serve shareholders’ interests. The Firm votes to ratify management’s appointment of independent auditors.
Increase Authorized Capital – The Firm votes for these proposals in the absence of unusual circumstances. There are many business reasons for companies to increase their authorized capital. The additional shares often are intended to be used for general corporate purposes, to raise new investment capital for acquisitions, stock splits, recapitalizations or debt restructurings.
Preference Shares – The Firm will carefully review proposals to authorize new issues of preference shares or increase the shares authorized for existing issues. The Firm recognizes that new issues of authorized preference shares can provide flexibility to corporate issuers as the shares can be issued quickly without further shareholder approval in connection with financings or acquisitions. Therefore, generally the Firm will not oppose proposals to authorize the issuance of preferred shares. The Firm will, however, scrutinize any such proposals which give the Board the authority to assign disproportionate voting rights at the time the shares are issued.
Dual Capitalization, Other Preferential Voting Rights – The Firm will generally vote against proposals to divide share capital into two or more classes or to otherwise create classes of shares with unequal voting and dividend rights. The Firm is concerned that the effect of these proposals, over time, is to consolidate voting power in the hands of relatively few insiders, disproportionate to their percentage ownership of the company’s share capital as a whole. This concentration of voting power can effectively block any takeover which management opposes and dilute accountability to shareholders.
Merger/Acquisition – All proposals are reviewed on a case by case basis by taking the following into consideration:
whether the proposed acquisition price represents fair value;
whether shareholders could realize greater value through other means; and
whether all shareholders receive equal/fair treatment under the merger acquisition terms.
Restructuring/Recapitalization – All proposals are reviewed on a case by case basis taking the following into consideration:
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whether the proposed restructuring/recapitalization is the best means of enhancing shareholder value; and
whether the company’s longer-term prospects will be positively affected by the proposal.
Provide Director Indemnification – The Firm will vote for proposals to provide corporate indemnification for directors if consistent with all relevant laws. Corporations face great obstacles in attracting and retaining capable directors. The Firm believes such proposals will contribute to corporations’ ability to attract qualified individuals and will enhance the stability of corporate management.
Share Option Plans – The Firm will generally vote against proposals which authorize:
more than 10% of the company’s outstanding shares to be reserved for the award of share options; or
the award of share options to Employees and/or non-Employees of the company (for instance, outside directors and consultants) if the exercise price is less than the share’s fair market value at the date of the grant of the options and does not carry relevant performance hurdles for exercise; or
the exchange of outstanding options for new ones at lower exercise prices.
Shareholder Proposals – Corporate Governance Issues:
Majority Independent Board – The Firm will generally vote for proposals calling for a majority outside board. The Firm believes that a majority of independent directors can be an important factor in facilitating objective decision making and enhancing accountability to shareholders.
Executive Compensation – The Firm will generally vote against proposals to restrict Employee compensation. The Firm feels that the specific amounts and types of Employee compensation are within the ordinary business responsibilities of the Board of Directors and company management; provided, however, that share option plans meet our guidelines for such plans as set forth herein. On a case-by-case basis, the Firm will vote for proposals requesting more detailed disclosure of Employee compensation, especially if the company does not have a majority outside board.
Potential Conflicts of Interest:
In connection with any security which is the subject of a proxy vote, the Firm will determine whether any conflict of interest exists between the Firm or its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the beneficial owners of the securities, on the other hand. If a conflict of interest is identified, the Firm will first seek to apply the general guidelines discussed above without regard to the conflict. If the guidelines discussed above do not apply, the Firm will evaluate the situation and document the issue and resolution on a Proxy Voting Exception Report. The resolution may very well include notifying the beneficial owners of such conflict, describe how the Firm proposes to vote and the reasons therefore, and request the investor to provide written instructions if the investor desires the voting rights to be exercised in a different manner (which may include not voting the proxy). If an investor does not deliver contrary written instructions, the Firm will vote as indicated in its notice to investors.
Recordkeeping and Reports:
In order to comply with all applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements, the Firm will do the following:
1. The Firm will keep a copy of this Proxy Voting Policy and provide the same to investors upon request.
2. The Firm will retain copies of the proxy statements and a record of each vote cast by the Firm on behalf of an investor for periods prior to October 2008. For the periods thereafter, the Firm has authorized the Proxy Service to make and retain, on the Firm’s behalf, copies of proxy statements and records of the votes cast. The Firm may also rely on obtaining a copy of a proxy statement from the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system.
3. The Firm will retain a copy of any document created by the Firm that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies on behalf of an investor or that memorializes the basis for that decision.
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TDAM USA Inc.
Introduction
Registered investment management companies cast proxy votes for the securities in their portfolios. TDAM USA Inc.’s pooled funds are shareholders in numerous corporations. As such, TDAM USA Inc. casts proxy votes on behalf of its pooled fund shareholders.
TDAM USA Inc. has engaged Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) as its proxy management consultant. ISS assists TDAM USA Inc. in the process of fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities concerning the voting of its clients’ proxy ballots.
Policy
Specifically, ISS provides the following services to TDAM USA Inc. regarding proxy voting:
Analyzes proxy resolutions and make voting recommendations to TDAM USA Inc.;
Executes the voting of ballots; and
Quarterly, collates reports that detail voting activity.
As a framework within which proxy resolutions are assessed, TDAM USA Inc. has adopted the extensive set of voting guidelines developed by ISS. TDAM USA Inc. believes that they provide an appropriate basis upon which to judge whether or not proxy proposals are in its clients’ best interests. As a final check before proxies are voted, the asset class teams review ISS’ recommendations to ensure that the ISS interpretation of the guidelines coincide with that of TDAM USA Inc..
Two fundamental principles guide TDAM USA Inc.’s proxy voting on behalf of its clients’:
TDAM USA Inc. supports resolutions that we believe will protect and enhance the economic welfare of shareholders.
TDAM USA Inc. supports measures to preserve and strengthen shareholders’ rights.
Application of these principles leads TDAM USA Inc. consistently to support some types of proposals, consistently to oppose others, and on many, to follow a case-by-case approach. In instances where we are unable to determine what is in shareholders’ best interest, TDAM USA Inc. abstains from voting on the issue.
In the event that TDAM USA Inc. opposes the decision made by ISS we have the right to not follow their recommendation. In these instances TDAM USA Inc. will document the reasoning for voting against the recommendation and it will be reported to the CCO.
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Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC
Proxy Voting Policy
Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (“TSW”) has a fiduciary responsibility to its clients for voting proxies, where authorized, for portfolio securities, domestic and foreign, consistent with the best economic interests of its clients. TSW maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting and makes appropriate disclosures about our Firm’s proxy voting policies and practices in Form ADV Part 2A. In addition, we review our policies and practices no less than annually for adequacy; to make sure they have been implemented effectively, and to make sure they continue to be reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of our clients. Our policy and practice include the responsibility to monitor corporate actions and potential conflicts of interest, receive and vote client proxies, and make information available to clients about the voting of proxies for their portfolio securities while maintaining relevant and required records.
Background
Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders, and reasonable care and diligence should be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised.
Investment advisers registered with the SEC, and which exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which should include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser's interests and those of its clients; (b) disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; (c) describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) maintain certain records relating to the adviser's proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority.
A related companion release by the SEC also adopted rule and form amendments under the Securities Act and Investment Company Act similar to the above which TSW complies with when acting as a sub-adviser to a mutual fund.
Responsibility
TSW’s Compliance Officer (Proxy Coordinator) has the responsibility for the organization and monitoring of our proxy voting policy, practices, and recordkeeping. Implementation and disclosure, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures, is the responsibility of the CCO and Director of Operations. TSW has retained the services of a third-party provider, Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (“ISS”) to assist with the proxy process. ISS is a Registered Investment Adviser under the Advisers Act. It is a leading provider of proxy voting and corporate governance services. ISS provides TSW proxy proposal research and voting recommendations and votes accounts on TSW’s behalf under the guidance of ISS’s standard voting guidelines. Those guidelines cover the following areas:
Operational Issues
Board of Directors
Proxy Contests
Anti-takeover Defenses and Voting Related Issues
Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
State of Incorporation
Capital Structure
Executive & Director Compensation
Equity Compensation Plans
Specific Treatment of Certain Award Types in Equity Plan Evaluations
Other Compensation Proposals & Policies
Shareholder Proposals on Compensation
Social/Environmental Issues
Consumer Issues and Public Safety
Environment and Energy
General Corporate Issues
Labor Standards and Human Rights
Military Business
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Workplace Diversity
Mutual Fund Proxies
TSW’s proxy coordinator is responsible for monitoring ISS’s voting procedures on an ongoing basis. TSW’s general procedure regarding the voting of proxies is as follows:
Procedure
TSW has adopted various procedures and internal controls to review, monitor and ensure the Firm’s Proxy Voting policy is observed, implemented properly and amended or updated, as appropriate, which include the following:
Voting Procedure
Upon timely receipt of proxy materials, ISS will automatically release vote instructions on client’s behalf as soon as custom research is completed. TSW retains authority to override the votes (before cut-off date) if TSW disagrees with the vote recommendation.
The Proxy Coordinator will monitor the voting process at ISS via ISS’s Proxy Exchange website (ISS’s online voting and research platform). Records of which accounts are voted, how accounts are voted, and how many shares are voted are kept electronically with ISS.
For proxies not received by ISS, TSW and ISS will make a best effort attempt to receive ballots from the clients’ custodian prior to the vote cutoff date.
TSW is responsible for account maintenance – opening and closing of accounts, transmission of holdings and account environment monitoring. ISS will email TSW Compliance personnel to get approval when closing an account that was not directed by TSW.
The Manager of Research Operations (Proxy Oversight Representative) will keep abreast of any critical or exceptional events or events qualifying as a conflict of interest via ISS Proxy Exchange website and email. TSW has the ability to override vote instructions, and the Proxy Oversight Representative and/or Proxy Coordinator will consult with TSW’s Investment Policy Committee or product managers in these types of situations.
All domestic and foreign security proxies are voted solely in the best interest of clients on a best efforts basis. Proactive communication takes place via regular meetings with ISS’s Client Relations team.
Disclosure
TSW will provide conspicuously displayed information in its Disclosure Document summarizing this Proxy Voting policy, including a statement that clients may request information regarding how TSW voted a client’s proxies, and that clients may request a copy of these policies and procedures.See Form ADV, Part 2A – Item 17– Voting Client Securities
Client Requests for Information
All client requests for information regarding proxy votes, or policies and procedures, received by any associate should be forwarded to the Proxy Coordinator.
In response to any request, the Proxy Coordinator will prepare a written response to the client with the information requested, and as applicable, will include the name of the issuer, the proposal voted upon, and how TSW voted the client’s proxy with respect to each proposal about which the client inquired.
Voting Guidelines
TSW has a fiduciary responsibility under ERISA to vote ERISA Plan proxies unless the Plan directs otherwise. TSW will vote proxies when directed by non-ERISA clients. In the absence of specific voting guidelines from the client and upon timely receipt of proxy materials from the custodian, TSW will vote proxies in the best interests of each particular client according to the recommended election of ISS. ISS’s policy is to vote all proxies from a specific issuer the same way for each client, absent qualifying restrictions from a client. Clients are permitted to place reasonable restrictions on TSW's voting authority in the same manner that they may place such restrictions on the actual selection of account securities.
ISS will generally vote in favor of routine corporate housekeeping proposals such as the election of directors and selection of auditors absent conflicts of interest raised by auditors' non-audit services.
ISS will generally vote against proposals that cause board members to become entrenched, reduce shareholder control over management or in some way diminish shareholders’ present or future value.
In reviewing proposals, ISS will further consider the opinion of management and the effect on management, and the effect on shareholder value and the issuer’s business practices.
A complete summary of ISS’s US and International voting guidelines is available at: https://www.issgovernance.com/policy
Forensic Testing Procedures
No less than quarterly, TSW will review the ISS Proxy Exchange list of accounts voted to ensure all appropriate accounts are being voted. This will be performed by the Proxy Coordinator.
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Conflicts of Interest
TSW will identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of the adviser and each client by reviewing the relationship of TSW with the issuer of each security to determine if TSW or any of its associates has any financial, business or personal relationship with the issuer.
If a material conflict of interest exists, the Proxy Coordinator will instruct ISS to vote using ISS’s standard policy guidelines which are derived independently from TSW.
TSW will maintain a record of the voting resolution of any conflict of interest.
ISS also maintains a Conflicts Policy which indicates how they address any potential conflicts of interest and is available at: https://www.issgovernance.com/compliance/due-diligence-materials
Practical Limitations Relating to Proxy Voting
TSW makes a best effort to vote proxies. In certain circumstances, it may be impractical or impossible for TSW to do so. Identifiable circumstances include:
Limited Value: Where TSW has concluded that to do so would have no identifiable economic benefit to the client-shareholder;
Unjustifiable Cost: When the costs of or disadvantages resulting from voting, in TSW’s judgment, outweigh the economic benefits of voting;
Securities Lending: If securities are on loan at the record date, the client lending the security cannot vote the proxy. Because TSW generally is not aware of when a security may be on loan, it may not have the opportunity to recall the security prior to the record date; and
Failure to receive proxy statements: TSW may not be able to vote proxies in connection with certain holdings, most frequently for foreign securities, if it does not receive the account’s proxy statement in time to vote the proxy.
Recordkeeping
TSW and/or ISS shall retain the following proxy records in accordance with the SEC’s five-year retention requirement:
These policies and procedures and any amendments;
Each proxy statement that ISS receives;
A record of each vote that ISS casts on behalf of TSW;
Any document ISS created that was material to making a decision regarding how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision; and
A copy of each written request from a client for information on how ISS voted such client’s proxies, and a copy of any written response.
Due Diligence and Error Procedures
TSW will periodically perform due diligence on ISS, focusing on the following areas:
Adequacy of ISS’s staffing and personnel;
Adequacy/robustness of ISS’s Policies and Procedures and review of their policies for conflict issues;
Review of any specific conflicts ISS may have with regard to TSW;
Review of ISS for any business changes that may affect services provided to TSW; and
Review quarterly reporting package provided by ISS and enhance this package as necessary for any additional information that is needed.
TSW will take the following steps should there ever be an issue/error that occurs with regard to its proxy voting responsibilities:
Follow up with ISS to determine the cause of and the details surrounding the issue;
Report back to the affected client immediately with such details and how the issue will be resolved;
Put additional controls in place if necessary to prevent such issues from occurring in the future; and
Report back to the affected client with the final resolution and any remedial steps.
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Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
1. Background
Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”) requires advisers to adopt and implement policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its clients. These policies and procedures must be in writing and must describe how the adviser addresses material conflicts between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting.
Rule 206(4)-6 also requires each investment adviser to (1) disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser about how it voted with respect to their respective securities; and (2) describe to clients its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy of the policies and procedures to the requesting client.
Accordingly, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”) has adopted and implements written procedures designed to enable it to identify, address and monitor potential conflicts of interest.
2. Policy
TAM recognizes that proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion in order to secure the best long-term interests of the advisory clients of TAM. TAM’s proxy voting policies and procedures are designed to implement TAM’s duty to vote proxies in clients’ best interests.
3. Sub-Advised Registered Investment Companies
TAM has delegated the responsibility to exercise voting authority with respect to securities held in the portfolios of the registered investment companies for which one or more sub-advisers TAM has been retained as sub-adviser(s) for each such portfolio. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the respective sub-advisers are used to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held by the remainder of the funds and portfolio.
4. Asset Allocation Registered Investment Companies
TAM exercises voting discretion for the Horizon Asset Allocation Funds and the Transamerica 60/40 Allocation VP of the Transamerica Series Trust as well as for the Transamerica Asset Allocation Variable Funds (“Asset Allocation Funds”).
TAM manages portfolios for the Transamerica Funds, the Transamerica Series Trust, Transamerica Exchange Traded Funds and Transamerica Asset Allocation Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). TAM may invest an Asset Allocation Fund in shares of the Funds. If a Fund solicits a proxy for which an Asset Allocation Fund is entitled to vote, TAM’s interests as manager of the Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the Asset Allocation Fund. In these cases, TAM’s proxy voting policy and procedures address material conflicts of interest that may arise between TAM, and/ or its affiliates and the funds by either: (i) providing for voting in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party or the Board; (ii) voting shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of a fund’s shares; or (iii) obtaining the consent of the Board (or a Board Committee) with full disclosure of the conflict.
Revision History
Date: 4/30/2020
Updated to reflect new format, standalone from fund policy and current processes
Wellington Management Company LLP
Global Proxy Voting Guidelines
Introduction
Upon a client’s written request, Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington Management”) votes securities that are held in the client’s account in response to proxies solicited by the issuers of such securities. Wellington Management established these guidelines to document positions generally taken on common proxy issues voted on behalf of clients.
These guidelines are based on Wellington Management’s fiduciary obligation to act in the best economic interest of its clients as shareholders. Hence, Wellington Management examines and seeks to vote each proposal so that the long- term effect of the vote will ultimately increase shareholder value for our clients. Because ethical considerations can have an impact on the long-term value of assets, our voting practices are also attentive to these issues, and votes will be cast against unlawful and unethical activity. Further, Wellington Management’s experience in voting proposals has shown that similar proposals often have different consequences for different companies. Moreover, while these guidelines are written to apply globally, differences in local practice and law make universal application impractical. Therefore, each proposal is evaluated on its merits, taking into account its effects on the specific company in question and on the company within its industry. It should be noted that the following are guidelines, not rigid rules, and Wellington Management reserves the right in all cases to vote contrary to guidelines where doing so is judged to represent the best economic interest of our clients.
Following is a list of common proposals and the guidelines on how Wellington Management anticipates voting on these proposals. The “(SP)” after a proposal indicates that the proposal is usually presented as a shareholder proposal.
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Voting Guidelines
Composition and Role of the Board of Directors
Elect Directors: Case-by-Case
We believe that shareholders’ ability to elect directors annually is the most important right shareholders have. We generally support management nominees, but will withhold votes from any director who is demonstrated to have acted contrary to the best economic interest of shareholders. We believe that a diverse board is in the best interest of shareholders, so we consider board diversity as part of our assessment. We may also withhold votes from directors who failed to implement shareholder proposals that received majority support, implemented dead-hand or no-hand poison pills, or failed to attend at least 75% of scheduled board meetings.
Declassify board of directors: For
Adopt director tenure/retirement age (SP): Against
Adopt director and officer indemnification: For
  We generally support director and officer indemnification as critical to the attraction and retention of qualified candidates to the board. Such proposals must incorporate the duty of care.
Allow special interest representation to board (SP): Against
Require board independence: For
We believe that boards are best-positioned to represent shareholders’ interests when they have a sufficient quantity of independent directors in the boardroom. We believe that, in the absence of a compelling counter- argument or prevailing market norms, at least two-thirds of a board should be composed of independent directors, with independence defined by the local market regulatory authority. Expressing our support for these levels of independence may include withholding approval for non-independent directors, as well as votes in support of shareholder proposals calling for independence. To determine the appropriate minimum level of board independence, we look to the prevailing market best practice — for example, one-third independent in Japan, two-thirds independent in the US, and majority independent in the UK and France.
Require key board committees to be independent. For
  Key board committees are the nominating, audit, and compensation committees. Exceptions will be made, as above, in respect of local market conventions.
Require a separation of chair and CEO or require a lead director (SP): For
Approve directors’ fees: Case-by-Case
Approve bonuses for retiring directors: For
Approve board size: For
Elect supervisory board/corporate assembly/statutory auditors: Case-by-Case
  Companies in certain markets are governed by multitiered boards, with each tier having different powers and responsibilities. We hold supervisory board members to similar standards described above under “Elect directors,” subject to prevailing local governance best practices.
Majority vote on election of directors (SP): For
  We believe that the election of directors by a majority of votes cast is the appropriate standard for companies to adopt and therefore generally will support those proposals that seek to adopt such a standard. Our support for such proposals will extend typically to situations where the relevant company has an existing resignation policy in place for directors that receive a majority of “withhold” votes. We believe that it is important for majority voting to be defined within the company’s charter and not simply within the company’s corporate governance policy.
  Generally we will not support proposals that fail to provide for the exceptional use of a plurality standard in the case of contested elections. Further, we will not support proposals that seek to adopt a majority of votes outstanding (i.e., total votes eligible to be cast as opposed to actually cast) standard.
Adopt proxy access: For
  We generally support proposals that allow significant and long-term shareholders the right to nominate director candidates on management’s proxy card. That being said, we may vote against a proxy access proposal if it is shareholder-sponsored and it requests that the company adopt proxy access without reasonable constraints or in a way that markedly differs from prevailing market norms.
Contested director election: Case-by-Case
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Composition
Adopt/amend stock option plans: Case-by-Case
  While we believe equity compensation helps align plan participants’ and shareholders’ interests, we will vote against plans that we find excessively dilutive or costly. Additionally, we will generally vote against plans that allow the company to reprice options without shareholder approval. We will also vote against plans that allow the company to add shares to the plan without shareholder approval, otherwise known as an “evergreen” provision.
Adopt/amend employee stock purchase plans: Case-by-Case
  We generally support employee stock purchase plans, as they may align employees’ interests with the interests of shareholders. That being said, we typically vote against plans that do not offer shares to a broad group of employees (i.e., only executives are allowed to participate) or plans that offer shares at a significant discount.
Approve/amend bonus plans: Case-by-Case
  In the US, bonus plans are customarily presented for shareholder approval pursuant to section 162(m) of the omnibus budget reconciliation act of 1992 (“OBRA”). OBRA stipulates that certain forms of compensation are not tax deductible unless approved by shareholders and subject to performance criteria. Because OBRA does not prevent the payment of subject compensation, we generally vote “for” these proposals. Nevertheless, occasionally these proposals are presented in a bundled form seeking 162(m) approval and approval of a stock option plan. In such cases, failure of the proposal prevents the awards from being granted. We will vote against these proposals where the grant portion of the proposal fails our guidelines for the evaluation of stock option plans.
Approve remuneration policy: Case-by-Case
Approve compensation packages for named executive officers: Case-by-Case
Determine whether the compensation vote will occur every one, two, or three years: One year
Exchange underwater options: Case-by-Case
  We may support value-neutral exchanges in which senior management is ineligible to participate.
Eliminate or limit severance agreements (golden parachutes): Case-by-Case
  We will oppose excessively generous arrangements, but may support agreements structured to encour- age management to negotiate in shareholders’ best economic interest.
Shareholder approval of future severance agreements covering senior executives (SP): Case-by-Case
  We believe that severance arrangements require special scrutiny, and are generally supportive of proposals that call for shareholder ratification thereof. But we are also mindful of the board’s need for flexibility in recruitment and retention and will therefore oppose placing additional limitations on compensation where we feel the board as already demonstrated reasonable respect for industry practice and overall levels of compensation have historically been sensible.
Adopt a clawback policy (SP): Case-by-Case
  We believe that companies should have the ability to recoup incentive compensation from members of management who received awards based on fraudulent activities or an accounting misstatement. Consequently, we may support shareholder proposals requesting that a company establish a clawback provision if the company’s existing policies do not cover these circumstances.
Reporting of results
Approve financial statements: For
Set dividends and allocate profits: For
Limit non-audit services provided by auditors (SP): Case-by-Case
We follow the guidelines established by the public company accounting oversight board regarding permissible levels of non-audit fees payable to auditors.
Ratify selection of auditors and approve their fees: Case-by-Case
We will generally support management’s choice of auditors, unless the auditors have demonstrated failure to act in shareholders’ best economic interest.
Shareholder approval of auditors (SP): For
Shareholder voting rights
Adopt cumulative voting (SP): Against
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  As an exception, we may support cumulative voting proposals at “controlled” companies (i.e., companies with a single majority shareholder) or at companies with two-tiered voting rights
Shareholder rights plans: Case-by-Case
  Also known as poison pills, we believe these plans do not encourage strong corporate governance, since they can entrench management and restrict opportunities for takeovers. That being said, we recognize that limited poison pills can enable boards of directors to negotiate higher takeover prices on behalf of shareholders. Consequently, we may support plans that include:
Shareholder approval requirement
Sunset provision
Permitted bid feature (i.e., bids that are made for all shares and demonstrate evidence of financing must be submitted to a shareholder vote)
Because boards generally have the authority to adopt shareholder rights plans without shareholder approval, we are equally vigilant in our assessment of requests for authorization of blank check preferred shares (see below).
Authorize blank check preferred stock: Case-by-Case
  We may support authorization requests that specifically proscribe the use of such shares for anti-takeover purposes.
Establish right to call a special meeting: For
  A reasonably high ownership threshold should be required to convene special meetings in order to ensure that they address broadly-supported shareholder interests.
Establish the right to act by written consent (SP): Case-by-Case
  We will generally oppose written consent proposals when the company already offers the shareholders the right to call a special meeting.
Increase supermajority vote requirement: Against
  We likely will support shareholder and management proposals to remove existing supermajority vote requirements.
Adopt anti-greenmail provision: For
Adopt confidential voting (SP): Case-by-Case
  As an exception, we require such proposals to include a provision to suspend confidential voting during contested elections so that management is not subject to constraints that do not apply to dissidents.
Increase authorized common stock: Case-by-Case
  We generally support requests for increases up to 100% of the shares currently authorized, so long as the new authority respects preemption rights. Exceptions will be made when the company has clearly articulated a reasonable need for a greater increase. Conversely, at companies trading in less liquid markets, we may impose a lower threshold.
Approve merger or acquisition: Case-by-Case
Approve technical amendments to charter: Case-by-Case
Opt out of state takeover statures: For
Eliminate multiclass voting structure (SP): For
  We believe that shareholders’ voting power should be reflected by their economic stake in a company.
Capital structure
Authorize share repurchase: For
Approve stock splits: Case-by-Case
  We approve stock splits and reverse stock splits that preserve the level of authorized but unissued shares.
Approve recapitalization/restructuring: Case-by-Case
Issue stock with or without preemptive rights: Case-by-Case
Issue debt instruments: Case-by-Case
Environmental and social issues
Environmental and social issues typically appear on ballots as shareholder-sponsored proposals. We support these proposals in situations where we believe that doing so will improve the prospects for long-term success of a company and investment returns. For example, we
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  generally support proposals focused on improved assessment and disclosure of climate risks when we believe they may be material to a company’s long-term performance and management has not sufficiently addressed them. At a minimum, we expect companies to comply with applicable laws and regulations with regards to environmental and social standards.: Case-by-Case
Miscellaneous
Approve other business: Against
Approve re-incorporation: Case-by-Case
Approve third-party transactions: Case-by-Case
13 March 2019
Global Proxy Policy and Procedures
Introduction
Wellington Management has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best economic interests of clients for whom it exercises proxy-voting discretion.
Wellington Management’s Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) set forth broad guidelines and positions on common proxy issues that Wellington Management uses in voting on proxies. In addition, Wellington Management also considers each proposal in the context of the issuer, industry and country or countries in which the issuer’s business is conducted. The Guidelines are not rigid rules and the merits of a particular proposal may cause Wellington Management to enter a vote that differs from the Guidelines.
Statement of Policy
Wellington Management:
1. Votes client proxies for which clients have affirmatively delegated proxy-voting authority, in writing, unless it determines that it is in the best interest of one or more clients to refrain from voting a given proxy.
2. Votes all proxies in the best interests of the client for whom it is voting, i.e., to maximize economic value.
3. Identifies and resolves all material proxy-related conflicts of interest between the firm and its clients in the best interests of the client.
Responsibility and Oversight
The Investment Research Group (“Investment Research”) monitors regulatory requirements with respect to proxy voting and works with the firm’s Legal and Compliance Group and the Investment Stewardship Committee to develop practices that implement those requirements. Investment Research also acts as a resource for portfolio managers and research analysts on proxy matters as needed. Day-to-day administration of the proxy voting process is the responsibility of Investment Research. The Investment Stewardship Committee is responsible for oversight of the implementation of the Global Proxy Policy and Procedures, review and approval of the Guidelines and for providing advice and guidance on specific proxy votes for individual issuers.
Procedures
Use of Third-Party Voting Agent
Wellington Management uses the services of a third-party voting agent to manage the administrative aspects of proxy voting. The voting agent processes proxies for client accounts, casts votes based on the Guidelines and maintains records of proxies voted.
Receipt of Proxy
If a client requests that Wellington Management votes proxies on its behalf, the client must instruct its custodian bank to deliver all relevant voting material to Wellington Management or its voting agent.
Reconciliation
Each public security proxy received by electronic means is matched to the securities eligible to be voted and a reminder is sent to any custodian or trustee that has not forwarded the proxies as due. Although proxies received for private securities, as well as those received in non-electronic format, are voted as received, Wellington Management is not able to reconcile these proxies to holdings, nor does it notify custodians of non-receipt.
Research
In addition to proprietary investment research undertaken by Wellington Management investment professionals, Investment Research conducts proxy research internally, and uses the resources of a number of external sources to keep abreast of developments in corporate governance and of current practices of specific companies
Proxy Voting
Following the reconciliation process, each proxy is compared against the Guidelines, and handled as follows:
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Generally, issues for which explicit proxy voting guidance is provided in the Guidelines (i.e., “For”, “Against”, “Abstain”) are reviewed by Investment Research and voted in accordance with the Guidelines.
Issues identified as “case-by-case” in the Guidelines are further reviewed by Investment Research. In certain circumstances, further input is needed, so the issues are forwarded to the relevant research analyst and/or portfolio manager(s) for their input.
Absent a material conflict of interest, the portfolio manager has the authority to decide the final vote. Different portfolio managers holding the same securities may arrive at different voting conclusions for their clients’ proxies.
Wellington Management reviews regularly the voting record to ensure that proxies are voted in accordance with these Global Proxy Policy and Procedures and the Guidelines; and ensures that documentation and reports, for clients and for internal purposes, relating to the voting of proxies are promptly and properly prepared and disseminated.
Material Conflict of Interest Identification and Resolution Processes: Wellington Management’s broadly diversified client base and functional lines of responsibility serve to minimize the number of, but not prevent, material conflicts of interest it faces in voting proxies. Annually, the Investment Stewardship Committee sets standards for identifying material conflicts based on client, vendor, and lender relationships, and publishes those standards to individuals involved in the proxy voting process. In addition, the Investment Stewardship Committee encourages all personnel to contact Investment Research about apparent conflicts of interest, even if the apparent conflict does not meet the published materiality criteria. Apparent conflicts are reviewed by designated members of the Investment Stewardship Committee to determine if there is a conflict and if so whether the conflict is material.
If a proxy is identified as presenting a material conflict of interest, the matter must be reviewed by designated members of the Investment Stewardship Committee, who will resolve the conflict and direct the vote. In certain circumstances, the designated members may determine that the full Investment Stewardship Committee should convene.
Other Considerations
In certain instances, Wellington Management may be unable to vote or may determine not to vote a proxy on behalf of one or more clients. While not exhaustive, the following are potential instances in which a proxy vote might not be entered.
Securities Lending
In general, Wellington Management does not know when securities have been lent out pursuant to a client’s securities lending program and are therefore unavailable to be voted. Efforts to recall loaned securities are not always effective, but, in rare circumstances, Wellington Management may recommend that a client attempt to have its custodian recall the security to permit voting of related proxies.
Share Blocking and Re-registration
Certain countries impose trading restrictions or requirements regarding re-registration of securities held in omnibus accounts in order for shareholders to vote a proxy. The potential impact of such requirements is evaluated when determining whether to vote such proxies.
Lack of Adequate Information, Untimely Receipt of Proxy Materials, or Excessive Costs
Wellington Management may abstain from voting a proxy when the proxy statement or other available information is inadequate to allow for an informed vote, when the proxy materials are not delivered in a timely fashion or when, in Wellington Management’s judgment, the costs exceed the expected benefits to clients (such as when powers of attorney or consularization are required).
Additional Information
Wellington Management maintains records related to proxies pursuant to Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and other applicable laws.
Wellington Management provides clients with a copy of its Global Proxy Policy and Procedures, including the Guidelines, upon written request. In addition, Wellington Management will make specific client information relating to proxy voting available to a client upon reasonable written request.
Dated: 1 January 2018
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Appendix B – Portfolio Managers
In addition to managing the assets of each fund, a portfolio manager may have responsibility for managing other client accounts of the applicable adviser or its affiliates. The tables below show, per portfolio manager, the number and asset size of (1) SEC registered investment companies (or series thereof) other than each fund, (2) pooled investment vehicles that are not registered investment companies and (3) other accounts (e.g., accounts managed for individuals or organizations) managed by a portfolio manager. Total assets attributed to a portfolio manager in the tables below include total assets of each account managed, although a portfolio manager may only manage a portion of such account's assets. The tables also show the number of performance based fee accounts, as well as the total assets of the accounts for which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account. This information is provided as of each fund's most recent fiscal year end.
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (“AUIM”)
Transamerica Balanced II
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 5 $5.39 billion 8 $2.15 billion 15 $37.1 billion
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 5 $7.04 billion 8 $3.92 billion 23 $12.2 billion
Doug Weih, CFA 6 $8.44 billion 3 $1.07 billion 8 $11.2 billion
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 6 $8.14 billion 8 $2.52 billion 16 $38.2 billion
Sivakumar N. Rajan 3 $3.65 billion 5 $1.01 billion 9 $36.7 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Doug Weih, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Sivakumar N. Rajan 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica High Yield Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Kevin Bakker, CFA 2 $284 million 13 $3.21 billion 14 $3.49 billion
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA 2 $284 million 13 $3.21 billion 14 $3.49 billion
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. 4 $1.93 billion 16 $4.15 billion 18 $3.74 billion
Derek Thoms 2 $284 million 13 $3.21 billion 15 $4.03 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Kevin Bakker, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $426 million
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $426 million
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. 0 $0 0 $0 10 $4.463 billion
Derek Thoms 0 $0 0 $0 1 $426 million
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Kevin Bakker, CFA* 3 $2.46 billion 13 $5.58 billion 15 $3.20 billion
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA* 3 $2.46 billion 13 $5.58 billion 15 $3.20 billion
James K. Schaeffer, Jr.* 5 $4.14 billion 16 $6.48 billion 21 $3.42 billion
Derek Thoms* 3 $2.46 billion 13 $5.58 billion 16 $3.61 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Kevin Bakker, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 1 $419 million
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 1 $419 million
James K. Schaeffer, Jr.* 0 $0 0 $0 10 $4.23 billion
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Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Derek Thoms* 0 $0 0 $0 1 $419 million
as of June 30, 2020
Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 5 $2.89 billion 8 $2.15 billion 15 $37.1 billion
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 5 $9.65 billion 8 $3.92 billion 23 $12.2 billion
Doug Weih, CFA 6 $11.05 billion 3 $1.07 billion 8 $11.2 billion
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 6 $10.75 billion 8 $2.52 billion 16 $38.2 billion
Sivakumar N. Rajan 3 $6.26 billion 5 $1.01 billion 9 $36.7 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Doug Weih, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Sivakumar N. Rajan 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA* 6 $5.15 billion 8 $2.06 billion 15 $39.08billion
Charles Foster, CFA* 1 $544 million 5 $1.23 billion 8 $3.05 billion
Jeremy Mead, CFA* 1 $1.58 billion 4 $1.93 billion 7 $3.55 billion
Jose Pluto, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 1 $113 million
Jeremy Thurm, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 1 $113 million
James Rich * 0 $0 1 $16 million 6 $271 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Charles Foster, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jeremy Mead, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jose Pluto, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jeremy Thurm, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
James Rich * 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
as of June 30, 2020
Conflict of Interest
At AUIM, individual portfolio managers may manage multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition to the sub-advisory management of the funds, AUIM manages separate accounts for institutions as well as various affiliated entities, which could create the potential for conflicts of interest. Affiliate relationships represent AUIM’s largest clients. A conflict of interest, including but not limited to conflicts of interest when allocating investment opportunities, will arise when AUIM is acting on behalf of the accounts of affiliated and unaffiliated clients. In each case, AUIM recognizes the responsibility to treat all clients (including the funds) fairly and consistently, and portfolio decisions made for unaffiliated accounts will be consistent, where applicable, with the decisions made for affiliated accounts. AUIM might provide certain investment research that it creates for its discretionary investment advisory clients to a non-discretionary affiliate client. Similarly, AUIM might prepare investment research for its non-discretionary affiliate client that could benefit its discretionary clients.
AUIM strives to mitigate the potential for conflicts between and among accounts through its trade aggregation and allocation policy and procedures. AUIM allocates investment opportunities among clients in a manner intended to result in fair and equitable treatment to clients over time. Factors that influence a decision to allocate investment opportunities among client accounts include but are not limited to: account
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investment objectives, guidelines, and constraints; current account holdings, including asset class, sector, industry, and issuer concentrations, both on an absolute basis and relative to the account’s benchmark; desired risk profiles of the account, including as applicable credit quality, maturity, or duration distributions, and the impact the proposed investment would have on these measures; cash availability and future cash flow expectations; and allocation considerations based on criteria such as round-lot provisions or minimum transaction size.
Many client accounts that AUIM manages trade in the same securities. Given this, AUIM typically combines transactions for different client accounts into aggregated (blocked) orders. This practice can enable the firm to seek more favorable executions and net prices. AUIM can use various methods to allocate blocked transactions among participating accounts, consistent with AUIM’s policy that, over time, no client is unduly favored over another.
Some fixed income accounts have certain restrictions or requirements that prevent them from participating in aggregated trades. These accounts will be traded in a different order or at a different time than accounts participating in blocked trades. Trading and execution costs for these accounts can be different (higher or lower) than the costs for accounts participating in aggregated transactions.
In an effort to facilitate the fair treatment among all our client accounts, AUIM strives not to consider factors such as: account performance, account fees, or our affiliate relationships when aggregating and allocating orders. In addition to the trade aggregation and allocation policy and procedures, AUIM seeks to manage conflicts of interest between and among the funds and other client accounts through compliance with AUIM’s Code of Ethics, internal review processes, and senior management oversight.
Further, in an effort to address any conflicts associated with a global research platform and a participating affiliate arrangement with Aegon Investment Management B.V. (AIM), AUIM has adopted certain policies and monitoring controls. AUIM and AIM independently manage investment strategies that separately utilize and depend on the global research platform. Conflicts of interest, or at least the appearance of conflicts, will arise when portfolio managers from each firm invest or trade in the same securities or issuers on behalf of their respective clients. These conflicts include the advance access to investment research that results in the preferential treatment or the possibility of preferential allocation of securities trading opportunities that have limited availability. These circumstances could also lead to preferential trade executions.
See also in this SAI, Brokerage; Conflicts of Interest; and Sub-advisers.
Compensation
As of October 31, 2019, each portfolio manager’s compensation is provided directly by the sub-adviser and not by the funds. Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of a fixed base salary and a variable performance incentive. The performance incentive is based on the following factors: the economic performance of the overall relevant portfolio manager’s asset class, including the performance of the relevant fund’s assets; leadership and communication with clients; assisting with the sub-advisers strategic goals; and earning results from the sub-adviser, Aegon Asset Management Holding B.V., and Aegon NV.
The portfolio managers may also participate in the sub-adviser’s long-term compensation plan, which is awarded as deferred cash notionally invested in select sub-adviser’s strategies during the vesting period as described in the long-term compensation plan. Payout is based on a combination of personal employee, sub-adviser, Aegon Asset Management Holding B.V. and Aegon N.V. performance factors. Payout from the long-term incentive programs occurs after a 30-month vesting period following the performance year. Certain senior investment personnel will require a 42-month vesting period following the performance year.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s), except as follows:
Portfolio Manager Range of Securities Owned Fund
Kevin Bakker, CFA $100,001 – $500,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA $100,001 – $500,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Sivakumar N. Rajan $10,001 – $50,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. $100,001 – $500,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Derek Thoms $1 – $10,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Doug Weih, CFA $50,001 – $100,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA $10,001 – $50,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Sivakumar N. Rajan $10,001 – $50,000 Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Derek Thoms $1 – $10,000 Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Doug Weih, CFA $10,001 – $50,000 Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA $10,001 – $50,000 Transamerica Intermediate Bond
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J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (“JP Morgan”)
Transamerica Balanced II
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies*
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles*
Other Accounts*
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Tim Snyder, CFA 8 $8.59 billion 10 $3.50 billion 11 $8.40 billion
Raffaele Zingone, CFA 12 $9.54 billion 9 $2.92 billion 11 $8.40 billion
Steven G. Lee 8 $8.06 billion 2 $417 million 2 $1.15 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Tim Snyder, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Raffaele Zingone, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Steven G. Lee 0 $0 1 $186 million 1 $727 million
*The total value and number of accounts managed by a portfolio manager may include sub-accounts of asset allocation, multi-managed and other accounts.
Conflict of Interest
The potential for conflicts of interest exists when portfolio managers manage other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies as the fund (“Similar Accounts”). Potential conflicts may include, for example, conflicts between investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities.
Responsibility for managing J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (JPMorgan)'s and its affiliates clients' portfolios is organized according to investment strategies within asset classes. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed by portfolio managers in the same portfolio management group using the same objectives, approach and philosophy. Underlying sectors or strategy allocations within a larger portfolio are likewise managed by portfolio managers who use the same approach and philosophy as similarly managed portfolios. Therefore, portfolio holdings, relative position sizes and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios and strategies, which minimize the potential for conflicts of interest.
JP Morgan and/or its affiliates perform investment services, including rendering investment advice, to varied clients. JP Morgan and/or its affiliates and its or their directors, officers, agents, and/or employees may render similar or differing investment advisory services to clients and may give advice or exercise investment responsibility and take such other action with respect to any of its other clients that differs from the advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to another client or group of clients. It is JP Morgan’s policy, to the extent practicable, to allocate, within its reasonable discretion, investment opportunities among clients over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis. One or more of JP Morgan’s other client accounts may at any time hold, acquire, increase, decrease, dispose, or otherwise deal with positions in investments in which another client account may have an interest from time-to-time.
JP Morgan and/or its affiliates, and any of its or their directors, partners, officers, agents or employees, may also buy, sell, or trade securities for their own accounts or the proprietary accounts of JP Morgan and/or its affiliates, within their discretion, may make different investment decisions and other actions with respect to their own proprietary accounts than those made for client accounts, including the timing or nature of such investment decisions or actions. Further, JP Morgan is not required to purchase or sell for any client account securities that it, and/or its affiliates, and any of its or their employees, principals, or agents may purchase or sell for their own accounts or the proprietary accounts of JP Morgan and/or its affiliates or its clients.
JPMorgan and/or its affiliates may receive more compensation with respect to certain Similar Accounts than that received with respect to the fund or may receive compensation based in part on the performance of certain Similar Accounts. This may create a potential conflict of interest for JPMorgan and its affiliates or its portfolio managers by providing an incentive to favor these Similar Accounts when, for example, placing securities transactions. In addition, JPMorgan or its affiliates could be viewed as having a conflict of interest to the extent that JPMorgan or an affiliate has a proprietary investment in Similar Accounts, the portfolio managers have personal investments in Similar Accounts or the Similar Accounts are investment options in JPMorgan's or its affiliate’s employee benefit plans. Potential conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of investment opportunities because of market factors or investment restrictions imposed upon JPMorgan and its affiliates by law, regulation, contract or internal policies. Allocations of aggregated trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially completed due to limited availability and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as JPMorgan or its affiliates may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to favored accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. JPMorgan and its affiliates may be perceived as causing accounts they manages to participate in an offering to increase JPMorgan's or its affiliates’ overall allocation of securities in that offering.
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A potential conflict of interest also may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by another account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account. If JPMorgan or its affiliates manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the fund invests, JPMorgan or its affiliates could be seen as harming the performance of the fund for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall.
As an internal policy matter, JPMorgan may from time to time maintain certain overall investment limitations on the securities positions or positions in other financial instruments JPMorgan or its affiliates will take on behalf of its various clients due to, among other things, liquidity concerns and regulatory restrictions. Such policies may preclude a fund from purchasing particular securities or financial instruments, even if such securities or financial instruments would otherwise meet the fund’s objectives.
The goal of JPMorgan and its affiliates is to meet their fiduciary obligation with respect to all clients. JPMorgan and its affiliates have policies and procedures that seek to manage conflicts. JPMorgan and its affiliates monitor a variety of areas, including compliance with fund guidelines, review of allocation decisions and compliance with JPMorgan’s Codes of Ethics and JPMC’s Code of Conduct. With respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, JPMorgan and its affiliates also have certain policies designed to achieve fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among its clients over time. For example:
Orders received in the same security and within a reasonable time period from a market event (e.g., a change in a security rating) are continuously aggregated on the appropriate trading desk so that new orders are aggregated with current outstanding orders, consistent with JPMorgan’s duty of best execution for its clients. However, there are circumstances when it may be appropriate to execute the second order differently due to other constraints or investment objectives. Such exceptions often depend on the asset class. Examples of these exceptions, particularly in the fixed income area, are sales to meet redemption deadlines or orders related to less liquid assets.
If aggregated trades are fully executed, accounts participating in the trade will typically be allocated their pro rata share on an average price basis. Partially filled orders generally will be allocated among the participating accounts on a pro-rata average price basis, subject to certain limited exceptions. Use of average price for execution of aggregated trade orders is particularly true in the equity area. However, certain investment strategies, such as the use of derivatives, or asset classes, such as fixed income that use individual trade executions due to the nature of the strategy or supply of the security, may not be subject to average execution price policy and would receive the actual execution price of the transaction. Additionally, some accounts may be excluded from pro rata allocations. Accounts that would receive a de minimis allocation relative to their size may be excluded from the order. Another exception may occur when thin markets or price volatility require that an aggregated order be completed in multiple executions over several days. Deviations from pro rata allocations are documented by the business. JPMorgan attempts to mitigate any potential unfairness by basing non-pro-rata allocations traded through a single trading desk or system upon an objective predetermined criteria for the selection of investments and a disciplined process for allocating securities with similar duration, credit quality and liquidity in the good faith judgment of JPMorgan so that fair and equitable allocation will occur over time.
Compensation
JPMorgan’s compensation programs are designed to align the behavior of employees with the achievement of its short- and long-term strategic goals, which revolve around client investment objectives. This is accomplished, in part, through a balanced performance assessment process and total compensation program, as well as a clearly defined culture that rigorously and consistently promotes adherence to the highest ethical standards.
In determining portfolio manager compensation, JPMorgan uses a balanced discretionary approach to assess performance against four broad categories: (1) business results; (2) risk and control; (3) customers and clients; and (4) people and leadership.
These performance categories consider short-, medium- and long-term goals that drive sustained value for clients, while accounting for risk and control objectives. Specifically, portfolio manager performance is evaluated against various factors including the following: (1) blended pre-tax investment performance relative to competitive indices, generally weighted more to the long-term; (2) individual contribution relative to the client’s risk/return objectives; and (3) adherence with JPMorgan’s compliance, risk and regulatory procedures.
Feedback from JPMorgan’s risk and control professionals is considered in assessing performance.
JPMorgan maintains a balanced total compensation program comprised of a mix of fixed compensation (including a competitive base salary and, for certain employees, a fixed cash allowance), variable compensation in the form of cash incentives, and long-term incentives in the form of equity based and/or fund-tracking incentives that vest over time. Long-term awards comprise up to 60% of overall incentive compensation, depending on an employee’s pay level.
Long-term awards are generally in the form of time-vested JPMC Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”). However, portfolio managers are subject to a mandatory deferral of long-term incentive compensation under JPMorgan’s Mandatory Investor Plan (“MIP”). The MIP provides for a rate of return equal to that of the Fund(s) that the portfolio managers manage, thereby aligning portfolio manager’s pay with that of their
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client’s experience/return. 100% of the portfolio manager’s long-term incentive compensation is eligible for MIP with 50% is allocated to the specific Fund(s) they manage, as determined by their respective manager. The remaining portion of the overall amount is electable and may be treated as if invested in any of the other Funds available in the plan or can take the form of RSUs.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Merganser Capital Management, LLC (“Merganser”)
Transamerica High Quality Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Peter S. Kaplan, CFA 1 $228 million 1 $343 million 32 $5.626 billion
Adam Ware, CFA 1 $228 million 2 $502 million 58 $4.198 billion
Jennifer K. Wynn, CFA 1 $228 million 0 $0 0 $0
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Peter S. Kaplan, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Adam Ware, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jennifer K. Wynn, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Compensation
The compensation of Mr. Kaplan, Mr. Ware and Ms. Wynn consists of salary, bonus, and Unit Appreciation Rights (UAR) shares in Merganser Capital Management, LLC. Each manager’s salary is determined by his overall job performance and value to Merganser. Bonus awards and restricted share grants are discretionary, and are based on each employee’s individual job performance. The size of the bonus pool is determined annually based on the profitability of the firm. No portion of either manager’s compensation is based in any way on the assets of the High Quality Bond Portfolio or its performance.
Conflicts of Interest
I. Personnel Matters
A. Code of Conduct
1. Conflicts of Interest and Employee Conduct
Policy – Conflicts of Interests and Employee Conduct
Purpose
The Code of Ethics has been established to communicate policies of professional conduct and ethical behavior applicable to all officers, directors and employees (“Employees”) of Merganser Capital Management, LLC (“Merganser” or “Company”).
Background
No set of rules or policies can presume to fully define “professional behavior” or “ethical conduct.” These terms, by definition, are broad concepts and subject to interpretation and personal bias. Nevertheless, a written set of policies will help to minimize misunderstandings about what is considered appropriate conduct by the Company. Also, in matters of personal behavior, there is no substitute for common sense. If there are doubts or questions about the appropriateness of a certain action, either do not pursue this course of action or seek guidance from the CCO.
Policy:
1. Application.
The Code of Ethics applies to all employees and extends to activities within and outside their duties at Merganser.
2. Legal and Ethical Violations.
Employees shall not knowingly participate in, or assist any acts in violation of any applicable law, rule, or regulation of any government, governmental agency, or regulatory organization governing the investment advisory industry.
3. Conflicts of Interest.
Employees shall not enter into or engage in a security transaction or business activity or relationship, which may result in any financial or other conflict of interest between themselves, clients or Merganser. Employees shall also disclose to Merganser all
matters that could reasonably be expected to interfere with their duty to Merganser, or with their ability to render unbiased and objective advice.
4. Affiliate Information Access.
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A “Chinese Wall” shall be in place so that Merganser will not provide access to its direct and indirect affiliates (i.e., neither Providence Equity Partners nor Benefit Street Partners) of any client portfolio transactions. The “Chinese Wall” shall also prevent Merganser staff from access to its direct and indirect affiliate’s portfolio transactions.
a. From time to time, Merganser may invest in certain structured securities where an affiliate may have contributed collateral to a non-affiliate’s underwriting.
a. New Issue – Merganser shall not participate in a new issue where the affiliate’s collateral contribution exceeds 10% of the deal. The CCO or designee shall approve all participation based on these factors. Such approval shall be placed in the Trade Ticket Package.
b. Secondary Market – Merganser shall not have any limitations on such securities in the secondary market due to the distance of the transaction to the affiliate.
5. Priority of Transactions.
Employees shall conduct themselves in such a manner that transactions for clients and Merganser have priority over transactions in securities or other investments of which they are beneficial owners, and so that transactions in securities or other investments in which they have such beneficial ownership do not operate adversely to clients’ and Merganser’s interests.
6. Use of Material Nonpublic Information.
Merganser forbids Employees from trading, either personally or on behalf of others (such as private accounts managed by Merganser), on material nonpublic information or communicating material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law. This conduct is frequently referred to as “insider trading.”
7. Duty to the Company.
Employees shall not undertake independent practice, which could result in compensation or other benefit in competition with Merganser unless they have received written consent from both Merganser’s CCO and the person, or entity for which they undertake independent employment or services.
8. Preservation of Confidentiality.
Employees shall preserve the confidentiality of information communicated by a client concerning matters within the scope of the confidential relationship, unless they receive information concerning illegal activities on the part of the client. Information relating to illegal activities should be communicated as soon as practicable to the CCO or designee.
9. Implementation.
The CCO is responsible for the implementation of the Code of Ethics, and reports to the CEO. He is required to formally meet with the CEO once a year to review the status of compliance with this policy, but may meet with the CEO at any time to seek guidance or to discuss matters requiring immediate attention.
10. Acknowledgement.
All Employees must read and acknowledge receipt (via C11) of a copy of this Code of Ethics. Questions regarding the policy or its implementation should be reviewed with the CCO or designee.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (“Morgan Stanley”)
Transamerica Large Growth
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts*
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Dennis P. Lynch 22 $17.958 billion 17 $13.711 billion 17 $3.550 billion
Sam G. Chainani, CFA 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
Jason C. Yeung, CFA 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
David S. Cohen 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
Armistead B. Nash 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
Alexander T. Norton 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Dennis P. Lynch 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
Sam G. Chainani, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
Jason C. Yeung, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
David S. Cohen 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
Armistead B. Nash 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
Alexander T. Norton 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
* Other Accounts excludes the assets and numbers of accounts in wrap fee programs that are managed using model portfolios.
Conflict of Interest
As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley’s interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of a Fund. Morgan Stanley has advised clients and has sponsored, managed or advised other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses, the ‘‘Affiliated Investment Accounts’’) with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with a Fund’s investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with a Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be. Conflicts of interest not described below may also exist.
Material Nonpublic Information. It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity. The Adviser may also from time to time be subject to contractual ‘‘standstill’’ obligations and/or confidentiality obligations that may restrict its ability to trade in certain investments on a Fund’s behalf. In addition, the Adviser may be precluded from disclosing such information to an Investment team, even in circumstances in which the information would be beneficial if disclosed. Therefore, the Adviser may not be provided access to material nonpublic information in the possession of Morgan Stanley that might be relevant to an investment decision to be made by a Fund, and the Adviser may initiate a transaction or sell an investment that, if such information had been known to it, may not have been undertaken. In addition, certain members of the Investment team may be recused from certain investment-related discussions so that such members do not receive information that would limit their ability to perform functions of their employment with Morgan Stanley unrelated to that of a Fund. Furthermore, access to certain parts of Morgan Stanley may be subject to third party confidentiality obligations and to information barriers established by Morgan Stanley in order to manage potential conflicts of interest and regulatory restrictions, including without limitation joint transaction restrictions pursuant to the 1940 Act. Accordingly, the Adviser’s ability to source investments from other business units within Morgan Stanley may be limited and there can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to source any investments from any one or more parts of the Morgan Stanley network.
Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts. In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and the Investment team, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of a Fund or its shareholders. A Fund’s investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an Investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among a Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and
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businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts.
Morgan Stanley currently invests and plans to continue to invest on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliated Investment Accounts in a wide variety of investment opportunities in North America, Europe and elsewhere. Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts, to the extent consistent with applicable law and policies and procedures, will be permitted to invest in investment opportunities without making such opportunities available to a Fund beforehand. Subject to the foregoing, Morgan Stanley may offer investments that fall into the investment objectives of an Affiliated Investment Account to such account or make such investment on its own behalf, even though such investment also falls within a Fund’s investment objectives. A Fund may invest in opportunities that Morgan Stanley and/or one or more Affiliated Investment Accounts has declined, and vice versa. All of the foregoing may reduce the number of investment opportunities available to a Fund and may create conflicts of interest in allocating investment opportunities. Investors should note that the conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be opportunities that fall within its investment objectives.
It is possible that Morgan Stanley or an Affiliated Investment Account will invest in a company that is or becomes a competitor of a company of which a Fund holds an investment. Such investment could create a conflict between the Fund, on the one hand, and Morgan Stanley or the Affiliated Investment Account, on the other hand. In such a situation, Morgan Stanley may also have a conflict in the allocation of its own resources to the portfolio investment. Furthermore, certain Affiliated Investment Accounts will be focused primarily on investing in other funds which may have strategies that overlap and/or directly conflict and compete with a Fund.
In addition, certain investment professionals who are involved in a Fund’s activities remain responsible for the investment activities of other Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by the Adviser and its affiliates, and they will devote time to the management of such investments and other newly created Affiliated Investment Accounts (whether in the form of funds, separate accounts or other vehicles), as well as their own investments. In addition, in connection with the management of investments for other Affiliated Investment Accounts, members of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may serve on the boards of directors of or advise companies which may compete with our portfolio investments. Moreover, these Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may pursue investment opportunities that may also be suitable for a Fund.
The Adviser and its affiliates may give advice and recommend securities to other clients which may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought for, a Fund even though such other clients’ investment objectives may be similar to those of the Fund.
Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for a Fund’s holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund’s investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to that of a Fund. Furthermore, from time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates may invest “seed” capital in a Fund, typically to enable the Fund to commence investment operations and/or achieve sufficient scale. The Adviser and its affiliates may hedge such seed capital exposure by investing in derivatives or other instruments expected to produce offsetting exposure. Such hedging transactions, if any, would occur outside of a Fund.
Morgan Stanley’s sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses (whether or not specifically identified as such, and including Morgan Stanley’s trading and principal investing businesses) will not be required to offer any investment opportunities to a Fund. These businesses may encompass, among other things, principal trading activities as well as principal investing.
Morgan Stanley’s sales and trading, financing, and principal investing businesses have acquired or invested in, and in the future may acquire or invest in, minority and/or majority control positions in equity or debt instruments of diverse public and/or private companies. Such activities may put Morgan Stanley in a position to exercise contractual, voting, or creditor rights, or management or other control with respect to securities or loans of portfolio investments or other issuers, and in these instances Morgan Stanley may, in its discretion and subject to applicable law, act to protect its own interests or interests of clients, and not a Fund’s interests.
Subject to the limitations of applicable law, a Fund may purchase from or sell assets to, or make investments in, companies in which Morgan Stanley has or may acquire an interest, including as an owner, creditor or counterparty.
Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Activities. Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with a Fund and with respect to investments that a Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by a Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with a Fund and/or any of a Fund’s investments that are contrary to the Fund’s best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments.
Morgan Stanley could be engaged in financial advising, whether on the buy-side or sell-side, or in financing or lending assignments that could result in Morgan Stanley’s determining in its discretion or being required to act exclusively on behalf of one or more third parties,
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which could limit a Fund’s ability to transact with respect to one or more existing or potential investments. Morgan Stanley may have relationships with third-party funds, companies or investors who may have invested in or may look to invest in portfolio companies, and there could be conflicts between a Fund’s best interests, on the one hand, and the interests of a Morgan Stanley client or counterparty, on the other hand.
To the extent that Morgan Stanley advises creditor or debtor companies in the financial restructuring of companies either prior to or after filing for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code or similar laws in other jurisdictions, the Adviser’s flexibility in making investments in such restructurings on a Fund’s behalf may be limited.
Morgan Stanley could provide investment banking services to competitors of portfolio companies, as well as to private equity and/or private credit funds; such activities may present Morgan Stanley with a conflict of interest vis-a-vis a Fund’s investment and may also result in a conflict in respect of the allocation of investment banking resources to portfolio companies.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Morgan Stanley may provide a broad range of financial services to companies in which a Fund invests, including strategic and financial advisory services, interim acquisition financing and other lending and underwriting or placement of securities, and Morgan Stanley generally will be paid fees (that may include warrants or other securities) for such services. Morgan Stanley will not share any of the foregoing interest, fees and other compensation received by it (including, for the avoidance of doubt, amounts received by the Adviser) with a Fund, and any advisory fees payable will not be reduced thereby.
Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley’s compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. A Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold under these circumstances.
Client Relationships. Morgan Stanley has existing and potential relationships with a significant number of corporations, institutions and individuals. In providing services to its clients, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest with respect to activities recommended to or performed for such clients, on the one hand, and a Fund, its shareholders or the entities in which the Fund invests, on the other hand. In addition, these client relationships may present conflicts of interest in determining whether to offer certain investment opportunities to a Fund.
In acting as principal or in providing advisory and other services to its other clients, Morgan Stanley may engage in or recommend activities with respect to a particular matter that conflict with or are different from activities engaged in or recommended by the Adviser on a Fund’s behalf.
Transactions with Portfolio Companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts. The companies in which a Fund may invest may be counterparties to or participants in agreements, transactions or other arrangements with portfolio companies or other entities of portfolio investments of Affiliated Investment Accounts (for example, a company in which a Fund invests may retain a company in which an Affiliated Investment Account invests to provide services or may acquire an asset from such company or vice versa). Certain of these agreements, transactions and arrangements involve fees, servicing payments, rebates and/or other benefits to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. For example, portfolio entities may, including at the encouragement of Morgan Stanley, enter into agreements regarding group procurement and/or vendor discounts. Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may also participate in these agreements and may realize better pricing or discounts as a result of the participation of portfolio entities. To the extent permitted by applicable law, certain of these agreements may provide for commissions or similar payments and/or discounts or rebates to be paid to a portfolio entity of an Affiliated Investment Account, and such payments or discounts or rebates may also be made directly to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. Under these arrangements, a particular portfolio company or other entity may benefit to a greater degree than the other participants, and the Morgan Stanley funds, investment vehicles and accounts (which may or may not include a Fund) that own an interest in such entity will receive a greater relative benefit from the arrangements than the Morgan Stanley funds, investment vehicles or accounts that do not own an interest therein. Fees and compensation received by portfolio companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts in relation to the foregoing will not be shared with a Fund or offset advisory fees payable.
Allocation of Expenses. Expenses may be incurred that are attributable to a Fund and one or more other Affiliated Investment Accounts (including in connection with issuers in which a Fund and such other Affiliated Investment Accounts have overlapping investments). The allocation of such expenses among such entities raises potential conflicts of interest. The Adviser and its affiliates intend to allocate such common expenses among a Fund and any such other Affiliated Investment Accounts on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as may be required by applicable law.
Transactions with Affiliates. The Adviser might purchase securities from underwriters or placement agents in which an affiliate is a member of a syndicate or selling group, as a result of which an affiliate might benefit from the purchase through receipt of a fee or otherwise. The Adviser will not purchase securities on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate that is acting as a manager of a syndicate or selling
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group. Purchases by the Adviser on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate acting as a placement agent must meet the requirements of applicable law. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest when the Funds use service providers affiliated with Morgan Stanley because Morgan Stanley receives greater overall fees when they are used.
General Process with Potential Conflicts. All of the transactions described above involve the potential for conflicts of interest between the Adviser, related persons of the Adviser and/or their clients. The Advisers Act, the 1940 Act and ERISA impose certain requirements designed to decrease the possibility of conflicts of interest between an investment adviser and its clients. In some cases, transactions may be permitted subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Certain other transactions may be prohibited. In addition, the Adviser has instituted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from arising and, when they do arise, to ensure that it effects transactions for clients in a manner that is consistent with its fiduciary duty to its clients and in accordance with applicable law. The Adviser seeks to ensure that potential or actual conflicts of interest are appropriately resolved taking into consideration the overriding best interests of the client.
Compensation
Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure
Morgan Stanley’s compensation structure is based on a total reward system of base salary and incentive compensation, which is paid either in the form of cash bonus, or for employees meeting the specified deferred compensation eligibility threshold, partially as a cash bonus and partially as mandatory deferred compensation. Deferred compensation granted to Investment Management employees are generally granted as a mix of deferred cash awards under the Investment Management Alignment Plan (IMAP and equity-based awards in the form of stock units. The portion of incentive compensation granted in the form of a deferred compensation award and the terms of such awards are determined annually by the Compensation, Management Development and Succession Committee of the Morgan Stanley Board of Directors.
Base salary compensation. Generally, portfolio managers receive base salary compensation based on the level of their position with the Adviser.
Incentive compensation. In addition to base compensation, portfolio managers may receive discretionary year-end compensation.
Incentive compensation may include:
• Cash Bonus.
• Defer red Compensation:
A mandatory program that defers a portion of incentive compensation into restricted stock units or other awards based on Morgan Stanley common stock or other plans that are subject to vesting and other conditions.
• IMAP is a cash-based defer red compensation plan designed to increase the alignment of participants’ interests with the interests of the Advisor’s clients. For eligible employees, a portion of their deferred compensation is mandatorily deferred into IMAP on an annual basis. Awards granted under IMAP are notionally invested in referenced funds available pursuant to the plan, which are funds advised by Investment Management. Portfolio managers are required to notionally invest a minimum of 25% of their account balance in the designated funds that they manage and are included in the IMAP notional investment fund menu.
• Defer red compensation awards are typically subject to vesting over a multi-year period and are subject to cancellation through the payment date for competition, cause (i.e., any act or omission that constitutes a breach of obligation to the Company, including failure to comply with internal compliance, ethics or risk management standards, and failure or refusal to perform duties satisfactorily, including supervisory and management duties), disclosure of proprietary information, and solicitation of employees or clients. Awards are also subject to clawback through the payment date if an employee’s act or omission (including with respect to direct supervisory responsibilities) causes a restatement of the Firm’s consolidated financial results, constitutes a violation of the Firm’s global risk management principles, policies and standards, or causes a loss of revenue associated with a position on which the employee was paid and the employee operated outside of internal control policies.
Investment Management compensates employees based on principles of pay-for-performance, market competitiveness and risk management. Eligibility for, and the amount of any, discretionary compensation is subject to a multi-dimensional process. Specifically, consideration is given to one or more of the following factors, which can vary by portfolio management team and circumstances:
• Re venue and profitability of the business and/or each fund/accounts managed by the portfolio manager
• Re venue and profitability of the Firm
• Retur n on equity and risk factors of both the business units and Morgan Stanley
Assets managed by the portfolio manager
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• Exter nal market conditions
• Ne w business development and business sustainability
• Contrib ution to client objectives
The pre-tax investment performance of the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager (which may, in certain cases, be measured against the applicable benchmark(s) and/or peer group(s) over one, three and five-year periods.
• Indi vidual contribution and performance
Further, the Firm’s Global Incentive Compensation Discretion Policy requires compensation managers to consider only legitimate, business related factors when exercising discretion in determining variable incentive compensation, including adherence to Morgan Stanley’s core values, conduct, disciplinary actions in the current performance year, risk management and risk outcomes.
Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers
Because the portfolio managers may manage assets for other investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts (including institutional clients, pension plans and certain high net worth individuals), there may be an incentive to favor one client over another resulting in conflicts of interest. For instance, the Adviser and/or Sub- Advisers may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or it may receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. In those instances, the portfolio managers may have an incentive to favor the higher and/or performance-based fee accounts over the Fund. In addition, a conflict of interest could exist to the extent the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers have proprietary investments in certain accounts, where portfolio managers have personal investments in certain accounts or when certain accounts are investment options in the Adviser’s and/or Sub-Advisers’ employee benefits and/or deferred compensation plans. The portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor these accounts over others. If the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the Fund invests, the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall. The Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers have adopted trade allocation and other policies and procedures that they believe are reasonably designed to address these and other conflicts of interest.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Peregrine Capital Management, LLC (“Peregrine”)
Transamerica Small Cap Value
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Jason R. Ballsrud, CFA 1 $105.9 million 1 $3.2 million 3 $235 million
Tasso H. Coin, Jr., CFA 1 $105.9 million 1 $3.2 million 3 $235 million
Douglas G. Pugh, CFA 1 $105.9 million 1 $3.2 million 3 $235 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Jason R. Ballsrud, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $366.1 million
Tasso H. Coin, Jr., CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $366.1 million
Douglas G. Pugh, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $366.1 million
Conflict of Interest
Peregrine seeks to minimize conflicts of interest by treating all clients fairly within each investment style. We do not foresee any material conflicts of interest in connection with the management of the Funds’ investments and other clients. All portfolios with comparable objectives and constraints are team managed. Peregrine Small Cap Value trades are allocated on a pro-rata basis across all client accounts. Peregrine does not have affiliates. Employees must pre-clear personal security transactions and disclose outside business activities.
Compensation
The compensation plan for our investment professionals has been structured to allow each member to participate fully in the success of their investment style. Peregrine’s portfolio managers are compensated with a competitive base salary plus incentives that are tied to investment performance, new client additions and client retention. Compensation is intentionally aligned with the interest of our clients. Finally, a portion of incentive compensation is tied to one, three and five-year investment performance relative to standard industry indices.
There is no compensation tied to individual portfolio manager performance. This deliberate decision was driven by our belief that all decisions are made as a team, and therefore, there is shared responsibility for all outcomes.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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PineBridge Investments LLC (“PineBridge”)
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Robert A. Vanden Assem, CFA 12 $5.73 billion 16 $2.64 billion 15 $6.32 billion
Roberto Coronado 5 $1.87 billion 2 $998.7 million 2 $3.61 billion
Gunter H. Seeger 4 $1.20 billion 0 $0 0 $0
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Robert A. Vanden Assem, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 3 $765.7 million
Roberto Coronado 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Gunter H. Seeger 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Large Core
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Sheedsa Ali, CFA 3 $1.82 billion 3 $297.2 million 11 $1.41 billion
Kate Faraday 3 $1.82 billion 3 $297.2 million 11 $1.41 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Sheedsa Ali, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $117.5 million
Kate Faraday 0 $0 0 $0 1 $117.5 million
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Sheedsa Ali, CFA 3 $1.82 billion 3 $297.2 million 11 $1.41 billion
Kate Faraday 3 $1.82 billion 3 $297.2 million 11 $1.41 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Sheedsa Ali, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $117.5 million
Kate Faraday 0 $0 0 $0 1 $117.5 million
Conflict of Interest
PineBridge recognizes that it may be subject to a conflict of interest with respect to allocations of investment opportunities and transactions among its clients. To mitigate these conflicts, PineBridge’s policies and procedures seek to provide that investment decisions are made in accordance with the fiduciary duties owed to such accounts and without consideration of PineBridge’s economic, investment or other financial interests. Personal securities transactions by an employee may raise a potential conflict of interest when an employee trades in a security that is considered for purchase or sale by a client, or recommended for purchase or sale by an employee to a client, in that the employee may be able to personally benefit from prior knowledge of transactions for a client by trading in a personal account. PineBridge has policies to address potential conflicts of interest when its employees buy or sell securities also bought or sold for clients. Under certain circumstances, conflicts may arise in cases where different clients of PineBridge invest in different parts of a single issuer’s capital structure, including circumstances in which one or more PineBridge clients may own private securities or obligations of an issuer and other PineBridge clients may own public securities of the same issuer. Such conflicts of interest will be discussed and resolved on a case-by-case basis and will take into consideration the interest of the relevant clients, the circumstances giving rise to the conflict, and applicable regulations. For a more detailed discussion of conflicts of interest, please refer to PineBridge Investments LLC’s Form ADV Part 2.
Compensation
Provided below is an overview of our compensation program for all PineBridge professionals. Besides a base salary, which is consistent with regional market levels for the retention of superior staff, professionals’ incentives are as follows:
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Bonus Criteria for Professionals
Bonus compensation for professionals is based on a discretionary plan combined with the overall performance of the Firm. PineBridge’s compensation structure does not provide any incentive for personnel to take undue risk.
We have provided an overview of our compensation program for all PineBridge professionals below:
Portfolio managers, analysts, and traders are evaluated on the pre-tax performance of the securities and portfolios they manage and/or trade compared to relevant index and peer group benchmarks. While performance is reported quarterly, a full-year performance review is completed as part of the annual bonus process. Research analysts are evaluated based on the value that their recommendations contribute to the performance of the portfolio on both an annual and multi-year basis.
Additional criteria used to evaluate professionals include:
quality of work
job knowledge
entrepreneurship
initiative
problem solving/creativity
decision making
accountability for results
judgment
adaptability
planning and organizing
communication
interpersonal skills
Additional criteria for managers include:
staff management
staff development
business management
Employee equity grants are merit-based. Seniority, tenure and performance are among the factors take into consideration. The Firm has the right to repurchase the vested equity of terminated employees. Employees cannot sell their equity; however, upon retirement, employees have the right to sell their equity to the firm.
There is no relationship between the portfolio manager’s earnings and growth in AUM.   
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, none of the portfolio manager(s) owned any securities in the fund(s).
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Ranger Investment Management, L.P. (“Ranger”)
Transamerica Small Cap Growth
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
W. Conrad Doenges 5 $310 million 4 $75 million 25 $1.1 billion
Andrew Hill 5 $310 million 4 $75 million 25 $1.1 billion
Joseph LaBate 5 $310 million 4 $75 million 25 $1.1 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
W. Conrad Doenges 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Andrew Hill 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Joseph LaBate 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Conflicts of Interest
Ranger recognizes that there are conflicts of interests which are common to the investment industry and/or specific to Ranger, and implements policies and procedures which seek to mitigate such conflicts.
As a fiduciary, Ranger has an affirmative duty to act in the best interests of its clients and to make full and fair disclosure of material facts, particularly where Ranger’s interests may conflict with those of its clients. Ranger’s compliance program requires each employee to act with integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and in an ethical manner when dealing with current and prospective clients, other employees and colleagues in the investment profession, and other participants in the global capital markets. Ranger expects employees to place the interests of clients above their own personal interest and to avoid any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Multiple Clients
Ranger manages client accounts other than Transamerica Small Cap Growth. An inherent conflict to an advisor managing more than one client account is the potential for one client to receive less time, attention or investment opportunity than another client with either more assets under management or a more lucrative fee structure. Ranger’s compliance program addresses this potential conflict by requiring that orders for securities are aggregated and allocated on a pro rata basis in accordance with each account’s investment guidelines as determined exclusively by Ranger’s portfolio manager or his designee. Differences in allocation proportions may occur due to tax considerations, avoidance of odd lots or de minimis numbers of shares, and investment strategies of the accounts. In order to verify compliance with these policies and procedures, Ranger conducts regular reviews of the order allocation process.
As a general matter, Ranger believes that aggregation and pro rata allocation of orders for multiple client accounts is consistent with its duty to seek best execution for its clients. However, in any case in which Ranger believes that aggregation and pro rata allocation of a client order is not consistent with its duty to seek best execution, it will not affect the transaction on an aggregated basis.
Personal Trading
Potential conflicts of interest may exist with respect to the personal trading activities of an advisor’s employees in relation to trading on behalf of such advisor’s clients. An employee trading securities in his or her account prior to trading the same security on behalf of clients (commonly known as “front-running”) is an example of such a conflict. To mitigate this conflict, Ranger requires employees to adhere to certain personal trading procedures overseen by the compliance team. For example, employees are required to receive pre-clearance from a member of Ranger’s compliance team prior to engaging in securities transactions in their personal accounts or securities transactions in personal accounts may, in the alternative, be prohibited by the Firm. Employees may purchase or sell a security once such employee has complied with the preclearance and other personal security transaction policies set forth in Ranger’s compliance program, which oversees the prohibition against front running client accounts and/or acting upon inside information. This process, verification of adherence and record keeping is partially facilitated through the use of specific compliance software as well as regular monitoring and risk-based testing procedures conducted by the compliance team.
Soft Dollars
Ranger seeks to employ a soft dollar policy that falls within the safe harbor established by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Ranger’s use of soft dollar credits to pay for research and brokerage products or services might otherwise be borne by Ranger. Accordingly, there is a potential conflict of interest between a client’s interests in obtaining best execution and Ranger’s receipt of and payment for research through brokerage allocations as described above. To the extent Ranger obtains brokerage and research services that it otherwise would acquire at its own expense, Ranger may have incentive to place a greater volume of transactions or pay higher commissions than would otherwise be the case.
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Research services, as that term is used in Section 28(e)(3), may include both services generated internally by a broker’s own research staff and services obtained by the broker from a third-party research firm. The research services obtained may include a broad variety of financial and related information and services, including written or oral research and information relating to the economy, industries or industry segments, a specific company or group of companies, software or written financial data, electronic or other quotations or market information systems, financial or economic programs or seminars, or other similar services or information Ranger believes enhances its advisory functions and services. The soft dollar research Ranger obtains normally benefits many accounts rather than just the one(s) for which the order is being executed, and Ranger may not use all research in connection with the account(s) which paid commissions to the broker providing the research.
Generally, Ranger will attempt to place portfolio transactions with broker dealers who, in its opinion, provide the best combination of price and execution (including brokerage commissions). However, Ranger may pay a broker dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of commission charged by another broker or dealer as long as Ranger makes a good faith determination that the amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker-dealer.
To mitigate potential conflict of interest posed by soft dollar usage, Ranger implements compliance procedures to actively monitor soft dollar usage in context to its best execution policy. In addition, Ranger maintains an internal allocation procedure to identify those brokers who provided it with research and execution services that Ranger considers useful to its investment decision-making process.
Compensation
Ranger’s portfolio managers are principals of the Firm and are entitled to profits interest in the Firm, which is a function of Ranger’s profitability after all operating expenses including bonuses. The portfolio managers are generally also entitled to a salary and a variable annual bonus.
Bonuses are a function of Ranger’s revenues, asset growth, how well the overall portfolio has performed, a team member’s contribution to the client service function, input to the investment process and willingness to work in a team environment.
Ranger also tries to promote employee stability through 401(k) matching and an excellent healthcare package. Stability is also promoted with other non-monetary benefits such as: continuing education programs and team building outings.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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TDAM USA Inc. (“TDAM USA”)
Transamerica International Growth
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Alfred Li, CFA 1 $1.7 billion 0 $0 0 $0
Jeff Tiefenbach, CFA 1 $1.7 billion 0 $0 0 $0
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Alfred Li, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jeff Tiefenbach, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Conflict of Interest
TDAM USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank US Holding Company, which is wholly owned by The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Affiliates
Broker-Dealers
TD Securities Inc. (“TD Securities”), is a Canadian “investment dealer” registered in all provinces and territories of Canada and, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a related person of TDAM USA.
TD Securities (USA) LLC (“TDSI USA”), a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
TD Private Client Wealth LLC (“TDPCW”), an affiliate dually registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer and investment adviser, and a member of FINRA, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank, N.A., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
TD Ameritrade Inc. (“TD Ameritrade”) is a U.S. registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA.
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. (“TD Ameritrade Clearing”), also a U.S. registered broker-dealer, provides transfer agency services for the TDAM Funds.
TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. (“TDWaterhouse”) is registered in all Canadian provinces and territories as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.
Investment Advisers
TD Asset Management Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto- Dominion Bank. TDAM is registered as a “portfolio manager” in all Canadian provinces and territories and may also act as an exempt market dealer of securities.
TDPCW, described above, offers investment advisory services through several wrap programs.
Epoch Investment Partners, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank U.S. Holding Company (which is ultimately a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank), is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser.
TD Waterhouse Private Investment Counsel Inc. (“TDW PIC”) is registered in all Canadian provinces and territories as a portfolio manager. It may also act as an exempt market dealer of securities.
TD Bank, N.A., is a U.S. national bank subject to regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and, as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a related person.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank, ultimate parent company, is a Canadian chartered bank regulated by the Canadian Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.
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Related and Connected Issuers
Related Issuers: An issuer of securities is “related” to us if, through ownership, or direction and control over voting securities, we exercise a controlling influence over that issuer or that issuer exercises a controlling influence over us or the same third party exercises a controlling influence over both us and the issuer.
Connected Issuers: An issuer is “connected” to us if, due to indebtedness or other relationships, a reasonable prospective purchaser might question if that issuer and we are independent of each other.
In carrying on business as an adviser or exempt market dealer, we may, with respect to securities of related issuers, and in the course of a distribution of securities of connected issuers:
(a) exercise discretionary authority to buy or sell these securities for your accounts;
(b) make recommendations regarding these securities to you; and/or
(c) sell units of pooled funds, or other similar collective investment vehicles, established, managed and distributed by us or by our affiliates, to clients.
We will carry out these services in the ordinary course of our business in accordance with our usual practices and procedures and in accordance with all applicable disclosure and other regulatory requirements. It is our policy to comply fully with all applicable securities laws and to make all required disclosures.
Connected Issuers
TDAM USA (and/or its directors, officers and other employees) may, from time to time, advise our clients with respect to the purchase or sale of, or provide advice about, securities issued by related and/or connected issuers to TDAM USA. TDAM USA will only engage in such activities if it is confident that they are in the best interests of its clients and are in compliance with all requirements imposed by applicable securities law and, where applicable, the particular client’s investment policy. The company does not solicit or deal with clients of TDAM USA nor do they directly compete with TDAM USA.
TDAM USA’s employees
i) Outside business activities
TDAM USA’s first obligation is to fulfill our fiduciary duty to our clients. In so doing, employees must not engage in activities, within or outside of the scope of their employment with TDAM USA, that conflict or can be perceived as conflicting with this duty. As stated in the TD Code of Conduct and Ethics, we may not enter into any employment, directorship, office, trade, volunteer activity or business outside of TD or invest in a company (other than an interest of less than 10% of a publicly traded corporation) without first reviewing the guidelines for outside business activities, our terms of employment and applicable laws and regulations that apply to us by virtue of our role and obtaining consent from TD where required. The Chief Executive Officer, Group Heads and any other members of the senior executive team must also obtain the consent of the Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, with some exceptions. As a general principle, outside business activities should not interfere with the performance of our duties at TD or our ability to exercise judgment in TD’s best interests.
ii) Personal trading
Employee trading is governed by TDAM’s Personal Trading Policy, a copy of which is available upon request. The key provisions of this policy with respect to personal trading are summarized as follows:
Prohibition on trading within a five calendar-day blackout period before and after the date on which a transaction in the same security is
effected for a TDAM USA client.
Pre-clearance of all trading by the employee or family members or trading in accounts controlled by the employee, through a designate of the Chief Compliance Officer. Restrictions on investing in initial public offerings and private placements.
Prohibitions on short selling.
Prohibition on trading securities on a “Restricted List” of securities being traded or under consideration for trading by TDAM USA.
Minimum 60-day holding period.
Full disclosure of all securities trades and securities holdings.
Annual holdings report and attestations.
Employees are required to direct their brokers to provide personal account statements directly to TDAM Compliance.
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iii) Insider trading
No TDAM USA employee, officer nor director may trade in a security, either personally or on behalf of TDAM USA clients, while in possession of material, non-public information regarding that security, nor may any employee, officer or director communicate material, non-public information to others in violation of the law. This conduct is commonly referred to as “insider trading.” Penalties for trading on or communicating material, non-public information are severe, both for individuals and their employers. An individual can be subject to penalties such as civil injunctions, damages, disgorgement of profits, jail sentences and fines, even if he/she did not personally benefit from the violation.
TDAM USA has established procedures to aid its employees, officers and directors in avoiding insider trading and to aid in detection and prevention of insider trading and sanctions if procedures are not followed.
Compensation
In addition to base salary and year-end discretionary variable compensation, there are a number of additional benefits in place including:
(1) retirement savings programs that enable employees to direct a percentage of their pretax salary and bonus income into a tax-qualified retirement plan;
(2) incentive programs in which employees may participate subject to certain eligibility requirements; and
(3) In addition, key investment professionals (Vice President & Directors and Managing Directors) also receive TD shares as part of the Restricted Share Units (RSU) Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to encourage employees to increase their interest in TD's long-term success by awarding them “Units,” which provide future compensation related to the price of the common shares of TD.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (“TSW”)
Transamerica International Equity
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA 4 $2.05 billion 6 $1.89 billion 12 $3.26 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
R. Michael Creager, CFA 3 $1.01 billion 1 $78 million 19 $1.87 billion
Brett P. Hawkins, CFA 4 $1.05 billion 3 $140.2 million 34 $2.90 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
R. Michael Creager, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brett P. Hawkins, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $12 million
Conflict of Interest
TSW seeks to minimize actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise from its management of the fund and management of non-fund accounts. TSW has designed and implemented policies and procedures to address (although may not eliminate) potential conflicts of interest, including, among others, performance based fees; hedge funds; aggregation, allocation, and best execution or orders; TSW’s Code of Ethics which requires personnel to act solely in the best interest of their clients and imposes certain restrictions on the ability of Access Persons to engage in personal securities transactions for their own account(s), and procedures to ensure soft dollar arrangements meet the necessary requirements of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. TSW seeks to treat all clients fairly and to put clients’ interests first.
Compensation
For each portfolio manager, TSW’s compensation structure includes the following components: base salary, annual incentive bonus, participation in an Employees’ Retirement Plan and the ability to participate in a voluntary income deferral plan.
Base Salary – Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which varies among portfolio managers depending on the experience and responsibilities of the portfolio manager, as well as the strength or weakness of the employment market at the time the portfolio manager is hired or upon any renewal period.
Bonus – Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus. Targeted bonus amounts vary among portfolio managers based on the experience level and responsibilities of the portfolio manager. Bonus amounts are discretionary tied to overall performance versus individual objectives. Performance versus peer groups and benchmarks are taken into consideration.
Defined Contribution Plan – At the discretion of TSW, a contribution may be made to the employer contribution account for eligible employees of the TSW Retirement Plan subject to IRS limitations.
Deferred Compensation Plan – Portfolio managers meeting certain requirements are also eligible to participate in a voluntary, nonqualified deferred compensation plan that allows participants to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis and potentially earn tax deferred returns.
Equity Plan – Key employees may be awarded deferred TSW equity grants. In addition, key employees may purchase TSW equity directly.
Each portfolio manager is eligible to participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees of TSW.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s), except as follows:
Portfolio Manager Range of Securities Owned Fund
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA $100,001-$500,000 Transamerica International Equity
Brett P. Hawkins, CFA Over $1,000,000 Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities
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Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”)
Transamerica Asset Allocation Funds
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Christopher A. Staples, CFA 7 $737.2 million 10 $97.8 million 5 $15.2 million
Kane Cotton, CFA 7 $737.2 million 10 $97.8 million 5 $15.2 million
Sean Serrell, CFA 7 $737.2 million 10 $97.8 million 5 $15.2 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Christopher A. Staples, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Kane Cotton, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Sean Serrell, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Compensation
The portfolio managers are compensated through a fixed salary and cash bonuses that are awarded for contributions to the firm. Generally, annually, the executive officers of TAM, in consultation with the other senior management, determine the bonus amounts for each portfolio manager. Bonuses may be a significant portion of a portfolio manager’s overall compensation. Bonuses are not guaranteed. Presently we have no deferred compensation arrangements.
Conflicts of Interest
It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the portfolio managers’ management of the funds on the one hand and other accounts for which the portfolio managers are responsible on the other.
TAM has policies and procedures in place to mitigate potential conflicts of interest.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the funds that invest in the fund(s).
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Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington Management”)
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Mary L. Pryshlak, CFA 10 $6.38 billion 44 $16.34 billion 91 $32.03 billion
Jonathan G. White, CFA 10 $6.38 billion 45 $16.34 billion 93 $32.15 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Mary L. Pryshlak, CFA 1 $166 million 7 $4.45 billion 14 $5.50 billion
Jonathan G. White, CFA 1 $166 million 7 $4.45 billion 14 $5.50 billion
Transamerica Large Growth
Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Mammen Chally, CFA 12 $13.73 billion 4 $802.5 million 13 $1.21 billion
Douglas McLane, CFA 12 $13.73 billion 12 $894 million 39 $1.34 billion
David Siegle, CFA 12 $13.73 billion 4 $802.5 million 13 $1.21 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Mammen Chally, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $258.9 million
Douglas McLane, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $258.9 million
David Siegle, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $258.9 million
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth
Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Timothy N. Manning 2 $411.9 million 7 $213.5 million 6 $834.9 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Timothy N. Manning 1 $314.6 million 1 $7.6 million 0 $0
Conflict of Interest
Individual investment professionals at Wellington Management manage multiple accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions, such as pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, or separately managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries), bank common trust accounts, and hedge funds. The fund’s managers listed in the prospectus who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund (“Portfolio Managers”) generally manage accounts in several different investment styles. These accounts may have investment objectives, strategies, time horizons, tax considerations and risk profiles that differ from those of the fund. The Portfolio Managers make investment decisions for each account, including the fund, based on the investment objectives, policies, practices, benchmarks, cash flows, tax and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that account. Consequently, the Portfolio Managers may purchase or sell securities, including IPOs, for one account and not another account, and the performance of securities purchased for one account may vary from the performance of securities purchased for other accounts. Alternatively, these accounts may be managed in a similar fashion to the fund and thus the accounts may have similar, and in some cases nearly identical, objectives, strategies and/or holdings to that of the fund.
The Portfolio Managers or other investment professionals at Wellington Management may place transactions on behalf of other accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made on behalf of the fund, or make investment decisions that are similar to those made for the fund, both of which have the potential to adversely impact the fund depending on market conditions. For example, the Portfolio Managers may purchase a security in one account while appropriately selling that same security in another account. Similarly, the Portfolio Managers may purchase the same security for the fund and one or more other accounts at or about the same time. In those instances the other accounts will have access to their respective holdings prior to the public disclosure of the fund’s holdings. In addition, some of these accounts have fee structures, including performance fees, which are or have the potential to be higher, in some cases significantly higher, than the fees Wellington Management receives for managing the fund. Messrs. Chally, Manning, McLane, Siegle and White and Ms. Pryshlak also manage
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accounts which pay performance allocations to Wellington Management or its affiliates. Because incentive payments paid by Wellington Management to the Portfolio Managers are tied to revenues earned by Wellington Management and, where noted, to the performance achieved by the manager in each account, the incentives associated with any given account may be significantly higher or lower than those associated with other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers. Finally, the Portfolio Managers may hold shares or investments in the other pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts identified above.
Wellington Management’s goal is to meet its fiduciary obligation to treat all clients fairly and provide high quality investment services to all of its clients. Wellington Management has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, which it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, Wellington Management monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with primary account guidelines, the allocation of IPOs, and compliance with the firm’s Code of Ethics, and places additional investment restrictions on investment professionals who manage hedge funds and certain other accounts. Furthermore, senior investment and business personnel at Wellington Management periodically review the performance of Wellington Management’s investment professionals. Although Wellington Management does not track the time an investment professional spends on a single account, Wellington Management does periodically assess whether an investment professional has adequate time and resources to effectively manage the investment professional’s various client mandates.
Compensation
Wellington Management receives a fee based on the assets under management of each fund as set forth in the Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between Wellington Management and TAM on behalf of the fund. Wellington Management pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues, including the advisory fees earned with respect to the fund. The following information relates to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.Wellington Management’s compensation structure is designed to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals necessary to deliver high quality investment management services to its clients. Wellington Management’s compensation of the fund’s managers listed in the prospectus who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund (the “Portfolio Managers”) includes a base salary and incentive components. The base salary for each Portfolio Manager who is a partner (a “Partner”) of Wellington Management Group LLP, the ultimate holding company of Wellington Management, is generally a fixed amount that is determined by the managing partners of Wellington Management Group LLP. The base salary for each other Portfolio Manager is determined by the Portfolio Manager’s experience and performance in his role as Portfolio Manager. Base salaries for Wellington Management’s employees are reviewed annually and may be adjusted based on the recommendation of a Portfolio Manager’s manager, using guidelines established by Wellington Management’s Compensation Committee, which has final oversight responsibility for base salaries of employees of the firm. Each Portfolio Manager, with the exception of Mary Pryshlak and Jon White, is eligible to receive an incentive payment based on the revenues earned by Wellington Management from the Portfolio and generally each other account managed by such Portfolio Manager. Each Portfolio Manager’s incentive payment relating to the fund is linked to the gross pre-tax performance of the portion of the fund managed by the Portfolio Manager compared to the benchmark index and/or peer group identified below over one, three and five year periods, with an emphasis on five year results. Wellington Management applies similar incentive compensation structures (although the benchmarks or peer groups, time periods and rates may differ) to other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, including accounts with performance fees.
Portfolio-based incentives across all accounts managed by an investment professional can, and typically do, represent a significant portion of an investment professional’s overall compensation; incentive compensation varies significantly by individual and can vary significantly from year to year.
The Portfolio Managers may also be eligible for bonus payments based on their overall contribution to Wellington Management’s business operations. Senior management at Wellington Management may reward individuals as it deems appropriate based on other factors. Each Partner is eligible to participate in a Partner-funded tax qualified retirement plan, the contributions to which are made pursuant to an actuarial formula. Messrs. Chally, Manning and McLane and Ms. Pryshlak are Partners.
Fund Benchmark Index and/or Peer Group
for Incentive Period
Transamerica Large Growth
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth
Russell 1000® Growth Index
Russell Midcap® Growth Index
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Appendix C – Securities Lending Activities
(for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019)
Transamerica Balanced II
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $22,009.51
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 820.47
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 291.55
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $13,517.49
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $14,629.51
Net income from securities lending activities $ 7,380.00
    
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) N/A
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split N/A
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split N/A
Administrative fees not included in revenue split N/A
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split N/A
Rebate (paid to borrower) N/A
Other fees not included in revenue split N/A
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities N/A
Net income from securities lending activities N/A
    
Transamerica High Quality Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $30,496.47
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 553.02
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 503.40
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $24,923.05
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $25,979.47
Net income from securities lending activities $ 4,967.00
    
Transamerica High Yield Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $2,147,079.45
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 66,401.70
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 34,409.49
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $1,448,931.26
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $1,549,742.45
Net income from securities lending activities $ 597,337.00
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Transamerica High Yield ESG
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) N/A
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split N/A
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split N/A
Administrative fees not included in revenue split N/A
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split N/A
Rebate (paid to borrower) N/A
Other fees not included in revenue split N/A
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities N/A
Net income from securities lending activities N/A
    
Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $6,265.19
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 93.66
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 104.09
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $5,222.44
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $5,420.19
Net income from securities lending activities $ 845.00
    
Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $545,946.93
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 14,374.02
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 9,086.26
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $393,313.65
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $416,773.93
Net income from securities lending activities $129,173.00
    
Transamerica International Equity
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $2,802,351.81
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 146,146.22
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 28,083.91
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $1,236,060.68
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $1,410,290.81
Net income from securities lending activities $1,392,061.00
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Transamerica International Growth
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $1,170,427.10
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 56,446.56
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 11,692.56
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $ 543,724.98
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $ 611,864.10
Net income from securities lending activities $ 558,563.00
    
Transamerica Large Core
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $20,643.00
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 218.15
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 354.19
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $18,103.66
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $18,676.00
Net income from securities lending activities $ 1,967.00
    
Transamerica Large Growth
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $143,435.74
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 3,254.25
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 2,251.07
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $108,664.42
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $114,169.74
Net income from securities lending activities $ 29,266.00
    
Transamerica Large Value Opportunities
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $7,548.26
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 49.60
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 134.67
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $6,917.99
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $7,102.26
Net income from securities lending activities $ 446.00
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Transamerica Mid Cap Growth
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $69,488.83
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 3,364.91
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 768.11
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $35,072.81
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $39,205.83
Net income from securities lending activities $30,283.00
    
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $465,901.86
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 22,956.61
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 4,431.65
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $231,940.60
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $259,328.86
Net income from securities lending activities $206,573.00
Transamerica Small Cap Growth
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $174,917.41
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 1,952.10
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 2,933.50
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $152,510.81
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $157,396.41
Net income from securities lending activities $ 17,521.00
    
Transamerica Small Cap Value
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $536,758.31
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 34,371.69
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 4,653.71
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $188,923.91
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $227,949.31
Net income from securities lending activities $308,809.00
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Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) N/A
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split N/A
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split N/A
Administrative fees not included in revenue split N/A
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split N/A
Rebate (paid to borrower) N/A
Other fees not included in revenue split N/A
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities N/A
Net income from securities lending activities N/A
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Transamerica Funds
Statement of Additional Information
March 1, 2020, as amended and restated on July 31, 2020
Fund   Class A
Ticker
  Class C
Ticker
  Class I
Ticker
  Class I2
Ticker
  Class R1
Ticker
  Class R6
Ticker
  Class T2
Ticker
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio1   ICLAX   ICLLX   TACIX   -   -   -   TACUX
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio2   IAAAX   IAALX   TAGIX   -   -   -   TAGUX
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio3   IMLAX   IMLLX   TMGIX   -   -   -   TMGWX
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio4   IMOAX   IMOLX   TMMIX   -   -   -   TMMUX
Transamerica Bond   IDITX   IFLLX   TFXIX   None   None   TAFLX   TFXUX
Transamerica Capital Growth   IALAX   ILLLX   TFOIX   None   None   TCPWX   TFOUX
Transamerica Core Bond   -   -   -   None   -   -   -
Transamerica Dividend Focused   TDFAX   TDFCX   TDFIX   TRDIX   None   TADFX   TADUX
Transamerica Dynamic Income   IGTAX   IGTCX   IGTIX   -   -   -   IGTUX
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt   EMTAX   EMTCX   EMTIX   None   None   TAEDX   EMTUX
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity   AEMTX   CEMTX   IEMTX   None   -   -   AEMUX
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities5   TEOAX   TEOCX   TEOIX   TEOJX   -   TEOOX   -
Transamerica Event Driven   None   -   TENIX   None   -   -   TEDWX
Transamerica Floating Rate   TFLAX   TFLCX   TFLIX   None   -   -   TFLUX
Transamerica Global Equity   IMNAX   IMNCX   TMUIX   None   None   TAGEX   TMUWX
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities   -   -   -   TRSIX   -   TAABX   -
Transamerica Government Money Market   IATXX   IMLXX   TAMXX   None   -   -   -
Transamerica High Yield Bond   IHIYX   INCLX   TDHIX   None   None   TAHBX   TAHUX
Transamerica High Yield ESG6   TACBX   TAFQX   TAJEX   TAKJX   -   TAVSX   -
Transamerica High Yield Muni   THAYX   THCYX   THYIX   THYTX   -   -   THCUX
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities   TIOAX   TIOCX   ITIOX   None   -   RTIOX   TIOUX
Transamerica Intermediate Bond   -   -   -   None   -   -   -
Transamerica Intermediate Muni   TAMUX   TCMUX   TIMUX   TIMTX   -   -   TIMWX
Transamerica International Equity   TRWAX   TRWCX   TSWIX   TRWIX   None   TAINX   TRWUX
Transamerica International Growth   TGRHX   TGRJX   TGRGX   None   -   TGRFX   TIGWX
Transamerica International Small Cap Value   -   -   TISVX   None   -   -   -
Transamerica International Stock   TIHAX   -   TIHBX   TIHIX   -   TIHJX   -
Transamerica Large Cap Value   TWQAX   TWQCX   TWQIX   TWQZX   None   TALCX   TWQUX
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth   MCGAX   MGTCX   IMCGX   None   -   -   IMCUX
Transamerica Mid Cap Value   -   -   -   None   -   -   -
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities   MCVAX   MCVCX   MVTIX   None   -   MVTRX   MVTUX
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income   TMLAX   TMCLX   TMLPX   None   -   -   TMLUX
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income)   TASHX   TCSHX   TSHIX   None   -   -   TCSQX
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced   IBALX   IBLLX   TBLIX   None   None   TAMMX   IBAUX
Transamerica Short-Term Bond   ITAAX   ITACX   TSTIX   TSIWX   None   TASTX   ITAUX
Transamerica Small Cap Growth   ASGTX   CSGTX   ISCGX   TSPIX   -   RTSGX   RTSUX
Transamerica Small Cap Value   TSLAX   TSLCX   TSLIX   None   -   TSLRX   TSLUX
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value   IIVAX   IIVLX   TSVIX   TSMVX   None   TASMX   TASUX
Transamerica Sustainable Bond7   TARUX   TAILX   TAPKX   TAQOX   -   TAAPX   -
Transamerica Total Return   -   -   -   None   -   -   -
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond   TUNAX   TUNBX   TUNIX   None   -   -   TUNUX
Transamerica US Growth8   TADAX   TADCX   TDEIX   None   -   -   TJNUX
1 Class R: ICVRX; 2 Class R: IGWRX; 3 Class R: IMGRX; 4 Class R: IMDRX; 5 Class R3: TEOQX, 6 Class R3: TAOMX, 7 Class R3: TAXSX, 8 Class T: TWMTX. Each fund with “None” listed above indicates that share class does not have a ticker symbol. There are no ticker symbols for Class R1 shares because Class R1 shares are not currently offered. Each fund with “–” listed for a share class above indicates that share class is not currently offered by the fund.
Each of the funds listed above is a series of Transamerica Funds. This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus, and should be read in conjunction with the funds’ prospectuses dated March 1, 2020 (for all funds except Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond), and July 31, 2020 (for Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond), as they may be supplemented or revised from time to time.
This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the prospectus(es). The prospectus(es) and this SAI may be obtained free of charge by writing or calling the funds at the below address or toll-free telephone number. This SAI sets forth information that may be of interest to shareholders, but that is not necessarily included in the prospectus(es). Additional information about the funds’ investments is available in the funds’ Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders, which may be obtained free of charge by writing or calling the funds at the below address or telephone number. The Annual Reports contain financial statements that are incorporated herein by reference.
Investment Manager: Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202
Customer Service (888) 233-4339 (toll free)

 


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General Description of the Trust and the Funds
Transamerica Funds (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Shares of the Trust are currently divided into separate series (each a “fund” or together, the “funds”) described herein. Each fund offers one or more classes. The Trust may create additional series and classes from time to time.
The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 25, 2005. Prior to March 1, 2008, the Trust’s name was Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds. The Trust is the successor to a Massachusetts business trust named Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds.
Each fund is classified as diversified under the 1940 Act, except for Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Event Driven, Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica High Yield Muni and Transamerica MLP & Energy Income, which are classified as non-diversified.
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM” or the “Investment Manager”) is the investment manager for each fund.
During the last five years, the names of certain funds have changed as follows:
Fund Name Fund Name History
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio N/A
Transamerica Bond Transamerica Flexible Income was renamed Transamerica Bond on July 2, 2018
Transamerica Capital Growth N/A
Transamerica Core Bond N/A
Transamerica Dividend Focused N/A
Transamerica Dynamic Income Transamerica Tactical Income was renamed Transamerica Dynamic Income on May 1, 2015
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt N/A
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity N/A
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A
Transamerica Event Driven N/A
Transamerica Floating Rate N/A
Transamerica Global Equity Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio was renamed Transamerica Global Equity on September 4, 2014.
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market Transamerica Money Market was renamed Transamerica Government Money Market on May 1, 2016.
Transamerica High Yield Bond N/A
Transamerica High Yield ESG* N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni N/A
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities N/A
Transamerica Intermediate Bond N/A
Transamerica Intermediate Muni Transamerica Enhanced Muni was renamed Transamerica Intermediate Muni on February 15, 2016.
Transamerica International Equity N/A
Transamerica International Growth Transamerica International Equity Opportunities was renamed Transamerica International Growth on March 1, 2018.
Transamerica International Small Cap Value N/A
Transamerica International Stock N/A
Transamerica Large Cap Value Transamerica Quality Value was renamed Transamerica Large Cap Value on July 31, 2012.
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Value N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities N/A
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income N/A
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income Transamerica Strategic High Income was renamed Transamerica Multi-Asset Income on May 1, 2019.
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced N/A
Transamerica Short-Term Bond N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Growth N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Value N/A
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value N/A
Transamerica Sustainable Bond* N/A
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Fund Name Fund Name History
Transamerica Total Return N/A
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond N/A
Transamerica US Growth Transamerica Diversified Equity was renamed Transamerica US Growth on July 1, 2014.
* Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond have not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and, as such, there is no historical information for the fiscal years ended prior to the date of this SAI.
Investment Objectives, Policies, Practices and Associated Risk Factors
The investment objective of each fund and the strategies each fund employs to achieve its objective are described in each fund’s prospectus. There can be no assurance that a fund will achieve its objective.
As indicated in each prospectus in the section entitled “Additional Information,” each fund’s investment objective and, unless otherwise noted in the prospectus or in this SAI, its investment policies and techniques may be changed by the funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without approval of shareholders. A change in the investment objective or policies of a fund may result in the fund having an investment objective or policies different from those which a shareholder deemed appropriate at the time of investment.
Investment Policies
Fundamental Investment Policies
Fundamental investment policies of each fund may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund, defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities of the fund present at a shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the fund.
Each fund has adopted, except as otherwise noted, the following fundamental policies:
1. Borrowing
The fund may not borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
2. Underwriting Securities
The fund may not engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
3. Making Loans
The fund may make loans only as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
4. Senior Securities
The fund may not issue any senior security, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted from time to time by regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
5. Real Estate
The fund may not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
6. Commodities
The fund may not purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities, except as permitted from time to time under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
7. Concentration of Investments
The fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry, as the relevant terms are used in the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
The fundamental policy above relating to concentration does not pertain to Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities or Transamerica MLP & Energy Income.
The following fundamental policy pertains to Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities:
The fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry, as the relevant terms are used in the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time; except that the fund will concentrate in securities of issuers in the real estate industry.
The following fundamental policy pertains to Transamerica MLP & Energy Income:
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The fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry, as the relevant terms are used in the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time; except that the fund will concentrate in industries in the energy sector.
Transamerica High Yield Muni and Transamerica Intermediate Muni have the following additional fundamental investment policy:
The fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in investments the income from which will be exempt from federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals.
Solely for purposes of the above fundamental investment policies, the “1940 Act” shall mean the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder, all as amended from time to time, or other successor law governing the regulation of investment companies, or interpretations or modifications thereof by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), SEC staff or other authority, or exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
Additional Information about Fundamental Investment Policies
The following provides additional information about each fund’s fundamental investment policies. This information does not form part of the funds’ fundamental investment policies.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth in (1) above, the 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes (the fund’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed). To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the fund to maintain at all times an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the fund’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth in (2) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, the 1940 Act permits a fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the fund’s underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the fund’s investments in issuers where the fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuer’s registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 1933 Act are considered restricted securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause a fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy in (2) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth in (3) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets. Each fund will be permitted by this policy to make loans of money, including to other funds, portfolio securities or other assets. Each fund has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to make short term loans to other Transamerica funds through a credit facility in order to satisfy redemption requests or to cover unanticipated cash shortfalls; as discussed below under “Additional Information - Interfund Lending”. The conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending, however no lending activity is without risk.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (4) above, “senior securities” are defined as fund obligations that have a priority over the fund’s shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a fund from issuing senior securities, except that the fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose. A fund also may borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by a fund can increase the speculative character of the fund’s outstanding shares through leveraging.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to real estate set forth in (5) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning real estate; however, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in real estate are considered illiquid, rules under the 1940 Act generally limit a fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent a fund from investing in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) instruments (like mortgages) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or real estate investment trust securities. Investing in real estate may involve risks, including that real estate is generally considered illiquid and may be difficult to value and sell. In addition, owners of real estate may be subject to various liabilities, including environmental liabilities.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth in (6) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning commodities, whether physical commodities and contracts related to physical commodities (such as oil or grains and related futures
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contracts), or financial commodities and contracts related to financial commodities (such as currencies and, possibly, currency futures). However, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in commodities are considered illiquid, rules under the 1940 Act generally limit a fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in (7) above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. The policy in (7) above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions (excluding private activity municipal securities backed principally by non-governmental issuers); and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers based solely on their domicile in a single jurisdiction or country as an issuer’s domicile will not be considered an industry for purposes of the policy. A type of investment (e.g., equity securities, fixed income securities, investment companies, etc.) will not be considered to be an industry under the policy. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to a fund as to how to reasonably classify issuers within or among industries. For purposes of determining compliance with its concentration policy, each fund will consider the holdings of any underlying Transamerica-sponsored mutual funds in which the fund invests. The funds have been advised by the SEC staff that the staff currently views securities issued by a foreign government to be in a single industry for purposes of calculating applicable limits on concentration.
The funds’ fundamental policies are written and will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC, its staff and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the practice will be considered to be permitted if either the 1940 Act permits the practice or the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice.
Except for the fundamental policy on borrowing set forth in (1) above, if any percentage restriction described above is complied with at the time of an investment, a later increase or decrease in the percentage resulting from a change in values or assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction.
The investment practices described above involve risks. Please see your fund’s prospectus(es) and this SAI for a description of certain of these risks.
Non-Fundamental Policies
The funds have adopted the following non-fundamental policies, which may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.
1. Illiquid investments (all funds)
No fund may purchase any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets (5% of total assets with respect to Transamerica Government Money Market) would be invested in illiquid securities.
2. Purchasing securities on margin (all funds except Transamerica Event Driven)
No fund may purchase securities on margin except to obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, provided that margin payments and other deposits made in connection with transactions in options, futures contracts, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
3. Underlying funds in funds-of-funds investment limitation (applicable funds: all funds except Transamerica Asset Allocation-Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation-Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Portfolio and Transamerica Dynamic Income)
No fund may acquire any securities of registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on the provisions of Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. This policy does not prevent a fund from investing in securities of registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on any other provision of applicable law or regulation.
Additional Information Regarding Investment Practices
Each fund’s principal investment strategies are set forth in its prospectus. This section further explains policies and strategies utilized by the funds.
Please refer to each fund’s prospectus and investment restrictions for the policies and strategies pertinent to a particular fund.
Unless otherwise indicated, all limitations applicable to fund investments (as stated in the prospectus and elsewhere in this SAI) apply only at the time a transaction is entered into. If a percentage limitation is complied with at the time of an investment, any subsequent change in
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percentage resulting from a change in values or assets, or a change in credit quality, will not constitute a violation of that limitation. There is no limit on the ability of a fund to make any type of investment or to invest in any type of security, except as expressly stated in the prospectus(es) or in this SAI or as imposed by law.
Recent Market Events
In the past decade, financial markets throughout the world have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. Governmental and non-governmental issuers defaulted on, or were forced to restructure, their debts. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread.
The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks took steps to support financial markets during the last decade following the financial crisis that began in 2007, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels and by purchasing large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (“quantitative easing”). Similar steps were taken again in 2020 in an effort to support the coronavirus pandemic. This and other government interventions may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Future policy changes by the Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank support, including interest rate increases or reducing quantitative easing, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which a fund invests.
Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, technology and data interruptions, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other circumstances in one or more countries or regions could be highly disruptive to, and have profound impacts on, global economies or markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial market disruption and dislocation around the world including the U.S. During periods of market disruption, which may trigger trading halts, a fund’s exposure to the risks described in this Statement of Additional Information will likely increase. As a result, whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Europe: A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in conflicts and social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, in 2016, voters in the United Kingdom approved withdrawal from the European Union. This resulted in significant political and economic uncertainty, and the outcome and ramifications may not be known for some time. Given the size and importance of the United Kingdom’s economy, uncertainty about its legal, political, and economic relationship with the remaining member states of the European Union may continue to be a source of instability. Moreover, other countries may seek to withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. The Ukraine has experienced ongoing military conflict; this conflict may expand and military conflicts could potentially occur elsewhere in Europe. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geopolitical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. Whether or not a fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments.
COVID-19. The respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus has resulted in a global pandemic and major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some interest rates are very low and in some cases yields are negative. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the U.S., have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The impact of these measures, and whether they will be effective to mitigate the economic and market disruption, may not be known for some time. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, likewise may not be known for some time.
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Debt Securities and Fixed-Income Investing
Debt securities include securities such as corporate bonds and debentures; commercial paper; trust preferreds, debt securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities; or foreign governments; asset-backed securities; collateralized-mortgage obligations (“CMOs”); zero coupon bonds; floating rate, inverse floating rate and index obligations; “strips”; structured notes; and pay-in-kind and step securities.
Fixed-income investing is the purchase of a debt security that maintains a level of income that does not change, at least for some period of time. When a debt security is purchased, the fund owns “debt” and becomes a creditor to the company or government.
Consistent with each fund's investment policies, a fund may invest in debt securities, which may be referred to as fixed income instruments. These may include securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or government-sponsored enterprises; corporate debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, including convertible securities and corporate commercial paper; mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities; inflation-indexed bonds issued both by governments and corporations; structured notes, including hybrid or “indexed” securities, event-linked bonds and loan participations; delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities; bank certificates of deposit (“CDs”), fixed time deposits and bankers’ acceptances; repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements; debt securities issued by state or local governments and their agencies, authorities and other government-sponsored enterprises; obligations of non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and government-sponsored enterprises; and obligations of international agencies or supranational entities. Consistent with its investment policies, a fund may invest in derivatives based on fixed income instruments.
Generally, a fund uses the terms “debt security,” “bond,” “fixed income instrument” and “fixed income security” interchangeably, and these terms are interpreted broadly by the funds and include instruments that are intended to provide one or more of the characteristics of a direct investment in one or more debt securities. As new debt securities are developed, the funds may invest in those securities as well.
Maturity and Duration: The maturity of a fixed income security is a measure of the time remaining until the final payment on the security is due. For simple fixed income securities, duration indicates the average time at which the security’s cash flows are to be received. For simple fixed income securities with interest payments occurring prior to the payment of principal, duration is always less than maturity. For example, a current coupon bullet bond with a maturity of 3.5 years will have a duration of approximately three years. In general, the lower the stated or coupon rate of interest of a fixed income security, the closer its duration will be to its final maturity; conversely, the higher the stated or coupon rate of interest of a fixed income security, the shorter its duration will be compared to its final maturity. The determination of duration becomes more complex when fixed income securities with features like floating coupon payments, optionality, prepayments, and structuring are evaluated. There are differing methodologies for computing effective duration prevailing in the industry. As a result, different investors may estimate duration differently.
Debt and fixed-income securities share three principal risks. First, the level of interest income generated by a fund’s fixed income investments may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates. If rates decline, when a fund’s fixed income securities mature or are sold, they may be replaced by lower-yielding investments. Second, the values of fixed income securities fluctuate with changes in interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result in an increase in the value of a fund’s fixed income investments. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of a fund’s fixed income investments will generally decline. However, a change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed rate securities. For example, the magnitude of these fluctuations will generally be greater when a fund’s duration or average maturity is longer. Third, certain fixed income securities are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of securities will be unable to pay principal and interest when due, or that the value of the security will suffer because investors believe the issuer is unable to pay.
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or private issuers such as banks, insurance companies, and savings and loans. Some of these securities, such as Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) certificates, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury while others, such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federated National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) certificates, are not. The U.S. government has provided recent financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored entities in the future.
Mortgage-backed securities represent interests in a pool of mortgages. Principal and interest payments made on the mortgages in the underlying mortgage pool are passed through to the fund. These securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their stated maturity dates would indicate as a result of principal prepayments on the underlying loans. This can result in significantly greater price and yield volatility than with traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of declining interest rates, prepayments can be expected to accelerate which will shorten these securities’ weighted average life and may lower their return. Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the weighted average life of these securities which generally would cause their values to fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates.
The value of these securities also may change because of changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the federal agency or private institution that issued or guarantees them. In addition, the mortgage securities market in general may be adversely affected by changes in governmental regulation or tax policies.
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Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, are not subject to a fund’s industry concentration restrictions, by virtue of the exclusion from that test available to all U.S. government securities. In the case of privately issued mortgage-related securities, the funds may take the position that mortgage-related securities do not represent interests in any particular “industry” or group of industries.
As noted above, there are a number of important differences among the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that issue mortgage related securities and among the securities that they issue. Mortgage-related securities issued by GNMA include GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as “Ginnie Maes”) which are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by GNMA and such guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA certificates also are supported by the authority of GNMA to borrow funds from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under its guarantee. Mortgage-related securities issued by Fannie Mae include Fannie Mae Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as “Fannie Maes”) which are solely the obligations of Fannie Mae and are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and credit of the U.S. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored organization owned entirely by private stockholders. Fannie Maes are guaranteed as to the timely payment of the principal and interest by Fannie Mae. Mortgage-related securities issued by Freddie Mac include Freddie Mac Mortgage Participation Certificates (also known as “Freddie Macs” or “PCs”). Freddie Mac is a corporate instrumentality of the U.S., created pursuant to an Act of Congress, which is owned entirely by Federal Home Loan Banks. Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the U.S. or by any Federal Home Loan Banks and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the U.S. or of any Federal Home Loan Bank. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to the timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by Freddie Mac. Freddie Mac guarantees either ultimate collection or the timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. When Freddie Mac does not guarantee timely payment of principal, Freddie Mac may remit the amount due on account of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable.
CMOs, which are debt obligations collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities, provide the holder with a specified interest in the cash flow of a pool of underlying mortgages or other mortgage-backed securities. Issuers of CMOs frequently elect to be taxed as pass-through entities known as real estate mortgage investment conduits. CMOs are issued in multiple classes, each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final distribution date. The relative payment rights of the various CMO classes may be structured in many ways. In most cases, however, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in the order of their respective stated maturities, so that no principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity date are paid in full. The classes may include accrual certificates (also known as “Z-Bonds”), which only accrue interest at a specified rate until other specified classes have been retired and are converted thereafter to interest-paying securities. They may also include planned amortization classes which generally require, within certain limits, that specified amounts of principal be applied on each payment date, and generally exhibit less yield and market volatility than other classes. In many cases, CMOs are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities or may be collateralized by a fund of mortgages or mortgage-related securities guaranteed by such an agency or instrumentality. Certain CMOs in which a fund may invest are not guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities (“SMBS”) are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.
The repayment of certain mortgage-related securities depends primarily on the cash collections received from the issuer’s underlying asset portfolio and, in certain cases, the issuer’s ability to issue replacement securities (such as asset-backed commercial paper). As a result, a fund could experience losses in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the issuer’s underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing securities, or the issuer’s inability to issue new or replacement securities. This is also true for other asset-backed securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the investors in a security held by a fund may become the holders of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss. If mortgage-backed securities or asset-backed securities are bought at a discount, however, both scheduled payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments will increase current and total returns and will accelerate the recognition of income.
Unlike mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its sponsored entities, mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee, but may have credit enhancement provided by external entities such as banks or financial institutions or achieved through the structuring of the transaction itself. Examples of such credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include the issue of senior and subordinated securities (e.g., the issuance of securities by a special purpose vehicle in multiple classes or “tranches,” with one or more classes being senior to other subordinated classes as to the payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgage loans are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class); creation of “reserve funds” (in which case cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the
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underlying mortgage loans, are held in reserve against future losses); and “over-collateralization” (in which case the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying mortgage loans exceeds that required to make payment of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). However, there can be no guarantee that credit enhancements, if any, will be sufficient to prevent losses in the event of defaults on the underlying mortgage loans. A fund may also buy mortgage-backed securities without insurance or guarantees.
If a fund purchases subordinated mortgage-backed securities, the payments of principal and interest on the fund’s subordinated securities generally will be made only after payments are made to the holders of securities senior to the fund’s securities. Therefore, if there are defaults on the underlying mortgage loans, a fund will be less likely to receive payments of principal and interest, and will be more likely to suffer a loss. Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-backed securities held in a fund may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.
In addition, mortgage-backed securities that are issued by private issuers are not subject to the underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-backed securities that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying private mortgage-backed securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. Privately issued pools more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value mortgages and manufactured housing loans. The coupon rates and maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a private-label mortgage-backed securities pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a government guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had, in many cases, higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements.
The risk of non-payment is greater for mortgage-backed securities that are backed by mortgage pools that contain subprime loans, but a level of risk exists for all loans. Market factors adversely affecting mortgage loan repayments may include a general economic turndown, high unemployment, a general slowdown in the real estate market, a drop in the market prices of real estate, or an increase in interest rates resulting in higher mortgage payments by holders of adjustable rate mortgages.
The funds may invest in mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and by private issuers entities, provided, however, that to the extent that a fund purchases mortgage-related securities from such issuers which may, solely for purposes of the 1940 Act, be deemed to be investment companies, the fund’s investment in such securities will be subject to the limitations on its investment in investment company securities.
Asset-Backed Securities
Asset-backed securities are generally issued as pass-through certificates, which represent undivided fractional ownership interests in the underlying pool of assets, or as debt instruments, which are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. The pool of assets generally represents the obligations of a number of different parties.
Asset-backed securities have many of the same characteristics and risks as the mortgage-backed securities described above, except that asset-backed securities may be backed by non-real-estate loans, leases or receivables such as auto, credit card or home equity loans.
Non-mortgage asset-backed securities are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or government-sponsored entities; however, the payment of principal and interest on such obligations may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution (such as a bank or insurance company) which may be affiliated or unaffiliated with the issuers of such securities. In addition, such securities generally will have remaining estimated lives at the time of purchase of five years or less.
Asset-backed securities frequently carry credit protection in the form of extra collateral, subordinated certificates, cash reserve accounts, letters of credit or other enhancements. For example, payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or other enhancement issued by a financial institution. Assets which, to date, have been used to back asset-backed securities include motor vehicle installment sales contracts or installment loans secured by motor vehicles, and receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements. Other types of asset-backed securities include those that represent interest in pools of corporate bonds (such as collateralized bond obligations or “CBOs”), bank loans (such as collateralized loan obligations or “CLOs”) and other debt obligations (such as collateralized debt obligations or “CDOs”).
Asset-backed security values may also be affected by factors such as changes in interest rates, the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing any credit enhancement and the exhaustion of any credit enhancement. The risks of investing in asset-backed securities depend upon payment of the underlying loans by the individual borrowers (i.e., the backing asset). In its capacity as purchaser of an asset-backed security, a fund would generally have no recourse to the entity that originated the loans in the event of default by the borrower. If a letter of credit or other form of credit enhancement is exhausted or otherwise unavailable, holders of asset-backed securities may experience delays in payments or losses if the full amounts due on underlying assets are not realized. Asset-backed securities may also present certain additional risks related to the particular type of collateral. For example, credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed
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on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Asset-backed securities are also subject to prepayment risk, which may shorten the weighted average life of such securities and may lower their return. In addition, asset backed securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with mortgage-backed securities, as well as additional risks associated with the nature of the assets and the servicing of those assets.
Asset-backed securities may be subject to greater risk of default during periods of economic downturn than other securities, which could result in possible losses to a fund. In addition, the secondary market for asset-backed securities may not be as liquid as the market for other securities which may result in a fund’s experiencing difficulty in selling or valuing asset-backed securities.
Corporate Debt Securities
Corporate debt securities exist in great variety, differing from one another in quality, maturity, and call or other provisions. Lower-grade bonds, whether rated or unrated, usually offer higher interest income, but also carry increased risk of default. Corporate bonds may be secured or unsecured, senior to or subordinated to other debt of the issuer, and, occasionally, may be guaranteed by another entity. In addition, they may carry other features, such as those described under “Convertible Securities” and “Variable or Floating Rate Securities,” or have special features such as the right of the holder to shorten or lengthen the maturity of a given debt instrument, rights to purchase additional securities, rights to elect from among two or more currencies in which to receive interest or principal payments, or provisions permitting the holder to participate in earnings of the issuer or to participate in the value of some specified commodity, financial index, or other measure of value.
Commercial Paper
Commercial paper refers to short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by commercial and industrial corporations to finance their current operations. Commercial paper may be issued at a discount and redeemed at par, or issued at par with interest added at maturity. The interest or discount rate depends on general interest rates, the credit standing of the issuer, and the maturity of the note, and generally moves in tandem with rates on large CDs and Treasury bills. An established secondary market exists for commercial paper, particularly that of stronger issuers which are rated by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”). Investments in commercial paper are subject to the risks that general interest rates will rise, that the credit standing or rating of the issuer will fall, or that the secondary market in the issuer’s notes will become too limited to permit their liquidation at a reasonable price.
Commercial paper includes asset-backed commercial paper (“ABCP”) that is issued by structured investment vehicles or other conduits. These conduits may be sponsored by mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and special purpose finance entities. ABCP typically refers to a debt security with an original term to maturity of up to 270 days, the payment of which is supported by cash flows from underlying assets, or one or more liquidity or credit support providers, or both. Assets backing ABCP, which may be included in revolving pools of assets with large numbers of obligors, include credit card, car loan and other consumer receivables and home or commercial mortgages, including subprime mortgages. The repayment of ABCP issued by a conduit depends primarily on the cash collections received from the conduit’s underlying asset portfolio and the conduit’s ability to issue new ABCP. Therefore, there could be losses to a fund investing in ABCP in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the conduit’s underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing ABCP, or the conduit’s inability to issue new ABCP. To protect investors from these risks, ABCP programs may be structured with various protections, such as credit enhancement, liquidity support, and commercial paper stop-issuance and wind-down triggers. However, there can be no guarantee that these protections will be sufficient to prevent losses to investors in ABCP.
Some ABCP programs provide for an extension of the maturity date of the ABCP if, on the related maturity date, the conduit is unable to access sufficient liquidity through the issue of additional ABCP. This may delay the sale of the underlying collateral, and a fund may incur a loss if the value of the collateral deteriorates during the extension period. Alternatively, if collateral for ABCP deteriorates in value, the collateral may be required to be sold at inopportune times or at prices insufficient to repay the principal and interest on the ABCP. ABCP programs may provide for the issuance of subordinated notes as an additional form of credit enhancement. The subordinated notes are typically of a lower credit quality and have a higher risk of default. A fund purchasing these subordinated notes will therefore have a higher likelihood of loss than investors in the senior notes.
Bank Obligations
Bank obligations include dollar-denominated CDs, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances and other short-term debt obligations issued by domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan associations and other banking institutions. CDs are short-term, unsecured, negotiable obligations of commercial banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banks for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable time drafts drawn on commercial banks usually in connection with international transactions.
Domestic commercial banks organized under federal law are supervised and examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are required to be members of the Federal Reserve System and to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Domestic banks organized under state law are supervised and examined by state banking authorities, but are members of the Federal Reserve System only if they elect to join. Most state institutions are insured by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to a fund, depending upon the principal amount of obligations of each held by the fund) and are subject to federal examination and to a substantial body
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of federal law and regulation. As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, domestic banks are, among other things, generally required to maintain specified levels of reserves and are subject to other supervision and regulation designed to promote financial soundness. However, not all of such laws and regulations apply to the foreign branches of domestic banks.
Obligations of foreign branches and subsidiaries of domestic banks and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, such as CDs and time deposits, may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and governmental regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are those of domestic banks or domestic branches of foreign banks. These risks include foreign economic and political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations, foreign exchange controls and foreign withholding and other taxes on interest income. Foreign branches of domestic banks and foreign branches of foreign banks are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to domestic banks, such as mandatory reserve requirements, loan limitations and accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly available about a foreign branch of a domestic bank or about a foreign bank than about a domestic bank.
Obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank, in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by state and federal regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A domestic branch of a foreign bank with assets in excess of $1 billion may or may not be subject to reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in which the branch is located if the branch is licensed in that state. In addition, branches licensed by the Comptroller of the Currency and branches licensed by certain states (“State Branches”) may or may not be required to: (i) pledge to the regulator, by depositing assets with a designated bank within the state; and (ii) maintain assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank payable at or through all of its agencies or branches within the state. The deposits of State Branches may not necessarily be insured by the FDIC. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about a domestic branch of a foreign bank than about a domestic bank.
Bank Capital Securities: Bank capital securities are issued by banks to help fulfill their regulatory capital requirements. There are two common types of bank capital: Tier I and Tier II. Bank capital is generally, but not always, of investment grade quality. Tier I securities often take the form of trust preferred securities. Tier II securities are commonly thought of as hybrids of debt and preferred stock, are often perpetual (with no maturity date), callable and, under certain conditions, allow for the issuer bank to withhold payment of interest until a later date.
Collateralized Debt Obligations
Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities. CBOs and CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust or other special purpose entity (“SPE”) which is typically backed by a diversified pool of fixed income securities (which may include high-risk, below-investment-grade securities). A CLO is a trust or other SPE that is typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, 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. Although certain CDOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, such enhancement may not always be present, and may fail to protect a fund against the risk of loss on default of the collateral. Certain CDOs may use derivatives contracts to create “synthetic” exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly. CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses, which are in addition to those of a fund.
For both CBOs and CLOs, the cashflows from the SPE are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche, which bears the first loss from defaults from the bonds or loans in the SPE and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default (though such protection is not complete). Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a CBO trust or CLO trust typically has higher ratings and lower yields than its underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO or CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of subordinate tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as investor aversion to CBO or CLO securities as a class. Interest on certain tranches of a CDO may be paid in kind (paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments.
The risks of an investment in a CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO in which a fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by a fund as illiquid securities. However, an active dealer market may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO to qualify for Rule 144A transactions. In addition to the risks typically associated with fixed income securities discussed elsewhere in this SAI and a fund’s prospectus (e.g., interest rate risk and credit risk), 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 collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) a fund may invest in tranches of CDOs that are subordinate to other tranches; (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; and (v) the CDO’s manager may perform poorly.
Zero Coupon, Step Coupon, Deferred Payment, Stripped and Pay-In-Kind Securities
Zero coupon bonds are issued and traded at a discount from their face values. They do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity. Step coupon bonds are issued and trade at a discount from their face values and pay coupon interest. The coupon rate typically is low for an initial period and then increases to a higher coupon rate thereafter. Deferred payment securities are securities that
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remain zero coupon securities until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals. The discount from the face amount or par value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. Stripped securities are securities that are stripped of their interest after the securities are issued, but otherwise are comparable to zero coupon bonds. Pay-in-kind securities may pay all or a portion of their interest or dividends in the form of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities.
Federal income tax law requires holders of zero coupon, step coupon and deferred payment securities to report the portion of the original issue discount on such securities that accrues that year as interest income, even if prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payment. In order to avoid a fund-level tax, a fund must distribute each year substantially all of its taxable income, including original issue discount accrued on zero coupon, step coupon or deferred payment securities. Because a fund may not receive full or even any cash payments on a current basis in respect of accrued original-issue discount on zero coupon, step coupon or deferred payment securities, in some years a fund may have to distribute cash obtained from other sources in order to satisfy those distribution requirements. A fund might obtain such cash from selling other fund holdings. These actions may reduce the assets to which a fund’s expenses could be allocated and may reduce the rate of return for the fund. In some circumstances, such sales might be necessary in order to satisfy cash distribution requirements even though investment considerations might otherwise make it undesirable for the fund to sell the securities at the time.
Generally, the market prices of zero coupon, step coupon, deferred payment, stripped and pay-in-kind securities are more volatile than the prices of securities that pay interest periodically and in cash and are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than other types of debt securities having similar maturities and credit quality. Investments in zero coupon and step coupon bonds may be more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value because of changes in interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently.
Repurchase Agreements
In a repurchase agreement, a fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon date within a number of days (usually not more than seven) from the date of purchase. The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which typically is unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security and represents compensation to the seller for use of the purchased security. A repurchase agreement involves the obligation of the seller to pay the agreed-upon price, which obligation is in effect secured by the value (at least equal to the amount of the agreed-upon resale price and marked-to-market daily) of the underlying security or collateral. All repurchase agreements entered into by a fund are fully collateralized at all times during the period of the agreement.
Repurchase agreements involve the risk that the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that case, a fund will bear the risk of market value fluctuations until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur costs in liquidating the security. Repurchase agreements involve risks in the event of default or insolvency of the other party, including possible delays or restrictions upon a fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities, the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which the fund seeks to assert its right to them, the risk of incurring expenses associated with asserting those rights and the risk of losing all or part of the income from the agreement.
A fund may, together with other registered investment companies managed by the fund’s sub-adviser or its affiliates, transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements, including tri-party subcustody repurchase arrangements.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities are fixed income securities that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into underlying shares of common stock. Convertible securities have general characteristics similar to both fixed income and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent than with fixed income securities generally, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities. A significant feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so they may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock.
As fixed income securities, convertible securities provide for a stream of income. The yields on convertible securities generally are higher than those of common stocks. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. However, a convertible security offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, enabling the holder to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock of the same issuer. Because of the subordination feature, however, convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.
DECS (“Dividend Enhanced Convertible Stock,” or “Debt Exchangeable for Common Stock” when-issued as a debt security) offer a substantial dividend advantage with the possibility of unlimited upside potential if the price of the underlying common stock exceeds a
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certain level. DECS convert to common stock at maturity. The amount received is dependent on the price of the common stock at the time of maturity. DECS contain two call options at different strike prices. The DECS participate with the common stock up to the first call price. They are effectively capped at that point unless the common stock rises above a second price point, at which time they participate with unlimited upside potential.
PERCS (“Preferred Equity Redeemable Stock,” convert into an equity issue that pays a high cash dividend, has a cap price and mandatory conversion to common stock at maturity) offer a substantial dividend advantage, but capital appreciation potential is limited to a predetermined level. PERCS are less risky and less volatile than the underlying common stock because their superior income mitigates declines when the common stock falls, while the cap price limits gains when the common stock rises.
In evaluating investment in a convertible security, primary emphasis will be given to the attractiveness of the underlying common stock. The convertible debt securities in which a fund may invest are subject to the same rating criteria as the fund’s investment in non-convertible debt securities.
Unlike a convertible security which is a single security, a synthetic convertible security is comprised of two distinct securities that together resemble convertible securities in certain respects. Synthetic convertible securities are created by combining non-convertible bonds or preferred shares with common stocks, warrants or stock call options. The options that will form elements of synthetic convertible securities will be listed on a securities exchange or on NASDAQ. The two components of a synthetic convertible security, which will be issued with respect to the same entity, generally are not offered as a unit, and may be purchased and sold by a fund at different times. Synthetic convertible securities differ from convertible securities in certain respects, including that each component of a synthetic convertible security has a separate market value and responds differently to market fluctuations. Investing in synthetic convertible securities involves the risk normally involved in holding the securities comprising the synthetic convertible security.
A fund will limit its holdings of convertible debt securities to those that, at the time of purchase, are rated at least B- by S&P or B3 by Moody’s or B- by Fitch, Inc., or, if not rated by S&P, Moody’s or Fitch, are of equivalent investment quality as determined by the sub-adviser.
High Yield Securities
Debt securities rated below investment grade (lower than Baa as determined by Moody’s, lower than BBB as determined by S&P or Fitch, Inc.) or, if unrated, determined to be below investment grade by a fund’s sub-adviser, are commonly referred to as “lower grade debt securities” or “junk bonds.” Generally, such securities offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher rated securities, but also are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. The market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality bonds. In addition, medium and lower rated securities and comparable unrated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. Lower grade debt securities generally are unsecured and frequently subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. In addition, the market value of securities in lower rated categories is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which medium and lower rated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for a fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its securities and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for a fund to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of a fund to sell securities at their fair value either to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets.
Lower rated debt securities also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption, a fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Also, the principal value of bonds moves inversely with movements in interest rates; in the event of rising interest rates, the value of the securities held by a fund may decline more than a fund consisting of higher rated securities. If a fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its higher rated bonds, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the securities held by the fund and increasing the exposure of the fund to the risks of lower rated securities.
Subsequent to its purchase by a fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by a fund. Neither event will require sale of these securities by a fund, but a sub-adviser will consider the event in determining whether the fund should continue to hold the security.
Except for certain funds, a fund’s investments in convertible debt securities and other high-yield, non-convertible debt securities rated below investment grade will comprise less than 35% of the fund’s net assets. Debt securities rated below the four highest categories are not considered “investment-grade” obligations.
Distressed Debt Securities
Distressed debt securities are debt securities that are purchased in the secondary market and are the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise in default as to the repayment of principal and/or interest at the time of acquisition by a fund or are rated in the lower rating categories (Ca or lower by Moody’s and CC or lower by S&P) or which, if unrated, are in the judgment of a sub-adviser of equivalent quality. Investment in distressed debt securities is speculative and involves significant risk. The risks associated with high-yield securities are heightened by investing in distressed debt securities.
A fund will generally make such investments only when the fund’s sub-adviser believes it is reasonably likely that the issuer of the distressed debt securities will make an exchange offer or will be the subject of a plan of reorganization pursuant to which the fund will receive new
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securities (e.g., equity securities). However, there can be no assurance that such an exchange offer will be made or that such a plan of reorganization will be adopted. In addition, a significant period of time may pass between the time at which a fund makes its investment in distressed debt securities and the time that any such exchange offer or plan of reorganization is completed. During this period, it is unlikely that the fund will receive any interest payments on the distressed debt securities, the fund will be subject to significant uncertainty as to whether or not the exchange offer or plan will be completed and the fund may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses to protect or recover its investment. Even if an exchange offer is made or plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to the distressed debt securities held by a fund, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by the fund in connection with such exchange offer or plan of reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment was made. Moreover, any securities received by the fund upon completion of an exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a result of a fund’s participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of distressed debt securities, the fund may be restricted from disposing of such securities.
Defaulted Securities
Defaulted securities are debt securities on which the issuer is not currently making interest payments. Generally, a fund will invest in defaulted securities only when its sub-adviser believes, based upon analysis of the financial condition, results of operations and economic outlook of an issuer, that there is potential for resumption of income payments, that the securities offer an unusual opportunity for capital appreciation or that other advantageous developments appear likely in the future. Notwithstanding a sub-adviser’s belief as to the resumption of income payments, however, the purchase of any security on which payment of interest or dividends is suspended involves a high degree of risk. Such risk includes, among other things, the following:
Investments in securities that are in default involve a high degree of financial and market risks that can result in substantial, or at times even total, losses. Issuers of defaulted securities may have substantial capital needs and may become involved in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings. Among the problems involved in investments in such issuers is the fact that it may be difficult to obtain information about the condition of such issuers. The market prices of such securities also are subject to abrupt and erratic movements and above average price volatility, and the spread between the bid and asked prices of such securities may be greater than normally expected.
A fund will limit holdings of any such securities to amounts that its sub-adviser (if applicable) believes could be readily sold, and its holdings of such securities would, in any event, be limited so as not to limit the fund’s ability to readily dispose of securities to meet redemptions.
Structured Notes and Related Instruments
“Structured” notes and other related instruments are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an “embedded index”), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates, or the differential performance of two assets or markets, such as indexes reflecting bonds. Structured instruments may be issued by corporations, including banks, as well as by governmental agencies and frequently are assembled in the form of medium-term notes, but a variety of forms is available and may be used in particular circumstances. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but ordinarily not below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index(es) or other asset(s). Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Investment in indexed securities and structured notes involves certain risks, including the credit risk of the issuer and the normal risks of price changes in response to changes in interest rates. Further, in the case of certain indexed securities or structured notes, a decline in the reference instrument may cause the interest rate to be reduced to zero, and any further declines in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Finally, these securities may be less liquid than other types of securities, and may be more volatile than their underlying reference instruments.
U.S. Government Securities
U.S. Government obligations generally include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as U.S. Treasury bills, notes, and bonds) and obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. Examples of the types of U.S. government securities that a fund may hold include the Federal Housing Administration, Small Business Administration, General Services Administration, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and Maritime Administration. U.S. government securities may be supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (such as securities of the Small Business Administration); by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank); by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations (such as securities of Fannie Mae); or only by the credit of the issuing agency.
Examples of agencies and instrumentalities which may not always receive financial support from the U.S. government are: Federal Land Banks; Central Bank for Cooperatives; Federal Intermediate Credit Banks; Federal Home Loan Banks; Farmers Home Administration; and Fannie Mae.
Obligations guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or government-sponsored entities include issues by non-government-sponsored entities (like financial institutions) that carry direct guarantees from U.S. government agencies as part of government initiatives in response to the market crisis or otherwise. In the case of obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S., a fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S.
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itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. Neither the U.S. government nor any of its agencies or instrumentalities guarantees the market value of the securities they issue. Therefore, the market value of such securities will fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates.
On August 5, 2011, S& P lowered the long-term sovereign credit rating assigned to the U.S. to AA+ with a negative outlook. On June 10, 2013, S&P revised the negative outlook to a stable outlook. The long-term impact of the downgrade or the impact of any potential future downgrades are unknown and could negatively impact the funds.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities
Variable and floating rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. The terms of such obligations provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based upon an interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event-based, such as based on a change in the prime rate.
The interest rate on a floating rate debt instrument (a “floater”) is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a corporate bond index or Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. Because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters may provide a fund with a certain degree of protection against rising interest rates, although a fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two bonds or other securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.
The interest rate on an inverse floating rate debt instrument (an “inverse floater”) resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floating rate security may exhibit greater price volatility than a fixed rate obligation of similar credit quality.
A floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in some floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market values.
Such instruments may include variable amount master demand notes that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary in addition to providing for periodic adjustments in the interest rate. The absence of an active secondary market with respect to particular variable and floating rate instruments could make it difficult for a fund to dispose of a variable or floating rate note if the issuer defaulted on its payment obligation or during periods that a fund is not entitled to exercise its demand rights, and a fund could, for these or other reasons, suffer a loss with respect to such instruments. In determining average-weighted portfolio maturity, an instrument will be deemed to have a maturity equal to either the period remaining until the next interest rate adjustment or the time a fund involved can recover payment of principal as specified in the instrument, depending on the type of instrument involved.
Variable rate master demand notes are unsecured commercial paper instruments that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for periodic adjustment in the interest rate. Because variable rate master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between a fund and the issuer, they are not normally traded.
Although no active secondary market may exist for these notes, a fund may demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any time or may resell the note to a third party. While the notes are not typically rated by credit rating agencies, issuers of variable rate master demand notes must satisfy a sub-adviser that the ratings are within the two highest ratings of commercial paper.
In addition, when purchasing variable rate master demand notes, a sub-adviser will consider the earning power, cash flows, and other liquidity ratios of the issuers of the notes and will continuously monitor their financial status and ability to meet payment on demand.
In the event an issuer of a variable rate master demand note defaulted on its payment obligations, a fund might be unable to dispose of the note because of the absence of a secondary market and could, for this or other reasons, suffer a loss to the extent of the default.
Municipal Securities
Municipal securities generally include debt obligations (bonds, notes or commercial paper) issued by or on behalf of any of the 50 states and their political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities, certain other governmental issuers (such as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam) or other qualifying issuers, participation or other interests in these securities and other related investments. A shareholder in a fund will generally exclude from gross income its allocable share of the interest the fund receives on municipal securities.
Municipal securities are issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities, such as airports, bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets, water and sewer works, gas, and electric utilities. They may also be issued to refund outstanding obligations, to obtain funds for general operating expenses, or to obtain funds to loan to other public institutions and facilities and in anticipation of the receipt of revenue or the issuance of other obligations.
The two principal classifications of municipal securities are “general obligation” securities and “limited obligation” or “revenue” securities. General obligation securities are secured by a municipal issuer’s pledge of its full faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Accordingly, the capacity of the issuer of a general obligation bond as to the timely payment of interest and the repayment of principal when due is affected by the issuer’s maintenance of its tax base. Revenue securities are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source. Accordingly, the timely payment of interest and the repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the revenue security is a function
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of the economic viability of the facility or revenue source. Revenue securities include private activity bonds (described below) which are not payable from the unrestricted revenues of the issuer. Consequently, the credit quality of private activity bonds is usually directly related to the credit standing of the corporate user of the facility involved. Municipal securities may also include “moral obligation” bonds, which are normally issued by special purpose public authorities. If the issuer of moral obligation bonds is unable to meet its debt service obligations from current revenues, it may draw on a reserve fund the restoration of which is a moral commitment but not a legal obligation of the state or municipality which created the issuer.
Private Activity Bonds: Private activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to provide funds, usually through a loan or lease arrangement, to a private entity for the purpose of financing construction of privately operated industrial facilities, such as warehouse, office, plant and storage facilities and environmental and pollution control facilities. Such bonds are secured primarily by revenues derived from loan repayments or lease payments due from the entity, which may or may not be guaranteed by a parent company or otherwise secured. Private activity bonds generally are not secured by a pledge of the taxing power of the issuer of such bonds. Therefore, repayment of such bonds generally depends on the revenue of a private entity. The continued ability of an entity to generate sufficient revenues for the payment of principal and interest on such bonds will be affected by many factors, including the size of the entity, its capital structure, demand for its products or services, competition, general economic conditions, government regulation and the entity’s dependence on revenues for the operation of the particular facility being financed.
Interest income on certain types of private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986 to finance non-governmental activities is a specific tax preference item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax (“AMT”). Bonds issued in 2009 and 2010 generally are not treated as private activity bonds, and interest earned on such bonds generally is not treated as a tax preference item. Investors may be subject to a federal AMT to the extent that the fund derives interest from private activity bonds.
Industrial Development Bonds: Industrial development bonds (“IDBs”) are issued by public authorities to obtain funds to provide financing for privately-operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, convention or trade show facilities, airport, mass transit, port and parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, and certain facilities for water supply, gas, electricity or sewerage or solid waste disposal. Although IDBs are issued by municipal authorities, the payment of principal and interest on IDBs is dependent solely on the ability of the user of the facilities financed by the bonds to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of the real and personal property being financed as security for such payments. IDBs are considered municipal securities if the interest paid is exempt from regular federal income tax. Interest earned on IDBs may be subject to the federal AMT.
Municipal Notes: Municipal notes are short-term debt obligations issued by municipalities which normally have a maturity at the time of issuance of six months to three years. Such notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes and project notes. Notes sold in anticipation of collection of taxes, a bond sale or receipt of other revenues are normally obligations of the issuing municipality or agency.
Municipal Commercial Paper: Municipal commercial paper is short-term debt obligations issued by municipalities. Although done so infrequently, municipal commercial paper may be issued at a discount (sometimes referred to as Short-Term Discount Notes). These obligations are issued to meet seasonal working capital needs of a municipality or interim construction financing and are paid from a municipality's general revenues or refinanced with long-term debt. Although the availability of municipal commercial paper has been limited, from time to time the amounts of such debt obligations offered have increased, and this increase may continue.
Participation Interests: A participation interest in municipal obligations (such as private activity bonds and municipal lease obligations) gives a fund an undivided interest in the municipal obligation in the proportion that the fund’s participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the municipal obligation. Participation interests in municipal obligations may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of, or a right to put to, a bank (which may be the bank issuing the participation interest, a bank issuing a confirming letter of credit to that of the issuing bank, or a bank serving as agent of the issuing bank with respect to the possible repurchase of the participation interest) or insurance policy of an insurance company. A fund has the right to sell the participation interest back to the institution or draw on the letter of credit or insurance after a specified period of notice, for all or any part of the full principal amount of the fund’s participation in the security, plus accrued interest. Purchase of a participation interest may involve the risk that a fund will not be deemed to be the owner of the underlying municipal obligation for purposes of the ability to claim tax exemption of interest paid on that municipal obligation.
Variable Rate Obligations: The interest rate payable on a variable rate municipal obligation is adjusted either at predetermined periodic intervals or whenever there is a change in the market rate of interest upon which the interest rate payable is based. A variable rate obligation may include a demand feature pursuant to which a fund would have the right to demand prepayment of the principal amount of the obligation prior to its stated maturity. The issuer of the variable rate obligation may retain the right to prepay the principal amount prior to maturity.
Municipal Lease Obligations: Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase or a conditional sales contract. Municipal lease obligations are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities such as state and municipal vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment, and other capital assets. Interest payments on qualifying municipal leases are exempt from federal income taxes. A fund may purchase these obligations directly, or they may purchase participation interests in such obligations. Municipal leases are generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds. State laws set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet in order to issue municipal obligations; and such obligations may contain a covenant by the issuer to budget for, appropriate, and make payments due under the obligation. However, certain municipal lease obligations
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may contain “non-appropriation” clauses which provide that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year. Accordingly, such obligations are subject to “non-appropriation” risk. While municipal leases are secured by the underlying capital asset, it may be difficult to dispose of such assets in the event of non-appropriation or other default.
Residual Interest Bonds: Residual Interest Bonds (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters) (“RIBs”) are created by brokers by depositing a Municipal Bond in a trust. The trust in turn issues a variable rate security and RIBs. The interest rate on the short-term component is reset by an index or auction process normally every seven to 35 days, while the RIB holder receives the balance of the income from the underlying Municipal Bond less an auction fee. Therefore, rising short-term interest rates result in lower income for the RIB, and vice versa. An investment in RIBs typically will involve greater risk than an investment in a fixed rate bond. RIBs have interest rates that bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Because increases in the interest rate on the other security or index reduce the residual interest paid on a RIB, the value of a RIB is generally more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. RIBs have interest rate adjustment formulas that generally reduce or, in the extreme, eliminate the interest paid to a fund when short-term interest rates rise, and increase the interest paid to the funds when short-term interest rates fall. RIBs have varying degrees of liquidity that approximate the liquidity of the underlying bond(s), and the market price for these securities is volatile. RIBs can be very volatile and may be less liquid than other Municipal Bonds of comparable maturity. These securities will generally underperform the market of fixed rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market of fixed rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable.
Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper: Tax-exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 270 days or less. It is issued by state and local governments or their agencies to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short term financing in anticipation of longer term financing. While tax-exempt commercial paper is intended to be repaid from general revenues or refinanced, it frequently is backed by a letter of credit, lending arrangement, note repurchase agreement or other credit facility agreement offered by a bank or financial institution.
Custodial Receipts and Certificates: Custodial receipts or certificates underwritten by securities dealers or banks evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain municipal obligations. The underwriter of these certificates or receipts typically purchases municipal obligations and deposits the obligations in an irrevocable trust or custodial account with a custodian bank, which then issues receipts or certificates that evidence ownership of the periodic unmatured coupon payments and the final principal payment on the obligations. Although under the terms of a custodial receipt, a fund would be typically authorized to assert its rights directly against the issuer of the underlying obligation, a fund could be required to assert through the custodian bank those rights as may exist against the underlying issuer. Thus, in the event the underlying issuer fails to pay principal and/or interest when due, the fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the fund had purchased a direct obligation of the issuer. In addition, in the event that the trust or custodial account in which the underlying security has been deposited is determined to be an association taxable as a corporation, instead of a non-taxable entity, the yield on the underlying security would be reduced in recognition of any taxes paid.
Stand-By Commitments: Under a stand-by commitment a dealer agrees to purchase, at the fund’s option, specified municipal obligations held by the fund at a specified price and, in this respect, stand-by commitments are comparable to put options. A stand-by commitment entitles the holder to achieve same day settlement and to receive an exercise price equal to the amortized cost of the underlying security plus accrued interest, if any, at the time of exercise. The fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to an institution providing a stand-by commitment and a decline in the credit quality of the institution could cause losses to the fund.
Tender Option Bonds: A tender option bond is a municipal bond (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax-exempt rates, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a financial institution, pursuant to which such institution grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the institution generally receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the municipal bond’s fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder would effectively hold a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax-exempt rate.
Loan Participations and Assignments
Loan participations typically represent direct participation in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. A fund may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a lender. A fund’s investment in a loan participation typically will result in the fund having a contractual relationship only with the lender and not with the borrower. A fund will 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 the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing a participation, a fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any right of set-off against the borrower, and the fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, a fund may be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling a participation, a fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower. Some loans may be secured in whole or in part by assets or other collateral. In other cases, loans may be unsecured or may become undersecured by declines in the value of assets or other collateral securing such loan.
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When a fund purchases a loan assignment from lenders, it will acquire direct rights against the borrowers on the loan. Because assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by a fund as the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.
Certain of the participations or assignments acquired by a fund may involve unfunded commitments of the lenders or revolving credit facilities under which a borrower may from time to time borrow and repay amounts up to the maximum amount of the facility. In such cases, the fund would have an obligation to advance its portion of such additional borrowings upon the terms specified in the loan documentation. A fund may acquire loans of borrowers that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience, financial difficulty, including loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Although loans in which a fund may invest generally will be secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of nonpayment of scheduled interest or principal, or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, a fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a senior loan.
Because there is no liquid market for commercial loans, the funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and a fund’s ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet redemptions of fund shares, to meet the fund’s liquidity needs or when necessary in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for a fund to assign a value to those securities for purposes of valuing the fund’s investments and calculating its net asset value.
Investments in loans through a direct assignment of the financial institution’s interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to a fund. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, a fund could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a fund could be held liable as co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, a fund relies on its sub-adviser’s research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the fund.
Subordinated Securities
Subordinated securities are subordinated or “junior” to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated or junior securities. Such securities may include so-called “high yield” or “junk” bonds (i.e., bonds that are rated below investment grade by a rating agency or that are determined by a fund’s sub-adviser to be of equivalent quality) and preferred stock. Under the terms of subordinated securities, payments that would otherwise be made to their holders may be required to be made to the holders of more senior securities, and/or the subordinated or junior securities may have junior liens, if they have any rights at all, in any collateral (meaning proceeds of the collateral are required to be paid first to the holders of more senior securities). As a result, subordinated or junior securities will be disproportionately adversely affected by a default or even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer.
Participation Interests
A participation interest gives a fund an undivided interest in the security in the proportion that the fund’s participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the security. These instruments may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest, with remaining maturities of 13 months or less. If the participation interest is unrated, or has been given a rating below that which is permissible for purchase by a fund, the participation interest will be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank, or the payment obligation otherwise will be collateralized by U.S. government securities, or, in the case of unrated participation interests, the fund’s sub-adviser must have determined that the instrument is of comparable quality to those instruments in which the fund may invest. For certain participation interests, a fund will have the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days’ notice, for all or any part of the fund’s participation interest in the security, plus accrued interest. As to these instruments, a fund intends to exercise its right to demand payment only upon a default under the terms of the security, as needed to provide liquidity to meet redemptions, or to maintain or improve the quality of its investment fund.
Unsecured Promissory Notes
A fund also may purchase unsecured promissory notes which are not readily marketable and have not been registered under the 1933 Act, provided such investments are consistent with the fund’s investment objective.
Guaranteed Investment Contracts
A fund may invest in guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) issued by insurance companies. Pursuant to such contracts, a fund makes cash contributions to a deposit portfolio of the insurance company’s general account. The insurance company then credits to the portfolio guaranteed interest. The GICs provide that this guaranteed interest will not be less than a certain minimum rate. The insurance company may assess periodic charges against a GIC for expenses and service costs allocable to it, and the charges will be deducted from the value of the deposit portfolio. Because a fund may not receive the principal amount of a GIC from the insurance company on seven days’ notice or less, the GIC is considered an illiquid investment. In determining average weighted portfolio maturity, a GIC will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the longer of the period of time remaining until the next readjustment of the guaranteed interest rate or the period of time remaining until the principal amount can be recovered from the issuer through demand.
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Credit-Linked Securities
Credit-linked securities are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain high yield or other fixed income markets. For example, a fund may invest in credit-linked securities as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to the high yield markets and/or to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available. Like an investment in a bond, investments in credit-linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the trust’s receipt of payments from, and the trust’s potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the trust invests. For instance, the trust may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the trust would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the trust would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that a fund would receive as an investor in the trust. A fund’s investments in these instruments are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default or similar event risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk. It is expected that the securities will be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments.
Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, the funds’ investments in these structured products may be subject to limits applicable to investments in investment companies and may be subject to restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.
Event-Linked Bonds
A fund may invest a portion of its net assets in “event-linked bonds,” which are fixed income securities for which the return of principal and payment of interest is contingent on the non-occurrence of specific “trigger” event, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or other physical or weather-related phenomenon. Some event-linked bonds are commonly referred to as “catastrophe bonds.” If a trigger event causes losses exceeding a specific amount in the geographic region and time period specified in a bond, a fund investing in the bond may lose a portion or all of its principal invested in the bond. If no trigger event occurs, the fund will recover its principal plus interest. For some event-linked bonds, the trigger event or losses may be based on company-wide losses, index-portfolio losses, industry indices, or readings of scientific instruments rather than specified actual losses. Often the event-linked bonds provide for extensions of maturity that are mandatory, or optional at the discretion of the issuer, in order to process and audit loss claims in those cases where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. In addition to the specified trigger events, event-linked bonds also may expose a fund to certain unanticipated risks including but not limited to issuer risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, liquidity risk, and adverse tax consequences.
Equity Securities and Related Investments
Equity securities, such as common stock, generally represent an ownership interest in a company. While equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular equity security held by a fund. Also, the prices of equity securities, particularly common stocks, are sensitive to general movements in the stock market. A drop in the stock market may depress the price of equity securities held by a fund.
Holders of equity securities are not creditors of the issuer. As such, if an issuer liquidates, holders of equity securities are entitled to their pro rata share of the issuer’s assets, if any, after creditors (including the holders of fixed income securities and senior equity securities) are paid.
There may be little trading in the secondary market for particular equity securities, which may adversely affect a fund’s ability to value accurately or dispose of such equity securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and/or liquidity of equity securities.
Common Stocks: Common stocks are the most prevalent type of equity security. Common stockholders receive the residual value of the issuer’s earnings and assets after the issuer pays its creditors and any preferred stockholders. As a result, changes in an issuer’s earnings directly influence the value of its common stock.
Preferred Stocks: A fund may purchase preferred stock. Preferred stock pays dividends at a specified rate and has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of an issuer’s assets but is junior to the debt securities of the issuer in those same respects. Preferred stock generally pays quarterly dividends. Preferred stocks may differ in many of their provisions. Among the features that differentiate preferred stocks from one another are the dividend rights, which may be cumulative or non-cumulative and participating or non-participating, redemption provisions, and voting rights. Such features will establish the income return and may affect the prospects for capital appreciation or risks of capital loss.
The market prices of preferred stocks are subject to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to changes in an issuer’s creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. Under ordinary circumstances, preferred stock does not carry voting rights.
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Investments in Initial Public Offerings: A fund may invest in initial public offerings of equity securities. The market for such securities may be more volatile and entail greater risk of loss than investments in more established companies. Investments in initial public offerings may represent a significant portion of a fund’s investment performance. A fund cannot assure that investments in initial public offerings will continue to be available to the fund or, if available, will result in positive investment performance. In addition, as a fund’s portfolio grows in size, the impact of investments in initial public offerings on the overall performance of the fund is likely to decrease.
Warrants and Rights
A fund may invest in warrants and rights. A warrant is a type of security that entitles the holder to buy a given number of common stock at a specified price, usually higher than the market price at the time of issuance, for a period of years or to perpetuity. The purchaser of a warrant expects the market price of the security will exceed the purchase price of the warrant plus the exercise price of the warrant, thus resulting in a profit. Of course, because the market price may never exceed the exercise price before the expiration date of the warrant, the purchaser of the warrant risks the loss of the entire purchase price of the warrant. In contrast, rights, which also represent the right to buy common shares, normally have a subscription price lower than the current market value of the common stock and are offered during a set subscription period.
Warrants and rights are subject to the same market risks as common stocks, but may be more volatile in price. An investment in warrants or rights may be considered speculative. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and a warrant or right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.
Derivatives
The following investments are subject to limitations as set forth in each fund’s investment restrictions and policies.
A fund may utilize options, futures contracts (sometimes referred to as “futures”), options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps (including total return swaps, some of which may be known as contracts for difference), swaps on futures contracts, caps, floors, collars, indexed securities, various mortgage-related obligations, structured or synthetic financial instruments and other derivative instruments (collectively, “Financial Instruments”). A fund may use Financial Instruments for any purpose, including as a substitute for other investments, to attempt to enhance its portfolio’s return or yield and to alter the investment characteristics of its portfolio (including to attempt to mitigate risk of loss in some fashion, or “hedge”). A fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and no assurance can be given that any derivatives strategy employed will be successful.
The U.S. government and certain foreign governments are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. There may be additional regulation of the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as the funds, which could significantly affect their use. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.
The use of Financial Instruments may be limited by applicable law and any applicable regulations of the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), or the exchanges on which some Financial Instruments may be traded. (Note, however, that some Financial Instruments that a fund may use may not be listed on any exchange and may not be regulated by the SEC or the CFTC.) In addition, a fund’s ability to use Financial Instruments may be limited by tax considerations.
In addition to the instruments and strategies discussed in this section, a sub-adviser may discover additional opportunities in connection with Financial Instruments and other similar or related techniques. These opportunities may become available as a sub-adviser develops new techniques, as regulatory authorities broaden the range of permitted transactions and as new Financial Instruments or other techniques are developed. A sub-adviser may utilize these opportunities and techniques to the extent that they are consistent with a fund’s investment objective and permitted by its investment limitations and applicable regulatory authorities. These opportunities and techniques may involve risks different from or in addition to those summarized herein.
This discussion is not intended to limit a fund’s investment flexibility, unless such a limitation is expressly stated, and therefore will be construed by a fund as broadly as possible. Statements concerning what a fund may do are not intended to limit any other activity. Also, as with any investment or investment technique, even when the prospectus or this discussion indicates that a fund may engage in an activity, it may not actually do so for a variety of reasons, including cost considerations.
The use of Financial Instruments involves special considerations and risks, certain of which are summarized below, and may result in losses to a fund. In general, the use of Financial Instruments may increase the volatility of a fund and may involve a small investment of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk or exposure assumed. Even a small investment in derivatives may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses to a fund. As noted above, there can be no assurance that any derivatives strategy will succeed.
Financial Instruments are subject to the risk that the market value of the derivative itself or the market value of underlying instruments will change in a way adverse to a fund’s interest. Many Financial Instruments are complex, and successful use of them depends in part upon the sub-adviser’s ability to forecast correctly future market trends and other financial or economic factors or the value of the underlying security, index, interest rate, currency or other instrument or measure. Even if a sub-adviser’s forecasts are correct, other factors may cause distortions or dislocations in the markets that result in unsuccessful transactions. Financial Instruments may behave in unexpected ways, especially in abnormal or volatile market conditions.
A fund may be required to maintain assets as “cover,” maintain segregated accounts, post collateral or make margin payments when it takes positions in Financial Instruments. Assets that are segregated or used as cover, margin or collateral may be required to be in the
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  form of cash or liquid securities, and typically may not be sold while the position in the Financial Instrument is open unless they are replaced with other appropriate assets. If markets move against a fund’s position, the fund may be required to maintain or post additional assets and may have to dispose of existing investments to obtain assets acceptable as collateral or margin. This may prevent it from pursuing its investment objective. Assets that are segregated or used as cover, margin or collateral typically are invested, and these investments are subject to risk and may result in losses to a fund. These losses may be substantial, and may be in addition to losses incurred by using the Financial Instrument in question. If a fund is unable to close out its positions, it may be required to continue to maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the positions expire or mature, and the fund will continue to be subject to investment risk on the assets. In addition, a fund may not be able to recover the full amount of its margin from an intermediary if that intermediary were to experience financial difficulty. Segregation, cover, margin and collateral requirements may impair a fund’s ability to sell a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so, or require the fund to sell a portfolio security or close out a derivatives position at a disadvantageous time or price.
A fund’s ability to close out or unwind a position in a Financial Instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and willingness of the other party to the transaction (the “counterparty”) to enter into a transaction closing out the position. If there is no market or a fund is not successful in its negotiations, a fund may not be able to sell or unwind the derivative position at a particular time or at an anticipated price. This may also be the case if the counterparty to the Financial Instrument becomes insolvent. A fund may be required to make delivery of portfolio securities or other assets underlying a Financial Instrument in order to close out a position or to sell portfolio securities or assets at a disadvantageous time or price in order to obtain cash to close out the position. While the position remains open, a fund continues to be subject to investment risk on the Financial Instrument. A fund may or may not be able to take other actions or enter into other transactions, including hedging transactions, to limit or reduce its exposure to the Financial Instrument.
Certain Financial Instruments transactions may have a leveraging effect on a fund, and adverse changes in the value of the underlying security, index, interest rate, currency or other instrument or measure can result in losses substantially greater than the amount invested in the Financial Instrument itself. When a fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect, the value of the fund is likely to be more volatile and all other risks also are likely to be compounded. This is because leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of an asset and creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than a fund would otherwise have. Certain Financial Instruments have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
Many Financial Instruments may be difficult to value, which may result in increased payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a fund.
Liquidity risk exists when a particular Financial Instrument is difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, a fund may be unable to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price. Certain Financial Instruments, including certain over-the-counter (or “OTC”) options and swaps, may be considered illiquid and therefore subject to a fund’s limitation on illiquid investments.
In a hedging transaction there may be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between the identity, price or price movements of a Financial Instrument and the identity, price or price movements of the investments being hedged. This lack of correlation may cause the hedge to be unsuccessful and may result in a fund incurring substantial losses and/or not achieving anticipated gains. Even if the strategy works as intended, a fund might have been in a better position had it not attempted to hedge at all.
Financial Instruments used for non-hedging purposes may result in losses which would not be offset by increases in the value of portfolio holdings or declines in the cost of securities or other assets to be acquired. In the event that a fund uses a Financial Instrument as an alternative to purchasing or selling other investments or in order to obtain desired exposure to an index or market, the fund will be exposed to the same risks as are incurred in purchasing or selling the other investments directly, as well as the risks of the transaction itself.
Certain Financial Instruments involve the risk of loss resulting from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure by the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. In the event of default by a counterparty, a fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, which may be limited by applicable law in the case of the counterparty’s bankruptcy.
Financial Instruments involve operational risk. There may be incomplete or erroneous documentation or inadequate collateral or margin, or transactions may fail to settle. For Financial Instruments not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a fund may have only contractual remedies in the event of a counterparty default, and there may be delays, costs or disagreements as to the meaning of contractual terms and litigation, in enforcing those remedies.
Certain Financial Instruments transactions, including certain options, swaps, forward contracts, and certain options on foreign currencies, are entered into directly by the counterparties and/or through financial institutions acting as market makers (“OTC derivatives”), rather than being traded on exchanges or in markets registered with the CFTC or the SEC. Many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available to participants in OTC derivatives transactions. For example, OTC derivatives transactions are not subject to the guarantee of an exchange, and only OTC derivatives that are either required to be cleared or submitted voluntarily for clearing to a clearinghouse will enjoy the protections that central clearing provides against default by the original counterparty to the trade. In an OTC derivatives transaction that is not cleared, the fund bears the risk of default by its counterparty. In a
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  cleared derivatives transaction, the fund is instead exposed to the risk of default of the clearinghouse and the risk of default of the broker through which it has entered into the transaction. Information available on counterparty creditworthiness may be incomplete or outdated, thus reducing the ability to anticipate counterparty defaults.
Swap contracts involve special risks. Swaps may in some cases be illiquid. In the absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions, they may be difficult to trade or value, especially in the event of market disruptions. The Dodd-Frank Act established a comprehensive new regulatory framework for swaps. Under this framework, regulation of the swap market is divided between the SEC and the CFTC. The SEC and CFTC have approved a number rules and interpretations as part of the establishment of this new regulatory regime. It is possible that developments in the swap market, including these new or additional regulations, could adversely affect a fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements. Credit default swaps involve additional risks. For example, credit default swaps increase credit risk since a fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation (typically a debt obligation) and the counterparty to the credit default swap.
Certain derivatives, such as interest rate swaps and credit default swaps that are based on an index, are required under applicable law to be cleared by a regulated clearinghouse. Swaps subject to this requirement are typically submitted for clearing through brokerage firms that are members of the clearinghouse. A fund would establish an account with a brokerage firm to facilitate clearing such a swap, and the clearinghouse would become the fund’s counterparty. A brokerage firm would guarantee the fund’s performance on the swap to the clearinghouse. The fund would be exposed to the credit risk of the clearinghouse and the brokerage firm that holds the cleared swap. The brokerage firm also would impose margin requirements with respect to open cleared swap positions held by the fund, and the brokerage firm would be able to require termination of those positions in certain circumstances. These margin requirements and termination provisions may adversely affect the fund’s ability to trade cleared swaps. In addition, the fund may not be able to recover the full amount of its margin from a brokerage firm if the firm were to go into bankruptcy. It is also possible that the fund would not be able to enter into a swap transaction that is required to be cleared if no clearinghouse will accept the swap for clearing.
Swaps that are required to be cleared must be traded on a regulated execution facility or contract market that makes them available for trading. The transition from trading swaps bilaterally to trading them on such a facility or market may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value and may present certain execution risks if these facilities and markets do not operate properly. On-facility trading of swaps is also expected to lead to greater standardization of their terms. It is possible that a fund may not be able to enter into swaps that fully meet its investment needs, or that the costs of entering into customized swaps, including any applicable margin requirements, will be significant.
Financial Instruments transactions conducted outside the U.S. may not be conducted in the same manner as those entered into on U.S. exchanges, and may be subject to different margin, exercise, settlement or expiration procedures. Many of the risks of Financial Instruments transactions are also applicable to Financial Instruments used outside the U.S. Financial Instruments used outside the U.S. also are subject to the risks affecting foreign securities, currencies and other instruments.
Financial Instruments involving currency are subject to additional risks. Currency related transactions may be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations. Exchange rates may be influenced by factors extrinsic to a country’s economy. Also, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to foreign currencies. As a result, the information on which trading in currency derivatives is based may not be as complete as, and may be delayed beyond, comparable data for other transactions.
Use of Financial Instruments involves transaction costs, which may be significant. Use of Financial Instruments also may increase the amount of taxable income to shareholders.
Hedging: As stated above, the term “hedging” often is used to describe a transaction or strategy that is intended to mitigate risk of loss in some fashion. Hedging strategies can be broadly categorized as “short hedges” and “long hedges.” A short hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument intended partially or fully to offset potential declines in the value of one or more investments held in a fund’s portfolio. In a short hedge, a fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in the opposite direction of the price of the investment being hedged.
Conversely, a long hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument intended partially or fully to offset potential increases in the acquisition cost of one or more investments that a fund intends to acquire. Thus, in a long hedge, a fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in the same direction as the price of the prospective investment being hedged. A long hedge is sometimes referred to as an anticipatory hedge. In an anticipatory hedge transaction, a fund does not own a corresponding security and, therefore, the transaction does not relate to the portfolio security that a fund owns. Rather, it relates to a security that a fund intends to acquire. If a fund does not complete the hedge by purchasing the security it anticipated purchasing, the effect on the fund’s portfolio is the same as if the transaction were entered into for speculative purposes.
In hedging transactions, Financial Instruments on securities (such as options and/or futures) generally are used to attempt to hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that a fund owns or intends to acquire. Financial Instruments on indices, in contrast, generally are used to attempt to hedge against price movements in market sectors in which a fund has invested or expects to invest. Financial Instruments on debt securities generally are used to hedge either individual securities or broad debt market sectors.
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Options – Generally: A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying investment at the agreed-upon price during the option period. A put option gives the purchaser the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying investment at the agreed-upon price during the option period. Purchasers of options pay an amount, known as a premium, to the option writer in exchange for the right under the option contract.
Exchange-traded options in the U.S. are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with the exchange on which the option is listed that, in effect, guarantees completion of every exchange-traded option transaction. In contrast, OTC options are contracts between a fund and its counterparty (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no clearing organization guarantee. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of OTC options generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract. When a fund purchases an OTC option, it relies on the counterparty from whom it purchased the option to make or take delivery of the underlying investment upon exercise of the option. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any premium paid by a fund as well as the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
Writing put or call options can enable a fund to enhance income or yield by reason of the premiums paid by the purchasers of such options. However, a fund may also suffer a loss. For example, if the market price of the security underlying a put option written by a fund declines to less than the exercise price of the option, minus the premium received, it can be expected that the option will be exercised and a fund would be required to purchase the security at more than its market value. If a security appreciates to a price higher than the exercise price of a call option written by a fund, it can be expected that the option will be exercised and a fund will be obligated to sell the security at less than its market value.
The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the current market value of the underlying investment, the time remaining until expiration, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the underlying investment, the historical price volatility of the underlying investment and general market conditions. Options purchased by a fund that expire unexercised have no value, and the fund will realize a loss in the amount of the premium paid and any transaction costs. If an option written by a fund expires unexercised, the fund realizes a gain equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. Transaction costs must be included in these calculations.
A fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an option by entering into a closing transaction. For example, a fund may terminate its obligation under a call or put option that it had written by purchasing an identical call or put option; this is known as a closing purchase transaction. Conversely, a fund may terminate a position in a put or call option it had purchased by writing an identical put or call option; this is known as a closing sale transaction. Closing transactions permit a fund to realize profits or limit losses on an option position prior to its exercise or expiration. There can be no assurance that it will be possible for a fund to enter into any closing transaction.
A type of put that a fund may purchase is an “optional delivery standby commitment,” which is entered into by parties selling debt securities to a fund. An optional delivery standby commitment gives a fund the right to sell the security back to the seller on specified terms. This right is provided as an inducement to purchase the security.
Transamerica High Yield Bond may not write covered put and call options or buy put and call options and warrants on securities that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter.
Options on Indices: Puts and calls on indices are similar to puts and calls on securities (described above) or futures contracts (described below) except that all settlements are in cash and gain or loss depends on changes in the index in question rather than on price movements in individual securities or futures contracts. When a fund writes a call on an index, it receives a premium and agrees that, prior to the expiration date, the purchaser of the call, upon exercise of the call, will receive from a fund an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the call is based is greater than the exercise price of the call. The amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the call times a specified multiple (“multiplier”), which determines the total dollar value for each point of such difference. When a fund buys a call on an index, it pays a premium and has the same rights as to such call as are indicated above. When a fund buys a put on an index, it pays a premium and has the right, prior to the expiration date, to require the seller of the put, upon the fund’s exercise of the put, to deliver to the fund an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the put is based is less than the exercise price of the put, which amount of cash is determined by the multiplier, as described above for calls. When a fund writes a put on an index, it receives a premium and the purchaser of the put has the right, prior to the expiration date, to require the fund to deliver to it an amount of cash equal to the difference between the closing level of the index and exercise price times the multiplier if the closing level is less than the exercise price.
Options on indices may, depending on the circumstances, involve greater risk than options on securities. Because index options are settled in cash, when a fund writes a call on an index it may not be able to provide in advance for its potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts: A financial futures contract sale creates an obligation by the seller to deliver the type of Financial Instrument or, in the case of index and similar futures, cash, called for in the contract in a specified delivery month for a stated price. A financial futures contract purchase creates an obligation by the purchaser to take delivery of the asset called for in the contract in a specified delivery month at a stated price. Options on futures give the purchaser the right to assume a position in a futures contract at the specified option exercise price at any time during the period of the option.
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Futures strategies can be used to change the duration of a fund’s portfolio. If a sub-adviser wishes to shorten the duration of the fund’s portfolio, a fund may sell a debt futures contract or a call option thereon, or purchase a put option on that futures contract. If a sub-adviser wishes to lengthen the duration of a fund’s portfolio, the fund may buy a debt futures contract or a call option thereon, or sell a put option thereon.
Futures contracts may also be used for other purposes, such as to simulate full investment in underlying securities while retaining a cash balance for portfolio management purposes, as a substitute for direct investment in a security, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs, or to seek higher investment returns when a futures contract or option is priced more attractively than the underlying security or index.
No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the inception of a futures contract a fund is required to deposit “initial margin.” Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, a fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.
Subsequent “variation margin” payments are made to and from the futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as “marking-to-market.” Daily variation margin calls could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If a fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a disadvantageous time or price.
Although some futures and options on futures call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities, currencies or cash, generally those contracts are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures or options (involving the same index, currency or underlying security and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a fund realizes a gain, or if it is more, a fund realizes a loss. If an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a fund realizes a gain, or if it is less, a fund realizes a loss. A fund will also bear transaction costs for each contract, which will be included in these calculations. Positions in futures and options on futures may be closed only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures contract or options position.
Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract can vary from the previous day’s settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions.
If a fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract or an option on a futures position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market, the imposition of price limits or otherwise, it could incur substantial losses. A fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of purchased options, a fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account.
If an index future is used for hedging purposes the risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the price of index futures and movements in the price of the securities that are the subject of the hedge increases as the composition of a fund’s portfolio diverges from the securities included in the applicable index. The price of the index futures may move more than or less than the price of the securities being hedged. To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of the securities being hedged and movements in the price of the index futures, a fund may buy or sell index futures in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of the securities being hedged if the historical volatility of the prices of such securities being hedged is more than the historical volatility of the prices of the securities included in the index. It is also possible that, where a fund has sold index futures contracts to hedge against a decline in the market, the market may advance and the value of the securities held in the fund may decline. If this occurred, a fund would lose money on the futures contract and also experience a decline in value of its portfolio securities.
Where index futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the price of securities before a fund is able to invest in them in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline instead. If a sub-adviser then concludes not to invest in them at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, a fund will realize a loss on the futures contract that is not offset by a reduction in the price of the securities it had anticipated purchasing.
Non-U.S. Currency Strategies: A fund may invest in securities that are denominated in non-U.S. currencies and may engage in a variety of non-U.S. currency exchange transactions to protect against uncertainty in the level of future exchange rates or to earn additional income. A fund may use options and futures contracts, swaps and indexed notes relating to non-U.S. currencies and forward currency contracts to attempt to hedge against movements in the values of the non-U.S. currencies in which the fund’s securities are denominated or to attempt to enhance income or yield. Currency hedges can protect against price movements in a security that a fund owns or intends to acquire that are attributable to changes in the value of the currency in which it is denominated. Such hedges do not, however, protect against price movements in the securities that are attributable to other causes.
The value of Financial Instruments on non-U.S. currencies depends on the value of the underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because non-U.S. currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the use of such Financial Instruments, a fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying non-U.S. currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
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There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for non-U.S. currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information generally is representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates might be less favorable. The interbank market in non-U.S. currencies is a global, round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options or futures markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the markets for the Financial Instruments until they reopen.
Settlement of transactions involving non-U.S. currencies might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency. Thus, a fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying non-U.S. currency in accordance with any U.S. or non-U.S. regulations regarding the maintenance of non-U.S. banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery assessed in the issuing country.
Generally, OTC non-U.S. currency options used by a fund are European-style options. This means that the option is only exercisable immediately prior to its expiration. This is in contrast to American-style options, which are exercisable at any time prior to the expiration date of the option.
Forward Currency Contracts: A fund may enter into forward currency contracts to purchase or sell non-U.S. currencies for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or another non-U.S. currency. A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (term) from the date of the forward currency contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the forward currency contract. These forward currency contracts are traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
The cost to a fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. When a fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
As is the case with futures contracts, parties to forward currency contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing transactions on futures contracts, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty.
If a fund engages in a forward currency contract with respect to particular securities, the precise matching of forward currency contract amounts and the value of the securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the non-U.S. currency, will change after the forward currency contract has been established. Thus, a fund might need to purchase or sell non-U.S. currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such non-U.S. currencies are not covered by forward currency contracts.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars: A fund may enter into swaps, caps, floors and collars to preserve a return or a spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, to attempt to enhance yield or total return, or as a substitute for other investments. A swap typically involves the exchange by a fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive cash flows, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed-rate payments. The purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined value, to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the cap. The purchase of a floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined value, to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the floor. A collar combines elements of a cap and a floor.
Swap agreements, including caps, floors and collars, can be individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a fund’s investments and its share price and yield because, and to the extent, these agreements affect a fund’s exposure to long- or short-term interest rates, non-U.S. currency values, mortgage-backed or other security values, corporate borrowing rates or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates.
Swap agreements will tend to shift a fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options.
If a counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of the agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses.
A fund may enter into credit default swap contracts for investment purposes. As the seller in a credit default swap contract, a fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or a non-U.S. corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, a fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, a fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, a fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap which may be significantly larger than a fund’s cost to enter into the credit default swap.
A fund may purchase credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities held in its portfolio, in which case a fund would function as the counterparty referenced in the preceding paragraph. This would involve the risk that the investment may
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expire worthless and would only generate income in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (or, as applicable, a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability). It would also involve credit risk – that the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to a fund in the event of a default.
The net amount of the excess, if any, of a fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap will be accrued on a daily basis, depending on whether a threshold amount (if any) is exceeded, and an amount of cash or liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value approximately equal to the accrued excess will be earmarked or set aside as cover, as described below. A fund will also maintain collateral with respect to its total obligations under any swaps that are not entered into on a net basis, including segregating assets to cover any potential obligation under a credit default swap sold by it, and will maintain cover as required by SEC guidelines from time to time with respect to caps and floors written by a fund.
Contracts for Difference: A fund may enter into contracts for difference (“CFDs”). A CFD is a contract between two parties, typically described as “buyer” and “seller,” stipulating that the seller will pay to the buyer the difference between the current value of an asset and its value in the future. (If the difference is negative, then the buyer instead pays the seller.) In effect, CFDs are Financial Instruments that allow a fund to take synthetic long or synthetic short positions on underlying assets.
CFDs are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of the CFD is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. To the extent that there is an imperfect correlation between the return on a fund’s obligation to its counterparty under the CFD and the return on related assets in its portfolio, the CFD transaction may increase the fund’s financial risk. CFDs, like many other Financial Instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require the fund to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which the fund is liable. CFDs are not registered with the SEC or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation.
Combined Positions: A fund may purchase and write options in combination with each other, or in combination with other Financial Instruments, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of its overall position. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
Cover: Transactions using Financial Instruments may involve obligations which if not covered could be construed as “senior securities.” A fund will comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and will, if the guidelines so require, segregate, set aside or earmark on its books cash or liquid assets in the prescribed amount as determined daily. A fund may cover such transactions using other methods permitted under the 1940 Act, orders or releases issued by the SEC thereunder, or no-action letters or other guidance of the SEC staff. Although SEC guidelines on cover are designed to limit the transactions involving Financial Instruments that a fund may be engaged in at any time, the segregation of assets does not reduce the risks to a fund of entering into transactions in Financial Instruments.
Turnover: A fund’s derivatives activities may affect its turnover rate and brokerage commission payments. The exercise of calls or puts written by a fund, and the sale or purchase of futures contracts, may cause it to sell or purchase related investments, thus increasing its turnover rate. Once a fund has received an exercise notice on an option it has written, it cannot effect a closing transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver or receive the underlying securities at the exercise price. The exercise of puts purchased by a fund may also cause the sale of related investments, also increasing turnover; although such exercise is within a fund’s control, holding a protective put might cause it to sell the related investments for reasons that would not exist in the absence of the put. A fund will pay a brokerage commission each time it buys or sells a put or call or purchases or sells a futures contract. Such commissions may be higher than those that would apply to direct purchases or sales.
Roll Timing
A fund may engage in roll-timing strategies where the fund seeks to extend the expiration or maturity of a position, such as a forward contract, futures contract or to-be-announced (“TBA”) transaction, on an underlying asset by closing out the position before expiration and contemporaneously opening a new position with respect to the same underlying asset that has substantially similar terms except for a later expiration date. Such “rolls” enable the fund to maintain continuous investment exposure to an underlying asset beyond the expiration of the initial position without delivery of the underlying asset. Similarly, as certain standardized swap agreements transition from over-the-counter trading to mandatory exchange-trading and clearing due to the implementation of Dodd-Frank Act regulatory requirements, a fund may “roll” an existing over-the-counter swap agreement by closing out the position before expiration and contemporaneously entering into a new exchange-traded and cleared swap agreement on the same underlying asset with substantially similar terms except for a later expiration date. These types of new positions opened contemporaneous with the closing of an existing position on the same underlying asset with substantially similar terms are collectively referred to as “Roll Transactions.”
Foreign Securities
The following investments are subject to limitations as set forth in each fund’s investment restrictions and policies.
A fund may invest in foreign securities through the purchase of securities of foreign issuers or of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and Fiduciary Depositary Receipts (“FDRs”) or other securities representing underlying shares of foreign companies.
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The risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers or issuers with significant exposure to non-U.S. markets may be related, among other things, to (i) differences in size, liquidity and volatility of, and the degree and manner of regulation of, the securities markets of certain non-U.S. markets compared to the securities markets in the U.S.; (ii) economic, political and social factors; and (iii) foreign exchange matters, such as restrictions on the repatriation of capital, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which a fund’s portfolio securities are quoted or denominated, exchange control regulations and costs associated with currency exchange. The political and economic structures in certain foreign countries, particularly emerging markets and frontier markets, are expected to undergo significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries.
Unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of a fund’s investments in such countries. The economies and securities and currency markets of many emerging markets have experienced significant disruption and declines. There can be no assurances that these economic and market disruptions will not continue.
Securities of some foreign companies are less liquid, and their prices are more volatile, than securities of comparable domestic companies. Certain foreign countries are known to experience long delays between the trade and settlement dates of securities purchased or sold resulting in increased exposure of a fund to market and foreign exchange fluctuations brought about by such delays, and to the corresponding negative impact on fund liquidity.
The interest payable on a fund’s foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, which will reduce the fund’s return on its investments. In addition, the operating expenses of a fund making such investment can be expected to be higher than those of an investment company investing exclusively in U.S. securities, since the costs of investing in foreign securities, such as custodial costs, valuation costs and communication costs, are higher than the costs of investing exclusively in U.S. securities.
There may be less publicly available information about non-U.S. markets and issuers than is available with respect to U.S. securities and issuers. Non-U.S. companies generally are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The trading markets for most non-U.S. securities are generally less liquid and subject to greater price volatility than the markets for comparable securities in the U.S. The markets for securities in frontier markets and certain emerging markets are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in certain non-U.S. markets, including emerging countries, may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the U.S. In addition, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity. The less liquid a market, the more difficult it may be for a fund to accurately price its portfolio securities or to dispose of such securities at the times determined by a sub-adviser to be appropriate. The risks associated with reduced liquidity may be particularly acute in situations in which a fund’s operations require cash, such as in order to meet redemptions and to pay its expenses.
A fund may invest in securities of emerging market and frontier market countries. Emerging market countries typically have economic and political systems that are less fully developed, and that can be expected to be less stable. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than emerging markets countries. These securities may be U.S. dollar denominated or non-U.S. dollar denominated and include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities, including Brady Bonds; (b) debt obligations of supranational entities; (c) debt obligations (including dollar and non-dollar denominated) and other debt securities of foreign corporate issuers; and (d) non-dollar denominated debt obligations of U.S. corporate issuers. A fund may also invest in securities denominated in currencies of emerging market or frontier market countries. There is no minimum rating criteria for a fund’s investments in such securities.
Certain non-U.S. countries, including emerging markets and frontier markets, may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability. Such instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved economic, political and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection and conflict. Such economic, political and social instability could significantly disrupt the financial markets in such countries and the ability of the issuers in such countries to repay their obligations. In addition, it may be difficult for the fund to pursue claims against a foreign issuer in the courts of a foreign country. Investing in emerging countries also involves the risk of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation in any emerging country, a fund could lose its entire investment in that country. Certain emerging market countries restrict or control foreign investment in their securities markets to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit a fund’s investment in those markets and may increase the expenses of a fund. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain markets in the region is subject to restrictions such as the need for certain governmental consents. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of a fund’s operation. Economies in individual non-U.S. countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation, currency valuation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions. Many non-U.S. countries have experienced substantial, and in some cases extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. 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 countries. Economies in emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected
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adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been, and may continue to be, affected adversely and significantly by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.
Custodian services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the U.S. Such markets have settlement and clearance procedures that differ from those in the U.S. In certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of a fund to make intended securities purchases because of settlement problems could cause a fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses to a fund because of a subsequent decline in value of the portfolio security or could result in possible liability to the fund. In addition, security settlement and clearance procedures in some emerging countries may not fully protect a fund against loss or theft of its assets.
A fund may be subject to taxes, including withholding taxes imposed by certain non-U.S. countries on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) earned with respect to the fund’s investments in such countries. These taxes will reduce the return achieved by a fund. Treaties between the U.S. and such countries may reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates.
The value of the securities quoted or denominated in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the relative currency exchange rates and by exchange control regulations. A fund’s investment performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a currency in which the fund’s investments are quoted or denominated. Further, a fund’s investment performance may be significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in another currency will increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in relation to the U.S. dollar.
The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. Changes in the exchange rate may result over time from the interaction of many factors directly or indirectly affecting economic conditions and political developments in other countries. Of particular importance are rates of inflation, interest rate levels, the balance of payments and the extent of government surpluses or deficits in the U.S. and the particular foreign country. All these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of the U.S. and other foreign countries important to international trade and finance. Government intervention may also play a significant role. National governments rarely voluntarily allow their currencies to float freely in response to economic forces. Sovereign governments use a variety of techniques, such as intervention by a country’s central bank or imposition of regulatory controls or taxes, to affect the exchange rates of their currencies.
ADRs, EDRs and GDRs: A fund may also purchase ADRs, American Depositary Debentures, American Depositary Notes, American Depositary Bonds, EDRs, GDRs and FDRs, or other securities representing underlying shares of foreign companies. ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the U.S. and are issued through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” arrangements. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the depository’s transaction fees, whereas under an unsponsored arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes no obligation and the depository’s transaction fees are paid by the ADR holders. In addition, less information is available in the U.S. about an unsponsored ADR than about a sponsored ADR, and the financial information about a company may not be as reliable for an unsponsored ADR as it is for a sponsored ADR. A fund may invest in ADRs through both sponsored and unsponsored arrangements. EDRs and GDRs are securities that are typically issued by foreign banks or foreign trust companies, although U.S. banks or U.S. trust companies may issue them. EDRs and GDRs are structured similarly to the arrangements of ADRs. EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets.
Eurodollar or Yankee Obligations: Eurodollar bank obligations are dollar denominated debt obligations issued outside the U.S. capital markets by foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. Yankee obligations are dollar denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by foreign issuers. Eurodollar (and to a limited extent, Yankee) obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a foreign government might prevent dollar denominated funds from flowing across its borders. Other risks include: adverse political and economic developments in a foreign country; the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions; the imposition of foreign withholding taxes; and expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers.
Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt: A fund may invest in all types of debt securities of governmental issuers in all countries, including emerging markets. These sovereign debt securities may include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, governmental agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions located in emerging market countries; debt securities issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities located in emerging market countries; interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by any of the above issuers; Brady Bonds, which are debt securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan as a means for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness; participations in loans between emerging market governments and financial institutions; or debt securities issued by supranational entities such as the World Bank or the European Economic Community. A supranational entity is a bank, commission or company established or financially supported by the national governments of one or more countries to promote reconstruction or development.
Sovereign debt is subject to risks in addition to those relating to non-U.S. investments generally. As a sovereign entity, the issuing government may be immune from lawsuits in the event of its failure or refusal to pay the obligations when due. The debtor’s willingness or ability to repay in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on disbursements or assistance from foreign governments or multinational agencies, the country’s
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access to trade and other international credits, and the country’s balance of trade. Assistance may be dependent on a country’s implementation of austerity measures and reforms, which measures may limit or be perceived to limit economic growth and recovery. Some sovereign debtors have rescheduled their debt payments, declared moratoria on payments or restructured their debt to effectively eliminate portions of it, and similar occurrences may happen in the future. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
Russian Securities
A fund may invest directly in the securities of Russian issuers or may have indirect exposure to Russian securities through its investment in one or more funds with direct investments in Russia. Investment in those securities presents many of the same risks as investing in the securities of emerging country issuers, as described above. The social, political, legal, and operational risks of investing in Russian issuers, and of having assets held in custody within Russia, however, may be particularly pronounced relative to investments in more developed countries. Russia’s system of share registration and custody creates certain risks of loss (including the risk of total loss) that are not normally associated with investments in other securities markets.
A risk of particular note with respect to direct investment in Russian securities results from the way in which ownership of shares of companies is normally recorded. Ownership of shares (except where shares are held through depositories that meet the requirements of the 1940 Act) is defined according to entries in the company’s share register and normally evidenced by “share extracts” from the register or, in certain circumstances, by formal share certificates. However, there is no central registration system for shareholders and these services are carried out by the companies themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. The share registrars are controlled by the issuer of the security, and investors are provided with few legal rights against such registrars. These registrars are not necessarily subject to effective state supervision, nor are they licensed with any governmental entity. It is possible for a fund to lose its registration through fraud, negligence, or even mere oversight. Each applicable fund will endeavor to ensure that its interest is appropriately recorded, which may involve a custodian or other agent inspecting the share register and obtaining extracts of share registers through regular confirmations. However, these extracts have no legal enforceability and it is possible that a subsequent illegal amendment or other fraudulent act may deprive a fund of its ownership rights or improperly dilute its interests. In addition, while applicable Russian regulations impose liability on registrars for losses resulting from their errors, it may be difficult for a fund to enforce any rights it may have against the registrar or issuer of the securities in the event of a loss of share registration. Further, significant delays or problems may occur in registering the transfer of securities, which could cause a fund to incur losses due to a counterparty’s failure to pay for securities the fund has delivered or the fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.
Also, although a Russian public enterprise having a certain minimum number of shareholders is required by law to contract out the maintenance of its shareholder register to an independent entity that meets certain criteria, this regulation has not always been strictly enforced in practice. Because of this lack of independence, management of a company may be able to exert considerable influence over who can purchase and sell the company’s shares by illegally instructing the registrar to refuse to record transactions in the share register.
Other Investments
Illiquid Securities
An illiquid security is any security that a fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value, and a fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities promptly.
The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the OTC markets. A fund may be restricted in its ability to sell such securities at a time when a fund’s sub-adviser deems it advisable to do so. In addition, in order to meet redemption requests, a fund may have to sell other assets, rather than such illiquid securities, at a time that is not advantageous.
Each fund monitors the portion of its total assets that are invested in illiquid securities on an ongoing basis, not only at the time of the investment in such securities.
Investments in the Real Estate Industry and Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate, or real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Debt securities issued by REITs, for the most part, are general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs.
Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes in interest rates and the ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their obligations. REITs are dependent upon the
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skills of their managers and are not diversified. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees or borrowers. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as health care, are also subject to industry related risks.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risk. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, REITs have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 Index.
Certain funds may invest in foreign real estate companies, which are similar to entities organized and operated as REITs in the U.S. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, investments in REITs and foreign real estate companies may involve duplication of management fees and certain other expenses, and a fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs and foreign real estate companies in which it invests.
Commodities and Natural Resources
Commodities may include, among other things, oil, gas, timber, farm products, minerals, precious metals, for example, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and other natural resources. Certain funds may invest in companies (such as mining, dealing or transportation companies) with substantial exposure to, or instruments that result in exposure to, commodities markets. Commodities generally and particular commodities have, at times been subject to substantial price fluctuations over short periods of time and may be affected by unpredictable monetary and political policies such as currency devaluations or revaluations, economic and social conditions within a country, trade imbalances, or trade or currency restrictions between countries. The prices of commodities may be, however, less subject to local and company-specific factors than securities of individual companies. As a result, commodity prices may be more or less volatile in price than securities of companies engaged in commodity-related businesses. Investments in commodities can present concerns such as delivery, storage and maintenance, possible illiquidity, and the unavailability of accurate market valuations.
Commodity-Linked Investments
A fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in commodity-linked investments, including commodities futures contracts, commodity-linked derivatives, and commodity-linked notes. Real assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments. The value of commodity-linked investments held by a fund may be affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments.
The prices of commodity-linked investments may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked investments have been parallel to those of debt and equity securities. Commodities have historically tended to increase and decrease in value during different parts of the business cycle than financial assets. Nevertheless, at various times, commodities prices may move in tandem with the prices of financial assets and thus may not provide overall fund diversification benefits. Under favorable economic conditions, a fund's commodity-linked investments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities.
Hybrid Instruments
Hybrid instruments combine the elements of futures contracts or options with those of debt, preferred equity or a depository instrument. Often these hybrid instruments are indexed to the price of a commodity, particular currency, or a domestic or foreign debt or equity securities index. Hybrid instruments may take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, debt instruments with interest or principal payments or redemption terms determined by reference to the value of a currency or commodity or securities index at a future point in time, preferred stock with dividend rates determined by reference to the value of a currency, or convertible securities with the conversion terms related to a particular commodity. Hybrid instruments may bear interest or pay dividends at below-market (or even relatively nominal) rates. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of such an instrument could be zero. Hybrid instruments are normally at the bottom of an issuer’s debt capital structure. As such, they may be more sensitive to economic changes than more senior debt securities. These securities may also be viewed as more equity-like by the market when the issuer or its parent company experience financial problems. Hybrid instruments can have volatile prices and limited liquidity, and their use may not be successful.
Trade Claims
Trade claims are non-securitized rights of payment arising from obligations that typically arise when vendors and suppliers extend credit to a company by offering payment terms for products and services. If the company files for bankruptcy, payments on these trade claims stop and
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the claims are subject to compromise along with the other debts of the company. Trade claims may be purchased directly from the creditor or through brokers. There is no guarantee that a debtor will ever be able to satisfy its trade claim obligations. Trade claims are speculative and are subject to the risks associated with low-quality obligations.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
Certain foreign entities called passive foreign investment companies have been the only or primary way to invest in certain countries. In addition to bearing their proportionate share of a fund’s expenses (management fees and operating expenses), shareholders will also indirectly bear similar expenses of passive foreign investment companies in which the fund invests. Capital gains on the sale of such holdings are considered ordinary income regardless of how long the fund held its investment. In addition, the shareholders may be subject to corporate income tax and an interest charge on certain dividends and capital gains earned by a fund from these investments.
To avoid such tax and interest, each fund generally intends to treat these securities as sold on the last day of its fiscal year and recognize any gains for tax purposes at that time; deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent of any gains resulting from these deemed sales for prior taxable years. Such gains and losses will be treated as ordinary income.
Master Limited Partnerships
Master Limited Partnership (“MLPs”) are limited partnerships whose shares (or units) are listed and traded on a U.S. securities exchange, just like common stock. To qualify for tax treatment as a partnership, an MLP must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as natural resource activities. Natural resource activities include the exploration, development, mining, production, processing, refining, transportation, storage and marketing of mineral or natural resources. MLPs generally have two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners. The general partner, which is generally a major energy company, investment fund or the management of the MLP, typically controls the MLP through a 2% general partner equity interest in the MLP plus common units and subordinated units. Limited partners own the remainder of the partnership, through ownership of common units, and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management.
MLPs are typically structured such that common units have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum quarterly dividend (“MQD”). Common units also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common units have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD, but subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD paid to both common and subordinated units is distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner which maximizes value to unit holders. As the general partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners, the general partner receives an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions. A common arrangement provides that the general partner can reach a tier where the general partner is receiving 50% of every incremental dollar paid to common and subordinated unit holders. By providing for incentive distributions the general partner is encouraged to streamline costs and acquire assets in order to grow the partnership, increase the partnership’s cash flow, and raise the quarterly cash distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results benefit all security holders of the MLP.
MLP I-Shares
I-Shares represent an ownership interest issued by an affiliated party of an MLP. The MLP affiliate issuing the I-Shares is structured as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. I-Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the NYSE AMEX. The MLP affiliate uses the proceeds from the sale of I-Shares to purchase limited partnership interests in the MLP in the form of i-units. i-units generally receive no allocations of income, gain, loss or deduction unless and until the MLP is liquidated. In addition, rather than receiving cash distributions, the MLP affiliate receives additional i-units based on a formula. Similarly, holders of I-Shares will receive additional I-Shares, in the same proportion as the MLP affiliates’ receipt of i-units, rather than cash distributions. Distributions of additional i-units and of additional I-Shares generally are not taxable events for the MLP affiliate and the holder of the I-Shares, respectively. I-Shares themselves have limited voting rights which are similar to those applicable to MLP common units.
Energy Infrastructure Companies
Companies engaged in the energy infrastructure sector principally include publicly-traded MLPs and limited liability companies taxed as partnerships, MLP affiliates, Canadian income trusts and their successor companies, pipeline companies, utilities, and other companies that derive a substantial portion of their revenues from operating or providing services in support of infrastructure assets such as pipelines, power transmission and petroleum and natural gas storage in the petroleum, natural gas and power generation industries (collectively, “Energy Infrastructure Companies”).
Energy Infrastructure Companies may be directly affected by energy commodity prices, especially those Energy Infrastructure Companies which own the underlying energy commodity. Commodity prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in market and economic conditions, the impact of weather on demand, levels of domestic production and imported commodities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation and the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems.
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A decrease in the production or availability of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, coal or other energy commodities or a decrease in the volume of such commodities available for transportation, processing, storage or distribution may adversely impact the financial performance of Energy Infrastructure Companies. In addition, Energy Infrastructure Companies engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or coal are subject to the risk that their commodity reserves naturally deplete over time.
Energy Infrastructure Companies are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices they may charge for products and services. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of Energy Infrastructure Companies.
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, also may impact Energy Infrastructure Companies.
Other Investment Companies
Subject to applicable statutory and regulatory limitations, a fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including shares of other mutual funds, closed-end funds, and unregistered investment companies. Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under a statutory exemption or an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, a fund may invest in other investment companies beyond the statutory limits prescribed by the 1940 Act.
Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risk of the securities in which those investment companies invest. In addition, to the extent a fund invests in securities of other investment companies, fund shareholders would indirectly pay a portion of the operating costs of such companies in addition to the expenses of a fund’s own operation. These costs include management, brokerage, shareholder servicing and other operational expenses.
Certain sub-advisers have received an exemptive order from the SEC permitting funds that are sub-advised by the sub-adviser to invest in affiliated registered money market funds and ETFs, and in an affiliated private investment company; provided however, that, among other limitations, in all cases the fund’s aggregate investment of cash in shares of such investment companies shall not exceed 25% of its total assets at any time.
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
ETFs are typically registered investment companies whose securities are traded over an exchange at their market price. ETFs generally represent a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index or other group of securities. Other ETFs are actively managed and seek to achieve a stated objective by investing in a portfolio of securities and other assets. A fund may purchase an ETF to temporarily gain exposure to a portion of the U.S. or a foreign market pending the purchase of individual securities. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities, although the potential lack of liquidity of an ETF could result in it being more volatile. There is also a risk that the general level of securities prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of ETFs invested in by a fund. Moreover, a fund’s investments in index-based ETFs may not exactly match the performance of a direct investment in the respective indices or portfolios of securities to which they are intended to correspond due to the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or other factors, such as discrepancies with respect to the weighting of securities. Additionally, ETFs have management fees which increase their costs.
Unlike shares of typical mutual funds or unit investment trusts, shares of ETFs are designed to be traded throughout a trading day, bought and sold based on market values and not at net asset value. For this reason, shares could trade at either a premium or discount to net asset value. However, the funds held by index-based ETFs are publicly disclosed on each trading day, and an approximation of actual net asset value is disseminated throughout the trading day. Because of this transparency, the trading prices of index based ETFs tend to closely track the actual net asset value of the underlying portfolios and a fund will generally gain or lose value depending on the performance of the index. However, gains or losses on a fund’s investment in ETFs will ultimately depend on the purchase and sale price of the ETF. A fund may invest in ETFs that are actively managed. Actively managed ETFs do not have the transparency of index-based ETFs, and also therefore, are more likely to trade at a discount or premium to actual net asset values.
Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)
ETNs are generally notes representing debt of the issuer, usually a financial institution. ETNs combine both aspects of bonds and ETFs. An ETN’s returns are based on the performance of one or more underlying assets, reference rates or indexes, minus fees and expenses. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETN’s maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance of the specific asset, index or rate (“reference instrument”) to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs do not make periodic interest payments, and principal is not protected. ETNs are not registered or regulated as investment companies under the 1940 Act.
The value of an ETN may be influenced by, among other things, time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying markets, changes in the applicable interest rates, the performance of the reference instrument, changes in the issuer’s credit rating and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the reference instrument. An ETN that is tied to a reference instrument may not replicate the performance of the reference instrument. ETNs also incur certain expenses not incurred by their
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applicable reference instrument. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Levered ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form. While leverage allows for greater potential return, the potential for loss is also greater. Finally, additional losses may be incurred if the investment loses value because, in addition to the money lost on the investment, the loan still needs to be repaid.
Because the return on the ETN is dependent on the issuer’s ability or willingness to meet its obligations, the value of the ETN may change due to a change in the issuer’s credit rating, despite no change in the underlying reference instrument. The market value of ETN shares may differ from the value of the reference instrument. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETN shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the assets underlying the reference instrument that the ETN seeks to track.
There may be restrictions on a fund’s right to redeem its investment in an ETN, which are generally meant to be held until maturity. The fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. An investor in an ETN could lose some or all of the amount invested. The timing and character of income and gains derived from ETNs is under consideration by the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and may also be affected by future legislation.
Dollar Roll Transactions
“Dollar roll” transactions consist of the sale by a fund to a bank or broker-dealer (the “counterparty”) of Ginnie Mae certificates or other mortgage-backed securities together with a commitment to purchase from the counterparty similar, but not identical, securities at a future date. The counterparty receives all principal and interest payments, including prepayments, made on the security while it is the holder. A fund receives a fee from the counterparty as consideration for entering into the commitment to purchase. Dollar rolls may be renewed over a period of several months with a different repurchase price and a cash settlement made at each renewal without physical delivery of securities. Moreover, the transaction may be preceded by a firm commitment agreement pursuant to which a fund agrees to buy a security on a future date.
A fund will not use such transactions for leveraging purposes and will segregate liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet its purchase obligations under the transactions.
The entry into dollar rolls involves potential risks of loss that are different from those related to the securities underlying the transactions. For example, if the counterparty becomes insolvent, a fund’s right to purchase from the counterparty might be restricted. In addition, the value of such securities may change adversely before a fund is able to purchase them. Similarly, a fund may be required to purchase securities in connection with a dollar roll at a higher price than may otherwise be available on the open market. Since, as noted above, the counterparty is required to deliver a similar, but not identical, security to a fund, the security that the fund is required to buy under the dollar roll may be worth less than an identical security. Finally, there can be no assurance that a fund’s use of the cash that it receives from a dollar roll will provide a return that exceeds the transaction costs.
Short Sales
In short selling transactions, a fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the price of the security will decline. The fund must borrow the same security and deliver it to the buyer to complete the sale. The fund will incur a profit or a loss, depending upon whether the market price of the security decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the fund must replace the borrowed security. Unlike taking a long position in a security by purchasing the security, where potential losses are limited to the purchase price, possible losses from short sales may, theoretically, be unlimited (e.g., if the price of a stock sold short rises) and a fund may be unable to replace a borrowed security sold short. A fund also may be unable to close out an established short position at an acceptable price and may have to sell long positions at disadvantageous times to cover its short positions.
Short sales also involve other costs. A fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to turn over any payments received on such borrowed securities to the lender of the securities. A fund secures its obligation to replace the borrowed security by depositing collateral with the lender or its custodian or qualified sub-custodian, usually in cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities similar to those borrowed. All short sales will be fully collateralized.
A fund may sell securities “short against the box.” In short sales “against the box,” the fund, at all times when the short position is open, owns an equal amount of the securities sold short or has the right to obtain, at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. When selling short against the box, if the price of such securities were to increase rather than decrease, the fund would forgo the potential realization of the increased value of the shares sold short.
International Agency Obligations
Bonds, notes or Eurobonds of international agencies include securities issued by the Asian Development Bank, the European Economic Community, and the European Investment Bank. A fund may also purchase obligations of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development which, while technically not a U.S. government agency or instrumentality, has the right to borrow from the participating countries, including the U.S.
When-Issued, Delayed Settlement and Forward Delivery Securities
Securities may be purchased and sold on a “when-issued,” “delayed settlement” or “forward (delayed) delivery” basis. “When-issued” or “forward delivery” refers to securities whose terms are available, and for which a market exists, but which are not available for immediate delivery. When-issued or forward delivery transactions may be expected to occur a month or more before delivery is due.
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A fund may engage in when-issued or forward delivery transactions to obtain what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of the transaction. When a fund engages in when-issued or forward delivery transactions, it will do so consistent with its investment objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment leverage (although leverage may result).
“Delayed settlement” is a term used to describe settlement of a securities transaction in the secondary market that will occur sometime in the future. No payment or delivery is made by a fund until it receives payment or delivery from the other party to any of the above transactions. A fund will segregate with its custodian cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid assets at least equal to the value or purchase commitments (alternatively, liquid assets may be earmarked on the fund’s records) until payment is made. Typically, no income accrues on securities purchased on a delayed delivery basis prior to the time delivery of the securities is made, although a fund may earn income on securities it has segregated to collateralize its delayed delivery purchases.
New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
At the time of settlement, the market value and/or the yield of the security may be more or less than the purchase price. A fund bears the risk of such market value fluctuations. These transactions also involve the risk that the other party to the transaction may defaults on its obligation to make payment or delivery. As a result, a fund may be delayed or prevented from completing the transaction and may incur additional costs as a consequence of the delay.
Additional Information
Temporary Defensive Position
At times a fund’s sub-adviser may judge that conditions in the securities markets make pursuing the fund’s typical investment strategy inconsistent with the best interest of its shareholders. At such times, a sub-adviser may temporarily use alternative strategies, primarily designed to reduce fluctuations in the value of the fund’s assets. In implementing these defensive strategies, a fund may invest without limit in securities that a sub-adviser believes present less risk to a fund, including equity securities, debt and fixed income securities, preferred stocks, U.S. government and agency obligations, cash or money market instruments, CDs, demand and time deposits, bankers’ acceptance or other securities a sub-adviser considers consistent with such defensive strategies, such as, but not limited to, options, futures, warrants or swaps. During periods in which such strategies are used, the duration of a fund may diverge from the duration range for that fund disclosed in its prospectus (if applicable). It is impossible to predict when, or for how long, a fund will use these alternative strategies. As a result of using these alternative strategies, a fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Borrowings
A fund may engage in borrowing transactions as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests, for other temporary or emergency purposes or, to the extent permitted by its investment policies, to raise additional cash to be invested by the fund’s portfolio managers in other securities or instruments in an effort to increase the fund’s investment returns.
When a fund invests borrowing proceeds in other securities, the fund will bear the risk that the market value of the securities in which the proceeds are invested goes down and is insufficient to repay borrowed proceeds. Like other leveraging risks, this makes the value of an investment in a fund more volatile and increases the fund’s overall investment exposure. In addition, if a fund’s return on its investment of the borrowing proceeds does not equal or exceed the interest that a fund is obligated to pay under the terms of a borrowing, engaging in these transactions will lower the fund’s return.
A fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to its borrowing obligations. This could adversely affect the portfolio managers’ strategy and result in lower fund returns. Interest on any borrowings will be a fund expense and will reduce the value of a fund’s shares.
A fund may borrow on a secured or on an unsecured basis. If a fund enters into a secured borrowing arrangement, a portion of the fund’s assets will be used as collateral. During the term of the borrowing, the fund will remain at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of these assets in addition to any securities purchased with the proceeds of the loan. In addition, a fund may be unable to sell the collateral at a time when it would be advantageous to do so, which could adversely affect the portfolio managers’ strategy and result in lower fund returns. The fund would also be subject to the risk that the lender may file for bankruptcy, become insolvent, or otherwise default on its obligations to return the collateral to the fund. In the event of a default by the lender, there may be delays, costs and risks of loss involved in a fund’s exercising its rights with respect to the collateral or those rights may be limited by other contractual agreements or obligations or by applicable law.
The 1940 Act requires a fund to maintain at all times an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the fund’s total assets, minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Although complying with this guideline would have the effect of limiting the amount that the fund may borrow, it does not otherwise mitigate the risks of entering into borrowing transactions.
Interfund Lending
To satisfy redemption requests or to cover unanticipated cash shortfalls, a fund may enter into lending agreements (“Interfund Lending Agreements”) under which the fund would lend money and borrow money for temporary purposes directly to and from another Transamerica
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fund through a credit facility (“Interfund Loan”), subject to meeting the conditions of an SEC exemptive order granted to TAM and the Trust permitting such interfund lending. All Interfund Loans will consist only of uninvested cash reserves that the fund otherwise would invest in repurchase agreements or other short-term instruments.
If a fund has outstanding borrowings, any Interfund Loans to the fund (a) will be at an interest rate equal to or lower than any outstanding bank loan, (b) will be secured at least on an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding bank loan that requires collateral, (c) will have a maturity no longer than any outstanding bank loan (and in any event not over seven days), and (d) will provide that, if an event of default occurs under any agreement evidencing an outstanding bank loan to the fund, the event of default will automatically (without need for action or notice by the lending fund) constitute an immediate event of default under the Interfund Lending Agreement entitling the lending fund to call the Interfund Loan (and exercise all rights with respect to any collateral) and that such call will be made if the lending bank exercises its right to call its loan under its agreement with the borrowing fund.
A fund may make an unsecured borrowing through the credit facility if its outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately after the interfund borrowing total 10% or less of its total assets; provided, that if the fund has a secured loan outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another Transamerica fund, the fund’s interfund borrowing will be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding loan that requires collateral. If a fund’s total outstanding borrowings immediately after an interfund borrowing would be greater than 10% of its total assets, the fund may borrow through the credit facility on a secured basis only. A fund may not borrow through the credit facility nor from any other source if its total outstanding borrowings immediately after the interfund borrowing would be more than 33 13% of its total assets.
No fund may lend to another fund through the interfund lending credit facility if the loan would cause its aggregate outstanding loans through the credit facility to exceed 15% of the lending fund’s net assets at the time of the loan. A fund’s Interfund Loans to any one fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending fund’s net assets. The duration of Interfund Loans is limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days. Loans effected within seven days of each other will be treated as separate loan transactions for purposes of this condition. Each Interfund Loan may be called on one business day’s notice by a lending fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing fund.
The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending fund and the borrowing fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a fund borrows money from another fund, there is a risk that the loan could be called on one day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the fund may have to borrow from a bank at higher rates (if such borrowing is available) or sell securities at a loss if an Interfund Loan were not available from another fund. A delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
A reverse repurchase agreement has the characteristics of a secured borrowing and creates leverage. In a reverse repurchase transaction, a fund sells a portfolio instrument to another person, such as a financial institution or broker/dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, a fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed-upon time and at a price that is greater than the amount of cash that the fund received when it sold the instrument, representing the equivalent of an interest payment by the fund for the use of the cash. During the term of the transaction, a fund will continue to receive any principal and interest payments (or the equivalent thereof) on the underlying instruments.
A fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests or for other temporary or emergency purposes. Unless otherwise limited in its prospectus or this SAI, a fund may also engage in reverse repurchase agreements to the extent permitted by its fundamental investment policies in order to raise additional cash to be invested by the fund’s portfolio managers in other securities or instruments in an effort to increase the fund’s investment returns.
During the term of the transaction, a fund will remain at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement as if it had not entered into the transaction. When a fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement in other securities, the fund will bear the risk that the market value of the securities in which the proceeds are invested goes down and is insufficient to satisfy the fund’s obligations under the reverse repurchase agreement. Like other leveraging risks, this makes the value of an investment in a fund more volatile and increases the fund’s overall investment exposure. This could also result in the fund having to dispose of investments at inopportune times and at disadvantageous amounts. In addition, if a fund’s return on its investment of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement does not equal or exceed the implied interest that it is obligated to pay under the reverse repurchase agreement, engaging in the transaction will lower the fund’s return.
When a fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it is subject to the risk that the buyer under the agreement may file for bankruptcy, become insolvent, or otherwise default on its obligations to the fund. In the event of a default by the counterparty, there may be delays, costs and risks of loss involved in a fund’s exercising its rights under the agreement, or those rights may be limited by other contractual agreements or obligations or by applicable law.
In addition, a fund may be unable to sell the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement at a time when it would be advantageous to do so, or may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to its obligations under a reverse repurchase agreement. This could adversely affect the portfolio managers’ strategy and result in losses. At the time a fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the fund is required to set aside or earmark on its books cash or other appropriate liquid securities in the amount of the fund’s obligation under the reverse repurchase agreement or take certain other actions in
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accordance with SEC guidelines, which may affect a fund’s liquidity and ability to manage its assets. Although complying with SEC guidelines would have the effect of limiting the amount of fund assets that may be committed to reverse repurchase agreements and other similar transactions at any time, it does not otherwise mitigate the risks of entering into reverse repurchase agreements.
Lending
Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and the limitations as set forth in each fund's investment restrictions and policies, a fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations meeting capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. Loans of securities will be secured continuously by collateral in cash or U.S. government or agency securities maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral received by a fund will be invested in high quality short-term instruments, or in one or more funds maintained by the lending agent for the purpose of investing cash collateral. During the term of the loan, a fund will continue to have investment risk with respect to the security loaned, as well as risk with respect to the investment of the cash collateral. Either party has the right to terminate a loan at any time on customary industry settlement notice (which will not usually exceed three business days). During the existence of a loan, a fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and, with respect to cash collateral, will receive any income generated by the fund’s investment of the collateral (subject to a rebate payable to the borrower and a percentage of the income payable to the lending agent). Where the borrower provides a fund with collateral other than cash, the borrower is also obligated to pay the fund a fee for use of the borrowed securities. A fund does not have the right to vote any securities having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but would retain the right to call the loan in anticipation of an important vote to be taken among holders of the securities or of the giving or withholding of their consent on a material matter affecting the investment. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In addition, a fund could suffer loss if the loan terminates and the fund is forced to liquidate investments at a loss in order to return the cash collateral to the buyer.
Voluntary Actions
From time to time, a fund may voluntarily participate in actions (for example, rights offerings, conversion privileges, exchange offers, credit event settlements, etc.) where the issuer or counterparty offers securities or instruments to holders or counterparties, such as a fund, and the acquisition is determined to be beneficial to fund shareholders (“Voluntary Action”). Notwithstanding any percentage investment limitation listed under this section or any percentage investment limitation of the 1940 Act or rules thereunder, if a fund has the opportunity to acquire a permitted security or instrument through a Voluntary Action, and the fund will exceed a percentage investment limitation following the acquisition, it will not constitute a violation if, after announcement of the offering, but prior to the receipt of the securities or instruments, the fund sells an offsetting amount of assets that are subject to the investment limitation in question at least equal to the value of the securities or instruments to be acquired.
Cybersecurity
With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, a fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks through breaches in cybersecurity. In general, a breach in cybersecurity can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber incidents affecting a fund’s investment adviser, sub-adviser and other service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with a fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of fund shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber incidents affecting issuers of securities in which a fund invests, counterparties with which a fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for fund shareholders) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While a fund’s service providers have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Furthermore, a fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the fund or its shareholders. Cybersecurity risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the fund invests, which may cause the fund’s investments in such issuers to lose value. A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Portfolio Turnover
Portfolio turnover rate is, in general, the percentage calculated by taking the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities (excluding short-term securities) for a year and dividing it by the monthly average of the market value of such securities held during the year.
Changes in security holdings are made by a fund’s investment manager or sub-adviser when it is deemed necessary. Such changes may result from: liquidity needs; securities having reached a price or yield objective; anticipated changes in interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer; or developments not foreseen at the time of the investment decision.
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The investment manager or a sub-adviser may engage in a significant number of short-term transactions if such investing serves a fund’s objective. The rate of portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor when such short-term investing is considered appropriate. Increased turnover results in higher brokerage costs or mark-up charges for a fund; these charges are ultimately borne by the shareholders.
In computing the portfolio turnover rate, securities whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less are excluded. Subject to this exclusion, the turnover rate for a fund is calculated by dividing (a) the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by (b) the monthly average of portfolio securities owned by the fund during the fiscal year.
There are no fixed limitations regarding the portfolio turnover rates of the funds. Portfolio turnover rates are expected to fluctuate under constantly changing economic conditions and market circumstances. Higher turnover rates tend to result in higher brokerage fees. Securities initially satisfying the basic policies and objective of a fund may be disposed of when they are no longer deemed suitable.
The following funds had a significant variation in their portfolio turnover rates over the fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019:
Transamerica Capital Growth had increased trading in 2019, leading to a higher turnover rate for that year.
Transamerica Event Driven had decreased trading in 2018 and 2019, leading to lower turnover rates for those years.
Transamerica High Yield Muni had decreased trading in 2019, leading to a lower turnover rate for that year.
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth underwent a sub-adviser change on November 30, 2018, leading to a higher turnover rate in 2019.
Transamerica Small Cap Value underwent a sub-adviser change on November 1, 2018, leading to a higher turnover rate in 2019.
Transamerica International Growth underwent a sub-adviser change in 2018, leading to a higher turnover rate for that year.
Historical turnover rates are included in the Financial Highlights tables in the prospectuses.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
It is the policy of the funds to protect the confidentiality of their holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information about portfolio holdings. The funds’ service providers are required to comply with this policy. No non-public information concerning the portfolio holdings may be disclosed to any unaffiliated third party, except as provided below. The Board has adopted formal procedures governing compliance with these policies.
The funds believe the policy is in the best interests of each fund and its shareholders and that it strikes an appropriate balance between the desire of investors for information about portfolio holdings and the need to protect funds from potentially harmful disclosures. Any conflicts of interest between the interests of fund shareholders and those of TAM or its affiliates are addressed in a manner that places the interests of fund shareholders first.
The funds, or their duly authorized service providers, may publicly disclose holdings in accordance with regulatory requirements, such as periodic portfolio disclosure in filings with the SEC. A summary or list of a fund’s completed purchases and sales may only be made available after the public disclosure of portfolio holdings.
The funds generally make publicly available their complete portfolio holdings no sooner than 15 days after month-end. Typically, the funds achieve public disclosure by publishing all holdings on their website at www.transamerica.com. Such information generally remains online for 6 months, or as otherwise consistent with applicable regulations. Following public disclosure, the funds may then forward the information to investors and consultants requesting it.
Transamerica Government Money Market files monthly a schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-MFP. The information filed on Form N-MFP is made available to the public by the SEC 60 days after the end of the month to which the information pertains. A schedule of portfolio holdings for Transamerica Government Money Market is posted each month to the fund’s website in accordance with Rule 2a-7(c)(12) under the 1940 Act.
There are numerous mutual fund evaluation services and due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wirehouses that regularly analyze the holdings of mutual funds’ portfolios in order to monitor and report on various attributes including style, capitalization, maturity, yield, beta, etc. These services and departments then distribute the results of their analysis to the public, paid subscribers and/or in-house brokers. In order to facilitate the review of the funds’ holdings by these services and departments, the funds may distribute (or authorize their service providers to distribute) holdings to such services and departments before their public disclosure is required or authorized provided that: (i) the recipient does not distribute the holdings or results of the analysis to third parties, other departments or persons who are likely to use the information for purposes of purchasing or selling the funds before the holdings or results of the analysis become public information; and (ii) the recipient signs a written confidentiality agreement. Persons and entities unwilling to execute an acceptable confidentiality agreement may only receive portfolio holdings information that has otherwise been publicly disclosed. Neither the funds nor their service providers receive any compensation from such services and departments. Subject to such departures as the funds’ investment manager and compliance department believe reasonable and consistent with reasonably protecting the confidentiality of the portfolio information, each confidentiality agreement should provide that, among other things: the portfolio information is the confidential property of the funds (and their service providers, if applicable) and may not be shared or used directly or indirectly for any purpose except as expressly provided in the confidentiality agreement. The recipient of the portfolio information agrees to limit access to the portfolio information to its employees (and
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agents) who, on a need to know basis, are (1) authorized to have access to the portfolio information and (2) subject to a duty of confidentiality, including duties not to share the non-public information with an unauthorized source and not to trade on non-public information. Upon written request, the recipient agrees to promptly return or destroy, as directed, the portfolio information.
The funds (or their authorized service providers) may disclose portfolio information before their public disclosure based on the criteria described above. The frequency with which such information may be disclosed, and the length of the lag, if any, between the disclosure date of the information and the date on which the information is publicly disclosed, varies based on the terms of the applicable confidentiality agreement. The funds currently provide portfolio information to the following third parties at the stated frequency as part of ongoing arrangements that include the release of portfolio holdings information in accordance with the policy:
Name   Frequency
Advent Software, Inc.   Daily
Evare   Daily
FactSet   Daily
Morningstar Investment Management LLC   Daily
StarCompliance   Daily
Lipper, Inc.   Quarterly
Thompson Financial, Ltd.   Quarterly
Bloomberg   Quarterly
Investment Company Institute   Quarterly
Portfolio holdings information may also be provided at any time (and as frequently as daily) to the funds’ service providers and others who generally need access to such information in the performance of their contractual duties and responsibilities, such as TAM, the sub-advisers, the custodian, administrator, sub-administrator, independent public accountants, attorneys, and the funds’ officers and trustees, subject to a duty of confidentiality with respect to any portfolio holdings information. TAM also receives portfolio holdings information to assist in the selection of underlying funds for certain asset allocation funds.
In addition to these ongoing arrangements, the policy permits the release by the funds (or their authorized service providers) of the following information concerning a fund before disclosure of full portfolio holdings is made publicly available, provided that the information has been publicly disclosed (via the funds’ website or otherwise):
Top Ten Holdings – A fund’s top ten holdings and the total percentage of the fund such aggregate holdings represent.
Sector Holdings – A fund’s sector information and the total percentage of the fund held in each sector.
Other Portfolio Characteristic Data – Any other analytical data with respect to a fund that does not identify any specific portfolio holding.
Funds of ETFs and Funds of Funds – For any fund whose investments (other than cash alternatives) consist solely of shares of ETFs or other Funds, no sooner than 10 days after the end of a month the names of the ETFs or Funds held as of the end of that month and the percentage of the fund’s net assets held in each ETF or Fund as of the end of that month.
The Board and an appropriate officer of the Investment Manager’s compliance department or the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) may, on a case-by-case basis, impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of portfolio information and waive certain requirements. Any exceptions to the policy must be consistent with the purposes of the policy. The CCO reports to the Board material compliance violations of the funds’ policies and procedures on disclosure of portfolio holdings.
Morningstar Investment Management LLC, the portfolio construction manager of certain asset allocation funds, receives portfolio holdings information to assist in the selection of underlying funds for those asset allocation funds. Information concerning the portfolio holdings of certain portfolios may be disclosed to the risk assessment department of Transamerica insurance companies solely to allow them to hedge their obligations under variable annuity and life products. Morningstar Investment Management LLC and each applicable Transamerica insurance company have signed confidentiality agreements.
In addition, separate account and unregistered product clients of TAM, the sub-advisers of the funds, or their respective affiliates generally have access to information regarding the portfolio holdings of their own accounts. Prospective clients may also have access to representative portfolio holdings. These clients and prospective clients are not subject to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies described above. Some of these separate accounts and unregistered product clients have substantially similar or identical investment objectives and strategies to certain funds, and therefore may have substantially similar or nearly identical portfolio holdings as those funds.
Certain information in the above section may not apply to all of the funds managed by the Investment Manager.
Commodity Exchange Act Registration
The funds are operated by the Investment Manager pursuant to an exclusion from registration as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”), and therefore, are not subject to registration or regulation with respect to such funds under the CEA. The funds are limited in their ability to enter into commodity interests positions subject to CFTC jurisdiction.
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Management of the Trust
Each of the funds is supervised by the Board.
Board Members and Officers
The members of the Board (“Board Members”) and executive officers of the Trust are listed below.
“Interested Board Member” means a board member who may be deemed an “interested person” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust because of his current or former service with TAM or an affiliate of TAM. Interested Board Members may also be referred to herein as “Interested Trustees.” “Independent Board Member” means a Board Member who is not an “interested person” (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust and may also be referred to herein as an “Independent Trustee.”
The Board governs each fund and is responsible for protecting the interests of the shareholders. The Board Members are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the business affairs of each fund and the operation of each fund by its officers. The Board also reviews the management of each fund’s assets by the investment manager and its respective sub-adviser.
The funds are among the funds managed and sponsored by TAM (collectively, “Transamerica Fund Family”). The Transamerica Fund Family consists of (i) Transamerica Funds (“TF”); (ii) Transamerica Series Trust (“TST”); (iii) Transamerica ETF Trust (“TET”); and (iv) Transamerica Asset Allocation Variable Funds (“TAAVF”). As of the date of this SAI, Transamerica Fund Family consists of 124 funds. With the exception of Mr. Smit, none of the Board Members serve on the board of trustees of TET. TET is overseen by a separate board of trustees.
The mailing address of each Board Member is c/o Secretary, 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, Colorado 80202.
The Board Members, their age, their positions with the Trust, and their principal occupations for at least the past five years (their titles may have varied during that period), the number of funds in the Transamerica Fund Family the Board oversees, and other board memberships they hold are set forth in the table below. The length of time served is provided from the date a Board Member became a member of the Board.
Name and Age Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
Other
Directorships Held
By Board Member
INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS
Marijn P. Smit
(46)
Chairman of
the Board,
President and
Chief Executive
Officer
Since 2014 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, TF, TST and TAAVF (2014 – present);
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, TET (2017 – present);
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transamerica Partners Portfolio (“TPP”), Transamerica Partners Funds Group (“TPFG”) and Transamerica Partners Funds Group II (“TPFG II”) (2014 – 2018);
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transamerica Income Shares, Inc. (“TIS”) (2014 – 2015);
Director, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”) and Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. (“TFS”) (2014 – present);
Senior Vice President, Transamerica Retirement Solutions LLC (2012 - present); Trust Officer, Massachusetts Fidelity Trust
Company (2014 - present); President, Investment Solutions, Transamerica Investments & Retirement (2014 – 2016);
Vice President, Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company (2010 – 2016);
Vice President, Transamerica Life Insurance Company (2010 – 2016);
Senior Vice President, Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company (2013 – 2016);
Senior Vice President, Transamerica Retirement Advisors, Inc. (2013 – 2016);
and President and Director, Transamerica
124 Director, Massachusetts Fidelity Trust Company (2014 - present);
Director, Aegon Global Funds (2016 - present); Director – Akaan-Aegon, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (financial services joint venture in Mexico) (2017 - present)
Director, Mongeral Aegon Seguros e Previdencia S.A. (2019 - present); and Director, Mongeral Aegon Investimentos Ltda. (2018 - present)
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Name and Age Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
Other
Directorships Held
By Board Member
INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERScontinued
Marijn P. Smit
(continued)
    Stable Value Solutions, Inc. (2010 – 2016).    
Alan F. Warrick
(71)
Board Member Since 2012 Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2012 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2012 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2012 – 2015); Senior Advisor, Lovell Minnick Equity Partners
(2010 – present); Retired (2010).
119 N/A
INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS
Sandra N. Bane
(68)
Board Member Since 2008 Retired (1999 – present);
Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2008 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2008 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2008 – 2015); Board Member, Transamerica Investors, Inc. (“TII”) (2003 – 2010); and Partner, KPMG (1975 – 1999).
119 Big 5 Sporting Goods (2002 – present);
Southern Company Gas (energy services holding company) (2008 – present)
Leo J. Hill
(64)
Lead Independent
Board Member
Since 2002 Principal, Advisor Network Solutions, LLC (business consulting) (2006 – present);
Board Member, TST (2001 – present);
Board Member, TF (2002 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2007 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2002 – 2015);
Board Member, TAAVF (2007 – present);
Board Member, TII (2008 – 2010); Market President, Nations Bank of Sun Coast
Florida (1998 – 1999); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Barnett Banks of Treasure Coast Florida (1994 – 1998);
Executive Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, Barnett Banks of Jacksonville,
Florida (1991 – 1994); and Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Administration Officer, Wachovia Bank of Georgia (1976 – 1991).
119 Ameris Bancorp (2013 – present);
Ameris Bank (2013 – present)
David W. Jennings
(73)
Board Member Since 2009 Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2009 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2009 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2009 – 2015); Board
Member, TII (2009 – 2010); Managing Director, Hilton Capital Management, LLC
(2010 – present); Principal, Maxam Capital Management, LLC (2006 – 2008); and
Principal, Cobble Creek Management LP (2004 – 2006).
119 N/A
Fredric A. Nelson III
(63)
Board Member Since 2017 Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2017 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2017 – 2018);
Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”),
Commonfund (2011 – 2015); Vice Chairman, CIO, ING Investment Management Americas (2003 – 2009);
Managing Director, Head of U.S. Equity, JP Morgan Investment Management (1994 –
2003); Managing Director, Head of Global Quantitative Investments Group, Bankers
119 N/A
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Name and Age Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
Other
Directorships Held
By Board Member
INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERScontinued
Fredric A. Nelson III
(continued)
    Trust Global Investment Management (1981 – 1994).    
John E. Pelletier
(56)
Board Member Since 2017 Board Member, TF, TST and TAAVF (2017 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II
(2017 – 2018);Director, Center for Financial Literacy, Champlain College (2010 – present);
Co-Chair, Vermont Financial Literacy Commission with Vermont State Treasurer
(2015 – 2018); Chairman, Vermont Universal Children’s Higher Education Savings Account Program Advisory Committee (2015 – present);
Founder and Principal, Sterling Valley Consulting LLC (a financial services
consulting firm) (2009 – 2017); Independent Director, The Sentinel Funds and Sentinel Variable Products Trust (2013 – 2017);
Chief Legal Officer, Eaton Vance Corp.
(2007 – 2008); and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2004 - 2007), General Counsel (1997 – 2004), Natixis Global Associates.
119 N/A
Patricia L. Sawyer
(70)
Board Member Since 2007 Retired (2007 – present);
President/Founder, Smith & Sawyer LLC (management consulting) (1989 – 2007);
Board Member, TF and TST (2007 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (1993 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2007 – 2015); Board
Member, TII (2008 – 2010); Board Member,
TAAVF (1993 – present); and Trustee, Chair of Finance Committee and Chair of Nominating Committee (1987 – 1996), Bryant University.
119 Honorary Trustee, Bryant University (1996 – present)
John W. Waechter
(68)
Board Member Since 2005 Partner, Englander Fischer (2016 – present);
Attorney, Englander Fischer (2008 – 2015);
Retired (2004 – 2008); Board Member, TST (2004 – present);
Board Member, TF (2005 – present);
Board Member, TAAVF (2007 – present);
Board Member, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2007 – 2018);
Board Member, TIS (2004 – 2015); Board
Member, TII (2008 – 2010); Employee, RBC Dain Rauscher (securities dealer)
(2004); Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, William R. Hough & Co. (securities
dealer) (1979 – 2004); and Treasurer, The Hough Group of Funds (1993 – 2004).
119 Board Member, Operation PAR, Inc. (non-profit organization) (2008 – present);
Board Member, Remember Honor Support, Inc. (non-profit organization)
(2013-present)
Board Member, WRH Income Properties, Inc. (real estate) (2014-present);
Board Member, Boley PAR, Inc. (non-profit organization) (2016-present)
* Each Board Member shall hold office until: 1) his or her successor is elected and qualified or 2) he or she resigns, retires or his or her term as a Board Member is terminated in accordance with the Trust’s Declaration of Trust.
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Officers
The mailing address of each officer is c/o Secretary, 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202. The following table shows information about the officers, including their year of birth, their positions held with the Trust and their principal occupations during the past five years (their titles may have varied during that period). Each officer will hold office until his or her successor has been duly elected or appointed or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Name and Age Position Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*
Principal Occupation(s) or Employment
During Past Five Years
Marijn P. Smit
(46)
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Since 2014 See Interested Board Members Table Above.
Christopher A. Staples, CFA
(49)
Vice President and Chief
Investment Officer,
Advisory Services
Since 2005 Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services, Transamerica Funds and TST (2007 – present); TET (2017 – present);
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services (2007 – 2015), TIS;
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services, TAAVF (2007 – present);
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2007 – 2018);
Director (2005 – 2019), Senior Vice President (2006 – present), Senior Director, Investments (2016 – present), Chief Investment Officer, Advisory Services (2012 – 2016) and Lead Portfolio Manager (2007 – present), TAM;
Director, TFS (2005 – 2019);
Trust Officer, Massachusetts Fidelity Trust Company (2010 -
present); Registered Representative (2007 – 2016), TCI;
Registered Representative, TFA (2005 – present).
Thomas R. Wald, CFA
(59)
Chief Investment Officer Since 2014 Chief Investment Officer, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2014 – present); TET (2017 – present);
Chief Investment Officer, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2014 – 2018);
Chief Investment Officer, TIS (2014 – 2015);
Director (2017 – present), Akaan Transamerica, S.A. de C.V., Sociedad Operadora de Fondos de Inversión, Director (2019 -
present); Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, TAM (2014 – present);
Chief Investment Officer, Transamerica Investments & Retirement
(2014 – present); Director, Transamerica Funds Services, Inc. (2019 - present); and Trust Officer, Massachusetts Fidelity Trust Company (2015 - present).
Vincent J. Toner
(50)
Vice President and Treasurer Since 2014 Vice President and Treasurer, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2014 – present), TET (2017 – present);
Vice President and Treasurer, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2014 – 2018);
Vice President and Treasurer, TIS (2014 – 2015);
Vice President (2016 – present), Treasurer (2016 – 2019), Vice President, Administration and Treasurer (2014 – 2016), TAM;
Vice President, Administration and Treasurer, TFS (2014 – present); Vice President (2016 – present), Transamerica Capital, Inc.; Trust Officer (2015 – present), Massachusetts Fidelity Trust Company.
Francine J. Rosenberger
(52)
Chief Compliance Officer Since 2019 Chief Compliance Officer, Transamerica Funds, TST, TET and TAAVF (2019 – present); Chief Compliance Officer (2019 – present), TAM; General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Fund Chief Compliance Officer, Steben & Company, Inc. (2013 – 2019).
Molly Possehl
(42)
Anti-Money Laundering Officer Since 2019 Anti-Money Laundering Officer, Transamerica Funds, TST, TET and TAAVF (2019 – present); Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2019 – present), TAM; Assistant General Counsel, Transamerica Life Insurance Company/Aegon USA (2013 – present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Fraud Officer, Transamerica Life Insurance Company/Aegon USA (2015 – present); Attorney, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer (Annuity products), Transamerica Life Insurance Company/Aegon USA (2006 – 2015).
Erin D. Nelson
(43)
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary Since 2019 Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST, TET and TAAVF (2019 – present); Assistant General Counsel II and Assistant Secretary, TAM (2019 – present), Assistant Secretary
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Name and Age Position Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*
Principal Occupation(s) or Employment
During Past Five Years
Erin D. Nelson
(continued)
    (2019 – present, TFS; Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, ALPS Advisors, Inc. (2015 – 2019).
Rhonda A. Mills
(54)
Assistant Secretary Since 2016 Assistant Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2019 – present);
Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2019); Assistant Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2016 – 2019);
Assistant Secretary, TPP, TPFG and TPFG II (2016 – 2018);
Assistant Secretary, Vice President and High Level Specialist Attorney (2014 – 2016), Assistant General Counsel (2016 – present), TAM;
Vice President (2014 – 2016) and Assistant Secretary (2014 – present), TFS.
Blake Boettcher
(34)
Tax Manager Since 2018 Tax Manager, Transamerica Funds, TST, TAAVF and TET (2018 – present);
Senior Manager – Tax, Charles Schwab Investment Management (2015 – 2017);
Tax Manager, Deloitte Tax LLP (2012 – 2015).
Peter Sattelmair
(42)
Assistant Treasurer Since 2018 Assistant Treasurer, Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF (2018 – present);
Director, Fund Administration, TAM (2014 – present).
* Elected and serves at the pleasure of the Board of the Trust.
If an officer has held offices for different funds for different periods of time, the earliest applicable date is shown. No officer of the Trust, except for the Chief Compliance Officer, receives any compensation from the Trust.
Each of the Board Members, other than Mr. Jennings, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Pelletier, Mr. Smit and Mr. Warrick, previously served as a trustee or director of the TAM, Diversified or Premier fund family, and each Board Member was thus initially selected by the board of the applicable predecessor fund family. In connection with the consolidation of all “manager of managers” investment advisory services within Transamerica in 2007, a single board was established to oversee the TAM and Diversified fund families, and each of the Board Members, other than Ms. Bane, Mr. Jennings, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Pelletier, Mr. Smit and Mr. Warrick, joined the Board at that time. The Board was established with a view both to ensuring continuity of representation by board members of the TAM and Diversified fund families on the Board and in order to establish a Board with experience in and focused on overseeing various types of funds, which experience would be further developed and enhanced over time. Ms. Bane joined the Board in 2008 when the Premier fund family was consolidated into the Transamerica Fund Family. Mr. Jennings joined the Board in 2009. Mr. Warrick joined the Board in 2012. Mr. Smit joined the Board in 2014. Mr. Nelson and Mr. Pelletier both joined the Board in 2017.
The Board believes that each Board Member’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Board Members lead to the conclusion that the Board possesses the requisite skills and attributes. The Board believes that the Board Members’ ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with TAM, the sub-advisers, other services providers, counsel and independent auditors, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties, support this conclusion. The Board also has considered the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, among others, of its members in reaching its conclusion: his or her character and integrity; such person’s service as a board member of a predecessor fund family (other than Mr. Jennings, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Pelletier, Mr. Smit and Mr. Warrick); such person’s willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Board Member; the fact that such person’s service would be consistent with the requirements of the retirement policies of the Trust; as to each Board Member other than Mr. Smit and Mr. Warrick, his or her status as not being an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act; as to Mr. Smit, his status as a representative of TAM; and, as to Mr. Warrick, his former service in various executive positions for certain affiliates of TAM. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply as to each Board Member: Ms. Bane, accounting experience and experience as a board member of multiple organizations; Mr. Hill, financial and entrepreneurial experience as an executive, owner and consultant; Mr. Jennings, investment management experience as an executive of investment management organizations and portfolio manager; Mr. Nelson, business experience, securities industry and fund executive experience; Mr. Pelletier, securities industry and fund legal and operations experience, entrepreneurial experience as an executive, owner and consultant, and board experience; Ms. Sawyer, management consulting and board experience; Mr. Waechter, securities industry and fund accounting and fund compliance experience, legal experience and board experience; Mr. Smit, investment management and insurance experience as an executive and leadership roles with TAM and affiliated entities; and Mr. Warrick, financial services industry experience as an executive and consultant with various TAM affiliates and other entities. References to the qualifications, attributes and skills of Board Members are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Board Member as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
The Board is responsible for overseeing the management and operations of the funds. Mr. Smit serves as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Smit is an interested person of the funds. Independent Board Members constitute more than 75% of the Board.
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The Board currently believes that an interested Chairman is appropriate and is in the best interests of the funds and their shareholders, and that its committees, as further described below, help ensure that the funds have effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board believes that an interested Chairman has a professional interest in the quality of the services provided to the funds and that the Chairman is best equipped to provide oversight of such services on a day-to-day basis because of TAM’s sponsorship of the funds and TAM’s ongoing monitoring of the investment sub-advisers that manage the assets of each fund. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Board Members from management. The Independent Board Members also believe that they can effectively act independently without having an Independent Board Member act as Chairman. Among other reasons, this belief is based on the fact that the Independent Board Members represent over 75% of the Board.
Board Committees
The Board has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee. Both the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee are chaired by an Independent Board Member and composed of all of the Independent Board Members. In addition, the Board has a Lead Independent Board Member.
The Lead Independent Board Member and the chairs of the Audit and Nominating Committees work with the Chairman to set the agendas for Board and committee meetings. The Lead Independent Board Member also serves as a key point person for dealings between management and the Independent Board Members. Through the funds’ board committees, the Independent Board Members consider and address important matters involving the funds, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management, and they believe they can act independently and effectively. The Board believes that its leadership structure is appropriate and facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Board Members from management.
The Audit Committee, among other things, oversees the accounting and reporting policies and practices and internal controls of the Trust, oversees the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Trust, approves, prior to appointment, the engagement of the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, reviews and evaluates the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance, and approves the compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee also approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to each fund by the independent registered public accounting firm and all permissible non-audit services provided by each fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to TAM and any affiliated service providers if the engagement relates directly to each fund’s operations and financial reporting.
The Nominating Committee is a forum for identifying, considering, selecting and nominating, or recommending for nomination by the Board, candidates to fill vacancies on the Board. The Nominating Committee may consider diversity in identifying potential candidates, including differences of viewpoint, professional experience and skill, as well as such other individual qualities and attributes as it may deem relevant. The Nominating Committee has not adopted a formal procedure for the implementation, or for assessing the effectiveness, of its policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying potential candidates.
When addressing vacancies, the Nominating Committee sets any necessary standards or qualifications for service on the Board and may consider nominees recommended by any source it deems appropriate, including management and shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Trust’s Secretary that include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Board Members. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by the shareholders. The Nominating Committee will consider all submissions meeting the applicable requirements stated herein that are received by December 31 of the most recently completed calendar year.
The Nominating Committee also identifies potential nominees through its network of contacts and may also engage, if it deems appropriate, a professional search firm. The committee meets to discuss and consider such candidates’ qualifications and then chooses a candidate by majority vote.
Risk Oversight
Through its oversight of the management and operations of the funds, the Board also has a risk oversight function, which includes (without limitation) the following: (i) requesting and reviewing reports on the operations of the funds (such as reports about the performance of the funds); (ii) reviewing compliance reports and approving compliance policies and procedures of the funds and their service providers; (iii) meeting with management to consider areas of risk and to seek assurances that adequate resources are available to address risks; (iv) meeting with service providers, including fund auditors, to review fund activities; and (v) meeting with the Chief Compliance Officer and other officers of the funds and their service providers to receive information about compliance, and risk assessment and management matters. Such oversight is exercised primarily through the Board and its Audit Committee but, on an ad hoc basis, also can be exercised by the Independent Board Members during executive sessions. The Board has emphasized to TAM and the sub-advisers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the funds can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the funds' goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Board Members as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the funds' investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through TAM, its affiliates, the sub-advisers and other service providers each of which
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has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the funds' and each other in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to substantial limitations. In addition, some risks may be beyond the reasonable control of the Board, the funds, TAM, its affiliates, the sub-advisers or other service providers.
In addition, it is important to note that each fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future.
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Additional Information about the Committees of the Board
Both the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee are composed of all of the Independent Board Members. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the Audit Committee met 4 times and the Nominating Committee did not meet.
Trustee Ownership of Equity Securities
The table below gives the dollar range of shares of the funds, as well as the aggregate dollar range of shares of all funds/portfolios in the Transamerica Fund Family, owned by each current Trustee as of December 31, 2019.
  Interested Trustees              
Fund Marijn P. Smit Alan F. Warrick Sandra N. Bane Leo J. Hill David W. Jennings Fredric A. Nelson III John E. Pelletier Patricia L. Sawyer John W. Waechter
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio None None None None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None Over $100,000
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio None None None None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None Over $100,000
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio None None None None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None None
Transamerica Bond None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None None Over $100,000 $10,001 – $50,000 $10,001 – $50,000
Transamerica Capital Growth None None None $50,001 – $100,000 None None None None None
Transamerica Core Bond None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Dividend Focused None None None None None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None
Transamerica Dynamic Income None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity None None None None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None None
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Event Driven None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Floating Rate None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Global Equity None None None None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None $50,001 – $100,000
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Government Money Market None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica High Yield Bond $10,001 – $50,000 None None None None None None None None
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Intermediate Bond None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Intermediate Muni None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica International Equity Over $100,000 None None $10,001 – $50,000 None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None
Transamerica International Growth None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica International Small Cap Value None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None None $1 – $10,000 None None
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  Interested Trustees              
Fund Marijn P. Smit Alan F. Warrick Sandra N. Bane Leo J. Hill David W. Jennings Fredric A. Nelson III John E. Pelletier Patricia L. Sawyer John W. Waechter
Transamerica International Stock None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Large Cap Value None None None $1 – $10,000 None None $10,001 – $50,000 $50,001 – $100,000 None
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Mid Cap Value None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $50,001 – $100,000 None None None None None $1 – $10,000 None None
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) None None None None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None None
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced None None None None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None None
Transamerica Short-Term Bond None None None $10,001 – $50,000 None None Over $100,000 None None
Transamerica Small Cap Growth None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Small Cap Value None None None None None None $1 – $10,000 None None
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value None None None None None None $1 – $10,000 $50,001 – $100,000 None
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Total Return None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond None None None None None None None None None
Transamerica US Growth None None None None None None None None None
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Transamerica Fund Family
Trustee Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities
Interested Trustees  
Marijn P. Smit Over $100,000
Alan F. Warrick None
Independent Trustees  
Sandra N. Bane None
Leo J. Hill Over $100,000
David W. Jennings None
Fredric A. Nelson III None
John E. Pelletier Over $100,000
Patricia L. Sawyer Over $100,000
John W. Waechter Over $100,000
As of December 31, 2019, none of the Independent Board Members or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of the Investment Manager, sub-advisers or Distributor of the funds, or in a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Investment Manager, sub-advisers or Distributor of the funds.
Trustee Compensation
As of January 1, 2020, the Independent Board Members receive a base retainer of $330,000 from the funds/portfolios of Transamerica Funds, TST and TAAVF.
The Trust pays a pro rata share of these fees allocable to each series of the Trust based on the relative assets of the series.
As of January 1, 2020, the Lead Independent Trustee of the Board receives an additional retainer of $63,000 per year. The Audit Committee Chairperson receives an additional retainer of $28,000 per year and the Nominating Committee Chairperson receives an additional retainer of $15,000 per year. The Trust also pays a pro rata share allocable to each series of Transamerica Funds based on the relative assets of the series for the Lead Independent Trustee, Audit Committee Chairperson and Nominating Committee Chairperson retainers.
Any fees and expenses paid to an Interested Board Member and officers are paid by TAM or an affiliate and not by the Trust, except for the Chief Compliance Officer, a portion of whose fees and expenses are paid by TAM or an affiliate, and a portion of whose fees and expenses are paid by the Trust.
Under a non-qualified deferred compensation plan effective January 1, 2008, as amended and restated (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), available to the Board Members, compensation may be deferred that would otherwise be payable by the Trust to an Independent Board Member on a current basis for services rendered as Board Member. Deferred compensation amounts will accumulate based on the value of the investment option, as elected by the Board Members.
Amounts deferred and accrued under the Deferred Compensation Plan are unfunded and unsecured claims against the general assets of the Trust.
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Compensation Table
The following table provides compensation amounts paid by the funds to the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019. Interested Trustees are not compensated by the funds. Messrs. Smit and Warrick are compensated for their Board service by TAM or an affiliate of TAM.
Name of Person, Position Aggregate Compensation from the Trust Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Funds Expenses(a) Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement(a) Total Compensation from the Transamerica Fund Family (including the Trust)(b)
Sandra N. Bane, Trustee $119,582 N/A N/A $316,500
Leo J. Hill, Trustee $140,360 N/A N/A $371,500
David W. Jennings, Trustee $119,582 N/A N/A $316,500
Russell A. Kimball, Jr.,Trustee(c) $24,327 N/A N/A $63,500
Fredric A. Nelson III, Trustee $118,624 N/A N/A $314,000
John E. Pelletier, Trustee $118,643 N/A N/A $314,000
Patricia L. Sawyer, Trustee $124,493 N/A N/A $329,500
John W. Waechter, Trustee $129,026 N/A N/A $341,500
(a) The Trust has no plan or other arrangement pursuant to which the Trustees receive pension or retirement benefits.
(b) Compensation expenses are allocated pro rata based on the relative net assets of each fund included in the Transamerica Fund Family. Of this aggregate compensation, the total amounts deferred from the funds (including earnings and dividends) and accrued for the benefit of the participating Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 were as follows: Patricia L. Sawyer, $4,116 and John E. Pelletier, $103,620.
(c) Effective as of December 31, 2018, Mr. Kimball retired as a member of the Board of the Trust.
Shareholder Communication Procedures with the Board of Trustees
The Board of the Trust has adopted these procedures by which shareholders of the Trust may send written communications to the Board. Shareholders may mail written communications to the Board, addressed to the care of the Secretary of the Trust (“Secretary”), as follows:
Board of Trustees
Transamerica Funds
c/o Secretary
1801 California Street, Suite 5200
Denver, CO 80202
Each shareholder communication must (i) be in writing and be signed by the shareholder, (ii) identify the underlying series of the Trust to which it relates, and (iii) identify the class (if applicable) held by the shareholder. The Secretary is responsible for collecting, reviewing and organizing all properly submitted shareholder communications. Usually, with respect to each properly submitted shareholder communication, the Secretary shall either (i) provide a copy of the communication to the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the communication requires more immediate attention, forward the communication to the Board promptly after receipt. The Secretary may, in good faith, determine that a shareholder communication should not be provided to the Board because the communication (i) does not reasonably relate to a series of the Trust or its operation, management, activities, policies, service providers, Board, officers, shareholders or other matters relating to an investment in the Trust, or (ii) is ministerial in nature (such as a request for Trust literature, share data or financial information). These Procedures shall not apply to (i) any communication from an officer or Trustee of the Trust, (ii) any communication from an employee or agent of the Trust, unless such communication is made solely in such employee’s or agent’s capacity as a shareholder, (iii) any shareholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) or any communication made in connection with such a proposal, or (iv) any communication that reasonably may be considered to be a complaint regarding the Trust or shareholder services, which complaint shall instead be promptly forwarded to the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Trustees are not required to attend the Trust’s shareholder meetings, if any, or to otherwise make themselves available to shareholders for communications, other than pursuant to these Procedures.
Code of Ethics
The Trust, TAM, each sub-adviser and TCI have each adopted a Code of Ethics as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, TAM, each sub-adviser and TCI from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the funds (which may also be held by persons subject to a code of ethics). There can be no assurance that the codes of ethics will be effective in preventing such activities.
Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the funds, TAM, the sub-advisers and the distributor each have adopted a code of ethics that permits their personnel to invest in securities for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by a fund. All personnel must place the interests of clients first, must not act upon non-public information, must not take inappropriate advantage of their positions, and are required to fulfill their fiduciary obligations. All personal securities transactions by employees must adhere to the requirements of the codes of ethics and must be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest, the appearance of such a conflict, or the abuse of an employee’s position of trust and responsibility.
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Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
TAM exercises voting discretion for the Asset Allocation Funds. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the respective sub-advisers are used to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held by the remainder of the funds. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the funds, TAM and the sub-advisers are attached hereto as Appendix A.
TAM’s proxy voting policy and procedures address material conflicts of interest that may arise between TAM or its affiliates and the funds by either: (i) providing for voting in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party or the Board; (ii) voting shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of a fund's shares; or (iii) obtaining the consent of the Board (or a Board Committee) with full disclosure of the conflict.
The Trust files SEC Form N-PX, with the complete proxy voting records of the funds for the 12 months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. The Form is available without charge: (1) upon request by calling 1-888-233-4339; and (2) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
I. Statement of Principle
Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion to secure the long-term interests of the shareholders of the funds. The funds seek to assure that proxies received by the funds are voted in the best interests of the funds’ shareholders and have accordingly adopted these procedures.
II. Delegation of Proxy Voting/Adoption of Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser Policies
Each fund delegates the authority to vote proxies related to portfolio securities to TAM, as investment manager to each fund, which in turn delegates proxy voting authority for most funds of the Trust to the sub-adviser retained to provide day-to-day portfolio management for that fund. The Board of each fund adopts the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Investment Manager and sub-advisers as the proxy voting policies and procedures (each a “Proxy Voting Policy”) that will be used by each of these respective entities when exercising voting authority on behalf of the fund. These policies and procedures are herein.
Each fund delegates the authority to vote proxies related to portfolio securities to TAM, as investment manager to each fund, which in turn delegates proxy voting authority for most of the funds to the sub-adviser retained to provide day-to-day portfolio management for that fund. For each fund, TAM and/or the sub-adviser make voting decisions pursuant to their own proxy voting policies and procedures, which have been adopted by the applicable fund and approved by the applicable fund’s Board of Trustees.
III. Securities on Loan
The Board has authorized TAM, in conjunction with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), to lend portfolio securities on behalf of the funds. Securities on loan generally are voted by the borrower of such securities. Should a sub-adviser to the fund wish to exercise its vote for a particular proxy, TAM will promptly contact State Street and terminate the loan.
IV. Conflicts of Interest
The Board seeks to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of fund shareholders. For certain proxy proposals, TAM’s interests, the interests of the sub-adviser and/or their affiliates may differ from fund shareholders’ interests. To avoid the appearance of impropriety and to fulfill their fiduciary responsibility to shareholders in these circumstances, TAM and the sub-advisers are required to establish procedures that are reasonably designed to address material conflicts between their interests and those of the funds.
When a sub-adviser deems that it is conflicted with respect to a voting matter, its policy may call for it to seek voting instructions from the client. TAM is authorized by the Board to consider any such matters and provide voting instructions to the sub-adviser, unless TAM has determined that its interests are conflicted with fund shareholders with respect to the voting matter. In those instances, TAM will instruct the sub-adviser to vote in accordance with the recommendation of a third-party proxy voting advisory service.
If a material conflict arises between TAM or its affiliates and the funds, in every case where TAM exercises voting discretion, TAM will (i) vote in accordance with the recommendation of a third-party (such as Glass Lewis) or Board(s); (ii) vote the shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of the fund’s shares; or (iii) obtain the consent of the Board (or a Board Committee) with full disclosure of the conflict.
If the methods for addressing conflicts of interest, as described above, are deemed by TAM to be unreasonable due to cost, timing or other factors, then TAM may decline to vote in those instances.
V. Recordkeeping
TAM and the sub-advisers shall maintain records of all votes cast on behalf of the funds. Such documentation will include the firm’s proxy voting policies and procedures, company reports provided by proxy voting advisory services, additional information gathered by TAM or the sub-adviser that was material to reaching a voting decision, and communications to TAM regarding any identified conflicts. TAM and the sub-advisers shall maintain voting records in a manner to facilitate the funds’ production of the Form N-PX filing on an annual basis.
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All books and records required to be maintained under this Section V will be maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal years during which the last entry was made on the record, the first two years in an appropriate location.
VI. Disclosure
TAM will coordinate the compilation of the funds’ proxy voting record for each year ended June 30 and file the required information with the SEC via Form N-PX by August 31. TAM will include a copy of or a summary of this policy and the proxy voting policies and procedures of TAM and the sub-advisers, as applicable, in each fund’s SAI. In each fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, TAM will disclose that a description of this policy and the proxy voting policies and procedures of TAM and the sub-advisers, as applicable, is (a) available upon request, without charge, by toll-free telephone request, (b) on the funds’ website (if applicable), and (c) on the SEC’s website in the SAI. The SAI and shareholder reports will also disclose that the funds’ proxy voting record is available by toll-free telephone request (or on the funds’ website) and on the SEC’s website by way of the Form N-PX. Within three business days of receiving a request, TAM will send a copy of the policy description or voting record by first-class mail.
VII. Manager Oversight
TAM shall review a sub-adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures for compliance with this Policy and applicable laws and regulations prior to initial delegation of proxy voting authority. TAM will request each sub-adviser to provide a current copy of its Proxy Voting Policy, or certify that there have been no material changes to its Proxy Voting Policy or that all material changes have been previously provided for review, and verify that such Proxy Voting Policy is consistent with those of the funds and TAM.
Revised: July 2015, March 2020
Investment Management and Other Services
The Investment Manager
TAM serves as the investment manager for the funds. The Trust has entered into an Investment Management Agreement (“Management Agreement”), on behalf of each fund with TAM. TAM, located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, provides continuous and regular investment management services to the funds. TAM supervises each respective fund’s investments, conducts its investment program and provides supervisory, compliance and administrative services to each fund.
TAM currently acts as a “manager of managers” and hires sub-advisers to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations. TAM may, in the future, determine to provide all aspects of the day-to-day management of any such fund without the use of a sub-adviser. When acting as a manager of managers, TAM provides investment management services that include, without limitation, the design and development of each fund and its investment strategy and the ongoing review and evaluation of that investment strategy including recommending changes in strategy where it believes appropriate or advisable; the selection of one or more sub-advisers for each fund employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative screens, research, analysis and due diligence; negotiation of sub-advisory agreements and fees; oversight and monitoring of sub-advisers and recommending changes to sub-advisers where it believes appropriate or advisable; recommending fund combinations and liquidations where it believes appropriate or advisable; selection and oversight of transition managers, as needed; regular supervision of the funds’ investments; regular review and evaluation of sub-adviser performance; daily monitoring of the sub-advisers’ buying and selling of securities for the funds; regular review of holdings; ongoing trade oversight and analysis; regular monitoring to ensure adherence to investment process; regular calls and periodic on-site visits with sub-advisers; portfolio construction and asset allocation when using multiple sub-advisers for a fund; risk management oversight and analysis; oversight of negotiation of investment documentation and agreements; design, development, implementation and regular monitoring of the valuation process; periodic due diligence reviews of pricing vendors and vendor methodology; design, development, implementation and regular monitoring of the compliance process; respond to regulatory inquiries and determine appropriate litigation strategy, as needed; review of proxies voted by sub-advisers; oversight of preparation, and review, of materials for meetings of the funds’ Board, participation in these meetings and preparation of regular communications with the Board; oversight of preparation, and review, of prospectuses, shareholder reports and other disclosure materials and regulatory filings for the funds; oversight of other service providers to the funds, such as the custodian, the transfer agent, the funds’ independent accounting firm and legal counsel; supervision of the performance of recordkeeping and shareholder relations functions for the funds; and oversight of cash management services. TAM uses a variety of quantitative and qualitative tools to carry out its investment management services.
TAM’s investment management services also include the provision of supervisory and administrative services to each fund. These services include performing certain administrative services for the funds and supervising and overseeing the administrative, clerical, recordkeeping and bookkeeping services provided to the funds by State Street, to whom TAM has outsourced the provision of certain services as described below; to the extent agreed upon by TAM and the funds from time to time, monitoring and verifying the custodian’s daily calculation of net asset values; shareholder relations functions; compliance services; valuation services; assisting in due diligence and in oversight and monitoring of certain activities of sub-advisers and certain aspects of fund investments; assisting with fund combinations and liquidations; oversight of the preparation and filing, and review, of all returns and reports, in connection with federal, state and local taxes; oversight and review of regulatory reporting; supervising and coordinating the funds’ custodian and dividend disbursing agent and monitoring their services to the funds; assisting the funds in preparing reports to shareholders; acting as liaison with the funds’ independent public accountants and providing, upon request, analyses, fiscal year summaries and other audit related services; assisting in the preparation of agendas and
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supporting documents for and minutes of meetings of Trustees and committees of Trustees; assisting in the preparation of regular communications with the Trustees; and providing personnel and office space, telephones and other office equipment as necessary in order for TAM to perform supervisory and administrative services to the funds.
TAM is directly owned by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company (77%) (“TPLIC”) and AUSA Holding, LLC (23%) (“AUSA”), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Aegon N.V. TPLIC is owned by Commonwealth General Corporation (“Commonwealth”). Commonwealth and AUSA are wholly owned by Transamerica Corporation, a financial services holding company whose primary emphasis is on life and health insurance, and annuity and investment products. Transamerica Corporation is owned by The Aegon Trust, which is owned by Aegon International B.V., which is owned by Aegon N.V., a Netherlands corporation, and a publicly traded international insurance group.
Management Agreement
TAM has agreed, under each fund’s Management Agreement, to regularly provide the fund with investment management services, including management, supervision and investment research and advice, and to furnish a continuous investment program for the fund’s portfolio of securities and other investments consistent with the fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as stated in the fund’s prospectus and SAI. TAM also provides supervisory and administrative services to each fund, as well as services incidental to the foregoing services. TAM is permitted to enter into contracts with sub-advisers, subject to the Board’s approval. TAM has entered into sub-advisory agreements, as described below.
As compensation for services performed, each fund pays TAM a fee computed daily at an annual rate of the fund’s average daily net assets as described below. TAM bears all expenses incurred by it in the performance of its duties under each fund’s Management Agreement. A fund bears all expenses not expressly assumed by TAM incurred in the operation of the fund and the offering of its shares.
The Management Agreement for a fund will terminate, unless sooner terminated as set forth therein, two years from its effective date, and will continue in effect from year to year thereafter, if continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of the Board Members who are not parties thereto or interested persons of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval of the terms of renewal, and by (ii) either the Board or the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that fund.
Each Management Agreement provides that TAM may render services to others. Under each fund’s Management Agreement, TAM assumes no responsibility other than to render the services called for by the Management Agreement in good faith, and TAM and its affiliates will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the fund or in the performance of its other services thereunder. TAM and its affiliates are not protected, however, against any liability to a fund to which TAM or an affiliate would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Management Agreement.
Each Management Agreement provides that it may be terminated with respect to any fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon 60 days’ written notice to TAM, or by TAM upon 60 days’ written notice to the fund. A fund may effect termination by action of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund, accompanied by appropriate notice. The Management Agreement terminates automatically in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act).
TAM has outsourced the provision of certain specific administrative services to State Street. State Street performs back office services to support TAM, including furnishing financial and performance information about the funds for inclusion in regulatory filings and Trustee and shareholder reports; preparing drafts of regulatory filings, Trustee materials, tax returns, and reports and budgets; tax testing; and maintaining books and records. State Street’s address is One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111.
TAM and the Trust have entered into a Management Agreement with respect to each fund under which TAM serves as investment manager performing investment advisory and administrative services for a single management fee.
Investment Manager Compensation
TAM receives compensation calculated daily and paid monthly from the funds, at the annual rates indicated below. TAM pays the sub-advisers their sub-advisory fees out of its management fees.
Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio 0.1225%
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio 0.1225%
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio 0.1225%
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio 0.1225%
Transamerica Bond 0.41% of the first $500 million
0.39% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.38% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.375% in excess of $1.5 billion
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Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica Capital Growth 0.7075% of the first $1.5 billion;
0.6415% over $1.5 billion up to $3 billion;
0.63% over $3 billion up to $5 billion;
0.58% in excess of $5 billion
Transamerica Core Bond 0.45% of the first $750 million
0.39% over $750 million up to $1 billion
0.375% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.37% over $1.5 billion up to $3 billion
0.365% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica Dividend Focused 0.78% of the first $200 million
0.68% over $200 million up to $500 million
0.63% over $500 million up to $1.5 billion
0.59% over $1.5 billion up to $2.5 billion
0.58% in excess of $2.5 billion
Transamerica Dynamic Income 0.50% of the first $500 million
0.49% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.48% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.47% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.46% over $2 billion up to $2.5 billion
0.45% in excess of $2.5 billion
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt 0.63% of the first $400 million
0.61% in excess of $400 million
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity 0.95% of the first $250 million
0.91% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.86% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.84% in excess of $1 billion1
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities 0.83% of the first $250 million
0.80% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.75% in excess of $500 million
Transamerica Event Driven 1.25% of the first $50 million
1.13% over $50 million up to $300 million
1.08% over $300 million up to $750 million
1.055% in excess of $750 million
Transamerica Floating Rate 0.64% of the first $1 billion
0.62% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.60% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.59% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Global Equity 0.79% of the first $250 million
0.74% over $250 million up to $1 billion
0.73% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.70% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities 0.77% of the first $250 million
0.75% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.70% over $500 million up to $750 million
0.68% in excess of $750 million
Transamerica Government Money Market 0.24% of the first $1 billion
0.22% over $1 billion up to $3 billion
0.21% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica High Yield Bond 0.554% of the first $1.25 billion
0.544% over $1.25 billion up to $2 billion
0.52% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica High Yield ESG 0.554% of the first $1.25 billion
0.544% over $1.25 billion up to $2 billion
0.52% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica High Yield Muni 0.54% of the first $500 million
0.53% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.50% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities 0.58% of the first $200 million
0.57% over $200 million up to $500 million
0.54% in excess of $500 million
Transamerica Intermediate Bond 0.38% of the first $2 billion
0.365% over $2 billion up to $3.5 billion
0.36% over $3.5 billion up to $5 billion
0.355% in excess of $5 billion
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Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica Intermediate Muni 0.47% of the first $150 million
0.45% over $150 million up to $350 million
0.44% over $350 million up to $650 million
0.42% over $650 million up to $1 billion
0.39% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.3875% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.3825% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica International Equity 0.77% of the first $500 million
0.75% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.72% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.69% over $2 billion up to $6 billion
0.68% in excess of $6 billion
Transamerica International Growth 0.77% of the first $500 million
0.76% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.71% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.695% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.68% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica International Small Cap Value 0.955% of the first $300 million
0.93% over $300 million up to $750 million
0.88% over $750 million up to $1 billion
0.84% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica International Stock 0.70% of the first $500 million
0.68% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.67% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.64% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.63% in excess of $3 billion1
Transamerica Large Cap Value 0.65% of the first $750 million
0.62% over $750 million up to $1 billion
0.60% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.59% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.58% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth 0.705% of the first $200 million
0.685% over $200 million up to $1 billion
0.670% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Mid Cap Value 0.88% of the first $100 million
0.83% over $100 million up to $750 million
0.81% over $750 million up to $1.5 billion
0.80% in excess of $1.5 billion
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities 0.70% of the first $750 million
0.695% over $750 million up to $1.5 billion
0.685% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.6775% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income 1.13% of the first $250 million
1.08% over $250 million up to $500 million
1.01% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.91% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.85% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) 0.574% of the first $500 million
0.57% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.545% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.535% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.515% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced 0.61% of the first $500 million
0.59% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.56% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.55% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.52% over $2 billion up to $5 billion
0.50% in excess of $5 billion
Transamerica Short-Term Bond 0.42% of the first $250 million
0.39% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.37% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.36% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Small Cap Growth 0.87% of the first $300 million
0.83% in excess of $300 million
Transamerica Small Cap Value 0.80% of the first $300 million
0.75% over $300 million up to $800 million
0.71% in excess of $800 million
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Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value 0.79% of the first $350 million
0.78% over $350 million up to $500 million
0.765% over $500 million up to $750 million
0.755% over $750 million up to $1 billion
0.735% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.73% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.725% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Sustainable Bond 0.41% of the first $500 million
0.39% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.38% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.375% in excess of $1.5 billion
Transamerica Total Return 0.68% of the first $250 million
0.67% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.66% over $500 million up to $750 million
0.63% over $750 million up to $1 billion
0.60% over $1 billion up to $3 billion
0.57% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond 0.65% of the first $500 million
0.64% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.62% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.61% in excess of $2 billion2
Transamerica US Growth 0.68% of the first $500 million
0.67% over $500 million up to $800 million
0.6575% over $800 million up to $1 billion
0.613% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.605% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.59% over $3 billion up to $4 billion
0.575% over $4 billion up to $5 billion
0.57% in excess of $5 billion
1 Effective September 28, 2018, ClariVest Asset Management LLC (“ClariVest”), the sub-adviser for Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity and Transamerica International Stock (together, the “ClariVest sub-advised funds”), agreed to voluntarily reduce its sub-advisory fees by 5% of combined assets of the ClariVest sub-advised funds are over $500 million up to $1.5 billion; by 7.5% if combined assets of the ClariVest sub-advised funds are over $1.5 billion up to $3 billion; and by 10% if combined assets of the ClariVest sub-advised funds are over $3 billion. Effective September 28, 2018, TAM has agreed to voluntarily waive its management fees on the ClariVest sub-advised funds to reflect any savings resulting from ClariVest’s voluntary reduction in its sub-advisory fees. These waivers by ClariVest and TAM are voluntary. ClariVest’s sub-advisory fee waiver may be discontinued by ClariVest upon obtaining consent from TAM.
2 Effective July 2, 2018, PineBridge Investments LLC (“PineBridge”), the sub-adviser for Transamerica Unconstrained Bond, agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee (as a percentage of daily nets assets). Effective July 2, 2018, TAM has agreed to voluntarily waive its management fee in an amount equal to any savings resulting from PineBridge’s voluntary waiver of its sub-advisory fee. These waivers by PineBridge and TAM are voluntary. PineBridge’s sub-advisory fee waiver may be discontinued by PineBridge upon obtaining consent from TAM.
The following tables set forth the total amounts the funds paid to TAM (after waivers/expense reimbursements and recapture), Management Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed by TAM to the funds, and Management Fees Recaptured by TAM from the funds, if any, for the last three fiscal years. “N/A” in the tables below indicate that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no management fees are shown.
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Fund Name Management Fees (after waivers/expense reimbursements and recapture) Management Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed
  2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio $ 985,564 $ 1,234,830 $ 1,352,216 $ 1,824 $ 2,205 -
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio $ 1,460,281 $ 1,805,682 $ 1,840,971 $ 17,961 $ 11,881 -
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio $ 2,527,481 $ 3,105,414 $ 3,305,593 $ 9,076 $ 11,401 -
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio $ 1,797,365 $ 2,238,275 $ 2,442,533 $ 4,370 $ 5,322 -
Transamerica Bond $ 3,276,548 $ 2,155,949 $ 2,105,653 $542,824 $ 159,903 $ 442
Transamerica Capital Growth $13,084,625 $ 8,543,932 $ 5,684,283 $ 54,303 $ 3,504 $ 2,652
Transamerica Core Bond $ 4,915,180 $ 5,287,272 $ 5,538,388 - $ 2,857 $ 1,131
Transamerica Dividend Focused $ 3,860,809 $ 4,752,411 $ 5,307,057 $ 1,186 $ 5 $ 4
Transamerica Dynamic Income $ 841,296 $ 1,330,220 $ 1,846,068 $143,849 $ 48,332 $ 4,409
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt $ 4,080,732 $ 5,515,529 $ 4,798,046 $ 4,310 - -
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity $ 7,515,324 $ 5,027,874 $ 1,855,316 $ 79,418 $ 8,328 $ 113
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Event Driven $ 1,277,855 $ 1,370,040 $ 1,000,126 $ 71,112 $ 100,776 $162,147
Transamerica Floating Rate $ 3,512,664 $ 4,575,330 $ 3,472,563 $ 68,229 $ 72,525 $ 46,222
Transamerica Global Equity $ 789,417 $ 925,290 $ 888,424 $159,424 $ 119,415 $167,198
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities $ 168,680 $ 204,629 $ 275,297 - - -
Transamerica Government Money Market $ 2,747,603 $ 2,419,499 $ 734,649 $485,121 $ 776,802 $366,693
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 7,843,516 $ 8,946,630 $ 9,886,126 $245,653 $ 564,767 $193,864
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni $ 495,529 $ 553,542 $ 498,205 $ 77,949 $ 25,733 $ 76,268
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities $ 813,164 $ 1,010,521 $ 994,230 $ 4,531 $ 4,788 $ 4,392
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $10,525,992 $11,302,846 $ 6,958,849 $ 54,954 $ 293,364 $177,176
Transamerica Intermediate Muni $ 6,112,237 $ 6,121,835 $ 5,520,692 $296,109 - -
Transamerica International Equity $35,072,589 $40,981,526 $32,024,204 $ 98,681 $ 38,568 $ 800
Transamerica International Growth $ 8,526,362 $10,918,077 $11,087,808 $ 559 $ 67 -
Transamerica International Small Cap Value $ 5,873,732 $ 8,208,168 $ 7,211,914 - - -
Transamerica International Stock $ (116,500) $ (23,183) N/A $271,299 $ 24,463 N/A
Transamerica Large Cap Value $13,221,316 $14,624,113 $14,469,683 $ 66,883 - -
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 600,850 $ 1,080,949 $ 1,246,483 $100,445 $ 222,072 $100,036
Transamerica Mid Cap Value $ 1,236,012 $ 1,560,858 $ 2,109,504 - - -
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $10,584,915 $10,273,642 $ 9,104,383 $627,978 $1,159,521 $484,042
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income $ 3,206,112 $ 3,514,985 $ 4,155,755 $ 19,893 $ 30,461 $ 8,288
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) $ 1,127,242 $ 1,045,176 $ 930,095 $ 61,210 $ 31,836 $ 39,025
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced $ 6,287,548 $ 6,643,661 $ 6,482,744 $ 2,542 $ 3,907 $ 347
Transamerica Short-Term Bond $13,372,059 $15,361,656 $14,450,673 - - -
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 1,131,398 $ 1,161,965 $ 999,972 $ 95,606 $ 193,051 $137,912
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 1,895,351 $ 2,160,491 $ 1,344,973 $ 16,550 $ 298,684 $ 57,941
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value $ 6,323,853 $ 6,808,989 $ 6,728,801 $ 1,774 $ 2,754 -
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Total Return $ 4,455,945 $ 4,330,803 $ 3,944,276 $374,151 $ 168,057 -
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond $ 4,630,997 $ 3,929,871 $ 1,657,042 $ 7,201 $ 4,098 $ 386
Transamerica US Growth $ 7,898,748 $ 7,759,248 $ 7,235,854 $ 28,122 $ 7,536 $ 3,845
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Fund Name Management Fees Recaptured
2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio - $ 1,398 -
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio $ 11,050 $ 3,391 -
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio - $ 5,883 -
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio - $ 3,142 -
Transamerica Bond $ 5,882 $ 114 $ 302
Transamerica Capital Growth $ 52,404 $ 387 $ 407
Transamerica Core Bond - - -
Transamerica Dividend Focused $ 699 $ 1 $ 1
Transamerica Dynamic Income $ 8,660 $ 10,715 $ 4,403
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt $ 4,310 - -
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity $ 544 - $ 113
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Event Driven $ 95,140 $ 4,482 $ 23,751
Transamerica Floating Rate $ 32,850 $ 2,048 $ 10,003
Transamerica Global Equity $ 71,655 $ 31,980 $ 45,080
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities - - -
Transamerica Government Money Market $234,866 $311,226 $258,856
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 15,699 $ 19,031 $ 53,095
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni $ 12,572 $ 13,247 $ 28,423
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities $ 1,698 $ 4,209 $ 333
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $ 2,366 $ 7,607 $ 16,777
Transamerica Intermediate Muni - - -
Transamerica International Equity $ 48,304 $ 22,968 $ 800
Transamerica International Growth $ 33 $ 11 -
Transamerica International Small Cap Value - - -
Transamerica International Stock $ 84,724 - N/A
Transamerica Large Cap Value - - -
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 56,500 $ 11,531 $ 30,837
Transamerica Mid Cap Value - - -
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $ 86,747 $ 30,804 $ 52,754
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income $ 4,496 $ 20,870 $ 6,499
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) $ 37,020 $ 52,067 $ 54,532
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced - $ 434 $ 347
Transamerica Short-Term Bond - - -
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 14,885 $ 21,483 $ 68,219
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 2,778 $ 4,412 $ 12,806
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value - $ 1,486 -
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Total Return $133,557 - -
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond - $ 2 $ 624
Transamerica US Growth $ 22,379 $ 776 $ 1,065
The funds paid administrative services fees in the following amounts for the last three fiscal years:
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Fund Name Administrative Services Fees Paid
2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Capital Growth N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Core Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Dividend Focused N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Dynamic Income N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Event Driven N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Floating Rate N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Global Equity N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Intermediate Bond N/A N/A $36,006
Transamerica Intermediate Muni N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica International Equity N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica International Growth N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica International Small Cap Value N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica International Stock N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Large Cap Value N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth N/A N/A $ 1,634
Transamerica Mid Cap Value N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Short-Term Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Growth N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Small Cap Value N/A N/A $ 1,004
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Total Return N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica US Growth N/A N/A N/A
“N/A” in the above table indicates that no administrative service fees were charged during the period. Fees shown relate to administrative fees paid by the predecessor Transamerica Partners fund which reorganized into the corresponding Transamerica Fund in 2017. TAM served as administrator to the predecessor Transamerica Partners funds.
Expense Limitation
TAM has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Trust on behalf of certain funds, pursuant to which TAM has agreed to implement an expense cap to limit the ordinary operating expenses of one or more share classes of those funds. The expense caps and waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses exclude, as applicable, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the relevant fund’s business. TAM is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class of a fund during the 36 months from the date on which TAM waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the class, but only if, after such recapture, the class’s expense ratio does not exceed the current expense cap or any other lower limit then in effect for the class. These recapture arrangements may be limited or terminated under certain circumstances. The expense limitation agreement continues automatically for one-year terms unless TAM provides written notice to the Trust prior to the end of the then-current term. In addition, the agreement will terminate automatically upon termination of the Management Agreement.
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In addition, TAM or any of its affiliates, in addition to any contractual expense limitation arrangements in effect from time to time, may voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of one or more classes of Transamerica Government Money Market to such level(s) as the Trust’s officers may reasonably determine from time to time in an effort to prevent the fund’s yield from falling below zero. Any such waiver or expense reimbursement may be discontinued by TAM or its affiliates at any time. TAM is entitled to reimbursement by the applicable class(es) of the fund of any amounts so waived and/or reimbursed by TAM or any of its affiliates during the previous 36 months so long as the reimbursement does not cause the class’s effective daily yield to be negative. Any reimbursement of amounts voluntarily waived and/or reimbursed may result in the class’s expenses exceeding the contractual expense cap for the class. There is no guarantee that Transamerica Government Money Market will be able to prevent a negative yield.
The current expense caps for the applicable share classes of the relevant funds are listed in the table set forth below. Each expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to its stated expiration date without the Board of Trustees’ consent.
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Fund Expense Cap Expiration Date of Expense Cap
Class A Class C Class I Class I2 Class R1 Class R6 Class T2  
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio1 0.60% 1.35% 0.35% N/A N/A N/A 0.70% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio2 0.60% 1.35% 0.35% N/A N/A N/A 0.70% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio3 0.60% 1.35% 0.35% N/A N/A N/A 0.70% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio4 0.60% 1.35% 0.35% N/A N/A N/A 0.70% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Bond 1.00% 1.65% 0.50% 0.65% 1.25% 0.65% 1.10% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Capital Growth 1.25% 2.00% 1.10% 1.00% 1.60% 1.00% 1.45% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Core Bond N/A N/A N/A 0.60% N/A N/A N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Dividend Focused 1.15% 1.90% 0.90% 0.85% 1.40% 0.85% 1.15% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Dynamic Income 0.92% 1.67% 0.67% N/A N/A N/A 0.92% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt 1.25% 2.00% 0.85% 0.85% 1.50% 0.85% 1.25% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity 1.55% 2.30% 1.40% 1.30% N/A N/A 1.75% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities5 1.55% 2.30% 0.98% 0.95% N/A 0.95% N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Event Driven 1.60% N/A 1.35% 1.35% N/A N/A 1.60% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Floating Rate 1.05% 1.80% 0.80% 0.80% N/A N/A 1.05% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Global Equity 1.35% 2.10% 1.10% 1.10% 1.60% 1.10% 1.35% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Government Money Market 0.73% 1.48% 0.48% 0.38% N/A N/A N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica High Yield Bond* 1.15% 1.85% 0.85% 0.75% 1.45% 0.75% 1.20% March 1, 2021
Transamerica High Yield ESG6** 1.00% 1.75% 0.85% 0.75% N/A 0.75% N/A March 1, 2022
Transamerica High Yield Muni*** 1.01% 1.76% 0.76% 0.76% N/A N/A 1.01% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities 1.00% 1.75% 0.75% 0.75% N/A 0.75% 1.00% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Intermediate Bond N/A N/A N/A 0.50% N/A N/A N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Intermediate Muni*** 0.85% 1.60% 0.49% 0.60% N/A N/A 0.96% March 1, 2021
Transamerica International Equity 1.25% 2.00% 1.00% 0.90% 1.10% 0.90% 1.35% March 1, 2021
Transamerica International Growth 1.20% 1.95% 1.05% 0.95% N/A 0.95% 1.30% March 1, 2021
Transamerica International Small Cap Value N/A N/A 1.22% 1.12% N/A 1.22% N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica International Stock 1.25% N/A 1.00% 1.00% N/A 1.00% N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Large Cap Value**** 1.15% 1.90% 0.90% 0.80% 1.40% 0.80% 1.15% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth 1.30% 2.05% 1.05% 0.85% N/A N/A 1.30% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Mid Cap Value N/A N/A N/A 1.05% N/A N/A N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities 1.20% 1.95% 0.90% 0.80% N/A 0.80% 1.20% March 1, 2021
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income 1.60% 2.35% 1.35% 1.25% N/A N/A 1.60% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) 1.20% 1.95% 0.72% 0.95% N/A N/A 1.20% March 1, 2022
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced 1.15% 1.90% 0.90% 0.80% 1.65% 0.80% 1.40% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Short-Term Bond 0.90% 1.75% 0.75% 0.65% 1.25% 0.65% 1.00% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Small Cap Growth 1.40% 2.15% 1.15% 1.00% N/A 1.15% 1.40% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Small Cap Value 1.30% 2.05% 1.05% 0.95% N/A 0.95% 1.30% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value 1.40% 2.05% 1.00% 0.90% 1.65% 0.90% 1.40% March 1, 2021
Transamerica Sustainable Bond7 0.80% 1.55% 0.50% 0.45% N/A 0.45% N/A March 1, 2022
Transamerica Total Return N/A N/A N/A 0.68% N/A N/A N/A March 1, 2021
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond 1.20% 1.20% 0.95% 0.85% N/A N/A 1.20% March 1, 2021
Transamerica US Growth8 1.25% 1.86% 1.00% 0.90% N/A N/A 1.42% March 1, 2021
1 Class R: 0.95%; 2 Class R: 0.95%; 3 Class R: 0.85%; 4 Class R: 0.85%; 5 Class R3: 1.70%, 6 Class R3: 1.15%, 7 Class R3: 0.85%, 8 Class T: 1.00%.
* The Investment Manager has contractually agreed to reimburse 0.08% of the sub-transfer agency fees on Class I shares through March 1, 2023. In addition, TAM will contractually reimburse TFS for certain per account charges on Class I shares of Transamerica High Yield Bond through March 1, 2023
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** The Investment Manager has contractually agreed to reimburse 0.08% of the sub-transfer agency fees on Class I shares through March 1, 2022.
*** The Investment Manager has agreed to further reduce Fund Operating Expenses by waiving 0.10% of the 0.25% 12b-1 fee for Class A and Class T2 shares and 0.25% of the 1.00% 12b-1 fee for Class C shares through March 1, 2021.
**** The Investment Manager has contractually agreed to reimburse 0.09% of the sub-transfer agency fees on Class I shares through March 1, 2021.
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Conflicts of Interest
TAM and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and personnel (collectively, for purposes of this section, “Transamerica”), including the entities and personnel who may be involved in the management, operations or distribution of the funds are engaged in a variety of businesses and have interests other than those related to managing the funds. Transamerica is a global financial services company with many lines of business providing a wide range of financial services. The broad range of activities and interests of Transamerica gives rise to actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest that could affect the funds and their shareholders.
Certain actual and potential conflicts of interest are described below. This is not, and is not intended to be, a complete enumeration or description of all the actual and potential conflicts that may arise. Additional or unanticipated conflicts of interest may arise from time to time in the ordinary course of Transamerica’s various businesses.
TAM and the funds have adopted practices, policies and procedures that are intended to identify, manage and, where possible, mitigate conflicts of interest. There is no assurance, however, that these practices, policies and procedures will be effective, and these practices, policies and procedures also may limit the funds’ investment activities and affect their performance.
Transamerica manages or advises other funds and products in addition to the funds (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). In some cases, Transamerica oversees sub-advisers who provide day-to-day investment advice and recommendations with respect to the Other Accounts, and in other cases Transamerica itself performs all aspects of the day-to-day management. Certain Other Accounts have investment objectives similar to or the same as those of the funds and/or engage in transactions in the same types of securities and instruments as the funds. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which a fund invests, and could have an adverse impact on the fund’s performance. Other Accounts may buy or sell positions while the funds are undertaking the same or a differing, including potentially opposite, strategy, which could disadvantage the funds. A position taken by Transamerica, on behalf of one or more Other Accounts, may be contrary to a position taken on behalf of a fund or may be adverse to a company or issuer in which the fund has invested.
The results of the investment activities of the funds may differ significantly from the results achieved for Other Accounts. Transamerica may give advice, and take action, with respect to any current or future Other Accounts that may compete or conflict with advice TAM may give to, or actions TAM may take for, the funds. Transamerica may receive more compensation with respect to certain Other Accounts than that received with respect to the funds or may receive compensation based on the performance of certain Other Accounts. Transamerica personnel may have greater economic and other interests in certain Other Accounts promoted or managed by such personnel as compared to the funds.
TAM and certain of its affiliates provide services including investment management, administration, investment sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds and Other Accounts and earn fees from these relationships. TAM and its affiliates face conflicts of interest when the funds and Other Accounts select affiliated service providers because TAM and/or its affiliates receive greater compensation when they are used. Although these fees are generally based on asset levels, the fees are not directly contingent on fund performance and TAM and its affiliates as service providers will still receive significant compensation from the funds and Other Accounts even if shareholders lose money.
Transamerica and other financial service providers have conflicts associated with their promotion of the funds or other dealings with the funds that would create incentives for them to promote the funds. Transamerica will directly or indirectly receive a portion of the fees and/or commissions charged to the funds or their shareholders. Transamerica will also benefit from increased amounts of assets under management. These compensation matters create a financial incentive on the part of Transamerica to recommend the funds over other accounts or products or to effect transactions differently in the funds as compared to other accounts or products. Transamerica has an interest in increasing fund assets, including in circumstances when that may not be in the funds’ or their shareholders’ interests.
Transamerica and/or the funds’ sub-advisers (or their affiliates), out of their past profits and other available sources, provide cash payments or non-cash compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries to promote the distribution of the funds and Other Accounts or the variable insurance contracts that invest in certain Other Accounts. These arrangements are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing” arrangements. The amount of revenue sharing payments is substantial and may be substantial to any given recipient. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the funds, the Other Accounts or variable insurance contracts that invest in the Other Accounts, at least in part, based on the level of compensation paid. Revenue sharing payments benefit Transamerica to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the funds, Other Accounts or the variable insurance contracts that invest in the Other Accounts on which fees are being charged. Certain fund sub-advisers (or their affiliates) make revenue sharing payments to Transamerica in connection with investments by holders of variable insurance contracts and other retirement products in funds advised by the sub-adviser (or its affiliates) that are offered in Transamerica insurance and retirement products. Certain sub-advisers have funds that are offered in these products which make Rule 12b-1 and/or other payments to Transamerica. Certain fund sub-advisers (or their affiliates) also make revenue sharing payments to Transamerica for their participation in functions, events and meetings sponsored by Transamerica. These payments present certain conflicts of interest and may provide a disincentive for TAM to recommend the termination of such sub-advisers.
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Certain Other Accounts are offered as investment options through variable insurance contracts offered and sold by Transamerica insurance companies. The performance of certain funds and Other Accounts impacts Transamerica’s financial exposure under guarantees that the Transamerica insurance companies provide as issuers of the variable insurance contracts. TAM’s investment decisions and the design of the applicable funds and Other Accounts may be influenced by these factors. For example, a fund or Other Account being managed or designed in a more conservative fashion may help reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to the Transamerica insurance companies that provide the guarantees, and facilitate the provision of those guaranteed benefits, including by making more predictable the costs of the guarantees and by reducing the capital needed to provide them.
TAM serves as investment manager to and is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day investment advice and management of certain funds and Other Accounts which operate as funds of funds that invest in affiliated underlying funds and/or Other Accounts, and TAM is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among the underlying funds or Other Accounts. For certain funds and Other Accounts that operate as funds of funds, TAM has hired a sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager and is subject to conflicts of interest in connection with the selection and allocation by the sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager of the assets of the fund of funds or Other Account. TAM has designed certain funds and Other Accounts that operate as funds of funds where only affiliated funds are underlying investment options. This means that TAM or the fund of funds’ sub-adviser or portfolio construction managers, as applicable, does not, nor does it expect to, consider any unaffiliated funds as underlying investment options for these funds and Other Accounts. TAM will receive more revenue when it or a sub-adviser or portfolio construction manager selects an affiliated fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in a fund of funds. This conflict provides an incentive for TAM to include affiliated funds as investment options for funds of funds and, when making the underlying fund selections, to cause investments by funds of funds in affiliated funds that perform less well than unaffiliated funds. The inclusion of affiliated funds will also permit TAM and/or the sub-adviser to make increased revenue sharing payments, including to Transamerica. TAM has an incentive for a fund or Other Account’s assets to be allocated to those underlying funds or Other Accounts for which the net management fees payable to TAM are higher than the fees payable by other underlying funds or Other Accounts or to those underlying funds or Other Accounts for which an affiliate of TAM serves as the sub-adviser. TAM also has an incentive for a fund or Other Account’s assets to be allocated to subscale underlying funds or Other Accounts to provide scale and reduce amounts waived and/or reimbursed by TAM to maintain applicable expense caps. Sub-advisers to certain funds of funds that are funds and certain funds of funds that are Other Accounts also have conflicts of interest in allocating the funds of funds’ assets among underlying funds and/or Other Accounts, including where the sub-adviser acts as investment adviser or sub-adviser to available underlying funds. TAM Compliance monitors allocation changes by the funds of funds.
TAM may have a financial incentive to implement certain changes to the funds or Other Accounts. For example, TAM may, from time to time, recommend a change in sub-adviser or the combination of two or more funds. Transamerica will benefit to the extent that an affiliated sub-adviser replaces an unaffiliated sub-adviser or additional assets are combined into a fund or Other Account having a higher net management fee payable to TAM and/or that is sub-advised by an affiliate of TAM. TAM will also benefit to the extent that it replaces a sub-adviser with a new sub-adviser with a lower sub-advisory fee. Any recommendation to the Board concerning the appointment of or continued service of an affiliated sub-adviser for a fund, or a fund combination, is subject to TAM’s fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of a fund and its shareholders. Moreover, TAM’s “manager of managers” exemptive order from the SEC requires fund shareholder approval of any sub-advisory agreement appointing an affiliated sub-adviser as the sub-adviser to a fund (in the case of a new fund, the initial sole shareholder of the fund, typically an affiliate of Transamerica, may provide this approval).
The aggregation of assets of multiple funds or Other Accounts for purposes of calculating breakpoints or discounts in sub-advisory fees based on the level of assets allocated to a sub-adviser across funds and/or Other Accounts or otherwise, as applicable, give rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the funds and their shareholders. This aggregation of assets creates an incentive for TAM to select sub-advisers, or allocate additional assets to a sub-adviser, where the selection or allocation may serve to lower a sub-advisory fee and possibly increase the management fee retained by TAM on a fund and provides a disincentive for TAM to recommend the termination of a sub-adviser from a fund if the termination will cause the sub-advisory fee payable by TAM to increase on a fund and/or Other Account that aggregates its assets with the fund or if the assets of the fund are counted as part of a sub-advisory fee discount arrangement.
Transamerica has existing and may have potential future other business dealings or arrangements with current or proposed sub-advisers or other fund service providers (or their affiliates) recommended by TAM. Such other business dealings or arrangements present conflicts of interest that could influence TAM’s selection and retention or termination of sub-advisers or service providers. For example, TAM has an incentive to hire as a sub-adviser or other service provider an entity with which TAM or one or more of its affiliates have, or would like to have, significant or other business dealings or arrangements, and TAM has a disincentive to recommend the termination of such a sub-adviser or service provider.
TAM and/or its affiliates also derive ancillary benefits from providing investment management, administration, investment sub-advisory, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the funds and Other Accounts, and providing such services to the funds and Other Accounts may enhance TAM’s and/or its affiliates’ relationships with various parties, facilitate additional business development, and enable TAM and/or its affiliates to obtain additional business and generate additional revenue.
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Morningstar Investment Management LLC, the portfolio construction manager of certain funds of funds, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. (for purposes of this section, “Morningstar”). As part of its overall operation, Morningstar is engaged in the business of providing ratings and analysis on financial products. A potential conflict of interest exists since Morningstar could be providing ratings and analysis on products to which Morningstar Investment Management LLC provides services. First, Morningstar will not create analyst commentary for the funds in which Morningstar’s subsidiaries act as a portfolio construction manager/sub-adviser. This commentary is generally subjective in nature and could represent a conflict of interest. This means that the funds in which Morningstar Investment Management LLC is involved with will not receive written analyst commentary from Morningstar. However, such funds will receive Morningstar RatingsTM. These ratings are purely quantitative and, therefore, cannot be biased by subjective factors. Also, the Morningstar Style BoxTM assignment is primarily based on quantitative characteristics of the underlying securities in the fund. The initial assignment and subsequent style box changes follow established procedures and are subject to review by personnel within the Morningstar Data business unit – a separate and distinct unit within Morningstar. A situation may occur where personnel of Morningstar Investment Management LLC provide information to the Morningstar Data unit to clarify style box assignment. However, the assignment process takes place and is monitored by a Morningstar business unit that is completely independent from Morningstar Investment Management LLC.
The range of activities, services and interests of a sub-adviser or the portfolio construction manager may give rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest that could disadvantage a fund and its shareholders. Among other things, a sub-adviser’s or the portfolio construction manager’s portfolio managers may manage multiple funds and accounts for multiple clients. In addition to one or more funds, these funds and accounts may include, for example, other mutual funds, separate accounts, collective trusts and offshore funds. Managing multiple funds and accounts may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest, including, for example, conflicts among investment strategies, conflicts in the allocation of limited investment opportunities, and conflicts in the aggregation and allocation of securities trades. A sub-adviser’s or the portfolio construction manager’s portfolio managers may also manage funds or accounts with different fee rates and/or fee structures, including performance-based fee arrangements. Differences in fee arrangements may create an incentive for a portfolio manager to favor higher-fee funds or accounts. A sub-adviser, the portfolio construction manager and/or their respective affiliates also may derive ancillary benefits from providing investment sub-advisory services to a fund, and providing such services to a fund may enhance the sub-adviser’s, portfolio construction manager’s and/or applicable affiliate(s)’ relationships with various parties, facilitate additional business development, and enable the sub-adviser, portfolio construction manager and/or affiliate to obtain additional business and generate additional revenue. Please see Appendix B for a further discussion of sub-adviser conflicts of interest.
Sub-Advisers
Each sub-adviser listed below serves, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between TAM and such sub-adviser, as sub-adviser to the applicable fund. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, each sub-adviser carries out and effectuates the investment strategy designed for the funds by TAM. Subject to review by TAM and the Board, the sub-advisers are responsible for providing day-to-day investment advice and recommendations for the fund(s) TAM assigns to them and for making decisions to buy, sell or hold a particular security. Each sub-adviser bears all of its expenses in connection with the performance of its services under its sub-advisory agreement such as compensating its officers and employees connected with investment and economic research, trading and investment management of the respective fund(s) and furnishing them office space.
Each sub-advisory agreement will terminate, unless sooner terminated as set forth therein, two years from its effective date, and will continue in effect from year to year thereafter, if continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of the Board Members who are not parties thereto or interested persons of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval of the terms of renewal, and by (ii) either the Board or the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the particular fund.
Each of the sub-advisers also serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser to other funds and/or private accounts that may have investment objectives identical or similar to those of the funds. Securities frequently meet the investment objectives of one or all of these funds, the other funds and the private accounts. In such cases, a sub-adviser’s decision to recommend a purchase to one fund or account rather than another is based on a number of factors as set forth in the sub-advisers’ allocation procedures. The determining factors in most cases are the amounts available for investment by each fund or account, the amount of securities of the issuer then outstanding, the value of those securities and the market for them. Another factor considered in the investment recommendations is other investments which each fund or account presently has in a particular industry.
It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by more than one fund or account. However, positions in the same issue may vary and the length of time that any fund or account may choose to hold its investment in the same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that more than one of the funds or private accounts served by a sub-adviser seeks to acquire or sell the same security at about the same time, either the price obtained by the funds or the amount of securities that may be purchased or sold by a fund at one time may be adversely affected. On the other hand, if the same securities are bought or sold at the same time by more than one fund or account, the resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better executions for the funds. In the event more than one fund or account purchases or sells the same security on a given date, the purchase and sale transactions are allocated among the fund(s), the other funds and the private accounts in a manner believed by the sub-advisers to be equitable to each.
Each sub-adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”).
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Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC, located at 6300 C Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52499, is a registered investment adviser. Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Aegon NV, a Netherlands corporation and publicly traded international insurance group, and is an affiliate of TAM.
Sub-Advisory Fees
TAM, not the funds, is responsible for paying the sub-advisers for their services, and sub-advisory fees are TAM’s expense. As a matter of administrative convenience, sub-advisory fees may be deducted directly from a fund’s bank account, in which case payment to TAM of the management fee would be net of amounts paid to the applicable sub-adviser.
Each sub-adviser receives monthly compensation from TAM at the annual rate of a specified percentage, indicated below, of the applicable fund’s average daily net assets:
Fund Sub-Adviser Sub-Advisory Fees
Transamerica Bond Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.12% of the first $250 million
0.10% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.08% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.075% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Capital Growth(1) Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. 0.27% of the first $1.5 billion
0.23% over $1.5 billion up to $3 billion
0.22% over $3 billion up to $5 billion
0.20% in excess of $5 billion
Transamerica Core Bond(2) J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. 0.11%
Transamerica Dividend Focused(3) Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC 0.30% of the first $200 million
0.20% over $200 million up to $500 million
0.15% in excess of $500 million
Transamerica Dynamic Income QS Investors, LLC 0.07% of the first $250 million
0.06% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.05% over $500 million up to $1.5 billion
0.04% over $1.5 billion up to $2.5 billion
0.03% in excess of $2.5 billion
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt MetLife Investment Management, LLC 0.27% of the first $250 million
0.24% over $250 million up to $400 million
0.20% in excess of $400 million
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity(4) ClariVest Asset Management LLC 0.49% of the first $250 million
0.45% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.43% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.41% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities Wellington Management Company LLP 0.40% of the first $250 million
0.33% in excess of $250 million
Transamerica Event Driven Advent Capital Management, LLC 0.75% of the first $50 million;
0.65% over $50 million up to $300 million;
0.60% in excess of $300 million
Transamerica Floating Rate Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.25% of the first $1 billion
0.23% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.22% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.21% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Global Equity Rockefeller & Co. LLC 0.365% of the first $2 billion
0.355% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities(5) BlackRock Investment Management, LLC 0.34% of the first $250 million
0.32% over $250 million up to $750 million
0.30% in excess of $750 million
Transamerica Government Money Market BlackRock Investment Management, LLC 0.024%
Transamerica High Yield Bond(6) Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.35% of the first $20 million
0.24% over $20 million up to $40 million
0.19% over $40 million up to $125 million
0.14% in excess of $125 million
Transamerica High Yield ESG(6) Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.35% of the first $20 million
0.24% over $20 million up to $40 million
0.19% over $40 million up to $125 million
0.14% in excess of $125 million
Transamerica High Yield Muni Belle Haven Investments, L.P. 0.25% of the first $500 million
0.24% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.225% in excess of $1 billion
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Fund Sub-Adviser Sub-Advisory Fees
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities(7) PineBridge Investments LLC 0.28% of the first $50 million
0.25% over $50 million up to $100 million
0.19% over $100 million up to $200 million
0.175% over $200 million up to $500 million
0.15% in excess of $500 million
Transamerica Intermediate Bond(8) Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.12% of the first $1 billion
0.05% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Intermediate Muni Belle Haven Investments, L.P. 0.18% of the first $150 million
0.16% over $150 million up to $350 million
0.15% over $350 million up to $650 million
0.135% over $650 million up to $1 billion
0.12% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion
0.115% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.11% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.105% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica International Equity(9) Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC 0.30% of the first $1 billion
0.28% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.265% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica International Growth(10) TDAM USA Inc. 0.27% of the first $1 billion
0.25% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.24% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica International Small Cap Value Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC 0.475% of the first $300 million
0.45% over $300 million up to $750 million
0.40% in excess of $750 million
Transamerica International Stock(4) ClariVest Asset Management LLC 0.25% of the first $500 million
0.23% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.22% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.21% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.20% in excess of $3 billion
Transamerica Large Cap Value(11) Levin Easterly Partners LLC 0.20% of the first $750 million
0.17% over $750 million up to $1 billion
0.15% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth Wellington Management Company LLP 0.33% of the first $200 million
0.31% in excess of $200 million
Transamerica Mid Cap Value J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. 0.40%
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC 0.275% of the first $750 million
0.27% over $750 million up to $1.5 billion
0.265% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.26% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. 0.70% of the first $250 million
0.62% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.55% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.45% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.40% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC 0.21% of the first $1 billion
0.185% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.17% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.12% of the first $1 billion
0.05% in excess of $1 billion
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.(12) 0.15% of the first $2 billion
0.13% over $2 billion up to $3 billion
0.12% over $3 billion up to $4 billion
0.11% in excess of $4 billion
Transamerica Short-Term Bond(13) Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.19% of the first $250 million
0.16% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.14% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.13% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Small Cap Growth Ranger Investment Management, L.P. 0.415% of the first $300 million
0.375% in excess of $300 million
Transamerica Small Cap Value Peregrine Capital Management, LLC 0.36% of the first $300 million
0.31% over $300 million up to $800 million
0.30% in excess of $800 million
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Fund Sub-Adviser Sub-Advisory Fees
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value Systematic Financial Management, L.P.(14) 0.45% of the first $100 million
0.40% over $100 million up to $350 million
0.35% over $350 million up to $1 billion
0.30% in excess of $1 billion
Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC(15) 0.275% of the first $750 million
0.27% over $750 million up to $1.5 billion
0.265% over $1.5 billion up to $2 billion
0.26% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica Sustainable Bond Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC 0.12% of the first $250 million
0.10% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.08% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.075% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Total Return(16) Pacific Investment Management Company LLC 0.25% of the first $1 billion
0.20% in excess of $1 billion
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond(17) PineBridge Investments LLC 0.25% of the first $1 billion
0.245% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.24% in excess of $2 billion
Transamerica US Growth(18) Wellington Management Company LLP 0.18% of the first $500 million
0.17% over $500 million up to $1 billion
0.16% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.15% in excess of $2 billion
(1) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on the basis of the combined assets of the fund, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Capital Growth VP, Morgan Stanley Growth Retirement Option, a separately managed account of Transamerica Life Insurance Company that is advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and the portion of the assets of Transamerica Large Growth that are sub-advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
(2) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond VP.
(3) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Barrow Hanley Dividend Focused VP.
(4) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity and Transamerica International Stock. Effective September 28, 2018, the sub-adviser agreed to voluntarily reduce its sub-advisory fee by 5% if combined assets of the funds are over $500 million up to $1.5 billion; by 7.5% if combined assets of the funds are over $1.5 billion up to $3 billion; and by 10% if combined assets of the funds are in excess of $3 billion. This waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued by the sub-adviser upon obtaining consent from TAM.
(5) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica BlackRock Global Real Estate Securities VP.
(6) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on the basis of the combined assets of Transamerica High Yield Bond, Transamerica Aegon High Yield Bond VP and Transamerica High Yield ESG.
(7) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica PineBridge Inflation Opportunities VP.
(8) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with the portion of assets of Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced VP that are sub-advised by Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC. Also included are the portion of assets of Balanced Ret Opt and Bond Ret Opt, each separately managed accounts of Transamerica Life Insurance Company that are advised by Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC.
(9) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica International Equity, Transamerica TS&W International Equity VP and Aegon International Equity Fund, a sub-fund of Aegon Global Funds.
(10) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica International Growth VP.
(11) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Levin Large Cap Value VP and Aegon Large Cap Value Fund, a sub-fund of Aegon Global Funds. Effective July 1, 2020, the sub-adviser agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee. This waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued by the sub-adviser upon obtaining consent from TAM.
(12) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on the basis of the combined assets of Transamerica JPMorgan Enhanced Index VP and AEGON Balanced Retirement Opportunities plus the assets of Transamerica Balanced II, Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced and Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced VP allocated to J.P. Morgan
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Investment Management Inc. by TAM from time to time. Effective May 1, 2020, the sub-adviser agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee (as a percentage of net assets) when the assets of these mandates, in the aggregate, exceed a specified level. This waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued by the sub-adviser upon obtaining consent from TAM.
(13) The sub-adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive its sub-advisory fees to 0.14% of the first $250 million of average daily net assets; 0.11% of average daily net assets over $250 million up to $500 million; 0.09% of average daily net assets over $500 million up to $1 billion; 0.08% of average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion.
(14) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value VP for the portion of assets that are sub-advised by Systematic Financial Management, L.P.
(15) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value VP for the portion of assets that are sub-advised by Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC.
(16) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica PIMCO Total Return VP.
(17) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities. Effective July 2, 2018, the sub-adviser agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee (as a percentage of daily net assets). This waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued by the sub-adviser upon obtaining consent from TAM.
(18) The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on the basis of the combined assets of Transamerica US Growth, Transamerica WMC US Growth VP, Transamerica WMC US Growth II VP and the portion of the assets of Transamerica Large Growth that are sub-advised by Wellington Management Company LLP, and WMC Core Equity and Disciplined US Growth Equity, each separately managed accounts of Transamerica Life Insurance Company that are advised by Wellington Management Company LLP. Effective August 2, 2019, the sub-adviser agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee (as a percentage of net assets) when the assets of these mandates, in the aggregate, exceed a specified level. This waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued by the sub-adviser upon obtaining consent from TAM.
The following table sets forth the total amounts of sub-advisory fee paid by TAM, on behalf of a fund, to each sub-adviser for the last three fiscal years.
“N/A” in the table below indicates that the fund was not in operation or did not have a sub-adviser during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no sub-advisory fees are shown.
Fund Name Sub-Advisory Fees Paid
(Net of Fees Reimbursed)
2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Bond $ 924,050 $ 688,568 $ 641,221
Transamerica Capital Growth $ 5,277,196 $ 3,371,170 $ 2,153,061
Transamerica Core Bond $ 1,265,522 $ 1,372,966 $ 1,655,475
Transamerica Dividend Focused $ 995,008 $ 1,215,907 $ 1,361,851
Transamerica Dynamic Income $ 136,708 $ 188,781 $ 246,409
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt $ 1,546,717 $ 1,808,050 $ 1,506,491
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity $ 3,743,493 $ 2,582,019 $ 996,240
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Event Driven $ 736,716 $ 858,963 $ 670,080
Transamerica Floating Rate $ 1,385,954 $ 1,814,773 $ 1,370,153
Transamerica Global Equity $ 386,848 $ 440,062 $ 438,911
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities $ 70,736 $ 95,367 $ 128,977
Transamerica Government Money Market $ 305,221 $ 464,088 $ 122,829
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 2,183,987 $ 2,568,654 $ 2,785,608
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni $ 259,679 $ 262,034 $ 252,668
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities $ 293,847 $ 356,500 $ 350,114
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $ 1,889,537 $ 2,014,235 $ 1,757,217
Transamerica Intermediate Muni $ 2,131,993 $ 2,043,812 $ 1,858,029
Transamerica International Equity $13,575,292 $15,837,320 $12,398,807
Transamerica International Growth $ 2,950,788 $ 4,186,619 $ 5,010,509
Transamerica International Small Cap Value $ 2,880,838 $ 3,976,197 $ 3,516,581
Transamerica International Stock $ 24,114 $ 439 N/A
Transamerica Large Cap Value $ 3,526,069 $ 3,809,748 $ 3,766,046
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 303,005 $ 645,782 $ 881,787
Transamerica Mid Cap Value $ 571,572 $ 728,146 $ 992,046
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Fund Name Sub-Advisory Fees Paid
(Net of Fees Reimbursed)
2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $ 4,292,930 $ 4,395,960 $ 3,768,032
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income $ 1,977,625 $ 2,151,616 $ 2,513,765
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) $ 443,981 $ 421,360 $ 400,737
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced $ 1,271,171 $ 1,337,589 $ 1,309,688
Transamerica Short-Term Bond $ 3,174,529 $ 3,596,165 $ 3,404,887
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 578,195 $ 636,134 $ 518,160
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 859,106 $ 1,092,533 $ 1,095,819
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value $ 2,581,960 $ 2,787,336 $ 2,763,642
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Total Return $ 1,504,848 $ 1,426,866 $ 1,241,069
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond $ 1,740,094 $ 1,463,803 $ 617,963
Transamerica US Growth $ 2,005,151 $ 2,064,000 $ 1,927,297
Transamerica Government Money Market
On November 1, 2018, TAM hired BlackRock Investment Management, LLC as sub-adviser to Transamerica Government Money Market to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to November 1, 2018, Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (“AUIM”) served as sub-adviser to Transamerica Government Money Market.
Transamerica International Growth
On March 1, 2018, TAM hired TDAM USA Inc. as sub-adviser to Transamerica International Growth to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to March 1, 2018, MFS Investment Management served as sub-adviser to Transamerica International Growth. MFS Investment Management was paid $1,787,786 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth
On December 1, 2018, TAM hired Wellington Management Company LLP as sub-adviser to Transamerica Mid Cap Growth to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to December 1, 2018, Quantum Capital Management, LLP (“Quantum”) served as sub-adviser to Transamerica Mid Cap Growth.
Transamerica Small Cap Value
On November 1, 2018, TAM hired Peregrine Capital Management, LLC as sub-adviser to Transamerica Small Cap Value to furnish day-to-day investment advice and recommendations to the fund. Prior to November 1, 2018, Boston Advisors, LLC (“Boston Advisors”) served as sub-adviser to Transamerica Small Cap Value.
Portfolio Construction Manager
Pursuant to an Asset Allocation Management Agreement with TAM, Morningstar Investment Management LLC (“Morningstar Investment Management”), located at 22 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602, serves as a portfolio construction manager and, as such, makes asset allocation and fund selection decisions for Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio and Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio (the “Asset Allocation funds”).
TAM, not the Asset Allocation funds, is responsible for paying Morningstar Investment Management for its services as portfolio construction manager, and these fees are TAM’s expense. As a matter of administrative convenience, fees payable to Morningstar Investment Management may be deducted directly from an Asset Allocation funds bank account, in which case payment to TAM of the management fee would be net of the amounts paid to Morningstar Investment Management.
Morningstar Investment Management receives monthly compensation from TAM at the annual rate of a specified percentage, indicated below, of an Asset Allocation fund’s average daily net assets:
0.0960% of the first $250 million
0.0840% over $250 million up to $500 million
0.0720% over $500 million up to $750 million
0.0600% over $750 million up to $1 billion
0.0480% over $1 billion up to $2 billion
0.0360% in excess of $2 billion
For the last three fiscal years, TAM paid Morningstar Investment Management the following amounts:
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Fund Name October 31
2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio $ 663,619 $ 781,231 $ 829,478
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio $ 874,891 $1,010,865 $1,020,908
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio $1,284,341 $1,454,239 $1,510,756
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio $1,005,986 $1,177,897 $1,245,654


The Sub-Sub-Adviser
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities
BlackRock International Limited (“BlackRock International”) and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (“BlackRock Singapore”), each a registered investment adviser, serve as sub-sub-advisers to Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities. BlackRock International is located at Exchange Place One, 1 Semple Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BL, United Kingdom. BlackRock Singapore is located at 20 Anson Road, #18-01, Singapore, 079912. BlackRock International and BlackRock Singapore are both wholly-owned subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc. and each serve as sub-sub-advisers pursuant to a Sub-Sub-Advisory Agreement with BlackRock Investment Management.
Portfolio Manager Information
Information regarding other accounts for which any portfolio manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day investment advice and management or recommendations, a description of any material conflict of interest that may arise in connection with the portfolio manager’s management of the fund’s investments, the structure of, and method used to determine, the compensation of each portfolio manager and the dollar range of equity securities in the fund beneficially owned by each portfolio manager are provided in Appendix B of this SAI.
Transfer Agent
TFS serves as the transfer agent, withholding agent and dividend disbursing agent for each fund. As transfer agent, TFS maintains an account for each shareholder of a fund and performs other transfer agency functions. TFS has outsourced the provision of certain transfer agency services to DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., located at 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, MA 02169.
Class I, Class R1 and Class R3 shares may pay sub-transfer agency fees to financial intermediaries (including affiliates of TAM) that provide sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping and/or shareholder services with respect to certain shareholder accounts in lieu of TFS providing such services. The other share classes do not pay sub-transfer agency fees directly, but TFS may use its available resources to pay for sub-transfer agency services for any share class, including those that pay sub-transfer agency fees directly.
Each share class pays the following transfer agency fees and, as applicable, sub-transfer agency fees:
Class A, C, R, T, T2*  
Open Account $24.00 per account
Closed Account $2.00 per account
Class I*  
Open Direct Account $24.00 per account
Open Networked Account $12.00 per account
Closed Account $2.00 per account
Sub-Transfer Agent and Omnibus Intermediary Fees Up to 10 bps
Class I2, R6*  
Asset Fee to TFS 0.75 bps
Class R1, R3*  
Asset Fee to TFS 0.75 bps
Sub-Transfer Agent and Omnibus Intermediary Fees Up to 15 bps
* Applicable out-of pocket expenses, including, but not limited to, quarterly shareholder statements and postage, will be charged directly to the funds.
Transaction requests should be mailed to Transamerica Funds, P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945 or Transamerica Funds, 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 (for overnight mail).
There were no brokerage credits received for the periods ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Custodian
State Street, located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, serves as the Trust’s custodian.
State Street, among other things, maintains a custody account or accounts in the name of each fund, receives and delivers all assets for the funds upon purchase and upon sale or maturity, collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the assets of the funds and makes disbursements on behalf of the funds. State Street neither determines the funds’ investment policies nor decides which securities the funds will buy or sell. For its services, State Street receives a monthly fee based upon the daily average market value of
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securities held in custody and also receives securities transaction charges, including out-of-pocket expenses. The funds may also periodically enter into arrangements with other qualified custodians with respect to certain types of securities or other transactions such as repurchase agreements or derivatives transactions. State Street also acts as the funds’ securities lending agent and receives a share of the income generated by such activities.
Securities Lending Activities
The dollar amounts of income and fees and compensation paid to all service providers (including fees paid to State Street as securities lending agent and for cash collateral management) related to those funds that engaged in securities lending activities during the most recent fiscal year are provided in Appendix C of this SAI. The securities lending agent’s fees will be calculated on, and deducted from, the securities lending revenues of the applicable funds.
To the extent a fund engaged in securities lending activities, the services provided by State Street as securities lending agent would include: selection of securities to be loaned; locating borrowers previously approved by the funds’ board; negotiation of loan terms; monitoring daily the value of the loaned securities and collateral; requiring additional collateral as necessary; investing cash collateral in accordance with the funds’ instructions; marking to market non-cash collateral; maintaining custody of non-cash collateral; recordkeeping and account servicing; monitoring dividend activity and material proxy votes relating to loaned securities; transferring loaned securities; recalling loaned securities in accordance with the funds’ instructions; and arranging for return of loaned securities to the fund at loan termination.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP, located at 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, serves as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, and provides audit services and tax return review services.
Distributor and Distribution Plan
Distributor
Under the Underwriting Agreement, Transamerica Capital, Inc. (“TCI”), located at 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202, is appointed as principal underwriter and distributor in connection with the offering and sale of shares of each fund. TCI is an affiliate of TAM. TCI offers the shares on an agency or “best efforts” basis under which a fund issues only the number of shares actually sold. Shares of each fund are continuously offered by TCI.
The Underwriting Agreement is renewable from year to year with respect to a fund if approved (a) by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the fund’s outstanding voting securities, and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons of any party by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose.
The Underwriting Agreement is terminable with respect to any fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund, or by TCI, on not less than 60 days’ written notice to the other party (unless the notice period is waived by mutual consent). The Underwriting Agreement will automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its assignment.
“N/A” in the tables below indicates that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year or had share classes with no underwriting commissions, accordingly, no information is shown.
Underwriting Commission
Fund Name Commissions Received
for the Period Ended
October 31
Commissions Retained
for the Period Ended
October 31
2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio $ 209,806 $ 228,927 $ 300,433 $ 34,089 $ 36,518 $ 48,889
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio $ 664,347 $ 822,473 $1,019,306 $104,655 $128,052 $155,415
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio $ 840,917 $1,226,878 $1,433,155 $135,217 $199,033 $225,386
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio $ 480,416 $ 676,316 $ 814,079 $ 77,361 $109,404 $131,229
Transamerica Bond $ 390,152 $ 245,954 $ 84,805 $ 75,182 $ 49,002 $ 15,550
Transamerica Capital Growth $2,993,427 $2,442,660 $ 702,535 $466,554 $375,004 $107,385
Transamerica Core Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Dividend Focused $ 33,601 $ 80,846 $ 74,632 $ 5,490 $ 13,192 $ 12,298
Transamerica Dynamic Income $ 25,020 $ 28,979 $ 71,051 $ 4,754 $ 5,724 $ 13,619
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt $ 8,042 $ 24,587 $ 33,144 $ 1,419 $ 4,754 $ 6,526
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity $ 4,458 $ 26,246 $ 11,813 $ 714 $ 4,183 $ 2,090
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Event Driven N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Floating Rate $ 48,713 $ 41,230 $ 118,153 $ 8,575 $ 7,651 $ 21,052
Transamerica Global Equity $ 22,210 $ 50,361 $ 32,447 $ 3,387 $ 7,822 $ 5,041
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
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Fund Name Commissions Received
for the Period Ended
October 31
Commissions Retained
for the Period Ended
October 31
2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Government Money Market - $ 1,078 $ 1,193 - $ 356 $ 124
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 96,257 $ 110,263 $ 201,271 $ 17,843 $ 20,736 $ 38,540
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni $ 31,114 $ 16,427 $ 38,998 $ 8,065 $ 3,813 $ 9,236
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities $ 201 $ 1,193 $ 324 $ 38 $ 246 $ 53
Transamerica Intermediate Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Intermediate Muni $ 279,037 $ 179,268 $ 375,334 $ 69,252 $ 43,608 $ 92,292
Transamerica International Equity $ 82,074 $ 355,651 $ 281,879 $ 13,610 $ 56,399 $ 44,976
Transamerica International Growth $ 2,830 $ 956 N/A $ 431 $ 188 N/A
Transamerica International Small Cap Value N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica International Stock $ 109 N/A N/A $ 14 N/A N/A
Transamerica Large Cap Value $ 225,612 $ 352,901 $ 540,132 $ 37,191 $ 57,097 $ 81,118
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 34,037 $ 13,651 $ 18,055 $ 5,327 $ 2,120 $ 3,011
Transamerica Mid Cap Value N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $ 65,820 $ 99,208 $ 292,633 $ 10,296 $ 15,379 $ 46,084
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income $ 11,990 $ 42,862 $ 75,388 $ 1,790 $ 6,528 $ 11,744
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) $ 174,112 $ 120,232 $ 47,176 $ 28,576 $ 19,277 $ 7,869
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced $ 733,146 $ 569,987 $ 735,299 $125,115 $ 93,501 $121,329
Transamerica Short-Term Bond $ 146,833 $ 183,151 $ 326,579 $ 28,358 $ 37,574 $ 60,355
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 27,868 $ 17,917 $ 32,716 $ 4,579 $ 2,640 $ 5,189
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 2,780 $ 4,204 $ 2,087 $ 396 $ 695 $ 304
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value $ 236,344 $ 273,514 $ 441,252 $ 37,311 $ 42,603 $ 69,714
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Total Return N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica US Growth $ 226,928 $ 215,848 $ 219,283 $ 35,955 $ 33,233 $ 33,198
    
Fund Name For the Period Ended October 31, 2019
Net
Underwriting
Discounts and
Commissions
Compensation
on Redemptions
& Repurchases
Brokerage
Commissions
Other
Compensation
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio $ 34,089 $12,543 $ 0 $296,443
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio $104,655 $25,736 $ 0 $411,211
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio $135,217 $60,253 $ 0 $791,577
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio $ 77,361 $20,997 $ 0 $600,127
Transamerica Bond $ 75,182 $18,097 $ 0 ($268,839)
Transamerica Capital Growth $466,554 $67,658 $ 0 ($629,236)
Transamerica Core Bond N/A N/A $ 0 N/A
Transamerica Dividend Focused $ 5,490 $ 440 $ 0 $ 11,304
Transamerica Dynamic Income $ 4,754 $ 1,375 $ 0 $169,873
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt $ 1,419 $ 384 $ 0 $ 11,311
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity $ 714 $ 97 $ 0 $ 1,529
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Event Driven N/A N/A $ 0 N/A
Transamerica Floating Rate $ 8,575 $ 3,836 $ 0 $ 1,133
Transamerica Global Equity $ 3,387 $ 1,427 $ 0 $ 32,792
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities N/A N/A $ 0 N/A
Transamerica Government Money Market $ 0 $10,873 $ 0 $ 34,810
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 17,843 $ 3,812 $ 0 $ 32,968
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni $ 8,065 $11,943 $ 0 $ 4,025
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities $ 38 $ 0 $ 0 $ 274
Transamerica Intermediate Bond N/A N/A $ 0 N/A
Transamerica Intermediate Muni $ 69,252 $38,578 $ 0 ($ 18,089)
Transamerica International Equity $ 13,610 $16,877 $ 0 $ 76,909
Transamerica International Growth $ 431 $ 0 $ 0 $ 10
Transamerica International Small Cap Value N/A N/A $ 0 N/A
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Fund Name For the Period Ended October 31, 2019
Net
Underwriting
Discounts and
Commissions
Compensation
on Redemptions
& Repurchases
Brokerage
Commissions
Other
Compensation
Transamerica International Stock $ 14 $ 0 $ 0 $ 51
Transamerica Large Cap Value $ 37,191 $12,723 $ 0 $ 8,832
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 5,327 $ 24 $ 0 $ 2,333
Transamerica Mid Cap Value N/A N/A $ 0 N/A
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $ 10,296 $ 5,567 $ 0 ($ 3,848)
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income $ 1,790 $ 4,922 $ 0 $ 24,962
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) $ 28,576 $ 5,291 $ 0 ($ 30,967)
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced $125,115 $19,200 $ 0 $128,328
Transamerica Short-Term Bond $ 28,358 $57,896 $ 0 $120,046
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 4,579 $ 815 $ 0 $ 2,723
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 396 $ 35 $ 0 $ 1,393
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value $ 37,311 $13,821 $ 0 $213,700
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Total Return N/A N/A $ 0 N/A
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond N/A N/A $ 0 N/A
Transamerica US Growth $ 35,955 $ 1,428 $ 0 $ 89,267
Distribution Plan
The Trust adopted a distribution plan (“12b-1 Distribution Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act applicable to Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R1, Class R3 and Class T2 shares of the funds, as applicable. Class I, Class I2, Class R6, and Class T shares are not subject to distribution and service fees.
Each fund’s 12b-1 Distribution Plan permits the fund to pay fees to TCI and others as compensation for their services, not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. Thus, even if their expenses exceed the fees provided for by the 12b-1 Distribution Plan, the fund would not be obligated to pay more than those fees and, if their expenses are less than the fees paid to them, they will realize a profit. Under each 12b-1 Distribution Plan, a fund may pay the fees to the Distributor and others until the 12b-1 Distribution Plan is terminated or not renewed.
The 12b-1 Distribution Plan will remain in effect for successive one year periods, so long as such continuance is approved annually by vote of the fund’s Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance. For so long as the 12b-1 Distribution Plan is in effect, selection and nomination of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the fund shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the fund.
The 12b-1 Distribution Plan may be amended by vote of the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the fund that have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Distribution Plan or any agreement relating thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose. Any amendment of the 12b-1 Distribution Plan that would materially increase the costs to a fund requires approval by the shareholders of that fund.
Any amendment of the 12b-1 Distribution Plan that would materially increase the costs to a particular class of shares of a fund also requires approval by the shareholders of that class.
A 12b-1 Distribution Plan may be terminated as to a class of shares of a fund at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable class.
Under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class A and Class T2 shares, a fund may pay TCI and/or financial intermediaries annual distribution and service fees of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the fund’s Class A and Class T2 shares. For Class C shares, a fund may pay TCI and/or financial intermediaries annual distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the fund’s Class C shares. For Class R, Class R1 and Class R3 shares, a fund may pay TCI and/or financial intermediaries annual distribution and service fees of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the fund’s Class R, Class R1 and Class R3 shares.
Because the Trust pays these fees out of its assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Financial intermediaries that receive distribution and/or service fees may in turn pay and/or reimburse all or a portion of these fees to their customers. The prospectus contains a description of distribution and service fees payable under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan with respect to the shares offered in that prospectus.
TCI may use the fees payable under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan as it deems appropriate to pay for activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R1, Class R3 or Class T2 shares, or in personal service to and/or maintenance of these shareholder accounts.
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More specifically, these fees may be used by TCI or a financial intermediary for expenses related to a fund, including: costs of printing and distributing the fund prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports to prospective investors in the fund; costs involved in preparing, printing and distributing sales literature pertaining to the fund and reports for persons other than existing shareholders; an allocation of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses of TCI or a financial intermediary; payments made to, and expenses of, a TCI or a financial intermediary and other persons who provide support or personal services to shareholders in connection with the distribution of the fund’s shares; and interest-related expenses, or the cost of capital associated with, the financing of any of the foregoing. In the case of funds or classes of shares that are closed to new investors or investments, TCI also may use the fees payable under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan to make payments to brokers and other financial intermediaries for past sales and distribution efforts.
In the case of a fund or a class of shares that is closed to new investors or investments, the fees are paid for services to and for maintenance of existing shareholder accounts and compensation of broker-dealers or other intermediaries for past sales and distribution efforts.
In determining whether to approve the 12b-1 Distribution Plan and the Distribution Agreements, the Trustees considered the anticipated benefits to shareholders from adopting the 12b-1 Distribution Plans and Distribution Agreements. The Trustees were informed by representatives of TCI that payments of distribution-related expenses by the funds under the 12b-1 Distribution Plans would provide incentives to TCI to establish and maintain an enhanced distribution system whereby new investors will be attracted to the funds. The Trustees believe the 12b-1 Distribution Plan will enable each fund to promote sales of its shares and provide personal service and maintenance with respect to shareholder accounts as appropriate for the fund. In turn, these promotion efforts are expected to result in increased sales and lead to an increase in a fund’s net asset levels, which should enable the funds to achieve economies of scale and lower their per-share operating expenses. In addition, higher net asset levels could enhance the investment management of the funds, for net inflows of cash from new sales may enable a fund’s investment manager and sub-adviser to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities. Finally, reduced redemptions could eliminate the potential need to liquidate attractive securities positions in order to raise the capital necessary to meet redemption requests.
The 12b-1 Distribution Plan requires that at least quarterly the Trust and the Distributor shall provide to the Board of Trustees and the Board of Trustees shall review a written report of the amounts expended (and the purposes therefor) under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan.
Distribution Fees Paid Under the 12b-1 Distribution Plan
The table below shows the total dollar amounts paid to the Distributor for the last three fiscal years.
“N/A” in the table below indicates that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no distribution fees are shown.
Fund 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio $ 3,919,038 $ 5,752,777 $ 8,132,598
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio $ 6,691,316 $ 9,698,031 $10,519,293
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio $11,441,093 $16,302,757 $18,892,096
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio $ 7,959,961 $11,448,371 $14,146,191
Transamerica Bond $ 4,249,405 $ 1,003,470 $ 1,372,111
Transamerica Capital Growth $ 9,079,539 $ 8,170,857 $ 2,651,085
Transamerica Dividend Focused $ 311,087 $ 533,423 $ 565,663
Transamerica Dynamic Income $ 1,330,956 $ 1,718,045 $ 2,393,797
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt $ 1,424,667 $ 503,578 $ 482,529
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity $ 45,228 $ 146,979 $ 112,283
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Event Driven $ 1,744 $ 9,212 $ 547
Transamerica Floating Rate $ 672,518 $ 1,006,950 $ 755,276
Transamerica Global Equity $ 486,962 $ 597,744 $ 644,613
Transamerica Government Money Market $ 629,629 $ 2,421,413 $ 2,130,594
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 1,213,512 $ 1,491,012 $ 1,683,923
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni $ 425,691 $ 367,971 $ 342,157
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities $ 22,950 $ 9,724 $ 10,339
Transamerica Intermediate Muni $ 6,028,955 $ 4,220,133 $ 4,619,520
Transamerica International Equity $ 8,163,968 $ 3,440,849 $ 3,142,552
Transamerica International Growth $ 475 $ 873 N/A
Transamerica International Small Cap Value $ 453,943 N/A N/A
Transamerica International Stock $ 4,060 $ 22,158 N/A
Transamerica Large Cap Value $ 1,916,042 $ 2,023,265 $ 2,655,991
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 48,845 $ 104,965 $ 105,519
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $ 1,843,632 $ 1,593,435 $ 1,692,523
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Fund 2019 2018 2017
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income $ 270,018 $ 415,631 $ 502,135
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) $ 1,074,108 $ 437,976 $ 713,704
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced $ 4,725,438 $ 5,014,148 $ 7,056,205
Transamerica Short-Term Bond $12,321,435 $12,263,502 $15,200,066
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 214,052 $ 318,975 $ 232,945
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 61,063 $ 36,527 $ 41,053
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value $ 4,182,963 $ 1,535,274 $ 4,812,225
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond $ 2,779 $ 0 N/A
Transamerica US Growth $ 3,424,636 $ 1,332,737 $ 2,587,762
The table below shows total distribution and service fees and expenses paid to the Distributor for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 with respect to Class A, Class C, Class I, Class R and Class R3* shares of the funds. Class R1 and Class T2 shares had not commenced operations as of October 31, 2018, so no amounts are shown for those share classes.
Effective May 6, 2019, all Class B shares of the funds converted automatically to Class A shares.
“N/A” in the table below indicates that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no distribution fees are shown.
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class R Class I
Compensation to dealers $1,513,628 $1,330,817 $7,154 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 218,097 95,521 628 17,030
Printing and Postage 17,195 8,514 55 1,040
Promotional Expenses 66,642 32,997 212 4,032
Travel 50,860 25,183 162 3,077
Office and Other Expenses 337,558 167,136 1,075 20,425
TOTALS $2,203,980 $1,660,168 $9,286 $45,604
    
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class R Class I
Compensation to dealers $2,149,998 $2,219,011 $14,261 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 504,182 167,166 1,317 29,772
Printing and Postage 42,140 13,742 113 2,464
Promotional Expenses 163,324 53,262 438 9,550
Travel 124,646 40,649 335 7,288
Office and Other Expenses 827,276 269,787 2,221 48,374
TOTALS $3,811,566 $2,763,617 $18,685 $97,448
    
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class R Class I
Compensation to dealers $3,691,662 $3,861,672 $21,098 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 805,030 285,089 1,931 50,142
Printing and Postage 70,551 24,281 167 4,197
Promotional Expenses 273,441 94,108 646 16,268
Travel 208,686 71,822 493 12,415
Office and Other Expenses 1,385,042 476,679 3,274 82,399
TOTALS $6,434,412 $4,813,651 $27,609 $165,421
    
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class R Class I
Compensation to dealers $2,588,034 $2,909,243 $25,189 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 484,624 208,270 2,245 35,588
Printing and Postage 40,807 18,390 191 2,755
Promotional Expenses 158,157 71,274 740 10,678
Travel 120,703 54,396 565 8,150
Office and Other Expenses 801,103 361,022 3,749 54,088
TOTALS $4,193,428 $3,622,595 $32,679 $111,259
    
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Transamerica Bond
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $289,095 $ 838,924 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 213,944 125,782 1,426,725 1,365
Printing and Postage 5,442 3,379 40,407 54
Promotional Expenses 21,093 13,098 156,607 210
Travel 16,098 9,996 119,520 161
Office and Other Expenses 106,841 66,345 793,253 1,066
TOTALS $652,513 $1,057,524 $2,536,512 $2,856
    
Transamerica Capital Growth
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $1,139,743 $2,513,613 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 739,394 325,552 1,976,707 418
Printing and Postage 21,979 11,172 53,612 42
Promotional Expenses 85,183 43,298 207,788 164
Travel 65,011 33,045 158,580 125
Office and Other Expenses 431,474 219,316 1,052,494 829
TOTALS $2,482,784 $3,145,996 $3,449,181 $1,578
    
Transamerica Dividend Focused
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $196,578 $45,510 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 10,408 3,897 10,442 116
Printing and Postage 642 268 685 12
Promotional Expenses 2,486 1,039 2,657 46
Travel 1,898 793 2,028 35
Office and Other Expenses 12,594 5,265 13,457 231
TOTALS $224,606 $56,772 $29,269 $440
    
Transamerica Dynamic Income
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $141,504 $785,897 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 35,361 54,467 27,282
Printing and Postage 2,989 5,169 2,271
Promotional Expenses 11,586 20,034 8,802
Travel 8,842 15,289 6,718
Office and Other Expenses 58,685 101,476 44,584
TOTALS $258,967 $982,332 $89,657
    
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $22,549 $ 86,495 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 8,113 6,923 533,470 5,078
Printing and Postage 431 537 26,575 203
Promotional Expenses 1,669 2,079 102,998 788
Travel 1,274 1,587 78,607 601
Office and Other Expenses 8,456 10,533 521,712 3,989
TOTALS $42,492 $108,154 $1,263,362 $10,659
    
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $10,622 $10,692 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 1,947 835 5,053
Printing and Postage 124 61 401
Promotional Expenses 480 235 1,554
Travel 366 179 1,186
Office and Other Expenses 2,430 1,191 7,872
TOTALS $15,969 $13,193 $16,066
    
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Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers N/A N/A N/A N/A
Compensation to Sales Personnel N/A N/A N/A N/A
Printing and Postage N/A N/A N/A N/A
Promotional Expenses N/A N/A N/A N/A
Travel N/A N/A N/A N/A
Office and Other Expenses N/A N/A N/A N/A
TOTALS N/A N/A N/A N/A
    
Transamerica Event Driven
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class I
Compensation to dealers $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel N/A 462
Printing and Postage N/A 47
Promotional Expenses N/A 181
Travel N/A 138
Office and Other Expenses N/A 916
TOTALS $ 0 $1,744
    
Transamerica Floating Rate
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $ 66,683 $195,583 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 26,440 17,580 138,517
Printing and Postage 1,156 1,092 6,043
Promotional Expenses 4,482 4,231 23,421
Travel 3,420 3,229 17,875
Office and Other Expenses 22,702 21,430 118,634
TOTALS $124,883 $243,145 $304,490
    
Transamerica Global Equity
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $126,359 $130,630 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 29,950 8,921 33,683 59
Printing and Postage 2,793 849 2,082 6
Promotional Expenses 10,825 3,290 8,068 23
Travel 8,262 2,511 6,157 17
Office and Other Expenses 54,834 16,662 40,865 116
TOTALS $233,023 $162,863 $90,855 $221
    
Transamerica Government Money Market
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $451,667 $106,564 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel N/A 13,058 12,644
Printing and Postage N/A 656 1,008
Promotional Expenses N/A 2,543 3,905
Travel N/A 1,941 2,980
Office and Other Expenses N/A 12,882 19,781
TOTALS $451,667 $137,644 $40,318
    
Transamerica High Yield Bond
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $210,473 $271,253 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 94,865 23,986 284,185 16,085
Printing and Postage 4,275 1,644 4,248 1,216
Promotional Expenses 16,570 6,372 16,466 4,714
Travel 12,646 4,863 12,567 3,597
Office and Other Expenses 83,933 32,274 83,404 23,876
TOTALS $422,762 $340,392 $400,870 $49,488
    
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Transamerica High Yield ESG
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers N/A N/A N/A N/A
Compensation to Sales Personnel N/A N/A N/A N/A
Printing and Postage N/A N/A N/A N/A
Promotional Expenses N/A N/A N/A N/A
Travel N/A N/A N/A N/A
Office and Other Expenses N/A N/A N/A N/A
TOTALS N/A N/A N/A N/A
    
Transamerica High Yield Muni
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $ 38,072 $ 82,450 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 38,016 10,114 97,717
Printing and Postage 1,392 640 3,768
Promotional Expenses 5,397 2,482 14,604
Travel 4,119 1,894 11,146
Office and Other Expenses 27,336 12,571 73,973
TOTALS $114,332 $110,151 $201,208
    
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities  
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $1,785 $4,518 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 507 456 8,784 29
Printing and Postage 42 26 179 3
Promotional Expenses 162 103 693 12
Travel 124 78 529 9
Office and Other Expenses 821 520 3,512 58
TOTALS $3,441 $5,701 $13,697 $111
    
Transamerica Intermediate Muni
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $ 425,314 $1,029,664 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 389,901 131,586 1,699,473
Printing and Postage 13,024 7,967 64,681
Promotional Expenses 50,477 30,880 250,688
Travel 38,523 23,567 191,321
Office and Other Expenses 255,677 156,415 1,269,797
TOTALS $1,172,916 $1,380,079 $3,475,960
    
Transamerica International Equity
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $436,533 $471,655 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 146,298 36,437 2,940,189 141,334
Printing and Postage 8,484 2,845 124,271 9,729
Promotional Expenses 32,883 11,026 481,644 37,709
Travel 25,096 8,415 367,583 28,779
Office and Other Expenses 166,561 55,851 2,439,643 191,003
TOTALS $815,855 $586,229 $6,353,330 $408,554
    
Transamerica International Growth
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $216 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 55 9 5
Printing and Postage 6 1 1
Promotional Expenses 21 3 2
Travel 16 3 2
Office and Other Expenses 108 17 10
TOTALS $422 $33 $20
    
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Transamerica International Small Cap Value
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $0 $0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 0 0 178,166
Printing and Postage 0 0 10,041
Promotional Expenses 0 0 38,916
Travel 0 0 29,700
Office and Other Expenses 0 0 197,120
TOTALS $0 $0 $453,943
    
Transamerica International Stock
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $1,118 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 260 265 255
Printing and Postage 26 27 26
Promotional Expenses 102 104 100
Travel 78 79 76
Office and Other Expenses 515 524 505
TOTALS $2,099 $999 $962
    
Transamerica Large Cap Value
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $219,841 $453,318 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 69,125 39,360 464,604 1,921
Printing and Postage 3,204 2,504 18,434 175
Promotional Expenses 12,418 9,705 71,444 679
Travel 9,478 7,407 54,525 518
Office and Other Expenses 62,902 49,157 361,883 3,440
TOTALS $376,968 $561,451 $970,890 $6,733
    
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $24,994 $11,935 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 3,304 936 551
Printing and Postage 149 74 36
Promotional Expenses 576 288 141
Travel 440 220 108
Office and Other Expenses 2,920 1,458 715
TOTALS $32,383 $14,911 $1,551
    
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $143,162 $195,842 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 27,316 10,484 243,223 117,846
Printing and Postage 2,757 1,058 24,550 11,895
Promotional Expenses 10,686 4,101 95,149 46,102
Travel 8,156 3,130 72,617 35,184
Office and Other Expenses 54,128 20,774 481,955 233,517
TOTALS $246,205 $235,389 $917,494 $444,544
    
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $45,627 $115,900 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 10,589 7,898 18,194
Printing and Postage 932 755 927
Promotional Expenses 3,614 2,926 3,594
Travel 2,758 2,233 2,743
Office and Other Expenses 18,305 14,820 18,203
TOTALS $81,825 $144,532 $43,661
    
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Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income)
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $ 81,133 $430,331 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 45,361 48,367 186,153
Printing and Postage 1,613 2,289 6,394
Promotional Expenses 6,250 8,871 24,781
Travel 4,771 6,769 18,913
Office and Other Expenses 31,660 44,931 125,522
TOTALS $170,788 $541,558 $361,762
    
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $1,302,077 $1,810,316 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 282,401 169,025 157,202 5,097
Printing and Postage 15,141 10,589 10,542 113
Promotional Expenses 58,684 41,042 40,857 437
Travel 44,786 31,323 31,181 333
Office and Other Expenses 297,246 207,887 206,948 2,211
TOTALS $2,000,335 $2,270,182 $446,730 $8,191
Transamerica Short-Term Bond
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $1,964,337 $3,121,356 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 880,840 254,434 2,400,285 15,536
Printing and Postage 25,752 19,205 88,016 1,184
Promotional Expenses 99,809 74,434 341,127 4,587
Travel 76,173 56,807 260,343 3,501
Office and Other Expenses 505,558 377,025 1,727,890 23,236
TOTALS $3,552,469 $3,903,261 $4,817,661 $48,044
Transamerica Small Cap Growth
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $38,353 $40,863 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 12,159 3,092 45,720 38
Printing and Postage 307 245 2,132 4
Promotional Expenses 1,190 949 8,265 15
Travel 908 724 6,307 11
Office and Other Expenses 6,026 4,806 41,862 76
TOTALS $58,943 $50,679 $104,286 $144
    
Transamerica Small Cap Value
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $ 9,711 $6,301 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 3,637 483 11,391 31
Printing and Postage 127 40 904 3
Promotional Expenses 494 156 3,502 12
Travel 377 119 2,672 9
Office and Other Expenses 2,502 793 17,737 62
TOTALS $16,848 $7,892 $36,206 $117
    
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers $ 817,276 $1,248,000 $ 0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 216,417 103,746 747,246 42,355
Printing and Postage 12,947 7,761 15,738 253
Promotional Expenses 50,178 30,079 60,995 980
Travel 38,295 22,956 46,550 748
Office and Other Expenses 254,165 152,357 308,955 4,966
TOTALS $1,389,278 $1,564,899 $1,179,484 $49,302
    
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Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Compensation to dealers N/A N/A N/A N/A
Compensation to Sales Personnel N/A N/A N/A N/A
Printing and Postage N/A N/A N/A N/A
Promotional Expenses N/A N/A N/A N/A
Travel N/A N/A N/A N/A
Office and Other Expenses N/A N/A N/A N/A
TOTALS N/A N/A N/A N/A
    
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $0 $0 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 0 0 1,347
Printing and Postage 0 0 52
Promotional Expenses 0 0 202
Travel 0 0 154
Office and Other Expenses 0 0 1,024
TOTALS $0 $0 $2,779
    
Transamerica US Growth
Promotion and Distribution Expenses Class A Class C Class I
Compensation to dealers $1,407,136 $127,947 $ 0
Compensation to Sales Personnel 320,940 10,220 116,760
Printing and Postage 29,411 815 10,193
Promotional Expenses 113,989 3,161 39,505
Travel 86,995 2,412 30,149
Office and Other Expenses 577,383 16,009 200,101
TOTALS $2,535,854 $160,564 $396,708
* Class R3 shares are not currently offered.
Dealer Reallowances
Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class T Shares Only (not applicable to Class I, Class I2, Class R, Class R1, Class R6 or Class T2 Shares)
Transamerica Funds sells shares of its funds both directly and through authorized dealers. When you buy shares, your fund receives the entire NAV of the shares you purchase. TCI keeps the sales charge, then “reallows” a portion to the dealers through which shares were purchased. This is how dealers are compensated. From time to time, and particularly in connection with sales that are not subject to a sales charge, TCI may enter into agreements with a broker or dealer whereby the dealer reallowance is less than the amounts indicated in the following tables.
Promotions may also involve non-cash incentives such as prizes or merchandise. Non-cash compensation may also be in the form of attendance at seminars conducted by TCI, including lodging and travel expenses, in accordance with the rules of the FINRA.
Reallowances may also be given to financial institutions to compensate them for their services in connection with Class A share sales and servicing of shareholder accounts.
Class A Share Dealer Reallowances
(all funds except Transamerica Bond, Transamerica Dynamic Income, Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Floating Rate, Transamerica High Yield Bond, Transamerica High Yield ESG, Transamerica High Yield Muni, Transamerica Inflation Opportunities, Transamerica Intermediate Muni, Transamerica Government Money Market, Transamerica Short-Term Bond and Transamerica Sustainable Bond)
Amount of Purchase Reallowance to
Dealers as a
Percent of
Offering Price
Under $50 Thousand 4.75%
$50 Thousand to under $100 Thousand 4.00%
$100 Thousand to under $250 Thousand 2.75%
$250 Thousand to under $500 Thousand 2.25%
$500 Thousand to under $1 Million 1.75%
For purchases of $1 Million and above:  
$1 Million to under $5 Million 1.00% (a)
$5 Million to under $50 Million Plus 0.50% (a)
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Class A Share Dealer Reallowances
(all funds except Transamerica Bond, Transamerica Dynamic Income, Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Floating Rate, Transamerica High Yield Bond, Transamerica High Yield ESG, Transamerica High Yield Muni, Transamerica Inflation Opportunities, Transamerica Intermediate Muni, Transamerica Government Money Market, Transamerica Short-Term Bond and Transamerica Sustainable Bond)
Amount of Purchase Reallowance to
Dealers as a
Percent of
Offering Price
$50 Million and above Plus 0.25% (a)
    
Class A Share Dealer Reallowances
(Transamerica Bond, Transamerica Dynamic Income, Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Floating Rate, Transamerica High Yield Bond, Transamerica High Yield ESG, Transamerica Inflation Opportunities and Transamerica Sustainable Bond)
Amount of Purchase Reallowance to
Dealers as a
Percent of
Offering Price
Under $50 Thousand 4.00%
$50 Thousand to under $100 Thousand 3.25%
$100 Thousand to under $250 Thousand 2.75%
$250 Thousand to under $500 Thousand 1.75%
$500 Thousand to under $1 Million 1.00%
For purchases of $1 Million and above:  
$1 Million to under $5 Million 0.50% (a)
$5 Million and above Plus 0.25% (a)
    
Class A Share Dealer Reallowances
(Transamerica High Yield Muni and Transamerica Intermediate Muni)
Amount of Purchase Reallowance to
Dealers as a
Percent of
Offering Price
Under $50 Thousand 2.75%
$50 Thousand to under $100 Thousand 2.00%
$100 Thousand to under $250 Thousand 1.50%
$250 Thousand to under $500 Thousand 1.00%
$500 Thousand to under $1 Million 0.50%
For purchases of $1 Million and above:  
$1 Million to under $5 Million 0.50% (a)
$5 Million and above Plus 0.25% (a)
    
Class A Share Dealer Reallowances
(Transamerica Short-Term Bond)
Amount of Purchase Reallowance to
Dealers as a
Percent of
Offering Price
Under $250 Thousand 2.00%
$250 Thousand to under $5 Million 0.50%
$5 Million and Above Plus 0.25% (a)
    
Class C Share Dealer Reallowances (all funds except Transamerica High Yield Muni and Transamerica Intermediate Muni)
Amount of Purchase Reallowance to Dealers as a Percent of Offering Price
All purchases 1.00% (b)*
    
Class C Share Dealer Reallowances
(Transamerica High Yield Muni and Transamerica Intermediate Muni)
Amount of Purchase Reallowance to Dealers as a Percent of Offering Price
All purchases 0.75% (b)*
    
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Class T Share Dealer Reallowances
(Transamerica US Growth)
Amount of Purchase Reallowance to Dealers as a Percent of Offering Price
Under $10,000 7.00%
$10,000 to under $25,000 6.25%
$25,000 to under $50,000 5.50%
$50,000 to under $75,000 5.00%
$75,000 to under $100,000 4.25%
$100,000 to under $250,000 3.75%
$250,000 to under $500,000 2.50%
$500,000 to under $1,000,000 1.00%
$1,000,000 and over 1.00%
(a) No Dealer Reallowance is paid on purchases made on behalf of wrap accounts for the benefit of certain broker-dealers, financial institutions, or financial planners, who have entered into arrangements with Transamerica Funds or TCI, and for purchases made by a retirement plan described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), or 457 of the Code.
(b) From time to time, TCI may enter into agreements with brokers and dealers whereby the dealer allowance may be less than the amount indicated. Such agreements would also provide that the applicable shares could be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for a period less than the otherwise applicable period.
* All shares designated as Class C2 shares on March 1, 2004 were converted to Class C shares on June 15, 2004. On September 24, 2004, Class M shares were converted into Class C shares.
Note: There is no sales charge on Class A shares of Transamerica Government Money Market.
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares
Shareholder Accounts
Detailed information about general procedures for Shareholder Accounts and specific types of accounts is set forth in each fund’s prospectus.
Purchase of Shares
Class A, Class C, Class I, Class I2, Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R6, Class T and Class T2 Shares
As stated in the prospectuses, Transamerica Funds currently offers investors a choice of thirteen classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I, Class I2, Class I3, Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4, Class R6, Class T and Class T2 shares. Not all Transamerica Funds offer all classes of shares.
Class A and Class C shares of a fund can be purchased through TCI or through broker-dealers or other financial institutions that have sales agreements with TCI. Shares of each fund are sold at the NAV as determined at the close of the regular session of business on the NYSE next occurring after a purchase order is received and accepted by the fund. (The applicable sales charge is added in the case of Class A and Class T shares.) The prospectus contains detailed information about the purchase of fund shares.
Subject to the conditions and circumstances set out below, Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares after ten years from the date of purchase, provided that the relevant Transamerica Funds or the financial intermediary through which you have purchased or hold Class C shares, has records verifying that the Class C shares have been held for at least ten years. Please check with your financial intermediary for details. Please note that the financial intermediary involved with your share purchase is solely responsible for converting any eligible Class C shares in an omnibus arrangement. Certain financial intermediaries may choose to convert your Class C shares in an omnibus arrangement earlier than ten years. The automatic conversion of Class C shares to Class A shares will not apply to Class C shares held through group retirement plan recordkeeping platforms of certain financial intermediaries who hold such shares in an omnibus account. Account numbers will need to be provided by the financial intermediary holding the group retirement plan(s) to have those accounts excluded from the automatic conversion. In such circumstances, please speak to your financial advisor (or the plan provider’s financial intermediary) for further information.
Class I shares are currently primarily offered for investment to institutional investors including, but not limited to, fee-based programs, qualified retirement plans, certain endowment plans and foundations and Directors, Trustees and employees of the funds’ affiliates. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000,000 per fund account, but will be waived for certain investors, including fee-based programs, qualified retirement plans, financial intermediaries that submit trades on behalf of underlying investors Directors, Trustees and officers of any Transamerica-sponsored funds, and employees of Transamerica and its affiliates.
Class I2 shares are currently primarily offered for investment in certain funds of funds (also referred to as “strategic asset allocation funds”). Class I2 shares of the funds are also made available to other investors, including institutional investors such as foreign insurers, domestic insurance companies and their separate accounts, unaffiliated funds, high net worth individuals, and eligible retirement plans whose recordkeepers or financial service firm intermediaries have entered into agreements with Transamerica Funds or its agents. Investors who received Class I2 shares in connection with the reorganization of a Transamerica Premier Fund into a Transamerica Fund may continue to invest in Class I2 shares of that Transamerica Fund, but may not open new accounts.
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This SAI only references the Class R shares that are currently offered for investment in the following funds: Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio and Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio, each a series of Transamerica Funds. Class R shares of certain other series of Transamerica Funds are discussed in a separate SAI.
Class R shares of Transamerica Government Money Market were renamed Class R2 shares on October 13, 2017. Class R2 shares of Transamerica Government Money Market are discussed in a separate SAI.
Class R, R2 and R4 shares of the applicable funds are only offered through 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans), and are generally intended for purchase by smaller retirement plan clients of Transamerica Retirement Solutions, LLC. Class I3 shares are only available to certain funds of funds, registered and unregistered insurance company separate accounts and collective investment trusts. Class R, R2, R4 and I3 shares of the relevant funds are discussed in a separate SAI.
Class R and Class R2 are available only to eligible retirement plans where Class R or Class R2 shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
As stated in the prospectus, Class R, R1 and R6 shares of the applicable funds are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans described below and under the following conditions:
401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans).
Class R, R1 and R6 shares are available only to eligible retirement plans where Class R1 and R6 shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
Class R3 are intended for purchase into IRA rollover accounts by participants in certain retirement plans described below and under the following conditions:
401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans) and IRAs.
The plan’s record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary must have an agreement with Transamerica Funds or its agents to utilize Class R1, Class R3 and Class R6 shares in certain investment products or programs
Transamerica US Growth includes Class T shares, which are not available for new investors.
Class T2 shares are available only to investors who are investing through a financial intermediary who has an agreement with TCI to sell share of the funds.
Shareholders whose investments are transferred from one class of shares of a Transamerica fund to another class of shares of the same Transamerica fund for administrative or eligibility reasons also may qualify for a waiver or reduction of sales charges and/or redemption charges in connection with the exchange.
Each fund reserves the right to make additional exceptions or otherwise to modify the foregoing policies at any time.
Information regarding sales charges can be found (free of charge) on the Transamerica Funds website at https://www.transamerica.com/individual/what-we-offer/education/learning-center/. Scroll down to “Get smart with investing basics” and click on “Three important considerations” and click on “download” to download the guide.
Not all financial intermediaries make all shares available to their clients. Your financial intermediary may receive different compensation for selling one class of shares than for selling another class, which may depend on, among other things, the type of investor account and the policies, procedures and practices adopted by your financial intermediary. Certain financial intermediaries through which you may invest in fund shares may impose their own investment fees, policies and procedures for purchasing and selling fund shares, which are not described in the prospectus or this SAI, and which will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the financial intermediary. Consult a representative of your financial intermediary about the availability of fund shares and the financial intermediary’s policies, procedures and other information.
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Retirement Plans
Class A, Class C, Class I, Class T and Class T2 Only (Not Applicable to Class I2, Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3 and Class R6 Shares)
Transamerica Funds offers several types of retirement plans that an investor may establish to invest in shares of a fund with tax deductible dollars. Prototype retirement plan documents for Individual Retirement Accounts, Code Section 403(b)(7) plans and SEP-IRA and SIMPLE IRA plans are available by calling or writing TFS Customer Service. These plans require the completion of separate applications, which are also available from TFS Customer Service. State Street Bank and Trust Company, Kansas City, MO (“State Street”), acts as the custodian or trustee under these plans for which it charges an annual fee of $15.00 on each such fund account with a maximum of $30.00 per tax identification number. However, if your combined retirement plan and ESA account(s)’ balance per taxpayer identification number is more than $50,000, there is no fee. To receive additional information or forms on these plans, please call your financial adviser or Transamerica Funds Customer Service at 1-888-233-4339 or write to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. at P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945. No contribution to a retirement plan can be made until the appropriate forms to establish the plan have been completed. It is advisable for an investor considering the funding of any retirement plan to consult with an attorney, retirement plan consultant or financial or tax adviser with respect to the requirements of such plans and the tax aspects thereof. Please note: each plan type may not be available in each share class.
Redemption of Shares
Shareholders may redeem their shares at any time at a price equal to the net asset value per share next determined following receipt of a valid redemption order by the transfer agent, in proper form. Payment will normally be sent within two business days of the receipt of a redemption request in good order, but in any event within seven days, regardless of the method a fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic funds transfer (ACH)). However, redemption payments may be delayed up to ten calendar days if the shares being redeemed were recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer. The value of shares on redemption may be more or less than the shareholder’s cost, depending upon the market value of the fund’s net assets at the time of redemption. Class C shares and certain Class A and Class T share purchases are also subject to a contingent deferred sales charge upon certain redemptions. Class I, Class I2, Class R1, Class R3, Class R6 and Class T2 shares are not subject to the contingent deferred sales charge.
Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to wholly or partly redeem its shares in kind, under unusual circumstances (such as adverse or unstable market, economic, or political conditions), in an effort to protect the interests of the remaining shareholders by the delivery of securities selected from its assets at its discretion. Transamerica Funds has, however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which a fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of a fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or in kind. On the same redemption date, some shareholders may be paid in whole or in part in securities (which may differ among those shareholders), while other shareholders may be paid entirely in cash. The disposal of the securities received in-kind by redeeming shareholders may be subject to brokerage costs and, until sold, such securities remain subject to market risk and liquidity risk, including the risk that such securities are or become difficult to sell. If the fund pays your redemption with illiquid or less liquid securities, you will bear the risk of not being able to sell such securities. The method of valuing securities used to make redemptions in kind will be the same as the method of valuing portfolio securities described under “Net Asset Value Determination,” and such valuation will be made as of the same time the redemption price is determined. The funds may pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements, if available.
Redemption of shares may be suspended, or the date of payment may be postponed, whenever: (1) trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or the NYSE is closed (except for holidays and weekends); (2) the SEC permits such suspension and so orders; or (3) an emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that disposal of securities and determination of net asset value is not reasonably practicable.
The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) is waived on redemptions of Class C (and Class A and Class T, when applicable) in the circumstances described below.
(a) Redemption upon Total Disability or Death
A fund will waive the CDSC on redemptions following the death or total disability (as evidenced by a determination of the federal Social Security Administration) of a shareholder, but in the case of total disability only as to shares owned at the time of the initial determination of disability. The transfer agent or distributor will require satisfactory proof of death or disability before it determines to waive the CDSC.
(b) Redemption Pursuant to a Fund’s Systematic Withdrawal Plan
A shareholder may elect to participate in a systematic withdrawal plan (“SWP”) with respect to the shareholder’s investment in a fund. Under the SWP, a dollar amount of a participating shareholder’s investment in the fund will be redeemed systematically by the fund on a periodic basis, and the proceeds paid in accordance with the shareholder’s instructions. The amount to be redeemed and frequency of the systematic withdrawals will be specified by the shareholder upon his or her election to participate in the SWP. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions made under the SWP subject to the limitations described below.
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On redemptions made under Transamerica Funds’ systematic withdrawal plan (may not exceed 12% of the account value per fund on the day the systematic withdrawal plan was established).
(c) Certain Retirement Plan Withdrawals
CDSC is also waived for accounts opened prior to April 1, 2000, on withdrawals from IRS qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, tax-sheltered accounts, and deferred compensation plans, where such withdrawals are permitted under the terms of the plan or account. (This waiver does not apply to transfer of asset redemptions, broker directed accounts or omnibus accounts.)
Share Conversion
If you hold Class A, Class C, Class I2, Class R1, Class R6 and Class T shares and are eligible for purchase of Class I shares (as described in the Class I prospectus), you may be eligible to convert your shares to Class I shares (or, under certain circumstances, convert to Class A shares) of the same fund, subject to the discretion of TFS to permit or reject such a conversion. If you hold Class I shares and are eligible to purchase Class R6 shares (as described in the Class R6 prospectus), you may be eligible to convert Class I shares to Class R6 shares of the same fund, subject to the discretion of TFS to permit or reject such a conversion. If you hold Class I shares and are eligible to purchase Class I2 shares (as described in the Class I2 prospectus), you may be eligible to convert Class I shares to Class I2 shares of the same fund, subject to the discretion of TFS to permit or reject such a conversion. Class I investors that are no longer eligible for wrap or fee based programs may convert from Class I shares to Class A shares at the request of the financial intermediary. Please contact your financial adviser or Customer Service for conversion requirements and instructions.
A conversion between share classes of the same fund is a nontaxable event.
If you convert from one class of shares to another, the transaction will be based on the respective NAVs of the two classes on the trade date for the conversion. Consequently, a conversion may provide you with fewer shares or more shares than you originally owned, depending on that day’s NAV. At the time of conversion, the total dollar value of your “old” shares will equal the total dollar value of your “new” shares. However, subsequent share price fluctuations may decrease or increase the total dollar value of your “new” shares compared with that of your “old” shares.
Net Asset Valuation (“NAV”) Determination
How Share Price Is Determined
The price at which shares are purchased or redeemed is the NAV, plus any applicable sales charge, that is next calculated following receipt and acceptance of a purchase order in good order or receipt of a redemption order in good order by the fund, an authorized intermediary, or the mail processing center located in Kansas City, Missouri.
When Share Price Is Determined
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is determined on each day the NYSE is open for business as of the scheduled close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at another time, each fund will calculate a NAV for each class of shares as of the scheduled closing time. The NAV is not determined on days when the NYSE is closed (generally New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Foreign securities may trade in their primary markets on weekends or other days when a fund does not price its shares (therefore, the value of a fund’s foreign securities may change on days when shareholders will not be able to buy or sell shares of the funds). These securities will be valued pursuant to the funds’ Pricing and Valuation procedures for such securities.
Purchase orders received in good order and accepted, and redemption orders received in good order, as of the scheduled close of regular trading of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. Purchase and redemption requests received after the NYSE is closed receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE the next day the NYSE is open.
For investments in separate accounts of insurance companies that invest in Class I2 shares of the funds, orders for Class I2 shares will be placed after the receipt and acceptance of the investment in the insurance company separate account.
How NAV Is Calculated
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is calculated by taking the value of its net assets and dividing by the number of shares of the fund (or class) that are then outstanding.
The Board has approved procedures to be used to value the funds’ securities for purposes of determining the funds’ NAV. The valuation of the securities of the funds is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. While the Board has primary responsibility to shareholders for valuation of portfolio securities, the Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the funds to TAM.
In general, securities and other investments (including shares of ETFs) are valued based on market prices at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Fund securities (including shares of ETFs) listed or traded on domestic securities exchanges or the NASDAQ/NMS, including
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dollar-denominated foreign securities or ADRs, are valued at the closing price on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded. With respect to securities traded on the NASDAQ/NMS, such closing price may be the last reported sale price or the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security is valued at the closing bid quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the NOCP, if applicable. Foreign securities traded on U.S. exchanges are generally priced using last sale price regardless of trading activity. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the last bid price. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service, which may use market prices or quotations or a variety of fair value techniques and methodologies. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. The prices that a fund uses may differ from the amounts that would be realized if the investments were sold and the differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Foreign securities generally are valued based on quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are converted from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Market quotations for securities prices may be obtained from automated pricing services. Shares of open-end funds (other than ETF shares) are generally valued at the NAV reported by that investment company. ETF shares are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price on the exchange on which they are traded.
When a market quotation for a security is not readily available (which may include closing prices deemed to be unreliable because of the occurrence of a subsequent event), a valuation committee appointed by the Board may, in good faith, establish a value for the security in accordance with fair valuation procedures adopted by the Board. The Board reviews all fair value determinations typically at its regularly scheduled meetings. The types of securities for which such fair value pricing may be required include, but are not limited to: foreign securities, where a significant event occurs after the close of the foreign market on which such security principally trades that is likely to have changed the value of such security, or the closing value is otherwise deemed unreliable; securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; fixed-income securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation; and securities that are restricted as to transfer or resale. The funds use a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by TAM from time to time.
Valuing securities in accordance with fair value procedures involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on readily available market quotations. The valuation committee makes fair value determinations in good faith in accordance with the funds’ valuation procedures. Fair value determinations can also involve reliance on quantitative models employed by a fair value pricing service. There can be no assurance that a fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV.
Brokerage
Subject to policies established by the Board and TAM, the sub-advisers are responsible for placement of the funds’ securities transactions. In placing orders, it is the policy of a fund to seek to obtain the most favorable price and execution available, except to the extent it may be permitted to pay higher brokerage commissions as described below. In seeking the most favorable price and execution, TAM or the sub-adviser, as applicable, having in mind the fund’s best interests, considers all factors it deems relevant, including: the size of the transaction; the nature of the market for the security; the amount of the commission; the timing of the transaction taking into account market prices and trends; the reputation, experience and financial stability of the broker-dealer involved and the quality of service rendered by the broker-dealer in that or other transactions; trade confidentiality including anonymity; and research products and services provided, which include: (i) furnishing advice, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the value of securities, the advisability of purchasing or selling specific securities and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities and (ii) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends and portfolio strategy and products and other services (such as third party publications, reports and analyses, and computer and electronic access, equipment, software, information and accessories) that assist each sub-adviser in carrying out its responsibilities.
Decisions as to the selection of broker-dealers and the assignment of fund brokerage business for a fund and negotiation of its commission rates are made by TAM or the sub-adviser, as applicable, whose policy is to seek to obtain “best execution” (prompt and reliable execution at the most favorable security price) of all fund transactions. In doing so, a fund may pay higher commission rates than the lowest available when its sub-adviser believes it is reasonable to do so in light of the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker effecting the transaction, as discussed below.
There is generally no stated commission in the case of fixed-income securities and other securities traded on a principal basis in the over-the-counter markets, but the price paid by a fund usually includes an undisclosed dealer commission or mark-up. In underwritten offerings, the price paid by a fund includes a disclosed, fixed commission or discount retained by the underwriter or dealer. Transactions on U.S. stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve the payment by a fund of negotiated brokerage commissions. Such commissions
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vary among different brokers. Also, a particular broker may charge different commissions according to such factors as the difficulty and size of the transaction. Transactions in foreign securities generally involve the payment of fixed brokerage commissions, which are generally higher than those in the U.S.
It has for many years been a common practice in the investment advisory business for advisers of investment companies and other institutional investors to receive research and brokerage products and services (together, “services”) from broker-dealers that execute portfolio transactions for the clients of such advisers. Consistent with this practice, the sub-advisers may receive services from many broker-dealers with which the sub-advisers place the fund’s portfolio transactions. These services, which in some cases may also be purchased for cash, may include, among other things, such items as general economic and security market reviews, industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities, recommendations as to the purchase and sale of securities, and services related to the execution of securities transactions. The services obtained through brokers or dealers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by a sub-adviser. The expenses of a sub-adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information. A sub-adviser may use such services in servicing other accounts in addition to the respective fund. Conversely, services provided to a sub-adviser by broker-dealers in connection with trades executed on behalf of other clients of the sub-adviser may be useful to the sub-adviser in managing the fund, although not all of these services may be necessarily useful and of value to the sub-adviser in managing such other clients. The receipt of such services enables a sub-adviser to avoid the additional expenses that might otherwise be incurred if it were to attempt to develop comparable information through its own staff.
In reliance on the “safe harbor” provided by Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act and the SEC’s interpretive guidance thereunder, a sub-adviser may cause a fund to pay a broker-dealer that provides “brokerage and research services” (as defined for purposes of Section 28(e)) to the sub-adviser an amount of commission for effecting a securities transaction for the fund in excess of the commission that another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the sub-adviser determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker-dealer. If a sub-adviser determines that any research product or service has a mixed use, such that it also serves functions that do not assist in the investment decision-making process, the sub-adviser will allocate the costs of such service or product accordingly. The portion of the product or service that a sub-adviser determines will assist it in the investment decision-making process may be paid for in brokerage commission dollars. Such allocation may create a conflict of interest for the sub-adviser. Conversely, such supplemental information obtained by the placement of business for a sub-adviser will be considered by and may be useful to the sub-adviser in carrying out its obligations to a fund.
A sub-adviser may place transactions for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities with affiliates of TAM or the sub-adviser. A sub-adviser may place transactions with a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of TAM or the sub-adviser where, in the judgment of the sub-adviser, such firm will be able to obtain a price and execution at least as favorable as other qualified broker-dealers. Pursuant to rules of the SEC, a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of TAM or the sub-adviser may receive and retain compensation for effecting portfolio transactions for the fund on a securities exchange if the commissions paid to such an affiliated broker-dealer by the fund do not exceed “usual and customary brokerage commissions.” The rules define “usual and customary” commissions to include amounts that are “reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time.”
A sub-adviser to a fund, to the extent consistent with the best execution and with TAM’s usual commission rate policies and practices, may place security transactions with broker/dealers with which the Trust has established a Commission Recapture Program. A Commission Recapture Program is any arrangement under which a broker/dealer applies a portion of the commissions received by such broker/dealer on the security transactions to the funds. In no event will commissions paid by a fund be used to pay expenses that would otherwise be borne by any other fund in the Trust, or by any other party. These commissions are not used for promoting or selling fund shares or otherwise related to the distribution of fund shares.
Securities held by a fund may also be held by other separate accounts, mutual funds or other accounts for which TAM or a sub-adviser serves as an adviser, or held by TAM or a sub-adviser for their own accounts. Because of different investment objectives or other factors, a particular security may be bought by TAM or a sub-adviser for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the same security. If purchases or sales of securities for a fund or other entities for which they act as investment adviser or for their advisory clients arise for consideration at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the respective entities and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of TAM or a sub-adviser during the same period may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.
On occasions when TAM or a sub-adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a fund as well as other accounts or companies, it may to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, but will not be obligated to, aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the fund with those to be sold or purchased for such other accounts or companies in order to obtain favorable execution and lower brokerage commissions. In that event, allocation of the securities purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by TAM or the sub-adviser in the manner it considers to be most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the fund and to such other accounts or companies. In some cases this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position obtainable for a fund.
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The Board of the Trust reviews on a quarterly basis the brokerage placement practices of each sub-adviser on behalf of the funds, and reviews the prices and commissions, if any, paid by the funds to determine if they were reasonable.
Brokerage Commissions Paid
The following funds paid the aggregate brokerage commissions indicated for the last three fiscal years:
“N/A” in the table below indicates that the fund was not in operation during the relevant fiscal year and, accordingly, no commissions are shown.
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Fund Name Brokerage Commissions Paid
(including affiliated commissions)
Affiliated Brokerage
Commissions Paid
2019($) 2019(%)^ 2018($) 2018(%)^ 2017($) 2017(%) ^ 2019($) 2019(%) * 2018($) 2018(%) * 2017($) 2017(%) *
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Bond $ 150 0.00% $ 168 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Capital Growth $ 692,210 5.00% $ 261,094 1.73% $ 310,800 2.19% $ 7 0.00% $3,919 1.50% $ 403 0.13%
Transamerica Core Bond $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Dividend Focused $ 241,624 1.74% $ 126,134 0.84% $ 213,039 1.50% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Dynamic Income $ 40,483 0.29% $ 103,628 0.69% $ 45,623 0.32% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt $ 1,932 0.01% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity $ 810,176 5.85% $1,361,805 9.02% $ 181,811 1.28% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Event Driven $ 222,001 1.60% $ 807,260 5.35% $1,015,660 7.16% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Floating Rate $ 1,230 0.01% $ 2,623 0.02% $ 1,241 0.01% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Global Equity $ 49,212 0.36% $ 69,018 0.46% $ 64,278 0.45% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities $ 32,824 0.24% $ 60,159 0.40% $ 72,594 0.51% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Government Money Market $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ 0.00 0.00% $ 1,580 0.01% $ 8,267 0.06% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica High Yield ESG N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica High Yield Muni $ 20.00 0.00% $ 30 0.00% $ 53 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 4 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $ 115 0.00% $ 879 0.01% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Intermediate Muni $ 96 0.00% $ 29 0.00% $ 11 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica International Equity $1,809,001 13.06% $2,502,933 16.59% $2,546,564 17.95% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica International Growth $ 612,036 4.42% $1,063,045 7.04% $ 322,540 2.27% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica International Small Cap Value $ 323,799 2.34% $ 313,728 2.08% $ 384,946 2.71% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica International Stock $ 40,170 0.29% $ 1,015 0.00% N/A N/A $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% N/A N/A
Transamerica Large Cap Value $2,925,128 21.11% $2,607,196 17.28% $2,946,963 20.77% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 91,849 0.66% $ 315,209 2.09% $ 203,613 1.43% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Mid Cap Value $ 18,662 0.13% $ 31,167 0.21% $ 48,186 0.34% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $2,107,719 15.21% $2,116,847 14.03% $1,300,344 9.16% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income $ 137,931 1.00% $ 133,604 0.89% $ 250,095 1.76% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) $ 60,856 0.44% $ 35,710 0.24% $ 70,831 0.50% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced $ 109,741 0.79% $ 161,686 1.07% $ 133,970 0.94% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Short-Term Bond $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 181,249 1.31% $ 131,779 0.87% $ 137,667 0.97% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 814,948 5.88% $ 327,063 2.17% $ 353,820 2.49% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value - Composite $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value - Systematic Sleeve $ 102,232 0.74% $ 83,016 0.55% $ 184,352 1.30% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value - TS&W Sleeve $ 711,866 5.14% $ 721,641 4.78% $ 687,060 4.84% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Sustainable Bond N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transamerica Total Return $ 62,733 0.45% $ 59,557 0.39% $ 61,420 0.43% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond $ 41,460 0.30% $ 39,846 0.26% $ 10,161 0.07% $0.00 0.00% $ 0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%
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Fund Name Brokerage Commissions Paid
(including affiliated commissions)
Affiliated Brokerage
Commissions Paid
2019($) 2019(%)^ 2018($) 2018(%)^ 2017($) 2017(%) ^ 2019($) 2019(%) * 2018($) 2018(%) * 2017($) 2017(%) *
Transamerica US Growth $165,146 1.19% $205,713 1.36% $245,230 1.73% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00%

^ Brokerage Commissions Paid by the fund as a percentage of overall Brokerage Commissions Paid by all Transamerica Funds.
* Affiliated Brokerage Commissions Paid by the fund as a percentage of total Brokerage Commissions Paid by the fund.
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Brokerage Commissions Paid for Research
The following table provides an estimate of brokerage commissions that were directed to brokers for brokerage and research services provided during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.
Fund Name Paid as of October 31, 2019
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio $ -
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio $ -
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio $ -
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio $ -
Transamerica Bond $ -
Transamerica Capital Growth $ 554,832
Transamerica Core Bond $ -
Transamerica Dividend Focused $ 85,790
Transamerica Dynamic Income $ -
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt $ -
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity $ 465,905
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities $ -
Transamerica Event Driven $ 55,649
Transamerica Floating Rate $ -
Transamerica Global Equity $ 34,932
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities $ 19,377
Transamerica Government Money Market $ -
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ -
Transamerica High Yield ESG $ -
Transamerica High Yield Muni $ -
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities $ -
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $ -
Transamerica Intermediate Muni $ -
Transamerica International Equity $1,261,850
Transamerica International Growth $ 583,178
Transamerica International Small Cap Value $ 189,016
Transamerica International Stock $ 932
Transamerica Large Cap Value $1,809,174
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth $ 32,698
Transamerica Mid Cap Value $ 7,214
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities $1,624,294
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income $ 114,262
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) $ 49,539
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced - JPMorgan Sleeve $ 22,265
Transamerica Short-Term Bond $ -
Transamerica Small Cap Growth $ 134,982
Transamerica Small Cap Value $ 494,634
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value $ 579,525
Transamerica Sustainable Bond $ -
Transamerica Total Return $ -
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond $ -
Transamerica US Growth $ 106,910
The estimates above are based upon custody data provided to CAPIS and were calculated using the following methodology: Total Commissions minus transactions executed at discounted rates and/or directed to the funds’ commission recapture program equals total research commissions. USD transactions executed at commission rates below $.02 per share, non-USD developed market transactions executed at 8 basis points and below, and non-USD emerging market transactions executed at 12 basis points and below are considered to be executed at discounted rates. For example, Commission paid on USD transactions at rates at or above $.02 per share and not directed for commission recapture are assumed to be paid to brokers that provide research and brokerage services within the scope of Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act. Commissions paid on fixed price offerings and transactions in futures and options are not included in this analysis.
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Securities of Regular Broker Dealers
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the funds purchased securities issued by the following regular broker-dealers of the funds, which had the following values as of October 31, 2019.
Fund Name Bank of
America
Corp.
Bank of New York Mellon Barclays Capital, Inc. Citigroup,
Inc.
Credit
Suisse
Securities
(USA) LLC
Goldman
Sachs
Group,
Inc.
J.P. Morgan
SecuritiesLLC
Morgan
Stanley &
Co., Inc.
Societe Generale Generale State Street Bank & Trust Co. Wells Fargo & Co.
Transamerica Bond $12,338,640 $ 1,571,560 $20,843,936 $14,694,559 $ 8,917,934 $27,167,584 $10,092,465 $ 9,965,730 $ - $ - $ 3,493,685
Transamerica Core Bond $ 8,988,691 $ 704,184 $ 1,214,676 $ 6,175,558 $ 2,246,845 $ 9,344,962 $ 2,786,112 $ 7,751,020 $ 852,029 $ 153,518 $ 8,912,121
Transamerica Dividend Focused $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $13,181,059 $ - $ - $ - $22,692,779
Transamerica Global Equity $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1,918,313
Transamerica High Yield Bond $ - $ - $ 8,776,269 $ 9,714,255 $15,474,511 $ 5,079,757 $ 1,918,442 $ - $5,618,245 $ - $ -
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities $ 3,391,877 $ - $ 2,603,900 $ 1,702,128 $ - $ 696,384 $ - $ 652,795 $ - $ - $ -
Transamerica Intermediate Bond $20,048,629 $ - $13,364,789 $23,275,831 $ 9,410,380 $23,893,907 $32,455,021 $33,142,348 $ - $ - $17,852,505
Transamerica International Stock $ - $ - $ 627,124 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 332,409 $ - $ -
Transamerica Large Cap Value $76,611,500 $ - $ - $98,807,500 $ - $ - $47,469,600 $54,207,067 $ - $ - $ -
Transamerica Mid Cap Value $ - $ 2,411,650 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income) $ 3,124,775 $ - $ - $ 3,040,950 $ - $ - $ 4,372,200 $ 1,573,125 $ - $ - $ 2,520,700
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced $11,832,665 $ 1,689,365 $ 1,982,099 $11,966,918 $ 1,994,880 $ 3,065,494 $ 5,710,468 $11,596,022 $ - $ - $ 7,281,320
Transamerica Short-Term Bond $32,867,052 $32,449,421 $63,163,636 $31,529,305 $16,179,195 $49,993,372 $37,128,883 $48,656,735 $ - $11,458,975 $32,016,167
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 861,053 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Transamerica Total Return $14,357,494 $ - $13,877,257 $ 8,390,687 $ 9,281,673 $ 6,309,156 $29,197,936 $ 3,685,342 $1,913,122 $ - $15,877,112
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond $ 9,304,127 $ 1,676,864 $ 6,588,124 $ 6,222,657 $10,543,901 $ 4,941,078 $ 7,020,753 $ 4,206,312 $2,192,500 $ - $10,461,041
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Principal Shareholders and Control Persons
Principal Shareholders
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of July 10, 2020, the following persons owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the funds indicated.
Unless otherwise noted, the address of each investor is c/o TAM, 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202.
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio A 53.61 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio A 6.89 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio A 5.03 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio C 18.73 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio C 12.30 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio C 8.38 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio C 8.26 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio C 6.88 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio C 5.70 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio I 34.12 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio I 11.68 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio I 7.94 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio I 7.80 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio I 6.24 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio I 6.23 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio I 6.20 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Alexander Kirschenbaum FBO
Alexander Kirschenbaum M D P C 401(
229 East 79th Street Ste A
New York NY 10075-0866
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio R 32.21 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Graham, Arceneaux & Allen, L.L 401(
1251 Waterfront Pl Ste 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio R 16.40 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Selectek Inc
1251 Waterfront Pl Ste 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio R 9.94 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Glavin Industries Inc
1251 Waterfront Place, Suite 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio R 8.94 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Avenel Pharmacy Inc 401(k) Profit S
1251 Waterfront Pl Ste 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio R 7.78 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio R 6.93 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio R 5.66 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio A 20.71 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio A 8.73 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio A 7.26 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio A 6.04 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio C 16.17 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio C 10.49 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio C 9.69 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio C 8.45 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio C 5.81 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio C 5.47 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio C 5.03 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio I 23.09 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio I 22.96 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio I 10.58 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio I 8.07 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio I 7.47 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Graham, Arceneaux & Allen, L.L 401(
1251 Waterfront Pl Ste 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio R 23.59 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio R 17.55 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio R 11.45 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio R 9.83 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Id Automation Inc
1251 Waterfront Pl Ste 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio R 9.47 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Selectek Inc
1251 Waterfront Pl Ste 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio R 7.92 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio A 24.56 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio A 10.28 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio A 6.72 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio A 6.23 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio A 5.04 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio C 18.66 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio C 10.64 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio C 7.36 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio C 6.93 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio C 6.82 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio I 29.13 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio I 15.31 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio I 9.99 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio I 7.72 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio I 7.68 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio I 6.63 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio I 5.27 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio R 24.05 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio R 15.50 %
Matrix Trust Company Cust. FBO
Rural Gravure Service, Inc. 401(k)
717 17th Street
Suite 1300
Denver CO 80202-3304
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio R 12.28 %
Ascensus Trust Company FBO
Northside Holistic Center 401k & Re
681537
P.O. Box 10758
Fargo ND 58106-0758
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio R 7.65 %
Pai Trust Company, Inc.
Lg Holding LLC 401(k) P/S Plan
1300 Enterprise Drive
De Pere WI 54115-4934
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio R 6.40 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio R 6.40 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio A 37.27 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio A 9.88 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio A 6.19 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio C 20.57 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio C 10.86 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio C 8.79 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio C 7.76 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio C 6.26 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio I 29.71 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio I 14.36 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio I 8.51 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio I 8.28 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio I 8.15 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio I 6.51 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Fi Consulting Inc 401(k) Profit Sha
1251 Waterfront Place, Suite 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio R 16.64 %
Don Firth
FBO Jobsinlogistics Com Inc 401(k)
Profit Sharing Plan & Trust
17501 Biscayne Blvd Ste 530
Aventura FL 33160-4806
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio R 15.72 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio R 11.88 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Smede-Son Steel & Supply Company, I
1251 Waterfront Place, Suite 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio R 10.00 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Daley And Wanzer Inc 401(k) Profit
1251 Waterfront Place, Suite 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio R 8.67 %
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
Electro Tech, Inc. 401(k) Savings
Plan And Trust
1251 Waterfront Pl Ste 525
Pittsburgh PA 15222-4228
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio R 7.36 %
Matrix Trust Company Cust. FBO
Shives Funeral Home 401k Psp
717 17th Street
Suite 1300
Denver CO 80202-3304
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio R 6.64 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Bond A 23.15 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Bond A 13.13 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Bond A 11.46 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Bond A 8.06 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Bond A 7.58 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Bond C 26.42 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Bond C 13.88 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Bond C 11.20 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Bond C 10.86 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Bond C 8.98 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Bond C 7.28 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Bond I 21.49 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Bond I 10.97 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Bond I 10.18 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Bond I 8.30 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Bond I 8.21 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Bond I 5.89 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Bond I 5.35 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Bond I 5.20 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Bond I 5.17 %
Blackrock Tactical Allocation VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Bond I2 52.22 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Bond I2 20.45 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Bond I2 13.68 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Bond I2 8.87 %
Reliance Trust Company
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Bond R6 53.06 %
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Bond R6 21.01 %
Trs-Im
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Bond R6 18.41 %
Voya Institutional Trust Company
1 Orange Way
Windsor CT 06095-4773
Transamerica Bond R6 5.24 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Capital Growth A 19.80 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Capital Growth A 15.00 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Capital Growth A 7.84 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Capital Growth A 6.09 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Capital Growth A 5.42 %
Td Ameritrade Inc
FBO Our Customers
PO Box 2226
Omaha NE 68103-2226
Transamerica Capital Growth A 5.22 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Capital Growth C 32.64 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Capital Growth C 11.85 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Capital Growth C 10.91 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Capital Growth C 8.73 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Capital Growth C 5.85 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Capital Growth I 16.08 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Capital Growth I 12.72 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Capital Growth I 11.93 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Capital Growth I 9.45 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Capital Growth I 8.57 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Capital Growth I 5.80 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Capital Growth I2 37.75 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Capital Growth I2 29.80 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Capital Growth I2 18.85 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Capital Growth I2 7.75 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Reliance Trust Company
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Capital Growth R6 49.52 %
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Capital Growth R6 30.22 %
Trs-Im
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Capital Growth R6 20.27 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Core Bond I2 37.78 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Conservative VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Core Bond I2 13.80 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Core Bond I2 12.74 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Core Bond I2 10.14 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Core Bond I2 9.30 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Core Bond I2 7.53 %
TCM Division
Transamerica Life Insurance Company
Seperate Account D
4333 Edgewood Rd NE MS 4410
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0001
Transamerica Dividend Focused A 74.67 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Dividend Focused A 10.89 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Dividend Focused C 17.83 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Dividend Focused C 14.49 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Dividend Focused C 10.86 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Dividend Focused C 10.21 %
102

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Dividend Focused C 9.38 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Dividend Focused C 5.69 %
Matrix Trust CO As Agent FBO
Old Mutual Asset Management Volunta
PO Box 52129
Phoenix AZ 85072-2129
Transamerica Dividend Focused I 55.32 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Dividend Focused I 17.94 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Dividend Focused I 6.53 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Dividend Focused I 6.15 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Dividend Focused I2 37.89 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Dividend Focused I2 29.85 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Dividend Focused I2 18.91 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Dividend Focused I2 7.82 %
Reliance Trust Company
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Dividend Focused R6 78.17 %
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Dividend Focused R6 18.25 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Dynamic Income A 17.23 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Dynamic Income A 13.53 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Dynamic Income A 13.13 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Dynamic Income A 8.62 %
103

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Dynamic Income A 8.47 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Dynamic Income A 8.01 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dt E FL 2
Jacksonville FL 32246
Transamerica Dynamic Income A 5.12 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Dynamic Income A 5.05 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Dynamic Income C 22.93 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Dynamic Income C 17.11 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Dynamic Income C 12.58 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Dynamic Income C 7.90 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Dynamic Income C 6.75 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dt E FL 2
Jacksonville FL 32246
Transamerica Dynamic Income C 6.09 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Dynamic Income C 5.81 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Dynamic Income C 5.35 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Dynamic Income I 30.23 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Dynamic Income I 26.83 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Dynamic Income I 7.36 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Dynamic Income I 6.07 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Dynamic Income I 6.01 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt A 19.16 %
104

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt A 15.26 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt A 9.25 %
RBC Capital Markets LLC
Mutual Fund Omnibus Processing
Attn Mutual Fund Ops Manager
510 Marquette Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55402-1110
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt A 8.63 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt A 6.78 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt A 5.42 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt C 22.20 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt C 14.29 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt C 12.58 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt C 11.15 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt C 8.74 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt C 6.53 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt C 6.19 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt C 5.94 %
RBC Capital Markets LLC
Mutual Fund Omnibus Processing
Attn Mutual Fund Ops Manager
510 Marquette Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55402-1110
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt C 5.72 %
RBC Capital Markets LLC
Mutual Fund Omnibus Processing
Attn Mutual Fund Ops Manager
510 Marquette Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55402-1110
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt I 17.91 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Attn Mutual Funds
101 Montgomery St
San Francisco CA 94104-4151
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt I 15.63 %
105

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt I 15.40 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt I 9.29 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt I 8.49 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt I2 37.38 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt I2 34.59 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt I2 20.76 %
Universal Life Insurance Company
Moderate Portfolio
PO Box 2145
San Juan PR 00922-2145
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt I2 5.29 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt R6 77.35 %
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt R6 11.40 %
Reliance Trust Company
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt R6 5.67 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity A 47.48 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity A 13.09 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity C 30.42 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity C 15.59 %
Umb Bank Na
Cust Simple IRA FBO
Brian S Handa
20315 Calle Montalvo
Saratoga CA 95070-6001
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity C 7.05 %
106

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Umb Bank Na
Cust Simple IRA FBO
Douglas K Sanders
2501 E Parker Rd
Plano TX 75074-7610
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity C 7.00 %
Fifth Third Bank
FBO City Of Royal Oak Rhct Mutual
38 Fountain Square Plz
Cincinnati OH 45202-3191
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity I 93.21 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity I2 28.65 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity I2 27.84 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity I2 11.69 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity I2 9.24 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity I2 5.77 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities I 100.00 %
Transamerica Asset
Allocation-Moderate VP
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities I2 26.13 %
Transamerica Asset
Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities I2 17.72 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities I2 16.28 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities I2 13.15 %
Transamerica Asset
Allocation-Growth VP
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities I2 8.87 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities I2 8.11 %
107

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Event Driven I 95.54 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Event Driven I2 34.94 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Event Driven I2 25.75 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Event Driven I2 24.45 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Event Driven I2 13.55 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Floating Rate A 35.07 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Floating Rate A 14.04 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Floating Rate A 12.68 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Floating Rate A 9.27 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Floating Rate A 5.43 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Floating Rate A 5.31 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Floating Rate C 43.38 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Floating Rate C 19.73 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Floating Rate C 8.44 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Floating Rate C 7.94 %
108

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Floating Rate I 21.81 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Floating Rate I 19.31 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Floating Rate I 16.36 %
TD Ameritrade Inc
PO Box 2226Omaha NE 68103-2226
Transamerica Floating Rate I 14.55 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Floating Rate I 12.45 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Floating Rate I2 100.00 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Global Equity A 15.18 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Global Equity A 13.20 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Global Equity A 10.44 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Global Equity A 7.67 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Global Equity A 5.77 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Global Equity A 5.25 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Global Equity A 5.01 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Global Equity C 12.48 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Global Equity C 9.45 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Global Equity C 9.36 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Global Equity C 9.09 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Global Equity C 8.32 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Global Equity C 7.25 %
109

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Global Equity C 6.88 %
Comerica Bank FBO Dingle
P.O. Box 75000 Mail Code 3446
Detroit MI 48275-0001
Transamerica Global Equity I 42.25 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Global Equity I 10.87 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Global Equity I 10.33 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Global Equity I 6.95 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Global Equity I 6.59 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Global Equity I 5.74 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Global Equity I 5.44 %
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Global Equity R6 40.40 %
Reliance Trust Company
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Global Equity R6 28.78 %
Trs-Im
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Global Equity R6 22.45 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Global Equity R6 8.37 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities I2 55.48 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities I2 21.44 %
Universal Life Insurance Company
Moderate Portfolio
PO Box 2145
San Juan PR 00922-2145
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities I2 14.99 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Government Money Market A 58.59 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Government Money Market A 6.19 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Government Money Market C 7.45 %
110

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Government Money Market C 6.83 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Government Money Market I 15.63 %
Reid A Evers
1333 Valley View Rd Apt 28
Glendale CA 91202-1734
Transamerica Government Money Market I 10.56 %
Universal Life Insurance Company
PO Box 2145
San Juan PR 00922-2145
Transamerica Government Money Market I2 99.52 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Government Money Market I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R2 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2426
Transamerica Government Money Market R2 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Government Money Market R4 100.00 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica High Yield Bond A 23.41 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica High Yield Bond A 10.40 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica High Yield Bond A 7.75 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica High Yield Bond C 14.89 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica High Yield Bond C 14.21 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica High Yield Bond C 14.12 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica High Yield Bond C 13.19 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica High Yield Bond C 6.61 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica High Yield Bond I 74.68 %
C/O Union Bank ID 797
Sei Private Tr Co
FBO 6734306820
1 Freedom VAlley Dr
Oaks PA 19456-9989
Transamerica High Yield Bond I 10.92 %
111

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica High Yield Bond I2 45.04 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica High Yield Bond I2 39.94 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Conservative VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica High Yield Bond I2 5.61 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Yield Bond I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Yield Bond R 77.05 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica High Yield Bond R 12.44 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica High Yield Bond R 10.51 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Yield Bond R4 99.99 %
Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company
FBO 401k Clients
Attn: Investment Services
PO Box 2600 Vm L20
Valley Forge PA 19482-2600
Transamerica High Yield Bond R6 27.72 %
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Yield Bond R6 18.57 %
Lincoln Retirement Services Company
FBO InspIRA 403B Savings Plan
PO Box 7876
Fort Wayne IN 46801-7876
Transamerica High Yield Bond R6 15.88 %
Reliance Trust Company
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Yield Bond R6 14.95 %
Trs-Im
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica High Yield Bond R6 13.02 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica High Yield Bond R6 7.04 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica High Yield Muni A 21.24 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica High Yield Muni A 15.43 %
112

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica High Yield Muni A 13.95 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica High Yield Muni A 13.91 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica High Yield Muni A 8.13 %
Td Ameritrade Inc
FBO Our Customers
PO Box 2226
Omaha NE 68103-2226
Transamerica High Yield Muni A 7.38 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica High Yield Muni A 5.06 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica High Yield Muni C 24.53 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica High Yield Muni C 23.55 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica High Yield Muni C 13.04 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica High Yield Muni C 10.44 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica High Yield Muni C 7.53 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica High Yield Muni C 5.54 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica High Yield Muni I 17.56 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica High Yield Muni I 14.88 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica High Yield Muni I 13.73 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica High Yield Muni I 10.58 %
TD Ameritrade Inc
PO Box 2226
Omaha NE 68103-2226
Transamerica High Yield Muni I 10.42 %
113

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica High Yield Muni I 8.41 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica High Yield Muni I 6.71 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica High Yield Muni I 5.16 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica High Yield Muni I2 100.00 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities A 31.59 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities A 11.09 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities A 10.98 %
Umb Bank Na
Cust Rollover IRA FBO
Christine M Koy
3 Halifax Ct
Rockville MD 20850-3009
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities A 10.96 %
Zia Trust Inc Ttee
Reilly Family Trust U/A Dtd
07/30/2001
6301 Indian School Rd NE Ste 800
Albuquerque NM 87110-8156
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities A 5.36 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities C 49.66 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities C 37.35 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities I 73.62 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities I 20.78 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities I 5.59 %
114

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities I2 29.23 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities I2 29.13 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities I2 19.02 %
Universal Life Insurance Company
Moderate Portfolio
PO Box 2145
San Juan PR 00922-2145
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities I2 15.51 %
Universal Life Insurance Company
Conservative Portfolio
PO Box 2145
San Juan PR 00922-2145
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities I2 5.92 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities R6 100.00 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Intermediate Bond I2 49.54 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Conservative VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Intermediate Bond I2 18.12 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Intermediate Bond I2 9.18 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Intermediate Bond I2 7.13 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Intermediate Bond I2 5.76 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Intermediate Bond I2 5.04 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Intermediate Bond I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Intermediate Bond R 89.66 %
115

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Intermediate Bond R 10.34 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Intermediate Bond R4 100.00 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Intermediate Muni A 16.39 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Intermediate Muni A 10.00 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Intermediate Muni A 9.27 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Intermediate Muni A 9.18 %
Charles Schwab & Co
Special Custody Acct For Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
101 Montgomery St
San Francisco CA 94104-4151
Transamerica Intermediate Muni A 8.66 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Intermediate Muni A 7.92 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Intermediate Muni A 7.54 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Intermediate Muni A 6.76 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Intermediate Muni A 5.52 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Intermediate Muni C 20.34 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Intermediate Muni C 15.21 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Intermediate Muni C 12.74 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Intermediate Muni C 11.37 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Intermediate Muni C 9.93 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Intermediate Muni C 6.97 %
116

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Intermediate Muni C 5.82 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I 19.23 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I 11.59 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I 10.75 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I 8.77 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I 8.76 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I 8.70 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I 6.33 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I 5.77 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I 5.55 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Intermediate Muni I2 100.00 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica International Equity A 41.43 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica International Equity A 16.76 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica International Equity A 13.25 %
Sammons Retirement Solution
4546 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Wdm IA 50266-5911
Transamerica International Equity A 6.85 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica International Equity C 19.70 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica International Equity C 18.51 %
117

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica International Equity C 12.64 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica International Equity C 7.87 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica International Equity C 7.35 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica International Equity C 6.53 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica International Equity C 6.50 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica International Equity I 45.30 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
101 Montgomery St
San Francisco CA 94104-4151
Transamerica International Equity I 12.92 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dt E FL 2
Jacksonville FL 32246
Transamerica International Equity I 6.43 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0001
Transamerica International Equity I 5.47 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Equity I2 21.81 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Equity I2 21.65 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Equity I2 11.73 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Equity I2 9.10 %
Transamerica International Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Equity I2 8.97 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Equity I2 5.96 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Equity I2 5.17 %
118

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica International Equity I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica International Equity R 87.21 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica International Equity R 12.79 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica International Equity R4 100.00 %
Trs-Im
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica International Equity R6 15.60 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica International Equity R6 14.13 %
Vrsco
FBO Aigfsb Cust Ttee FBO
Univ Of Kansas Hospital 401A
2727-A Allen Parkway, 4-D1
Houston TX 77019-2107
Transamerica International Equity R6 11.48 %
Wells Fargo Bank Na FBO
Macon Bibb County Ret Sys - Funds

PO Box 1533
Minneapolis MN 55480-1533
Transamerica International Equity R6 6.57 %
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica International Equity R6 6.49 %
Vrsco
FBO Aigfsb Cust Ttee FBO
Univ Of Kansas Hospital 457B
2727-A Allen Parkway, 4-D1
Houston TX 77019-2107
Transamerica International Equity R6 5.05 %
Umb Bank Na
Cust IRA FBO
Joyce Vicki Brady
304 Hobby St
Georgetown TX 78633-2301
Transamerica International Growth A 16.83 %
Umb Bank Na
Cust Rollover IRA FBO
Jamy Tagatac
91-1131 Pekau St
Ewa Beach HI 96706-5605
Transamerica International Growth A 14.32 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica International Growth A 8.71 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica International Growth A 7.63 %
Umb Bank Na
Cust Roth IRA FBO
Kelly Le
1615 Sw 44th St
Cape Coral FL 33914-1719
Transamerica International Growth A 7.19 %
119

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Umb Bank Na
Cust Rollover IRA FBO
Michael Serna
3190 Fashion Ave
Long Beach CA 90810-2521
Transamerica International Growth A 5.63 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica International Growth I 53.64 %
Umb Bank Na
Cust Roth IRA FBO
Sandra M Coyle
51 Wilderness Dr
Stony Point NY 10980-3447
Transamerica International Growth I 25.71 %
Umb Bank Na Cust Dcd Roth IRA For
Helena Kobinski (Dcd)
FBO Sabina M Kobinski
5418 69th Pl
Maspeth NY 11378-1810
Transamerica International Growth I 20.65 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth I2 27.05 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth I2 26.75 %
Transamerica International Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth I2 11.55 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth I2 8.93 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth I2 7.24 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth I2 6.66 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica International Growth R6 100.00 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica International Small Cap Value I 85.35 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica International Small Cap Value I 9.93 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Small Cap Value I2 23.57 %
120

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Small Cap Value I2 23.14 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Small Cap Value I2 13.14 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Small Cap Value I2 10.59 %
Transamerica International Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Small Cap Value I2 9.75 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Small Cap Value I2 6.39 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Small Cap Value I2 5.70 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica International Stock A 97.21 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica International Stock I 98.88 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Stock I2 37.06 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Stock I2 29.67 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Stock I2 15.23 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Stock I2 11.64 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica International Stock R6 100.00 %
121

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Large Cap Value A 46.77 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Large Cap Value A 10.57 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Large Cap Value A 7.02 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Large Cap Value A 6.41 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Large Cap Value C 20.08 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Large Cap Value C 12.46 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Large Cap Value C 10.94 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Large Cap Value C 9.70 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Large Cap Value C 7.43 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Large Cap Value C 6.45 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Large Cap Value C 5.75 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Large Cap Value I 27.13 %
RBC Capital Markets LLC
Mutual Fund Omnibus Processing
Attn Mutual Fund Ops Manager
510 Marquette Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55402-1110
Transamerica Large Cap Value I 15.24 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Large Cap Value I 14.07 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Large Cap Value I 10.90 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Large Cap Value I 8.37 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Large Cap Value I 5.32 %
122

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Large Cap Value I2 38.26 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Large Cap Value I2 28.59 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Large Cap Value I2 9.92 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Large Cap Value I2 5.50 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Conservative VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Large Cap Value I2 5.45 %
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Cap Value R6 36.37 %
Trs-Im
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Cap Value R6 29.35 %
Reliance Trust Company
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Large Cap Value R6 29.08 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth A 75.96 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth C 31.95 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth C 10.62 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth C 8.69 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I 34.95 %
Interactive Brokers LLC
2 Pickwick Plz Ste 202
Greenwich CT 06830-5576
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I 22.53 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I 18.82 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I 11.68 %
123

 


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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I 5.88 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I2 40.51 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I2 32.84 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I2 7.06 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I2 5.28 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth R 75.09 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth R 24.91 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth R4 100.00 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value I2 42.11 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value I2 30.78 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value I2 18.54 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities A 18.09 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities A 15.07 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities A 9.57 %
124

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities A 6.79 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities A 6.04 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities A 5.36 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities C 28.07 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities C 23.02 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities C 11.51 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities C 6.66 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities C 6.41 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities C 5.60 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities C 5.50 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities C 5.05 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I 20.79 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I 16.53 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I 9.22 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I 9.14 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I 7.92 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I 7.48 %
125

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
TD Ameritrade Inc
PO Box 2226
Omaha NE 68103-2226
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I 5.70 %
Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company
FBO 401(k) Clients
Attn: Investment Services
PO Box 2600 Vm L20
Valley Forge PA 19482-2600
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I 5.25 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I 5.04 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I2 36.31 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I2 31.05 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I2 9.78 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Conservative VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I2 8.38 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I2 6.74 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities R 86.72 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities R 13.09 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities R4 98.96 %
Tiaa, Fsb Cust/Ttee FBO:
Retirement Plans For Which
Tiaa Acts As Recordkeeper
Attn: Trust Operations
211 N Broadway Ste 1000
Saint Louis MO 63102-2748
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities R6 33.85 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities R6 32.29 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities R6 24.82 %
126

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income A 23.77 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income A 15.96 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing PlzJersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income A 13.54 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income A 9.49 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income A 8.42 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income C 14.25 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income C 14.23 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income C 13.19 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income C 10.41 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income C 8.05 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income C 7.83 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income C 7.13 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I 41.97 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I 10.94 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I 8.56 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I 6.42 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I 5.93 %
127

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I 5.45 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I2 37.85 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I2 27.09 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I2 20.21 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income I2 7.80 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income A 21.34 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income A 17.04 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income A 9.81 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income A 9.59 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income A 7.61 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income A 6.35 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income A 5.57 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income C 16.89 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income C 15.42 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income C 13.23 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income C 12.67 %
128

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income C 10.69 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income C 8.67 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income C 5.07 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income I 40.14 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income I 9.73 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income I 9.14 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income I 8.20 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income I 7.92 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income I 7.29 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income I 6.60 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income I2 100.00 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced A 49.14 %
Sammons Retirement Solution
4546 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Wdm IA 50266-5911
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced A 6.78 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced A 6.02 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced C 30.53 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced C 10.92 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced C 7.62 %
129

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced C 7.31 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced C 6.89 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced I 22.10 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced I 9.85 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced I 9.33 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced I 8.93 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced I 6.94 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced I 6.85 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced I 5.13 %
Trs-Im
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced R6 43.92 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced R6 43.46 %
Reliance Trust Company
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced R6 11.95 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Short-Term Bond A 33.58 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Short-Term Bond A 15.22 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Short-Term Bond A 7.83 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Short-Term Bond A 7.28 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Short-Term Bond A 6.81 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Short-Term Bond A 5.09 %
130

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Short-Term Bond C 29.52 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Short-Term Bond C 12.13 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Short-Term Bond C 8.90 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Short-Term Bond C 8.50 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Short-Term Bond C 7.96 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Short-Term Bond C 6.53 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Short-Term Bond C 6.44 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I 14.02 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I 13.14 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I 11.75 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I 11.23 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I 7.55 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I 7.04 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I 6.19 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I 6.15 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I 5.97 %
Blackrock Tactical Allocation VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I2 30.66 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I2 20.91 %
131

 


Table of Contents
Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I2 18.79 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I2 16.27 %
Universal Life Insurance Company
Moderate Portfolio
PO Box 2145
San Juan PR 00922-2145
Transamerica Short-Term Bond I2 7.74 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Short-Term Bond R6 81.28 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Short-Term Bond R6 9.59 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Small Cap Growth A 59.25 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Small Cap Growth C 20.17 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Small Cap Growth C 19.17 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Small Cap Growth C 14.81 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Small Cap Growth C 10.52 %
American Enterprise Inv Svcs

707 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55402-2405
Transamerica Small Cap Growth C 5.27 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Small Cap Growth I 86.87 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Small Cap Growth I 8.17 %
Saxon & Co.
FBO 40400904099990
PO Box 94597
Cleveland OH 44101-4597
Transamerica Small Cap Growth I2 45.21 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Small Cap Growth I2 15.38 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Small Cap Growth I2 13.63 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Small Cap Growth I2 9.72 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Growth I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Growth R 74.03 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Small Cap Growth R 25.97 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Growth R4 100.00 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Small Cap Growth R6 100.00 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Small Cap Value A 40.55 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Small Cap Value A 37.61 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Small Cap Value A 7.77 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Small Cap Value C 48.54 %
Umb Bank Na
Cust Rollover IRA FBO
David Helfman
6514 Heritage
W Bloomfield MI 48322-1340
Transamerica Small Cap Value C 5.41 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Small Cap Value C 5.08 %
T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan
Services Inc
FBO Retirement Plan Clients
4515 Painters Mill Rd
Owings Mills MD 21117-4903
Transamerica Small Cap Value I 97.56 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Small Cap Value I2 33.09 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Small Cap Value I2 33.04 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Small Cap Value I2 20.34 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Small Cap Value I2 8.08 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class I3 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Value I3 100.00 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Value R 80.39 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Small Cap Value R 19.61 %
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R4 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small Cap Value R4 100.00 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Small Cap Value R6 100.00 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value A 21.93 %
TCM Division
Transamerica Life Insurance Company
Seperate Account D
4333 Edgewood Rd NE MS 4410
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0001
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value A 11.35 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value A 8.06 %
Sammons Retirement Solution
4546 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Wdm IA 50266-5911
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value A 7.24 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value A 6.94 %
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc
For the Sole Benefit of Its Customers
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value A 6.05 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value A 5.86 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value C 24.27 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value C 14.73 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value C 8.36 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value C 8.31 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value C 7.74 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value C 7.60 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value C 6.76 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value C 6.42 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I 15.61 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I 14.09 %
Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith Inc
4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2
Jacksonville FL 32246-6486
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I 11.30 %
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For The Exclusive Bene Of Its Cust
1 New York Plz FL 12
New York NY 10004-1932
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I 9.71 %
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Eboc Ubsfsi
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken NJ 07086-6761
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I 8.43 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I 6.58 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I 6.25 %
Raymond James
880 Carillon Pkwy
St Petersburg FL 33716-1100
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I 6.19 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
Special Custody A/C FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main Street
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I 5.16 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value I2 100.00 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
Trs-Im
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value R6 49.11 %
State Street Bank & Trust As Ttee
For Hanesbrands Inc Master
Investment Trust For Defined
Contribution Plans
801 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City MO 64105-1307
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value R6 24.44 %
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value R6 8.67 %
Reliance Trust Company
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2418
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value R6 5.58 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Total Return I2 33.49 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Total Return I2 25.39 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Total Return I2 24.98 %
Universal Life Insurance Company
Moderate Portfolio
PO Box 2145
San Juan PR 00922-2145
Transamerica Total Return I2 11.31 %
Transamerica Asset Management Inc
Seed Money Account
Attn Corporate Accounting
6400 C St Sw Msc 2H-Cr
Cedar Rapids IA 52499-0003
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond I 54.31 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond I 22.33 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond I 11.91 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond I 11.40 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond I2 51.76 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond I2 25.78 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Conservative VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond I2 13.56 %
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Name & Address Fund Name Class Percent
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica US Growth A 8.32 %
Charles Schwab & CO Inc
211 Maint St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica US Growth C 13.83 %
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0002
Transamerica US Growth C 8.32 %
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC
2801 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63103-2523
Transamerica US Growth C 7.79 %
LPL Financial
Omnibus Customer Account
Attn Mutual Fund Trading
4707 Executive Dr
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Transamerica US Growth C 5.68 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica US Growth C 5.44 %
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica US Growth I 29.14 %
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica US Growth I 21.82 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica US Growth I2 37.38 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica US Growth I2 29.53 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica US Growth I2 18.62 %
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica US Growth I2 7.66 %
Control Persons
Any shareholder who holds beneficially 25% or more of a fund may be deemed to control the fund until such time as it holds beneficially less than 25% of the outstanding common shares of the fund. Any shareholder controlling a fund may be able to determine the outcome of issues that are submitted to shareholders for vote, and may be able to take action regarding the fund without the consent or approval of the other shareholders.
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of July 10, 2020, the following persons held beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the fund indicated.
Unless otherwise noted, the address of each investor is c/o TAM, 1801 California Street, Suite 5200, Denver, CO 80202.
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Name & Address Portfolio Name Percentage of Fund Owned
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio 44.81%
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio 29.90%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Core Bond 37.78%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Dividend Focused 29.86%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity 28.09%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity 27.29%
Transamerica Asset
Allocation-Moderate VP
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities 26.13%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Event Driven 34.60%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Event Driven 25.50%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities 55.48%
State Street Bank & Trust Co Ttee
Various Retirement Plans
Trs Class R2 Series
440 Mamaroneck Ave
Harrison NY 10528-2426
Transamerica Government Money Market 69.38%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities 27.29%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities 27.20%
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Name & Address Portfolio Name Percentage of Fund Owned
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Intermediate Bond 33.94%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth 27.05%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica International Growth 26.75%
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica International Small Cap Value 35.25%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Large Cap Value 34.33%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Large Cap Value 25.66%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth 34.14%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth 27.68%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value 42.11%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Mid Cap Value 30.78%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income 30.77%
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco CA 94105-1905
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income 26.44%
National Financial Services LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
499 Washington Blvd
Attn Mutual Fund Dept - 4th Floor
Jersey City NJ 07310-1995
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced 26.25%
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Total Return 33.49%
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Name & Address Portfolio Name Percentage of Fund Owned
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Total Return 25.39%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond 51.74%
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth VP
Investment Account
Attn Fund Operations Mailstop 20B
1801 California St Ste 5200
Denver CO 80202-2642
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond 25.77%
Management Ownership
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of July 10, 2020, the Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of any class of each fund’s outstanding shares.
Further Information About the Trust and the Funds
The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust. Delaware law provides a statutory framework for the powers, duties, rights and obligations of the Trustees and shareholders of the Trust, while the more specific powers, duties, rights and obligations of the Trustees and the shareholders are determined by the Trustees as set forth in the Trust’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (“Declaration”) dated as of December 10, 2015, and the Trust’s Bylaws, as may be amended from time to time. Every shareholder, by virtue of purchasing shares and becoming a shareholder, agrees to be bound by the terms of the Declaration. Some of the more significant provisions of the Declaration are described below.
Shareholder Voting. The Declaration provides for shareholder voting as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable laws but otherwise permits, consistent with Delaware law, actions by the Trustees without seeking the consent of shareholders. A fund is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but a fund will call special meetings of shareholders whenever required by the 1940 Act or by the terms of the Declaration. The Declaration provides for “dollar-weighted voting” which means that a shareholder’s voting power is determined, not by the number of shares he or she owns, but by the net asset value, in U.S. dollars, of those shares determined at the close of business on the record date. All shareholders of record of all series and classes of the Trust vote together, except where required by the 1940 Act to vote separately by series or by class, or when the Trustees have determined that a matter affects only the interests of one or more series or classes of shares. There is no cumulative voting on any matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders.
Election and Removal of Trustees. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board may be filled by a vote or consent of the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that a mandatory retirement age may be set by action of two-thirds of the Trustees and that any Trustee may be removed by a vote of shareholders holding two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.
Amendments to the Declaration. The Trustees are authorized to amend the Declaration without the vote of shareholders, but no amendment may be made that impairs the exemption from personal liability granted in the Declaration to persons who are or have been shareholders, Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, that limits the rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance provided in the Declaration with respect to actions or omissions of persons entitled to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance under the Declaration prior to the amendment.
Issuance and Redemption of Shares. A fund may issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the Trustees may determine. All shares offered pursuant to the prospectus of a fund, when issued, will be fully paid and non- assessable. Shareholders are not entitled to any appraisal, preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights, except as the Trustees may determine. A fund may involuntarily redeem a shareholder’s shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the Trustees, including, for example, if the shareholder fails to provide a fund with identification required by law, or if the fund is unable to verify the information received from the shareholder or the shareholder fails to provide the required information. In addition, as discussed below, shares may be redeemed in connection with the closing of small accounts.
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Disclosure of Shareholder Holdings. The Declaration specifically requires shareholders, upon demand, to disclose in writing to a fund information with respect to the direct and indirect ownership of shares in order to comply with various laws or regulations, and a fund may disclose such ownership if required by law or regulation, or as the Trustees otherwise decide.
Small Accounts. The Declaration provides that a fund may close out a shareholder’s account by redeeming all of the shares in the account if the account falls below a minimum account size (which may vary by class) that may be set by the Trustees from time to time. Alternately, the Declaration permits a fund to assess a fee for small accounts (which may vary by class) and redeem shares in the account to cover such fees, or convert the shares into another share class that is geared to smaller accounts.
Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability. The Declaration provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of a fund and requires the fund to indemnify a shareholder against any loss or expense arising from any such liability. A fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder.
The Declaration provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as a Trustee is not personally liable to any person, other than the Trust or any series, in connection with the affairs of the Trust. The Declaration also provides that no Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust owes any duty to any person (including without limitation any shareholder), other than the Trust or any series. Each Trustee is required to perform his or her duties in good faith and in a manner he or she believes to be in the best interests of the Trust. All actions and omissions of Trustees are presumed to be in accordance with the foregoing standard of performance, and any person alleging the contrary has the burden of proving that allegation.
The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and expenses in connection with any claim or proceeding in which he or she is involved by virtue of having been a Trustee, officer or employee. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available.
The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board, a member or chair of a committee of the Board, lead independent Trustee, audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.
Derivative and Direct Actions. The Declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative or direct actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to a fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder claims, demands and derivative actions.
Prior to bringing a derivative action, the Declaration requires that a demand by no fewer than three unrelated shareholders must be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. The Trustees are not required to consider a demand that is not submitted in accordance with the requirements contained in the Declaration. The Declaration also requires that, in order to bring a derivative action, the complaining shareholders must be joined in the action by shareholders owning, at the time of the alleged wrongdoing, at the time of demand, and at the time the action is commenced, shares representing at least 5% of the voting power of the affected funds. The Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by up to an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand (or a committee comprised of some or all of such Trustees), with the assistance of counsel who may be retained by such Trustees on behalf and at the expense of the Trust, determine that a suit should be maintained, then the Trust will commence the suit and the suit generally will proceed directly and not derivatively. If a majority of the independent Trustees determines that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the funds, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not consistent with the standard of performance required of the Trustees in performing their duties. If a demand is rejected, each complaining shareholder will be responsible, jointly and severally with any and all other complaining shareholders, for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the consideration of the demand, if, in the judgment of the independent Trustees, the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose.
The Declaration provides that no Shareholder may bring a direct action claiming injury as a shareholder of the Trust, or any series or class thereof, where the matters alleged (if true) would give rise to a claim by the Trust or by the Trust on behalf of a series or class, unless the shareholder has suffered an injury distinct from that suffered by the shareholders of the Trust, or the series or class, generally. Under the Declaration, a shareholder bringing a direct claim must be a shareholder of the series or class with respect to which the direct action is brought at the time of the injury complained of, or have acquired the shares afterwards by operation of law from a person who was a shareholder at that time.
If a derivative or direct action is brought in violation of the Declaration, each shareholder who commences or maintains such action will be required. jointly and severally, to reimburse the Trust for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the action if the action is dismissed on the basis of the failure to comply with the Declaration. In addition, if a court
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determines that any derivative action has been brought without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose, the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the action will be borne, jointly and severally, by each shareholder who commenced the action.
The Declaration further provides that a fund shall be responsible for payment of attorneys’ fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder bring a derivative or direct claim only if required by law, and any attorneys’ fees that the fund is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. The Declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against the Trust or a fund be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, or if not permitted to be brought in federal court, then in the New York Supreme Court sitting in New York County with assignment to the Commercial Division to the extent such assignment is permitted under the applicable court rules, and that the right to jury trial be waived to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Series and Classes. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish series and classes in addition to those currently established and that the Trustees may determine the rights and preferences, limitations and restrictions, including qualifications for ownership, conversion and exchange features, minimum purchase and account size, expenses and charges, and other features of the series and classes. The Trustees may change any of those features, terminate any series or class, combine series with other series in the Trust, combine one or more classes of a series with another class in that series or convert the shares of one class into shares of another class. Each share of a fund, as a series of the Trust, represents an interest in the fund only and not in the assets of any other series of the Trust.
The shares of beneficial interest of the Trust are divided into thirteen classes: Class A, Class C, Class I, Class I2, Class I3, Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4, Class R6, Class T and Class T2. Not all funds offer all classes of shares. See a fund’s prospectus for a discussion of which classes of shares of that fund are available for purchase and who is eligible to purchase shares of each class. Class I3, Class R, Class R2 and Class R4 are discussed in separate SAIs. Each class represents interests in the same assets of the fund and differ as follows: each class of shares has exclusive voting rights on matters pertaining to its plan of distribution or any other matter appropriately limited to that class; the classes are subject to differing sales charges as described in the prospectus; Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4 and Class T2 shares are subject to ongoing distribution and service fees. Class I, Class I2, Class I3, Class R6 and Class T shares have no annual distribution and service fees. Each class may bear differing amounts of certain class-specific expenses, and each class has a separate exchange privilege. Class T shares are not available to new investors; only existing Class T shareholders may purchase additional Class T shares. On November 30, 2009, all shares previously designated as Class I shares were re-designated as Class I2 shares. On February 10, 2012, all shares previously designated as Class P shares were converted into Class I shares. Class R1 and Class T2 shares are not currently offered. On October 13, 2017, Class R shares of Transamerica Government Money Market were renamed Class R2 shares.
The Trust does not anticipate that there will be any conflicts between the interests of holders of the different classes of shares of the same fund by virtue of these classes. On an ongoing basis, the Board will consider whether any such conflict exists and, if so, take appropriate action.
Dividends and Other Distributions
An investor may choose among several options with respect to dividends and capital gains distributions payable to the investor. Dividends or other distributions will be paid in full and fractional shares at the net asset value determined as of the ex-dividend date unless the shareholder has elected another distribution option as described in the prospectus. The quarterly ex-dividend date for Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio will be subsequent to the ex-dividend date of the underlying Transamerica funds in which it invests. The December annual ex-dividend date for all other Asset Allocation funds will be subsequent to the ex-dividend date of the underlying Transamerica funds in which they invest. Transaction confirmations and checks for payments designated to be made in cash generally will be mailed on the payable date. The per share income dividends on Class C, Class R, Class R1 and Class R3 shares of a fund are anticipated to be lower than the per share income dividends on Class A, Class I, Class I2, Class I3, Class R2, Class R4, Class R6, Class T and Class T2 shares of that fund as a result of higher distribution and service fees applicable to Class C, Class R, Class R1 and Class R3 shares.
Taxes
Each fund has qualified (or expects to qualify in its first year), and expects to continue to qualify, for treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Code. In order to qualify for that treatment, a fund must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction, and 90% of its net exempt-interest income, if any (the “Distribution Requirement”). Each fund must also meet several other requirements. These requirements include the following: (1) a fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships; (2) at the close of each quarter of a fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other
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RICs and other securities (limited in respect of any one issuer of such other securities to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer); and (3) at the close of each quarter of a fund’s taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, in securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers that the fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or in securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
If a fund qualifies as a RIC and timely distributes to its shareholders substantially all of its net income and net capital gains, then the fund should have little or no income taxable to it under the Code. If a fund meets the Distribution Requirement but retains some portion of its taxable income or gains, it generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on the amounts retained. A fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed those liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a fund is permitted to carry forward indefinitely a net capital loss from any taxable year to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the fund and may not be distributed as such to shareholders. Generally, the funds may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. Under certain circumstances, a fund may elect to treat certain losses as though they were incurred on the first day of the taxable year immediately following the taxable year in which they were actually incurred.
Assuming a fund has sufficient earnings and profits, its shareholders generally are required to include distributions from the fund (whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares) as (1) ordinary income, to the extent the distributions are attributable to the fund’s investment income (except for qualified dividend income as discussed below), net short-term capital gain and certain net realized foreign exchange gains, (2) “exempt-interest dividends”, as discussed below, or (3) capital gains, to the extent of the fund’s net capital gain (i.e., the fund’s net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses). Transamerica Intermediate Muni and Transamerica High Yield Muni expect to distribute exempt-interest dividends, which are generally exempt from regular federal income tax but may be subject to state and local taxes and may be a tax preference item for purposes of the AMT. The other funds do not expect to be able to distribute exempt-interest dividends.
If a fund fails to qualify for treatment as a RIC, the fund will be subject to U.S. federal, and possibly state, corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains, and distributions to its shareholders (including distributions that would otherwise qualify as capital gain dividends or as exempt-interest dividends) will constitute ordinary dividend income to the extent of the fund’s available earnings and profits. Under certain circumstances, a fund may be able to cure a failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, but in order to do so, the fund may incur significant fund-level taxes and may be forced to dispose of certain assets.
Distributions by a fund in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) each shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, and any distributions in excess of that basis will be treated as gain from the sale of shares, as discussed below.
A fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income (for that calendar year) and capital gain net income (for the one-year period generally ending on October 31 of that year), increased or decreased by certain other amounts. Each fund intends to distribute annually a sufficient amount of any taxable income and capital gains so as to avoid liability for this excise tax.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by a fund in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record during such a month, and paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared. In addition, certain distributions made after the close of a taxable year of a fund may be “spilled back” and treated for certain purposes as paid by the relevant fund during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders generally will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made. For purposes of calculating the amount of a RIC’s undistributed income and gain subject to the 4% excise tax described above, such “spilled back” dividends are treated as paid by the RIC when they are actually paid.
U.S. federal income tax law generally taxes noncorporate taxpayers on long-term capital gains and on “qualified dividend income” at rates of up to 20%.
Except for “exempt-interest dividends,” as described below, other distributions, including distributions of earnings from, in general, dividends paid to a fund that are not themselves qualified dividend income to the fund, interest income, other types of ordinary income and short-term capital gains, will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate applicable to the taxpayer.
Qualified dividend income generally means dividend income received from a fund’s investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain “qualified foreign corporations,” provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the fund and the shareholder receiving a distribution of the dividend income. Qualified dividend income generally also includes any dividend
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income (i) that is received by a fund from an underlying fund that is itself treated as a RIC and that received such income as dividends on common and preferred stock of U.S. companies or on stock of certain qualified foreign corporations, and (ii) that is reported as qualified dividend income by the underlying RICs, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by the underlying fund, the fund and the shareholders. If 95% or more of a fund’s gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, that fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.
A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose if it is incorporated in a possession of the U.S. or it is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the U.S. and meets certain additional requirements. Certain foreign corporations that are not otherwise qualified foreign corporations will be treated as qualified foreign corporations with respect to dividends paid by them if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. Passive foreign investment companies are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose.
A dividend that is attributable to qualified dividend income of a fund and that is paid by the fund to a shareholder will not be taxable as qualified dividend income to such shareholder (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of the fund held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share became “ex-dividend” with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, or (3) if the shareholder elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest. The “ex-dividend” date is the date on which the owner of the share at the commencement of such date is entitled to receive the next issued dividend payment for such share even if the share is sold by the owner on that date or thereafter. Dividends received by a fund from REITs generally do not qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income.
Certain dividends received by a fund, or attributable to dividends received by an underlying fund, from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the fund or underlying fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately reported by the fund may be eligible for the 50% dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under the Code. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend in order to be eligible. Capital gain dividends distributed to a fund from other RICs are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their fund shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their fund shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to fund shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those shares. The applicable holding period requirements must also be satisfied by the fund and any underlying fund. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax advisor regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of “extraordinary dividends” received with respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required.
Any fund distribution (other than a dividend that is declared on a daily basis) will have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of shares in the fund by the amount of the distribution. Shareholders purchasing shares shortly before the record date of any dividend distribution that is not declared daily may thus pay the full price for the shares then effectively receive a portion of the purchase price back as a taxable distribution unless the distribution is an exempt-interest dividend.
The U.S. federal income tax status of all distributions will be reported to shareholders annually.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates or trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends and certain capital gains are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income, but exempt-interest dividends are not taken into account for this purpose.
Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends (other than exempt-interest dividends) and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of fund shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.
If a fund is the holder of record of any stock on the record date for any dividends payable with respect to such stock, such dividends will be included in the fund’s gross income not as of the date received, but as of the later of (a) the date such stock became ex-dividend with respect to such dividends or (b) the date the fund acquired such stock. Accordingly, in order to satisfy its income distribution requirements, a fund may be required to pay dividends based on anticipated earnings, and shareholders may receive dividends in an earlier year than would otherwise be the case.
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The Code permits tax-exempt interest received by a fund to flow through as tax-exempt “exempt-interest dividends” to the fund’s shareholders if the fund qualifies as a regulated investment company and at least 50% of the value of its total assets at the close of each quarter of its taxable year consists of tax-exempt obligations, i.e., obligations that pay interest excluded from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code. That part of Transamerica Intermediate Muni’s and Transamerica High Yield Muni’s net investment income which is attributable to interest from tax-exempt obligations and which is distributed to shareholders is expected to be reported by Transamerica Intermediate Muni and Transamerica High Yield Muni as an exempt-interest dividend under the Code. Exempt-interest dividends are excluded from a shareholder’s gross income under the Code but are nevertheless required to be reported on the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax return. The percentage of income reported as exempt-interest dividends for a month may differ from the percentage of distributions consisting of tax-exempt interest during that month.
Exempt-interest dividends derived from interest on certain “private activity bonds” will be items of tax preference, which increase alternative minimum taxable income for individuals or entities that are subject to the AMT. Corporate shareholders are not subject to the AMT.
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder to purchase or carry shares of a fund distributing exempt-interest dividends will not be deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent the indebtedness is deemed under the Code and applicable regulations to relate to exempt-interest dividends received from the fund. A fund distributing exempt-interest dividends may not be an appropriate investment for persons who are “substantial users” of facilities financed by industrial revenue or private activity bonds or persons related to substantial users. Shareholders receiving social security or certain railroad retirement benefits may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of such benefits as a result of receiving exempt-interest dividends paid by a fund.
Transamerica Intermediate Muni and Transamerica High Yield Muni may each from time to time invest a portion of its portfolio in taxable obligations and may engage in transactions generating gain or income that is not tax-exempt, e.g., it may purchase, hold and sell non-municipal securities, sell or lend portfolio securities, enter into repurchase agreements, dispose of rights to when-issued securities prior to issuance, acquire debt obligations at a market discount, acquire certain stripped tax-exempt obligations or their coupons or enter into options and future transactions. Transamerica Intermediate Muni’s and Transamerica High Yield Muni’s distributions of such gain or income will not constitute exempt-interest dividends and accordingly will be taxable under the generally applicable rules described above.
Redemptions, sales and exchanges generally are taxable events for shareholders that are subject to tax. Redemptions, sales or exchanges of shares of Transamerica Government Money Market will not result in taxable gain or loss if that fund maintains a constant net asset value per share. In general, if shares of a fund other than Transamerica Government Money Market are redeemed, sold or exchanged, the shareholder will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds of the redemption or sale or the value of the shares exchanged and the shareholder’s adjusted basis in the shares redeemed, sold or exchanged. This capital gain or loss may be long-term or short-term, generally depending upon the shareholder's holding period for the shares. For tax purposes, a loss will be disallowed on the redemption, sale or exchange of shares if the disposed of shares are replaced (including replacement by shares acquired pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of the redemption, sale or exchange of such shares. Should the replacement of such shares fall within this 61-day period, the basis of the acquired shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by the shareholder on its disposition of fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less may be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends paid with respect to such shares, and any portion of such loss that exceeds the amount disallowed will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain with respect to such shares (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains).
Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to fund shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder, or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, in any single taxable year (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Shareholders who own portfolio securities directly are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement but, under current guidance, shareholders of RICs are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
None of the Asset Allocation funds (each, a “Fund of Funds”) will be able to offset gains distributed by any underlying fund in which it invests against losses incurred by another underlying fund in which it invests because the underlying funds cannot distribute losses. A Fund of Funds’ redemptions and sales of shares in an underlying fund, including those resulting from changes in the allocation among underlying funds, could cause the Fund of Funds to recognize taxable gain or loss. A portion of any such gains may be short-term capital gains that would be distributable as ordinary income to shareholders of the Fund of Funds. Further, a portion of losses on redemptions of shares in the underlying funds may be deferred. Short-term capital gains earned by an underlying fund will be treated as ordinary dividends when distributed to a Fund of Funds and therefore may not be offset by any short-term capital losses incurred by that Fund of Funds. Thus, a Fund of Funds’ short-term capital losses may offset its long-term capital gains, which might otherwise be eligible for reduced U.S. federal income tax rates for noncorporate shareholders, as discussed above. As a result of these factors, the use of the fund-of-funds structure by the Funds of Funds could adversely affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to their shareholders.
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The funds and the underlying funds may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains with respect to their investments in those countries. Any such taxes would, if imposed, reduce the yield on or return from those investments. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. If more than 50% of a fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consist of stock or securities of foreign corporations, the fund may elect to pass through to its shareholders their pro rata shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by the fund for that taxable year. If at least 50% of a fund’s total assets at the close of each quarter of a taxable year consist of interests in other RICs, the fund may make the same election and pass through to its shareholders their pro rata shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by those other RICs and passed through to the fund for that taxable year. If the fund so elects, its shareholders would be required to include the passed-through taxes in their gross incomes (in addition to the dividends and distributions they actually receive), would treat such taxes as foreign taxes paid by them, and as described below may be entitled to a tax deduction for such taxes or a tax credit, subject to a holding period requirement and other limitations under the Code.
Qualified foreign taxes generally include taxes that would be treated as income taxes under U.S. tax regulations but do not include most other taxes, such as stamp taxes, securities transaction taxes, and similar taxes. If a fund qualifies to make, and makes, the election described above, shareholders may deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the fund or those other RICs for that taxable year in computing their income subject to U.S. federal income taxation or, alternatively, claim them as credits, subject to applicable limitations under the Code, against their U.S. federal income taxes. Shareholders who do not itemize deductions for U.S. federal income tax purposes will not, however, be able to deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the fund or those other RICs, although such shareholders will be required to include their shares of such taxes in gross income if the fund makes the election described above. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their AMT liability.
If a fund makes this election and a shareholder chooses to take a credit for the foreign taxes deemed paid by such shareholder, the amount of the credit that may be claimed in any year may not exceed the same proportion of the U.S. tax against which such credit is taken that the shareholder’s taxable income from foreign sources (but not in excess of the shareholder’s entire taxable income) bears to his entire taxable income. For this purpose, long-term and short-term capital gains the fund realizes and distributes to shareholders will generally not be treated as income from foreign sources in their hands, nor will distributions of certain foreign currency gains subject to Section 988 of the Code or of any other income realized by the fund that is deemed, under the Code, to be U.S.-source income in the hands of the fund. This foreign tax credit limitation may also be applied separately to certain specific categories of foreign-source income and the related foreign taxes. As a result of these rules, which may have different effects depending upon each shareholder’s particular tax situation, certain shareholders may not be able to claim a credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by a fund or other RICs in which the fund invests. Shareholders who are not liable for U.S. federal income taxes, including tax-exempt shareholders, will ordinarily not benefit from this election. If a fund does make the election, it will provide required tax information to shareholders. RICs generally may deduct any foreign taxes that are not passed through to their shareholders in computing their income available for distribution to shareholders to satisfy applicable tax distribution requirements. Under certain circumstances, if a fund or an underlying fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of the fund’s shares or the value of the underlying fund’s shares, as applicable, could be affected, or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.
The following paragraphs are intended to disclose risks of investments that certain funds may make directly and that the Funds of Funds may make indirectly, through underlying funds. Thus, references in the following paragraphs to one or more “funds” should be read to include, as applicable, references to one or more “underlying funds.”
Master Limited Partnerships: A fund may invest no more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of MLPs and other entities treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. An MLP is an entity treated as a partnership under the Code, the partnership interests of which are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. An entity that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes generally is not itself subject to federal income tax. Instead, each partner in the partnership is generally required to take into account its distributive share of items of the partnership’s income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit for each taxable year substantially as though such items had been realized directly by the partner and without regard to whether the partnership distributes any amount to its partners. To qualify for that treatment, an MLP must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as interest, dividends, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. For this purpose, mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines) of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or industrial source carbon dioxide. If it does not so qualify, it will generally be subject to tax as a corporation, and there could be a material decrease in the value of its securities.
Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to a fund from any investments in MLPs in a given year will generally reduce that fund’s taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in that fund’s income in one or more subsequent years. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to fund shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though those shareholders might not have held shares in the fund recognizing recapture income at the time the deductions were taken by that fund, and even though those shareholders may not have corresponding economic gain on their shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, a fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional recapture income.
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Noncorporate taxpayers are generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of “qualified publicly traded partnership income.” A fund will not be able to claim such a deduction in respect of income allocated to it by any MLPs or other publicly traded partnerships in which it invests, and shareholders will not be able to claim such a deduction in respect of fund dividends attributable to any such income.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies: Certain funds may invest in the stock of “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). A PFIC is a foreign corporation that, in general, meets either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is derived from passive investments; or (2) at least 50% of its assets (generally computed based on average fair market value) held during the taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, a fund will be subject to federal income tax on gain from the disposition of PFIC shares and on certain distributions from a PFIC (collectively, “excess distributions”), plus interest thereon, even if the fund distributes the excess distributions as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. If a fund invests in a PFIC and elects in the first year in which it holds such investment (or if it elects subsequently and makes certain other elections) to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund,” then in lieu of the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the fund will be required to include in income each year its pro rata share of the qualified electing fund’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses). This income inclusion is required even if the PFIC does not distribute such income and gains to the fund, and the amounts so included would be subject to the Distribution Requirement described above. In many instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof. In order to distribute any such income and gains and satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, a fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund.
A fund may, in the alternative, elect to mark to market its PFIC stock at the end of each taxable year, with the result that unrealized gains are treated as though they were realized as of such date. Any such gains will be ordinary income rather than capital gain. In order for a fund making this election to distribute any such income and gains and satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, the fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. If the mark-to-market election were made, tax at the fund level under the excess distribution rules would be eliminated, but a fund could still incur nondeductible interest charges if it makes the mark-to-market election in a year after the first taxable year in which it acquired the PFIC stock.
Controlled Foreign Corporations: If a sufficient percentage of the interests in a foreign issuer are held by a fund, independently or together with certain other U.S. persons, that issuer may be treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” (a “CFC”) with respect to the fund, in which case the fund will be required to take into account each year, as ordinary income, its share of certain portions of that issuer’s income, whether or not such amounts are distributed. A fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities (potentially resulting in the recognition of taxable gain or loss, and potentially under disadvantageous circumstances) to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to meet its distribution requirements and avoid fund-level taxes. In addition, some fund gains on the disposition of interests in such an issuer may be treated as ordinary income. A fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in issuers that could be treated as CFCs in order to limit its tax liability or maximize its after-tax return from these investments.
Options, Futures and Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements: Certain options, futures contracts, and forward contracts in which a fund may invest may be “Section 1256 contracts.” Gains or losses on Section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses; however, foreign currency gains or losses arising from certain Section 1256 contracts may be treated as ordinary income or loss. Also, Section 1256 contracts held by a fund at the end of each taxable year are “marked to market” with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized. In order to distribute any such gains, satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs and avoid taxation, a fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund.
Generally, the hedging transactions undertaken by a fund may result in “straddles” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by a fund. In addition, losses realized by a fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in which such losses are realized. Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in options, futures, forward contracts, swap agreements and other financial contracts to a fund are not entirely clear. The transactions may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders.
A fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code which are applicable to straddles. If a fund makes any of the elections, the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections may operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions.
Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased as compared to a fund that did not engage in such hedging transactions.
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Because only a few regulations regarding the treatment of swap agreements, and related caps, floors and collars, have been promulgated, the tax consequences of such transactions are not entirely clear. The funds intend to account for such transactions in a manner deemed by them to be appropriate, but the IRS might not accept such treatment. If it did not, the status of a fund as a RIC might be affected.
The requirements applicable to a fund’s qualification as a RIC may limit the extent to which a fund will be able to engage in transactions in options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swap agreements and other financial contracts.
Certain hedging activities may cause a dividend that would otherwise be subject to the lower tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income to instead be taxed at the rate of tax applicable to ordinary income.
Original Issue Discount: If a fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the fund generally must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, each fund must distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and net tax-exempt income, including any such accrued income, to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the Code and avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, a fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements. Such a disposition of securities may potentially result in additional taxable gain or loss to a fund.
Constructive Sales: The constructive sale rules may affect timing and character of gain if a fund engages in transactions that reduce or eliminate its risk of loss with respect to appreciated financial positions. If a fund enters into certain transactions in property while holding substantially identical property, the fund will be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and will be taxed on any gain (but not loss) from the constructive sale. The character of any gain from a constructive sale will depend upon the fund’s holding period in the property. Any loss from a constructive sale will be recognized when the property is subsequently disposed of, and the character of such loss will depend on the fund’s holding period and the application of various loss deferral provisions of the Code.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, a noncorporate taxpayer is generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of the taxpayer’s “qualified REIT dividends.” If a fund receives dividends (other than capital gain dividends) in respect of REIT shares, the fund may report its own dividends as eligible for the 20% deduction, to the extent the fund’s income is derived from such qualified REIT dividends, as reduced by allocable Fund expenses. In order for the fund’s dividends to be eligible for this deduction when received by a noncorporate shareholder, the fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the REIT shares on which the fund received the eligible dividends, and the noncorporate shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the fund shares.
Foreign Currency Transactions: Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time a fund accrues income or expenses denominated in a foreign currency (or determined by reference to the value of one or more foreign currencies) and the time that a fund actually receives or makes payment of such income or expenses, generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts and options, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition generally are also treated as ordinary gain or loss. Some of the funds have elected, or may elect, to treat this foreign currency income as capital gain or capital loss.
Backup Withholding: Each fund is required to withhold (as “backup withholding”) a portion of reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain distributions, exempt-interest dividends and the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges or repurchases of fund shares (except for proceeds of redemptions of shares in Transamerica Government Money Market), paid to shareholders who have not complied with certain IRS regulations. The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. In order to avoid this withholding requirement, shareholders, other than certain exempt entities, must certify that the Social Security Number or other Taxpayer Identification Number they provide is correct and that they are not currently subject to backup withholding, or that they are exempt from backup withholding. A fund may nevertheless be required to backup withhold if it receives notice from the IRS or a broker that the number provided is incorrect or backup withholding is applicable as a result of previous underreporting of interest or dividend income.
Cost Basis: Each fund (other than Transamerica Government Money Market) will report to the IRS the amount of sale proceeds that a shareholder receives from a sale or exchange of fund shares. For sales or exchanges of shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, each fund (other than Transamerica Government Money Market) will also report basis and acquisition date information in those shares and the character of any gain or loss that the shareholder realizes on the sale or exchange (i.e., short-term or long-term). If a shareholder has a different basis for different shares of a fund in the same account (e.g., if a shareholder purchased fund shares in the same account when the shares were at different prices), the fund or the shareholder’s Service Agent (banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the funds’ distributor to sell shares of the applicable fund), as applicable, will calculate the basis of the shares sold using its default method unless the shareholder has properly elected to use a different method. The funds’ default method for calculating basis will be the average cost method. A shareholder may elect, on an account-by-account basis, to use a method other than average cost by following procedures
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established by the fund or the shareholder’s Service Agent, as applicable. For purposes of calculating and reporting basis, shares acquired prior to January 1, 2012 and shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 will generally be treated as held in separate accounts. If a shareholder elects to use a different method of basis calculation, the application of that method will depend on whether shares in an account have already been sold or exchanged. For information regarding available methods for calculating cost basis and procedures for electing a method other than the average cost method, shareholders who hold their shares directly with a fund may call the fund at 1-888-233-4339 Monday through Friday during the hours of operation as posted on the funds’ website at www.transamerica.com/contact-us. Shareholders who hold shares through a Service Agent should contact the Service Agent for information concerning the Service Agent’s default method for calculating basis and procedures for electing to use an alternative method. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of applying the average cost method or electing another method of basis calculation.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders: Dividends from net investment income (other than, in general, exempt-interest dividends) that are paid to a shareholder who, as to the U.S., is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign corporation or a foreign estate or foreign trust (each, a “foreign shareholder”) may be subject to a withholding tax at a rate of 30% or any lower applicable tax rate established in a treaty between the U.S. and the shareholder’s country of residence. Dividends that are derived from “qualified net interest income” and dividends that are derived from “qualified short-term gain” may be exempt from the 30% withholding tax, provided that the distributing fund chooses to follow certain procedures. A fund may choose to not follow such procedures and there can be no assurance as to the amount, if any, of dividends that would not be subject to withholding. Qualified net interest income is a fund’s net income derived from U.S.-source interest and original issue discount, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. Qualified short-term gain generally means the excess of the net short-term capital gain of a fund for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. The withholding rules described in this paragraph do not apply to a dividend paid to a foreign shareholder if the dividend income is “effectively connected with the shareholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the U.S.” and the shareholder provides appropriate tax forms and documentation. Backup withholding (described above) will not be imposed on foreign shareholders who are subject to the 30% withholding tax described in this paragraph.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to fund distributions payable to such entities. Exempt-interest dividends may be exempt from this withholding tax. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
Foreign shareholders are subject to U.S. tax on disposition of a “United States real property interest” (a “USRPI”). Gain on such a disposition is sometimes referred to as “FIRPTA gain.” The Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of “FIRPTA gain” if certain requirements are met. If the look-through rule applies, certain distributions attributable to income received by a fund, e.g., from REITs, may be treated as gain from the disposition of a USRPI, causing distributions to be subject to U.S. withholding tax at rates of up to 21%, and requiring non-U.S. shareholders to file nonresident U.S. income tax returns.
The treatment of dividends and other distributions by a fund to shareholders under the various state income tax laws may not parallel that under U.S. federal income tax law. Qualification as a RIC does not involve supervision of a fund’s management or of its investment policies and practices by any governmental authority.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations, including any federal, state, local or foreign tax liabilities.
Financial Statements
The audited financial statements and financial highlights for the funds as of October 31, 2019 have been filed with the SEC as part of the annual report of the funds on January 3, 2020 (SEC Accession #0001193125-20-001394), and are hereby incorporated by reference into this SAI.
Financial statements for Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities are not included in this SAI because the fund did not commence operations until after the most recent fiscal year end.
Financial statements for Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond are not included in this SAI because these funds had not commenced operations as of October 31, 2019.
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Appendix A – Proxy Voting Policies
Advent Capital Management, LLC
Proxy Voting
A. Voting Policy
It is the policy of Advent that in every case where Advent is presented with the opportunity to exercise voting authority with respect to a Client’s Securities, Advent will vote all Securities held by the Client in the best interest of the Client unless under the facts and circumstances the Chief Compliance Officer determines that voting is not reasonably practicable (such as, but not limited to, where English-language translations of proxy materials are not available).
Advent believes the best interest of the Client means the Client’s best economic interests over the long-term – that is, the interest of the Client in seeing the value of its investment increase over time. Advent generally invests in a company only if Advent believes that the company’s management seeks to serve shareholders’ best interests. As a result, Advent believes that management decisions and recommendations with respect to solicited issues generally are likely to be in the shareholders’ and Clients’ best interests.
In the case of social issue proxy proposals, which often range from divestment from geographical or industrial representation to environmental or other matters, it is the policy of Advent that the merit of the social issues should not take precedence over financial ones. Advent will consider voting for issues that have redeeming social merit that neither compromises the company’s competitive position within an industry, nor adversely impacts the goal of maximizing shareholder value.
B. Duty to Vote Proxies
Advent acknowledges that it is part of its fiduciary duty to its Clients to vote Client proxies, except in cases in which the cost of doing so, in the opinion of Advent, would exceed the expected benefits to the Client. This may be particularly true in the case of non-U.S. Securities. While the proxy voting process is well established in the United States and other developed markets with a number of tools and services available to assist an investment manager, voting proxies of non-US companies located in certain jurisdictions, particularly emerging markets, may involve a number of logistical problems that may have a detrimental effect on Advent’s ability to vote such proxies. The logistical problems include, but are not limited to: (1) proxy statements and ballots being written in a language other than English; (2) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings; (3) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuer’s jurisdiction of organization to exercise votes; (4) requirements to vote proxies in person; (5) the imposition of restrictions on the sale of the Securities for a period of time in proximity to the shareholder meeting; and (6) requirements to provide local agents with power of attorney to facilitate Advent’s voting instructions. Accordingly, Advent may conduct a cost-benefit analysis in determining whether to attempt to vote its Clients’ shares at a non-US company’s meeting, whereby if it is determined that the cost associated with the attempt to exercise its vote outweighs the benefit Advent believes its Clients will derive by voting on the company’s proposal, Advent may decide not to attempt to vote at the meeting.
C. Voting Procedure
Advent does not take investment positions outside of the Clients it manages and therefore does not anticipate a situation where there would be a conflict between maximizing long-term investment returns for Clients and interests of Advent. If such a situation should arise involving a Public Security, the Compliance Committee will independently review and evaluate the proxy proposal and the circumstances surrounding the conflict to determine the vote, which will be in the best interest of the Client. The Compliance Committee may also determine whether the conflict of interest involving the Public Security will be disclosed to the Clients (and/or Investors) and whether to obtain consent prior to voting.
The Investment Team will identify a staff member who is responsible for voting proxies, and in the absence of that person, the General Counsel or another individual designated by the Chief Administrative Officer will vote proxies. In deciding how to vote a proxy, these persons are permitted but not required to consult with appropriate members of the Investment Team. They may also consult with the Chief Financial Officer and such other Persons as they deem advisable.
Although the proxy voting process is well established in the United States, voting the proxies of foreign companies may involve a number of logistical problems that have a detrimental effect on Advent’s ability to vote such proxies. The logistical problems include language barriers, untimely or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings, restrictions on a foreigner’s ability to exercise votes, and requirements to vote in person. Such proxies are voted on a best-efforts basis given the above logistical problems.
D. Disclosure to Clients
Advent will disclose the Proxy Voting Procedures to its Clients. Advent’s disclosure will consist of a “concise summary” of its proxy voting policies and procedures. This disclosure will also tell Clients how to get a complete copy of Advent’s Proxy Voting Procedures. The proxy voting disclosure will be provided to existing Clients. Advent will provide any Client, upon written request, with a tabulation of how such Client’s proxies were voted by Advent.
E. Record Keeping Requirements
Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act, as amended, requires that Advent retain the following: (1) its proxy voting policies and procedures; (2) proxy statements received regarding client securities; (3) records of votes it cast on behalf of Clients; (4) records of Client requests for proxy voting information; and (5) any documents prepared by Advent that were material to making a decision how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision. Advent will keep all written requests from Clients and any written response from Advent (to either a written or an oral
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request). Advent may rely on proxy statements filed on the SEC’s EDGAR system instead of keeping its own copies, and may rely on proxy statements and records of proxy votes cast by Advent that are maintained with a third party such as a proxy voting service, provided that Advent has obtained an undertaking from the third party to provide a copy of the documents promptly upon request.
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Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC
Proxy Voting Policy
Section 1: Introduction
1.01: Rule References
Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (“AUIM”) hereby adopts this Proxy Voting Policy (“Policy”) pursuant to Rules 206(4)-6 and 206(4)-7 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to reasonably ensure that it votes proxies and other securities actions (“Proxies”) in its Clients' best interests.
Specifically, Rule 206(4)-6 requires each registered investment adviser that exercises securities voting (“Proxy Voting”) authority with respect to Client securities to:
a. Adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes Client securities in the Clients’ best interests. Such policies and procedures must address the manner in which the adviser will resolve material conflicts of interest that can arise during the proxy voting process;
b. Disclose to Clients how they may obtain information from the adviser about how the adviser voted with respect to their securities; and
c. Describe to Clients the adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines and, upon request, furnish a copy of the policies and procedures.
AUIM is a fiduciary that owes each of its clients a duty of care and loyalty with respect to all services undertaken on the client’s behalf, including Proxy Voting. The duty of care generally requires AUIM to monitor corporate events and to vote Proxies, unless a Client has agreed otherwise. AUIM Employees who exercise Proxy Voting authority must do so in accordance with this Policy.
This Policy is also designed to comply with the books and records requirements prescribed in Rule 204-2(c)(2).
1.02: Policy Owner
AUIM’s Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) or his designee is primarily responsible for administering and enforcing this Policy. The CIO may delegate performance of policy responsibilities to other Employees, including Asset Specialists, acting individually or collectively, for whom he shall retain supervision and oversight. The Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) and/or his designees (collectively referred to as “Compliance” or the “Compliance team”) shall provide policy administration, support, and monitoring.
Employees who exercise Proxy Voting authority must vote Client Securities in accordance with this Policy and in the Clients’ best interests.
1.03: Definitions
Except as otherwise defined herein, for the purpose of this Policy, the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed below:
Act: The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and all regulations promulgated thereunder.
Affiliate: An entity that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with AUIM.
Asset Specialist(s): AUIM Employees responsible for providing expertise and knowledge on a particular asset class or topic.
Client: (a) Any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (“IC Act”) for whom AUIM acts as investment adviser or sub-adviser, (b) any Separate Account, Private Fund, or collective investment trust fund where AUIM acts as investment adviser, or (c) investment arrangement where AUIM acts as investment adviser with discretion on the account or is engaged to provide non-discretionary advice.
Conflict of Interest: A condition or situation, or the appearance thereof, in which competing professional, personal, financial, or other interests of AUIM or its Employees are contrary to the interests of AUIM and/or its Clients.
Employees: AUIM managers, officers, Employees, access persons, and other individuals identified by Compliance.
Equity Securities Voting Policy Guidelines: AUIM roadmap for arriving at voting decisions on common or routine proxy matters.
Private Fund: As defined in the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, a Private Fund is an issuer that would be an investment company as defined in section 3 of the IC Act but for sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the IC Act.
Procedures: Procedures, protocols and practices of AUIM or part thereof as AUIM’s President, or his designees, may approve or sanction from time to time.
Security: The SEC defines the term “Security” broadly to include stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, options, interests in private placements, futures contracts on other Securities, participations in profit-sharing agreements, and interests in oil, gas, or other mineral royalties or leases, among other things. “Security” is also defined to include any instrument commonly known as a Security. On the other hand, in most – but not necessarily all – instances, a promissory note is not considered to be a “Security.” Any questions about whether an instrument is a Security for purposes of the federal Securities laws should be directed to the CCO.
Separate Account: A type of Client that is a separately managed investment account (i.e., a Client account that is not a pooled investment vehicle). Separate Accounts can include accounts of both third-party Clients and Clients that are Affiliates of AUIM.
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Section 2: Proxy Voting General Principles
AUIM recognizes and adheres to the principle that an important Client interest associated with owning a Security is exercising the right to vote in the election of the company’s directors and on matters affecting the company’s structure and operations. AUIM endeavours to vote Client Securities in the best interest of its Clients. In general, votes will be determined on a case-by-case basis, after taking into consideration all factors relevant to the issues presented. AUIM seeks to vote Proxies in a manner consistent with its fiduciary obligations and other contractual responsibilities.
Section 3: Proxy Voting Responsibilities
AUIM votes on behalf of all Client accounts for which it has the requisite discretionary authority except for situations in which any Client notifies AUIM in writing that it has retained, and intends to exercise, the authority to vote its own Securities. Clients may also ask AUIM to vote their Securities in accordance with specific guidelines furnished by the Client, in which case AUIM will vote such Securities within the Client’s guidelines.
AUIM primarily manages Client portfolios of debt Securities. For most fixed income Clients, the issues for which AUIM votes fixed income Securities generally involve amendments to loan documentation, borrower compliance with financial covenants, registration rights, prepayments, insolvency, and other distressed creditor situations. Because these and related fixed income issues are generally unique to each particular borrower and relevant fact situation, they do not lend themselves to broad characterization that can be addressed by standard Proxy Voting guidelines.
Routine proxy matters associated with equity Securities (including but not limited to electing board of directors, selecting auditors, shareholder rights, proxy contests, corporate governance matters, and executive and director compensation) are typically voted in accordance with its Equity Proxy Voting Guidelines (“Guidelines”) (see Appendix A). These Guidelines are not designed to be exhaustive or to address non-routine matters that may be raised in Proxy ballots or other voting opportunities. To the extent relevant and appropriate, AUIM may consider these Guidelines when voting Client debt Securities.
Section 4: INTERNAL CONTROLS
4.01: Proxy Voting Exceptions
AUIM will use its best efforts to vote all Client Proxies. There may be instances (e.g., when Client Securities have been loaned) that at the time the vote is due circumstances exist that impact or prevent AUIM’s ability to vote Client Proxies.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in some situations, AUIM may determine that it is in the Client’s best interest to abstain from voting Proxies. Accordingly, where AUIM believes the cost of voting Proxies outweighs the benefits of doing so, it will generally abstain. For example, AUIM will generally abstain from voting Proxies on international Securities where personal appearance is required, or where it does not have sufficient information to vote the Proxy, and the cost or administrative burden of obtaining such information is not commensurate with the reasonably foreseeable impact of the matter being voted upon in the Proxy.
4.02: Use of an Independent Third Party
Because of the expertise of its staff with the issues upon which it votes Client debt Securities, AUIM will not generally seek the services of a qualified independent third party (“Independent Third Party”) to provide guidance on such matters.
AUIM will generally research and cast Proxy Votes based on its own Policy and Guidelines. In instances deemed appropriate by the CIO, particularly when AUIM has a material Conflict of Interest, or when AUIM lacks sufficient knowledge or resources, it may engage an Independent Third Party to, among other things, provide Proxy research and/or to make recommendations. When AUIM considers the research or recommendations provided by an Independent Third Party, it retains all Proxy Voting responsibilities.
4.03: ERISA Accounts
Where Client accounts are governed by ERISA, AUIM shall vote all Proxies unless the ERISA Plan documents (e.g., Plan, Trust, etc.) explicitly provide that AUIM is not to vote Proxies and/or another Plan fiduciary or the trustee retains Proxy Voting authority.
4.04: Securities Voting Committee
The Securities Voting Committee (“Committee”) consists of representatives from Investment Management, Credit Research, Compliance and Legal. The Committee meets at least annually, and has the following responsibilities:
Review potential Material Conflicts and decide whether a material conflict is present, and needs to be addressed according to these policies and procedures.
Review the Guidelines and make revisions as appropriate.
Review these Policies and Procedures annually for accuracy and effectiveness, and recommend and adopt any necessary changes.
Review all Guideline overrides.
Review voting metrics.
4.05: Operational Considerations
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AUIM shall take reasonable efforts to ensure that all accounts where it has Proxy Voting responsibility are properly established and maintained in order for it to carry out these responsibilities. Furthermore, AUIM shall maintain Procedures reasonably designed to ensure that all applicable Proxies are received, considered, and votes cast in accordance with this Policy and/or related Guidelines.
Section 5: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
In fulfilling its Proxy voting responsibilities, AUIM may face conflicts of interest. Conflicts include any position or interest, financial or otherwise, which causes a division in or impairs AUIM’s independence or judgment concerning how to vote Proxies in the clients’ best interests. A material conflict of interest may arise between the self-interest of the firm, an Employee, the Committee, and AUIM’s clients.
The Asset Specialist, with assistance from the CCO and others as mandated, will consider whether AUIM is subject to any conflicts of interest in connection with a Proxy Vote. Employees must notify the CCO and the Committee if they are aware of any conflict of interest associated with a Proxy Vote. It is not possible to anticipate all conflicts of interest that could arise in connection with Proxy Voting. The following examples are meant to help Employees identify potential conflicts:AUIM or an affiliate has a financial interest in the outcome of a proxy vote, such as when AUIM is asked to vote on a change in Rule 12b-1 fees paid by a mutual fund to it or its affiliates;An issuer or some other third-party offers AUIM or an Employee compensation in exchange for voting a proxy in a particular way; andAn Employee, or a member of an Employee’s household, has a personal or business relationship with an issuer and AUIM receives a proxy solicitation from that issuer.
AUIM recognizes the potential for conflicts that may arise between its own interests and those of its clients. To address these concerns, AUIM, as advised by the Committee, will generally take one of the following steps to avoid any impropriety or the appearance of impropriety in any situation involving a conflict of interest:Obtain a review from AUIM’s General Counsel regarding determination of a conflict;Obtain the guidance from the client(s) whose account(s) is/are involved in the conflict;Vote Proxies in accordance with the recommendation of an Independent Third Party; orVote in strict accordance with its Guidelines
Section 6: Proxy Voting Reports
AUIM shall provide, upon client request and at no cost:
a. A description of its Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines (either as part of Part 2B of AUIM’s Form ADV or as a standalone document);
b. A copy of this Policy; and/or
c. Information regarding how AUIM voted Proxies on behalf of the Client.
AUIM shall not provide to any Client, information about AUIM’s Proxy Voting activities for any other Client.
Section 7: Proxy Voting Monitoring and Oversight
Compliance may conduct periodic testing and/or surveillance of AUIM’s Proxy Voting activities. Issues relating to such activities, at the Compliance team’s discretion, may be escalated to the CIO, CCO, or the appropriate governance Committee.
Section 8: Books and Records
In accordance with Rule 204-2(c)(2), AUIM must retain:
a. Its Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines;
b. Proxy statements received;
c. Records of Proxy votes;
d. Records of Client requests on how Client Proxies were voted; and
e. All documents prepared by AUIM that were material to making a decision on how to vote (including decisions not to vote or to “abstain” from voting), or that memorialize the basis for Proxy Voting decisions (e.g., Committee meeting minutes).
All documents must be kept for no less than six years from the date of creation.
It is required by Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act that a copy of each proxy cast by AUIM on behalf of a Client be maintained along with all proxy statements received, whether voted or not.
Section 9: Escalation; Prompt Corrective Action
Every Employee has an obligation to report any violations of AUIM’s Compliance Policies, as outlined in the Escalation Policy. Employees should be aware of their responsibility to quickly identify and mitigate and/or escalate any potential Conflicts of Interest.
In addition, all Employees are subject to the AAM Operational Risk Management Policy, which sets out principles for recording, approving, reporting, and escalating errors and other risk events. Employees shall report any violation of this Policy to their Department Head and the CCO in addition to any additional reporting requirements outlined in other applicable policies.
Appendix A: Equity Securities Voting Policy Guidelines
The following is a concise summary of AUIM’s securities voting policy guidelines.
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1. Auditors
Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply:
An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent,
Fees for non-audit services are non-standard, or
There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position.
2. Board of Directors
Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections
Votes on director nominees should be made on a case-by-case basis, examining the following factors: independence of the board and key board committees, attendance at board meetings, corporate governance provisions and takeover activity, long-term company performance, responsiveness to shareholder proposals, any egregious board actions, and any non-standard non-audit fees or other potential auditor conflicts.
Classification/Declassification of the Board
Vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board.
Vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.
Independent Chairman (Separate Chairman/CEO)
Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals requiring that the positions of chairman and CEO be held separately. Because some companies have governance structures in place that counterbalance a combined position, certain factors should be taken into account in determining whether the proposal warrants support. These factors include the presence of a lead director, board and committee independence, governance guidelines, company performance, and annual review by outside directors of CEO pay.
Majority of Independent Directors/Establishment of Committees
Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that a majority or more of directors be independent unless the board composition already meets the proposed threshold by AUIM’s definition of independence.
Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that board audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors if they currently do not meet that standard.
3. Shareholder Rights
Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.
Vote for proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.
Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings
Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.
Vote for proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.
Supermajority Vote Requirements
Vote AGAINST proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote.
Vote FOR proposals to lower supermajority vote requirements.
Cumulative Voting
Vote against proposals to eliminate cumulative voting.
Vote proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting on a case-by-case basis relative to the company’s other governance provisions.
Confidential Voting
Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that corporations adopt confidential voting, use independent vote tabulators and use independent inspectors of election, as long as the proposal includes a provision for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential Voting Policy. If the dissidents agree, the Policy remains in place. If the dissidents will not agree, the confidential Voting Policy is waived.
Vote FOR management proposals to adopt confidential voting.
4. Proxy Contests
Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections
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Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the factors that include the long-term financial performance, management’s track record, qualifications of director nominees (both slates), and an evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders.
5. Poison Pills
Vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification. Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill and management proposals to ratify a poison pill.
6. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and corporate restructurings based on such features as the fairness opinion, pricing, strategic rationale, and the negotiating process.
7. Reincorporation Proposals
Proposals to change a company's state of incorporation should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, giving consideration to both financial and corporate governance concerns, including the reasons for reincorporating, a comparison of the governance provisions, and a comparison of the jurisdictional laws. Vote FOR reincorporation when the economic factors outweigh any neutral or negative governance changes.
8. Capital Structure
Common Stock Authorization
Votes on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote on proposals at companies with dual-class capital structures to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote on proposals to approve increases beyond the allowable increase when a company's shares are in danger of being delisted or if a company's ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Dual-class Stock
Vote on proposals to create a new class of common stock with superior voting rights on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote on proposals to create a new class of nonvoting or sub-voting common stock on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, reviewing in particular if:
It is intended for financing purposes with minimal or no dilution to current shareholders
It is not designed to preserve the voting power of an insider or significant shareholder
9. Executive and Director Compensation
Votes with respect to compensation plans should be determined on a case-by-case basis. AUIM reviews Executive and Director compensation plans (including broad-based option plans) in the context of the transfer of shareholder wealth. This review encompasses not only a comparison of a plan relative to peer companies, but also on an absolute basis, considering the cost of the plan vs. the operating income and overall profitability of the firm in question.
Vote AGAINST equity plans that explicitly permit repricing or where the company has a history of repricing without shareholder approval.
Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options
Vote AGAINST proposals by management seeking approval to reprice options.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Votes on employee stock purchase plans should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote FOR employee stock purchase plans where all of the following apply:
Purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value
Offering period is 27 months or less, and
Potential voting power dilution (VPD) is ten percent or less.
Vote AGAINST employee stock purchase plans where any of the opposite conditions apply.
. Shareholder Proposals on Compensation
Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis for all other shareholder proposals regarding executive and director pay, taking into account company performance, pay level versus peers, pay level versus industry, and long term corporate outlook.
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10. Social and Environmental Issues
These issues cover a wide range of topics, including consumer and public safety, environment and energy, general corporate issues, labor standards and human rights, military business, and workplace diversity.
In general, vote CASE-BY-CASE. While a wide variety of factors goes into each analysis, the overall principal guiding all vote recommendations focuses on how the proposal will enhance the economic value of the company.
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Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC
Proxy Voting Policy
Barrow Hanley has the responsibility to vote proxies for equity securities for its clients who have delegated this responsibility to us, and under Barrow Hanley’s fiduciary duty, the Firm’s policy is to vote our clients’ proxies in the best economic interests of our clients, the beneficial owners of the shares. Barrow Hanley has adopted this Proxy Voting Policy, and maintains written procedures for the handling of research, voting, and reporting of the proxy votes, and making appropriate disclosures about proxy voting on behalf of our clients. Disclosure information about the Firm’s Proxy Voting is included in Barrow Hanley’s Form ADV Part 2.
To assist in the proxy voting process, Barrow Hanley retains the services of Glass Lewis & Co. Glass Lewis provides:
Research on corporate governance, financial statements, business, legal and accounting risks;
Proxy voting recommendations, including ESG voting guidelines;
Portfolio accounting and reconciliation of shareholdings for voting purposes;
Proxy voting execution, record keeping, and reporting services.
Proxy Oversight Committee, Proxy Coordinators, and Proxy Voting Committee
Barrow Hanley’s Proxy Oversight Committee is responsible for implementing and monitoring Barrow Hanley’s proxy voting policy, procedures, disclosures and recordkeeping, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures. The Proxy Oversight Committee conducts periodic reviews to monitor and ensure that the Firm’s policy is observed, implemented properly, and amended or updated, as appropriate. The Proxy Oversight Committee is made up of the CCO/CRO, the Responsible Investing Committee lead, the director of investment operations, the ESG research coordinator, and an at-large portfolio manager.
Barrow Hanley’s proxy coordinators review and organize the data and recommendations provided by the proxy service. The proxy coordinators are responsible for ensuring that the proxy ballots are routed to the appropriate research analyst based on industry sector coverage. Proxy coordinators are assigned from the operations department.
Barrow Hanley’s research analysts review and evaluate proxy proposals and make written recommendations to the Proxy Voting Committee to ensure that votes are consistent with the Firm’s analysis and are in the best interest of the shareholders, our clients.
Barrow Hanley’s equity portfolio managers are members of the Proxy Voting Committee. Equity portfolio managers vote proxy proposals based on share ownership after giving consideration to Barrow Hanley’s Proxy Voting Guidelines, internal research recommendations, and the opinion of Glass Lewis. Proxy votes must be approved by the Proxy Voting Committee before submitting to the proxy service provider.
Proxies for the Diversified Small Cap Value accounts are voted in accordance with the proxy service provider’s recommendations for the following reasons:
Investments are based on a quantitative model. Fundamental research is not performed for the holdings.
The holding period is too short to justify the time for analysis to vote.
Conflicts of Interest
Potential conflicts may arise when:
Clients elect to participate in securities lending arrangements; in such cases, the votes follow the shares, and because Barrow Hanley has no information about clients’ shares on loan, the proxies for those shares may not be voted.
Barrow Hanley invests in equity securities of corporations who are also clients of the Firm; in such cases, Barrow Hanley seeks to mitigate potential conflicts by:
Making voting decisions for the benefit of the shareholder(s), our clients;
Uniformly voting every proxy based on Barrow Hanley’s internal research and consideration of Glass Lewis’ recommendations; and
Documenting the votes of companies who are also clients of the Firm.
If a material conflict of interest exists, members from the Proxy Voting and Oversight Committees will determine if the affected clients should have an opportunity to vote their proxies themselves, or whether Barrow Hanley will address the specific voting issue through other objective means, such as voting the proxies in a manner consistent with a predetermined voting policy or accepting the voting recommendation of Glass Lewis.
Other Policies and Procedures
Barrow Hanley sends a daily electronic transfer of equity positions to the proxy service provider.
The proxy service provider identifies accounts eligible to vote for each security and posts the proposals and research on its secure, proprietary online system.
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Barrow Hanley sends a proxy report to clients at least annually (or as requested by client), listing the number of shares voted and disclosing how proxies were voted.
Voting records are retained on the network, which is backed up daily. The proxy service provider retains records for seven years.
Barrow Hanley’s Proxy Voting Guidelines are available upon request by calling: (214) 665-1900, or by e-mailing: clientservices@barrowhanley.com.
The proxy coordinators retain the following proxy records for at least seven years:
These policies and procedures and any amendments;
Proxy statements received regarding our clients’ securities;
A record of each proxy we voted;
Proxy voting reports that are sent to clients annually;
Any document Barrow Hanley created that was material to making a decision on how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision; and
Records of any client’s request for proxy voting information.
Voting Debt and/or Bank Loan Securities
Barrow Hanley has the responsibility to vote proxies and related interests for its clients who have delegated this responsibility to the Firm, which may include voting on proposals, amendments, consents, or resolutions solicited by or in respect to the issuers of securities, including Bank Loan debt instruments. Barrow Hanley votes proxies and related interests in the best interest of the securities’ owners, its clients.
Exceptions
Limited exceptions may be permitted based on a client’s circumstances, such as foreign regulations that create a conflict with U.S. practices, expenses to facilitate the that outweigh the benefit of proxy voting, or other circumstances.
As of December 31, 2019
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Belle Haven Investments, L.P.
Proxy Discretion and Voting Procedures
January 2020
Belle Haven Investments, LP (“Belle Haven” or the “Firm”) has implemented Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures in accordance with SEC Rule 206(4)-6, that are designed to ensure that when the Firm is granted discretion to exercise voting authority over securities in a client’s account, it is doing so in the best interests of the clients. The Firm will abstain from voting proxies if in the reasonable opinion of the Firm, the outcome of the vote most likely will not be determined by how the Firm may vote and thus the cost of voting appears to exceed the potential benefit to clients; or the subject of the vote does not appear likely to have a material impact on the value of the investment held by clients; or the Firm has determined that there is a potential or actual material conflict of interest between itself and client with respect to the voting of such proxies.
In accordance with the Investment Adviser’s Act of 1940, Rule 206(4)-6, the Firm has, as applicable:
1. Adopted Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the Firm votes proxies in the best interests of its clients;
2. Addressed how the Firm mitigates potential or actual material conflicts of interest that can arise between the Firm and its clients;
3. Disclosed to clients the Firm’s Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures, and provide copies upon written request; and
4. Disclosed to clients how they are able to obtain information on how the Firm has voted their proxies.
In addition, in accordance with amendments to Rule 204-2 (“Books and Record Keeping Requirements”), the Firm maintains specific records, outlined below, as it relates to proxies voted by on behalf of clients by the Firm.
firm overview
Belle Haven is a dually registered broker-dealer and investment advisor. We have discretionary authority over all of our investment advisory accounts, and use the broker-dealer arm of Belle Haven to execute trades on behalf of our investment advisory clients in their separately managed accounts. We offer several fixed income strategies, and provide investment management services with respect to fixed income securities.
In most instances, we act as a subadvisor to other registered investment advisors, the advisor selects one of our fixed income strategies for their clients based on their client’s investment objectives. We rely on the strategy selection as the suitability determination.
Should an account be funded with securities, some of which may not be consistent with the strategy’s objectives, including but not limited to equity securities, such securities will be sold in an orderly fashion to make the portfolio consistent with those objectives.
proxy voting policy
Belle Haven’s policy is to vote proxies in an impartial manner that is in the best interests of the clients, and the Funds the Firm advises. Generally, it is the Firm’s policy to vote with management. Should a vote be deemed to present a potential or actual material conflict of interest, such as a conflict between the interests of a separately managed account, the Fund, or the Mutual Fund the Firm advises, on the one hand, and those of the Firm on the other hand, then the matter is subject to resolution by consulting an independent third-party. In addition, the CCO or designated person by the CCO (“DP”), will forward all proxy voting records to the third-party designated by the Mutual Fund Adviser (“Glass Lewis”).
Separately Managed Accounts: Unless otherwise expressly delegated by the advisor or client in writing, the Firm is not responsible for voting proxies held in the client’s account. In instances where the Firm is obligated to vote proxies, the advisor or client is responsible for notifying their custodian to direct proxy voting authority to Belle Haven. Upon notice, the Firm will take the necessary actions to receive such voting ballots, by electronic or hard copy format. Belle Haven will not be responsible to vote any proxies where the advisor or client has not arranged for the forwarding of such proxies to the Firm.
The Fund: From time to time, the Fund may own equity securities which may require the Firm to vote proxies.
The Mutual Fund: As provided under Rule 20a-1 of the Investment Company Act, if the Firm purchases securities on behalf of the Mutual Fund which require proxy voting, the Firm is responsible for voting those proxies. The Firm will forward all records of proxy voting to Glass Lewis, the third-party designated by the Mutual Fund Adviser to facilitate compliance with Rule 30b-1 of the Investment Company Act.
Belle Haven utilizes Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) for proxy voting services through access to e-ballot and meeting information via proxyedge.com. The Firm does not utilize Broadridge as a proxy advisor, nor does it subscribe to such services that include voting advice or recommendations. Should the Firm engage the services of a proxy advisory firm in the future to provide voting recommendations or execution services, it will implement additional policies and procedures to evaluate whether such recommendations are consistent with the Firm’s voting practice and in the best interest of the clients.
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CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
In the event Belle Haven encounters a potential or actual material conflict of interest, as it relates to voting proxies, the Firm will abstain from voting such proxies until such conflict has been resolved. For purposes of this policy, a material conflict of interest is defined as a conflict, that in the opinion of Belle Haven, is likely to have a material impact on the decision regarding how such proxy should be voted. Examples of a material conflict of interest includes, but is not limited to:
An employee of the Firm having a personal or business relationship with a board member of a publicly trades company, whose management is soliciting proxies; or
A company that the Firm provides investment management services to, whose management is soliciting proxies.
Unless otherwise requested by the client, in the event of an identified potential or actual material conflict of interest, the Firm will continue to ensure all proxy voting decisions are based in the clients’ best interest by:
Vote in proportion to other shareholders;
Engaging an independent third-party to determine how to vote the proxy;
Refer the proxy to the client, or the client’s advisor for voting purposes;
Disclose the conflict to the affected clients and seek their consent to vote the proxy prior to casting the vote.
B. Exceptions
In certain circumstances, the Firm may not vote the proxies it has received if the Firm has reasonably determined that it is in the client's best interest to abstain from voting. This situation will generally arise if the Firm determines that the cost of voting the proxy exceeds the expected benefit. For example, in the case of international equity securities, some countries impose a practice called “share blocking.” Share blocking does not permit a shareholder to sell a security during the time period between voting a proxy and the shareholder meeting. The Firm may not vote any securities subject to share blocking if the Firm believes the benefit of being able to sell a security at any time outweighs the benefit of voting a proxy. In such cases, the Firm will conduct reasonable diligence to ensure that by abstaining the vote, the Firm is still fulfilling their duty of care to such clients.
proxy voting procedures
In instances where the Firm is obligated to vote proxies, the advisor or client is instructed by the Firm to notify their custodian to direct proxy voting authority to Belle Haven. Upon notice, the Firm will take the necessary actions to receive such voting ballots, by electronic or hard copy format. The Firm will not be responsible to vote any proxies where the advisor or client has not arranged for the forwarding of such proxies to the Firm.
The CCO or DP shall have oversight responsibility for the Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures, for incoming proxies in both hard copy and electronic format, as follows:
The DP shall review all incoming proxies, both in electronic and hard copy, as applicable, and forward such proxies to a member of the Portfolio Management Team for voting decision.
The DP shall review voting decision and documentation provided by the member of the Portfolio Management Team. In the event of an identified potential or actual material conflict of interest, the DP will document all votes cast in cases where a material conflict of interest exists and the ensure appropriate resolution thereof, before casting such vote.
The DP will ensure that all voting decisions provided by the member of the Portfolio Management Team have been processed accordingly.
The DP will ensure that all proxy voting records related to the Mutual Fund are forwarded to the third-party designated by the Mutual Fund Adviser, Glass Lewis, as applicable.
On an annual basis, the CCO and DP will review and revise the Firm’s Proxy Voting Discretion Policies and Procedures, as applicable, and in accordance with any regulatory amendments or updates to Rule 206(4)-6, to ensure the adequacy of their procedures have been reasonably designed. The CCO and DP will review Form ADV Part 2, and other Firm disclosures as they relate to proxy voting, in order to ensure that the Firm is accurately reflecting its Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures. All annual reviews and updates to Firm policy will be documented and saved accordingly.
information and disclosure requirements
The Firm is required to provide, upon written request, a copy of its Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures, as well as a record of how the Firm has voted the client’s proxies.
The Firm discloses a summary of its Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures within Part 2 of the Firm’s ADV. The disclosure summary also includes a statement that clients may contact the Firm’s CCO at (914) 816-4633 for a copy of the Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures, and information with respect to how the Firm voted a proxy.
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The CCO or DP is responsible for ensuring that all client requests including, but not limited to, copies of the Firm’s Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures, and/or record of how the Firm has voted the client’s proxies, is made available to the client in a timely manner and that delivery of such requested information is documented.
recordkeeping
The CCO and/or DP will ensure that the following books and records are maintained, as appropriate, in hard copy or electronic form from the Firm’s proxy voting service:
1. The Firm’s Proxy Discretion and Voting Policies and Procedures;
2. Disclosure summaries of the Firm’s Proxy Discretion Policies and Procedures made to clients on the Firm’s ADV Part 2;
3. Proxy statements received for client securities and records of votes cast of behalf of each client;
4. Records of written client requests for proxy voting information, including a record of information provided by the Firm; and
5. All documents prepared that were material to making a proxy voting decision, including decisions where there was a potential or actual material conflict of interest and/or voting exceptions.
The above records shall be retained in an easily accessible place for a period of at least six (6) years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in the home office of the Firm.
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BlackRock Fund Advisors, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, BlackRock International Limited and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited
Corporate governance and proxy voting guidelines for U.S. securities
January 2020
Contents
Introduction 3
Voting guidelines 3
Boards and directors 3
Auditors and audit-related issues 8
Capital structure proposals 9
Mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions 10
Executive compensation 10
Environmental and social issues 13
General corporate governance matters 14
Shareholder protections 16
If you would like additional information, please contact: ContactStewardship@blackrock.com
These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the BlackRock Investment Stewardship Global Corporate Governance and Engagement Principles.
Introduction
BlackRock, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “BlackRock”) seek to make proxy voting decisions in the manner most likely to protect and enhance the economic value of the securities held in client accounts. The following issue-specific proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”) are intended to summarize BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s general philosophy and approach to corporate governance issues that most commonly arise in proxy voting for U.S. securities. These Guidelines are not intended to limit the analysis of individual issues at specific companies and are not intended to provide a guide to how BlackRock will vote in every instance. Rather, they share our view about corporate governance issues generally, and provide insight into how we typically approach issues that commonly arise on corporate ballots, as well as our expectations of boards of directors. They are applied with discretion, taking into consideration the range of issues and facts specific to the company and the individual ballot item.
Voting guidelines
These guidelines are divided into eight key themes which group together the issues that frequently appear on the agenda of annual and extraordinary meetings of shareholders:
Boards and directors
Auditors and audit-related issues
Capital structure
Mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions
Executive compensation
Environmental and social issues
General corporate governance matters
Shareholder protections
Boards and directors
Director elections
In general, BlackRock supports the election of directors as recommended by the board in uncontested elections. However, we believe that when a company is not effectively addressing a material issue, its directors should be held accountable. We may withhold votes from directors or members of particular board committees in certain situations, as indicated below. Independence
Independence
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We expect a majority of the directors on the board to be independent. In addition, all members of key committees, including audit, compensation, and nominating / governance committees, should be independent. Our view of independence may vary slightly from listing standards.
In particular, common impediments to independence in the U.S. may include:
Employment as a senior executive by the company or a subsidiary within the past five years
An equity ownership in the company in excess of 20%
Having any other interest, business, or relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the director’s ability to act in the best interests of the company
We may vote against directors serving on key committees that we do not consider to be independent.
When evaluating controlled companies, as defined by the U.S. stock exchanges, we will only vote against insiders or affiliates who sit on the audit committee, but not other key committees.
Oversight
We expect the board to exercise appropriate oversight over management and business activities of the company. We will consider voting against committee members and / or individual directors in the following circumstances:
Where the board has failed to exercise oversight with regard to accounting practices or audit oversight, we will consider voting against the current audit committee, and any other members of the board who may be responsible. For example, this may apply to members of the audit committee during a period when the board failed to facilitate quality, independent auditing if substantial accounting irregularities suggest insufficient oversight by that committee
Members of the compensation committee during a period in which executive compensation appears excessive relative to performance and peers, and where we believe the compensation committee has not already substantially addressed this issue
The chair of the nominating / governance committee, or where no chair exists, the nominating / governance committee member with the longest tenure, where the board is not comprised of a majority of independent directors. However, this would not apply in the case of a controlled company
Where it appears the director has acted (at the company or at other companies) in a manner that compromises his / her reliability to represent the best long-term economic interests of shareholders
Where a director has a pattern of poor attendance at combined board and applicable key committee meetings. Excluding exigent circumstances, BlackRock generally considers attendance at less than 75% of the combined board and applicable key committee meetings by a board member to be poor attendance
Where a director serves on an excess number of boards, which may limit his / her capacity to focus on each board’s requirements. The following illustrates the maximum number of boards on which a director may serve, before he / she is considered to be over-committed:
   
  Public Company CEO # Outside Public Boards* Total # of Public Boards
Director A 1 2
Director B   3 4
*In addition to the company under review
Responsiveness to shareholders
We expect a board to be engaged and responsive to its shareholders. Where we believe a board has not substantially addressed shareholder concerns, we may vote against the appropriate committees and / or individual directors. The following illustrates common circumstances:
The independent chair or lead independent director, members of the nominating / governance committee, and / or the longest tenured director(s), where we observe a lack of board responsiveness to shareholders, evidence of board entrenchment, and / or failure to promote adequate board succession planning
The chair of the nominating / governance committee, or where no chair exists, the nominating / governance committee member with the longest tenure, where board member(s) at the most recent election of directors have received withhold votes from more than 30% of shares voted and the board has not taken appropriate action to respond to shareholder concerns. This may not apply in cases where BlackRock did not support the initial withhold vote
The independent chair or lead independent director and / or members of the nominating / governance committee, where a board fails to implement shareholder proposals that receive a majority of votes cast at a prior shareholder meeting, and the proposals, in our view, have a direct and substantial impact on shareholders’ fundamental rights or long-term economic interests
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Shareholder rights
We expect a board to act with integrity and to uphold governance best practices. Where we believe a board has not acted in the best interests of its shareholders, we may vote against the appropriate committees and / or individual directors. The following illustrates common circumstances:
The independent chair or lead independent director and members of the governance committee, where a board implements or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval
The independent chair or lead independent director and members of the governance committee, where a board implements or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval
The independent chair or lead independent director and members of the governance committee, where a board amends the charter / articles / bylaws such that the effect may be to entrench directors or to significantly reduce shareholder rights
Members of the compensation committee where the company has repriced options without shareholder approval
If a board maintains a classified structure, it is possible that the director(s) with whom we have a particular concern may not be subject to election in the year that the concern arises. In such situations, if we have a concern regarding a committee or committee chair that is not up for re-election, we will generally register our concern by withholding votes from all available members of the relevant committee
Board composition and effectiveness
We encourage boards to periodically renew their membership to ensure relevant skills and experience within the boardroom. To this end, regular performance reviews and skills assessments should be conducted by the nominating / governance committee.
Furthermore, we expect boards to be comprised of a diverse selection of individuals who bring their personal and professional experiences to bear in order to create a constructive debate of competing views and opinions in the boardroom. We recognize that diversity has multiple dimensions. In identifying potential candidates, boards should take into consideration the full breadth of diversity including personal factors, such as gender, ethnicity, and age; as well as professional characteristics, such as a director’s industry, area of expertise, and geographic location. In addition to other elements of diversity, we encourage companies to have at least two women directors on their board. Our publicly available commentary explains our approach to engaging on board diversity.
We encourage boards to disclose their views on:
The mix of competencies, experience, and other qualities required to effectively oversee and guide management in light of the stated long-term strategy of the company
The process by which candidates are identified and selected, including whether professional firms or other sources outside of incumbent directors’ networks have been engaged to identify and / or assess candidates
The process by which boards evaluate themselves and any significant outcomes of the evaluation process, without divulging inappropriate and / or sensitive details
The consideration given to board diversity, including, but not limited to, gender, ethnicity, race, age, experience, geographic location, skills, and perspective in the nomination process
While we support regular board refreshment, we are not opposed in principle to long-tenured directors, nor do we believe that long board tenure is necessarily an impediment to director independence. A variety of director tenures within the boardroom can be beneficial to ensure board quality and continuity of experience.
Our primary concern is that board members are able to contribute effectively as corporate strategy evolves and business conditions change, and that all directors, regardless of tenure, demonstrate appropriate responsiveness to shareholders. We acknowledge that no single person can be expected to bring all relevant skill sets to a board; at the same time, we generally do not believe it is necessary or appropriate to have any particular director on the board solely by virtue of a singular background or specific area of expertise.
Where boards find that age limits or term limits are the most efficient and objective mechanism for ensuring periodic board refreshment, we generally defer to the board’s determination in setting such limits.
To the extent that we believe that a company has not adequately accounted for diversity in its board composition within a reasonable timeframe, we may vote against the nominating / governance committee for an apparent lack of commitment to board effectiveness.
Board size
We typically defer to the board in setting the appropriate size and believe directors are generally in the best position to assess the optimal board size to ensure effectiveness. However, we may oppose boards that appear too small to allow for effective shareholder representation or too large to function efficiently. CEO and management succession planning
CEO and management succession planning
There should be a robust CEO and senior management succession plan in place at the board level that is reviewed and updated on a regular basis. We expect succession planning to cover both long-term planning consistent with the strategic direction of the company and identified
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leadership needs over time, as well as short-term planning in the event of an unanticipated executive departure. We encourage the company to explain its executive succession planning process, including where accountability lies within the boardroom for this task, without prematurely divulging sensitive information commonly associated with this exercise.
Classified board of directors/staggered terms
We believe that directors should be re-elected annually and that classification of the board generally limits shareholders’ rights to regularly evaluate a board’s performance and select directors. While we will typically support proposals requesting board de-classification, we may make exceptions, should the board articulate an appropriate strategic rationale for a classified board structure, such as when a company needs consistency and stability during a time of transition, e.g. newly public companies or companies undergoing a strategic restructuring. A classified board structure may also be justified at non-operating companies in certain circumstances. We would, however, expect boards with a classified structure to periodically review the rationale for such structure and consider when annual elections might be appropriate.
Without a voting mechanism to immediately address concerns of a specific director, we may choose to vote against or withhold votes from the available slate of directors by default (see “Shareholder rights” for additional detail). Contested director elections
Contested director elections
The details of contested elections, or proxy contests, are assessed on a case-by-case basis. We evaluate a number of factors, which may include: the qualifications of the dissident and management candidates; the validity of the concerns identified by the dissident; the viability of both the dissident’s and management’s plans; the likelihood that the dissident’s solutions will produce the desired change; and whether the dissident represents the best option for enhancing long-term shareholder value. Cumulative voting
Cumulative voting
We believe that a majority vote standard is in the best long-term interest of shareholders. It ensures director accountability via the requirement to be elected by more than half of the votes cast. As such, we will generally oppose proposals requesting the adoption of cumulative voting, which may disproportionately aggregate votes on certain issues or director candidates.
Director compensation and equity programs
We believe that compensation for directors should be structured to attract and retain the best possible directors, while also aligning their interests with those of shareholders. We believe director compensation packages that are based on the company’s long-term value creation and include some form of long-term equity compensation are more likely to meet this goal. In addition, we expect directors to build meaningful share ownership over time.
Majority vote requirements
BlackRock believes that directors should generally be elected by a majority of the shares voted and will normally support proposals seeking to introduce bylaws requiring a majority vote standard for director elections. Majority voting standards assist in ensuring that directors who are not broadly supported by shareholders are not elected to serve as their representatives. Some companies with a plurality voting standard have adopted a resignation policy for directors who do not receive support from at least a majority of votes cast. Where we believe that the company already has a sufficiently robust majority voting process in place, we may not support a shareholder proposal seeking an alternative mechanism.
Risk oversight
Companies should have an established process for identifying, monitoring, and managing key risks. Independent directors should have ready access to relevant management information and outside advice, as appropriate, to ensure they can properly oversee risk management. We encourage companies to provide transparency around risk measurement, mitigation, and reporting to the board. We are particularly interested in understanding how risk oversight processes evolve in response to changes in corporate strategy and / or shifts in the business and related risk environment. Comprehensive disclosure provides investors with a sense of the company’s long-term operational risk management practices and, more broadly, the quality of the board’s oversight. In the absence of robust disclosures, we may reasonably conclude that companies are not adequately managing risk.
Separation of chairman and CEO
We believe that independent leadership is important in the boardroom. In the U.S. there are two commonly accepted structures for independent board leadership: 1) an independent chairman; or 2) a lead independent director when the roles of chairman and CEO are combined.
In the absence of a significant governance concern, we defer to boards to designate the most appropriate leadership structure to ensure adequate balance and independence.
In the event that the board chooses a combined chair / CEO model, we generally support the designation of a lead independent director if they have the power to: 1) provide formal input into board meeting agendas; 2) call meetings of the independent directors; and 3) preside at meetings of independent directors. Furthermore, while we anticipate that most directors will be elected annually, we believe an element of continuity is important for this role for an extended period of time to provide appropriate leadership balance to the chair / CEO.
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The following table illustrates examples of responsibilities under each board leadership model:
  Combined Chair/ CEO Model Separate Chair Model
  Chair/ CEO Lead Director Chair
Board Meetings      
Authority to call full meetings of the board of directors Attends full meetings of the board of directors Authority to call full meetings of the board of directors
  Authority to call meetings of independent directors  
  Briefs CEO on issues arising from executive sessions  
Agenda      
Primary responsibility for shaping board agendas, consulting with the lead director Collaborates with chair/CEO to set board agenda and board information Primary responsibility for shaping board agendas, in conjunction with CEO
Board Communications      
Communicates with all directors on key issues and concerns outside board meetings Facilitates discussion among independent directors on key issues and concerns outside board meetings, including contributing to the oversight of CEO and management succession planning Facilitates discussion among independent directors on key issues and concerns outside board meetings, including contributing to the oversight of CEO and management succession planning
Auditors and audit-related issues
BlackRock recognizes the critical importance of financial statements to provide a complete and accurate portrayal of a company’s financial condition. Consistent with our approach to voting on boards of directors, we seek to hold the audit committee of the board responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function at a company, and may withhold votes from the audit committee members where the board has failed to facilitate quality, independent auditing. We look to the audit committee report for insight into the scope of the audit committee responsibilities, including an overview of audit committee processes, issues on the audit committee agenda, and key decisions taken by the audit committee. We take particular note of cases involving significant financial restatements or material weakness disclosures, and we expect timely disclosure and remediation of accounting irregularities.
The integrity of financial statements depends on the auditor effectively fulfilling its role. To that end, we favor an independent auditor. In addition, to the extent that an auditor fails to reasonably identify and address issues that eventually lead to a significant financial restatement, or the audit firm has violated standards of practice that protect the interests of shareholders, we may also vote against ratification.
From time to time, shareholder proposals may be presented to promote auditor independence or the rotation of audit firms. We may support these proposals when they are consistent with our views as described above.
Capital structure proposals
Equal voting rights
BlackRock believes that shareholders should be entitled to voting rights in proportion to their economic interests. We believe that companies that look to add or already have dual or multiple class share structures should review these structures on a regular basis or as company circumstances change. Companies should receive shareholder approval of their capital structure on a periodic basis via a management proposal on the company’s proxy. The proposal should give unaffiliated shareholders the opportunity to affirm the current structure or establish mechanisms to end or phase out controlling structures at the appropriate time, while minimizing costs to shareholders.
Blank check preferred
We frequently oppose proposals requesting authorization of a class of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock) because they may serve as a transfer of authority from shareholders to the board and as a possible entrenchment device. We generally view the board’s discretion to establish voting rights on a when-issued basis as a potential anti-takeover device, as it affords the board the ability to place a block of stock with an investor sympathetic to management, thereby foiling a takeover bid without a shareholder vote.
Nonetheless, we may support the proposal where the company:
Appears to have a legitimate financing motive for requesting blank check authority
Has committed publicly that blank check preferred shares will not be used for anti-takeover purposes
Has a history of using blank check preferred stock for financings
Has blank check preferred stock previously outstanding such that an increase would not necessarily provide further anti-takeover protection but may provide greater financing flexibility
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Increase in authorized common shares
BlackRock considers industry-specific norms in our analysis of these proposals, as well as a company’s history with respect to the use of its common shares. Generally, we are predisposed to support a company if the board believes additional common shares are necessary to carry out the firm’s business. The most substantial concern we might have with an increase is the possibility of use of common shares to fund a poison pill plan that is not in the economic interests of shareholders.
Increase or issuance of preferred stock
We generally support proposals to increase or issue preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock where the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.
Stock splits
We generally support stock splits that are not likely to negatively affect the ability to trade shares or the economic value of a share. We generally support reverse stock splits that are designed to avoid delisting or to facilitate trading in the stock, where the reverse split will not have a negative impact on share value (e.g. one class is reduced while others remain at pre-split levels). In the event of a proposal for a reverse split that would not also proportionately reduce the company’s authorized stock, we apply the same analysis we would use for a proposal to increase authorized stock.
Mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions
BlackRock’s primary concern is the best long-term economic interests of shareholders. While merger, asset sales, and other special transaction proposals vary widely in scope and substance, we closely examine certain salient features in our analyses, such as:
The degree to which the proposed transaction represents a premium to the company’s trading price. We consider the share price over multiple time periods prior to the date of the merger announcement. In most cases, business combinations should provide a premium. We may consider comparable transaction analyses provided by the parties’ financial advisors and our own valuation assessments. For companies facing insolvency or bankruptcy, a premium may not apply
There should be clear strategic, operational, and / or financial rationale for the combination
Unanimous board approval and arm’s-length negotiations are preferred. We will consider whether the transaction involves a dissenting board or does not appear to be the result of an arm’s-length bidding process. We may also consider whether executive and / or board members’ financial interests in a given transaction appear likely to affect their ability to place shareholders’ interests before their own
We prefer transaction proposals that include the fairness opinion of a reputable financial advisor assessing the value of the transaction to shareholders in comparison to recent similar transactions
Poison pill plans
Where a poison pill is put to a shareholder vote by management, our policy is to examine these plans individually. Although we oppose most plans, we may support plans that include a reasonable “qualifying offer clause.” Such clauses typically require shareholder ratification of the pill and stipulate a sunset provision whereby the pill expires unless it is renewed. These clauses also tend to specify that an all cash bid for all shares that includes a fairness opinion and evidence of financing does not trigger the pill, but forces either a special meeting at which the offer is put to a shareholder vote, or the board to seek the written consent of shareholders where shareholders could rescind the pill at their discretion. We may also support a pill where it is the only effective method for protecting tax or other economic benefits that may be associated with limiting the ownership changes of individual shareholders.
We generally vote in favor of shareholder proposals to rescind poison pills Reimbursement of expenses for successful shareholder campaigns
Reimbursement of expenses for successful shareholder campaigns
We generally do not support shareholder proposals seeking the reimbursement of proxy contest expenses, even in situations where we support the shareholder campaign. We believe that introducing the possibility of such reimbursement may incentivize disruptive and unnecessary shareholder campaigns.
Executive Compensation
We note that there are both management and shareholder proposals related to executive compensation. We generally vote on these proposals as described below, except that we typically oppose shareholder proposals on issues where the company already has a reasonable policy in place that we believe is sufficient to address the issue. We may also oppose a shareholder proposal regarding executive compensation if the company’s history suggests that the issue raised is not likely to present a problem for that company.
Advisory resolutions on executive compensation (“Say on Pay”)
In cases where there is a Say on Pay vote, BlackRock will respond to the proposal as informed by our evaluation of compensation practices at that particular company and in a manner that appropriately addresses the specific question posed to shareholders. In a commentary on our website, entitled “BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s approach to executive compensation,” we explain our beliefs and expectations related to executive compensation practices, our Say on Pay analysis framework, and our typical approach to engagement and voting on Say on Pay.
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Advisory votes on the frequency of Say on Pay resolutions
BlackRock will generally support triennial pay frequency votes, but we defer to the board to determine the appropriate timeframe upon which pay should be reviewed. In evaluating pay, we believe that the compensation committee is responsible for constructing a plan that appropriately incentivizes executives for long-term value creation, utilizing relevant metrics and structure to ensure overall pay and performance alignment. In a similar vein, we defer to the board to establish the most appropriate timeframe for review of pay structure, absent a change in strategy that would suggest otherwise.
However, we may support an annual pay frequency vote in some situations, for example, where we conclude that a company has failed to align pay with performance. In these circumstances, we will also consider voting against the compensation committee members.
Claw back proposals
We generally favor recoupment from any senior executive whose compensation was based on faulty financial reporting or deceptive business practices. In addition to fraudulent acts, we also favor recoupment from any senior executive whose behavior caused direct financial harm to shareholders, reputational risk to the company, or resulted in a criminal investigation, even if such actions did not ultimately result in a material restatement of past results. This includes, but is not limited to, settlement agreements arising from such behavior and paid for directly by the company. We typically support shareholder proposals on these matters unless the company already has a robust claw back policy that sufficiently addresses our concerns.
Employee stock purchase plans
We believe these plans can provide performance incentives and help align employees’ interests with those of shareholders. The most common form of employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. We will typically support qualified ESPP proposals.
Equity compensation plans
BlackRock supports equity plans that align the economic interests of directors, managers, and other employees with those of shareholders. We believe that boards should establish policies prohibiting the use of equity awards in a manner that could disrupt the intended alignment with shareholder interests (e.g. the use of stock as collateral for a loan; the use of stock in a margin account; the use of stock [or an unvested award] in hedging or derivative transactions). We may support shareholder proposals requesting the establishment of such policies.
Our evaluation of equity compensation plans is based on a company’s executive pay and performance relative to peers and whether the plan plays a significant role in a pay-for-performance disconnect. We generally oppose plans that contain “evergreen” provisions, which allow for the unlimited increase of shares reserved without requiring further shareholder approval after a reasonable time period. We also generally oppose plans that allow for repricing without shareholder approval. We may also oppose plans that provide for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even in situations where an actual change of control may not occur. We encourage companies to structure their change of control provisions to require the termination of the covered employee before acceleration or special payments are triggered.
Golden parachutes
We generally view golden parachutes as encouragement to management to consider transactions that might be beneficial to shareholders. However, a large potential pay-out under a golden parachute arrangement also presents the risk of motivating a management team to support a sub-optimal sale price for a company.
When determining whether to support or oppose an advisory vote on a golden parachute plan, we normally support the plan unless it appears to result in payments that are excessive or detrimental to shareholders. In evaluating golden parachute plans, BlackRock may consider several factors, including:
Whether we believe that the triggering event is in the best interest of shareholders
Whether management attempted to maximize shareholder value in the triggering event
The percentage of total premium or transaction value that will be transferred to the management team, rather than shareholders, as a result of the golden parachute payment
Whether excessively large excise tax gross-up payments are part of the pay-out
Whether the pay package that serves as the basis for calculating the golden parachute payment was reasonable in light of performance and peers
Whether the golden parachute payment will have the effect of rewarding a management team that has failed to effectively manage the company
It may be difficult to anticipate the results of a plan until after it has been triggered; as a result, BlackRock may vote against a golden parachute proposal even if the golden parachute plan under review was approved by shareholders when it was implemented.
We may support shareholder proposals requesting that implementation of such arrangements require shareholder approval. We generally support proposals requiring shareholder approval of plans that exceed 2.99 times an executive’s current salary and bonus, including equity compensation.
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Option exchanges
We believe that there may be legitimate instances where underwater options create an overhang on a company’s capital structure and a repricing or option exchange may be warranted. We will evaluate these instances on a case-by-case basis. BlackRock may support a request to reprice or exchange underwater options under the following circumstances:
The company has experienced significant stock price decline as a result of macroeconomic trends, not individual company performance
● Directors and executive officers are excluded; the exchange is value neutral or value creative to shareholders; tax, accounting, and other technical considerations have been fully contemplated
● There is clear evidence that absent repricing, the company will suffer serious employee incentive or retention and recruiting problems
BlackRock may also support a request to exchange underwater options in other circumstances, if we determine that the exchange is in the best interest of shareholders.
Pay-for-Performance plans
In order for executive compensation exceeding $1 million USD to qualify for federal tax deductions, related to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“OBRA”) requires companies to link compensation for the company’s top five executives to disclosed performance goals and submit the plans for shareholder approval. The law further requires that a compensation committee comprised solely of outside directors administer these plans. Because the primary objective of these proposals is to preserve the deductibility of such compensation, we generally favor approval in order to preserve net income.
Supplemental executive retirement plans
BlackRock may support shareholder proposals requesting to put extraordinary benefits contained in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (“SERP”) agreements to a shareholder vote unless the company’s executive pension plans do not contain excessive benefits beyond what is offered under employee-wide plans.
Environmental and social issues
Our fiduciary duty to clients is to protect and enhance their economic interest in the companies in which we invest on their behalf. It is within this context that we undertake our corporate governance activities. We believe that well-managed companies will deal effectively with the material environmental and social (“E&S”) factors relevant to their businesses. Robust disclosure is essential for investors to effectively gauge companies’ business practices and planning related to E&S risks and opportunities.
BlackRock expects companies to issue reports aligned with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the standards put forward by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). We view the SASB and TCFD frameworks as complementary in achieving the goal of disclosing more financially material information, particularly as it relates to industry-specific metrics and target setting. TCFD’s recommendations provide an overarching framework for disclosure on the business implications of climate change, and potentially other E&S factors. We find SASB’s industry-specific guidance (as identified in its materiality map) beneficial in helping companies identify and discuss their governance, risk assessments, and performance against these key performance indicators (KPIs). Any global standards adopted, peer group benchmarking undertaken, and verification process in place should also be disclosed and discussed in this context.
BlackRock has been engaging with companies for several years on disclosure of material E&S factors. Given the increased understanding of sustainability risks and opportunities, and the need for better information to assess them, we specifically ask companies to::
1) Publish disclosures in line with industry specific SASB guidelines by year-end, if they have not already done so, or disclose a similar set of data in a way that is relevant to their particular business; and
2) Disclose climate-related risks in line with the TCFD’s recommendations, if they have not already done so. This should include the company’s plan for operating under a scenario where the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to less than two degrees is fully realized, as expressed by the TCFD guidelines.
See our commentary on our approach to engagement on TCFD and SASB aligned reporting for greater detail of our expectations.
We will use these disclosures and our engagements to ascertain whether companies are properly managing and overseeing these risks within their business and adequately planning for the future. In the absence of robust disclosures, investors, including BlackRock, will increasingly conclude that companies are not adequately managing risk.
We believe that when a company is not effectively addressing a material issue, its directors should be held accountable. We will generally engage directly with the board or management of a company when we identify issues. We may vote against the election of directors where we have concerns that a company might not be dealing with E&S factors appropriately. Sometimes we may reflect such concerns by supporting a shareholder proposal on the issue, where there seems to be either a significant potential threat or realized harm to shareholders’ interests caused by poor management of material E&S factors. In deciding our course of action, we will assess the nature of our engagement with the company on the issue over time, including whether:
The company has already taken sufficient steps to address the concern
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The company is in the process of actively implementing a response
There is a clear and material economic disadvantage to the company in the near-term if the issue is not addressed in the manner requested by the shareholder proposal
We do not see it as our role to make social, ethical, or political judgments on behalf of clients, but rather, to protect their long-term economic interests as shareholders. We expect investee companies to comply, at a minimum, with the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which they operate. They should explain how they manage situations where such laws or regulations are contradictory or ambiguous.
Climate risk
Within the framework laid out above, as well as our guidance on “How BlackRock Investment Stewardship engages on climate risk,” we believe that climate presents significant investment risks and opportunities that may impact the long-term financial sustainability of companies. We believe that the reporting frameworks developed by TCFD and SASB provide useful guidance to companies on identifying, managing, and reporting on climate-related risks and opportunities.
We expect companies to help their investors understand how the company may be impacted by climate risk, in the context of its ability to realize a long-term strategy and generate value over time. We expect companies to convey their governance around this issue through their corporate disclosures aligned with TCFD and SASB. For companies in sectors that are significantly exposed to climate-related risk, we expect the whole board to have demonstrable fluency in how climate risk affects the business and how management approaches assessing, adapting to, and mitigating that risk.
Where a company receives a shareholder proposal related to climate risk, in addition to the factors laid out above, our assessment will take into account the robustness of the company’s existing disclosures as well as our understanding of its management of the issues as revealed through our engagements with the company and board members over time. In certain instances, we may disagree with the details of a climate-related shareholder proposal but agree that the company in question has not made sufficient progress on climate-related disclosures. In these instances, we may not support the proposal, but may vote against the election of relevant directors.
Corporate political activities
Companies may engage in certain political activities, within legal and regulatory limits, in order to influence public policy consistent with the companies’ values and strategies, and thus serve shareholders’ best long-term economic interests. These activities can create risks, including: the potential for allegations of corruption; the potential for reputational issues associated with a candidate, party, or issue; and risks that arise from the complex legal, regulatory, and compliance considerations associated with corporate political activity. We believe that companies which choose to engage in political activities should develop and maintain robust processes to guide these activities and to mitigate risks, including a level of board oversight.
When presented with shareholder proposals requesting increased disclosure on corporate political activities, we may consider the political activities of that company and its peers, the existing level of disclosure, and our view regarding the associated risks. We generally believe that it is the duty of boards and management to determine the appropriate level of disclosure of all types of corporate activity, and we are generally not supportive of proposals that are overly prescriptive in nature. We may decide to support a shareholder proposal requesting additional reporting of corporate political activities where there seems to be either a significant potential threat or actual harm to shareholders’ interests, and where we believe the company has not already provided shareholders with sufficient information to assess the company’s management of the risk.
Finally, we believe that it is not the role of shareholders to suggest or approve corporate political activities; therefore we generally do not support proposals requesting a shareholder vote on political activities or expenditures.
General corporate governance matters
Adjourn meeting to solicit additional votes
We generally support such proposals unless the agenda contains items that we judge to be detrimental to shareholders’ best long-term economic interests.
Bundled proposals
We believe that shareholders should have the opportunity to review substantial governance changes individually without having to accept bundled proposals. Where several measures are grouped into one proposal, BlackRock may reject certain positive changes when linked with proposals that generally contradict or impede the rights and economic interests of shareholders.
Exclusive forum provisions
BlackRock generally supports proposals to seek exclusive forum for certain shareholder litigation. In cases where a board unilaterally adopts exclusive forum provisions that we consider unfavorable to the interests of shareholders, we will vote against the independent chair or lead independent director and members of the governance committee.
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Multi-jurisdictional companies
Where a company is listed on multiple exchanges or incorporated in a country different from its primary listing, we will seek to apply the most relevant market guideline(s) to our analysis of the company’s governance structure and specific proposals on the shareholder meeting agenda. In doing so, we typically consider the governance standards of the company’s primary listing, the market standards by which the company governs itself, and the market context of each specific proposal on the agenda. If the relevant standards are silent on the issue under consideration, we will use our professional judgment as to what voting outcome would best protect the long-term economic interests of investors. We expect that companies will disclose the rationale for their selection of primary listing, country of incorporation, and choice of governance structures, in particular where there is conflict between relevant market governance practices.
Other business
We oppose giving companies our proxy to vote on matters where we are not given the opportunity to review and understand those measures and carry out an appropriate level of shareholder oversight.
Reincorporation
Proposals to reincorporate from one state or country to another are most frequently motivated by considerations of anti-takeover protections, legal advantages, and / or cost savings. We will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, the economic and strategic rationale behind the company’s proposal to reincorporate. In all instances, we will evaluate the changes to shareholder protection under the new charter / articles / bylaws to assess whether the move increases or decreases shareholder protections. Where we find that shareholder protections are diminished, we may support reincorporation if we determine that the overall benefits outweigh the diminished rights.
IPO governance
We expect boards to consider and disclose how the corporate governance structures adopted upon initial public offering (“IPO”) are in shareholders’ best long-term interests. We also expect boards to conduct a regular review of corporate governance and control structures, such that boards might evolve foundational corporate governance structures as company circumstances change, without undue costs and disruption to shareholders. In our letter on unequal voting structures, we articulate our view that “one vote for one share” is the preferred structure for publicly-traded companies. We also recognize the potential benefits of dual class shares to newly public companies as they establish themselves; however, we believe that these structures should have a specific and limited duration. We will generally engage new companies on topics such as classified boards and supermajority vote provisions to amend bylaws, as we believe that such arrangements may not be in the best interest of shareholders in the long-term.
We will typically apply a one-year grace period for the application of certain director-related guidelines (including, but not limited to, director independence and over-boarding considerations), during which we expect boards to take steps to bring corporate governance standards in line with our expectations.
Further, if a company qualifies as an emerging growth company (an “EGC”) under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), we will give consideration to the NYSE and NASDAQ governance exemptions granted under the JOBS Act for the duration such a company is categorized as an EGC. We expect an EGC to have a totally independent audit committee by the first anniversary of its IPO, with our standard approach to voting on auditors and audit-related issues applicable in full for an EGC on the first anniversary of its IPO.
Shareholder Protections
Amendment to charter/articles/by-laws
We believe that shareholders should have the right to vote on key corporate governance matters, including on changes to governance mechanisms and amendments to the charter / articles / bylaws. We may vote against certain directors where changes to governing documents are not put to a shareholder vote within a reasonable period of time, in particular if those changes have the potential to impact shareholder rights (see “Director elections” herein). In cases where a board’s unilateral adoption of changes to the charter / articles / bylaws promotes cost and operational efficiency benefits for the company and its shareholders, we may support such action if it does not have a negative effect on shareholder rights or the company’s corporate governance structure.
When voting on a management or shareholder proposal to make changes to the charter / articles / bylaws, we will consider in part the company’s and / or proponent’s publicly stated rationale for the changes, the company’s governance profile and history, relevant jurisdictional laws, and situational or contextual circumstances which may have motivated the proposed changes, among other factors. We will typically support changes to the charter / articles / bylaws where the benefits to shareholders, including the costs of failing to make those changes, demonstrably outweigh the costs or risks of making such changes.
Proxy access
We believe that long-term shareholders should have the opportunity, when necessary and under reasonable conditions, to nominate directors on the company’s proxy card.
In our view, securing the right of shareholders to nominate directors without engaging in a control contest can enhance shareholders’ ability to meaningfully participate in the director election process, stimulate board attention to shareholder interests, and provide shareholders an
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effective means of directing that attention where it is lacking. Proxy access mechanisms should provide shareholders with a reasonable opportunity to use this right without stipulating overly restrictive or onerous parameters for use, and also provide assurances that the mechanism will not be subject to abuse by short-term investors, investors without a substantial investment in the company, or investors seeking to take control of the board.
In general, we support market-standardized proxy access proposals, which allow a shareholder (or group of up to 20 shareholders) holding three percent of a company’s outstanding shares for at least three years the right to nominate the greater of up to two directors or 20% of the board. Where a standardized proxy access provision exists, we will generally oppose shareholder proposals requesting outlier thresholds..
Right to act by written consent
In exceptional circumstances and with sufficiently broad support, shareholders should have the opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting. We therefore believe that shareholders should have the right to solicit votes by written consent provided that: 1) there are reasonable requirements to initiate the consent solicitation process (in order to avoid the waste of corporate resources in addressing narrowly supported interests); and 2) shareholders receive a minimum of 50% of outstanding shares to effectuate the action by written consent. We may oppose shareholder proposals requesting the right to act by written consent in cases where the proposal is structured for the benefit of a dominant shareholder to the exclusion of others, or if the proposal is written to discourage the board from incorporating appropriate mechanisms to avoid the waste of corporate resources when establishing a right to act by written consent. Additionally, we may oppose shareholder proposals requesting the right to act by written consent if the company already provides a shareholder right to call a special meeting that we believe offers shareholders a reasonable opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting.
Right to call a special meeting
In exceptional circumstances and with sufficiently broad support, shareholders should have the opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting. We therefore believe that shareholders should have the right to call a special meeting in cases where a reasonably high proportion of shareholders (typically a minimum of 15% but no higher than 25%) are required to agree to such a meeting before it is called, in order to avoid the waste of corporate resources in addressing narrowly supported interests. However, we may oppose this right in cases where the proposal is structured for the benefit of a dominant shareholder to the exclusion of others. We generally believe that a right to act via written consent is not a sufficient alternative to the right to call a special meeting.
Simple majority voting
We generally favor a simple majority voting requirement to pass proposals. Therefore, we will support the reduction or the elimination of supermajority voting requirements to the extent that we determine shareholders’ ability to protect their economic interests is improved. Nonetheless, in situations where there is a substantial or dominant shareholder, supermajority voting may be protective of public shareholder interests and we may support supermajority requirements in those situations.
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ClariVest Asset Management LLC
Proxy Voting Policies
Date: 2017
Issue
Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act requires every investment adviser who exercises voting authority with respect to Client securities to adopt and implement written policies and procedures, reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its Clients. The procedures must address material conflicts that may arise in connection with proxy voting. The Rule further requires the adviser to provide a concise summary of the adviser’s proxy voting process and offer to provide copies of the complete proxy voting policy and procedures to Clients upon request. Lastly, the Rule requires that the adviser disclose to Clients how they may obtain information on how the adviser voted their proxies.
ClariVest votes proxies for its Clients unless requested otherwise, and therefore has adopted and implemented this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures.
Potential Risks
In developing these policies and procedures, ClariVest considered numerous risks associated with its voting of client proxies. This analysis includes risks such as:
ClariVest does not maintain a written proxy voting policy as required by Rule 206(4)-6.
Proxies are not voted in Clients’ best interests.
Proxies are not identified and voted in a timely manner.
Conflicts between ClariVest’s interests and the Client are not identified; therefore, proxies are not voted appropriately.
The third-party proxy voting service utilized by ClariVest is not independent.
Proxy voting records and Client requests to review proxy votes are not maintained.
ClariVest does not conduct adequate ongoing oversight of the third-party proxy voting service to ensure that ClariVest, through the service, continues to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients.
ClariVest has established the following guidelines to effectuate and monitor its proxy voting policy and procedures.
Policy
It is the policy of ClariVest to vote proxies in the interest of maximizing value for ClariVest’s Clients. Proxies are an asset of a Client, which should be treated by ClariVest with the same care, diligence, and loyalty as any asset belonging to a Client. To that end, ClariVest will vote in a way that it believes, consistent with its fiduciary duty, will cause the value of the issue to increase the most or decline the least. Consideration will be given to both the short and long term implications of the proposal to be voted on when considering the optimal vote.
Any general or specific proxy voting guidelines provided by an advisory Client or its designated agent in writing will supersede this policy. Clients may wish to have their proxies voted by an independent third party or other named fiduciary or agent, at the Client’s cost.
The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has issued interpretive guidance on investment advisers that use the recommendations of independent third parties to vote Client proxies in its letter to Egan-Jones Proxy Services (pub. Avail. May 27, 2004). The interpretive letter addresses what is meant by “independent third party.” The letter states that a third party generally would be independent of an investment adviser if that person is free from influence or any incentive to recommend that the proxies should be voted in anyone's interest other than the adviser's Clients. ClariVest has retained Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”), and generally follows their recommendation when voting proxies. ClariVest determined that it is appropriate to follow the voting recommendations of ISS because ClariVest believes that ISS (a) has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues, and (b) can make such recommendations in an impartial manner and in the best interests of ClariVest’s Clients.
The interpretive letter also discusses conflicts of interest that can arise from the proxy voting firm's relationships with issuers. When the proxy voting firm has a relationship with an issuer of voting securities (e.g., to provide advice on corporate governance issues), the adviser's proxy voting procedures should require a proxy voting firm to disclose to the adviser any relevant facts concerning the firm's relationship with the issuer, such as the amount of the compensation that the firm has received or will receive. That information will enable the investment adviser to determine whether the proxy voting firm can make voting recommendations in an impartial manner and in the best interests of the Clients, or whether the adviser needs to take other steps to vote the proxies.
The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission also issued a Staff Legal Bulletin No. 20 (June 30, 2014) that addresses, among other things, the ongoing duties of an investment adviser with respect to a third party proxy advisory firm.
Procedures for Identification and Voting of Proxies
These proxy voting procedures are designed to enable ClariVest to resolve material conflicts of interests with Clients before voting their proxies.
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1. ClariVest shall maintain a list of all Clients for which it votes proxies. The list will be maintained either in hard copy or electronically and updated by the Operations Manager who will obtain proxy voting information from Client agreements.
2. ClariVest shall work with the Client to ensure that ISS is the designated party to receive proxy voting materials from companies or intermediaries. To that end, new account forms (including a letter of authorization) of broker-dealers/custodians will state that ISS should receive this documentation. The Operations Department will follow-up with ISS after account launch to confirm that new accounts are properly established and proxy materials are being received by ISS for voting.
3. ClariVest subscribes to the ISS proxy voting service. This browser-based proxy voting system automates the physical paper handling and detailed recordkeeping needs of ClariVest’s proxy voting function. ISS also provides independent recommendations with respect to each proxy vote.
4. As a default, proxies are generally voted by ISS in accordance with ISS recommendations. However, ClariVest retains ultimate decision making authority with respect to the voting of Client proxies and reserves the right to override ISS recommendations.
5. For any Client who has provided specific voting instruction, the Operations Manager shall vote that Client’s proxy in accordance with the Client’s written instructions.
6. The Operations Manager will provide any proxy solicitation information and materials that he may receive to the appropriate personnel of ISS for their review and consideration.
7. As noted by the SEC in Release 2106, the fiduciary duty that ClariVest owes its Clients prohibits the adoption of a policy to enter default proxy votes in favor of management. Thus, ClariVest shall not by default vote proxies in favor of management, but shall vote per ISS’s recommendation as set forth in the general principles outlined above.
8. ClariVest’s investment personnel shall be responsible for making voting decisions with respect to all Client proxies, where a proxy is not voted in accordance with ISS recommendations. Such decisions shall then be provided to the Operations Manager who will then ensure that such proxy votes are submitted in a timely manner.
9. The Operations Manager may delegate the actual voting of Client proxies to any of ClariVest’s employees who are familiar with ISS’s service.
10. ClariVest is not required to vote every Client proxy and refraining from voting should not necessarily be construed as a violation of ClariVest’s fiduciary obligations. ClariVest shall at no time ignore or neglect its proxy voting responsibilities. However, there may be times when refraining from voting is in the Client’s best interest, such as when an adviser’s analysis of a particular Client proxy reveals that the cost of voting the proxy may exceed the expected benefit to the Client (i.e., casting a vote on a foreign security may require that the adviser engage a translator or travel to a foreign country to vote in person). Such position also complies with Interpretive Bulletin 94-2 of the DOL. ClariVest also does not vote proxies for securities that are loaned as part of the Client’s securities lending program (if the Client has elected to participate in a securities lending program).
11. The Operations Manager shall be responsible for conducting the proxy voting cost-benefit analysis in those certain situations in which ClariVest believe it may be in its Clients’ best interest for ClariVest not to vote a particular proxy. The Operations Manager shall maintain documentation of any cost-benefit analysis with respect to Client proxies that are not voted by ClariVest.
12. The Operations Manager will report any attempts by any of ClariVest personnel to influence the voting of Client proxies in a manner that is inconsistent with ClariVest’s Policy. Such report shall be made to the CCO, or if the CCO is the person attempting to influence the voting, then to the CEO.
13. Proxies received after the termination date of a Client relationship will not be voted. Such proxies should be delivered to the last known address of the Client or to the intermediary who distributed the proxy with a written or oral statement indicating that the advisory relationship has been terminated and that future proxies for the named Client should not be delivered to ClariVest.
14. The Operations Manager, with the assistance of the CCO, will reasonably try to assess any material conflicts between ClariVest’s interests and those of its Clients with respect to proxy voting (where a proxy is not voted in accordance with ISS recommendations) by considering the situations identified in the Conflicts of Interest section of this document.
15. The Compliance Department will annually review due diligence materials from ISS to confirm the ongoing adequacy of ISS’s program, including ensuring that ISS has policies and procedures in place designed to manage potential conflicts of interest.
Conflicts of Interest
1. General: As noted previously, ClariVest will vote its Clients’ proxies in the best interest of its Clients and not its own. In voting Client proxies, ClariVest shall avoid material conflicts of interest between the interests of ClariVest on the one hand and the interests of its Clients on the other.
2. Potential Material Conflicts of Interest: ClariVest is aware of the following potential material conflicts that could affect ClariVest’s proxy voting process in the future. It should be noted that these potential conflicts have been listed for informational purposes only and do not include all of the potential conflicts of interest that an adviser might face in voting Client proxies. ClariVest acknowledges that the existence of a relationship of the types discussed below, even in the absence of any active efforts to solicit or influence ClariVest, with respect to a proxy vote related to such relationship is sufficient for a material conflict to exist.
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Example Conflict: ClariVest retains an institutional Client, or is in the process of retaining an institutional Client that is affiliated with an issuer that is held in ClariVest’s Client portfolios. For example, ClariVest may be retained to manage Company A’s pension fund. Company A is a public company and ClariVest Client accounts hold shares of Company A. This type of relationship may influence ClariVest to vote with management on proxies to gain favor with management. Such favor may influence Company A’s decision to continue its advisory relationship with ClariVest.
Example Conflict: ClariVest retains a Client, or is in the process of retaining a Client that is an officer or director of an issuer that is held in ClariVest’s Client portfolios. The similar conflicts of interest exist in this relationship as discussed above.
Example Conflict: ClariVest’s Employees maintain a personal and/or business relationship (not an advisory relationship) with issuers or individuals that serve as officers or directors of issuers. For example, the spouse of an Employee may be a high-level executive of an issuer that is held in ClariVest’s Client portfolios. The spouse could attempt to influence ClariVest to vote in favor of management.
Example Conflict: ClariVest or an Employee(s) personally owns a significant number of an issuer’s securities that are also held in ClariVest’s Client portfolios. For any number of reasons, an Employee(s) may seek to vote proxies in a different direction for his/her personal holdings than would otherwise be warranted by the proxy voting policy. The Employee(s) could oppose voting the proxies according to the policy and successfully influence ClariVest to vote proxies in contradiction to the policy.
Example Conflict: ClariVest or its affiliate has a financial interest in the outcome of a vote, such as when ClariVest receives distribution fees (i.e., Rule 12b-1 fees) from registered mutual funds that are maintained in Client accounts and the proxy relates to an increase in 12b-1 fees.
3. Determining the Materiality of Conflicts of Interest: In general, ClariVest avoids the conflicts of interest described above by following ISS’s vote recommendations. Where ISS has a conflict or if ClariVest is looking to override the ISS recommendation, ClariVest will assess if there is a conflict of interest. Determinations as to whether a conflict of interest is material will be made after internal discussion among the CCO, the Portfolio Manager(s) for the affected Clients and the Operations Manager. Among the factors to be considered in determining the materiality of a conflict include whether the relevant Client relationship accounts for a significant percentage of ClariVest’s annual revenues, or the percentage of ClariVest’s assets that is invested with a particular issuer. Materiality determinations are fact based, and will depend on the details of a particular situation. Whether a particular conflict of interest is deemed material will be based on the likelihood that the conflict might cause a proxy to be voted in a manner that was not in the best interests of ClariVest’s Clients. All materiality deliberations will be memorialized in writing by the Operations Manager.
If the individuals mentioned above determine that the conflict in question is not material, ClariVest will vote the proxy in accordance with the policies stated herein. If a conflict is judged material, ClariVest will consider ISS’s recommendation or, at its expense, engage the services of legal counsel who will provide an independent recommendation on the direction in which ClariVest should vote on the proposal. The proxy voting service’s or consultant’s determination will be binding on ClariVest.
Procedures for ClariVest’s Receipt of Class Actions
ClariVest recognizes that as a fiduciary it has a duty to act with the highest obligation of good faith, loyalty, fair dealing and due care. When a recovery is achieved in a class action, clients who owned shares in the company subject to the action have the option to either: (1) opt out of the class action and pursue their own remedy; or (2) participate in the recovery achieved via the class action. Collecting the recovery involves the completion of a Proof of Claim form which is submitted to the Claims Administrator. After the Claims Administrator receives all Proof of Claims, it dispenses the money from the settlement fund to those persons and entities with valid claims.
Unless otherwise agreed with a Client, if “Class Action” documents are received by ClariVest for its Clients, ClariVest will gather the materials it has and forward to the Client, to enable the Client to file the “Class Action” at the Client’s discretion. The decision of whether to participate in the recovery or opt-out may be a legal one that ClariVest may not be qualified to make for the Client. Therefore, unless otherwise agreed with a Client, ClariVest will not file “Class Actions” on behalf of a Client.
Recordkeeping
ClariVest will maintain the documentation described in the following section for a period of not less than five (5) years, the first two (2) years at its principal place of business. The Operations Manager will be responsible for the following procedures and for ensuring that the required documentation is retained.
Client request to review proxy votes:
Any request, whether written (including e-mail) or oral, received by any Employee of ClariVest, must be promptly reported to the Compliance Department and/or Operations Manager. All written requests must be retained in the permanent file.
Furnish the information requested, free of charge, to the Client within a reasonable time period (typically within 10 business days). Maintain a copy of the written record provided in response to Client’s written (including e-mail) or oral request. Unless maintained electronically, a copy of the written response should be attached and maintained with the Client’s written request, if applicable and maintained in the permanent file.
Clients are permitted to request the proxy voting record for the 5 year period prior to their request.
Proxy statements received regarding client securities:
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Upon receipt of a proxy, ClariVest shall scan the materials and send to ISS for processing.
  Note: ClariVest is permitted to rely on proxy statements filed on the SEC’s EDGAR system instead of keeping its own copies.
Proxy voting records:
A record of how ClariVest voted client Proxies.
Documents prepared or created by ClariVest that were material to making a decision on how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision.
Documentation or notes or any communications received from third parties, other industry analysts, third party service providers, company’s management discussions, etc. that were material in the basis for the decision.
Disclosure
ClariVest will ensure that Part 2A of Form ADV is updated as necessary to reflect: (i) all material changes to the Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures; and (ii) information about how Clients may obtain information on how ClariVest voted their securities.
Proxy Solicitation
As a matter of practice, it is ClariVest’s policy to not reveal or disclose to any Client how ClariVest may have voted (or intends to vote) on a particular proxy until after such proxies have been counted at a shareholder’s meeting. ClariVest will never disclose such information to unrelated third parties.
At no time may any Employee accept any remuneration in the solicitation of proxies.
Responsibility
The Operations Manager is responsible for supervising the proxy voting process and maintaining the records, in each case as described above.
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J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines
Part I: JPMorgan Asset Management Global
Proxy Voting Procedures
A. Objective
As an investment adviser within JPMorgan Asset Management, each of the entities listed on Exhibit A attached hereto (each referred to individually as a “JPMAM Entity” and collectively as “JPMAM”) may be granted by its clients the authority to vote the proxies of the securities held in client portfolios. In such cases, JPMAM's objective is to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients. To further that objective, JPMAM adopted these Procedures.1
These Procedures incorporate detailed guidelines for voting proxies on specific types of issues (the “Guidelines”). The Guidelines have been developed and approved by the relevant Proxy Committee (as defined below) with the objective of encouraging corporate action that enhances shareholder value. Because proxy proposals and individual company facts and circumstances may vary, JPMAM may not always vote proxies in accordance with the Guidelines.
B. Proxy Committee
To oversee the proxy-voting process on an ongoing basis, a Proxy Committee has been established for each global location where proxy-voting decisions are made. Each Proxy Committee is composed of a Proxy Administrator (as defined below) and senior officers from among the Investment, Legal, Compliance and Risk Management Departments. The primary functions of each Proxy Committee are to periodically review general proxy-voting matters; to determine the independence of any third-party vendor which it has delegated proxy voting responsibilities and to conclude that there are no conflicts of interest that would prevent such vendor from providing such proxy voting services prior to delegating proxy responsibilities; review and approve the Guidelines annually; and provide advice and recommendations on general proxy-voting matters as well as on specific voting issues to be implemented by the relevant JPMAM Entity. The Proxy Committee may delegate certain of its responsibilities to subgroups composed of 13 Proxy Committee members. The Proxy Committee meets at least semi-annually, or more frequently as circumstances dictate.
C. The Proxy Voting Process
JPMAM investment professionals monitor the corporate actions of the companies held in their clients’ portfolios. To assist JPMAM investment professionals with public companies’ proxy voting proposals, a JPMAM Entity may, but shall not be obligated to, retain the services of an independent proxy voting service (“Independent Voting Service”). The Independent Voting Service is assigned responsibility for various functions, which may include one or more of the following: coordinating with client custodians to ensure that all proxy materials are processed in a timely fashion; providing JPMAM with a comprehensive analysis of each proxy proposal and providing JPMAM with recommendations on how to vote each proxy proposal based on the Guidelines or, where no Guideline exists or where the Guidelines require a case-by-case analysis, on the Independent Voting Service’s analysis; and executing the voting of the proxies in accordance with Guidelines and its recommendation, except when a recommendation is overridden by JPMAM, as described below. If those functions are not assigned to an Independent Voting Service, they are performed or coordinated by a Proxy Administrator (as defined below). The Proxy Voting Committee has adopted procedures to identify significant proxies and to recall shares on loan.2
Situations often arise in which more than one JPMAM client invests in the same company or in which a single client may invest in the same company but in multiple accounts. In those situations, two or more clients, or one client with different accounts, may be invested in strategies having different investment objectives, investment styles, or portfolio managers. As a result, JPMAM may cast different votes on behalf of different clients or on behalf of the same client with different accounts.
Each JPMAM Entity appoints a JPMAM professional to act as a proxy administrator (“Proxy Administrator”) for each global location of such entity where proxy-voting decisions are made. The Proxy Administrators are charged with oversight of these Procedures and the entire proxy-voting process. Their duties, in the event an Independent Voting Service is retained, include the following: evaluating the quality of services provided by the Independent Voting Service; escalating proposals identified by the Independent Voting Service as non-routine, but for which a Guideline exists (including, but not limited to, compensation plans, anti-takeover proposals, reincorporation, mergers, acquisitions and proxy-voting contests) to the attention of the appropriate investment professionals and confirming the Independent Voting Service’s recommendation with the appropriate JPMAM investment professional (documentation of those confirmations will be retained by the appropriate Proxy Administrator); escalating proposals identified by the Independent Voting Service as not being covered by the Guidelines (including proposals requiring a case-by-case determination under the Guidelines) to the appropriate investment professional and obtaining a recommendation with respect thereto; reviewing recommendations of JPMAM investment professionals with respect to proposals not covered by the Guidelines (including proposals requiring a case-by-case determination under the Guidelines) or to override the

1 Proxies for the JPMorgan Value Opportunities Fund are voted in accordance with the Fund’s proxy voting policies and not the policies of JPMAM. The Undiscovered Managers Behavioral Growth Fund, and Undiscovered Managers Behavioral Value Fund, the JPMorgan Access Growth Fund and the JPMorgan Access Balanced Fund vote proxies in accordance with the voting policies of their subadvisers other than J.P. Morgan Private Investments, Inc. and not the policies of JPMAM.

2The Proxy Voting Committee may determine: (a) not to recall securities on loan if, in its judgment, the negative consequences to clients of recalling the loaned securities would outweigh the benefits of voting in the particular instance or (b) not to vote certain foreign securities positions if, in its judgment, the expense and administrative inconvenience or other burdens outweigh the benefits to clients of voting the securities.
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Guidelines (collectively, “Overrides”); referring investment considerations regarding Overrides to the Proxy Committee, if necessary; determining, in the case of Overrides, whether a material conflict, as described below, exists; escalating material conflicts to the Proxy Committee; and maintaining the records required by these Procedures.
In the event investment professionals are charged with recommending how to vote the proxies, the Proxy Administrator’s duties include the following: reviewing recommendations of investment professionals with respect to Overrides; referring investment considerations regarding such Overrides to the Proxy Committee, if necessary; determining, in the case of such Overrides, whether a material conflict, as described below, exists; escalating material conflicts to the Proxy Committee; and maintaining the records required by these Procedures.
In the event a JPMAM investment professional makes a recommendation in connection with an Override, the investment professional must provide the appropriate Proxy Administrator with a written certification (“Certification”) which shall contain an analysis supporting his or her recommendation and a certification that he or she (A) received no communication in regard to the proxy that would violate either the J.P. Morgan Chase (“JPMC”) Safeguard Policy (as defined below) or written policy on information barriers, or received any communication in connection with the proxy solicitation or otherwise that would suggest the existence of an actual or potential conflict between JPMAM’S interests and that of its clients and (B) was not aware of any personal or other relationship that could present an actual or potential conflict of interest with the clients’ interests.
D. Material Conflicts of Interest
The U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940 requires that the proxy-voting procedures adopted and implemented by a U.S. investment adviser include procedures that address material conflicts of interest that may arise between the investment adviser’s interests and those of its clients. To address such material potential conflicts of interest, JPMAM relies on certain policies and procedures. In order to maintain the integrity and independence of JPMAM’s investment processes and decisions, including proxy-voting decisions, and to protect JPMAM’s decisions from influences that could lead to a vote other than in its clients’ best interests, JPMC (including JPMAM) adopted a Safeguard Policy, and established formal informational barriers designed to restrict the flow of information from JPMC's securities, lending, investment banking and other divisions to JPMAM investment professionals. The information barriers include, where appropriate: computer firewalls; the establishment of separate legal entities; and the physical separation of employees from separate business divisions. Material conflicts of interest are further avoided by voting in accordance with JPMAM’s predetermined Guidelines. When an Override occurs, any potential material conflict of interest that may exist is analyzed in the process outlined in these Procedures.
Examples of such material conflicts of interest that could arise include circumstances in which: (i) management of a JPMAM investment management client or prospective client, distributor or prospective distributor of its investment management products, or critical vendor, is soliciting proxies and failure to vote in favor of management may harm JPMAM's relationship with such company and materially impact JPMAM's business; or (ii) a personal relationship between a JPMAM officer and management of a company or other proponent of a proxy proposal could impact JPMAM’s voting decision.
A conflict is deemed to exist when the proxy is for JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock or for J.P. Morgan Funds, or when the proxy administrator has actual knowledge indicating that a JPMorgan affiliate is an investment banker or rendered a fairness opinion with respect to the matter that is the subject of the proxy vote. When such conflicts are identified, the proxy will be voted by an independent third party either in accordance with JPMorgan proxy voting guidelines or by the third party using its own guidelines provided, however, that JPMAM investment professional(s) may request an exception to this process to vote against a proposal rather than referring it to an independent third party (“Exception Request”) where the proxy administrator has actual knowledge indicating that a JPMorgan affiliate is an investment banker or rendered a fairness opinion with respect to the matter that is the subject of a proxy vote. The Proxy Committee shall review the Exception Request and shall determine whether JPMAM should vote against the proposal or whether such proxy should still be referred to an independent third party due to the potential for additional conflicts or otherwise.
E. Escalation of Material Conflicts of Interest
When an Override occurs, the investment professional must complete the Certification and the Proxy Administrator will review the circumstances surrounding such Certification. When a potential material conflict of interest has been identified, the Proxy Administrator, in consultation with a subgroup of the Proxy Committee, will evaluate the potential conflict and determine whether an actual material conflict of interest exists. That subgroup shall include a Proxy Committee member from the Investment Department and one or more Proxy Committee members from the Legal, Compliance or Risk Management Departments. In the event that the Proxy Administrator and the subgroup of the Proxy Committee determine that an actual material conflict of interest exists, they shall make a recommendation on how the relevant JPMAM Entity shall vote the proxy. Sales and marketing professionals will be precluded from participating in the decision-making process.
Depending upon the nature of the material conflict of interest, JPMAM, in the course of addressing the material conflict, may elect to take one or more of the following measures, or other appropriate action:
removing certain JPMAM personnel from the proxy voting process;
“walling off” personnel with knowledge of the material conflict to ensure that such personnel do not influence the relevant proxy vote;
voting in accordance with the applicable Guidelines, if any, if the application of the Guidelines would objectively result in the casting of a proxy vote in a predetermined manner; or
deferring the vote to the Independent Voting Service, if any, which will vote in accordance with its own recommendation.
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The resolution of all potential and actual material conflict issues will be documented in order to demonstrate that JPMAM acted in the best interests of its clients.
F. Recordkeeping
JPMAM is required to maintain in an easily accessible place for seven (7) years all records relating to the proxy voting process. Those records include the following:
a copy of the JPMAM Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines;
a copy of each proxy statement received on behalf of JPMAM clients;
a record of each vote cast on behalf of JPMAM client holdings;
a copy of all documents created by JPMAM personnel that were material to making a decision on the voting of client securities or that memorialize the basis of the decision;
a copy of the documentation of all dialogue with issuers and JPMAM personnel created by JPMAM personnel prior to the voting of client securities; and
a copy of each written request by a client for information on how JPMAM voted proxies on behalf of the client, as well as a copy of any written response by JPMAM to any request by a JPMAM client for information on how JPMAM voted proxies on behalf of our client.
It should be noted that JPMAM reserves the right to use the services of the Independent Voting Service to maintain certain required records in accordance with all applicable regulations.
Exhibit A
JPMorgan Chase Bank , NA
J.P. Morgan Asset Management (UK) Limited
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
JF Asset Management Limited
JF Asset Management (Singapore) Limited
JF International Management Inc.
J.P. Morgan Private Investments, Inc.
Security Capital Research & Management Incorporated
Bear Stearns Asset Management
Part II: Proxy Voting Guidelines
JPMAM is a global asset management organization with the capabilities to invest in securities of issuers located around the globe. Because the regulatory framework and the business cultures and practices vary from region to region, our proxy voting guidelines have been customized for each region to take into account such variations.
JPMAM currently has four sets of proxy voting guidelines covering the regions of (1) North America, (2) Europe, Middle East, Africa, Central America and South America (3) Asia (ex-Japan) and (4) Japan, respectively. Notwithstanding the variations among the guidelines, all of these guidelines have been designed with the uniform objective of encouraging corporate action that enhances shareholder value. As a general rule, in voting proxies of a particular security, each JPMAM Entity will apply the guidelines of the region in which the issuer of such security is organized.
In March 2007, JPMAM signed the Principles for Responsible Investment, an initiative of the UN Secretary-General.
Part II.A: North America Proxy Voting
1a. Uncontested Director Elections
Votes on director nominees should be made on a case-by-case (for) basis. Votes generally will be WITHHELD from directors who:
1) attend less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse for the absences;
2) adopt or renew a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of an newly public company, do not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold recommendation for this issue.
3) are inside or affiliated outside directors and sit on the audit, compensation, or nominating committees. For purposes of defining affiliation we will apply either the NYSE listing rule for companies listed on that exchange or the NASDAQ listing rule for all other companies.
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4) ignore a shareholder proposal that is approved by a i) majority of the shares outstanding, or ii) majority of the votes cast. The review period will be the vote results over a consecutive two year time frame.
5) are inside or affiliated outside directors and the full board serves as the audit, compensation, or nominating committee or the company does not have one of these committees
6) are insiders and affiliated outsiders on boards that are not at least majority independent. In the case of a controlled company, vote case-by case on the directors.
7) are CEOs of publicly-traded companies who serve on more than two public boards (besides his or her own board) and all other directors who serve on more than four public company boards.
8) are compensation committee members where there is a pay-for performance disconnect for Russell 3000 companies. (See 9a – Stock- Based Incentive Plans, last paragraph). WITHHOLD votes from compensation committee members if the company does not submit one-time transferable stock options to shareholders for approval.
9) are audit committee members in circumstances in which there is evidence (such as audit reports or reports mandated under the Sarbanes Oxley Act) that there exists material weaknesses in the company’s internal controls.
10) are compensation committee members who were present at the time of the grant of backdated options or options the pricing or the timing of which we believe may have been manipulated to provide additional benefits to executives.
11) demonstrated history of poor performance or inadequate risk oversight.
12) and/or committee members when the board adopts changes to the company’s by-laws or charter without shareholder approval if the changes materially diminish shareholder rights.
13) chair the board, are lead independent directors, or chair governance committees of publicly traded companies where employees have departed for significant violation of code of conduct without claw back of compensation.
14) for newly public companies, vote case-by-case on directors as we believe the company should have the appropriate time frame to mature and better its governance structure
We recognize the importance of shareholder access to the ballot process as a means to ensure that boards do not become self-perpetuating and self-serving. However, we are also aware that some proposals may promote certain interest groups and could be disruptive to the nomination process.
1b. CEO Votes
Except as otherwise described above, we generally do not vote against a sitting CEO in recognition of the impact the vote may have on the management of the company.
1c. Proxy Access
Generally vote for shareholder proposals requesting companies to amend their by-laws in order to facilitate shareholders’ ability to nominate candidates for directors as long as the minimum threshold of share ownership is 3% (defined as either a single shareholder or group of shareholders) and the minimum holding period of share ownership is 3 years. Generally, we will oppose proposals which restrict share ownership thresholds to a single shareholder.
We recognize the importance of shareholder access to the ballot process as one means to ensure that boards do not become self-perpetuating and self-serving. We generally support the board when they have adopted proxy access at a 3% / 3 year threshold either through a majority supported shareholder ballot or by adopting the bylaw on its own initiative. However, we are also aware that some proposals may promote certain interest groups to the detriment of shareholders generally and could be disruptive to the nomination process. Hence, we will generally vote against shareholder proposals which seek to amend an existing proxy access by law unless the terms of the proxy access right is unduly restrictive to shareholders.
2. Proxy Contests
2a. Election of Directors
Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: long-term financial performance of the subject company relative to its industry; management’s track record; background to the proxy contest; qualifications of director nominees (both slates); evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met; and stock ownership positions.
2b. Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses
Decisions to provide full reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest should be made on a case by-case basis.
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3. Ratification of Auditors
Vote for proposals to ratify auditors, unless an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position.
Generally vote against auditor ratification and withhold votes from Audit Committee members if non-audit fees exceed audit fees.
Vote case-by-case on auditor Rotation Proposals: tenure of Audit Firm; establishment and disclosure of a renewal process whereby the auditor is regularly evaluated for both audit quality and competitive price; length of the rotation period advocated in the proposal; significant audit related issues; and number of annual Audit Committee meetings held and the number of financial experts that serve on the Audit Committee.
Generally vote against auditor indemnification and limitation of liability; however we recognize there may be situations where indemnification and limitations on liability may be appropriate.
4. Proxy Contest Defenses
4a. Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections
Proposals regarding classified boards will be voted on a case-by-case basis. Classified boards normally will be supported if the company’s governing documents contain each of the following provisions:
1) Majority of board composed of independent directors,
2) Nominating committee composed solely of independent directors,
3) Do not require more than a two-thirds shareholders’ vote to remove a director, revise any bylaw or revise any classified board provision,
4) Confidential voting (however, there may be a provision for suspending confidential voting during proxy contests),
5) Ability of shareholders to call special meeting or to act by written consent with 90 days’ notice,
6) Absence of superior voting rights for one or more classes of stock,
7) Board does not have the sole right to change the size of the board beyond a stated range that has been approved by shareholders, and
8) Absence of shareholder rights plan that can only be removed by the incumbent directors (dead-hand poison pill).
4b. Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors
Vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.
Vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.
Vote against proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.
Vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.
4c. Cumulative Voting
Cumulative voting proposals will be voted on a case-by-case basis. If there are other safeguards to ensure that shareholders have reasonable access and input into the process of nominating and electing directors, cumulative voting is not essential. Generally, a company’s governing documents must contain the following provisions for us to vote against restoring or providing for cumulative voting:
1) Annually elected board,
2) Majority of board composed of independent directors,
3) Nominating committee composed solely of independent directors,
4) Confidential voting (however, there may be a provision for suspending confidential voting during proxy contests),
5) Ability of shareholders to call special meeting or to act by written consent with 90 days’ notice,
6) Absence of superior voting rights for one or more classes of stock,
7) Board does not have the sole right to change the size of the board beyond a stated range that has been approved by shareholders, and
8) Absence of shareholder rights plan that can only be removed by the incumbent directors (dead-hand poison pill).
4d. Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meeting
Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings so long as the ability to call special meetings requires the affirmative vote of less than 15% of the shares outstanding. The ability to call special meetings enables shareholders to remove directors or initiate a shareholder resolution without having to wait for the next scheduled meeting, should require more than a de minimus number of shares to call the meeting and subject the company to the expense of a shareholder meeting.
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Vote for proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.
4e. Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
We generally vote for proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent. The requirement that all shareholders be given notice of a shareholders’ meeting and matters to be discussed therein seems to provide a reasonable protection of minority shareholder rights.
We generally vote against proposals to allow or facilitate shareholder action by written consent.
4f. Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board
Vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.
Vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.
5. Tender Offer Defenses
5a. Poison Pills
Vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.
Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill. Studies indicate that companies with a rights plan secure higher premiums in hostile takeover situations.
Review on a case-by-case basis management proposals to ratify a poison pill. We generally look for shareholder friendly features including a two- to three-year sunset provision, a permitted bid provision, a 20 percent or higher flip-in provision, and the absence of dead-hand features.
If the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after an offer is announced, ten percent of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill.
5b. Fair Price Provisions
Vote proposals to adopt fair price provisions on a case-by-case basis, evaluating factors such as the vote required to approve the proposed acquisition, the vote required to repeal the fair price provision, and the mechanism for determining the fair price.
Generally, vote against fair price provisions with shareholder vote requirements greater than a majority of disinterested shares.
5c. Greenmail
Vote for proposals to adopt antigreenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.
5d. Unequal Voting Rights
Generally, vote against dual-class recapitalizations as they offer an effective way for a firm to thwart hostile takeovers by concentrating voting power in the hands of management or other insiders.
Vote for dual-class recapitalizations when the structure is designed to protect economic interests of investors.
5e. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend Charter or Bylaws
Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments. Supermajority provisions violate the principle that a simple majority of voting shares should be all that is necessary to effect change regarding a company.
Vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments.
5f. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers
Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations. Supermajority provisions violate the principle that a simple majority of voting shares should be all that is necessary to effect change regarding a company.
Vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.
6. Miscellaneous Board Provisions
6a. Separate Chairman and CEO Positions
We will generally vote for proposals looking to separate the CEO and Chairman roles unless the company has governance structures in place that can satisfactorily counterbalance a combined chairman and CEO/president post. Such a structure should include most or all of the following:
Designated lead director, appointed from the ranks of the independent board members with clearly delineated duties. At a minimum these should include:
(1) Presides at all meetings of the board at which the chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors,
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(2) Serves as liaison between the chairman and the independent directors,
(3) Approves information sent to the board,
(4) Approves meeting agendas for the board,
(5) Approves meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items,
(6) Has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors, and
(7) If requested by major shareholders, ensures that he is available for consultation and direct communication;
2/3 of independent board;
All-independent key committees;
Committee chairpersons nominated by the independent directors;
CEO performance is reviewed annually by a committee of outside directors; and
Established governance guidelines.
Additionally, the company should not have underperformed its peers and index on a one-year and three-year basis, unless there has been a change in the Chairman/CEO position within that time. Performance will be measured according to shareholder returns against index and peers.
6b. Lead Directors and Executive Sessions
In cases where the CEO and Chairman roles are combined, we will vote for the appointment of a “lead” (non-insider) director and for regular “executive” sessions (board meetings taking place without the CEO/Chairman present).
6c. Majority of Independent Directors
We generally vote for proposals that call for the board to be composed of a majority of independent directors. We believe that a majority of independent directors can be an important factor in facilitating objective decision making and enhancing accountability to shareholders.
Vote for shareholder proposals requesting that the board’s audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees include independent directors exclusively.
Generally vote for shareholder proposals asking for a 2/3 independent board.
6d. Stock Ownership Requirements
Vote for shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board, so long as such minimum amount is not excessive or unreasonable. We support full disclosure of the policies of the company regarding pledging and/or hedging of company stocks by executives and board directors. We will vote FOR shareholder proposals which ask for disclosure of this policy. We will vote Case by Case for directors if it is determined that hedging and /or pledging of securities has occurred.
6e. Hedging / Pledging of Securities
We support full disclosure of the policies of the company regarding pledging and/or hedging of company stocks by executives and board directors. We will vote FOR shareholder proposals which ask for disclosure of this policy. We will vote Case by Case for directors if it is determined that hedging and /or pledging of securities has occurred.
6f. Term of Office
Vote against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors. Term limits pose artificial and arbitrary impositions on the board and could harm shareholder interests by forcing experienced and knowledgeable directors off the board.
6g. Board Composition
We support board refreshment, independence, and a diverse skillset for directors. We believe that board composition should contribute to overall corporate strategies and risk management and will evaluate the board’s skills, expertise, and qualifications. As a matter of principle, we expect our investee companies to be committed to diversity and inclusiveness in their general recruitment policies as we believe such diversity contributes to the effectiveness of boards. We will utilize our voting power to bring about change where Boards are lagging in gender and ethnic diversity. We generally will vote case-by-case on shareholder proposals which seek to force the board to add specific expertise or to change the composition of the board.
6h. Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection
Proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Vote against proposals to limit or eliminate director and officer liability for monetary damages for violating the relevant duty of care.
Vote against indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligations than mere carelessness.
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Vote for proposals that provide such expanded coverage in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful only if: (1) the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the company’s best interests, and (2) the director’s legal expenses would be covered.
6i. Board Size
Vote for proposals to limit the size of the board to 15 members.
6j. Majority Vote Standard
We would generally vote for proposals asking for the board to initiate the appropriate process to amend the company’s governance documents (certificate of incorporation or bylaws) to provide that director nominees shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the majority of votes cast at an annual meeting of shareholders. We would generally review on a case-by-case basis proposals that address alternative approaches to a majority vote requirement.
7. Miscellaneous Governance Provisions
7a. Independent Nominating Committee
Vote for the creation of an independent nominating committee.
7b. Confidential Voting
Vote for shareholder proposals requesting that companies adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators, and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.
Vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting.
7c. Equal Access
Vote for shareholder proposals that would give significant company shareholders equal access to management’s proxy material in order to evaluate and propose voting recommendations on proxy proposals and director nominees and to nominate their own candidates to the board.
7d. Bundled Proposals
Review on a case-by-case basis bundled or “conditioned” proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances where the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders’ best interests, vote against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, support such proposals.
7e. Charitable Contributions
Vote against shareholder proposals regarding charitable contributions. In the absence of bad faith, self-dealing, or gross negligence, management should determine which contributions are in the best interests of the company.
7f. Date/Location of Meeting
Vote against shareholder proposals to change the date or location of the shareholders’ meeting. No one site will meet the needs of all shareholders.
7g. Include Nonmanagement Employees on Board
Vote against shareholder proposals to include nonmanagement employees on the board. Constituency representation on the board is not supported, rather decisions are based on director qualifications.
7h. Adjourn Meeting if Votes are Insufficient
Vote for proposals to adjourn the meeting when votes are insufficient. Management has additional opportunities to present shareholders with information about its proposals.
7i. Other Business
Vote for proposals allowing shareholders to bring up “other matters” at shareholder meetings.
7j. Disclosure of Shareholder Proponents
Vote for shareholder proposals requesting that companies disclose the names of shareholder proponents. Shareholders may wish to contact the proponents of a shareholder proposal for additional information.
7k. Exclusive Venue
Generally, vote for management proposals which seek shareholder approval to make the state of incorporation the exclusive forum for disputes, if the company is a Delaware corporation; otherwise, vote on a case-by-case basis on management proposals which seek shareholder approval to make the state of incorporation, or another state, the exclusive forum for disputes.
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8. Capital Structure
8a. Common Stock Authorization
Review proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue on a case-by-case basis.
Vote against proposals to increase the number of authorized shares of a class of stock that has superior voting rights in companies that have dual-class capital structure.
8b. Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends
Vote for management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in an excessive number of shares available for issuance given a company’s industry and performance as measured by total shareholder returns.
8c. Reverse Stock Splits
Vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split that also reduces the number of authorized common shares to a level where the number of shares available for issuance is not excessive given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.
Vote case-by-case on proposals to implement a reverse stock split that does not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized for issue.
8d. Blank Check Preferred Authorization
Vote against proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock).
Vote for proposals to create “blank check” preferred stock in cases when the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover device.
Vote for proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases when the company specifies voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.
Vote case-by-case on proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance as measured by total shareholder returns.
8e. Shareholder Proposals Regarding Blank Check Preferred Stock
Vote for shareholder proposals to have blank check preferred stock placements, other than those shares issued for the purpose of raising capital or making acquisitions in the normal course of business, submitted for shareholder ratification.
8f. Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock
Vote for management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock. The purpose of par value is to establish the maximum responsibility of a shareholder in the event that a company becomes insolvent.
8g. Restructurings/Recapitalizations
Review proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan or if the company is in danger of being delisted on a case-by-case basis. Consider the following issues:
Dilution – How much will ownership interest of existing shareholders be reduced, and how extreme will dilution to any future earnings be?
Change in Control – Will the transaction result in a change in control of the company?
Bankruptcy – Generally, approve proposals that facilitate debt restructurings unless there are clear signs of self-dealing or other abuses.
8h. Share Repurchase Programs
Vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.
8i. Targeted Share Placements
These shareholder proposals ask companies to seek stockholder approval before placing 10% or more of their voting stock with a single investor. The proposals are in reaction to the placement by various companies of a large block of their voting stock in an ESOP, parent capital fund or with a single friendly investor, with the aim of protecting themselves against a hostile tender offer. These proposals are voted on a case by case basis after reviewing the individual situation of the company receiving the proposal.
9. Execute and Director Compensation
9a. Stock-based Incentive Plans
Votes with respect to compensation plans should be determined on a case-by-case basis. The analysis of compensation plans focuses primarily on the transfer of shareholder wealth (the dollar cost of pay plans to shareholders). Other matters included in our analysis are the
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amount of the company's outstanding stock to be reserved for the award of stock options, whether the exercise price of an option is less than the stock's fair market value at the date of the grant of the options, and whether the plan provides for the exchange of outstanding options for new ones at lower exercise prices.
In addition, we will assess the structure of the equity plan taking into consideration certain plan features as well as grant practices. This will include whether dividends are paid or accrued to the unvested equity awards. Once the cost of the plan is estimated and other features are taken into consideration, the plan will be reviewed to determine if it is in the best interest of the shareholders. Problematic pay practices will have a bearing on whether we support the plan. We will consider the pay practices of other companies in the relevant industry and peer companies in this analysis.
Review case-by-case stock based plans for companies which rely heavily upon stock for incentive compensation, taking into consideration the factors mentioned above. These companies include high growth and financial services companies where the plan cost as measured by shareholder value transfer (SVT) appears to be high.
9a. Stock-based Incentive Plans
For companies in the Russell 3000 we will generally vote against a plan and/or withhold from members of the compensation committee, when there is a disconnect between the CEO’s pay and performance (an increase in pay and a decrease in performance), the main source for the pay increase is equity-based, and the CEO participates in the plan being voted on. Specifically, if the company has negative one- and three-year total shareholder returns, and its CEO also had an increase in total direct compensation from the prior year, it would signify a disconnect in pay and performance. If more than half of the increase in total direct compensation is attributable to the equity component, we would generally recommend against the equity plan in which the CEO participates.
9b. Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans
Vote for cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from limits on deductibility under the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code.
9c. Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay
Generally, vote for shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information.
Review on a case-by-case basis all other shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director pay.
Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals for performance pay such as indexed or premium priced options if a company has a history of oversized awards and one-, two- and three-year returns below its peer group.
9d. Say on Pay – Advisory Vote
Generally, review on a case-by-case basis executive pay and practices as well as certain aspects of outside director compensation.
Where the company’s Say on Pay proposal received 60% or less support on its previous Say on Pay proposal, WITHHOLD votes for the compensation committee and or vote against the current Say on Pay proposal unless the company has demonstrated active engagement with shareholders to address the issue as well as the specific actions taken to address the low level of support. Where executive compensation seems excessive relative to peers and is not supported by long term performance, or where we believe performance metrics and targets used to determine executive compensation are not aligned with long term shareholder value, WITHHOLD from select members of the compensation committee.
In the case of externally-managed REITs, generally vote against the advisory vote as there is a lack of transparency in both compensation structure and payout.
Say on Pay – Frequency
JPMAM will review compensation versus long/term performance on an annual basis.
9e. Golden and Tin Parachutes
Review on a case-by-case basis all proposals to ratify or cancel golden or tin parachutes. Favor golden parachutes that limit payouts to two times base salary, plus guaranteed retirement and other benefits.
Change-in-control payments should only be made when there is a significant change in company ownership structure, and when there is a loss of employment or substantial change in job duties associated with the change in company ownership structure (“double-triggered”). Change-in-control provisions should exclude excise tax gross-up and eliminate the acceleration of vesting of equity awards upon a change in control unless provided under a double-trigger scenario.
Generally vote case-by-case for proposals calling companies to adopt a policy of obtaining shareholder approval for any future agreements and corporate policies that could oblige the company to make payments or awards following the death of a senior executive in the form of unearned salary or bonuses, accelerated vesting or the continuation in force of unvested equity grants, perquisites and other payments or awards made in lieu of compensation. This would not apply to any benefit programs or equity plan proposals for which the broad-based employee population is eligible.
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9f. 401(k) Employee Benefit Plans
Vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.
9g. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Vote for qualified employee stock purchase plans with the following features: the purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value; the offering period is 27 months or less; and potential voting power dilution (shares allocated to the plan as a percentage of outstanding shares) is ten percent or less.
Vote for nonqualified employee stock purchase plans with the following features: broad-based participation (i.e., all employees of the company with the exclusion of individuals with five percent or more of beneficial ownership of the company); limits on employee contribution, which may be a fixed dollar amount or expressed as a percentage of base salary; company matching contribution up to 25 percent of the employee’s contribution, which is effectively a discount of 20 percent from market value; and no discount on the stock price on the date of purchase since there is a company matching contribution
9h. Option Expensing
Generally, vote for shareholder proposals to expense fixed-price options.
9i. Option Repricing
In most cases, we take a negative view of option repricings and will, therefore, generally vote against such proposals. We do, however, consider the granting of new options to be an acceptable alternative and will generally support such proposals, provided such options are valued appropriately.
9j. Stock Holding Periods
Generally vote against all proposals requiring executives to hold the stock received upon option exercise for a specific period of time.
9k. Transferable Stock Options
Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to grant transferable stock options or otherwise permit the transfer of outstanding stock options, including cost of proposal and alignment with shareholder interests.
9l. Recoup Bonuses
1) Vote FOR on shareholder proposals to recoup unearned incentive bonuses or other incentive payments made to senior executives if it is later determined that fraud, misconduct, or negligence significantly contributed to a restatement of financial results that led to the awarding of unearned incentive compensation.
2) Vote FOR shareholder proposals to recoup incentive payments if it is determined that the individual engaged in misconduct or poor performance prior to payment of the award or bonus, and that such award or bonus would not have been paid, in whole or in part, had the misconduct or poor performance been known prior to payment.
9m. Two Tiered Compensation
Vote against proposals to adopt a two tiered compensation structure for board directors.
10. Incorporation
10a. Reincoporation Outside of the United States
Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to reincorporate the company outside of the U.S.
10b. Voting on State Takeover Statues
Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freezeout provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, antigreenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).
10c. Voting on Reincorporation Proposals
Proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation should be examined on a case-by-case basis. Review management’s rationale for the proposal, changes to the charter/bylaws, and differences in the state laws governing the companies.
11. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
11a. Mergers and Acquisitions
Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors including the following: anticipated financial and operating benefits; offer price (cost vs. premium); prospects of the combined companies; how the deal was negotiated; and changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights.
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11b. Nonfinancial Effects of a Merger or Acquisition
Some companies have proposed a charter provision which specifies that the board of directors may examine the nonfinancial effect of a merger or acquisition on the company. This provision would allow the board to evaluate the impact a proposed change in control would have on employees, host communities, suppliers and/or others. We generally vote against proposals to adopt such charter provisions. We feel it is the directors' fiduciary duty to base decisions solely on the financial interests of the shareholders.
11c. Corporate Restructuring
Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including minority squeezeouts, leveraged buyouts, “going private” proposals, spin-offs, liquidations, and asset sales, should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
11d. Spin-offs
Votes on spin-offs should be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.
11e. Asset Sales
Votes on asset sales should be made on a case-by-case basis after considering the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of diseconomies.
11f. Liquidations
Votes on liquidations should be made on a case-by-case basis after reviewing management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.
11g. Appraisal Rights
Vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal. Rights of appraisal provide shareholders who are not satisfied with the terms of certain corporate transactions the right to demand a judicial review in order to determine a fair value for their shares.
11h. Changing Corporate Name
Vote for changing the corporate name.
12. Social and Environmental Issues
We believe that a company’s environmental policies may have a long-term impact on the company’s financial performance. We believe that good corporate governance policies should consider the impact of company operations on the environment and the cost of compliance with laws and regulations relating to environmental matters, physical damage to the environment (including the costs of clean-ups and repairs), consumer preferences and capital investments related to climate change. Furthermore, we believe that corporate shareholders have a legitimate need for information to enable them to evaluate the potential risks and opportunities that climate change and other environmental matters pose to the company’s operations, sales and capital investments. We acknowledge that many companies disclose their practices relating to social and environmental issues and that disclosure is improving over time. We generally encourage a level of reporting that is not unduly costly or burdensome and which does not place the company at a competitive disadvantage, but which provides meaningful information to enable shareholders to evaluate the impact of the company’s environmental policies and practices on its financial performance.
With regard to social issues, among other factors, we consider the company’s labor practices, supply chain, how the company supports and monitors those issues, what types of disclosure the company and its peers currently provide, and whether the proposal would result in a competitive disadvantage for the company.
In evaluating how to vote environmental proposals, considerations may include but are not limited to the following—
Issuer Considerations
Asset profile of the company, including whether it is exposed to potentially declining demand for the company’s products or services due to environmental considerations
capital deployment of the company
cost structure of the company, including its position on the cost curve, expected impact of future carbon tax and exposure to high fixed operating costs
corporate behavior of the company, including whether senior management is incentivized for long-term returns
demonstrated capabilities of the company, its strategic planning process, and past performance
current level of disclosure of the company and consistency of disclosure across its industry
whether the company incorporates environmental or social issues in a risk assessment or risk reporting framework
Proposal Considerations
would adoption of the proposal inform and educate shareholders and have companies that adopted proposal provided insightful and meaningful information that would allow shareholders to evaluate the long-term risks and performance of the company
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does the proposal require disclosure that is already addressed by existing and proposed mandated regulatory requirements or formal guidance at the local, state, or national level or the company’s existing disclosure practices
does the proposal create the potential for unintended consequences such as a competitive disadvantage.
In general, we support management disclosure practices that are overall consistent with the goals and objective expressed above. Proposals with respect to companies that have been involved in controversies, fines or litigation are expected to be subject to heightened review and consideration.
Vote against chair of committee responsible for providing oversight of environmental matters and/or risk where we believe the company is lagging peers in terms of disclosure, business practices or targets. Vote against committee members, lead independent director and/or board chair for companies that have lagged over several years.
12a. Military Business
Vote case-by-case on defense issue proposals.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information on military-related operations.
12b. International Labor Organization Code of Conduct
Vote case-by-case on proposals to endorse international labor organization code of conducts.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information on company activities in this area.
12c. Promote Human Rights
Vote case-by-case on proposals to promote human rights.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information on company activities regarding human rights.
12d. Equal Employment Opportunity and Discrimination
Vote case-by-case on proposals regarding equal employment opportunities and discrimination.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information about affirmative action efforts, particularly when it appears that companies have been unresponsive to shareholder requests.
12e. Animal Rights
Vote case-by-case on proposals that deal with animal rights.
12f. Product Integrity and Marketing
Vote case-by-case on proposals that ask companies to end their production of legal, but socially questionable, products.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information regarding product integrity and marketing issues.
Vote case-by-case on resolutions requesting the disclosure and implementation of Internet privacy and censorship policies and procedures.
Vote case-by-case on proposals requesting the company to report on its policies, initiatives/procedures, oversight mechanisms related to toxic materials, including certain product line toxicities, and/or product safety in its supply chain.
12g. Human Resources Issues
Vote case-by-case on proposals regarding human resources issues.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information regarding human resources issues.
12h. Link Executive Pay with Social and/or Environmental Criteria
Vote case-by-case on proposals to link executive pay with the attainment of certain social and/or environmental criteria.
Vote case-by-case on disclosure reports that seek additional information regarding this issue.
12i. High Risk Markets
Vote case-by-case on requests for the company to review and report on the financial and reputation risks associated with operations in “high risk” markets, such as a terrorism-sponsoring state or otherwise.
12j. Political Contribution
Generally vote against proposals asking the company to affirm political non-partisanship in the workplace.
Vote against proposals to publish the company’s political contributions taking into consideration recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending.
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13. Foreign Proxies
Responsibility for voting non-U.S. proxies rests with our Proxy Voting Committee located in London. The Proxy Committee is composed of senior analysts and portfolio managers and officers of the Legal and Compliance Department. It is chaired by a Managing Director of the Firm. A copy of our policy for voting international proxies can be provided upon request.
14. Pre-Solicitation Contact
From time to time, companies will seek to contact analysts, portfolio managers and others in advance of the formal proxy solicitation to solicit support for certain contemplated proposals. Such contact can potentially result in the recipient receiving material non-public information and result in the imposition of trading restrictions. Accordingly, pre-solicitation contact should occur only under very limited circumstances and only in accordance with the terms set forth herein.
What is material non-public information?
The definition of material non-public information is highly subjective. The general test, however, is whether or not such information would reasonably affect an investor's decision to buy, sell or hold securities, or whether it would be likely to have a significant market impact. Examples of such information include, but are not limited to:
a pending acquisition or sale of a substantial business;
financial results that are better or worse than recent trends would lead one to expect;
major management changes;
an increase or decrease in dividends;
calls or redemptions or other purchases of its securities by the company;
a stock split, dividend or other recapitalization; or
financial projections prepared by the Company or the Company's representatives.
What is pre-solicitation contact?
Pre-solicitation contact is any communication, whether oral or written, formal or informal, with the Company or a representative of the Company regarding proxy proposals prior to publication of the official proxy solicitation materials. This contact can range from simply polling investors as to their reaction to a broad topic, e.g., “How do you feel about dual classes of stock?”, to very specific inquiries, e.g., “Here's a term sheet for our restructuring. Will you vote to approve this?”
Determining the appropriateness of the contact is a factual inquiry which must be determined on a case-by-case basis. For instance, it might be acceptable for us to provide companies with our general approach to certain issues. Promising our vote, however, is prohibited under all circumstances. Likewise, discussion of our proxy guidelines, in whole or in part, with a company or others is prohibited. In the event that you are contacted in advance of the publication of proxy solicitation materials, please notify the Legal/Compliance Department immediately. The Company or its representative should be instructed that all further contact should be with the Legal/Compliance Department.
It is also critical to keep in mind that as a fiduciary, we exercise our proxies solely in the best interests of our clients. Outside influences, including those from within J.P. Morgan Chase should not interfere in any way in our decision making process. Any calls of this nature should be referred to the Legal/Compliance Department for response.
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Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
A. Policy
KACALP/KAFA (for purposes thereof, the “Firm”) votes client proxies in the interest of maximizing shareholder value. To that end, the Firm votes in a way that it believes, consistent with its fiduciary duty, will cause the value of the issue to increase the most or decline the least. Consideration is given to both the short-term and long -term implications of the proposal to be voted on when considering the optimal vote.
However, absent special circumstances, it is the policy of the Firm to exercise its proxy voting discretion in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines herein. The guidelines are applicable to the voting of all proxies. However, any proxy voting guidelines provided by an advisory client or its designated agent in writing supersede such guidelines. Clients may wish to have their proxies voted by an independent third party or other named fiduciary or agent, at the client’s cost.
The Firm may be subject to conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies from time to time. Such conflicts of interest are addressed as set forth below.
B. Procedures for Identification and Voting of Proxies
As an integral part of the investment process the Firm has the responsibility for voting proxies, with limited exception as described below. Compliance is responsible for ensuring that this policy is adhered to and for voting the Firm’s proxies, in conjunction with advice from the applicable portfolio manager or research analysts. This constitutes the “Proxy Voting Group”.
To fulfill its fiduciary duty in voting client proxies, the Firm ensures that (i) knowledge of a vote to be taken is acquired in a timely fashion and sufficient information is acquired to allow for an informed vote; and (ii) all proxy votes are cast (except as set forth under paragraph D. Other Special Circumstances below).
1. Funds
The vast majority of the Firm’s investment activities are for the benefit of commingled accounts (i.e. funds) for which it serves as general partner, and it therefore votes proxies for such accounts. Compliance reviews the list of clients and compares the record date of the proxies with a security holdings list for the security or company soliciting the proxy vote.
2. Separate Accounts
Separate accounts are treated the same as fund accounts, except that if a separate account client provides specific voting instructions, Compliance votes that client’s proxy in accordance with the client’s written instructions. Proxies of separate account clients who have selected a third party to vote proxies, and whose proxies were received by the Firm, are forwarded to the designee for voting and submission. Proxies received after the separate account termination date of a client relationship are not voted. Such proxies are delivered to the last known address of the client or to the intermediary who distributed the proxy with a written or oral statement indicating that the advisory relationship has been terminated and that future proxies for the named client should not be delivered to the Firm.
3. Internal Proxy Distribution
Compliance will provide the appropriate research analyst and portfolio manager with a copy of the relevant proxy ballot and as a reference, if available, an analysis by Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”), a third-party corporate governance research service for their review and voting advice.
4. Determination of Voting Position
While the third-party instructions may be useful, the Firm may, and generally is expected to have indepth knowledge of the vast majority of the company’s in which it has invested, particularly in areas such as energy master limited partnerships and related sectors, which knowledge may provide good reason to vote in a manner that is not consistent with the advice of the third-party service provider. After receiving voting instructions from the research analyst and/or portfolio manager, Compliance will vote the proxy(ies) according to the instructions received. It is the responsibility of the research analyst, if communicating voting instruction, to concurrently communicate such instructions to Compliance and the affected portfolio manager(s). The later may override the instructions of the research analyst but must do so promptly.
5. Conflicts of Interest
As discussed below, material conflicts between the Firm’s interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting are reviewed and discussed with the GC.
If the Proxy Voting Group detects a material conflict of interest that it cannot reasonably resolve itself, the Firm may rely on the third-party proxy voting service or another consultant to provide an independent recommendation on the direction in which the Firm should vote on the proposal. Alternatively, the Firm may make a voting determination based on the advice of GC or outside counsel concerning the conflict of interest.
6. Abstentions
The Firm may elect to abstain from voting if it deems such abstinence in its clients’ best interests. The rationale for “abstain” votes is documented and the documentation is maintained in the proxy file.
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7. Opposing Voting
There may be circumstances which lead the Firm to vote the same proxy in two directions for different accounts. This may occur, for example, if a client requires the Firm to vote a certain way on an issue, while the Firm deems it beneficial to vote in the opposing direction for its other clients. In all such cases, the Firm maintains documentation to support its voting in the permanent file.
C. Potential Conflicts of Interest
The Firm may be subject to a material conflict of interest in the voting of proxies from time to time due to business or personal relationships it maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain votes. For example, the Firm may provide investment management related services to accounts owned or controlled by companies whose management is soliciting proxies. The Firm and/or its employees may also occasionally have business or personal relationships with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships. If at any time, the responsible voting parties become aware of any potential conflict of interest relating to a particular proxy proposal, they will promptly report such conflict to the Firm’s GC.
Upon the identification of a material conflict of interest, the procedures described under Item 5 of Procedures for Identification and Voting of Proxies above are followed.
D. Other Special Circumstances
The Firm may choose not to vote proxies in certain situations or for certain accounts, such as: (1) where a client has informed the Firm that it wishes to retain the right to vote the proxy, the Firm will instruct the custodian to send the proxy material directly to the client, (2) where a proxy is received for a client account that has been terminated with the Firm, (3) where a proxy is received for a security the Firm no longer manages (i.e., the Firm had previously sold the entire position), or (4) where the exercise of voting rights could restrict the ability of an account's portfolio manager to freely trade the security in question (as is the case, for example, in certain foreign jurisdictions known as “blocking markets”).
E. ERISA Accounts
Plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), are to be administered consistent with the terms of the governing plan documents and applicable provisions of ERISA. In cases where sole proxy voting discretion rests with Adviser, the foregoing policies and procedures will be followed, subject to the fiduciary responsibility standards of ERISA. These standards generally require fiduciaries to act prudently and to discharge their duties solely in the interests of participants and beneficiaries. The Department of Labor has indicated that the voting decisions of ERISA fiduciaries must generally focus on the course that would most likely increase the value of the stock being voted.
Consistent with Labor Department positions, it is the policy of the Firm to follow the provisions of a plan's governing documents in the voting of employer securities, unless it determines that to do so would breach its fiduciary duties under ERISA.
F. Recordkeeping
As required under rule 204-2 of the Advisers Act, the Firm shall maintain the following proxy records:
(i) A copy of these policies and procedures;
(ii) A copy of each proxy statement the Firm receives regarding client’s securities;
(iii) A record of each vote cast by the Firm on behalf of a client;
(iv) A copy of any document created by the Adviser that was material to making a decision;
(v) how to vote proxies on behalf of a client or that memorialized the basis for that decision;
(vi) A copy of each written client request for information on how the Adviser voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by the Firm to any (written or oral) client request for information on how the Firm voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client.
The proxy voting records described in the section shall be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years. The Firm may rely on one or more third parties to make and retain the records referred to in items (ii) and (iii) above.
G. Disclosure
As disclosed in Item 17 of the ADV Part 2A, a copy of these policies and procedures will be provided to clients upon request. In addition, if a client inquires about how a particular proxy proposal was voted, that information will be provided to the client in a timely manner.
H. Proxy Solicitation
As a matter of practice, it is the Firm’s policy to not reveal or disclose to any client how the Adviser may have voted (or intends to vote) on a particular proxy until after such proxies have been counted at a shareholder’s meeting.
The Compliance Department is to be promptly informed of the receipt of any solicitation from any person to vote proxies on behalf of clients. At no time may any employee accept any remuneration in the solicitation of proxies.
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Levin Easterly Partners LLC
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Adopted December 2018
POLICY STATEMENT
Introduction - This document sets forth the policies and procedures of Levin Easterly Partners LLC (“Levin Easterly” or “Adviser”) for voting proxies with respect to securities held in the accounts of clients for whom Levin Easterly provides discretionary investment management services and for whom Levin Easterly has been granted the authority to vote proxies. Levin Easterly's proxy voting policy and general guidelines (the “Proxy Policy”) will be reviewed and, as necessary, updated periodically to address new or revised proxy voting issues.
Levin Easterly will vote proxies as part of its authority to manage, acquire, and/or dispose of account assets. Levin Easterly will not vote proxies if the client, or in the case of an account governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), the “named fiduciary,” has explicitly reserved the authority for itself. When voting proxies for client accounts, Levin Easterly's primary objective is to make voting decisions in the best interests of the clients (including the plan beneficiaries and participants of ERISA clients). In fulfilling its obligations to clients, Levin Easterly will act in a manner deemed to be prudent and diligent and in a manner which is intended to enhance the economic value of the underlying securities held in client accounts. In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may provide Levin Easterly with a statement of proxy voting policy. In these situations, Levin Easterly generally seeks to comply with the client’s or its fiduciary policy to the extent in the case of ERISA clients it would not be inconsistent with ERISA.
Department of Labor - With respect to the voting of proxies relating to securities held in an ERISA account, the Department of Labor has made it clear that a voting policy must be in place for recurring issues and that non-routine issues must be addressed by consistent criteria. However, the Department of Labor has stated that specific analysis on the issues of each proxy must still be performed. Distinctly identifying issues on an issuer's proxy ballot and having a method to track recurring and non-routine issues are an important part of the process.
Proxy Governance – Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“BFS”) has been retained by Levin Easterly to provide research, vote execution, reporting, and record keeping services. BFS has in turn contracted with Glass Lewis & Co. (“GL”) for GL's proxy research services. Levin Easterly will generally follow GL proxy voting recommendations unless Levin Easterly believes it is in the best interest of Levin Easterly’s clients to vote differently. This service provider may be replaced at any time by another third-party proxy voting service.
Voting Proxies for Foreign Companies – Levin Easterly primarily invests client assets in United States issuers, however, from time to time Levin Easterly may invest outside of the United States. While the proxy voting process is well established in the United States with a number of tools and services available to assist an investment manager, voting proxies of foreign companies may involve a number of logistical problems that may have a detrimental effect on Levin Easterly's ability to vote such proxies. The logistical problems include, but are not limited to: (i) proxy statements and ballots being written in a foreign language, (ii) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings, (iii) restrictions on a foreigner's ability to exercise votes, (iv) requirements to vote proxies in person, (v) the imposition of restrictions on the sale of the securities for a period of time in proximity to the shareholder meeting, and (vi) requirements to provide local agents with power of attorney to facilitate Levin Easterly's voting instructions.
While GL has been retained to provide assistance to Levin Easterly in voting our clients' foreign proxies, such proxies are voted on a best-efforts basis given the above-mentioned logistical problems. Additionally, Levin Easterly may conduct a cost-benefit analysis in determining whether to attempt to vote its clients’ shares at a foreign company's meeting, whereby if it is determined that the cost associated with the attempt to exercise its vote outweighs the benefit Levin Easterly believes its clients will derive by voting on the company’s proposal, Levin Easterly may decide not to attempt to vote at the meeting. Levin Easterly will usually not vote those proxies where “Share blocking” and/or registration of shares are a requirement to vote the shares. Levin Easterly believes this requirement could become a material impediment if in Levin Easterly’s opinion, the shares need to be sold.
GENERAL PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
It is the policy Levin Easterly in voting proxies to consider and vote each proposal with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns for its clients.
Levin Easterly will utilize the proxy voting guidelines set forth by GL as outlined in their yearly guidelines with respect to a wide range of matters. These guidelines address a range of issues, including corporate governance, executive compensation, capital structure proposals and social responsibility issues and are meant to be general voting parameters on issues that arise most frequently. Levin Easterly’s policies (as set forth below) do not follow the GL guidelines in all respects, and Levin Easterly may vote in a manner on a case by case basis that is contrary to the following general guidelines if it believes that such vote would be in the best interests of Levin Easterly’s clients. However, if a client has their own proxy voting guidelines, we will adhere to their policy and vote the proxy as set forth by the client absent ERISA restrictions.
While GL has been retained to assist Levin Easterly in voting its clients’ foreign proxies, such proxies are voted on a best-efforts basis given the above-mentioned logistical issues. Additionally, Levin Easterly may conduct a cost-benefit analysis in determining whether to attempt to vote its clients' shares at a foreign company's meeting, whereby if it is determined that the cost associated with the attempt to exercise its vote outweighs the benefit Levin Easterly believes its clients will derive by voting on the company's proposal, Levin Easterly may decide not to attempt to vote at the meeting.
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Levin Easterly will follow GL’s Policy and Analysis methodology and voting recommendation. Levin Easterly has elected to use GL’s “management bias” proxy voting approach. Please refer to the attached document for additional information which is a concise summary of GL's proxy voting guidelines employed by Levin Easterly. Levin Easterly at is discretion may vote differently than GL’s recommendation. Whenever this occurs, Levin Easterly will document for our files explaining the reason Levin Easterly is voting the shares accordingly. If GL does not have a recommendation or holdings are only related to Levin Family related accounts, Levin Easterly will vote in favor of management’s recommendation provided that there are no material conflicts of interests present. In limited circumstances, Levin Easterly may refrain from voting proxies where Levin Easterly believes that voting would be inappropriate taking into consideration the cost of voting the proxy and the anticipated benefit to Managed Accounts.
GUIDELINES WITH REGARD TO ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Certain accounts, including affiliated investment vehicles, managed by Levin Easterly under alternative investment strategies may make investments with short-term investment horizons, which are transaction specific or are otherwise event driven. For this reason, the application of the above guidelines, which are geared towards achieving what is in the long-term best interests of shareholders, may not necessarily be in the best interest of clients of such alternative investment strategies. The employees of Levin Easterly responsible for making proxy voting decisions with regard to such accounts may evaluate certain proposals on an individual basis and may depart from the general guidelines described above in voting on such proposals to best serve the financial interests of the clients of the strategy. As a result, Levin Easterly may from time to time cast different votes for different clients with regard to the same proposal. In the case of conflicts of interest, however, the procedures outlined below under “Conflicts of Interest” will be followed with regard to all accounts of Levin Easterly.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Levin Easterly is sensitive to conflicts of interest that may arise in the proxy decision-making process. Whenever a Portfolio Manager or Research Analyst recommends Levin Easterly vote differently than what GL recommends, a determination must be made to determine if any conflicts of interests exist. For example, conflicts of interest may arise when:
Proxy votes are solicited by an issuer who has an account relationship with Levin Easterly;
Proxy votes are solicited by an issuer that has a material business relationship with Levin Easterly;
A proponent of a proxy proposal has a business relationship with Levin Easterly (e.g., a pension fund or an employee group for which Levin Easterly manages money);
Levin Easterly has material business relationships with participants in proxy contests, corporate directors, or candidates; or
An employee of Levin Easterly may have a personal interest in the outcome of a particular matter.
These items are only examples; additional conflicts of interest may arise from time to time. All employees of Levin Easterly are required to communicate any potential conflicts of interest with the Compliance Department immediately.
It is Levin Easterly’s policy to seek to resolve all conflicts of interest in the clients' best interests. In order to ensure an unbiased decision on matters of conflict in situations Levin Easterly will vote in accordance with recommendations provided by GL; provided, however, that a portfolio manager with regard to an investment strategy may seek approval from the Compliance Department to vote differently from such recommendation if the manager believes that there is compelling evidence that voting differently would be in the best interests of the client.
In situations where a client of Levin Easterly requests to direct their vote, the client's instructions will supersede all other policies absent ERISA exceptions. In situations where a client of Levin Easterly may have a relationship with an issuer or the proponent of a proposal, Levin Easterly may take such fact into votes on behalf of other clients.
PROCEDURES FOR ASSESSING MATERIALITY OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND FOR ADDRESSING MATERIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Levin Easterly shall maintain a Proxy Voting Committee to review and address conflicts of interest brought to its attention. The Proxy Voting Committee shall be comprised of the CEO, COO and CCO. The Proxy Voting Committee shall meet as needed with no determined schedule.
All conflicts of interest identified pursuant to the procedures outlined in this Policy and Procedures must be brought to the attention of the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee shall determine whether a conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict is likely to influence, or appear to influence, Levin Easterly’s decision-making in voting the proxy. All materiality determinations will be based on an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. Levin Easterly’s Compliance Department shall maintain a written record of all determinations made by the Proxy Voting Committee.
If it is determined by the Proxy Voting Committee that a conflict of interest is not material, Levin Easterly may vote proxies notwithstanding the existence of the conflict. If it is determined by the Proxy Voting Committee that a conflict of interest is material, the Proxy Voting Committee shall determine an appropriate method to resolve such conflict of interest before the proxy affected by the conflict of interest is voted. Such determination shall be based on the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue and, the nature of the conflict of interest. Such methods may include:
In the case of a conflict of interest resulting from a particular employee’s personal relationships, removing such employee from the decision-making process with respect to such proxy vote; or
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Such other method as is deemed appropriate given the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue and the nature of the conflict of interest, etc.*
Levin Easterly Compliance shall maintain a written record of the method used to resolve a material conflict of interest, and the recommendation on how the proxy should be voted.
OPERATING PROCEDURES
Once Levin Easterly has determined that it has the responsibility for voting a client's proxies, Levin Easterly must vote the appropriate number of shares it is entitled to vote and maintain records indicating the manner in which it exercised its voting authority. In this regard, the following procedures are intended to ensure that Levin Easterly satisfies its proxy voting obligations:
The Levin Easterly Operations Department (the “Operations Department”) is responsible for identifying the clients for whom Levin Easterly is required to vote proxies.
Levin Easterly utilizes BFS to tabulate and record proxies voted on behalf of its clients. The Operations Department will notify BFS of all new client accounts that have delegated proxy voting authorization to Levin Easterly. In addition, the Operations Department will notify any changes to existing client accounts. The Operations Department will maintain the required records which detail the manner in which client proxies have been voted.
The Portfolio Managers/Research Analysts may from time to time review certain proxy voting recommendations, and as part of their review the Portfolio Manager/Research Analyst will be given GL’s research materials to help aid in their decision making process. After their review has been completed and if the Portfolio Manager/Research Analyst does not agree with GL’s recommendation, the Portfolio Manager/Research Analyst should submit comments why Levin Easterly should not vote in agreement with PCI’s recommendation. These comments will then be recorded BFS ProxyEdge voting system for future reference.
If the Portfolio Managers/Research Analyst chooses to vote contrary to the GL recommendation, and after receiving approval from the Proxy Committee (only if to meet regarding a conflict of interest situation), the Operations Department will override the GL recommendation in the BFS ProxyEdge system and enter the voting rationale provided by the Portfolio Managers/Research Analyst in the notes section on BFS ProxyEdge.
The Levin Easterly CCO shall review any instructions provided by the portfolio managers that differ from GL to insure that such instructions comply with Levin Easterly' proxy voting guidelines.
All documentation relating to proxy voting shall be maintained by the Operations Department for a period of no less than six years.
The Operations Department will be responsible for responding to client requests for a proxy voting records that identifies the manner in which Levin Easterly voted such clients' proxies.
The Operations Department will be responsible for maintaining all client requests for proxy voting records and/or policies for a period of no less than six years.
Public Proxy Policy Statement
The following is Levin Easterly’ public proxy voting policy that must be sent to those clients or potential clients upon request:
The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which requires registered investment advisers that exercise voting authority over client securities to implement proxy voting policies. In compliance with such rules, Levin Easterly has adopted proxy voting policies and procedures (the “Policies”). The general policy is to vote proxy proposals, amendments, consents or resolutions relating to client securities (collectively, “proxies”), in a manner that serves the best interests of the clients, as determined by Levin Easterly in its discretion. Levin Easterly believes this will alleviate potential conflicts of interests that may exist between Levin Easterly and the client with respect to proxy voting. Generally, Levin Easterly will utilize the proxy voting guidelines set forth by Glass Lewis and Co. (“GL”) with respect to a wide range of matters with a bias favoring management. These guidelines address a range of issues, including corporate governance, executive compensation, capital structure proposals and social responsibility issues and are meant to be general voting parameters on issues that arise most frequently. If Levin Easterly determines that it may have, or is perceived to have, a conflict of interest when voting proxies, Levin Easterly will vote in accordance with the Policies. Levin Easterly may vote certain proxies on a case by case basis contrary to GL proxy voting guidelines if Levin Easterly believes that such vote would be in the best interest of Levin Easterly’s clients. If such action is undertaken by Levin Easterly, it will usually vote with management’s recommendation. If GL does not have a recommendation, or if Levin Easterly is unable to obtain a voting recommendation from GL for any reason, Levin Easterly will vote in favor of management’s recommendation provided that there are no material conflicts of interests present. If management or GL has no recommendation, Levin Easterly may vote the client’s shares where Levin Easterly believes would best reflect management’s ability to enhance shareholder value. This may result in Levin Easterly voting what may be perceived in management’s favor. In limited circumstances and for non-United States proxy issuers, Levin Easterly may refrain from voting proxies where Levin Easterly believes that voting would be inappropriate taking into consideration the cost of voting the proxy, applicable proxy voting share-blocking requirements, disclosure of the client’s non-public information, and the anticipated benefit, potential costs or lost trading opportunity to the clients.
Levin Easterly shall maintain required records relating to votes cast, client requests for information and Levin Easterly’s proxy voting policies and procedures in accordance with applicable law.
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A copy of Levin Easterly voting policies and the proxy voting records relating to a client may be obtained by the client by contacting Levin Easterly at 595 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10022 or by calling Levin Easterly at (212) 259-0800.
Any questions regarding our policy statement should be directed to the Compliance Department.
* Especially in the case of an apparent, as opposed to actual, conflict of interest, the Proxy Voting Committee may resolve such conflict of interest by satisfying itself that Levin Easterly’s proposed vote on a proxy issue is in the best interest of client accounts and is not being influenced by the conflict of interest.
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MetLife Investment Management, LLC
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
PoLICy
MetLife Investment Management, LLC (“MIM”) has established these proxy voting procedures with respect to MIM client accounts (referred to as “client” in this policy) where MIM has been delegated discretionary proxy voting authority. It is MIM’s policy to vote client proxies (“proxies”) for the benefit of and in the best interests of its clients in accordance with its fiduciary duty, Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), and other applicable laws (including the fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts set out in Department of Labor Bulletin 94-2).
This policy does not apply where MIM has not been delegated proxy voting authority by a client (i.e. the client has retained the authority or designated someone other than MIM to vote proxies on its behalf).
These proxy voting policies and procedures are available to all clients upon request, with the understanding that they are subject to change at any time without notice.
PROCEDURES FOR PROXY VOTING
MIM has adopted these policies and procedures based on the guiding principle that any proxy vote must be done in the best interest of the client and with the intent to maximize the economic value of a particular security. These procedures are designed to ensure that material conflicts of interest on the part of MIM or its affiliates do not affect voting decisions on behalf of clients. All MIM personnel who are involved in the voting of proxies are required to adhere to these policies and procedures.
MIM generally votes every proxy. However, MIM may abstain on any particular vote or otherwise withhold its vote on any matter if, in the judgment of MIM, the costs associated with voting a particular proxy outweigh the benefits to clients or if the circumstances make such an abstention or withholding otherwise advisable and in the best interest of clients.
Once a client has delegated its proxy voting rights to MIM, MIM does not generally accept any subsequent direction on matters presented to shareholders for vote, regardless of whether such subsequent directions are from the client itself or a third party acting on behalf of the client. MIM views the delegation of discretionary voting authority as an “all-or-nothing” choice for its clients.
MIM has adopted proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”) that set forth how MIM plans to vote on specific matters presented for shareholder vote. These Guidelines are periodically reviewed and updated by MIM’s Proxy Voting Committee (the “Proxy Committee”) and maintained by the Proxy Committee. The Guidelines are intended to address most material conflicts of interest. MIM, however, reserves the right to override the Guidelines (an “Override”) with respect to a particular shareholder vote when an Override is consistent with the guiding principle of seeking the maximization of economic value to clients, taking into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote. MIM’s procedures for determining an Override are set forth herein.
Absent any legal or regulatory requirement to the contrary, it is generally the policy of MIM to maintain the confidentiality of the particular votes that it casts on behalf of clients. MIM will furnish to a particular client details of how MIM has voted the securities in its account; clients can request this information by contacting MIM. MIM does not, however, generally disclose the results of voting decisions to third parties (other than those that may have participated in the voting process, as described below).
1. PROXY VOTING COMMITTEE
Certain aspects of the administration of these proxy voting policies and procedures are governed by the Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee may change its structure or composition from time to time, but at all times shall consist of at least three members, including at least one representative from MIM’s Index Strategies unit, MIM Legal, and MIM Compliance. A member of MIM’s Index Strategies Unit attends all meetings of the Proxy Committee and is responsible for keeping records of the Proxy Committee’s meetings.
The Proxy Committee shall hold at least two regular meetings during each calendar year, at which the Proxy Committee reviews the proxy voting record data with respect to votes taken in accordance with these policies and procedures since the previous meeting. The Proxy Committee shall also meet: whenever there is a recommendation that the Proxy Committee authorize an Override; in the event of a proxy vote where a material conflict of interest has been identified; or at such other times as the Proxy Committee may determine. Proxy Committee meetings may be held in person, via teleconference or through communication by email.
On all matters, the Proxy Committee makes its decisions by a vote of a majority of the members of the Proxy Committee present at the meeting. At any meeting of the Proxy Committee, a majority of the members of the Proxy Committee then in office constitutes a quorum.
2. ProxY VOTING SERVICE VENDOR
MIM has retained Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) to vote proxies on MIM’s behalf. ISS prepares analyses of most matters submitted to a shareholder vote and also provides voting services to institutions such as MIM. ISS receives a daily electronic feed of all holdings in relevant MIM client voting accounts, and monitors the client accounts and their holdings to ensure that all proxies are received. MIM has directed ISS to vote proxies in accordance with the Guidelines approved by the Proxy Committee and shall monitor the voting of the proxies.
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The Proxy Committee shall annually review the services provided by ISS or any other proxy voting and recording service provider retained by MIM, to assess whether the proxy service provider is capable of making impartial proxy voting recommendations in the best interests of MIM’s clients.
In making such an assessment the review may consider:
The proxy service provider’s conflict management procedures and assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation of such procedures;
The proxy service provider’s Form ADV, if applicable, and other disclosure made by a proxy service provider regarding its products, services and methods of addressing conflicts of interest; and/or;
Inquiries to, and discussions with, representatives of a proxy service provider regarding its products, services and methods of addressing conflicts of interest.
No less than annually, MIM shall obtain from each proxy service provider a copy of its conflict management procedures and request that the proxy service provider provide an update of any material revision to such procedures.
3. OVERRIDING THE GUIDELINES
MIM may Override the Guidelines when such an Override is consistent with this policy and the guiding principle of seeking the maximization of economic value to clients, taking into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote, as further described below.
If any MIM investment professional or a member of MIM Legal or MIM Compliance believes that MIM should vote in a manner inconsistent with the Guidelines, such person must notify MIM’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). MIM’s CCO will work with MIM Legal to make a determination as to whether the situation presents a material conflict of interest.
The term “conflict of interest” refers to a situation in which MIM or its affiliates have a financial interest in the proxy matter, other than the obligation MIM incurs as investment adviser, which may compromise MIM’s freedom of judgment and action with respect to the voting of the proxy.
A. No Material Conflict of Interest
If MIM Legal determines that there is no material conflict of interest, MIM will present the matter to the Proxy Committee for a vote. If the Proxy Committee approves the Override, the appropriate member of MIM will instruct ISS to vote accordingly prior to the voting deadline. MIM will retain records of documents material to any such determination and the voting of any such proxy.
B. Material Conflict of Interest
If, however, MIM Legal determines that there is a material conflict of interest with respect to the relevant shareholder vote, a special meeting of the Proxy Committee will be required to override the guidelines. As part of its deliberations, the Proxy Committee will consider, as applicable, the following:
a description of the proposed vote, together with copies of the relevant proxy statement and other solicitation material;
data regarding client holdings in the relevant issuer;
pertinent information related to a material conflict of interest, together with all relevant materials;
the vote indicated by the Guidelines, together with any relevant information provided by ISS; and
the rationale for the request for an Override, together with all relevant information.
After review, the Proxy Committee will arrive at a decision based on the guiding principle of seeking the maximization of the economic value of clients’ holdings. The Proxy Committee may vote to authorize an Override with respect to such a vote notwithstanding the presence of a material conflict of interest only if the Proxy Committee determines that such an Override would be in the best interests of clients. Whether or not the committee authorizes an Override, the Proxy Committee’s deliberations and decisions will be appropriately documented and such records will be maintained by the group responsible for keeping records of the Proxy Committee’s meetings.
4. VOTES NOT GOVERNED BY GUIDELINES
In the event that there is a matter presented for a proxy vote that is not governed by the Guidelines, the Proxy Committee will follow a process similar to that set forth in Section 3 above for overriding the Guidelines. In such a scenario, the relevant portfolio management team will make a recommendation to the Proxy Committee as to how such proxy should be voted, based on the portfolio management team’s assessment of the particular matter(s) at issue and what they believe to be in the best interest of the client, with the intent to maximize the economic value of the particular security. Unless MIM Legal determines that the situation presents a material conflict of interest, the Proxy Committee shall approve the portfolio management team’s recommendation, and a member of MIM will instruct ISS to vote in accordance with the recommendation. In the event that MIM Legal determines that there is a material conflict of interest with respect to the relevant shareholder vote, a special meeting of the Proxy Committee will be required to arrive at a voting decision, following the applicable considerations and documentation requirements set forth in the “Material Conflict of Interest” section above.
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5. NO UNDUE INFLUENCE
If at any time any MIM associate is pressured or lobbied with respect to overriding the Guidelines for a particular shareholder vote, such person should provide information regarding such activity to MIM’s CCO who will notify MIM Legal and the Proxy Committee and maintain a record of this information. The Proxy Committee will consider this information in evaluating any proposed Override with respect to such a vote.
6. BOOKS AND RECORDS RETENTION
MIM (or ISS on behalf of MIM) maintains records of all proxies voted in accordance with Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act. As required and permitted by Rule 204-2(c) under the Advisers Act, the following records are maintained:
a copy of these policies and procedures;
proxy statements received regarding client securities are maintained by ISS;
a record of each vote cast is maintained by ISS, and such records are accessible to MIM;
a copy of any document created by MIM that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies on behalf of a client or that memorializes the basis for that decision; and
each written client request for proxy voting records and MIM’s written response to any (written or oral) client request for such records.
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Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
September 2019
Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
I. POLICY STATEMENT
Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s (“MSIM”) policy and procedures for voting proxies (“Policy”) with respect to securities held in the accounts of clients applies to those MSIM entities that provide discretionary investment management services and for which an MSIM entity has authority to vote proxies. This Policy is reviewed and updated as necessary to address new and evolving proxy voting issues and standards.
The MSIM entities covered by this Policy currently include the following: Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company, Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Japan) Co. Limited and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited (each a “MSIM Affiliate” and collectively referred to as the “MSIM Affiliates” or as “we” below).
Each MSIM Affiliate will use its best efforts to vote proxies as part of its authority to manage, acquire and dispose of account assets.
With respect to the registered management investment companies sponsored, managed or advised by any MSIM affiliate (the “MSIM Funds”), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the MSIM Funds.
For other pooled investment vehicles (e.g., UCITS), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the relevant governing board.
For separately managed accounts (including ERISA and ERISA-equivalent clients), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under the applicable investment advisory agreement or investment management agreement. Where a MSIM Affiliate has the authority to vote proxies on behalf of ERISA and ERISA-equivalent clients, the MSIM Affiliate must do so in accordance with its fiduciary duties under ERISA (and the Internal Revenue Code).
In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may reserve the authority to vote proxies for itself or an outside party or may provide a MSIM Affiliate with a statement of proxy voting policy. The MSIM Affiliate will comply with the client’s policy.
A MSIM Affiliate will not vote proxies unless the investment management or investment advisory agreement explicitly authorizes the MSIM Affiliate to vote proxies.
MSIM Affiliates will vote proxies in a prudent and diligent manner and in the best interests of clients, including beneficiaries of and participants in a client’s benefit plan(s) for which the MSIM Affiliates manage assets, consistent with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns (“Client Proxy Standard”). In addition to voting proxies at portfolio companies, MSIM routinely engages with the management or board of companies in which we invest on a range of environmental, social and governance issues. Governance is a window into or proxy for management and board quality. MSIM engages with companies where we have larger positions, voting issues are material or where we believe we can make a positive impact on the governance structure. MSIM’s engagement process, through private communication with companies, allows us to understand the governance structures at investee companies and better inform our voting decisions. In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may provide an MSIM Affiliate with a proxy voting policy. In these situations, the MSIM Affiliate will comply with the client’s policy.
Retention and Oversight of Proxy Advisory Firms - Institutional Shareholder Service (ISS) and Glass Lewis (together with other proxy research providers as we may retain from time to time, the “Research Providers”) are independent advisers that specialize in providing a variety of fiduciary-level proxy-related services to institutional investment managers, plan sponsors, custodians, consultants, and other institutional investors. The services provided include in-depth research, global issuer analysis, and voting recommendations.
MSIM has retained Research Providers to analyze proxy issues and to make vote recommendations on those issues. While we review the recommendations of one or more Research Providers in making proxy voting decisions, we are in no way obligated to follow such recommendations. MSIM votes all proxies based on its own proxy voting policies in the best interests of each client. In addition to research, ISS provides vote execution, reporting, and recordkeeping services to MSIM.
As part of MSIM’s ongoing oversight of the Research Providers, MSIM performs periodic due diligence on the Research Providers. Topics of the reviews include, but are not limited to, conflicts of interest, methodologies for developing their policies and vote recommendations, and resources.
Voting Proxies for Certain Non-U.S. Companies - Voting proxies of companies located in some jurisdictions may involve several problems that can restrict or prevent the ability to vote such proxies or entail significant costs. These problems include, but are not limited to: (i) proxy statements and ballots being written in a language other than English; (ii) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings; (iii) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuer’s jurisdiction of organization to exercise votes; (iv) requirements to vote proxies in person; (v) the imposition of restrictions on the sale of the securities for a period of time in proximity to the shareholder meeting; and (vi)
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requirements to provide local agents with power of attorney to facilitate our voting instructions. As a result, we vote clients’ non-U.S. proxies on a best efforts basis only, after weighing the costs and benefits of voting such proxies, consistent with the Client Proxy Standard. ISS has been retained to provide assistance in connection with voting non-U.S. proxies.
Securities Lending - MSIM Funds or any other investment vehicle sponsored, managed or advised by a MSIM affiliate may participate in a securities lending program through a third party provider. The voting rights for shares that are out on loan are transferred to the borrower and therefore, the lender (i.e., a MSIM Fund or another investment vehicle sponsored, managed or advised by a MSIM affiliate) is not entitled to vote the lent shares at the company meeting. In general, MSIM believes the revenue received from the lending program outweighs the ability to vote and we will not recall shares for the purpose of voting. However, in cases in which MSIM believes the right to vote outweighs the revenue received, we reserve the right to recall the shares on loan on a best efforts basis.
II. GENERAL PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
To promote consistency in voting proxies on behalf of our clients, we follow this Policy (subject to any exception set forth herein). The Policy addresses a broad range of issues, and provides general voting parameters on proposals that arise most frequently. However, details of specific proposals vary, and those details affect particular voting decisions, as do factors specific to a given company. Pursuant to the procedures set forth herein, we may vote in a manner that is not in accordance with the following general guidelines, provided the vote is approved by the Proxy Review Committee (see Section III for description) and is consistent with the Client Proxy Standard. Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP (Morgan Stanley AIP) will follow the procedures as described in Appendix A.
We endeavor to integrate governance and proxy voting policy with investment goals, using the vote to encourage portfolio companies to enhance long-term shareholder value and to provide a high standard of transparency such that equity markets can value corporate assets appropriately.
We seek to follow the Client Proxy Standard for each client. At times, this may result in split votes, for example when different clients have varying economic interests in the outcome of a particular voting matter (such as a case in which varied ownership interests in two companies involved in a merger result in different stakes in the outcome). We also may split votes at times based on differing views of portfolio managers.
We may abstain on matters for which disclosure is inadequate.
A. Routine Matters.
We generally support routine management proposals. The following are examples of routine management proposals:
Approval of financial statements and auditor reports if delivered with an unqualified auditor’s opinion.
General updating/corrective amendments to the charter, articles of association or bylaws, unless we believe that such amendments would diminish shareholder rights.
Most proposals related to the conduct of the annual meeting, with the following exceptions. We generally oppose proposals that relate to “the transaction of such other business which may come before the meeting,” and open-ended requests for adjournment. However, where management specifically states the reason for requesting an adjournment and the requested adjournment would facilitate passage of a proposal that would otherwise be supported under this Policy (i.e., an uncontested corporate transaction), the adjournment request will be supported. We do not support proposals that allow companies to call a special meeting with a short (generally two weeks or less) time frame for review.
We generally support shareholder proposals advocating confidential voting procedures and independent tabulation of voting results.
B. Board of Directors.
1. Election of directors: Votes on board nominees can involve balancing a variety of considerations. In vote decisions, we may take into consideration whether the company has a majority voting policy in place that we believe makes the director vote more meaningful. In the absence of a proxy contest, we generally support the board’s nominees for director except as follows:
a. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if we believe a direct conflict exists between the interests of the nominee and the public shareholders, including failure to meet fiduciary standards of care and/or loyalty. We may oppose directors where we conclude that actions of directors are unlawful, unethical or negligent. We consider opposing individual board members or an entire slate if we believe the board is entrenched and/or dealing inadequately with performance problems; if we believe the board is acting with insufficient independence between the board and management; or if we believe the board has not been sufficiently forthcoming with information on key governance or other material matters.
b. We consider withholding support from or voting against interested directors if the company’s board does not meet market standards for director independence, or if otherwise we believe board independence is insufficient. We refer to prevalent market standards as promulgated by a stock exchange or other authority within a given market (e.g., New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq rules for most U.S. companies, and The Combined Code on Corporate Governance in the United Kingdom). Thus, for an NYSE company with no controlling shareholder, we would expect that at a minimum a majority of directors should be independent as defined by NYSE. Where we view market standards as inadequate, we may withhold votes based on stronger independence standards. Market standards notwithstanding, we generally do not view long board tenure alone as a basis to classify a director as non-independent.
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i.     At a company with a shareholder or group that controls the company by virtue of a majority economic interest in the company, we have a reduced expectation for board independence, although we believe the presence of independent directors can be helpful, particularly in staffing the audit committee, and at times we may withhold support from or vote against a nominee on the view the board or its committees are not sufficiently independent. In markets where board independence is not the norm (e.g. Japan), however, we consider factors including whether a board of a controlled company includes independent members who can be expected to look out for interests of minority holders.
ii.      We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if he or she is affiliated with a major shareholder that has representation on a board disproportionate to its economic interest.
c. Depending on market standards, we consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who is interested and who is standing for election as a member of the company’s compensation/remuneration, nominating/governance or audit committee.
d. We consider withholding support from or voting against nominees if the term for which they are nominated is excessive. We consider this issue on a market-specific basis.
e. We consider withholding support from or voting against nominees if in our view there has been insufficient board renewal (turnover), particularly in the context of extended poor company performance. Also, if the board has failed to consider diversity, including gender and ethnicity, in its board composition.
f. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee standing for election if the board has not taken action to implement generally accepted governance practices for which there is a “bright line” test. For example, in the context of the U.S. market, failure to eliminate a dead hand or slow hand poison pill would be seen as a basis for opposing one or more incumbent nominees.
g. In markets that encourage designated audit committee financial experts, we consider voting against members of an audit committee if no members are designated as such. We also consider voting against the audit committee members if the company has faced financial reporting issues and/or does not put the auditor up for ratification by shareholders.
h. We believe investors should have the ability to vote on individual nominees, and may abstain or vote against a slate of nominees where we are not given the opportunity to vote on individual nominees.
i. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who has failed to attend at least 75% of the nominee’s board and board committee meetings within a given year without a reasonable excuse. We also consider opposing nominees if the company does not meet market standards for disclosure on attendance.
j. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who appears overcommitted, particularly through service on an excessive number of boards. Market expectations are incorporated into this analysis; for U.S. boards, we generally oppose election of a nominee who serves on more than five public company boards (excluding investment companies), or public company CEOs that serve on more than two outside boards given level of time commitment required in their primary job.
k. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee where we believe executive remuneration practices are poor, particularly if the company does not offer shareholders a separate “say-on-pay” advisory vote on pay.
2. Discharge of directors’ duties: In markets where an annual discharge of directors' responsibility is a routine agenda item, we generally support such discharge. However, we may vote against discharge or abstain from voting where there are serious findings of fraud or other unethical behavior for which the individual bears responsibility. The annual discharge of responsibility represents shareholder approval of disclosed actions taken by the board during the year and may make future shareholder action against the board difficult to pursue.
3. Board independence: We generally support U.S. shareholder proposals requiring that a certain percentage (up to 66 23%) of the company’s board members be independent directors, and promoting all-independent audit, compensation and nominating/governance committees.
4. Board diversity: We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals urging diversity of board membership with respect to gender, race or other factors.
5. Majority voting: We generally support proposals requesting or requiring majority voting policies in election of directors, so long as there is a carve-out for plurality voting in the case of contested elections.
6. Proxy access: We consider proposals on procedures for inclusion of shareholder nominees and to have those nominees included in the company’s proxy statement and on the company’s proxy ballot on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include ownership thresholds, holding periods, the number of directors that shareholders may nominate and any restrictions on forming a group.
7. Reimbursement for dissident nominees: We generally support well-crafted U.S. shareholder proposals that would provide for reimbursement of dissident nominees elected to a board, as the cost to shareholders in electing such nominees can be factored into the voting decision on those nominees.
8. Proposals to elect directors more frequently: In the U.S. public company context, we usually support shareholder and management proposals to elect all directors annually (to “declassify” the board), although we make an exception to this policy where we believe that long-term shareholder value may be harmed by this change given particular circumstances at the company at the time of the vote
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on such proposal. As indicated above, outside the United States we generally support greater accountability to shareholders that comes through more frequent director elections, but recognize that many markets embrace longer term lengths, sometimes for valid reasons given other aspects of the legal context in electing boards.
9. Cumulative voting: We generally support proposals to eliminate cumulative voting in the U.S. market context. (Cumulative voting provides that shareholders may concentrate their votes for one or a handful of candidates, a system that can enable a minority bloc to place representation on a board.) U.S. proposals to establish cumulative voting in the election of directors generally will not be supported.
10. Separation of Chairman and CEO positions: We vote on shareholder proposals to separate the Chairman and CEO positions and/or to appoint an independent Chairman based in part on prevailing practice in particular markets, since the context for such a practice varies. In many non-U.S. markets, we view separation of the roles as a market standard practice, and support division of the roles in that context. In the United States, we consider such proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering, among other things, the existing board leadership structure, company performance, and any evidence of entrenchment or perceived risk that power is overly concentrated in a single individual.
11. Director retirement age and term limits: Proposals setting or recommending director retirement ages or director term limits are voted on a case-by-case basis that includes consideration of company performance, the rate of board renewal, evidence of effective individual director evaluation processes, and any indications of entrenchment.
12. Proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or broaden indemnification of officers and directors: Generally, we will support such proposals provided that an individual is eligible only if he or she has not acted in bad faith, with gross negligence or with reckless disregard of their duties.
C. Statutory auditor boards.
The statutory auditor board, which is separate from the main board of directors, plays a role in corporate governance in several markets. These boards are elected by shareholders to provide assurance on compliance with legal and accounting standards and the company’s articles of association. We generally vote for statutory auditor nominees if they meet independence standards. In markets that require disclosure on attendance by internal statutory auditors, however, we consider voting against nominees for these positions who failed to attend at least 75% of meetings in the previous year. We also consider opposing nominees if the company does not meet market standards for disclosure on attendance.
D. Corporate transactions and proxy fights.
We examine proposals relating to mergers, acquisitions and other special corporate transactions (i.e., takeovers, spin-offs, sales of assets, reorganizations, restructurings and recapitalizations) on a case-by-case basis in the interests of each fund or other account. Proposals for mergers or other significant transactions that are friendly and approved by the Research Providers usually are supported if there is no portfolio manager objection. We also analyze proxy contests on a case-by-case basis.
E. Changes in capital structure.
1. We generally support the following:
Management and shareholder proposals aimed at eliminating unequal voting rights, assuming fair economic treatment of classes of shares we hold.
U.S. management proposals to increase the authorization of existing classes of common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) if: (i) a clear business purpose is stated that we can support and the number of shares requested is reasonable in relation to the purpose for which authorization is requested; and/or (ii) the authorization does not exceed 100% of shares currently authorized and at least 30% of the total new authorization will be outstanding. (We consider proposals that do not meet these criteria on a case-by-case basis.)
U.S. management proposals to create a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50% of issued capital, unless we have concerns about use of the authority for anti-takeover purposes.
Proposals in non-U.S. markets that in our view appropriately limit potential dilution of existing shareholders. A major consideration is whether existing shareholders would have preemptive rights for any issuance under a proposal for standing share issuance authority. We generally consider market-specific guidance in making these decisions; for example, in the U.K. market we usually follow Association of British Insurers’ (“ABI”) guidance, although company-specific factors may be considered and for example, may sometimes lead us to voting against share authorization proposals even if they meet ABI guidance.
Management proposals to authorize share repurchase plans, except in some cases in which we believe there are insufficient protections against use of an authorization for anti-takeover purposes.
Management proposals to reduce the number of authorized shares of common or preferred stock, or to eliminate classes of preferred stock.
Management proposals to effect stock splits.
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Management proposals to effect reverse stock splits if management proportionately reduces the authorized share amount set forth in the corporate charter. Reverse stock splits that do not adjust proportionately to the authorized share amount generally will be approved if the resulting increase in authorized shares coincides with the proxy guidelines set forth above for common stock increases.
Management dividend payout proposals, except where we perceive company payouts to shareholders as inadequate.
2. We generally oppose the following (notwithstanding management support):
Proposals to add classes of stock that would substantially dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.
Proposals to increase the authorized or issued number of shares of existing classes of stock that are unreasonably dilutive, particularly if there are no preemptive rights for existing shareholders. However, depending on market practices, we consider voting for proposals giving general authorization for issuance of shares not subject to pre-emptive rights if the authority is limited.
Proposals that authorize share issuance at a discount to market rates, except where authority for such issuance is de minimis, or if there is a special situation that we believe justifies such authorization (as may be the case, for example, at a company under severe stress and risk of bankruptcy).
Proposals relating to changes in capitalization by 100% or more.
We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to increase dividend payout ratios, in light of market practice and perceived market weaknesses, as well as individual company payout history and current circumstances. For example, currently we perceive low payouts to shareholders as a concern at some Japanese companies, but may deem a low payout ratio as appropriate for a growth company making good use of its cash, notwithstanding the broader market concern.
F. Takeover Defenses and Shareholder Rights.
1. Shareholder rights plans: We generally support proposals to require shareholder approval or ratification of shareholder rights plans (poison pills). In voting on rights plans or similar takeover defenses, we consider on a case-by-case basis whether the company has demonstrated a need for the defense in the context of promoting long-term share value; whether provisions of the defense are in line with generally accepted governance principles in the market (and specifically the presence of an adequate qualified offer provision that would exempt offers meeting certain conditions from the pill); and the specific context if the proposal is made in the midst of a takeover bid or contest for control.
2. Supermajority voting requirements: We generally oppose requirements for supermajority votes to amend the charter or bylaws, unless the provisions protect minority shareholders where there is a large shareholder. In line with this view, in the absence of a large shareholder we support reasonable shareholder proposals to limit such supermajority voting requirements. Also, we oppose provisions that do not allow shareholders any right to amend the charter or bylaws.
3. Shareholders right to call a special meeting: We consider proposals to enhance a shareholder’s rights to call meetings on a case-by-case basis. At large-cap U.S. companies, we generally support efforts to establish the right of holders of 10% or more of shares to call special meetings, unless the board or state law has set a policy or law establishing such rights at a threshold that we believe to be acceptable.
4. Written consent rights: In the U.S. context, we examine proposals for shareholder written consent rights on a case-by-case basis.
5. Reincorporation: We consider management and shareholder proposals to reincorporate to a different jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. We oppose such proposals if we believe the main purpose is to take advantage of laws or judicial precedents that reduce shareholder rights.
6. Anti-greenmail provisions: Proposals relating to the adoption of anti-greenmail provisions will be supported, provided that the proposal: (i) defines greenmail; (ii) prohibits buyback offers to large block holders (holders of at least 1% of the outstanding shares and in certain cases, a greater amount) not made to all shareholders or not approved by disinterested shareholders; and (iii) contains no anti-takeover measures or other provisions restricting the rights of shareholders.
7. Bundled proposals: We may consider opposing or abstaining on proposals if disparate issues are “bundled” and presented for a single vote.
G. Auditors.
We generally support management proposals for selection or ratification of independent auditors. However, we may consider opposing such proposals with reference to incumbent audit firms if the company has suffered from serious accounting irregularities and we believe rotation of the audit firm is appropriate, or if fees paid to the auditor for non-audit-related services are excessive. Generally, to determine if non-audit fees are excessive, a 50% test will be applied (i.e., non-audit-related fees should be less than 50% of the total fees paid to the auditor). We generally vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.
H. Executive and Director Remuneration.
1. We generally support the following:
Proposals for employee equity compensation plans and other employee ownership plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest. Such approval may be against shareholder interest if it authorizes excessive dilution and shareholder cost, particularly in the context of high usage (“run rate”) of equity compensation in the recent past; or if there are objectionable plan design and provisions.
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Proposals relating to fees to outside directors, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry, and provided that the structure is appropriate within the market context. While stock-based compensation to outside directors is positive if moderate and appropriately structured, we are wary of significant stock option awards or other performance-based awards for outside directors, as well as provisions that could result in significant forfeiture of value on a director’s decision to resign from a board (such forfeiture can undercut director independence).
Proposals for employee stock purchase plans that permit discounts, but only for grants that are part of a broad-based employee plan, including all non-executive employees, and only if the discounts are limited to a reasonable market standard or less.
Proposals for the establishment of employee retirement and severance plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest.
2. We generally oppose retirement plans and bonuses for non-executive directors and independent statutory auditors.
3. In the U.S. context, we generally vote against shareholder proposals requiring shareholder approval of all severance agreements, but we generally support proposals that require shareholder approval for agreements in excess of three times the annual compensation (salary and bonus) or proposals that require companies to adopt a provision requiring an executive to receive accelerated vesting of equity awards if there is a change of control and the executive is terminated. We generally oppose shareholder proposals that would establish arbitrary caps on pay. We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals that seek to limit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs), but support such shareholder proposals where we consider SERPs excessive.
4. Shareholder proposals advocating stronger and/or particular pay-for-performance models will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of the merits of the individual proposal within the context of the particular company and its labor markets, and the company’s current and past practices. While we generally support emphasis on long-term components of senior executive pay and strong linkage of pay to performance, we consider factors including whether a proposal may be overly prescriptive, and the impact of the proposal, if implemented as written, on recruitment and retention.
5. We generally support proposals advocating reasonable senior executive and director stock ownership guidelines and holding requirements for shares gained in executive equity compensation programs.
6. We generally support shareholder proposals for reasonable “claw-back” provisions that provide for company recovery of senior executive bonuses to the extent they were based on achieving financial benchmarks that were not actually met in light of subsequent restatements.
7. Management proposals effectively to re-price stock options are considered on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include the company’s reasons and justifications for a re-pricing, the company’s competitive position, whether senior executives and outside directors are excluded, potential cost to shareholders, whether the re-pricing or share exchange is on a value-for-value basis, and whether vesting requirements are extended.
8. Say-on-Pay: We consider proposals relating to an advisory vote on remuneration on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include a review of the relationship between executive remuneration and performance based on operating trends and total shareholder return over multiple performance periods. In addition, we review remuneration structures and potential poor pay practices, including relative magnitude of pay, discretionary bonus awards, tax gross ups, change-in-control features, internal pay equity and peer group construction. As long-term investors, we support remuneration policies that align with long-term shareholder returns.
I. Social and Environmental Issues.
Shareholders in the United States and certain other markets submit proposals encouraging changes in company disclosure and practices related to particular social and environmental matters. As MSIM believes that relevant social and environmental issues can influence risk and return, we consider how to vote on proposals related to social and environmental issues on a case-by-case basis by determining the relevance of social and environmental issues identified in the proposal and their likely impacts on shareholder value. We generally support proposals that if implemented would enhance useful disclosure, such as disclosures aligned with SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) and the TCFD (Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) and proposals that aim to reduce or mitigate a company’s impact on the global climate. We generally vote against proposals requesting reports or actions that we believe are duplicative, related to matters not material to the business, or that would impose unnecessary or excessive costs. In reviewing proposals on social and environmental issues, we consider a company’s current disclosures and our understanding of the company’s management of material social and environmental issues in comparison to peers. We seek to balance concerns on reputational and other risks that lie behind a proposal against costs of implementation, while considering appropriate shareholder and management prerogatives. We may abstain from voting on proposals that do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value and we may oppose proposals that intrude excessively on management prerogatives and/or board discretion.
J. Funds of Funds.
Certain MSIM Funds advised by an MSIM Affiliate invest only in other MSIM Funds. If an underlying fund has a shareholder meeting, in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest, such proposals will be voted in the same proportion as the votes of the other shareholders of the underlying fund, unless otherwise determined by the Proxy Review Committee. In markets where proportional voting is not available we will not vote at the meeting, unless otherwise determined by the Proxy Review Committee. Other MSIM Funds invest in unaffiliated
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funds.If an unaffiliated underlying fund has a shareholder meeting and the MSIM Fund owns more than 25% of the voting shares of the underlying fund, the MSIM Fund will vote its shares in the unaffiliated underlying fund in the same proportion as the votes of the other shareholders of the underlying fund to the extent possible.
III. ADMINISTRATION OF POLICY
The MSIM Proxy Review Committee (the “Committee”) has overall responsibility for the Policy. The Committee consists of investment professionals who represent the different investment disciplines and geographic locations of MSIM, and is chaired by the director of the Corporate Governance Team (“CGT”). Because proxy voting is an investment responsibility and impacts shareholder value, and because of their knowledge of companies and markets, portfolio managers and other members of investment staff play a key role in proxy voting, although the Committee has final authority over proxy votes.
The CGT Director is responsible for identifying issues that require Committee deliberation or ratification. The CGT, working with advice of investment teams and the Committee, is responsible for voting on routine items and on matters that can be addressed in line with these Policy guidelines. The CGT has responsibility for voting case-by-case where guidelines and precedent provide adequate guidance.
The Committee will periodically review and have the authority to amend, as necessary, the Policy and establish and direct voting positions consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.
CGT and members of the Committee may take into account Research Providers’ recommendations and research as well as any other relevant information they may request or receive, including portfolio manager and/or analyst comments and research, as applicable. Generally, proxies related to securities held in accounts that are managed pursuant to quantitative, index or index-like strategies (“Index Strategies”) will be voted in the same manner as those held in actively managed accounts, unless economic interests of the accounts differ. Because accounts managed using Index Strategies are passively managed accounts, research from portfolio managers and/or analysts related to securities held in these accounts may not be available. If the affected securities are held only in accounts that are managed pursuant to Index Strategies, and the proxy relates to a matter that is not described in this Policy, the CGT will consider all available information from the Research Providers, and to the extent that the holdings are significant, from the portfolio managers and/or analysts.
A. Committee Procedures
The Committee meets at least quarterly, and reviews and considers changes to the Policy at least annually. Through meetings and/or written communications, the Committee is responsible for monitoring and ratifying “split votes” (i.e., allowing certain shares of the same issuer that are the subject of the same proxy solicitation and held by one or more MSIM portfolios to be voted differently than other shares) and/or “override voting” (i.e., voting all MSIM portfolio shares in a manner contrary to the Policy). The Committee will review developing issues and approve upcoming votes, as appropriate, for matters as requested by CGT.
The Committee reserves the right to review voting decisions at any time and to make voting decisions as necessary to ensure the independence and integrity of the votes.
B. Material Conflicts of Interest
In addition to the procedures discussed above, if the CGT Director determines that an issue raises a material conflict of interest, the CGT Director may request a special committee (“Special Committee”) to review, and recommend a course of action with respect to, the conflict(s) in question.
A potential material conflict of interest could exist in the following situations, among others:
1. The issuer soliciting the vote is a client of MSIM or an affiliate of MSIM and the vote is on a matter that materially affects the issuer.
2. The proxy relates to Morgan Stanley common stock or any other security issued by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates except if echo voting is used, as with MSIM Funds, as described herein.
3. Morgan Stanley has a material pecuniary interest in the matter submitted for a vote (e.g., acting as a financial advisor to a party to a merger or acquisition for which Morgan Stanley will be paid a success fee if completed).
4. One of Morgan Stanley’s independent directors or one of MSIM Funds’ directors also serves on the board of directors or is a nominee for election to the board of directors of a company held by a MSIM Fund or affiliate.
If the CGT Director determines that an issue raises a potential material conflict of interest, depending on the facts and circumstances, the issue will be addressed as follows:
1. If the matter relates to a topic that is discussed in this Policy, the proposal will be voted as per the Policy.
2. If the matter is not discussed in this Policy or the Policy indicates that the issue is to be decided case-by-case, the proposal will be voted in a manner consistent with the Research Providers, provided that all the Research Providers consulted have the same recommendation, no portfolio manager objects to that vote, and the vote is consistent with MSIM’s Client Proxy Standard.
3. If the Research Providers’ recommendations differ, the CGT Director will refer the matter to a Special Committee to vote on the proposal, as appropriate.
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Any Special Committee shall be comprised of the CGT Director, and at least two portfolio managers (preferably members of the Committee), as approved by the Committee. The CGT Director may request non-voting participation by MSIM’s General Counsel or his/her designee and the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. In addition to the research provided by Research Providers, the Special Committee may request analysis from MSIM Affiliate investment professionals and outside sources to the extent it deems appropriate.
C. Proxy Voting Reporting
The CGT will document in writing all Committee and Special Committee decisions and actions, which documentation will be maintained by the CGT for a period of at least six years. To the extent these decisions relate to a security held by an MSIM Fund, the CGT will report the decisions to each applicable Board of Trustees/Directors of those Funds (the “Board”) at each Board’s next regularly scheduled Board meeting. The report will contain information concerning decisions made during the most recently ended calendar quarter immediately preceding the Board meeting.
In addition, to the extent that Committee and Special Committee decisions and actions relate to a security held by other pooled investment vehicles, the GST will report the decisions to the relevant governing board of the pooled investment vehicle.
MSIM will promptly provide a copy of this Policy to any client requesting it. MSIM will also, upon client request, promptly provide a report indicating how each proxy was voted with respect to securities held in that client’s account.
MSIM’s Legal Department is responsible for filing an annual Form N-PX on behalf of each MSIM Fund for which such filing is required, indicating how all proxies were voted with respect to such Fund’s holdings.
Also, MSIM maintains voting records of individual agenda items at company meetings in a searchable database on its website on a rolling 12-month basis.
In addition, ISS provides vote execution, reporting and recordkeeping services to MSIM.
IV. RECORDKEEPING
Records are retained in accordance with Morgan Stanley’s , which establishes general Firm-wide standards and procedures regarding the retention, handling, and destruction of official books and records and other information of legal or operational significance. The incorporates Morgan Stanley’s , which lists various record classes and associated retention periods on a global basis.
Approved by the Board September 24-25, 2019
Appendix A
Appendix A applies to the following accounts managed by Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP (i) closed-end funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; (ii) discretionary separate accounts; (iii) unregistered funds; and (iv) non-discretionary accounts offered in connection with AIP’s Custom Advisory Portfolio Solutions service. Generally, AIP will follow the guidelines set forth in Section II of MSIM’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures. To the extent that such guidelines do not provide specific direction, or AIP determines that consistent with the Client Proxy Standard, the guidelines should not be followed, the Proxy Review Committee has delegated the voting authority to vote securities held by accounts managed by AIP to the Fund of Hedge Funds investment team, the Private Equity Fund of Funds investment team the Private Equity Real Estate Fund of Funds investment team or the Portfolio Solutions team of AIP. A summary of decisions made by the applicable investment teams will be made available to the Proxy Review Committee for its information at the next scheduled meeting of the Proxy Review Committee.
In certain cases, AIP may determine to abstain from determining (or recommending) how a proxy should be voted (and therefore abstain from voting such proxy or recommending how such proxy should be voted), such as where the expected cost of giving due consideration to the proxy does not justify the potential benefits to the affected account(s) that might result from adopting or rejecting (as the case may be) the measure in question.
Waiver of Voting Rights
For regulatory reasons, AIP may either 1) invest in a class of securities of an underlying fund (the “Fund”) that does not provide for voting rights; or 2) waive 100% of its voting rights with respect to the following:
1. Any rights with respect to the removal or replacement of a director, general partner, managing member or other person acting in a similar capacity for or on behalf of the Fund (each individually a “Designated Person,” and collectively, the “Designated Persons”), which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the election or removal of a Designated Person in the event of such Designated Person’s death, disability, insolvency, bankruptcy, incapacity, or other event requiring a vote of interest holders of the Fund to remove or replace a Designated Person; and
2. Any rights in connection with a determination to renew, dissolve, liquidate, or otherwise terminate or continue the Fund, which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the renewal, dissolution, liquidation, termination or continuance of the Fund upon the occurrence of an event described in the Fund’s organizational documents; provided, however, that, if the Fund’s organizational documents require the consent of the Fund’s general partner or manager, as the case may be, for any such termination or continuation of the Fund to be effective, then AIP may exercise its voting rights with respect to such matter.
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Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
Global Proxy Voting Policy Summary
Policy Statement: The proxy voting policy is intended to foster PIMCO’s compliance with its fiduciary obligations and applicable law; the policy applies to any voting or consent rights with respect to securities held in accounts over which PIMCO has discretionary voting authority. The Policy is designed in a manner reasonably expected to ensure that voting and consent rights are exercised in the best interests of PIMCO’s clients.
Overview: PIMCO has adopted a written proxy1 voting policy (“Proxy Policy”) as required by Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act. As a general matter, when PIMCO has proxy voting authority, PIMCO has a fiduciary obligation to monitor corporate events and to take appropriate action on client proxies that come to its attention. Each proxy is voted on a case-by-case basis, taking into account relevant facts and circumstances. When considering client proxies, PIMCO may determine not to vote a proxy in limited circumstances.
Equity Securities.2 PIMCO has retained an Industry Service Provider (“ISP”) to provide research and voting recommendations for proxies relating to equity securities in accordance with the ISP’s guidelines. By following the guidelines of an independent third party, PIMCO seeks to mitigate potential conflicts of interest PIMCO may have with respect to proxies covered by the ISP. PIMCO will follow the recommendations of the ISP unless: (i) the ISP does not provide a voting recommendation; or (ii) a PM decides to override the ISP’s voting recommendation. In either such case as described above, the Legal and Compliance department will review the proxy to determine whether a material conflict of interest, or the appearance of one, exists.
Fixed Income Securities. Fixed income securities can be processed as proxy ballots or corporate action-consents3 at the discretion of the issuer/ custodian. When processed as proxy ballots, the ISP generally does not provide a voting recommendation and their role is limited to election processing and recordkeeping. When processed as corporate action-consents, the Legal and Compliance department will review all election forms to determine whether a conflict of interest, or the appearance of one, exists with respect to the PM’s consent election. PIMCO’s Credit Research and Portfolio Management Groups are responsible for issuing recommendations on how to vote proxy ballots and corporation action-consents with respect to fixed income securities.
Resolution of potential conflicts of interest. The Proxy Policy permits PIMCO to seek to resolve material conflicts of interest by pursuing any one of several courses of action. With respect to material conflicts of interest between PIMCO and a client account, the Proxy Policy permits PIMCO to either: (i) convene a working group to assess and resolve the conflict (the “Proxy Working Group”); or (ii) vote in accordance with protocols previously established by the Proxy Policy, the Proxy Working Group and/or other relevant procedures approved by PIMCO’s Legal and Compliance department with respect to specific types of conflicts.
PIMCO will supervise and periodically review its proxy voting activities and the implementation of the Proxy Policy. PIMCO’s Proxy Policy, and information about how PIMCO voted a client’s proxies, is available upon request.
Sub-Adviser Engagement: As an investment manager, PIMCO may exercise its discretion to engage a Sub-Adviser to provide portfolio management services to certain Funds. Consistent with its management responsibilities, the Sub-Adviser will assume the authority for voting proxies on behalf of PIMCO for these Funds. Sub-Advisers may utilize third parties to perform certain services related to their portfolio management responsibilities. As a fiduciary, PIMCO will maintain oversight of the investment management responsibilities performed by the Sub-Adviser and contracted third parties.

1 Proxies generally describe corporate action-consent rights (relative to fixed income securities) and proxy voting ballots (relative to fixed income or equity securities) as determined by the issuer or custodian.

2 The term “equity securities” means common and preferred stock, including common and preferred shares issued by investment companies; it does not include debt securities convertible into equity securities.

3 Voting or consent rights shall not include matters which are primarily decisions to buy or sell investments, such as tender offers, exchange offers, conversions, put options, redemptions, and Dutch auctions.
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Peregrine Capital Management, LLC
Philosophy
Peregrine votes proxies for the sole benefit of the clients. Our objective is to protect the financial investment of the shareholder (or participant in a qualified employee benefit plan). Therefore, we review each proposal to determine its financial implications for shareholders.
Our purchase and retention of a stock inherently project confidence that management will operate the company in a manner consistent with earning a reasonable return. For example, we support management on routine, noneconomic proposals. However, we also exercise discretion in determining how we can best protect the financial investment of the shareholder while providing support to management in the operation of the business.
Policy
The Board of Directors develops proxy policy and philosophy and approves proxy guidelines.
The Portfolio Managers vote proxies in adherence to established policies and guidelines.
Portfolio Managers document the rationale for their vote, either by referencing established guidelines or by a specific explanation.
If a Portfolio Manager votes contrary to established guidelines, they are required to receive prior approval from the CCO.
Portfolio Managers must vote proxies for specific securities identically across accounts unless specific client instruction is accepted.
Portfolio Managers should vote proxies related to common issues consistently unless circumstances are materially different. (See qualification above)
Our internal voting position guidelines cover four types of proposals: routine management proposals; anti-takeover proposals; shareholder proposals; and non-routine non-compensation proposals.
The CCO reviews votes in advance and reports quarterly to the Board.
Peregrine employees that becomes aware of an actual or potential proxy voting conflict of interest must communicate the issue to Compliance, who will inform the Board. Any proxy vote that presents the potential for a material conflict of interest between clients, the firm, or its employees will vote in favor of clients who are not directly or indirectly involved in the conflict. Material conflicts of interest may develop in situations such as proxy votes for companies that are clients of Peregrine and proxy votes in which a particular client attempts to influence our votes. The Board reviews proxy votes with the potential for material conflicts of interest. The Board will ensure that such votes are consistent with our responsibility to vote stock held in our accounts for the sole and exclusive benefit of the beneficiaries. Proxy votes for companies that are also clients of Peregrine must be disclosed (subject to confidentiality issues) in our client proxy reports.
Peregrine does not routinely recall securities on loan to vote proxies. Portfolio Managers may recall shares on loan if the vote may materially impact the potential return on the security.
Despite our best efforts to vote proxies promptly, there may be circumstances outside of our control that interfere with our ability to do so. Examples include late notice of the vote; lack of timely confirmation by the custodian of shares available for vote; and delays in the recall of shares on loan.
Procedures
Peregrine contacts the Custodian, informing them that Peregrine has been authorized to vote proxies, and forwards proxy cards to the attention of the Proxy Coordinators of Peregrine Capital Management.
Peregrine utilizes ISS Proxy Exchange, an online proxy voting system, for accounts we are authorized to vote. We download meeting information via the website through an automated interface (meeting date, record date, proposals, ballots received).
The Proxy Coordinators set up each meeting upon notification from Institutional Shareholding Services, Inc. (ISS). ISS provides a listing of the ballots received, number of shares held per client account and proxy materials. Discrepancies in shares are forwarded via the ISS service or reviewed by the Proxy Coordinator and researched with internal accounting and, if necessary, the custodian until resolved.
The Proxy Coordinator forwards the proxy documentation to the appropriate Portfolio Manager to vote.
  Exception due to automatic voting standing instructions: The Board has approved automatic voting standing instructions for three proposals: A1, the election of directors, A2, the ratification and appointment of auditors, and A10, advisory vote on compensation/say on pay frequency. We cast a FOR vote for these three proposals unless the Portfolio Manager provides timely instructions to the contrary. Each style determines how they wish to vote the A10 issues. When a meeting includes only proposals A1, A2, and A10 the Proxy Coordinators send an e-mail to the Portfolio Manager and Compliance containing information about the meeting and its proposals. If the Portfolio Manager or Compliance do not respond to the contrary designation, the Proxy Coordinator votes the proposals according to the standing instructions.
  Meeting information is available through the ISS website for nine years.
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Records of votes, including the supporting rationale, are maintained electronically at Peregrine for seven years, except as described above.
We prepare and distribute reports to clients every quarter (or client's desired frequency) summarizing the proxy voting activity. Votes against management and votes that are contrary to our proxy guidelines are footnoted and explained.
Routine Management Proposals
A. Consistent with our general philosophy of supporting management, we vote in support of management on the following routine management proposals:
A1. Election of directors and other officers of the corporation.
A2. Appointment of auditors.
A3. Amending the By-laws or Articles of Incorporation to conform with modern business practices, for simplification or to comply with applicable laws.
A4. Reduce supermajority vote requirement.
A5. Indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents.
A6. Increasing/decreasing the number of shares outstanding for ordinary business purposes.
A7. Declaring stock splits and stock dividends.
A8. Authorizing a new class or series of securities for ordinary business purposes.
A9. Changing or fixing the number of directors.
A10. Advisory vote on compensation/say on pay frequency.
A11. Changing the date and/or location of annual meetings.
A12. Employment contracts between the company and its executives and remuneration for directors. (cash plan)
A13. Automatic dividend reinvestment plans.
A14. Changing the company name (without a re-organization).
A15. Qualified and non-qualified restricted stock option plans for employees and/or directors.
A16. Thrift and saving plans.
A17. Retirement plans, pension plans, profit sharing plans and employee stock ownership plans, creation of and amendments thereto.
Anti-takeover Proposals
B. Although we generally support management proposals, management initiatives that limit the price appreciation potential or the marketability of a stock may not be in the best interests of the shareholders. In these cases, our responsibility to vote the proxy in the best financial interests of the shareholders overrides our general desire to support management. We vote against the following management when deemed to provide such a conflict:
B1. Board classification without cumulative voting.
B2. Elimination of shareholder action by written consent.
B3. Blank check preferred stock.
B4. Restricting removal of directors for cause only and only by a supermajority vote.
B5. Fair-price proposals combined with supermajority rules.
B6. Multiple anti-takeover proposals.
B7. Poison Pill proposals, includes action that is designed to reduce the value of a company to a potential acquirer such as the right to purchase shares of the acquirer at a discount, a sale of assets of a subsidiary to a third-party in the event of an acquisition, immediate vesting of pension rights, continuation of salaries for employees with a certain number of years of tenure, etc.
B8. Golden Parachutes, includes continuation of employee contracts with top executives, payment of a certain multiple of annual compensation, immediate vesting of incentive, stock, and merit programs, etc.
B9. Excessive requests for additional shares (currently authorized shares plus requested shares over four times the combination of outstanding shares and shares reserved for option programs) with no specific purpose.
Shareholder Proposals
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C. Consistent with our policy of supporting management, we generally vote against shareholder proposals opposed by management. Exceptions to this guideline must be considered to be in the best financial interests of the shareholder.
Non-Routine Non-Salary Compensation Proposals
D. Although we generally support management proposals, management initiatives that result in the transfer of equity ownership, that may prove highly dilutive to existing shareholders, or that materially reduce the shareholder's role in controlling non-salary compensation may not be in the best interests of shareholders. In these cases, our responsibility to vote the proxy in the best financial interests of the shareholders overrides our general desire to support management. We vote against the following management proposals for non-salary compensation plans when deemed to provide such a conflict:
D1. Plans which provide for exercise prices below 85% of market value at time of grant.
D2. Plans which result in total dilution potential of over 10% (2% per year) for companies with moderate growth prospects and over 25% (5% per year) for companies with rapid growth prospects (20% or better annual growth).
D3. Plans that would (or delegate to the Board the authority to) reprice or replace underwater options.
D4. Plans which give the Board the authority to establish exercise prices without preset limits.
D5. Plans which provide for a laundry list of vehicles for grants including stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, and outright awards of stock and/or delegate broad authority to the Board to determine the size, nature, and conditions of the awards.
D6. Combinations of the initiatives above.
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PineBridge Investments LLC
I. Introduction
Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders, such as PineBridge Clients, for which PineBridge must take reasonable care and diligence to ensure such rights are properly and timely exercised. PineBridge, as a fiduciary for its Clients, must vote proxies in each Client’s best interest.
II. Policy Statement
Proxy Procedures
As a registered investment adviser that votes (or delegates the voting of) securities held in Client portfolios, PineBridge has implemented proxy voting procedures that are reasonably designed to help ensure that a) PineBridge votes proxies in the best interest of its Clients; b) describes its proxy voting procedures to its Clients, and c) discloses to Clients how they may obtain information on how PineBridge voted their proxies. These procedures are designed to help enable PineBridge to manage material conflicts of interest. While PineBridge must disclose its votes upon request to Clients, no public disclosure is required. (Note that disclosure is required for any mutual funds advised by PineBridge, on Form N-PX.)
Record-Keeping
PineBridge must retain (i) these proxy voting policies and procedures; (ii) proxy statements received regarding Client securities; (iii) records of votes it casts on behalf of Clients; (iv) records of Client requests for proxy voting information, and; (v) any documents prepared by PineBridge that were material to making a decision how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision. PineBridge may rely on proxy statements filed on EDGAR instead of keeping its own copies, and rely on proxy statements and records of proxy votes cast by PineBridge that are maintained by contract with a third party proxy voting service or other third party.
Proxies of Shares of Non-U.S. Corporations
PineBridge has implemented general voting policies with respect to non-U.S. shares owned by Clients. However, although U.S. companies must give shareholders at least 20 days’ advance notice to vote proxies, some non-U.S. companies may provide considerably shorter notice or none at all. PineBridge is not required to “rush” voting decisions in order to meet an impractical deadline, and as a result, PineBridge or PineBridge affiliates’ regional designees under certain circumstances may not vote certain proxies. In addition, certain non-U.S. regulations impose additional costs to a Portfolio that votes proxies, and PineBridge will take that into consideration when determining whether or not to vote.
Policy on Monitoring Class Action Suits
In the event that PineBridge has purchased the same security for a Client’s portfolio alongside its investments on behalf of itself or an affiliate, PineBridge generally will seek to inform a Client that such Client may also have a cause of action whenever such issuer is subject to class action litigation. PineBridge as a general matter will also make available to the Client such rights, if any, as that PineBridge may have against any such issuer in its capacity as the Client’s agent, and PineBridge will, where possible, give the Client such assistance as it may reasonably require to exercise its rights in any such action.
PineBridge generally does not, however, search out potential legal claims or monitor class action lawsuits against issuers arising from investments held in a Client portfolio, nor may PineBridge institute a lawsuit on a Client’s behalf arising from investments held in the Client portfolio.
In addition, given the size and breadth of PineBridge’s business, it is possible that there may be situations in which PineBridge or an affiliate might become aware of a potential lawsuit with respect to a security, one of which may also be held within a Client portfolio. In these situations, there is the possibility, due to confidentiality requirements or conflicts of interest, that PineBridge would be restricted from informing a Client of potential legal actions and activities.
In the case of a material conflict between the interests of PineBridge and those of its Clients, PineBridge will take steps to address such conflicts (which may include consulting with counsel), and will attempt to resolve all conflicts in the Client’s best interest.
III. Procedures
PineBridge will vote proxies in the best interests of its Clients, which may result in different voting results for proxies for the same issuer.
Compliance is responsible for ensuring that the PineBridge ADV includes the appropriate language summarizing PineBridge’s proxy voting procedures and for updating the summary in the ADV whenever the procedures are updated. Compliance is also responsible for consulting with Legal to ensure that PineBridge’s proxy voting policy is kept up to date and in a form appropriate for transmission to Clients.
If a Client or potential Client requests a copy of the Proxy Voting Policy from Client Relations or Sales, Compliance should be contacted for the most recent version, or it may be obtained from the intranet. Client Relations will send to such Client a copy of the current version of the voting procedures within 7 days and will ensure that Compliance receives a log of each Client’s request and the action taken.
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If a Client requests access to the records of how PineBridge voted its proxies, the Client should be assured that this will be provided, and Operations should be consulted. Operations has access to these proxy voting records.
PineBridge has established a Proxy Committee (the “Committee”). The PineBridge Proxy Committee is comprised of members of the Investment Department, and senior management, and is attended by members of Legal & Compliance and Operations.
The Committee conducts an annual review of the proxy voting guidelines for domestic and non-U.S. Portfolios. Guidelines are reviewed to ensure that the interests of PineBridge’s Clients are best served.
Issues not addressed in the voting guidelines are determined on a case-by-case basis with input from the Committee and portfolio managers.
PineBridge has engaged a third party vendor to administer proxy voting on its behalf. The vendor receives, in a majority of cases, proxies directly from the Client’s custodian and votes them based on PineBridge’s voting guidelines
In circumstances where PineBridge receives proxies directly, these proxies must be sent to the vendor promptly. The vendor then votes them in accordance with PineBridge’s voting guidelines. The vendor maintains a listing of all votes cast on behalf of PineBridge Clients.
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QS Investors, LLC
Proxy Voting Policy
Introduction
QS Investors, LLC (“QS”) has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, which it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best economic interest of its clients1 and in accordance with its fiduciary duties and applicable regulations. This Policy shall apply to all accounts managed by QS. In addition, QS’s Proxy Policy reflects the fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts managed by QS.
1 For purposes of these Policies and Procedures, “clients” refers to persons or entities: for which QS serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser; for which QS votes proxies; and that have an economic or beneficial ownership interest in the portfolio securities of issuers soliciting such proxies.
Responsibilities
Proxy votes are the property of QS’s advisory clients. As such, QS’s authority and responsibility to vote such proxies depends upon its contractual relationships with its clients. QS has delegated responsibility for effecting its advisory clients’ proxy votes to Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”), an independent third-party proxy voting specialist. ISS votes QS’s advisory clients’ proxies in accordance with their (ISS’s) proxy guidelines or, in extremely limited circumstances, QS’s specific instructions. Where a client has given specific instructions as to how a proxy should be voted, QS will notify and direct ISS to carry out those instructions. Where no specific instruction exists, QS will follow the procedures set forth in this document and vote such proxies in accordance with ISS’s guidelines. Certain Taft-Hartley clients may direct QS to have ISS vote their proxies in accordance with ISS’s (or other specific) Taft Hartley voting Guidelines.
Alternatively, clients may elect to retain proxy voting authority and responsibility. These and other proxy-related instructions must be outlined in the investment management agreement or other contractual arrangements with each client.
Clients may in certain instances contract with their custodial agent and notify QS that they wish to engage in securities lending transactions. QS will not vote proxies relating to securities in client accounts that are on loan. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the custodian to deduct the number of shares that are on loan to ensure they are not voted by multiple parties.
Policies
Proxy voting activities are conducted in the best economic interest of clients.
QS works with ISS to ensure that all proxies are voted in accordance with what we believe to be the best economic interest of QS’s clients. In addition to proxy voting services provided by ISS, QS has also contracted with ISS to provide proxy advisory services. These services include research and other activities designed to gain insight into ballot decisions and make informed voting recommendations consistent with our fiduciary duty to our clients. ISS has developed and maintains Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) consisting of standard voting positions on a comprehensive list of common proxy voting matters. ISS updates these Guidelines based on consideration of current corporate governance principles, industry standards, client feedback, and a number of other relevant factors. Changes to these Guidelines are communicated to QS upon implementation.
While ISS has been instructed to vote our clients’ proxies in accordance with the Guidelines, QS and our clients retain the right to instruct ISS to vote differently.
Principals for Responsible Investment
QS generally votes proxies based on the ISS Sustainability Policy, which incorporates environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) considerations to promote sustainable business practices advocating for stewardship of the environment, fair labor practices, non‐discrimination, and the protection of human rights.
Generally, ISS’s Sustainability Policy will work within an internationally recognized sustainability framework such as the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”). In doing so, they look to promote a fair, unified and productive reporting and compliance environment which advances positive corporate ESG actions that present new opportunities or mitigate related financial and reputational risks.
On matters of corporate governance, executive compensation, and corporate structure, the Sustainability Policy guidelines are based on a commitment to create and preserve economic value and advance principles of good corporate governance.
Underlying Funds
Certain QS client accounts, including clients that are “Funds of Funds,” invest in underlying investment funds, including U.S. registered investment companies (“Underlying Funds”). Proxy voting with respect to shares, units or interests in Underlying Funds present diverse and complex policy issues that make the establishment of standard proxy voting guidelines impractical. To the extent that QS has proxy voting authority with respect to shares, units or interests in Underlying Funds, QS shall vote such shares, units or interests in the best interest of client accounts and subject to the general fiduciary principles set forth above rather than in accordance with the Guidelines.
QS’s proxy voting authority on behalf of client accounts (including a Fund of Funds) with respect to shares, units or interests in Underlying Funds is subject to the provisions below in Proxy Voting of Underlying Funds.
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Manager of Manager Arrangements
QS advises certain client accounts that are structured as “Manager of Managers” arrangements in which various segments of the accounts are individually managed by a number of underlying investment advisers (“Underlying Managers”). In such arrangements, QS generally does not exercise any proxy voting authority with respect to securities held in the client’s account. Proxy voting authority in such arrangements is typically assigned to the Underlying Managers.
Management Oversight
Management is responsible for overseeing QS’s proxy voting activities, including reviewing and monitoring the Guidelines that provide how ISS will generally vote proxies on behalf of QS clients no less frequently than annually. Compliance is responsible for coordinating with ISS to administer the proxy voting process and overseeing ISS’s proxy responsibilities. Compliance monitors voting activity to ensure that votes are cast in accordance with the Guidelines or client-specific guidelines and/or any applicable regulatory requirements.
Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record
Copies of this Policy, as it may be updated from time to time, are made available to clients as required by law and otherwise at QS’s discretion. Clients may also obtain information on how their proxies were voted by QS as required by law and otherwise at QS’s discretion; however, QS must not selectively disclose its investment company clients’ proxy voting records. The Firm will make proxy voting reports available to advisory clients upon request.
ISS’s current Guidelines, summaries, amendments, and other pertinent information can be accessed by visiting their website at the following address: http://www.issgovernance.com/policy.
Procedures
Proxy Voting Guidelines
QS will review ISS’s Guidelines as necessary to support the best economic interests of QS’s clients but generally no less frequently than annually. The Firm will choose to re-adopt or amend portions of or the entirety of the Guidelines, whether as a result of the annual review or otherwise, taking solely into account the best economic interests of QS’s clients. Before re-adopting or amending the Guidelines, Compliance, in consultation with Management, will thoroughly review and evaluate the proposed change(s) and rationale to evaluate potential conflicts with client or employee interests. Rationale for any decisions not to re-adopt ISS’s Guidelines will be fully documented.
Proxy Voting of Underlying Funds
Proxy Voting of Affiliated Funds
With respect to proxy voting for a client account (including a Fund of Funds) investing in shares, units or interests of Underlying Funds advised by QS or an affiliate of QS (including ETFs, open-end mutual funds and closed-end investment companies), proxies relating to any of such affiliated Underlying Funds generally will be voted in accordance with an echo voting procedure under which such proxies are voted in the same proportion as the votes from other shareholders of such affiliated Underlying Fund. QS may vote such proxies in accordance with other voting procedures approved by Management and Compliance, provided such procedures comply with applicable law and/or regulatory requirements.
Proxy Voting of Unaffiliated Funds
With respect to proxy voting for a client account (including a Fund of Funds) investing in shares, units or interests of an Underlying Fund advised by an adviser which is unaffiliated with QS (including ETFs, open-end mutual funds and closed-end investment companies), QS will vote such proxies in accordance with the general fiduciary principles set forth above; provided that QS: (i) will vote proxies relating to shares of ETFs in accordance with an echo voting procedure to the extent required by QS’s Procedures Relating to Compliance with ETF Exemptive Orders under Section 12(d)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (ii) will vote proxies relating to shares of open-end mutual funds and closed-end investment companies in accordance with an echo voting procedure to the extent required in order to comply with Section 12(d)(1) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder. Voting procedures are intended to be in the best interest of client accounts and subject to the general fiduciary principles set forth above, and such procedures are subject to review by Management and Compliance.
Specific proxy voting decisions made by Management
Proxy proposals (i) that are not covered by specific client instructions or the Guidelines; or (ii) that, according to the Guidelines, should be evaluated and voted on a case-by-case basis will be referred to Management and Portfolio Management for review and to provide a voting instruction.
Certain proxy votes may not be cast
In extremely limited cases, QS may determine that it is in the best economic interests of its clients not to vote certain proxies. QS will abstain from voting if:
Neither the Guidelines nor specific client instructions cover an issue;
ISS does not make a recommendation on the issue; and
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QS cannot make a good faith determination as to what would be in the client’s best interest (e.g., material conflict cannot be mitigated).
In other cases, it may not be possible to vote certain proxies, despite good faith efforts to do so. Examples may include:
Proxy ballot was not received from the custodian;
Meeting notice was not received with adequate time for processing; or
Legal restrictions, including share blocking, that may restrict liquidity or otherwise limit trading.
ISS will coordinate with Compliance regarding any specific proxies and any categories of proxies that will not or cannot be voted. The reasons for not voting any proxy shall be documented.
Conflict of Interest Procedures
QS seeks to mitigate conflicts inherent in proxy voting and maintain independence by partnering with ISS for voting and administration of all client ballots. These conflicts may include:
The issuer is a client of QS;
The issuer is a material business partner of QS; or
An employee, or an immediate family member of an employee, of QS serves as an officer or director of the issuer.
QS believes that this Policy and our reliance on ISS for independent proxy decision-making reasonably ensure that these and other potential material conflicts are minimized, consistent with our fiduciary duty. Accordingly, proxies that will be voted in accordance with the Guidelines or in accordance with specific client instructions are not subject to the conflicts of interest procedures described below for items that are referred to QS by ISS.
As a general matter, QS takes the position that relationships between a non-QS Legg Mason business unit and an issuer do not present a conflict of interest for QS in voting proxies with respect to such issuer because QS operates as an independent business unit from other Legg Mason business units and because of the existence of informational barriers between QS and such business units.
Procedures to Address Conflicts of Interest and Improper Influence
Note: This section addresses the limited circumstances in which items that are referred to QS by ISS.
Overriding Principle: ISS will vote all proxies in accordance with the Guidelines. In the limited circumstances where ISS refers items to QS for input or a voting decision, QS will vote those proxies in accordance with what it, in good faith, determines to be the best economic interests of QS’s clients.1
1 Any contact from external parties interested in a particular vote that attempts to exert improper pressure or influence shall be reported to Compliance
Independence: Compensation for all employees, particularly those with the ability to influence proxy voting in these limited circumstances, cannot be based upon their contribution to any business activity outside of QS without prior approval from Management. Furthermore, they may not discuss proxy votes with any person outside of QS (and within QS only on a need to know basis).
Conflict Review Procedures: For items that are referred to QS from ISS, Compliance will monitor for potential material conflicts of interest in connection with proxy proposals. Promptly upon a determination that a conflict exists in connection with a proxy proposal, the vote shall be escalated to Management. Management will collect and review any information deemed reasonably appropriate to evaluate, in its reasonable judgment, if QS or any person participating in the proxy voting process has, or has the appearance of, a material conflict of interest. For the purposes of this policy, a conflict of interest shall be considered “material” to the extent that a reasonable person could expect the conflict to influence, or appear to influence, QS’s decision on the particular vote at issue.
The information considered may include without limitation information regarding (i) client relationships; (ii) any relevant personal conflict known or brought to their attention; (iii) and any communications with members of the Firm and any person or entity outside of the organization that identifies itself as a QS advisory client regarding the vote at issue.
If notified that QS has a material conflict of interest, the Firm will obtain instructions as to how the proxies should be voted, if time permits, from the affected clients, if notified that certain individuals should be recused from the proxy vote at issue, QS shall do so in accordance with the procedures set forth below.
Note: Any QS employee who becomes aware of a potential material conflict of interest in respect of any proxy vote to be made on behalf of clients shall notify Management and Compliance to evaluate such conflict and determine a recommended course of action.
At the beginning of any discussion regarding how to vote any proxy, Compliance will inquire as to whether any employee or any person participating in the proxy voting process has a personal conflict of interest or has actual knowledge of an actual or apparent conflict that has not been reported to Management and/or Compliance.
Compliance also will inquire of these same parties whether they have actual knowledge regarding whether any director, officer or employee outside of QS that identifies itself as a QS advisory client, has: (i) requested that QS vote a particular proxy in a certain manner; (ii) attempted to influence QS in connection with proxy voting activities; or (iii) otherwise communicated with the Firm regarding the particular proxy vote at issue, and which incident has not yet been reported to management and/or Compliance.
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Compliance will determine whether anyone should be recused from the proxy voting process, or whether QS should seek instructions as to how to vote the proxy at issue if time permits, from the effected clients. These inquiries and discussions will be properly documented.
Duty to Report: Any QS employee that is aware of any actual or apparent conflict of interest relevant to, or any attempt by any person outside of organization or any entity that identifies itself as a QS advisory client to influence, how QS votes its proxies has a duty to disclose the existence of the situation to their manager and the details of the matter to the Compliance. In the case of any person participating in the deliberations on a specific vote, such disclosure should be made before engaging in any activities or participating in any discussion pertaining to that vote.
Recusal of Members: Compliance will recuse any employee from participating in a specific proxy vote referred to QS if he/she (i) is personally involved in a material conflict of interest; or (ii) as determined by Management and Compliance, has actual knowledge of a circumstance or fact that could affect their independent judgment, in respect of such vote. Management will also exclude from consideration the views of any person (whether requested or volunteered) if Management knows, or if Compliance has determined that such other person has a material conflict of interest with respect to the particular proxy, or has attempted to influence the vote in any manner prohibited by these policies.
Other Procedures That Limit Conflicts of Interest
QS has adopted a number of policies, procedures and internal controls that are designed to avoid various conflicts of interest, including those that may arise in connection with proxy voting, including but not limited to the Information Management Policy and the Code of Ethics. The Firm expects that these policies, procedures and internal controls will greatly reduce the chance that the Firm (or, its employees) would be involved in, aware of or influenced by, an actual or apparent conflict of interest.
Recordkeeping
QS will retain records of client requests for proxy voting information and any written responses thereto provided by QS and will retain any documents the Firm or Compliance prepared that were material to making a voting decision or that memorialized the basis for a proxy voting decision.
QS also will create and maintain appropriate records documenting its compliance with this Policy, including records of its deliberations and decisions regarding conflicts of interest and their resolution.
With respect to QS’s investment company clients, ISS will create and maintain such records as are necessary to allow such investment company clients to comply with their recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure obligations under applicable law.
QS will also maintain the following records relating to proxy voting:
The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;
The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security (if symbol is available through reasonably practicable means);
The Council on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures number for the portfolio security (if the number is available through reasonably practicable means);
The shareholder meeting date;
A copy of each proxy statement received by QS;
A brief identification of the matter voted on;
Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder;
Whether QS cast its vote on the matter;
How QS cast its vote (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors); and
Whether QS cast its vote for or against management.
In lieu of keeping copies of proxy statements, QS may rely on proxy statements filed on the EDGAR system. QS also may rely on third party records of proxy statements and votes cast by QS if the third party provides an undertaking to QS to provide such records promptly upon request.
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Ranger Investment Management, L.P.
Proxy Voting
Introduction
Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act requires every investment adviser to adopt and implement written policies and procedures, reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its investors. The Rule further requires the adviser to provide a concise summary of the adviser’s proxy voting process and offer to provide copies of the complete proxy voting policy and procedures to investors upon request. Lastly, the Rule requires that the adviser disclose to investors how they may obtain information on how the adviser voted their proxies.
The Firm votes proxies for many of its investors, and therefore has adopted and implemented this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures. Any questions about this document should be directed to the Firm’s CCO or other designated compliance officer.
The Firm views seriously its responsibility to exercise voting authority over securities which form part of its investors’ portfolios. Proxy statements increasingly contain controversial issues involving shareholder rights and corporate governance, among others, which deserve careful review and consideration.
It is the Firm’s policy to review each proxy statement on an individual basis and to base its voting decision exclusively on its judgment of what will best serve the financial interests of the beneficial owners of the security. Each proposal will be evaluated on its merits, the facts presented and with both principals and rules-based guidelines taken into consideration. Beneficial owners include members of pooled investment funds for which the Firm acts as investment manager or general partner, and investor accounts for which the Firm acts as investment manager.
The Firm may engage the services of a third-party service (“Proxy Service”) to assist it with administration of the proxy voting process. In addition to general administration assistance, the Proxy Service may also include proxy voting recommendations based upon research and guidelines published. However, the Firm’s proxy voting policies and case-by-case evaluation of each issue may result in proxy votes on certain issues that differ from Proxy Service recommendations.
A number of recurring issues can be identified with respect to the governance of a company and actions proposed by that company’s board. The Firm follows internal Proxy Voting procedures (described below) that allow the Firm to vote on these issues in a uniform manner. Proxies are generally considered by the investment team members responsible for monitoring the security being voted. That person will cast his votes in accordance with this Proxy Voting Policy and procedures. Any non-routine matters are referred to the Portfolio Manager.
The Firm, in exercising its voting powers, also has regard to the statutes and rules applicable to registered investment advisors. The manner in which votes are cast by the Firm is reported to investors by delivery of this Proxy Voting Policy. In addition, the Firm will provide, upon request, a list of how each proxy was voted for an investor.
Key Proxy Voting Issues:
Election of Directors and Appointment of Accountants – The Firm will vote for management’s proposed directors in uncontested elections. For contested elections, the Firm votes for candidates it believes best serve shareholders’ interests. The Firm votes to ratify management’s appointment of independent auditors.
Increase Authorized Capital – The Firm votes for these proposals in the absence of unusual circumstances. There are many business reasons for companies to increase their authorized capital. The additional shares often are intended to be used for general corporate purposes, to raise new investment capital for acquisitions, stock splits, recapitalizations or debt restructurings.
Preference Shares – The Firm will carefully review proposals to authorize new issues of preference shares or increase the shares authorized for existing issues. The Firm recognizes that new issues of authorized preference shares can provide flexibility to corporate issuers as the shares can be issued quickly without further shareholder approval in connection with financings or acquisitions. Therefore, generally the Firm will not oppose proposals to authorize the issuance of preferred shares. The Firm will, however, scrutinize any such proposals which give the Board the authority to assign disproportionate voting rights at the time the shares are issued.
Dual Capitalization, Other Preferential Voting Rights – The Firm will generally vote against proposals to divide share capital into two or more classes or to otherwise create classes of shares with unequal voting and dividend rights. The Firm is concerned that the effect of these proposals, over time, is to consolidate voting power in the hands of relatively few insiders, disproportionate to their percentage ownership of the company’s share capital as a whole. This concentration of voting power can effectively block any takeover which management opposes and dilute accountability to shareholders.
Merger/Acquisition – All proposals are reviewed on a case by case basis by taking the following into consideration:
whether the proposed acquisition price represents fair value;
whether shareholders could realize greater value through other means; and
whether all shareholders receive equal/fair treatment under the merger acquisition terms.
Restructuring/Recapitalization – All proposals are reviewed on a case by case basis taking the following into consideration:
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whether the proposed restructuring/recapitalization is the best means of enhancing shareholder value; and
whether the company’s longer-term prospects will be positively affected by the proposal.
Provide Director Indemnification – The Firm will vote for proposals to provide corporate indemnification for directors if consistent with all relevant laws. Corporations face great obstacles in attracting and retaining capable directors. The Firm believes such proposals will contribute to corporations’ ability to attract qualified individuals and will enhance the stability of corporate management.
Share Option Plans – The Firm will generally vote against proposals which authorize:
more than 10% of the company’s outstanding shares to be reserved for the award of share options; or
the award of share options to Employees and/or non-Employees of the company (for instance, outside directors and consultants) if the exercise price is less than the share’s fair market value at the date of the grant of the options and does not carry relevant performance hurdles for exercise; or
the exchange of outstanding options for new ones at lower exercise prices.
Shareholder Proposals – Corporate Governance Issues:
Majority Independent Board – The Firm will generally vote for proposals calling for a majority outside board. The Firm believes that a majority of independent directors can be an important factor in facilitating objective decision making and enhancing accountability to shareholders.
Executive Compensation – The Firm will generally vote against proposals to restrict Employee compensation. The Firm feels that the specific amounts and types of Employee compensation are within the ordinary business responsibilities of the Board of Directors and company management; provided, however, that share option plans meet our guidelines for such plans as set forth herein. On a case-by-case basis, the Firm will vote for proposals requesting more detailed disclosure of Employee compensation, especially if the company does not have a majority outside board.
Potential Conflicts of Interest:
In connection with any security which is the subject of a proxy vote, the Firm will determine whether any conflict of interest exists between the Firm or its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the beneficial owners of the securities, on the other hand. If a conflict of interest is identified, the Firm will first seek to apply the general guidelines discussed above without regard to the conflict. If the guidelines discussed above do not apply, the Firm will evaluate the situation and document the issue and resolution on a Proxy Voting Exception Report. The resolution may very well include notifying the beneficial owners of such conflict, describe how the Firm proposes to vote and the reasons therefore, and request the investor to provide written instructions if the investor desires the voting rights to be exercised in a different manner (which may include not voting the proxy). If an investor does not deliver contrary written instructions, the Firm will vote as indicated in its notice to investors.
Recordkeeping and Reports:
In order to comply with all applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements, the Firm will do the following:
1. The Firm will keep a copy of this Proxy Voting Policy and provide the same to investors upon request.
2. The Firm will retain copies of the proxy statements and a record of each vote cast by the Firm on behalf of an investor for periods prior to October 2008. For the periods thereafter, the Firm has authorized the Proxy Service to make and retain, on the Firm’s behalf, copies of proxy statements and records of the votes cast. The Firm may also rely on obtaining a copy of a proxy statement from the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system.
3. The Firm will retain a copy of any document created by the Firm that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies on behalf of an investor or that memorializes the basis for that decision.
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Rockefeller & Co. LLC
Proxy Voting
Overview:
Rockefeller & Co. LLC (the “Adviser”) has adopted and implemented Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures in an effort to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients in fulfillment of the Adviser’s fiduciary duties and in accordance with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
The Adviser has established a Proxy Committee that, among other things, establishes guidelines and generally oversees the proxy voting process.
The Adviser has engaged Institutional Shareholder Service, Inc. (“ISS”), an organization unaffiliated with the Adviser, to assist with proxy voting. In addition to the execution of proxy votes in accordance with the Adviser’s guidelines and record-keeping services, ISS also provides the Adviser with corporate governance information, due diligence related to making appropriate proxy voting decisions and vote recommendations. The Adviser, however, retains final authority and responsibility for proxy voting.
The Adviser does not automatically vote for or against any class of resolutions, but rather follows a list of preferences. On governance issues, the guidelines have a preference for resolutions that increase disclosure and reporting and that enhance the transparency of decision-making without placing an undue burden on the company or requiring the disclosure of proprietary or competitive information. In addition, the guidelines favor proposals that: preserve and enhance the rights of minority shareholders; increase the Board’s skill base; and increase the accountability of both the Board and management.
Proxy Voting Limitations:
The Advisor will generally not vote proxies in countries that engage in “share blocking” the practice of prohibiting investors who have exercised voting rights from disposing of their shares for a defined period of time. The Advisor will also not vote in cases where a proxy is received after the requisite voting date or with respect to specific proposals that are incoherent or that would entail extensive and uneconomic investigation or research.
Conflicts of Interest:
Due to the nature of the Adviser’s business and structure, it is unlikely that a material conflict of interest will arise in voting the proxies of public companies, because the Adviser does not engage in investment banking, or manage or advise public companies. However, the Adviser may from time to time have affiliated persons who sit on the board of directors of public companies and may also act as adviser or sub-adviser to certain registered mutual funds. In the event a material conflict of interest does arise, the Adviser will seek to resolve the matter in the best interest of clients. In such a case, the Proxy Committee will generally vote the proxy based upon the recommendation of ISS. If the Committee determines to resolve the conflict in a different manner, that approach will be documented.
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Systematic Financial Management, L.P.
Proxy Voting General Guidelines
Updated November 2019
Clients may delegate proxy voting authority over their account to Systematic in their investment management agreement or investment guidelines, or by other written direction to Systematic. Upon such delegation of proxy voting authority, Systematic will notify both its independent proxy-voting agent (“agent”) and the client’s custodian that Systematic’s agent will vote on behalf of Systematic for that client’s account. Systematic will also provide the client’s custodian with the appropriate instructions for delivery of proxy ballots for the client’s account. Systematic clients may revoke Systematic’s voting authority by providing written notice to Systematic
As stated above, Systematic has retained an independent proxy-voting agent (“agent”), and Systematic generally follows the agent’s proxy voting guidelines when voting proxies. The adoption of the agent’s proxy voting guidelines provides independent guidelines for voting proxies and is designed to remove conflicts of interest that could affect the outcome of a vote. The intent of this policy is to remove any discretion that Systematic may have to interpret how to vote proxies in cases where Systematic has a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.
Although under normal circumstances Systematic is not expected to exercise its voting discretion or to override the agent’s recommendation, Systematic’s Proxy Voting Committee will monitor any situation where Systematic believes it has a material conflict of interest, or where Systematic wishes to exercise its discretion or more closely review a particular matter. In these situations, the Proxy Voting Committee will provide the actual voting recommendation after a review of the vote(s) involved with such determination being based in the Committee’s determination of what is in the best interests of Systematic’s clients. Systematic uses consensus decisions when voting an issue and does not allow Portfolio Managers to vote proxies independently. Systematic’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) must approve any decision made on such vote prior to the vote being cast. In approving any such decision, the CCO will use their best judgment to ensure that the spirit of Systematic’s proxy voting guidelines is being followed. Systematic will maintain documentation of any such voting decision.
The agent has policies and procedures in place to mitigate potential conflicts of interest. The agent is obligated to notify Systematic, in advance of voting any proxies, in specific situations where it may have a material conflict of interest with a company whose proxy it is responsible for voting on behalf of a Systematic client. If this situation occurs, the agent will follow its procedures regarding conflicts of interest and Systematic will follow the same procedures it does for situations where it has a material conflict of interest, as described above.
Voting Guidelines
Systematic maintains four sets of proxy voting guidelines: one based on AFL-CIO polices for Taft-Hartley Plan Sponsors, another for Public Plans, another for Catholic or other faith-based entities and the fourth being a General Policy for all other clients, covering U.S. and global proxies. Institutional clients may select which set of proxy guidelines they wish be used to vote their account’s proxies. In instances where the client does not select a voting policy, Systematic would typically apply the General Proxy Voting Policy when voting on behalf of the client. Systematic may process certain proxies without voting them, such as by making a decision to abstain from voting or take no action on such proxies (or on certain proposals within such proxies). Examples include, without limitation: proxies issued by companies that the firm has decided to sell, proxies issued for securities that the firm did not select for a client portfolio (such as securities selected by the client or a previous adviser, unsupervised securities held in a client’s account, money market securities or other securities selected by clients or their representatives other than Systematic), or proxies issued by foreign companies that impose burdensome or unreasonable voting, power of attorney or holding requirements such as with share blocking as further noted below.
Systematic also seeks to ensure that, to the extent reasonably feasible, proxies for which it receives ballots in good order and receives timely notice will be voted or otherwise processed (such as through a decision to abstain or take no action). Systematic may be unable to vote or otherwise process proxy ballots that are not received in a timely manner due to limitations of the proxy voting system, custodial limitations or other factors beyond the firm’s control. Such ballots may include, without limitation, ballots for securities out on loan under securities lending programs initiated by the client or its custodian, ballots not forwarded in a timely manner by a custodian, or ballots that were not received by Systematic from its proxy voting vendor on a timely basis.
Share Blocking
In general, unless otherwise directed by the client, Systematic will make reasonable efforts to vote client proxies in accordance with the proxy voting recommendations of the Firm’s proxy voting service provider. Systematic will generally decline to vote proxies if to do so would cause a restriction to be placed on Systematic’s ability to trade securities held in client accounts in “share blocking” countries. Accordingly, Systematic may abstain from votes in a share blocking country in favor of preserving its ability to trade any particular security at any time.
Systematic maintains written Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures as required by Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act. These policies and procedures, in addition to how Systematic voted proxies for securities held in your account(s), are available upon request.
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TDAM USA Inc.
Introduction
Registered investment management companies cast proxy votes for the securities in their portfolios. TDAM USA Inc.’s pooled funds are shareholders in numerous corporations. As such, TDAM USA Inc. casts proxy votes on behalf of its pooled fund shareholders.
TDAM USA Inc. has engaged Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) as its proxy management consultant. ISS assists TDAM USA Inc. in the process of fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities concerning the voting of its clients’ proxy ballots.
Policy
Specifically, ISS provides the following services to TDAM USA Inc. regarding proxy voting:
Analyzes proxy resolutions and make voting recommendations to TDAM USA Inc.;
Executes the voting of ballots; and
Quarterly, collates reports that detail voting activity.
As a framework within which proxy resolutions are assessed, TDAM USA Inc. has adopted the extensive set of voting guidelines developed by ISS. TDAM USA Inc. believes that they provide an appropriate basis upon which to judge whether or not proxy proposals are in its clients’ best interests. As a final check before proxies are voted, the asset class teams review ISS’ recommendations to ensure that the ISS interpretation of the guidelines coincide with that of TDAM USA Inc..
Two fundamental principles guide TDAM USA Inc.’s proxy voting on behalf of its clients’:
TDAM USA Inc. supports resolutions that we believe will protect and enhance the economic welfare of shareholders.
TDAM USA Inc. supports measures to preserve and strengthen shareholders’ rights.
Application of these principles leads TDAM USA Inc. consistently to support some types of proposals, consistently to oppose others, and on many, to follow a case-by-case approach. In instances where we are unable to determine what is in shareholders’ best interest, TDAM USA Inc. abstains from voting on the issue.
In the event that TDAM USA Inc. opposes the decision made by ISS we have the right to not follow their recommendation. In these instances TDAM USA Inc. will document the reasoning for voting against the recommendation and it will be reported to the CCO.
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Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC
Proxy Voting Policy
Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (“TSW”) has a fiduciary responsibility to its clients for voting proxies, where authorized, for portfolio securities, domestic and foreign, consistent with the best economic interests of its clients. TSW maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting and makes appropriate disclosures about our Firm’s proxy voting policies and practices in Form ADV Part 2A. In addition, we review our policies and practices no less than annually for adequacy; to make sure they have been implemented effectively, and to make sure they continue to be reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of our clients. Our policy and practice include the responsibility to monitor corporate actions and potential conflicts of interest, receive and vote client proxies, and make information available to clients about the voting of proxies for their portfolio securities while maintaining relevant and required records.
Background
Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders, and reasonable care and diligence should be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised.
Investment advisers registered with the SEC, and which exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which should include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser's interests and those of its clients; (b) disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; (c) describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) maintain certain records relating to the adviser's proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority.
A related companion release by the SEC also adopted rule and form amendments under the Securities Act and Investment Company Act similar to the above which TSW complies with when acting as a sub-adviser to a mutual fund.
Responsibility
TSW’s Compliance Officer (Proxy Coordinator) has the responsibility for the organization and monitoring of our proxy voting policy, practices, and recordkeeping. Implementation and disclosure, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures, is the responsibility of the CCO and Director of Operations. TSW has retained the services of a third-party provider, Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (“ISS”) to assist with the proxy process. ISS is a Registered Investment Adviser under the Advisers Act. It is a leading provider of proxy voting and corporate governance services. ISS provides TSW proxy proposal research and voting recommendations and votes accounts on TSW’s behalf under the guidance of ISS’s standard voting guidelines. Those guidelines cover the following areas:
Operational Issues
Board of Directors
Proxy Contests
Anti-takeover Defenses and Voting Related Issues
Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
State of Incorporation
Capital Structure
Executive & Director Compensation
Equity Compensation Plans
Specific Treatment of Certain Award Types in Equity Plan Evaluations
Other Compensation Proposals & Policies
Shareholder Proposals on Compensation
Social/Environmental Issues
Consumer Issues and Public Safety
Environment and Energy
General Corporate Issues
Labor Standards and Human Rights
Military Business
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Workplace Diversity
Mutual Fund Proxies
TSW’s proxy coordinator is responsible for monitoring ISS’s voting procedures on an ongoing basis. TSW’s general procedure regarding the voting of proxies is as follows:
Procedure
TSW has adopted various procedures and internal controls to review, monitor and ensure the Firm’s Proxy Voting policy is observed, implemented properly and amended or updated, as appropriate, which include the following:
Voting Procedure
Upon timely receipt of proxy materials, ISS will automatically release vote instructions on client’s behalf as soon as custom research is completed. TSW retains authority to override the votes (before cut-off date) if TSW disagrees with the vote recommendation.
The Proxy Coordinator will monitor the voting process at ISS via ISS’s Proxy Exchange website (ISS’s online voting and research platform). Records of which accounts are voted, how accounts are voted, and how many shares are voted are kept electronically with ISS.
For proxies not received by ISS, TSW and ISS will make a best effort attempt to receive ballots from the clients’ custodian prior to the vote cutoff date.
TSW is responsible for account maintenance – opening and closing of accounts, transmission of holdings and account environment monitoring. ISS will email TSW Compliance personnel to get approval when closing an account that was not directed by TSW.
The Manager of Research Operations (Proxy Oversight Representative) will keep abreast of any critical or exceptional events or events qualifying as a conflict of interest via ISS Proxy Exchange website and email. TSW has the ability to override vote instructions, and the Proxy Oversight Representative and/or Proxy Coordinator will consult with TSW’s Investment Policy Committee or product managers in these types of situations.
All domestic and foreign security proxies are voted solely in the best interest of clients on a best efforts basis. Proactive communication takes place via regular meetings with ISS’s Client Relations team.
Disclosure
TSW will provide conspicuously displayed information in its Disclosure Document summarizing this Proxy Voting policy, including a statement that clients may request information regarding how TSW voted a client’s proxies, and that clients may request a copy of these policies and procedures.See Form ADV, Part 2A – Item 17– Voting Client Securities
Client Requests for Information
All client requests for information regarding proxy votes, or policies and procedures, received by any associate should be forwarded to the Proxy Coordinator.
In response to any request, the Proxy Coordinator will prepare a written response to the client with the information requested, and as applicable, will include the name of the issuer, the proposal voted upon, and how TSW voted the client’s proxy with respect to each proposal about which the client inquired.
Voting Guidelines
TSW has a fiduciary responsibility under ERISA to vote ERISA Plan proxies unless the Plan directs otherwise. TSW will vote proxies when directed by non-ERISA clients. In the absence of specific voting guidelines from the client and upon timely receipt of proxy materials from the custodian, TSW will vote proxies in the best interests of each particular client according to the recommended election of ISS. ISS’s policy is to vote all proxies from a specific issuer the same way for each client, absent qualifying restrictions from a client. Clients are permitted to place reasonable restrictions on TSW's voting authority in the same manner that they may place such restrictions on the actual selection of account securities.
ISS will generally vote in favor of routine corporate housekeeping proposals such as the election of directors and selection of auditors absent conflicts of interest raised by auditors' non-audit services.
ISS will generally vote against proposals that cause board members to become entrenched, reduce shareholder control over management or in some way diminish shareholders’ present or future value.
In reviewing proposals, ISS will further consider the opinion of management and the effect on management, and the effect on shareholder value and the issuer’s business practices.
A complete summary of ISS’s US and International voting guidelines is available at: https://www.issgovernance.com/policy
Forensic Testing Procedures
No less than quarterly, TSW will review the ISS Proxy Exchange list of accounts voted to ensure all appropriate accounts are being voted. This will be performed by the Proxy Coordinator.
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Conflicts of Interest
TSW will identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of the adviser and each client by reviewing the relationship of TSW with the issuer of each security to determine if TSW or any of its associates has any financial, business or personal relationship with the issuer.
If a material conflict of interest exists, the Proxy Coordinator will instruct ISS to vote using ISS’s standard policy guidelines which are derived independently from TSW.
TSW will maintain a record of the voting resolution of any conflict of interest.
ISS also maintains a Conflicts Policy which indicates how they address any potential conflicts of interest and is available at: https://www.issgovernance.com/compliance/due-diligence-materials
Practical Limitations Relating to Proxy Voting
TSW makes a best effort to vote proxies. In certain circumstances, it may be impractical or impossible for TSW to do so. Identifiable circumstances include:
Limited Value: Where TSW has concluded that to do so would have no identifiable economic benefit to the client-shareholder;
Unjustifiable Cost: When the costs of or disadvantages resulting from voting, in TSW’s judgment, outweigh the economic benefits of voting;
Securities Lending: If securities are on loan at the record date, the client lending the security cannot vote the proxy. Because TSW generally is not aware of when a security may be on loan, it may not have the opportunity to recall the security prior to the record date; and
Failure to receive proxy statements: TSW may not be able to vote proxies in connection with certain holdings, most frequently for foreign securities, if it does not receive the account’s proxy statement in time to vote the proxy.
Recordkeeping
TSW and/or ISS shall retain the following proxy records in accordance with the SEC’s five-year retention requirement:
These policies and procedures and any amendments;
Each proxy statement that ISS receives;
A record of each vote that ISS casts on behalf of TSW;
Any document ISS created that was material to making a decision regarding how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision; and
A copy of each written request from a client for information on how ISS voted such client’s proxies, and a copy of any written response.
Due Diligence and Error Procedures
TSW will periodically perform due diligence on ISS, focusing on the following areas:
Adequacy of ISS’s staffing and personnel;
Adequacy/robustness of ISS’s Policies and Procedures and review of their policies for conflict issues;
Review of any specific conflicts ISS may have with regard to TSW;
Review of ISS for any business changes that may affect services provided to TSW; and
Review quarterly reporting package provided by ISS and enhance this package as necessary for any additional information that is needed.
TSW will take the following steps should there ever be an issue/error that occurs with regard to its proxy voting responsibilities:
Follow up with ISS to determine the cause of and the details surrounding the issue;
Report back to the affected client immediately with such details and how the issue will be resolved;
Put additional controls in place if necessary to prevent such issues from occurring in the future; and
Report back to the affected client with the final resolution and any remedial steps.
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Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
1. Background
Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”) requires advisers to adopt and implement policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its clients. These policies and procedures must be in writing and must describe how the adviser addresses material conflicts between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting.
Rule 206(4)-6 also requires each investment adviser to (1) disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser about how it voted with respect to their respective securities; and (2) describe to clients its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy of the policies and procedures to the requesting client.
Accordingly, Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”) has adopted and implements written procedures designed to enable it to identify, address and monitor potential conflicts of interest.
2. Policy
TAM recognizes that proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion in order to secure the best long-term interests of the advisory clients of TAM. TAM’s proxy voting policies and procedures are designed to implement TAM’s duty to vote proxies in clients’ best interests.
3. Sub-Advised Registered Investment Companies
TAM has delegated the responsibility to exercise voting authority with respect to securities held in the portfolios of the registered investment companies for which one or more sub-advisers TAM has been retained as sub-adviser(s) for each such portfolio. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the respective sub-advisers are used to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held by the remainder of the funds and portfolio.
4. Asset Allocation Registered Investment Companies
TAM exercises voting discretion for the Horizon Asset Allocation Funds and the Transamerica 60/40 Allocation VP of the Transamerica Series Trust as well as for the Transamerica Asset Allocation Variable Funds (“Asset Allocation Funds”).
TAM manages portfolios for the Transamerica Funds, the Transamerica Series Trust, Transamerica Exchange Traded Funds and Transamerica Asset Allocation Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). TAM may invest an Asset Allocation Fund in shares of the Funds. If a Fund solicits a proxy for which an Asset Allocation Fund is entitled to vote, TAM’s interests as manager of the Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the Asset Allocation Fund. In these cases, TAM’s proxy voting policy and procedures address material conflicts of interest that may arise between TAM, and/ or its affiliates and the funds by either: (i) providing for voting in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party or the Board; (ii) voting shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of a fund’s shares; or (iii) obtaining the consent of the Board (or a Board Committee) with full disclosure of the conflict.
Revision History
Date: 4/30/2020
Updated to reflect new format, standalone from fund policy and current processes
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Wellington Management Company LLP
Global Proxy Voting Guidelines
Introduction
Upon a client’s written request, Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington Management”) votes securities that are held in the client’s account in response to proxies solicited by the issuers of such securities. Wellington Management established these guidelines to document positions generally taken on common proxy issues voted on behalf of clients.
These guidelines are based on Wellington Management’s fiduciary obligation to act in the best economic interest of its clients as shareholders. Hence, Wellington Management examines and seeks to vote each proposal so that the long- term effect of the vote will ultimately increase shareholder value for our clients. Because ethical considerations can have an impact on the long-term value of assets, our voting practices are also attentive to these issues, and votes will be cast against unlawful and unethical activity. Further, Wellington Management’s experience in voting proposals has shown that similar proposals often have different consequences for different companies. Moreover, while these guidelines are written to apply globally, differences in local practice and law make universal application impractical. Therefore, each proposal is evaluated on its merits, taking into account its effects on the specific company in question and on the company within its industry. It should be noted that the following are guidelines, not rigid rules, and Wellington Management reserves the right in all cases to vote contrary to guidelines where doing so is judged to represent the best economic interest of our clients.
Following is a list of common proposals and the guidelines on how Wellington Management anticipates voting on these proposals. The “(SP)” after a proposal indicates that the proposal is usually presented as a shareholder proposal.
Voting Guidelines
Composition and Role of the Board of Directors
Elect Directors: Case-by-Case
We believe that shareholders’ ability to elect directors annually is the most important right shareholders have. We generally support management nominees, but will withhold votes from any director who is demonstrated to have acted contrary to the best economic interest of shareholders. We believe that a diverse board is in the best interest of shareholders, so we consider board diversity as part of our assessment. We may also withhold votes from directors who failed to implement shareholder proposals that received majority support, implemented dead-hand or no-hand poison pills, or failed to attend at least 75% of scheduled board meetings.
Declassify board of directors: For
Adopt director tenure/retirement age (SP): Against
Adopt director and officer indemnification: For
  We generally support director and officer indemnification as critical to the attraction and retention of qualified candidates to the board. Such proposals must incorporate the duty of care.
Allow special interest representation to board (SP): Against
Require board independence: For
We believe that boards are best-positioned to represent shareholders’ interests when they have a sufficient quantity of independent directors in the boardroom. We believe that, in the absence of a compelling counter- argument or prevailing market norms, at least two-thirds of a board should be composed of independent directors, with independence defined by the local market regulatory authority. Expressing our support for these levels of independence may include withholding approval for non-independent directors, as well as votes in support of shareholder proposals calling for independence. To determine the appropriate minimum level of board independence, we look to the prevailing market best practice — for example, one-third independent in Japan, two-thirds independent in the US, and majority independent in the UK and France.
Require key board committees to be independent. For
  Key board committees are the nominating, audit, and compensation committees. Exceptions will be made, as above, in respect of local market conventions.
Require a separation of chair and CEO or require a lead director (SP): For
Approve directors’ fees: Case-by-Case
Approve bonuses for retiring directors: For
Approve board size: For
Elect supervisory board/corporate assembly/statutory auditors: Case-by-Case
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  Companies in certain markets are governed by multitiered boards, with each tier having different powers and responsibilities. We hold supervisory board members to similar standards described above under “Elect directors,” subject to prevailing local governance best practices.
Majority vote on election of directors (SP): For
  We believe that the election of directors by a majority of votes cast is the appropriate standard for companies to adopt and therefore generally will support those proposals that seek to adopt such a standard. Our support for such proposals will extend typically to situations where the relevant company has an existing resignation policy in place for directors that receive a majority of “withhold” votes. We believe that it is important for majority voting to be defined within the company’s charter and not simply within the company’s corporate governance policy.
  Generally we will not support proposals that fail to provide for the exceptional use of a plurality standard in the case of contested elections. Further, we will not support proposals that seek to adopt a majority of votes outstanding (i.e., total votes eligible to be cast as opposed to actually cast) standard.
Adopt proxy access: For
  We generally support proposals that allow significant and long-term shareholders the right to nominate director candidates on management’s proxy card. That being said, we may vote against a proxy access proposal if it is shareholder-sponsored and it requests that the company adopt proxy access without reasonable constraints or in a way that markedly differs from prevailing market norms.
Contested director election: Case-by-Case
Composition
Adopt/amend stock option plans: Case-by-Case
  While we believe equity compensation helps align plan participants’ and shareholders’ interests, we will vote against plans that we find excessively dilutive or costly. Additionally, we will generally vote against plans that allow the company to reprice options without shareholder approval. We will also vote against plans that allow the company to add shares to the plan without shareholder approval, otherwise known as an “evergreen” provision.
Adopt/amend employee stock purchase plans: Case-by-Case
  We generally support employee stock purchase plans, as they may align employees’ interests with the interests of shareholders. That being said, we typically vote against plans that do not offer shares to a broad group of employees (i.e., only executives are allowed to participate) or plans that offer shares at a significant discount.
Approve/amend bonus plans: Case-by-Case
  In the US, bonus plans are customarily presented for shareholder approval pursuant to section 162(m) of the omnibus budget reconciliation act of 1992 (“OBRA”). OBRA stipulates that certain forms of compensation are not tax deductible unless approved by shareholders and subject to performance criteria. Because OBRA does not prevent the payment of subject compensation, we generally vote “for” these proposals. Nevertheless, occasionally these proposals are presented in a bundled form seeking 162(m) approval and approval of a stock option plan. In such cases, failure of the proposal prevents the awards from being granted. We will vote against these proposals where the grant portion of the proposal fails our guidelines for the evaluation of stock option plans.
Approve remuneration policy: Case-by-Case
Approve compensation packages for named executive officers: Case-by-Case
Determine whether the compensation vote will occur every one, two, or three years: One year
Exchange underwater options: Case-by-Case
  We may support value-neutral exchanges in which senior management is ineligible to participate.
Eliminate or limit severance agreements (golden parachutes): Case-by-Case
  We will oppose excessively generous arrangements, but may support agreements structured to encour- age management to negotiate in shareholders’ best economic interest.
Shareholder approval of future severance agreements covering senior executives (SP): Case-by-Case
  We believe that severance arrangements require special scrutiny, and are generally supportive of proposals that call for shareholder ratification thereof. But we are also mindful of the board’s need for flexibility in recruitment and retention and will therefore oppose placing additional limitations on compensation where we feel the board as already demonstrated reasonable respect for industry practice and overall levels of compensation have historically been sensible.
Adopt a clawback policy (SP): Case-by-Case
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  We believe that companies should have the ability to recoup incentive compensation from members of management who received awards based on fraudulent activities or an accounting misstatement. Consequently, we may support shareholder proposals requesting that a company establish a clawback provision if the company’s existing policies do not cover these circumstances.
Reporting of results
Approve financial statements: For
Set dividends and allocate profits: For
Limit non-audit services provided by auditors (SP): Case-by-Case
We follow the guidelines established by the public company accounting oversight board regarding permissible levels of non-audit fees payable to auditors.
Ratify selection of auditors and approve their fees: Case-by-Case
We will generally support management’s choice of auditors, unless the auditors have demonstrated failure to act in shareholders’ best economic interest.
Shareholder approval of auditors (SP): For
Shareholder voting rights
Adopt cumulative voting (SP): Against
  As an exception, we may support cumulative voting proposals at “controlled” companies (i.e., companies with a single majority shareholder) or at companies with two-tiered voting rights
Shareholder rights plans: Case-by-Case
  Also known as poison pills, we believe these plans do not encourage strong corporate governance, since they can entrench management and restrict opportunities for takeovers. That being said, we recognize that limited poison pills can enable boards of directors to negotiate higher takeover prices on behalf of shareholders. Consequently, we may support plans that include:
Shareholder approval requirement
Sunset provision
Permitted bid feature (i.e., bids that are made for all shares and demonstrate evidence of financing must be submitted to a shareholder vote)
Because boards generally have the authority to adopt shareholder rights plans without shareholder approval, we are equally vigilant in our assessment of requests for authorization of blank check preferred shares (see below).
Authorize blank check preferred stock: Case-by-Case
  We may support authorization requests that specifically proscribe the use of such shares for anti-takeover purposes.
Establish right to call a special meeting: For
  A reasonably high ownership threshold should be required to convene special meetings in order to ensure that they address broadly-supported shareholder interests.
Establish the right to act by written consent (SP): Case-by-Case
  We will generally oppose written consent proposals when the company already offers the shareholders the right to call a special meeting.
Increase supermajority vote requirement: Against
  We likely will support shareholder and management proposals to remove existing supermajority vote requirements.
Adopt anti-greenmail provision: For
Adopt confidential voting (SP): Case-by-Case
  As an exception, we require such proposals to include a provision to suspend confidential voting during contested elections so that management is not subject to constraints that do not apply to dissidents.
Increase authorized common stock: Case-by-Case
  We generally support requests for increases up to 100% of the shares currently authorized, so long as the new authority respects preemption rights. Exceptions will be made when the company has clearly articulated a reasonable need for a greater increase. Conversely, at companies trading in less liquid markets, we may impose a lower threshold.
Approve merger or acquisition: Case-by-Case
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Approve technical amendments to charter: Case-by-Case
Opt out of state takeover statures: For
Eliminate multiclass voting structure (SP): For
  We believe that shareholders’ voting power should be reflected by their economic stake in a company.
Capital structure
Authorize share repurchase: For
Approve stock splits: Case-by-Case
  We approve stock splits and reverse stock splits that preserve the level of authorized but unissued shares.
Approve recapitalization/restructuring: Case-by-Case
Issue stock with or without preemptive rights: Case-by-Case
Issue debt instruments: Case-by-Case
Environmental and social issues
Environmental and social issues typically appear on ballots as shareholder-sponsored proposals. We support these proposals in situations where we believe that doing so will improve the prospects for long-term success of a company and investment returns. For example, we generally support proposals focused on improved assessment and disclosure of climate risks when we believe they may be material to a company’s long-term performance and management has not sufficiently addressed them. At a minimum, we expect companies to comply with applicable laws and regulations with regards to environmental and social standards.: Case-by-Case
Miscellaneous
Approve other business: Against
Approve re-incorporation: Case-by-Case
Approve third-party transactions: Case-by-Case
13 March 2019
Global Proxy Policy and Procedures
Introduction
Wellington Management has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best economic interests of clients for whom it exercises proxy-voting discretion.
Wellington Management’s Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) set forth broad guidelines and positions on common proxy issues that Wellington Management uses in voting on proxies. In addition, Wellington Management also considers each proposal in the context of the issuer, industry and country or countries in which the issuer’s business is conducted. The Guidelines are not rigid rules and the merits of a particular proposal may cause Wellington Management to enter a vote that differs from the Guidelines.
Statement of Policy
Wellington Management:
1. Votes client proxies for which clients have affirmatively delegated proxy-voting authority, in writing, unless it determines that it is in the best interest of one or more clients to refrain from voting a given proxy.
2. Votes all proxies in the best interests of the client for whom it is voting, i.e., to maximize economic value.
3. Identifies and resolves all material proxy-related conflicts of interest between the firm and its clients in the best interests of the client.
Responsibility and Oversight
The Investment Research Group (“Investment Research”) monitors regulatory requirements with respect to proxy voting and works with the firm’s Legal and Compliance Group and the Investment Stewardship Committee to develop practices that implement those requirements. Investment Research also acts as a resource for portfolio managers and research analysts on proxy matters as needed. Day-to-day administration of the proxy voting process is the responsibility of Investment Research. The Investment Stewardship Committee is responsible for oversight of the implementation of the Global Proxy Policy and Procedures, review and approval of the Guidelines and for providing advice and guidance on specific proxy votes for individual issuers.
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Procedures
Use of Third-Party Voting Agent
Wellington Management uses the services of a third-party voting agent to manage the administrative aspects of proxy voting. The voting agent processes proxies for client accounts, casts votes based on the Guidelines and maintains records of proxies voted.
Receipt of Proxy
If a client requests that Wellington Management votes proxies on its behalf, the client must instruct its custodian bank to deliver all relevant voting material to Wellington Management or its voting agent.
Reconciliation
Each public security proxy received by electronic means is matched to the securities eligible to be voted and a reminder is sent to any custodian or trustee that has not forwarded the proxies as due. Although proxies received for private securities, as well as those received in non-electronic format, are voted as received, Wellington Management is not able to reconcile these proxies to holdings, nor does it notify custodians of non-receipt.
Research
In addition to proprietary investment research undertaken by Wellington Management investment professionals, Investment Research conducts proxy research internally, and uses the resources of a number of external sources to keep abreast of developments in corporate governance and of current practices of specific companies
Proxy Voting
Following the reconciliation process, each proxy is compared against the Guidelines, and handled as follows:
Generally, issues for which explicit proxy voting guidance is provided in the Guidelines (i.e., “For”, “Against”, “Abstain”) are reviewed by Investment Research and voted in accordance with the Guidelines.
Issues identified as “case-by-case” in the Guidelines are further reviewed by Investment Research. In certain circumstances, further input is needed, so the issues are forwarded to the relevant research analyst and/or portfolio manager(s) for their input.
Absent a material conflict of interest, the portfolio manager has the authority to decide the final vote. Different portfolio managers holding the same securities may arrive at different voting conclusions for their clients’ proxies.
Wellington Management reviews regularly the voting record to ensure that proxies are voted in accordance with these Global Proxy Policy and Procedures and the Guidelines; and ensures that documentation and reports, for clients and for internal purposes, relating to the voting of proxies are promptly and properly prepared and disseminated.
Material Conflict of Interest Identification and Resolution Processes: Wellington Management’s broadly diversified client base and functional lines of responsibility serve to minimize the number of, but not prevent, material conflicts of interest it faces in voting proxies. Annually, the Investment Stewardship Committee sets standards for identifying material conflicts based on client, vendor, and lender relationships, and publishes those standards to individuals involved in the proxy voting process. In addition, the Investment Stewardship Committee encourages all personnel to contact Investment Research about apparent conflicts of interest, even if the apparent conflict does not meet the published materiality criteria. Apparent conflicts are reviewed by designated members of the Investment Stewardship Committee to determine if there is a conflict and if so whether the conflict is material.
If a proxy is identified as presenting a material conflict of interest, the matter must be reviewed by designated members of the Investment Stewardship Committee, who will resolve the conflict and direct the vote. In certain circumstances, the designated members may determine that the full Investment Stewardship Committee should convene.
Other Considerations
In certain instances, Wellington Management may be unable to vote or may determine not to vote a proxy on behalf of one or more clients. While not exhaustive, the following are potential instances in which a proxy vote might not be entered.
Securities Lending
In general, Wellington Management does not know when securities have been lent out pursuant to a client’s securities lending program and are therefore unavailable to be voted. Efforts to recall loaned securities are not always effective, but, in rare circumstances, Wellington Management may recommend that a client attempt to have its custodian recall the security to permit voting of related proxies.
Share Blocking and Re-registration
Certain countries impose trading restrictions or requirements regarding re-registration of securities held in omnibus accounts in order for shareholders to vote a proxy. The potential impact of such requirements is evaluated when determining whether to vote such proxies.
Lack of Adequate Information, Untimely Receipt of Proxy Materials, or Excessive Costs
Wellington Management may abstain from voting a proxy when the proxy statement or other available information is inadequate to allow for an informed vote, when the proxy materials are not delivered in a timely fashion or when, in Wellington Management’s judgment, the costs exceed the expected benefits to clients (such as when powers of attorney or consularization are required).
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Additional Information
Wellington Management maintains records related to proxies pursuant to Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and other applicable laws.
Wellington Management provides clients with a copy of its Global Proxy Policy and Procedures, including the Guidelines, upon written request. In addition, Wellington Management will make specific client information relating to proxy voting available to a client upon reasonable written request.
Dated: 1 January 2018
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Western Asset Management Company
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
BACKGROUND
An investment adviser is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). The authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established through investment management agreements or comparable documents. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities have been established for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the investment manager.
Policy
As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, Western Asset will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset Management Company Limited) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
Procedure
Responsibility and Oversight
The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
Client Authority
The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at account start-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
Proxy Gathering
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
Proxy Voting
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
a. Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted.
b. Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority.
c. Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.)
d. If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party.
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e. Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on a case-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department.
f. Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials.
Timing
Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
Recordkeeping
Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin 94-2. These records include:
A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures.
Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities.
A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies.
Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written client requests.
A proxy log including:
Issuer name;
Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted;
Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted;
A brief identification of the matter voted on;
Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer;
Whether a vote was cast on the matter;
A record of how the vote was cast; and
Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team.
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.
Disclosure
Western Asset’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part II of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
Conflicts of Interest
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company;
Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and
Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders.
Voting Guidelines
Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.
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I. Board Approved Proposals
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
Matters relating to the Board of Directors
Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:
Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors.
Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director.
Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences.
Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors.
Matters relating to Executive Compensation
Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:
Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution.
Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options.
Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price.
Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less.
Matters relating to Capitalization
The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock.
Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits).
Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs.
Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions
Western Asset votes these issues on a case-by-case basis on board-approved transactions.
Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures
Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:
Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans.
Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions.
Other Business Matters
Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.
Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws.
Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting.
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II. Shareholder Proposals
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans.
Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals.
Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
III. Voting Shares of Investment Companies
Western Asset may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios.
Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided.
IV. Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers
In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held in non-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management.
Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees.
Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated.
Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights.
Retirement Accounts
For accounts subject to ERISA, as well as other Retirement Accounts, Western Asset is presumed to have the responsibility to vote proxies for the client. The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued a bulletin that states that investment managers have the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of Retirement Accounts unless the authority to vote proxies has been specifically reserved to another named fiduciary. Furthermore, unless Western Asset is expressly precluded from voting the proxies, the DOL has determined that the responsibility remains with the investment manager.
In order to comply with the DOL’s position, Western Asset will be presumed to have the obligation to vote proxies for its Retirement Accounts unless Western Asset has obtained a specific written instruction indicating that: (a) the right to vote proxies has been reserved to a named fiduciary of the client, and (b) Western Asset is precluded from voting proxies on behalf of the client. If Western Asset does not receive such an instruction, Western Asset will be responsible for voting proxies in the best interests of the Retirement Account client and in accordance with any proxy voting guidelines provided by the client.
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Appendix B – Portfolio Managers
In addition to managing the assets of each fund, a portfolio manager may have responsibility for managing other client accounts of the applicable adviser or its affiliates. The tables below show, per portfolio manager, the number and asset size of (1) SEC registered investment companies (or series thereof) other than each fund, (2) pooled investment vehicles that are not registered investment companies and (3) other accounts (e.g., accounts managed for individuals or organizations) managed by a portfolio manager. Total assets attributed to a portfolio manager in the tables below include total assets of each account managed, although a portfolio manager may only manage a portion of such account's assets. The tables also show the number of performance based fee accounts, as well as the total assets of the accounts for which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account. This information is provided as of each fund's most recent fiscal year end, except as otherwise noted.
Advent Capital Management, LLC (“Advent”)

Transamerica Event Driven
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Odell Lambroza 1 $94.8 million 15 $249.3 million 0 $0
Tracy V. Maitland 2 $1.05 billion 5 $277.1 million 545 $7.81 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Odell Lambroza 0 $0 15 $249.3 million 0 $0
Tracy V. Maitland 0 $0 5 $277.1 million 0 $0
Conflicts of Interest
Each portfolio manager of the fund is responsible for managing accounts other than the fund (collectively, “Other Accounts”), such as investment advisory accounts for Advent clients, proprietary accounts of Advent or its affiliates, and accounts or investments managed by the portfolio manager in a personal or other capacity unrelated to his role as an Advent employee. From time to time, potential conflicts of interest may arise between a portfolio manager’s management of investments for the fund and his management of investments for Other Accounts. Because of differing investment guidelines and limitations, or for other reasons, a portfolio manager may make investment decisions for the fund that are the same as, different from, or made at different times than, investment decisions he makes for Other Accounts. For the same or different reasons, a portfolio manager may make personal investments in public or private companies, private equity funds, private venture capital funds, hedge funds, real estate funds, mutual funds and other investments. As a result, a portfolio manager’s investment decisions for the fund and Other Accounts may differ, as may the investment performance resulting from such decisions, which could result in a comparative disadvantage for the fund. An investment opportunity may be suitable for both the fund and Other Accounts but may not be available in sufficient quantity for the fund and the Other Accounts to participate fully or at all. In that case, the portfolio manager’s investment decisions could benefit the Other Accounts to the potential detriment of the fund. Because of his position with the fund, a portfolio manager knows the size, timing and possible market impact of the fund’s trades. It is theoretically possible that a portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of Other Accounts he manages (including personal accounts) and to the possible disadvantage of the fund. Generally speaking, the Advent portfolio managers and traders who implement investment strategies for clients that pay only asset-based fees (“Asset-Based Fee Clients”) are different from the portfolio managers and traders who implement investment strategies for clients that pay performance fees (“Performance Fee Clients”). A small number of portfolio managers and traders direct or participate in investment decision-making for both Asset-Based Fee Clients and Performance Fee Clients. Advent's research, trading and portfolio management personnel work in the same physical space (whether in New York or London) and have full access to all holdings and pending trades of Asset-Based Fee Clients and Performance Fee Clients through Advent's order management system. The payment of performance fees by Performance Fee Clients could create an incentive for Advent to preferentially allocate more favorable investment opportunities to Performance Fee Clients, to the detriment of Asset-Based Fee Clients.
Advent addresses potential conflicts of interest through implementation of its Code of Ethics and other compliance policies and procedures. These documents are designed to ensure that Advent and its employees comply with their fiduciary obligations, the federal securities laws and other applicable laws and regulations. For example, portfolio managers and traders are required to: act solely for the benefit of each client with undivided loyalty and to place the client's interests above their own interests; deal fairly and equitably with clients; not favor one client over another client; adhere to the client's investment guidelines, restrictions and risk constraints; avoid or seek to mitigate conflicts of interest; and allocate in a fair and equitable manner among all clients all investment advisory recommendations and all aggregated orders for multiple clients for the purchase or sale of securities. The Code of Ethics prohibits Advent employees from effecting the following personal securities transactions: (1) buying or selling public securities of any issuer while in possession of material nonpublic information about the issuer or its securities; (2) buying securities in an initial public offering; (3) buying convertible securities; (4) engaging in front running or other securities transactions that take unfair advantage of proposed, pending or executed securities transactions for clients; (5) engaging in unlawful market timing transactions involving shares of registered investment companies; and (6) buying a security during any applicable “blackout period” surrounding a client transaction in the same security. The code also requires employees to hold personal investments for a minimum period of time before selling.
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Advent will place an order for the purchase or sale of securities or other investments for a client based on Advent’s determination of the suitability of that investment decision for the client and its consistency with applicable law. Advent will aggregate orders for multiple clients when each of the following conditions is met: (1) Advent expects that the aggregated order will result in best execution of the order for each participating client; (2) the aggregated order is consistent with the terms of the client’s investment management agreement; and (3) the aggregated order is reasonably practicable and appropriate under the facts and circumstances. Portfolio managers must consider on a pre-trade basis whether to create or participate in an aggregated order rather than execute a transaction through one or more individual orders. Advent expects there may be facts and circumstances under which it may be reasonable and/or necessary for a security to be transacted multiple times during a single trade date for single or multiple clients, in some cases through one or more individual orders, in other cases as part of one or more aggregated orders, and in still other cases through a combination of individual orders and aggregated orders. This may be due to the types of clients, differences in the timing of investment decisions for different clients throughout a trading day, different client needs for speed of execution versus the minimization of brokerage fees, the occurrence of news events involving the issuer of the security that have different investment implications for clients with different investment guidelines, and for other reasons that make use of a single aggregated order impracticable and/or inappropriate under the facts and circumstances or inconsistent with best execution.
Compensation
Advent portfolio manager compensation is comprised of a salary, with an annual performance bonus based upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the overall success of the firm, an individual’s responsibility and his performance versus expectations and the performance of the accounts that the portfolio manager manages. Portfolio managers (including the fund’s portfolio managers) who manage Performance Fee Accounts may receive a portion of any performance-based compensation that may be payable to Advent by the underlying clients. Advent believes ownership interest in the firm is an important motivation for its employees, and senior employees (including the portfolio managers of the fund) have equity stakes in the firm to further motivate them by participating in the firm’s overall performance.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC (“AUIM”)
Transamerica Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 5 $4.04 billion 8 $2.15 billion 15 $37.1 billion
Jeremy Mead, CFA 0 $0 4 $1.95 billion 7 $3.4 billion
Doug Weih, CFA 6 $7.09 billion 3 $1.07 billion 8 $11.2 billion
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 6 $6.79 billion 8 $2.51 billion 16 $38.2 billion
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. 4 $1.96 billion 16 $4.15 billion 18 $3.74 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jeremy Mead, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Doug Weih, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. 0 $0 0 $0 10 $4.46 billion
Transamerica Floating Rate
Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
John F. Bailey, CFA 0 $0 1 $43 million 1 $54 million
Jason P. Felderman, CFA 0 $0 1 $43 million 1 $54 million
Zach Halstead 0 $0 1 $43 million 1 $540 million
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. 4 $3.11 billion 16 $4.15 billion 18 $3.74 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
John F. Bailey, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 9 $4.04 billion
Jason P. Felderman, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 9 $4.04 billion
Zach Halstead 0 $0 0 $0 9 $4.04 billion
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. 0 $0 0 $0 10 $4.46 billion
Transamerica High Yield Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Kevin Bakker, CFA 2 $284 million 13 $3.21 billion 14 $3.49 billion
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA 2 $284 million 13 $3.21 billion 14 $3.49 billion
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. 4 $1.93 billion 16 $4.15 billion 18 $3.74 billion
Derek Thoms 2 $284 million 13 $3.21 billion 15 $4.03 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Kevin Bakker, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $426 million
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $426 million
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. 0 $0 0 $0 10 $4.463 billion
Derek Thoms 0 $0 0 $0 1 $426 million
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Kevin Bakker, CFA* 3 $2.46 billion 13 $5.58 billion 15 $3.20 billion
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA * 3 $2.46 billion 13 $5.58 billion 15 $3.20 billion
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Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
James K. Schaeffer, Jr.* 5 $4.14 billion 16 $6.48 billion 21 $3.42 billion
Derek Thoms* 3 $2.46 billion 13 $5.58 billion 16 $3.61 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Kevin Bakker, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 1 $419 million
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA * 0 $0 0 $0 1 $419 million
James K. Schaeffer, Jr.* 0 $0 0 $0 10 $4.23 billion
Derek Thoms* 0 $0 0 $0 1 $419 million
* as of June 30, 2020
Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 5 $2.88 billion 8 $2.15 billion 15 $37.1 billion
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 5 $9.65 billion 8 $3.92 billion 23 $12.2 billion
Doug Weih, CFA 6 $11.05 billion 3 $1.07 billion 8 $11.2 billion
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 6 $10.75 billion 8 $2.52 billion 16 $38.2 billion
Sivakumar N. Rajan 3 $6.26 billion 5 $1.01 billion 9 $36.7 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Doug Weih, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Sivakumar N. Rajan 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced – AUIM
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 5 $5.04 billion 8 $2.15 billion 15 $37.1 billion
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 5 $6.70 billion 8 $3.92 billion 23 $12.2 billion
Doug Weih, CFA 6 $8.09 billion 3 $1.07 billion 8 $11.2 billion
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 6 $7.79 billion 8 $2.52 billion 16 $38.2 billion
Sivakumar N. Rajan 3 $3.30 billion 5 $1.01 billion 9 $36.7 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Doug Weih, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Sivakumar N. Rajan 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
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Transamerica Short-Term Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 5 $4.04 billion 8 $3.92 billion 23 $12.2 billion
Doug Weih, CFA 6 $5.44 billion 3 $1.07 billion 8 $11.2 billion
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 6 $5.14 billion 8 $2.52 billion 16 $38.2 billion
Norbert King 0 $0 3 $295 million 16 $38.2 billion
Glen Kneeland 0 $0 2 $80 million 10 $11.9 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Tyler A. Knight, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Doug Weih, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Norbert King 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Glen Kneeland 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA* 6 $5.15 billion 8 $2.06 billion 15 $39.08billion
Charles Foster, CFA* 1 $544 million 5 $1.23 billion 8 $3.05 billion
Jeremy Mead, CFA* 1 $1.58 billion 4 $1.93 billion 7 $3.55 billion
Jose Pluto, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 1 $113 million
Jeremy Thurm, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 1 $113 million
James Rich * 0 $0 1 $16 million 6 $271 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Bradley D. Doyle, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Charles Foster, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jeremy Mead, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jose Pluto, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jeremy Thurm, CFA* 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
James Rich * 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
* as of June 30, 2020
Conflict of Interest
At AUIM, individual portfolio managers may manage multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition to the sub-advisory management of the funds, AUIM manages separate accounts for institutions as well as various affiliated entities, which could create the potential for conflicts of interest. Affiliate relationships represent AUIM’s largest clients. A conflict of interest, including but not limited to conflicts of interest when allocating investment opportunities, will arise when AUIM is acting on behalf of the accounts of affiliated and unaffiliated clients. In each case, AUIM recognizes the responsibility to treat all clients (including the funds) fairly and consistently, and portfolio decisions made for unaffiliated accounts will be consistent, where applicable, with the decisions made for affiliated accounts. AUIM might provide certain investment research that it creates for its discretionary investment advisory clients to a non-discretionary affiliate client. Similarly, AUIM might prepare investment research for its non-discretionary affiliate client that could benefit its discretionary clients.
AUIM strives to mitigate the potential for conflicts between and among accounts through its trade aggregation and allocation policy and procedures. AUIM allocates investment opportunities among clients in a manner intended to result in fair and equitable treatment to clients over time. Factors that influence a decision to allocate investment opportunities among client accounts include but are not limited to: account investment objectives, guidelines, and constraints; current account holdings, including asset class, sector, industry, and issuer concentrations, both on an absolute basis and relative to the account’s benchmark; desired risk profiles of the account, including as applicable credit quality, maturity, or duration distributions, and the impact the proposed investment would have on these measures; cash availability and future cash flow expectations; and allocation considerations based on criteria such as round-lot provisions or minimum transaction size.
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Many client accounts that AUIM manages trade in the same securities. Given this, AUIM typically combines transactions for different client accounts into aggregated (blocked) orders. This practice can enable the firm to seek more favorable executions and net prices. AUIM can use various methods to allocate blocked transactions among participating accounts, consistent with AUIM’s policy that, over time, no client is unduly favored over another.
Some fixed income accounts have certain restrictions or requirements that prevent them from participating in aggregated trades. These accounts will be traded in a different order or at a different time than accounts participating in blocked trades. Trading and execution costs for these accounts can be different (higher or lower) than the costs for accounts participating in aggregated transactions.
In an effort to facilitate the fair treatment among all our client accounts, AUIM strives not to consider factors such as: account performance, account fees, or our affiliate relationships when aggregating and allocating orders. In addition to the trade aggregation and allocation policy and procedures, AUIM seeks to manage conflicts of interest between and among the funds and other client accounts through compliance with AUIM’s Code of Ethics, internal review processes, and senior management oversight.
Further, in an effort to address any conflicts associated with a global research platform and a participating affiliate arrangement with Aegon Investment Management B.V. (AIM), AUIM has adopted certain policies and monitoring controls. AUIM and AIM independently manage investment strategies that separately utilize and depend on the global research platform. Conflicts of interest, or at least the appearance of conflicts, will arise when portfolio managers from each firm invest or trade in the same securities or issuers on behalf of their respective clients. These conflicts include the advance access to investment research that results in the preferential treatment or the possibility of preferential allocation of securities trading opportunities that have limited availability. These circumstances could also lead to preferential trade executions.
See also: in this SAI, Brokerage; Conflicts of Interest; and Sub-advisers.
Compensation
As of October 31, 2019, each portfolio manager’s compensation is provided directly by the sub-adviser and not by the funds. Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of a fixed base salary and a variable performance incentive. The performance incentive is based on the following factors: the economic performance of the overall relevant portfolio manager’s asset class, including the performance of the relevant fund’s assets; leadership and communication with clients; assisting with the sub-advisers strategic goals; and earning results from the sub-adviser, Aegon Asset Management Holding B.V., and Aegon NV.
The portfolio managers may also participate in the sub-adviser’s long-term compensation plan, which is awarded as deferred cash notionally invested in select sub-adviser’s strategies during the vesting period as described in the long-term compensation plan. Payout is based on a combination of personal employee, sub-adviser, Aegon Asset Management Holding B.V. and Aegon N.V. performance factors. Payout from the long-term incentive programs occurs after a 30-month vesting period following the performance year. Certain senior investment personnel will require a 42-month vesting period following the performance year.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s), except as follows:
Portfolio Manager Range of Securities Owned Fund
Doug Weih, CFA $1 – $10,000 Transamerica Bond
Kevin Bakker, CFA $100,001 – $500,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Norbert King $1 – $10,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Benjamin D. Miller, CFA $100,001 – $500,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Sivakumar N. Rajan $10,001 – $50,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
James K. Schaeffer, Jr. $100,001 – $500,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Derek Thoms $1 – $10,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Doug Weih, CFA $50,001 – $100,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA $1 – $10,000 Transamerica High Yield Bond
Norbert King $1 – $10,000 Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Sivakumar N. Rajan $10,001 – $50,000 Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Derek Thoms $1 – $10,000 Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Doug Weih, CFA $10,001 – $50,000 Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Brian W. Westhoff, CFA $10,001 – $50,000 Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Doug Weih, CFA $1 – $10,000 Transamerica Short-Term Bond
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Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (“BHMS”)
Transamerica Dividend Focused
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Brian Quinn, CFA 3 $613.7 million 1 $15.8 million 7 $1.02 billion
Brad Kinkelaar1 4 $707.7 million 1 $180.6 million 8 $1.56 billion
Lewis Ropp2 4 $875.5 million 1 $137.2 million 50 $5.25 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Brian Quinn, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brad Kinkelaar1 1 $35.7 million 0 $0 0 $0
Lewis Ropp2 0 $0 0 $0 1 $336.1 million
1 Mr. Kinkelaar is a member of various equity value teams managing 9 other accounts and $4.8 billion in assets.
2 Mr. Ropp is a member of various equity value teams managing 54 other accounts and $3.9 billion in assets.
Conflicts of Interest
Actual or potential conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has management responsibilities for more than one account including mutual fund or private commingled fund accounts. BHMS manages potential conflicts between funds and/or types of accounts through trade allocation policies and procedures, internal review processes, and oversight by directors and independent third parties, to ensure that no client/account, regardless of type or fee structure, is intentionally favored or disfavored at the expense of another. BHMS’s investment management and trading policies are designed to address potential conflicts in situations where two or more funds or accounts participate in investment decisions involving the same securities or issuer.
Compensation
The compensation of our investment professionals is tied to their overall contribution to the success of BHMS. In addition to base salary, all portfolio managers and analysts are eligible to participate in a bonus pool. The amount of bonus compensation is based on quantitative and qualitative factors and may be substantially higher than an investment professional’s base compensation. Portfolio managers and analysts are rated on their value added to the overall investment process and to performance, as well as their contributions in other areas, such as meetings with clients and consultants. Compensation is not tied to a published or private benchmark. Bonus compensation for analysts is directly tied to their investment recommendations, which are evaluated every six months versus the appropriate industry group/sector benchmark based on trailing one-year and three-year relative performance.
The final key component of compensation that is shared by most of our key employees, including all portfolio managers and the majority of our analysts, is economic ownership in BHMS through a limited partnership that owns a 24.9% equity interest in BHMS LLC. Equity owners receive, on a quarterly basis, a share of the Firm’s profits, which are, to a great extent, related to the performance of the entire investment team.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not own any shares of the fund, except as follows:
Portfolio Manager Range of Securities Owned Fund
Brian Quinn, CFA $100,001 - $500,000 Transamerica Dividend Focused
Brad Kinkelaar Over 1,000,000 Transamerica Dividend Focused
Lewis Ropp Over 1,000,000 Transamerica Dividend Focused
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Belle Haven Investments, L.P. (“Belle Haven”)
Transamerica Intermediate Muni
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Matthew Dalton 0 $0 1 $16.77 million 11,193 $8.68 billion
Brian Steeves 0 $0 0 $0 11,193 $8.68 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Matthew Dalton 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brian Steeves 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica High Yield Muni
Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Matthew Dalton 0 $0 1 $16.77 million 11,193 $8.68 billion
Brian Steeves 0 $0 0 $0 11,193 $8.68 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Matthew Dalton 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brian Steeves 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest could occur when allocating trades amongst accounts. In order to prevent this conflict Belle Haven has adopted the following procedures.
Allocations/Aggregation
On occasion we purchase securities suitable for one or more of our investment strategies in smaller sizes referred to in the industry as odd lots, to take advantage of the pricing benefit of odd lots in the fixed income markets. An odd lot of bonds is a lot of a specific bond whose par value is less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Because of this approach each individual purchase generally will not be adequate to fill the portfolio requirements of all the accounts. Bonds are acquired based on various metrics and then allocated to the client account(s) that we believe are most suitable for such a security based on the allocation procedures listed below.
We may also purchase securities suitable for one or more of our investment strategies in round lots of greater than one hundred thousand dollars. Each individual round lot purchase may not be adequate to fill the portfolio requirements of all the accounts. Bonds are acquired based on various metrics and then allocated to the client account(s) that we believe are most suitable for such a security based on the allocation procedures listed below. There may be instances when a suitable account does not receive an allocation.
Pre Allocated Trades
Investment decisions to buy or sell certain securities for a particular account are dependent upon many factors, including, but not limited to the client's investment objective, cash needs or availability, tax considerations, target duration and credit quality. These considerations may result in a portfolio manager targeting certain securities for purchase or sale for an account(s) prior to the trade execution. These transactions will not go through the allocation process below but rather will be allocated to the account(s) for which the order was placed on a pre trade basis. In the instance that the order is not filled the bonds will be allocated on a pro rata basis unless the pro rata allocation violates a portfolio mandate in which instance the portfolio manager will use his discretion to allocate in the most equitable manner.
Purchase Allocation Procedures
We first determine the appropriate strategy(s) for a particular purchase based on the bonds’ characteristics. We then allocate, at our discretion, among accounts determined to be eligible, using a quantitative allocation system which utilizes several portfolio characteristics, a main part of which would be available cash on hand (so that the client that has the highest percentage of cash on hand relative to the value of the client’s portfolio would get an allocation of securities first). Other characteristics would include average coupon (interest rate) of the portfolio, duration (duration is a way to compare how different bonds will react to interest rate changes), state of origin as well as the bonds maturity
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and rating. Our goal in allocating securities in this quantitative manner is to treat all accounts fairly. Given the varying nature of investment objectives and restrictions, exceptions to this quantitative approach will occur. In these instances we will use our discretion to allocate in a fair and equitable fashion in accordance with a particular investment mandate.
Allocations For Mutual Fund Transactions
In the case where the Mutual Fund would participate with other clients of the Firm in an allocated trade, the allocation methods described above would apply, with the Mutual Fund being treated as another client in the allocation protocol.
In the instance where the Mutual Fund would participate in a pre allocated trade with other clients and the order is not filled, the Mutual Fund will receive its pro rata share of the executed trade.
Selling Allocation Procedures For All Strategies
Generally the sale of a security is a pre allocated trade as described above for a specific account. In the instance that a security is sold for an opportunistic or restructuring purpose and that security is held across multiple accounts we allocate the sale at our discretion among accounts, giving priority to clients with the lowest cash balance. Consideration is also taken to match the order size of the sale to the portfolio holdings in an effort to allocate in the most cost efficient and equitable manner. Odd lots may be less liquid than round lots potentially resulting in a lower sale price.
Compensation
Matthew Dalton is CEO of the firm and his compensation is a combination of salary and a bonus based on the profitability of the Firm.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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BlackRock Investment Management, LLC / BlackRock International Limited / BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (together “BlackRock”)”
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Alastair Gillespie, CFA 16 $3.20 billion 11 $1.38 billion 3 $518.1 million
Mark Howard-Johnson, CFA 16 $3.20 billion 12 $1.45 billion 3 $518.1 million
James Wilkinson 16 $3.20 billion 12 $1.45 billion 3 $518.1 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Alastair Gillespie, CFA 0 $0 3 $144.5 million 3 $518.1 million
Mark Howard-Johnson, CFA 0 $0 3 $144.5 million 3 $518.1 million
James Wilkinson 0 $0 3 $144.5 million 3 $518.1 million
Portfolio Manager Compensation Overview
The discussion below describes the portfolio managers’ compensation as of October 31, 2019.
BlackRock’s financial arrangements with its portfolio managers, its competitive compensation and its career path emphasis at all levels reflect the value senior management places on key resources. Compensation may include a variety of components and may vary from year to year based on a number of factors. The principal components of compensation include a base salary, a performance-based discretionary bonus, participation in various benefits programs and one or more of the incentive compensation programs established by BlackRock.
Base Compensation. Generally, portfolio managers receive base compensation based on their position with the firm.
Discretionary Incentive Compensation
Discretionary incentive compensation is a function of several components: the performance of BlackRock, Inc., the performance of the portfolio manager’s group within BlackRock, the investment performance, including risk-adjusted returns, of the firm’s assets or strategies under management or supervision by that portfolio manager, and/or the individual’s performance and contribution to the overall performance of these portfolios and BlackRock. Among other things, BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officers make a subjective determination with respect to each portfolio manager’s compensation based on the performance of the Funds, other accounts or strategies managed by each portfolio manager. Performance is generally measured on a pre-tax basis over various time periods including 1-, 3- and 5- year periods, as applicable. The performance of some Funds, other accounts or strategies may not be measured against a specific benchmark.
Distribution of Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is distributed to portfolio managers in a combination of cash, deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards, and/or deferred cash awards that notionally track the return of certain BlackRock investment products.
Portfolio managers receive their annual discretionary incentive compensation in the form of cash. Portfolio managers whose total compensation is above a specified threshold also receive deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards annually as part of their discretionary incentive compensation. Paying a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in the form of deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock puts compensation earned by a portfolio manager for a given year “at risk” based on BlackRock’s ability to sustain and improve its performance over future periods. In some cases, additional deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock may be granted to certain key employees as part of a long-term incentive award to aid in retention, align interests with long-term shareholders and motivate performance. Deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards are generally granted in the form of BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units that vest pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan and, once vested, settle in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. The portfolio managers of this Fund have deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards.
For certain portfolio managers, a portion of the discretionary incentive compensation is also distributed in the form of deferred cash awards that notionally track the returns of select BlackRock investment products they manage, which provides direct alignment of portfolio manager discretionary incentive compensation with investment product results. Deferred cash awards vest ratably over a number of years and, once vested, settle in the form of cash. Only portfolio managers who manage specified products and whose total compensation is above a specified threshold are eligible to participate in the deferred cash award program.
Other Compensation Benefits. In addition to base salary and discretionary incentive compensation, portfolio managers may be eligible to receive or participate in one or more of the following:
Incentive Savings Plans — BlackRock, Inc. has created a variety of incentive savings plans in which BlackRock employees are eligible to participate, including a 401(k) plan, the BlackRock Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), and the BlackRock Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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(ESPP). The employer contribution components of the RSP include a company match equal to 50% of the first 8% of eligible pay contributed to the plan capped at $5,000 per year, and a company retirement contribution equal to 3-5% of eligible compensation up to the Internal Revenue Service limit ($280,000 for 2019). The RSP offers a range of investment options, including registered investment companies and collective investment funds managed by the firm. BlackRock contributions follow the investment direction set by participants for their own contributions or, absent participant investment direction, are invested into a target date fund that corresponds to, or is closest to, the year in which the participant attains age 65. The ESPP allows for investment in BlackRock common stock at a 5% discount on the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date. Annual participation in the ESPP is limited to the purchase of 1,000 shares of common stock or a dollar value of $25,000 based on its fair market value on the purchase date. Mr. Howard-Johnson is eligible to participate in these plans.
United Kingdom-based portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to BlackRock employees, including broad-based retirement, health and other employee benefit plans. For example, BlackRock has created a variety of incentive savings plans in which BlackRock employees are eligible to participate, including the BlackRock Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) and the BlackRock Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The employer contribution to the RSP is between 6% to 15% (dependent on service related entitlement) of eligible pay capped at £150,000 per annum. The RSP offers a range of investment options, including several collective investment funds managed by the firm. BlackRock contributions follow the investment direction set by participants for their own contributions or, in the absence of an investment election being made, are invested into a target date fund that corresponds to, or is closest to, the year in which the participant attains age 65. The ESPP allows for investment in BlackRock common stock at a 5% discount on the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date. Annual participation in the ESPP is limited to the purchase of 1,000 shares of common stock or a US dollar value of $25,000 based on its fair market value on the purchase date. Mr. Wilkinson is eligible to participate in these plans.
Singapore-based portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to BlackRock employees, including broad-based retirement, health and other employee benefit plans. For example, BlackRock Inc. has created a variety of incentive savings plans in which employees are eligible to participate, including the Singapore BlackRock Supplemental Retirement Plan (BSRP) and the Central Provident Fund (CPF) plan (mandatory retirement for Singapore nationals and Singapore Permanent Residents) and the BlackRock Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). BlackRock contributes up to 10% of monthly salary to the BSRP and the CPF in total. BlackRock contributions follow the investment direction set by participants for their own contributions. The ESPP allows for investment in BlackRock common stock at a 5% discount on the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date. Annual participation in the ESPP is limited to the purchase of 1,000 shares of common stock or a US dollar value of $25,000 based on its fair market value on the purchase date. Mr. Gillespie is eligible to participate in these plans.
Portfolio Manager Potential Material Conflicts of Interest
BlackRock has built a professional working environment, firm-wide compliance culture and compliance procedures and systems designed to protect against potential incentives that may favor one account over another. BlackRock has adopted policies and procedures that address the allocation of investment opportunities, execution of portfolio transactions, personal trading by employees and other potential conflicts of interest that are designed to ensure that all client accounts are treated equitably over time. Nevertheless, BlackRock furnishes investment management and advisory services to numerous clients in addition to the Fund, and BlackRock may, consistent with applicable law, make investment recommendations to other clients or accounts (including accounts which are hedge funds or have performance or higher fees paid to BlackRock, or in which portfolio managers have a personal interest in the receipt of such fees), which may be the same as or different from those made to the Fund. In addition, BlackRock, its affiliates and significant shareholders and any officer, director, shareholder or employee may or may not have an interest in the securities whose purchase and sale BlackRock recommends to the Fund. BlackRock, or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders, or any officer, director, shareholder, employee or any member of their families may take different actions than those recommended to the Fund by BlackRock with respect to the same securities. Moreover, BlackRock may refrain from rendering any advice or services concerning securities of companies of which any of BlackRock’s (or its affiliates’ or significant shareholders’) officers, directors or employees are directors or officers, or companies as to which BlackRock or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders or the officers, directors and employees of any of them has any substantial economic interest or possesses material non-public information. Certain portfolio managers also may manage accounts whose investment strategies may at times be opposed to the strategy utilized for a fund. It should also be noted that a portfolio manager may be managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, or may be part of a team managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, subject to incentive fees. Such portfolio managers may therefore be entitled to receive a portion of any incentive fees earned on such accounts. Currently, the portfolio managers of this fund are not entitled to receive a portion of incentive fees of other accounts.
As a fiduciary, BlackRock owes a duty of loyalty to its clients and must treat each client fairly. When BlackRock purchases or sells securities for more than one account, the trades must be allocated in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties. BlackRock attempts to allocate investments in a fair and equitable manner among client accounts, with no account receiving preferential treatment. To this end, BlackRock has adopted policies that are intended to ensure reasonable efficiency in client transactions and provide BlackRock with sufficient flexibility to allocate investments in a manner that is consistent with the particular investment discipline and client base, as appropriate.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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ClariVest Asset Management LLC (“ClariVest”)
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Priyanshu Mutreja, CFA 3 $153 million 5 $578 million 6 $221 million
Alex Turner, CFA 3 $153 million 5 $578 million 7 $221 million
David R. Vaughn, CFA 3 $153 million 5 $578 million 7 $221 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Priyanshu Mutreja, CFA 0 $0 1 $59 million 0 $0
Alex Turner, CFA 0 $0 1 $59 million 0 $0
David R. Vaughn, CFA 0 $0 1 $59 million 0 $0
Transamerica International Stock
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Priyanshu Mutreja, CFA 3 $897 million 5 $578 million 6 $221 million
Alex Turner, CFA 3 $897 million 5 $578 million 7 $221 million
David R. Vaughn, CFA 3 $897 million 5 $578 million 7 $221 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Priyanshu Mutreja, CFA 0 $0 1 $59 million 0 $0
Alex Turner, CFA 0 $0 1 $59 million 0 $0
David R. Vaughn, CFA 0 $0 1 $59 million 0 $0
Conflict of Interest
Because portfolio managers may manage multiple accounts for multiple clients, conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the portfolio managers' management of the fund’s investments on the one hand and the investments of other clients on the other hand. For example, a portfolio manager may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, resources and investment opportunities among the fund and the other clients for whom he manages an account. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions between the fund and the other clients, a portfolio manager may take action with respect to another client that differs from the action taken with respect to the fund. In some cases, another account managed by a portfolio manager may compensate the investment adviser based on the performance of the securities held by that account or otherwise provide more revenue to the investment adviser. While these factors may create conflicts of interest for a portfolio manager in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities, the portfolio managers will endeavor to exercise their discretion in a manner that they believe is equitable to all interested persons.
Compensation
Compensation paid by ClariVest to its portfolio managers has two primary components: (1) base salary and (2) variable compensation. The portfolio managers also receive certain retirement, insurance, and other benefits that are broadly available to all ClariVest employees. The intent of this compensation plan is to achieve a market competitive structure with a high degree of variable compensation through participation in a bonus pool and other distributions. Salaries and variable compensation are influenced by the operating performance of ClariVest.
ClariVest seeks to compensate portfolio managers in a manner commensurate with their responsibilities, contributions and performance, and that is competitive with other firms within the investment management industry.
Bonuses are based on a variety of factors, including overall performance of the firm as well as individual contribution to the firm. Bonuses are not simply tied to individual product performance. ClariVest believes that payment of bonuses based on short term performance is counterproductive to the environment at ClariVest. All members of the investment team are expected to actively participate in ongoing research, some of which may not primarily benefit the product on which they are the named portfolio manager. Bonuses based on short term individual performance would not incent investment team members to do so.
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Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (“JPMorgan”)
Transamerica Core Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies*
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles*
Other Accounts*
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Richard Figuly 22 $65.10 billion 13 $17.01 billion 16 $6.24 billion
Justin Rucker 12 $47.27 billion 6 $9.55 billion 25 $9.48 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Richard Figuly 0 $0 0 $0 1 $937 million
Justin Rucker 0 $0 0 $0 1 $937 million
* The total value and number of accounts managed by a portfolio manager may include sub-accounts of asset allocation, multi-managed and other accounts.
Transamerica Mid Cap Value
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies*
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles*
Other Accounts*
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Lawrence Playford, CFA 16 $36.58 billion 3 $2.71 billion 44 $3.75 billion
Jonathan K. L. Simon 20 $65.96 billion 15 $16.11 billion 73 $14.73 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Lawrence Playford, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jonathan K. L. Simon 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
* The total value and number of accounts managed by a portfolio manager may include sub-accounts of asset allocation, multi-managed and other accounts.
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced – JPMorgan
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies*
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles*
Other Accounts*
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Tim Snyder, CFA 8 $8.05 billion 10 $3.50 billion 11 $8.40 billion
Raffaele Zingone, CFA 12 $9.00 billion 9 $2.92 billion 11 $8.40 billion
Steven G. Lee 8 $7.51 billion 2 $417 million 2 $1.15 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Tim Snyder, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Raffaele Zingone, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Steven G. Lee 0 $0 1 $186 million 1 $727 million
*The total value and number of accounts managed by a portfolio manager may include sub-accounts of asset allocation, multi-managed and other accounts.
Conflict of Interest
The potential for conflicts of interest exists when portfolio managers manage other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies as the Fund (“Similar Accounts”). Potential conflicts may include, for example, conflicts between investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities.
Responsibility for managing J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (JPMorgan)'s and its affiliates clients' portfolios is organized according to investment strategies within asset classes. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed by portfolio managers in the same portfolio management group using the same objectives, approach and philosophy. Underlying sectors or strategy allocations within a larger portfolio are likewise managed by portfolio managers who use the same approach and philosophy as similarly managed portfolios. Therefore, portfolio holdings, relative position sizes and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios and strategies, which minimize the potential for conflicts of interest.
JP Morgan and/or its affiliates perform investment services, including rendering investment advice, to varied clients. JP Morgan and/or its affiliates and its or their directors, officers, agents, and/or employees may render similar or differing investment advisory services to clients and may give advice or exercise investment responsibility and take such other action with respect to any of its other clients that differs from the advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to another client or group of clients. It is JP Morgan’s policy, to the
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extent practicable, to allocate, within its reasonable discretion, investment opportunities among clients over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis. One or more of JP Morgan’s other client accounts may at any time hold, acquire, increase, decrease, dispose, or otherwise deal with positions in investments in which another client account may have an interest from time-to-time.
JP Morgan and/or its affiliates, and any of its or their directors, partners, officers, agents or employees, may also buy, sell, or trade securities for their own accounts or the proprietary accounts of JP Morgan and/or its affiliates, within their discretion, may make different investment decisions and other actions with respect to their own proprietary accounts than those made for client accounts, including the timing or nature of such investment decisions or actions. Further, JP Morgan is not required to purchase or sell for any client account securities that it, and/or its affiliates, and any of its or their employees, principals, or agents may purchase or sell for their own accounts or the proprietary accounts of JP Morgan and/or its affiliates or its clients.
JPMorgan and/or its affiliates may receive more compensation with respect to certain Similar Accounts than that received with respect to the Fund or may receive compensation based in part on the performance of certain Similar Accounts. This may create a potential conflict of interest for JPMorgan and its affiliates or its portfolio managers by providing an incentive to favor these Similar Accounts when, for example, placing securities transactions. In addition, JPMorgan or its affiliates could be viewed as having a conflict of interest to the extent that JPMorgan or an affiliate has a proprietary investment in Similar Accounts, the portfolio managers have personal investments in Similar Accounts or the Similar Accounts are investment options in JPMorgan's or its affiliate’s employee benefit plans. Potential conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of investment opportunities because of market factors or investment restrictions imposed upon JPMorgan and its affiliates by law, regulation, contract or internal policies. Allocations of aggregated trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially completed due to limited availability and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as JPMorgan or its affiliates may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to favored accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. JPMorgan and its affiliates may be perceived as causing accounts they manages to participate in an offering to increase JPMorgan's or its affiliates’ overall allocation of securities in that offering.
A potential conflict of interest also may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by another account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account. If JPMorgan or its affiliates manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the Fund invests, JPMorgan or its affiliates could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall.
As an internal policy matter, JPMorgan may from time to time maintain certain overall investment limitations on the securities positions or positions in other financial instruments JPMorgan or its affiliates will take on behalf of its various clients due to, among other things, liquidity concerns and regulatory restrictions. Such policies may preclude a Fund from purchasing particular securities or financial instruments, even if such securities or financial instruments would otherwise meet the Fund’s objectives.
The goal of JPMorgan and its affiliates is to meet their fiduciary obligation with respect to all clients. JPMorgan and its affiliates have policies and procedures that seek to manage conflicts. JPMorgan and its affiliates monitor a variety of areas, including compliance with fund guidelines, review of allocation decisions and compliance with JPMorgan’s Codes of Ethics and JPMC’s Code of Conduct. With respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, JPMorgan and its affiliates also have certain policies designed to achieve fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among its clients over time. For example:
Orders received in the same security and within a reasonable time period from a market event (e.g., a change in a security rating) are continuously aggregated on the appropriate trading desk so that new orders are aggregated with current outstanding orders, consistent with JPMorgan’s duty of best execution for its clients. However, there are circumstances when it may be appropriate to execute the second order differently due to other constraints or investment objectives. Such exceptions often depend on the asset class. Examples of these exceptions, particularly in the fixed income area, are sales to meet redemption deadlines or orders related to less liquid assets.
If aggregated trades are fully executed, accounts participating in the trade will typically be allocated their pro rata share on an average price basis. Partially filled orders generally will be allocated among the participating accounts on a pro-rata average price basis, subject to certain limited exceptions. Use of average price for execution of aggregated trade orders is particularly true in the equity area. However, certain investment strategies, such as the use of derivatives, or asset classes, such as fixed income that use individual trade executions due to the nature of the strategy or supply of the security, may not be subject to average execution price policy and would receive the actual execution price of the transaction. Additionally, some accounts may be excluded from pro rata allocations. Accounts that would receive a de minimis allocation relative to their size may be excluded from the order. Another exception may occur when thin markets or price volatility require that an aggregated order be completed in multiple executions over several days. Deviations from pro rata allocations are documented by the business. JPMorgan attempts to mitigate any potential unfairness by basing non-pro-rata allocations traded through a single trading desk or system upon an objective predetermined criteria for the selection of investments and a disciplined process for allocating securities with similar duration, credit quality and liquidity in the good faith judgment of JPMorgan so that fair and equitable allocation will occur over time.
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Compensation
JPMorgan’s compensation programs are designed to align the behavior of employees with the achievement of its short- and long-term strategic goals, which revolve around client investment objectives. This is accomplished, in part, through a balanced performance assessment process and total compensation program, as well as a clearly defined culture that rigorously and consistently promotes adherence to the highest ethical standards.
In determining portfolio manager compensation, JPMorgan uses a balanced discretionary approach to assess performance against four broad categories: (1) business results; (2) risk and control; (3) customers and clients; and (4) people and leadership.
These performance categories consider short-, medium- and long-term goals that drive sustained value for clients, while accounting for risk and control objectives. Specifically, portfolio manager performance is evaluated against various factors including the following: (1) blended pre-tax investment performance relative to competitive indices, generally weighted more to the long-term; (2) individual contribution relative to the client’s risk/return objectives; and (3) adherence with JPMorgan’s compliance, risk and regulatory procedures.
Feedback from JPMorgan’s risk and control professionals is considered in assessing performance.
JPMorgan maintains a balanced total compensation program comprised of a mix of fixed compensation (including a competitive base salary and, for certain employees, a fixed cash allowance), variable compensation in the form of cash incentives, and long-term incentives in the form of equity based and/or fund-tracking incentives that vest over time. Long-term awards comprise up to 60% of overall incentive compensation, depending on an employee’s pay level.
Long-term awards are generally in the form of time-vested JPMC Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”). However, portfolio managers are subject to a mandatory deferral of long-term incentive compensation under JPMorgan’s Mandatory Investor Plan (“MIP”). The MIP provides for a rate of return equal to that of the Fund(s) that the portfolio managers manage, thereby aligning portfolio manager’s pay with that of their client’s experience/return. 100% of the portfolio manager’s long-term incentive compensation is eligible for MIP with 50% is allocated to the specific Fund(s) they manage, as determined by their respective manager. The remaining portion of the overall amount is electable and may be treated as if invested in any of the other Funds available in the plan or can take the form of RSUs.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, none of the portfolio managers beneficially owned any equity securities in the funds.
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Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. (“KACALP”)
Transamerica MLP & Energy Income
Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment
Companies1
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
John C. Frey 2 $3.98 billion 11 $1.88 billion 12 $676.5 million
Fee Based Accounts2
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
John C. Frey 0 $0 8 $1.63 billion 5 $570 million
1 Includes 2 closed-end funds managed by KA Fund Advisors, LLC, an affiliated registered investment adviser of KACALP.
2 These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflict of Interest
KACALP and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and personnel, including the entities and personnel who may be involved in the management or operations of the fund are engaged in a variety of businesses and have interests other than that of managing the MLP & Energy Income Fund. The broad range of activities and interests of KACALP gives rise to actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest that could affect the MLP & Energy Income Fund and its shareholders.
KACALP manages or advises other funds in addition to the MLP & Energy Income Fund. Certain accounts have investment objectives similar to those of the MLP & Energy Income Fund and/or engage in transactions in the same types of securities and instruments as the fund. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which a fund invests, and could have an adverse impact on the fund’s performance. Other accounts may buy or sell positions while the MLP & Energy Income Fund is undertaking the same or a differing, including potentially opposite, strategy, which could disadvantage the Fund. A position taken by KACALP, on behalf of one or more other accounts, may be contrary to a position taken on behalf of the MLP & Energy Income Fund or may be adverse to a company or issuer in which the Fund has invested.
The results of the investment activities of the Fund may differ significantly from the results achieved for other accounts. KACALP may give advice, and take action, with respect to any current or future accounts that may compete or conflict with advice KACALP may give to, or actions KACALP may take for, the Fund because of differing guidelines, risk profiles, timing issues and other possible considerations. KACALP will manage the assets of the MLP & Energy Income Fund in accordance with the investment mandate and guidelines of the Fund.
KACALP’s fee arrangements may create an incentive to favor higher potential fee paying accounts over the MLP & Energy Income Fund in the allocation of investment opportunities. Similarly, KACALP or its affiliates and employees may have a significant proprietary investment in a fund or account, and KACALP may have an incentive to favor such fund or account to the detriment of the MLP & Energy Income Fund. KACALP’s procedures are designed to ensure that all investment decisions are made without consideration of KACALP’s (or its affiliates’ or employees’) pecuniary interest but, instead, in accordance with KACALP’s fiduciary duty to its clients.
From time to time, KACALP personnel may obtain, either voluntarily or involuntarily, material non-public information (that is not available to other investors) or other confidential information which, if disclosed, would likely affect an investor’s decision to buy, sell or hold a security. Such instances may arise if, for example, a KACALP employee serves on the board of directors of one of the companies in which KACALP invests. Accordingly, KACALP may be prohibited from communicating such information to, or using such information for the benefit of, KACALP clients, which could limit the ability of KACALP-managed accounts to buy, sell, or hold investments. KACALP has adopted an Insider Trading Policy, which establishes procedures reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material non-public information by KACALP and its personnel. KACALP has also adopted an Ethical Wall Policy in order to minimize the likelihood that portfolio management teams will come into possession of material non-public information, thereby minimizing the likelihood that a particular team or portfolio manager will be precluded from taking action on behalf of clients. Nonetheless, the investment flexibility of KACALP may be constrained as a consequence of policies and related legal requirements.
Compensation
KACALP receives a fee based on the assets under management of the Real Assets Fund as set forth in the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between KACALP and the Adviser. The portfolio manager and KACALP share management fees after expenses, including analyst salaries and allocated overhead. The portfolio manager and KACALP also share in the management fees generated by separate accounts, privately offered pooled investment vehicles, and registered investment companies under management which generally have similar investment objectives and invest in the same securities and instruments as the MLP & Energy Income Fund. In some cases these accounts may also pay an incentive allocation based on the performance of the applicable portfolio.
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Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Levin Easterly Partners LLC (“LEP”)
Transamerica Large Cap Value
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Jack Murphy 4 $2.11 billion 4 $204.5 million 49 $2.37 billion
Christopher Susanin 4 $2.11 billion 0 $0 0 $0
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Jack Murphy 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Christopher Susanin 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Conflict of Interest
LEP has established policies and procedures to monitor and resolve conflicts with respect to investment opportunities in a manner it deems fair and equitable.
The fund and other accounts are similarly managed;
LEP follows detailed written allocation procedures designed to allocate securities purchases and sales between the fund and the other investment advisory accounts in a fair and equitable manner;
LEP generally does not execute cross trades and LEP has adopted policies and procedures limiting the ability of any portfolio manager to cross trade securities between the fund and other accounts; and
All allocations are subject to daily review by LEP’s Chief Compliance Officer.
Compensation
LEP has a compensation policy designed to attract, motivate and retain talented personnel in a competitive market and to align the interests of its investment professionals with those of its clients and overall firm results. Our compensation package consists of both a base salary and a bonus. Bonuses are entirely at the discretion of LEP management and are based on various factors including: the individual employee performance, profitability of LEP and overall contribution of the individual employee. There is no particular weighting or formula for considering the factors. Full discretion remains in the hands of management to avoid any potential creation of unintended incentives including risk.
Employees are typically evaluated at mid-year and calendar year end. Employee bonuses are usually paid on a calendar year end basis. Moreover, the portfolio managers are provided with a benefits package, including health insurance, and participation in a company 401(K) plan, comparable to that received by other LEP employees.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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MetLife Investment Management, LLC (“MIM, LLC”)
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Todd Howard, CFA 3 $691.2 million 3 $796.8 million 8 $940.3 million
Scott Moses, CFA 8 $819.8 million 3 $796.8 million 8 $940.3 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Todd Howard, CFA 1 $128.2 million 0 $0 0 $0
Scott Moses, CFA 1 $128.2 million 0 $0 0 $0
Conflicts of Interest
Real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day portfolio management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or account.
MIM, LLC has adopted procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to detect and prevent violations of the federal securities laws and to mitigate the potential for conflicts of interest to affect portfolio management decisions; however, there can be no assurance that all conflicts will be identified or that all procedures will be effective in mitigating the potential for such risks. MIM, LLC and/or its affiliates manage accounts certain accounts subject to performance-based fees or may have proprietary investments in certain accounts. The side-by-side management of the fund and these other accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of investment opportunities because of market factors or investment restrictions. The performance of the fund’s investments could be adversely affected by the manner in which the MIM, LLC enters particular orders for all such accounts. Allocations of aggregated trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially completed due to limited supply and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as MIM, LLC may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to favored accounts. A potential conflict of interest also may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by another account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account. The less liquid the market for the security or the greater the percentage that the proposed aggregate purchases or sales represent of average daily trading volume, the greater the potential for accounts that make subsequent purchases or sales to receive a less favorable price.
MIM, LLC has adopted a policy to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner among client accounts. Orders for the same security on the same day are generally aggregated consistent with MIM, LLC’s duty of best execution; however, purchases of fixed income securities cannot always be allocated pro rata across all client accounts with similar investment strategies and objectives. MIM, LLC will attempt to mitigate any potential unfairness using an objective methodology that in the good faith judgment of MIM, LLC permits a fair and equitable allocation over time.
MIM, LLC will manage the fund and other client accounts in accordance with their respective investment objectives and guidelines. As a result, MIM, LLC may give advice, and take action with respect to any current or future other client accounts that may be opposed to or conflict with the advice MIM, LLC may give to the fund, or may involve a different timing or nature of action than with respect to the fund. Where a portfolio manager is responsible for accounts with differing investment objectives and policies, it is possible that the portfolio manager will conclude that it is in the best interest of one account to sell a portfolio security while another account continues to hold or increases the holding in such security. The results of the investment activities of the fund may differ significantly from the results achieved by MIM, LLC for other client accounts.
Compensation
MIM, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. The program is a combination of short and long term elements to compensate investment professionals, and non-investment professionals, based on the overall financial success of the firm. The incentive program is primarily comprised of three elements:
Base salary: Base salaries are generally reviewed annually and are based on market competiveness.
(ii) Short Term Awards: Individual awards in the form of an annual cash bonus are discretionary and non-formulaic based on firm as well as individual performance. Bonus compensation for senior investment professionals comprises a majority of their total compensation. This portion of compensation is determined subjectively based on qualitative and quantitative factors. Compensation is impacted by the performance of investments under management (i.e., delivering investment performance to clients consistent with portfolio objectives, guidelines and risk parameters) as well as an individual’s qualitative contributions to the organization.
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(iii) Long term Awards: Senior level employees are eligible to receive long term equity incentives. These create the motivation for strong individual and business performance over time and the opportunity for long-term alignment with shareholder return and employee retention.
An investment professional's short and long term awards and the compensation is not tied to any pre-determined or specified level of investment performance.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s), except as follows:
Portfolio Manager Range of Securities Owned Fund
Scott Moses, CFA $1 - $50,000 Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt
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Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (“Morgan Stanley”)
Transamerica Capital Growth
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts*
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Dennis P. Lynch 22 $17.958 billion 17 $13.711 billion 17 $3.550 billion
Sam G. Chainani, CFA 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
Jason C. Yeung, CFA 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
David S. Cohen 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
Armistead B. Nash 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
Alexander T. Norton 21 $17.951 billion 16 $13.706 billion 16 $3.448 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Dennis P. Lynch 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
Sam G. Chainani, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
Jason C. Yeung, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
David S. Cohen 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
Armistead B. Nash 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
Alexander T. Norton 0 $0 0 $0 2 $499.6 million
* Other Accounts excludes the assets and numbers of accounts in wrap fee programs that are managed using model portfolios.
Conflict of Interest
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley’s interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of a Fund. Morgan Stanley has advised clients and has sponsored, managed or advised other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses, the ‘‘Affiliated Investment Accounts’’) with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with a Fund’s investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with a Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be. Conflicts of interest not described below may also exist.
Material Nonpublic Information. It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity. The Adviser may also from time to time be subject to contractual ‘‘standstill’’ obligations and/or confidentiality obligations that may restrict its ability to trade in certain investments on a Fund’s behalf. In addition, the Adviser may be precluded from disclosing such information to an Investment team, even in circumstances in which the information would be beneficial if disclosed. Therefore, the Adviser may not be provided access to material nonpublic information in the possession of Morgan Stanley that might be relevant to an investment decision to be made by a Fund, and the Adviser may initiate a transaction or sell an investment that, if such information had been known to it, may not have been undertaken. In addition, certain members of the Investment team may be recused from certain investment-related discussions so that such members do not receive information that would limit their ability to perform functions of their employment with Morgan Stanley unrelated to that of a Fund. Furthermore, access to certain parts of Morgan Stanley may be subject to third party confidentiality obligations and to information barriers established by Morgan Stanley in order to manage potential conflicts of interest and regulatory restrictions, including without limitation joint transaction restrictions pursuant to the 1940 Act. Accordingly, the Adviser’s ability to source investments from other business units within Morgan Stanley may be limited and there can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to source any investments from any one or more parts of the Morgan Stanley network.
Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts. In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and the Investment team, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of a Fund or its shareholders. A Fund’s investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an Investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among a Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and
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businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts.
Morgan Stanley currently invests and plans to continue to invest on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliated Investment Accounts in a wide variety of investment opportunities in North America, Europe and elsewhere. Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts, to the extent consistent with applicable law and policies and procedures, will be permitted to invest in investment opportunities without making such opportunities available to a Fund beforehand. Subject to the foregoing, Morgan Stanley may offer investments that fall into the investment objectives of an Affiliated Investment Account to such account or make such investment on its own behalf, even though such investment also falls within a Fund’s investment objectives. A Fund may invest in opportunities that Morgan Stanley and/or one or more Affiliated Investment Accounts has declined, and vice versa. All of the foregoing may reduce the number of investment opportunities available to a Fund and may create conflicts of interest in allocating investment opportunities. Investors should note that the conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be opportunities that fall within its investment objectives.
It is possible that Morgan Stanley or an Affiliated Investment Account will invest in a company that is or becomes a competitor of a company of which a Fund holds an investment. Such investment could create a conflict between the Fund, on the one hand, and Morgan Stanley or the Affiliated Investment Account, on the other hand. In such a situation, Morgan Stanley may also have a conflict in the allocation of its own resources to the portfolio investment. Furthermore, certain Affiliated Investment Accounts will be focused primarily on investing in other funds which may have strategies that overlap and/or directly conflict and compete with a Fund.
In addition, certain investment professionals who are involved in a Fund’s activities remain responsible for the investment activities of other Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by the Adviser and its affiliates, and they will devote time to the management of such investments and other newly created Affiliated Investment Accounts (whether in the form of funds, separate accounts or other vehicles), as well as their own investments. In addition, in connection with the management of investments for other Affiliated Investment Accounts, members of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may serve on the boards of directors of or advise companies which may compete with our portfolio investments. Moreover, these Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may pursue investment opportunities that may also be suitable for a Fund.
The Adviser and its affiliates may give advice and recommend securities to other clients which may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought for, a Fund even though such other clients’ investment objectives may be similar to those of the Fund.
Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for a Fund’s holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund’s investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to that of a Fund. Furthermore, from time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates may invest “seed” capital in a Fund, typically to enable the Fund to commence investment operations and/or achieve sufficient scale. The Adviser and its affiliates may hedge such seed capital exposure by investing in derivatives or other instruments expected to produce offsetting exposure. Such hedging transactions, if any, would occur outside of a Fund.
Morgan Stanley’s sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses (whether or not specifically identified as such, and including Morgan Stanley’s trading and principal investing businesses) will not be required to offer any investment opportunities to a Fund. These businesses may encompass, among other things, principal trading activities as well as principal investing.
Morgan Stanley’s sales and trading, financing, and principal investing businesses have acquired or invested in, and in the future may acquire or invest in, minority and/or majority control positions in equity or debt instruments of diverse public and/or private companies. Such activities may put Morgan Stanley in a position to exercise contractual, voting, or creditor rights, or management or other control with respect to securities or loans of portfolio investments or other issuers, and in these instances Morgan Stanley may, in its discretion and subject to applicable law, act to protect its own interests or interests of clients, and not a Fund’s interests.
Subject to the limitations of applicable law, a Fund may purchase from or sell assets to, or make investments in, companies in which Morgan Stanley has or may acquire an interest, including as an owner, creditor or counterparty.
Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Activities. Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with a Fund and with respect to investments that a Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by a Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with a Fund and/or any of a Fund’s investments that are contrary to the Fund’s best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments.
Morgan Stanley could be engaged in financial advising, whether on the buy-side or sell-side, or in financing or lending assignments that could result in Morgan Stanley’s determining in its discretion or being required to act exclusively on behalf of one or more third parties,
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which could limit a Fund’s ability to transact with respect to one or more existing or potential investments. Morgan Stanley may have relationships with third-party funds, companies or investors who may have invested in or may look to invest in portfolio companies, and there could be conflicts between a Fund’s best interests, on the one hand, and the interests of a Morgan Stanley client or counterparty, on the other hand.
To the extent that Morgan Stanley advises creditor or debtor companies in the financial restructuring of companies either prior to or after filing for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code or similar laws in other jurisdictions, the Adviser’s flexibility in making investments in such restructurings on a Fund’s behalf may be limited.
Morgan Stanley could provide investment banking services to competitors of portfolio companies, as well as to private equity and/or private credit funds; such activities may present Morgan Stanley with a conflict of interest vis-a-vis a Fund’s investment and may also result in a conflict in respect of the allocation of investment banking resources to portfolio companies.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Morgan Stanley may provide a broad range of financial services to companies in which a Fund invests, including strategic and financial advisory services, interim acquisition financing and other lending and underwriting or placement of securities, and Morgan Stanley generally will be paid fees (that may include warrants or other securities) for such services. Morgan Stanley will not share any of the foregoing interest, fees and other compensation received by it (including, for the avoidance of doubt, amounts received by the Adviser) with a Fund, and any advisory fees payable will not be reduced thereby.
Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley’s compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. A Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold under these circumstances.
Client Relationships. Morgan Stanley has existing and potential relationships with a significant number of corporations, institutions and individuals. In providing services to its clients, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest with respect to activities recommended to or performed for such clients, on the one hand, and a Fund, its shareholders or the entities in which the Fund invests, on the other hand. In addition, these client relationships may present conflicts of interest in determining whether to offer certain investment opportunities to a Fund.
In acting as principal or in providing advisory and other services to its other clients, Morgan Stanley may engage in or recommend activities with respect to a particular matter that conflict with or are different from activities engaged in or recommended by the Adviser on a Fund’s behalf.
Transactions with Portfolio Companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts. The companies in which a Fund may invest may be counterparties to or participants in agreements, transactions or other arrangements with portfolio companies or other entities of portfolio investments of Affiliated Investment Accounts (for example, a company in which a Fund invests may retain a company in which an Affiliated Investment Account invests to provide services or may acquire an asset from such company or vice versa). Certain of these agreements, transactions and arrangements involve fees, servicing payments, rebates and/or other benefits to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. For example, portfolio entities may, including at the encouragement of Morgan Stanley, enter into agreements regarding group procurement and/or vendor discounts. Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may also participate in these agreements and may realize better pricing or discounts as a result of the participation of portfolio entities. To the extent permitted by applicable law, certain of these agreements may provide for commissions or similar payments and/or discounts or rebates to be paid to a portfolio entity of an Affiliated Investment Account, and such payments or discounts or rebates may also be made directly to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. Under these arrangements, a particular portfolio company or other entity may benefit to a greater degree than the other participants, and the Morgan Stanley funds, investment vehicles and accounts (which may or may not include a Fund) that own an interest in such entity will receive a greater relative benefit from the arrangements than the Morgan Stanley funds, investment vehicles or accounts that do not own an interest therein. Fees and compensation received by portfolio companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts in relation to the foregoing will not be shared with a Fund or offset advisory fees payable.
Allocation of Expenses. Expenses may be incurred that are attributable to a Fund and one or more other Affiliated Investment Accounts (including in connection with issuers in which a Fund and such other Affiliated Investment Accounts have overlapping investments). The allocation of such expenses among such entities raises potential conflicts of interest. The Adviser and its affiliates intend to allocate such common expenses among a Fund and any such other Affiliated Investment Accounts on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as may be required by applicable law.
Transactions with Affiliates. The Adviser might purchase securities from underwriters or placement agents in which an affiliate is a member of a syndicate or selling group, as a result of which an affiliate might benefit from the purchase through receipt of a fee or otherwise. The Adviser will not purchase securities on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate that is acting as a manager of a syndicate or selling
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group. Purchases by the Adviser on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate acting as a placement agent must meet the requirements of applicable law. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest when the Funds use service providers affiliated with Morgan Stanley because Morgan Stanley receives greater overall fees when they are used.
General Process with Potential Conflicts. All of the transactions described above involve the potential for conflicts of interest between the Adviser, related persons of the Adviser and/or their clients. The Advisers Act, the 1940 Act and ERISA impose certain requirements designed to decrease the possibility of conflicts of interest between an investment adviser and its clients. In some cases, transactions may be permitted subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Certain other transactions may be prohibited. In addition, the Adviser has instituted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from arising and, when they do arise, to ensure that it effects transactions for clients in a manner that is consistent with its fiduciary duty to its clients and in accordance with applicable law. The Adviser seeks to ensure that potential or actual conflicts of interest are appropriately resolved taking into consideration the overriding best interests of the client.
Compensation
Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure
Morgan Stanley’s compensation structure is based on a total reward system of base salary and incentive compensation, which is paid either in the form of cash bonus, or for employees meeting the specified deferred compensation eligibility threshold, partially as a cash bonus and partially as mandatory deferred compensation. Deferred compensation granted to Investment Management employees are generally granted as a mix of deferred cash awards under the Investment Management Alignment Plan (IMAP and equity-based awards in the form of stock units. The portion of incentive compensation granted in the form of a deferred compensation award and the terms of such awards are determined annually by the Compensation, Management Development and Succession Committee of the Morgan Stanley Board of Directors.
Base salary compensation. Generally, portfolio managers receive base salary compensation based on the level of their position with the Adviser.
Incentive compensation. In addition to base compensation, portfolio managers may receive discretionary year-end compensation.
Incentive compensation may include:
• Cash Bonus.
• Defer red Compensation:
A mandatory program that defers a portion of incentive compensation into restricted stock units or other awards based on Morgan Stanley common stock or other plans that are subject to vesting and other conditions.
• IMAP is a cash-based defer red compensation plan designed to increase the alignment of participants’ interests with the interests of the Advisor’s clients. For eligible employees, a portion of their deferred compensation is mandatorily deferred into IMAP on an annual basis. Awards granted under IMAP are notionally invested in referenced funds available pursuant to the plan, which are funds advised by Investment Management. Portfolio managers are required to notionally invest a minimum of 25% of their account balance in the designated funds that they manage and are included in the IMAP notional investment fund menu.
• Defer red compensation awards are typically subject to vesting over a multi-year period and are subject to cancellation through the payment date for competition, cause (i.e., any act or omission that constitutes a breach of obligation to the Company, including failure to comply with internal compliance, ethics or risk management standards, and failure or refusal to perform duties satisfactorily, including supervisory and management duties), disclosure of proprietary information, and solicitation of employees or clients. Awards are also subject to clawback through the payment date if an employee’s act or omission (including with respect to direct supervisory responsibilities) causes a restatement of the Firm’s consolidated financial results, constitutes a violation of the Firm’s global risk management principles, policies and standards, or causes a loss of revenue associated with a position on which the employee was paid and the employee operated outside of internal control policies.
Investment Management compensates employees based on principles of pay-for-performance, market competitiveness and risk management. Eligibility for, and the amount of any, discretionary compensation is subject to a multi-dimensional process. Specifically, consideration is given to one or more of the following factors, which can vary by portfolio management team and circumstances:
• Re venue and profitability of the business and/or each fund/accounts managed by the portfolio manager
• Re venue and profitability of the Firm
• Retur n on equity and risk factors of both the business units and Morgan Stanley
Assets managed by the portfolio manager
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• Exter nal market conditions
• Ne w business development and business sustainability
• Contrib ution to client objectives
The pre-tax investment performance of the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager (which may, in certain cases, be measured against the applicable benchmark(s) and/or peer group(s) over one, three and five-year periods.
• Indi vidual contribution and performance
Further, the Firm’s Global Incentive Compensation Discretion Policy requires compensation managers to consider only legitimate, business related factors when exercising discretion in determining variable incentive compensation, including adherence to Morgan Stanley’s core values, conduct, disciplinary actions in the current performance year, risk management and risk outcomes.
Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers
Because the portfolio managers may manage assets for other investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts (including institutional clients, pension plans and certain high net worth individuals), there may be an incentive to favor one client over another resulting in conflicts of interest. For instance, the Adviser and/or Sub- Advisers may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or it may receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. In those instances, the portfolio managers may have an incentive to favor the higher and/or performance-based fee accounts over the Fund. In addition, a conflict of interest could exist to the extent the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers have proprietary investments in certain accounts, where portfolio managers have personal investments in certain accounts or when certain accounts are investment options in the Adviser’s and/or Sub-Advisers’ employee benefits and/or deferred compensation plans. The portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor these accounts over others. If the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the Fund invests, the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall. The Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers have adopted trade allocation and other policies and procedures that they believe are reasonably designed to address these and other conflicts of interest.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Morningstar Investment Management LLC
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Conservative Portfolio
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Dan McNeela, CFA 13 $7.02 billion 0 $0 24,029 $3.19 billion
Michael Stout, CFA 10 $6.25 billion 0 $0 21,102 $2.80 billion
Ricky Williamson, CFA 11 $5.80 billion 0 $0 50,668 $6.79 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager
with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Dan McNeela, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Michael Stout, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Ricky Williamson, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Dan McNeela, CFA 13 $7.02 billion 0 $0 24,029 $3.19 billion
Michael Stout, CFA 10 $6.25 billion 0 $0 21,102 $2.80 billion
Ricky Williamson, CFA 11 $5.80 billion 0 $0 50,668 $6.79 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Dan McNeela, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Michael Stout, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Ricky Williamson, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Growth Portfolio
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Dan McNeela, CFA 13 $7.02 billion 0 $0 24,029 $3.19 billion
Michael Stout, CFA 10 $6.25 billion 0 $0 21,102 $2.80 billion
Ricky Williamson, CFA 11 $5.80 billion 0 $0 50,668 $6.79 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Dan McNeela, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Michael Stout, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Ricky Williamson, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
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Transamerica Asset Allocation – Moderate Portfolio
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Dan McNeela, CFA 13 $7.02 billion 0 $0 24,029 $3.19 billion
Michael Stout, CFA 10 $6.25 billion 0 $0 21,102 $2.80 billion
Ricky Williamson, CFA 11 $5.80 billion 0 $0 50,668 $6.79 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Dan McNeela, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Michael Stout, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Ricky Williamson, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Conflict of Interest
The Portfolio Construction Manager is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”). As part of its overall operation, Morningstar is engaged in the business of providing ratings and analysis on financial products. A potential conflict of interest exists since Morningstar could be providing ratings and analysis on products to which the Portfolio Construction Manager provides services. First, Morningstar will not create analyst commentary for portfolios in which Morningstar’s subsidiaries act as a portfolio construction manager/sub-adviser. This commentary is general subjective in nature and could represent a conflict of interest. This means that the portfolios in which the Portfolio Construction Manager is involved with will not receive written analyst commentary from Morningstar. However, such portfolios will receive Morningstar RatingsTM. These ratings are purely quantitative and, therefore, cannot be biased by subjective factors. Also, the Morningstar Style BoxTM assignment is primarily based on quantitative characteristics of the underlying securities in the portfolio. The initial assignment and subsequent style box changes follow established procedures and are subject to review by personnel within the Morningstar Data business unit – a separate and distinct unit within Morningstar. A situation may occur where personnel of the Portfolio Construction Manager provide information to the Morningstar Data unit to clarify style box assignment. However, the assignment process takes place and is monitored by a Morningstar business unit that is completely independent from the Portfolio Construction Manager.
Finally, the Portfolio Construction Manager acts as a portfolio construction manager/sub-adviser to other fund-of-funds products affiliated with Transamerica Funds. Similar to its responsibilities with Transamerica Funds, for these other fund-of-funds products, the Portfolio Construction Manager determines the asset allocation percentages, selects underlying funds based on an investment universe defined by a party other than the Portfolio Construction Manager, provides trading instructions to a custodian and performs ongoing monitoring of the asset allocation mix and underlying funds. Given that the underlying holdings of these other fund-of-funds products and the asset allocation portfolios within Transamerica Funds are registered mutual funds and that the investment universe from which underlying holdings are chosen from are determined by someone other than Portfolio Construction Manager, potential conflicts of favoring one product over another in terms of investment opportunities are greatly mitigated.
Compensation
All of the above mentioned co-portfolio managers’ compensation includes salary and an annual discretionary bonus. The salary is set at a fixed amount and is determined by management and managers of the employees of Morningstar Investment Management LLC. Portfolio managers and their team members are paid a base salary, plus a discretionary bonus. The bonus has two components. The first component is based on select portfolio investment performance and risk metrics versus a corresponding benchmark over three and five-year periods. The second component is determined by the company and business unit’s overall annual revenue and profitability as well as the individual’s contribution to the business unit.
The fee for consulting on the funds accounts for a portion of the revenue and earnings of the investment consulting advisory activities of Morningstar Investment Management, and because that fee is based on the assets under management in the funds, there is an indirect relationship between the assets under management in the funds and the bonus payout to the portfolio manager.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own shares of any shares of the fund(s), except as follows:
Portfolio Manager Range of Securities Owned Fund
Michael Stout, CFA $500,000 - $1,000,000 Transamerica Asset Allocation – Growth Portfolio
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Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”)
Transamerica Total Return
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Mark Kiesel 22 $133 billion 58 $60 billion 123 $66 billion
Scott Mather 23 $105 billion 20 $12 billion 85 $30 billion
Mohit Mittal 15 $31 billion 18 $20 billion 132 $79 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Mark Kiesel 0 $0 12 $11 billion 13 $4.3 billion
Scott Mather 1 $0 0 $0 4 $2.04 billion
Mohit Mittal 0 $0 3 $3 billion 5 $1 billion
Conflicts of Interest
From time to time, potential and actual conflicts of interest may arise between a portfolio manager’s management of the investments of a Fund, on the one hand, and the management of other accounts, on the other. Potential and actual conflicts of interest may also arise as a result of PIMCO’s other business activities and PIMCO’s possession of material non-public information (“MNPI”) about an issuer. Other accounts managed by a portfolio manager might have similar investment objectives or strategies as the Funds, track the same index a Fund tracks or otherwise hold, purchase, or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased or sold by the Funds. The other accounts might also have different investment objectives or strategies than the Funds. Potential and actual conflicts of interest may also arise as a result of PIMCO serving as investment adviser to accounts that invest in the Funds. In this case, such conflicts of interest could in theory give rise to incentives for PIMCO to, among other things, vote proxies or redeem shares of a Fund in a manner beneficial to the investing account but detrimental to the Fund. Conversely, PIMCO’s duties to the Funds, as well as regulatory or other limitations applicable to the Funds, may affect the courses of action available to PIMCO-advised accounts (including certain Funds) that invest in the Funds in a manner that is detrimental to such investing accounts.
Because PIMCO is affiliated with Allianz, a large multi-national financial institution, conflicts similar to those described below may occur between the Funds or other accounts managed by PIMCO and PIMCO’s affiliates or accounts managed by those affiliates. Those affiliates (or their clients), which generally operate autonomously from PIMCO, may take actions that are adverse to the Funds or other accounts managed by PIMCO. In many cases, PIMCO will not be in a position to mitigate those actions or address those conflicts, which could adversely affect the performance of the Funds or other accounts managed by PIMCO. In addition, because certain Clients (as defined below) are affiliates of PIMCO or have investors who are affiliates or employees of PIMCO, PIMCO may have incentives to resolve conflicts of interest in favor of these Clients over other Clients.
Knowledge and Timing of Fund Trades. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager’s day-to-day management of a Fund. Because of their positions with the Funds, the portfolio managers know the size, timing and possible market impact of a Fund’s trades. It is theoretically possible that the portfolio managers could use this information to the advantage of other accounts they manage and to the possible detriment of a Fund.
Investment Opportunities. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager’s management of a number of accounts with varying investment guidelines. Often, an investment opportunity may be suitable for one or more Funds or other accounts managed by PIMCO (each a “Client,” and collectively, the “Clients”), but may not be available in sufficient quantities for all accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a Fund and another Client. PIMCO has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities on a fair and equitable basis over time.
Under PIMCO’s allocation procedures, investment opportunities are allocated among various investment strategies based on individual account investment guidelines and PIMCO’s investment outlook. PIMCO has also adopted additional procedures to complement the general trade allocation policy that are designed to address potential conflicts of interest due to the side-by-side management of the Funds and certain pooled investment vehicles, including investment opportunity allocation issues.
From time to time, PIMCO may take an investment position or action for a Client that may be different from, or inconsistent with, an action or position taken for one or more other Clients having similar or differing investment objectives. These positions and actions may adversely impact, or in some instances may benefit, one or more affected Clients, including Clients that are PIMCO affiliates, in which PIMCO has an interest, or which pays PIMCO higher fees or a performance fee. For example, a Client may buy a security and another Client may establish a short position in that same security. The subsequent short sale may result in a decrease in the price of the security that the other Client holds. Similarly, transactions or investments by one or more Clients may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of another Client.
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When PIMCO implements for one Client a portfolio decision or strategy ahead of, or contemporaneously with, similar portfolio decisions or strategies of another Client, market impact, liquidity constraints or other factors could result in one or more Clients receiving less favorable trading results, the costs of implementing such portfolio decisions or strategies could be increased or such Clients could otherwise be disadvantaged. On the other hand, potential conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding a Client may benefit other Clients. For example, the sale of a long position or establishment of a short position for a Client may decrease the price of the same security sold short by (and therefore benefit) other Clients, and the purchase of a security or covering of a short position in a security for a Client may increase the price of the same security held by (and therefore benefit) other Clients.
Under certain circumstances, a Client may invest in a transaction in which one or more other Clients are expected to participate, or already have made or will seek to make, an investment. In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law, a Client may also engage in investment transactions that may result in other Clients being relieved of obligations, or that may cause other Clients to divest certain investments (e.g., a Client may make a loan to, or directly or indirectly acquire securities or indebtedness of, a company that uses the proceeds to refinance or reorganize its capital structure, which could result in repayment of debt held by another Client). Such Clients (or groups of Clients) may have conflicting interests and objectives in connection with such investments, including with respect to views on the operations or activities of the issuer involved, the targeted returns from the investment and the timeframe for, and method of, exiting the investment. When making such investments, PIMCO may do so in a way that favors one Client over another Client, even if both Clients are investing in the same security at the same time. Certain Clients may invest on a “parallel” basis (i.e., proportionately in all transactions at substantially the same time and on substantially the same terms and conditions). In addition, other accounts may expect to invest in many of the same types of investments as another account. However, there may be investments in which one or more of such accounts does not invest (or invests on different terms or on a non-pro rata basis) due to factors such as legal, tax, regulatory, business, contractual or other similar considerations or due to the provisions of a Client’s governing documents. Decisions as to the allocation of investment opportunities among such Clients present numerous conflicts of interest, which may not be resolved in a manner that is favorable to a Client’s interests. To the extent an investment is not allocated pro rata among such entities, a Client could incur a disproportionate amount of income or loss related to such investment relative to such other Client.
In addition, Clients may invest alongside one another in the same underlying investments or otherwise pursuant to a substantially similar investment strategy as one or more other Clients. In such cases, certain Clients may have preferential liquidity and information rights relative to other Clients holding the same investments, with the result that such Clients will be able to withdraw/redeem their interests in underlying investments in priority to Clients who may have more limited access to information or more restrictive withdrawal/redemption rights. Clients with more limited information rights or more restrictive liquidity may therefore be adversely affected in the event of a downturn in the markets.
Further, potential conflicts may be inherent in PIMCO’s use of multiple strategies. For example, conflicts will arise in cases where different Clients invest in different parts of an issuer’s capital structure, including circumstances in which one or more Clients may own private securities or obligations of an issuer and other Clients may own or seek to acquire private securities of the same issuer. For example, a Client may acquire a loan, loan participation or a loan assignment of a particular borrower in which one or more other Clients have an equity investment, or may invest in senior debt obligations of an issuer for one Client and junior debt obligations or equity of the same issuer for another Client.
PIMCO may also, for example, direct a Client to invest in a tranche of a structured finance vehicle, such as a CLO or CDO, where PIMCO is also, at the same or different time, directing another Client to make investments in a different tranche of the same vehicle, which tranche’s interests may be adverse to other tranches. PIMCO may also cause a Client to purchase from, or sell assets to, an entity, such as a structured finance vehicle, in which other Clients may have an interest, potentially in a manner that will have an adverse effect on the other Clients. There may also be conflicts where, for example, a Client holds certain debt or equity securities of an issuer, and that same issuer has issued other debt, equity or other instruments that are owned by other Clients or by an entity, such as a structured finance vehicle, in which other Clients have an interest.
In each of the situations described above, PIMCO may take actions with respect to the assets held by one Client that are adverse to the other Clients, for example, by foreclosing on loans, by putting an issuer into default, or by exercising rights to purchase or sell to an issuer, causing an issuer to take actions adverse to certain classes of securities, or otherwise. In negotiating the terms and conditions of any such investments, or any subsequent amendments or waivers or taking any other actions, PIMCO may find that the interests of a Client and the interests of one or more other Clients could conflict. In these situations, decisions over items such as whether to make the investment or take an action, proxy voting, corporate reorganization, how to exit an investment, or bankruptcy or similar matters (including, for example, whether to trigger an event of default or the terms of any workout) may result in conflicts of interest. Similarly, if an issuer in which a Client and one or more other Clients directly or indirectly hold different classes of securities (or other assets, instruments or obligations issued by such issuer or underlying investments of such issuer) encounters financial problems, decisions over the terms of any workout will raise conflicts of interests (including, for example, conflicts over proposed waivers and amendments to debt covenants). For example, a debt holder may be better served by a liquidation of the issuer in which it may be paid in full, whereas an equity or junior bond holder might prefer a reorganization that holds the potential to create value for the equity holders. In some cases PIMCO may refrain from taking certain actions or making certain investments on behalf of Clients in order to avoid or mitigate certain conflicts of interest or to prevent adverse regulatory or other effects on PIMCO, or may sell investments for certain Clients (in each case potentially disadvantaging the Clients on whose behalf the actions are not taken,
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investments not made, or investments sold). In other cases, PIMCO may not refrain from taking actions or making investments on behalf of certain Clients that have the potential to disadvantage other Clients. In addition, PIMCO may take actions or refrain from taking actions in order to mitigate legal risks to PIMCO or its affiliates or its Clients even if disadvantageous to a Client’s account. Moreover, a Client may invest in a transaction in which one or more other Clients are expected to participate, or already have made or will seek to make, an investment.
Additionally, certain conflicts may exist with respect to portfolio managers who make investment decisions on behalf of several different types of Clients. Such portfolio managers may have an incentive to allocate trades, time or resources to certain Clients, including those Clients who pay higher investment management fees or that pay incentive fees or allocations, over other Clients. These conflicts may be heightened with respect to portfolio managers who are eligible to receive a performance allocation under certain circumstances as part of their compensation.
From time to time, PIMCO personnel may come into possession of MNPI which, if disclosed, might affect an investor’s decision to buy, sell or hold a security. Should a PIMCO employee come into possession of MNPI with respect to an issuer, he or she generally will be prohibited from communicating such information to, or using such information for the benefit of, Clients, which could limit the ability of Clients to buy, sell or hold certain investments, thereby limiting the investment opportunities or exit strategies available to Clients. In addition, holdings in the securities or other instruments of an issuer by PIMCO or its affiliates may affect the ability of a Client to make certain acquisitions of or enter into certain transactions with such issuer. PIMCO has no obligation or responsibility to disclose such information to, or use such information for the benefit of, any person (including Clients).
PIMCO maintains one or more restricted lists of companies whose securities are subject to certain trading prohibitions due to PIMCO’s business activities. PIMCO may restrict trading in an issuer’s securities if the issuer is on a restricted list or if PIMCO has MNPI about that issuer. In some situations, PIMCO may restrict Clients from trading in a particular issuer’s securities in order to allow PIMCO to receive MNPI on behalf of other Clients. A Client may be unable to buy or sell certain securities until the restriction is lifted, which could disadvantage the Client. PIMCO may also be restricted from making (or divesting of) investments in respect of some Clients but not others. In some cases PIMCO may not initiate or recommend certain types of transactions, or may otherwise restrict or limit its advice relating to certain securities if a security is restricted due to MNPI or if PIMCO is seeking to limit receipt of MNPI.
PIMCO may conduct litigation or engage in other legal actions on behalf of one or more Clients. In such cases, Clients may be required to bear certain fees, costs, expenses and liabilities associated with the litigation. Other Clients that are or were investors in, or otherwise involved with, the subject investments may or may not (depending on the circumstances) be parties to such litigation actions, with the result that certain Clients may participate in litigation actions in which not all Clients with similar investments may participate, and such non-participating Clients may benefit from the results of such litigation actions without bearing or otherwise being subject to the associated fees, costs, expenses and liabilities. PIMCO, for example, typically does not pursue legal claims on behalf of its separate accounts. Furthermore, in certain situations, litigation or other legal actions pursued by PIMCO on behalf of a Client may be brought against or be otherwise adverse to a portfolio company or other investment held by a Client.
The foregoing is not a complete list of conflicts to which PIMCO or Clients may be subject. PIMCO seeks to review conflicts on a case-by-case basis as they arise. Any review will take into consideration the interests of the relevant Clients, the circumstances giving rise to the conflict, applicable PIMCO policies and procedures, and applicable laws. Clients (and investors in Portfolios) should be aware that conflicts will not necessarily be resolved in favor of their interests and may in fact be resolved in a manner adverse to their interests. PIMCO will attempt to resolve such matters fairly, but even so, matters may be resolved in favor of other Clients which pay PIMCO higher fees or performance fees or in which PIMCO or its affiliates have a significant proprietary interest. There can be no assurance that any actual or potential conflicts of interest will not result in a particular Client or group of Clients receiving less favorable investment terms in or returns from certain investments than if such conflicts of interest did not exist.
Conflicts like those described above may also occur between Clients, on the one hand, and PIMCO or its affiliates, on the other. These conflicts will not always be resolved in favor of the Client. In addition, because PIMCO is affiliated with Allianz, a large multi-national financial institution, conflicts similar to those described above may occur between clients of PIMCO and PIMCO’s affiliates or accounts managed by those affiliates. Those affiliates (or their clients), which generally operate autonomously from PIMCO, may take actions that are adverse to PIMCO’s Clients. In many cases PIMCO will have limited or no ability to mitigate those actions or address those conflicts, which could adversely affect Client performance. In addition, certain regulatory restrictions may prohibit PIMCO from using certain brokers or investing in certain companies (even if such companies are not affiliated with Allianz) because of the applicability of certain laws and regulations applicable to PIMCO, Allianz SE or their affiliates. An account’s willingness to negotiate terms or take actions with respect to an investment may also be, directly or indirectly, constrained or otherwise impacted to the extent Allianz SE, PIMCO, and/or their affiliates, directors, partners, managers, members, officers or personnel are also invested therein or otherwise have a connection to the subject investment (e.g., serving as a trustee or board member thereof).
Performance Fees. A portfolio manager may advise certain accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based entirely or partially on performance. Performance fee arrangements may create a conflict of interest for the portfolio manager in that the portfolio manager may
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have an incentive to allocate the investment opportunities that he or she believes might be the most profitable to such other accounts instead of allocating them to a Fund. PIMCO has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities between the Funds and such other accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time.
PIMCO has implemented policies and procedures relating to, among other things, portfolio management and trading practices, personal investment transactions, insider trading, gifts and entertainment, and political contributions that seek to identify, manage and/or mitigate actual or potential conflicts of interest and resolve such conflicts appropriately if they occur. PIMCO seeks to resolve any actual or potential conflicts in each client’s best interest. For more information regarding PIMCO’s actual or potential conflicts of interest, please refer to Item 10 and Item 11 in PIMCO’s Form ADV, Part 2A, attached as Exhibit B.
Compensation
PIMCO’s approach to compensation seeks to provide professionals with a Total Compensation Plan and process that is driven by PIMCO’s mission and values. Key Principles on Compensation Philosophy include:
▪ PIMCO’s pay practices are designed to attract and retain high performers;
▪ PIMCO’s pay philosophy embraces a corporate culture of rewarding strong performance, a strong work ethic and meritocracy;
▪ PIMCO’s goal is to ensure key professionals are aligned to PIMCO’s long-term success through equity participation; and
▪ PIMCO’s “Discern and Differentiate” discipline guides total compensation levels.
The Total Compensation Plan consists of three components. The compensation program for portfolio managers is designed to align with clients’ interests, emphasizing each portfolio manager’s ability to generate long-term investment success for PIMCO’s clients. A portfolio manager’s compensation is not based solely on the performance of any Fund or any other account managed by that portfolio manager:
Base Salary – Base salary is determined based on core job responsibilities, positions/levels and market factors. Base salary levels are reviewed annually, when there is a significant change in job responsibilities or position, or a significant change in market levels.
Performance Bonus – Performance bonuses are designed to reward risk-adjusted performance and contributions to PIMCO’s broader investment process. The compensation process is not formulaic and the following non-exhaustive list of qualitative and quantitative criteria are considered when determining the total compensation for portfolio managers:
Performance measured over a variety of longer- and shorter-term periods, including 5-year, 4-year, 3-year, 2-year and 1-year dollar-weighted and account-weighted, pre-tax total and risk-adjusted investment performance as judged against the applicable benchmarks (which may include internal investment performance-related benchmarks) for each account managed by a portfolio manager (including the Funds) and relative to applicable industry peer groups; greatest emphasis is placed on 5-year and 3-year performance, followed by 1-year performance;
Consistency of investment performance across portfolios of similar mandate and guidelines, rewarding low dispersion and consistency of outperformance;
Appropriate risk positioning and risk management mindset which includes consistency with PIMCO’s investment philosophy, the Investment Committee’s positioning guidance, absence of defaults, and appropriate alignment with client objectives;
Contributions to mentoring, coaching and/or supervising members of team;
Collaboration, idea generation, and contribution of investment ideas in the context of PIMCO’s investment process, Investment Committee meetings, and day-to-day management of portfolios;
With much lesser importance than the aforementioned factors: amount and nature of assets managed by the portfolio manager, contributions to asset retention, and client satisfaction.
PIMCO's partnership culture further rewards strong long term risk adjusted returns with promotion decisions almost entirely tied to long term contributions to the investment process. 10-year performance can also be considered, though not explicitly as part of the compensation process.
Deferred Compensation – Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and/or M Options which is awarded to key professionals. Employees who reach a total compensation threshold are delivered their annual compensation in a mix of cash and/or deferred compensation. PIMCO incorporates a progressive allocation of deferred compensation as a percentage of total compensation, which is in line with market practices.
The LTIP provides participants with deferred cash awards that appreciate or depreciate based on PIMCO’s operating earnings over a rolling three-year period. The plan provides a link between longer term company performance and participant pay, further motivating participants to make a long term commitment to PIMCO’s success.
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The M Unit program provides mid-to-senior level employees with the potential to acquire an equity stake in PIMCO over their careers and to better align employee incentives with the Firm’s long-term results. In the program, options are awarded and vest over a number of years and may convert into PIMCO equity which shares in the profit distributions of the Firm. M Units are non-voting common equity of PIMCO and provide a mechanism for individuals to build a significant equity stake in PIMCO over time.
Eligibility to participate in LTIP, the M Unit program is contingent upon continued employment at PIMCO and all other applicable eligibility requirements.
Profit Sharing Plan. Portfolio managers who are Managing Directors of PIMCO receive compensation from a non-qualified profit sharing plan consisting of a portion of PIMCO’s net profits. Portfolio managers who are Managing Directors receive an amount determined by the Compensation Committee, based upon an individual’s overall contribution to the firm.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Peregrine Capital Management, LLC (“Peregrine”)
Transamerica Small Cap Value
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Jason R. Ballsrud, CFA 1 $105.9 million 1 $3.2 million 3 $235 million
Tasso H. Coin, Jr., CFA 1 $105.9 million 1 $3.2 million 3 $235 million
Douglas G. Pugh, CFA 1 $105.9 million 1 $3.2 million 3 $235 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Jason R. Ballsrud, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $366.1 million
Tasso H. Coin, Jr., CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $366.1 million
Douglas G. Pugh, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $366.1 million
Conflict of Interest
Peregrine seeks to minimize conflicts of interest by treating all clients fairly within each investment style. We do not foresee any material conflicts of interest in connection with the management of the Funds’ investments and other clients. All portfolios with comparable objectives and constraints are team managed. Peregrine Small Cap Value trades are allocated on a pro-rata basis across all client accounts. Peregrine does not have affiliates. Employees must pre-clear personal security transactions and disclose outside business activities.
Compensation
The compensation plan for our investment professionals has been structured to allow each member to participate fully in the success of their investment style. Peregrine’s portfolio managers are compensated with a competitive base salary plus incentives that are tied to investment performance, new client additions and client retention. Compensation is intentionally aligned with the interest of our clients. Finally, a portion of incentive compensation is tied to one, three and five-year investment performance relative to standard industry indices.
There is no compensation tied to individual portfolio manager performance. This deliberate decision was driven by our belief that all decisions are made as a team, and therefore, there is shared responsibility for all outcomes.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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PineBridge Investments LLC (“PineBridge”)

Transamerica Inflation Opportunities
Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Robert A. Vanden Assem, CFA 12 $5.73 billion 16 $2.64 billion 15 $6.32 billion
Roberto Coronado 5 $1.87 billion 2 $998.7 million 2 $3.61 billion
Gunter H. Seeger 4 $1.20 billion 0 $0 0 $0
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Robert A. Vanden Assem, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 3 $765.7 million
Roberto Coronado 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Gunter H. Seeger 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Peter Hu, CFA 3 $1.34 billion 12 $3.79 billion 3 $1.26 billion
Michael J. Kelly, CFA 7 $3.35 billion 17 $5.57 billion 8 $2.49 billion
Steven Oh, CFA 1 $785.4 million 15 $6.96 billion 19 $4.75 billion
Robert A. Vanden Assem, CFA 12 $5.73 billion 16 $2.64 billion 15 $6.32 billion
Roberto Coronado 5 $1.87 billion 2 $998.7 million 2 $3.61 billion
Gunter H. Seeger 4 $1.20 billion 0 $0 0 $0
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Peter Hu, CFA 0 $0 1 $252.5 million 1 $327.1 million
Michael J. Kelly, CFA 0 $0 2 $958.5 million 1 $327.1 million
Steven Oh, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Robert A. Vanden Assem, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 3 $765.7 million
Roberto Coronado 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Gunter H. Seeger 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Conflict of Interest
PineBridge recognizes that it may be subject to a conflict of interest with respect to allocations of investment opportunities and transactions among its clients. To mitigate these conflicts, PineBridge’s policies and procedures seek to provide that investment decisions are made in accordance with the fiduciary duties owed to such accounts and without consideration of PineBridge’s economic, investment or other financial interests. Personal securities transactions by an employee may raise a potential conflict of interest when an employee trades in a security that is considered for purchase or sale by a client, or recommended for purchase or sale by an employee to a client, in that the employee may be able to personally benefit from prior knowledge of transactions for a client by trading in a personal account. PineBridge has policies to address potential conflicts of interest when its employees buy or sell securities also bought or sold for clients. Under certain circumstances, conflicts may arise in cases where different clients of PineBridge invest in different parts of a single issuer’s capital structure, including circumstances in which one or more PineBridge clients may own private securities or obligations of an issuer and other PineBridge clients may own public securities of the same issuer. Such conflicts of interest will be discussed and resolved on a case-by-case basis and will take into consideration the interest of the relevant clients, the circumstances giving rise to the conflict, and applicable regulations. For a more detailed discussion of conflicts of interest, please refer to PineBridge Investments LLC’s Form ADV Part 2.
Compensation
Provided below is an overview of our compensation program for all PineBridge professionals. Besides a base salary, which is consistent with regional market levels for the retention of superior staff, professionals’ incentives are as follows:
Bonus Criteria for Professionals
Bonus compensation for professionals is based on a discretionary plan combined with the overall performance of the Firm. PineBridge’s compensation structure does not provide any incentive for personnel to take undue risk.
We have provided an overview of our compensation program for all PineBridge professionals below:
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Portfolio managers, analysts, and traders are evaluated on the pre-tax performance of the securities and portfolios they manage and/or trade compared to relevant index and peer group benchmarks. While performance is reported quarterly, a full-year performance review is completed as part of the annual bonus process. Research analysts are evaluated based on the value that their recommendations contribute to the performance of the portfolio on both an annual and multi-year basis.
Additional criteria used to evaluate professionals include:
quality of work
job knowledge
entrepreneurship
initiative
problem solving/creativity
decision making
accountability for results
judgment
adaptability
planning and organizing
communication
interpersonal skills
Additional criteria for managers include:
staff management
staff development
business management
Employee equity grants are merit-based. Seniority, tenure and performance are among the factors take into consideration. The Firm has the right to repurchase the vested equity of terminated employees. Employees cannot sell their equity; however, upon retirement, employees have the right to sell their equity to the firm.
There is no relationship between the portfolio manager’s earnings and growth in AUM.   
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, none of the portfolio manager(s) owned any securities in the fund(s).
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QS Investors, LLC (“QS Investors”)
Transamerica Dynamic Income
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Lisa Wang, CFA 30 $8.51 billion 33 $4.91 billion 35 $0.63 billion
Thomas Picciochi 30 $8.51 billion 33 $4.91 billion 35 $0.63 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Lisa Wang, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $73.8 million
Thomas Picciochi 0 $0 0 $0 1 $73.8 million
Conflicts of Interest
Potential Conflicts of Interest
QS Investors maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and minimize potential conflicts of interest inherent in circumstances when a portfolio manager has day-to-day portfolio management responsibilities for multiple portfolios. Nevertheless, no set of policies and procedures can possibly anticipate or relieve all potential conflicts of interest. These conflicts may be real, potential, or perceived; certain of these conflicts are described in detail below.
Allocation of Limited Investment Opportunities. If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity (including initial public offerings) that may be suitable for multiple funds and/or accounts, the investment opportunity may be allocated among these several funds or accounts, which may limit a client’s ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity, due to liquidity constraints or other factors.
QS Investors has adopted trade allocation procedures designed to ensure that allocations of limited investment opportunities are conducted in a fair and equitable manner between client accounts. Nevertheless, investment opportunities may be allocated differently among client accounts due to the particular characteristics of an account, such as the size of the account, cash position, investment guidelines and restrictions or its sector/country/region exposure or other risk controls, or market restrictions.
Similar Investment Strategies. QS Investors and its portfolio management team may manage multiple portfolios with similar investment strategies. Investment decisions for each portfolio are generally made based on each portfolio’s investment objectives and guidelines, cash availability, and current holdings. Purchases or sales of securities for the portfolios may be appropriate for other portfolios with like objectives and may be bought or sold in different amounts and at different times in multiple portfolios. In these cases, transactions are allocated to portfolios in a manner believed fair and equitable across client account portfolios by QS Investors methodology. Purchase and sale orders for a portfolio may be combined with those of other portfolios in the interest of achieving the most favorable net results for all clients.
Different Investment Strategies. QS Investors may manage long-short strategies alongside long-only strategies. As such, the potential exists for short sales of securities in certain portfolios while the same security is held long in one or more other portfolios. In an attempt to mitigate the inherent risks of simultaneous management of long-short and long-only strategies, QS Investors has established and implemented procedures to promote fair and equitable treatment of all portfolios. The procedures include monitoring and surveillance, supervisory reviews, and compliance oversight of short sale activity.
Differences in Financial Incentives. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to a portfolio manager or an investment adviser differ among the funds and/or accounts under management. For example, when the structure of an investment adviser’s management fee differs among the funds and/or accounts under its management (such as where certain funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), a portfolio manager might be motivated to favor certain funds and/or accounts over others. Performance-based fees could also create an incentive for an investment adviser to make investments that are riskier or more speculative. In addition, a portfolio manager might be motivated to favor funds and/or accounts in which he or she or the investment adviser and/or its affiliates have a financial interest. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager’s performance record in a particular investment strategy or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence a portfolio manager to lend preferential treatment to those funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager.
In multi-asset strategies where QS Investors is responsible for asset allocation and has the discretionary authority to direct assets to funds or accounts managed by QS Investors, affiliated managers and/or unaffiliated managers, QS Investors may have financial or other incentives to advise that client assets be directed to funds or accounts managed by QS Investors instead of funds or accounts managed by affiliated managers or unaffiliated managers, or to advise that client assets be directed to funds or accounts managed by affiliated managers instead of unaffiliated managers.
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QS Investors has established and implemented various policies and procedures to promote fair and equitable treatment and to manage these and other potential conflicts that may arise from differences in financial incentives. For example, in regard to the management of portfolios with performance-based fees, performance in portfolios with like strategies is regularly reviewed by management. In regard to conflicts associated with fund/manager selection, QS Investors employs an asset allocation process that is primarily quantitative, and certain investment decisions that could be deemed to result in conflicts of interest (e.g., initial allocations or substantial increases in allocations to funds or accounts managed by QS Investors) are subject to review and pre-approval by certain management and compliance personnel.
Personal Holdings and Transactions. Investment professionals employed by QS Investors may manage personal accounts in which they have a fiduciary interest with holdings similar to those of client accounts. QS Investors also allows its employees to trade in securities that it recommends to advisory clients. QS Investors purchasing, holding or selling the same or similar securities for client account portfolios and the actions taken by such individuals on a personal basis may differ from, or be inconsistent with, the nature and timing of advice or actions taken by QS Investors for its client accounts. QS Investors and its employees may also invest in mutual funds and other pooled investment vehicles that are managed by QS Investors. This may result in a potential conflict of interest since QS Investors’ employees have knowledge of such funds’ investment holdings, which is non-public information. QS Investors has implemented a Code of Ethics which is designed to address and mitigate the possibility that these professionals could place their own interests ahead of those of clients. The Code of Ethics addresses this potential conflict of interest by imposing pre-clearance and reporting requirements, blackout periods, supervisory oversight, and other measures designed to reduce conflict.
Portfolio Manager Compensation
Compensation for all investment professionals includes a combination of base salary and annual discretionary bonus as well as a generous benefits package made available to all employees on a non-discretionary basis. Specifically, the compensation package includes:
Competitive base salaries;
Individual discretionary bonuses based on the investment professional’s added value to the products for which they are responsible. Bonuses are not directly tied to peer group and/or relative performance to any benchmark. The qualitative analysis of a portfolio manager’s individual performance is based on, among other things, the results of an annual management and internal peer review process, and management’s assessment of a portfolio manager contributions to the investment team, the investment process and overall performance (distinct from fund and other account performance). Other factors taken into consideration include the individual’s contributions to model and investment process research, risk management, client service and new business development; and
Corporate profit sharing.
Certain investment professionals may also have longer-term incentive packages that are tied to the success of the organization.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not own any shares of the fund(s).
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Ranger Investment Management, L.P. (“Ranger”)
Transamerica Small Cap Growth
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
W. Conrad Doenges 5 $310 million 4 $75 million 25 $1.1 billion
Andrew Hill 5 $310 million 4 $75 million 25 $1.1 billion
Joseph LaBate 5 $310 million 4 $75 million 25 $1.1 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
W. Conrad Doenges 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Andrew Hill 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Joseph LaBate 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Conflicts of Interest
Ranger recognizes that there are conflicts of interests which are common to the investment industry and/or specific to Ranger, and implements policies and procedures which seek to mitigate such conflicts.
As a fiduciary, Ranger has an affirmative duty to act in the best interests of its clients and to make full and fair disclosure of material facts, particularly where Ranger’s interests may conflict with those of its clients. Ranger’s compliance program requires each employee to act with integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and in an ethical manner when dealing with current and prospective clients, other employees and colleagues in the investment profession, and other participants in the global capital markets. Ranger expects employees to place the interests of clients above their own personal interest and to avoid any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Multiple Clients
Ranger manages client accounts other than Transamerica Small Cap Growth. An inherent conflict to an advisor managing more than one client account is the potential for one client to receive less time, attention or investment opportunity than another client with either more assets under management or a more lucrative fee structure. Ranger’s compliance program addresses this potential conflict by requiring that orders for securities are aggregated and allocated on a pro rata basis in accordance with each account’s investment guidelines as determined exclusively by Ranger’s portfolio manager or his designee. Differences in allocation proportions may occur due to tax considerations, avoidance of odd lots or de minimis numbers of shares, and investment strategies of the accounts. In order to verify compliance with these policies and procedures, Ranger conducts regular reviews of the order allocation process.
As a general matter, Ranger believes that aggregation and pro rata allocation of orders for multiple client accounts is consistent with its duty to seek best execution for its clients. However, in any case in which Ranger believes that aggregation and pro rata allocation of a client order is not consistent with its duty to seek best execution, it will not affect the transaction on an aggregated basis.
Personal Trading
Potential conflicts of interest may exist with respect to the personal trading activities of an advisor’s employees in relation to trading on behalf of such advisor’s clients. An employee trading securities in his or her account prior to trading the same security on behalf of clients (commonly known as “front-running”) is an example of such a conflict. To mitigate this conflict, Ranger requires employees to adhere to certain personal trading procedures overseen by the compliance team. For example, employees are required to receive pre-clearance from a member of Ranger’s compliance team prior to engaging in securities transactions in their personal accounts or securities transactions in personal accounts may, in the alternative, be prohibited by the Firm. Employees may purchase or sell a security once such employee has complied with the preclearance and other personal security transaction policies set forth in Ranger’s compliance program, which oversees the prohibition against front running client accounts and/or acting upon inside information. This process, verification of adherence and record keeping is partially facilitated through the use of specific compliance software as well as regular monitoring and risk-based testing procedures conducted by the compliance team.
Soft Dollars
Ranger seeks to employ a soft dollar policy that falls within the safe harbor established by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Ranger’s use of soft dollar credits to pay for research and brokerage products or services might otherwise be borne by Ranger. Accordingly, there is a potential conflict of interest between a client’s interests in obtaining best execution and Ranger’s receipt of and payment for research through brokerage allocations as described above. To the extent Ranger obtains brokerage and research services that it otherwise would acquire at its own expense, Ranger may have incentive to place a greater volume of transactions or pay higher commissions than would otherwise be the case.
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Research services, as that term is used in Section 28(e)(3), may include both services generated internally by a broker’s own research staff and services obtained by the broker from a third-party research firm. The research services obtained may include a broad variety of financial and related information and services, including written or oral research and information relating to the economy, industries or industry segments, a specific company or group of companies, software or written financial data, electronic or other quotations or market information systems, financial or economic programs or seminars, or other similar services or information Ranger believes enhances its advisory functions and services. The soft dollar research Ranger obtains normally benefits many accounts rather than just the one(s) for which the order is being executed, and Ranger may not use all research in connection with the account(s) which paid commissions to the broker providing the research.
Generally, Ranger will attempt to place portfolio transactions with broker dealers who, in its opinion, provide the best combination of price and execution (including brokerage commissions). However, Ranger may pay a broker dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of commission charged by another broker or dealer as long as Ranger makes a good faith determination that the amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker-dealer.
To mitigate potential conflict of interest posed by soft dollar usage, Ranger implements compliance procedures to actively monitor soft dollar usage in context to its best execution policy. In addition, Ranger maintains an internal allocation procedure to identify those brokers who provided it with research and execution services that Ranger considers useful to its investment decision-making process.
Compensation
Ranger’s portfolio managers are principals of the Firm and are entitled to profits interest in the Firm, which is a function of Ranger’s profitability after all operating expenses including bonuses. The portfolio managers are generally also entitled to a salary and a variable annual bonus.
Bonuses are a function of Ranger’s revenues, asset growth, how well the overall portfolio has performed, a team member’s contribution to the client service function, input to the investment process and willingness to work in a team environment.
Ranger also tries to promote employee stability through 401(k) matching and an excellent healthcare package. Stability is also promoted with other non-monetary benefits such as: continuing education programs and team building outings.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Rockefeller & Co. LLC
Transamerica Global Equity
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Jimmy C. Chang, CFA 5 $1.05 billion 15 $1.69 billion 506 $5.38 billion
David P. Harris, CFA 3 $866 million 20 $2.16 billion 242 $4.09 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Jimmy C. Chang, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $412 million
David P. Harris, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $412 million
Compensation
The Portfolio Managers’ compensation consists of a combination of competitive base salary, a discretionary annual bonus, and in the case of Managing Directors, participation in an Executive Valuation Multiplier Plan. The Executive Valuation Multiplier Plan is designed to foster an environment focused on long-term alignment with our clients and stakeholders. The determination of bonus compensation is based on individual, team and overall company performance, as well as the performance of our clients' portfolios. The bonus is discretionary although metrics, such as individual alpha creation, are a factor in the decision-making process.
Conflicts of Interest
Potential conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the Portfolio Managers’ management of the Funds’ investments and the management of the investments of “other accounts”. The other accounts may have the same or similar investment objectives and strategies as the Funds but may be subject to different management fee structures than the Funds. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the similarities in investment objectives and strategies, whereby the Portfolio Managers could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include the Portfolio Managers’ knowledge about the size, timing and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby the Portfolio Managers could use this information to the advantage of other accounts and to the disadvantage of the Funds. The Adviser has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any share of the fund(s).
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Systematic Financial Management, L.P. (“Systematic”)
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value - Systematic
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Kenneth Burgess, CFA 1 $209 million 0 $0 113 $1.7 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Kenneth Burgess, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Conflict of Interest
Portfolio managers of Systematic Financial Management, LP (“Systematic”) oversee the investment of various types of accounts in the same strategy, such as mutual funds, pooled investment vehicles and separate accounts for individuals and institutions. The simultaneous management of these diverse accounts and specific client circumstances may create perceived conflicts of interest related to differences in the investment management fees charged and unequal time and attention devoted to certain accounts. However, Systematic recognizes its affirmative duty to treat all accounts fairly and equitably over time and maintains a series of controls in furtherance of this goal.
Generally, portfolio managers apply investment decisions to all accounts utilizing a particular strategy on a pro rata basis, while also accounting for varying client circumstances, including client objectives and preferences, instructions, restrictions, account size, cash availability and current specific needs. Nevertheless, during the normal course of managing assets for multiple clients of different types and asset levels, portfolio managers may encounter conflicts of interest that could, if not properly addressed, be harmful to one or more of our clients. Those of a material nature that are encountered most frequently involve, without limitation, investment security selection, employee personal securities trading, proxy voting and the allocation of investment opportunities. To mitigate these potential conflicts and ensure its clients are not negatively impacted by the adverse actions of Systematic or its employees, Systematic has implemented a series of policies and procedures that are overseen by compliance professionals and, in Systematic’s view, reasonably designed to prevent and detect conflicts.
For example, Systematic’s Code of Ethics restricts employees’ personal securities trading, forbids employees from giving, soliciting or accepting inappropriate gifts and entertainment and requires employees to receive explicit approval prior to serving as a board member or officer of a public company or rendering outside investment advice. Additionally, to effectively remove conflicts of interest related to voting proxies for accounts that have delegated such authority to Systematic, Systematic has a Proxy Voting Policy that provides for an independent third-party proxy voting agent, which agent’s pre-determined voting policy guidelines Systematic has adopted. Systematic’s Allocation and Aggregation and Trade Error Correction policies similarly seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest by promoting the fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among client accounts over time and the consistent resolution of trading errors.
Notably, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE: AMG), a publicly traded asset management company, holds its equity interest in Systematic through its holding companies Titan NJ LP Holdings LLC and Titan NJ GP Holdings, Inc. Systematic operates independently as a separate, autonomous affiliate of AMG, which has equity investments in a group of investment management firms including Systematic. The AMG Affiliates do not formulate advice for Systematic’s clients and do not, in Systematic’s view, present any potential conflict of interest with Systematic’s clients.
Compensation
The compensation package for portfolio manager Kenneth Burgess, CFA consists of a fixed base salary and a share of Systematic’s revenues. Total compensation is influenced by Systematic’s overall revenues and therefore is based in part on the aggregate performance of all of Systematic’s portfolios. Portfolio managers are not compensated solely on the basis of the performance of, or the value of assets held in, any product managed by Systematic. Moreover, the portfolio managers are provided with a benefits package, including health insurance, and participation in a company 401(K) plan, comparable to that received by other Systematic employees.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019 the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s), except as follows:
Portfolio Manager Range of Securities Owned Fund
Kenneth Burgess, CFA $100,001 - $500,000 Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value
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TDAM USA Inc. (“TDAM USA”)
Transamerica International Growth
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Alfred Li, CFA 1 $1.7 billion 0 $0 0 $0
Jeff Tiefenbach, CFA 1 $1.7 billion 0 $0 0 $0
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Alfred Li, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Jeff Tiefenbach, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Conflict of Interest
TDAM USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of TD Bank US Holding Company, which is wholly owned by The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Affiliates
Broker-Dealers
TD Securities Inc. (“TD Securities”), is a Canadian “investment dealer” registered in all provinces and territories of Canada and, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a related person of TDAM USA.
TD Securities (USA) LLC (“TDSI USA”), a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
TD Private Client Wealth LLC (“TDPCW”), an affiliate dually registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer and investment adviser, and a member of FINRA, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank, N.A., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
TD Ameritrade Inc. (“TD Ameritrade”) is a U.S. registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA.
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. (“TD Ameritrade Clearing”), also a U.S. registered broker-dealer, provides transfer agency services for the TDAM Funds.
TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. (“TDWaterhouse”) is registered in all Canadian provinces and territories as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.
Investment Advisers
TD Asset Management Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto- Dominion Bank. TDAM is registered as a “portfolio manager” in all Canadian provinces and territories and may also act as an exempt market dealer of securities.
TDPCW, described above, offers investment advisory services through several wrap programs.
Epoch Investment Partners, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank U.S. Holding Company (which is ultimately a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank), is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser.
TD Waterhouse Private Investment Counsel Inc. (“TDW PIC”) is registered in all Canadian provinces and territories as a portfolio manager. It may also act as an exempt market dealer of securities.
TD Bank, N.A., is a U.S. national bank subject to regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and, as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a related person.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank, ultimate parent company, is a Canadian chartered bank regulated by the Canadian Office of the Superintendent
of Financial Institutions.
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Related and Connected Issuers
Related Issuers: An issuer of securities is “related” to us if, through ownership, or direction and control over voting securities, we exercise a controlling influence over that issuer or that issuer exercises a controlling influence over us or the same third party exercises a controlling influence over both us and the issuer.
Connected Issuers: An issuer is “connected” to us if, due to indebtedness or other relationships, a reasonable prospective purchaser might question if that issuer and we are independent of each other.
In carrying on business as an adviser or exempt market dealer, we may, with respect to securities of related issuers, and in the course of a distribution of securities of connected issuers:
(a) exercise discretionary authority to buy or sell these securities for your accounts;
(b) make recommendations regarding these securities to you; and/or
(c) sell units of pooled funds, or other similar collective investment vehicles, established, managed and distributed by us or by our affiliates, to clients.
We will carry out these services in the ordinary course of our business in accordance with our usual practices and procedures and in accordance with all applicable disclosure and other regulatory requirements. It is our policy to comply fully with all applicable securities laws and to make all required disclosures.
Connected Issuers
TDAM USA (and/or its directors, officers and other employees) may, from time to time, advise our clients with respect to the purchase or sale of, or provide advice about, securities issued by related and/or connected issuers to TDAM USA. TDAM USA will only engage in such activities if it is confident that they are in the best interests of its clients and are in compliance with all requirements imposed by applicable securities law and, where applicable, the particular client’s investment policy. The company does not solicit or deal with clients of TDAM USA nor do they directly compete with TDAM USA.
TDAM USA’s employees
i) Outside business activities
TDAM USA’s first obligation is to fulfill our fiduciary duty to our clients. In so doing, employees must not engage in activities, within or outside of the scope of their employment with TDAM USA, that conflict or can be perceived as conflicting with this duty. As stated in the TD Code of Conduct and Ethics, we may not enter into any employment, directorship, office, trade, volunteer activity or business outside of TD or invest in a company (other than an interest of less than 10% of a publicly traded corporation) without first reviewing the guidelines for outside business activities, our terms of employment and applicable laws and regulations that apply to us by virtue of our role and obtaining consent from TD where required. The Chief Executive Officer, Group Heads and any other members of the senior executive team must also obtain the consent of the Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, with some exceptions. As a general principle, outside business activities should not interfere with the performance of our duties at TD or our ability to exercise judgment in TD’s best interests.
ii) Personal trading
Employee trading is governed by TDAM’s Personal Trading Policy, a copy of which is available upon request. The key provisions of this policy with respect to personal trading are summarized as follows:
Prohibition on trading within a five calendar-day blackout period before and after the date on which a transaction in the same security is
effected for a TDAM USA client.
Pre-clearance of all trading by the employee or family members or trading in accounts controlled by the employee, through a designate of the Chief Compliance Officer. Restrictions on investing in initial public offerings and private placements.
Prohibitions on short selling.
Prohibition on trading securities on a “Restricted List” of securities being traded or under consideration for trading by TDAM USA.
Minimum 60-day holding period.
Full disclosure of all securities trades and securities holdings.
Annual holdings report and attestations.
Employees are required to direct their brokers to provide personal account statements directly to TDAM Compliance.
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iii) Insider trading
No TDAM USA employee, officer nor director may trade in a security, either personally or on behalf of TDAM USA clients, while in possession of material, non-public information regarding that security, nor may any employee, officer or director communicate material, non-public information to others in violation of the law. This conduct is commonly referred to as “insider trading.” Penalties for trading on or communicating material, non-public information are severe, both for individuals and their employers. An individual can be subject to penalties such as civil injunctions, damages, disgorgement of profits, jail sentences and fines, even if he/she did not personally benefit from the violation.
TDAM USA has established procedures to aid its employees, officers and directors in avoiding insider trading and to aid in detection and prevention of insider trading and sanctions if procedures are not followed.
Compensation
In addition to base salary and year-end discretionary variable compensation, there are a number of additional benefits in place including:
(1) retirement savings programs that enable employees to direct a percentage of their pretax salary and bonus income into a tax-qualified retirement plan;
(2) incentive programs in which employees may participate subject to certain eligibility requirements; and
(3) In addition, key investment professionals (Vice President & Directors and Managing Directors) also receive TD shares as part of the Restricted Share Units (RSU) Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to encourage employees to increase their interest in TD's long-term success by awarding them “Units,” which provide future compensation related to the price of the common shares of TD.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (“TSW”)
Transamerica International Equity
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA 4 $2.05 billion 6 $1.89 billion 12 $3.26 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica International Small Cap Value
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA 4 $6.20 billion 6 $1.89 billion 12 $3.26 billion
Stedman D. Oakey, CFA 0 $0 2 $382 million 2 $538.8 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Stedman D. Oakey, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
R. Michael Creager, CFA 3 $1.01 billion 1 $78 million 19 $1.87 billion
Brett P. Hawkins, CFA 4 $1.05 billion 3 $140.2 million 34 $2.90 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
R. Michael Creager, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brett P. Hawkins, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $12 million
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income)
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
William M. Bellamy, CFA 1 $1.20 billion 0 $0 26 $208.8 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
William M. Bellamy, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value – TSW
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
R. Michael Creager, CFA 2 $1.62 billion 1 $78 million 19 $1.87 billion
Brett P. Hawkins, CFA 3 $1.68 billion 3 $140.2 million 34 $2.90 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
R. Michael Creager, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Brett P. Hawkins, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $12 million
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Conflict of Interest
TSW seeks to minimize actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise from its management of the Fund and management of non-Fund accounts. TSW has designed and implemented policies and procedures to address (although may not eliminate) potential conflicts of interest, including, among others, performance based fees; hedge funds; aggregation, allocation, and best execution or orders; TSW’s Code of Ethics which requires personnel to act solely in the best interest of their clients and imposes certain restrictions on the ability of Access Persons to engage in personal securities transactions for their own account(s), and procedures to ensure soft dollar arrangements meet the necessary requirements of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. TSW seeks to treat all clients fairly and to put clients’ interests first.
Compensation
For each portfolio manager, TSW’s compensation structure includes the following components: base salary, annual incentive bonus, participation in an Employees’ Retirement Plan and the ability to participate in a voluntary income deferral plan.
Base Salary – Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which varies among portfolio managers depending on the experience and responsibilities of the portfolio manager, as well as the strength or weakness of the employment market at the time the portfolio manager is hired or upon any renewal period.
Bonus – Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus. Targeted bonus amounts vary among portfolio managers based on the experience level and responsibilities of the portfolio manager. Bonus amounts are discretionary tied to overall performance versus individual objectives. Performance versus peer groups and benchmarks are taken into consideration.
Defined Contribution Plan – At the discretion of TSW, a contribution may be made to the employer contribution account for eligible employees of the TSW Retirement Plan subject to IRS limitations.
Deferred Compensation Plan – Portfolio managers meeting certain requirements are also eligible to participate in a voluntary, nonqualified deferred compensation plan that allows participants to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis and potentially earn tax deferred returns.
Equity Plan – Key employees may be awarded deferred TSW equity grants. In addition, key employees may purchase TSW equity directly.
Each portfolio manager is eligible to participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees of TSW.
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s), except as follows:
Portfolio Manager Range of Securities Owned Fund
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA $100,001 - $500,000 Transamerica International Equity
Brett P. Hawkins, CFA Over $1,000,000 Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities
William M. Bellamy, CFA $100,001 - $500,000 Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income)
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA $50,001 - $100,000 Transamerica International Small Cap Value
Stedman D. Oakey, CFA $500,001 - $1,000,000 Transamerica International Small Cap Value
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Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington Management”)
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Mary L. Pryshlak, CFA 10 $6.38 billion 44 $16.34 billion 91 $32.03 billion
Jonathan G. White, CFA 10 $6.38 billion 45 $16.34 billion 93 $32.15 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Mary L. Pryshlak, CFA 1 $166 million 7 $4.45 billion 14 $5.50 billion
Jonathan G. White, CFA 1 $166 million 7 $4.45 billion 14 $5.50 billion
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Timothy N. Manning 2 $411.9 million 7 $213.5 million 6 $834.9 million
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Timothy N. Manning 1 $314.6 million 1 $7.6 million 0 $0
Transamerica US Growth
Portfolio Manager Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Number Assets
Managed
Mammen Chally, CFA 12 $13.73 billion 4 $802.5 million 13 $1.21 billion
Douglas McLane, CFA 12 $13.73 billion 12 $894 million 39 $1.34 billion
David Siegle, CFA 12 $13.73 billion 4 $802.5 million 13 $1.21 billion
Fee Based Accounts
(The number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts managed by each portfolio manager with
respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.)
Mammen Chally, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $258.9 million
Douglas McLane, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $258.9 million
David Siegle, CFA 0 $0 0 $0 1 $258.9 million
Conflict of Interest
Individual investment professionals at Wellington Management manage multiple accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions, such as pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, or separately managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries), bank common trust accounts, and hedge funds. The fund’s managers listed in the prospectus who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund (“Portfolio Managers”) generally manage accounts in several different investment styles. These accounts may have investment objectives, strategies, time horizons, tax considerations and risk profiles that differ from those of the fund. The Portfolio Managers make investment decisions for each account, including the fund, based on the investment objectives, policies, practices, benchmarks, cash flows, tax and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that account. Consequently, the Portfolio Managers may purchase or sell securities, including IPOs, for one account and not another account, and the performance of securities purchased for one account may vary from the performance of securities purchased for other accounts. Alternatively, these accounts may be managed in a similar fashion to the fund and thus the accounts may have similar, and in some cases nearly identical, objectives, strategies and/or holdings to that of the fund.
The Portfolio Managers or other investment professionals at Wellington Management may place transactions on behalf of other accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made on behalf of the fund, or make investment decisions that are similar to those made for the fund, both of which have the potential to adversely impact the fund depending on market conditions. For example, the Portfolio Managers may purchase a security in one account while appropriately selling that same security in another account. Similarly, the Portfolio Managers may purchase the same security for the fund and one or more other accounts at or about the same time. In those instances the other accounts will have access to their respective holdings prior to the public disclosure of the fund’s holdings. In addition, some of these accounts have fee structures, including performance fees, which are or have the potential to be higher, in some cases significantly higher, than the fees Wellington Management receives for managing the fund. Messrs. Chally, Manning, McLane, Siegle and White and Ms. Pryshlak also manage accounts which pay performance allocations to Wellington Management or its affiliates. Because incentive payments paid by Wellington
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Management to the Portfolio Managers are tied to revenues earned by Wellington Management and, where noted, to the performance achieved by the manager in each account, the incentives associated with any given account may be significantly higher or lower than those associated with other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers. Finally, the Portfolio Managers may hold shares or investments in the other pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts identified above.
Wellington Management’s goal is to meet its fiduciary obligation to treat all clients fairly and provide high quality investment services to all of its clients. Wellington Management has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, which it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, Wellington Management monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with primary account guidelines, the allocation of IPOs, and compliance with the firm’s Code of Ethics, and places additional investment restrictions on investment professionals who manage hedge funds and certain other accounts. Furthermore, senior investment and business personnel at Wellington Management periodically review the performance of Wellington Management’s investment professionals. Although Wellington Management does not track the time an investment professional spends on a single account, Wellington Management does periodically assess whether an investment professional has adequate time and resources to effectively manage the investment professional’s various client mandates.
Compensation
Wellington Management receives a fee based on the assets under management of each fund as set forth in the Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between Wellington Management and TAM on behalf of the fund. Wellington Management pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues, including the advisory fees earned with respect to the fund. The following information relates to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019. Wellington Management’s compensation structure is designed to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals necessary to deliver high quality investment management services to its clients. Wellington Management’s compensation of the fund’s managers listed in the prospectus who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund (the “Portfolio Managers”) includes a base salary and incentive components. The base salary for each Portfolio Manager who is a partner (a “Partner”) of Wellington Management Group LLP, the ultimate holding company of Wellington Management, is generally a fixed amount that is determined by the managing partners of Wellington Management Group LLP. The base salary for each other Portfolio Manager is determined by the Portfolio Manager’s experience and performance in his role as Portfolio Manager. Base salaries for Wellington Management’s employees are reviewed annually and may be adjusted based on the recommendation of a Portfolio Manager’s manager, using guidelines established by Wellington Management’s Compensation Committee, which has final oversight responsibility for base salaries of employees of the firm. Each Portfolio Manager, with the exception of Mary Pryshlak and Jon White, is eligible to receive an incentive payment based on the revenues earned by Wellington Management from the Portfolio and generally each other account managed by such Portfolio Manager. Each Portfolio Manager’s incentive payment relating to the fund is linked to the gross pre-tax performance of the portion of the fund managed by the Portfolio Manager compared to the benchmark index and/or peer group identified below over one, three and five year periods, with an emphasis on five year results. Wellington Management applies similar incentive compensation structures (although the benchmarks or peer groups, time periods and rates may differ) to other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, including accounts with performance fees.
Portfolio-based incentives across all accounts managed by an investment professional can, and typically do, represent a significant portion of an investment professional’s overall compensation; incentive compensation varies significantly by individual and can vary significantly from year to year.
The Portfolio Managers may also be eligible for bonus payments based on their overall contribution to Wellington Management’s business operations. Senior management at Wellington Management may reward individuals as it deems appropriate based on other factors. Each Partner is eligible to participate in a Partner-funded tax qualified retirement plan, the contributions to which are made pursuant to an actuarial formula. Messrs. Chally, Manning and McLane and Ms. Pryshlak are Partners.
Fund Benchmark Index and/or Peer Group
for Incentive Period
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth Russell Midcap® Growth Index
Transamerica US Growth Russell 1000® Growth Index
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities N/A
Ownership of Securities
As of October 31, 2019, the portfolio manager(s) did not beneficially own any shares of the fund(s).
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Appendix C – Securities Lending Activities
(for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019)
Transamerica Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $380,272.46
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 5,118.46
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 6,313.80
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $322,824.20
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $334,256.46
Net income from securities lending activities $ 46,016.00
    
Transamerica Capital Growth
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $2,672,187.53
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 108,462.28
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 35,093.60
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $1,552,835.65
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $1,696,391.53
Net income from securities lending activities $ 975,796.00
    
Transamerica Core Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $189,716.66
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 2,020.13
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 3,199.80
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $166,314.73
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $171,534.66
Net income from securities lending activities $ 18,182.00
    
Transamerica Dividend Focused
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $36,507.99
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 325.10
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 603.52
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $32,664.37
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $33,592.99
Net income from securities lending activities $ 2,915.00
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Transamerica Dynamic Income
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $582,363.76
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 32,731.66
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 9,350.99
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $245,822.11
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $287,904.76
Net income from securities lending activities $294,459.00
    
Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $626,970.85
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 17,292.14
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 10,265.90
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $443,955.81
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $471,513.85
Net income from securities lending activities $155,457.00
    
Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $1,008,835.94
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 87,473.89
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 2,503.99
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $ 122,065.06
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $ 212,042.94
Net income from securities lending activities $ 796,793.00
    
Transamerica Emerging Markets Opportunities
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) N/A
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split N/A
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split N/A
Administrative fees not included in revenue split N/A
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split N/A
Rebate (paid to borrower) N/A
Other fees not included in revenue split N/A
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities N/A
Net income from securities lending activities N/A
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Transamerica Event Driven
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $86,731.39
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 2,018.92
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 1,427.20
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $65,118.27
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $68,564.39
Net income from securities lending activities $18,167.00
    
Transamerica Floating Rate
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $112,934.41
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 3,811.61
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 1,835.03
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $ 72,983.77
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $ 78,630.41
Net income from securities lending activities $ 34,304.00
    
Transamerica Global Equity
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $35,370.44
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 1,457.93
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 370.19
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $18,199.32
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $20,027.44
Net income from securities lending activities $15,343.00
    
Transamerica Global Real Estate Securities
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $9,361.30
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 233.48
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 130.33
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $6,944.49
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $7,308.30
Net income from securities lending activities $ 2,053
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Transamerica High Yield Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $2,147,079.45
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 66,401.70
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 34,409.49
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $1,448,931.26
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $1,549,742.45
Net income from securities lending activities $ 597,337.00
    
Transamerica High Yield ESG
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) N/A
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split N/A
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split N/A
Administrative fees not included in revenue split N/A
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split N/A
Rebate (paid to borrower) N/A
Other fees not included in revenue split N/A
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities N/A
Net income from securities lending activities N/A
    
Transamerica High Yield Muni
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $2,082.72
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 179.41
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 17.53
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $ 266.78
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $ 463.72
Net income from securities lending activities $1,619.00
    
Transamerica Inflation Opportunities
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $7,916.35
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 135.17
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 133.87
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $6,430.31
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $6,699.35
Net income from securities lending activities $1,217.00
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Transamerica Intermediate Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $545,946.93
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 14,374.02
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 9,086.26
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $393,313.65
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $416,773.93
Net income from securities lending activities $129,173.00
    
Transamerica International Equity
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $2,802,351.81
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 146,146.22
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 28,083.91
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $1,236,060.68
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $1,410,290.81
Net income from securities lending activities $1,392,061.00
    
Transamerica International Growth
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $1,170,427.10
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 56,446.56
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 11,692.56
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $ 543,724.98
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $ 611,864.10
Net income from securities lending activities $ 558,563.00
    
Transamerica International Small Cap Value
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $415,164.43
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 22,817.13
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 4,728.17
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $182,216.13
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $209,761.43
Net income from securities lending activities $205,403.00
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Transamerica Large Cap Value
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $703,811.01
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 11,247.34
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 11,389.67
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $580,100.00
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $602,737.01
Net income from securities lending activities $101,074.00
    
Transamerica Mid Cap Growth
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $69,488.83
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 3,364.91
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 768.11
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $35,072.81
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $39,205.83
Net income from securities lending activities $30,283.00
    
Transamerica Mid Cap Value
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $35,809.24
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 384.14
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 601.44
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $31,370.66
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $32,356.24
Net income from securities lending activities $ 3,453.00
    
Transamerica Mid Cap Value Opportunities
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $465,901.86
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 22,956.61
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 4,431.65
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $231,940.60
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $259,328.86
Net income from securities lending activities $206,573.00
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Transamerica MLP & Energy Income
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $96,300.08
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 2,029.71
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 1,521.49
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $74,479.88
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $78,031.08
Net income from securities lending activities $18,269.00
    
Transamerica Multi-Asset Income (formerly, Transamerica Strategic High Income)
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $130,704.95
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 6,043.51
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 1,776.47
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $ 68,474.97
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $ 76,294.95
Net income from securities lending activities $ 54,410.00
    
Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $202,647.08
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 6,069.28
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 2,825.29
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $139,168.51
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $148,063.08
Net income from securities lending activities $ 54,584.00
    
Transamerica Short-Term Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $292,499.27
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 3,073.48
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 4,777.92
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $257,026.87
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $264,878.27
Net income from securities lending activities $ 27,621.00
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Transamerica Small Cap Growth
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $174,917.41
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 1,952.10
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 2,933.50
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $152,510.81
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $157,396.41
Net income from securities lending activities $ 17,521.00
    
Transamerica Small Cap Value
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $536,758.31
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 34,371.69
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 4,653.71
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $188,923.91
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $227,949.31
Net income from securities lending activities $308,809.00
    
Transamerica International Stock
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $2,555.32
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 40.28
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 47.95
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $2,109.09
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $2,197.32
Net income from securities lending activities $ 358.00
    
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $395,648.56
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 18,683.05
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 4,164.28
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $204,650.23
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $227,497.56
Net income from securities lending activities $168,151.00
C-8

 


Table of Contents
Transamerica Sustainable Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) N/A
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split N/A
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split N/A
Administrative fees not included in revenue split N/A
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split N/A
Rebate (paid to borrower) N/A
Other fees not included in revenue split N/A
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities N/A
Net income from securities lending activities N/A
    
Transamerica Total Return
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $199,168.76
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 4,882.95
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 3,316.76
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $147,064.05
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $155,263.76
Net income from securities lending activities $ 43,905.00
    
Transamerica Unconstrained Bond
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $417,713.24
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 19,331.57
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 6,001.46
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $218,379.21
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $243,712.24
Net income from securities lending activities $174,001.00
    
Transamerica US Growth
Gross income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) $95,554.24
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $ 4,020.48
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $ 1,285.44
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Indemnification fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Rebate (paid to borrower) $54,057.32
Other fees not included in revenue split $ 0.00
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $59,363.24
Net income from securities lending activities $36,191.00
C-9


Table of Contents

TRANSAMERICA FUNDS

OTHER INFORMATION

PART C

 

Item 28

Exhibits

List all exhibits filed as part of the Registration Statement.

 

(a)   Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, filed previously with PEA 212 on December 23, 2015.
(b)   By-laws, filed previously with PEA 89 on February 28, 2008.
(c)   n/a
(d)(1)   Management Agreement between Registrant and Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”), filed previously with PEA 213 on February  25, 2016.
(d)(1)(a)   Amended Schedule A to Management Agreement between Registrant and TAM dated March  1, 2020, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(d)(1)(b)   Amended Schedule A dated July 31, 2020 to Management Agreement between Registrant and TAM, filed herein.
  Sub-Advisory Agreements
(d)(2)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC dated March 22, 2011, filed previously with PEA 126 on April 29, 2011.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated May  1, 2015, on behalf of Transamerica Bond, Transamerica Floating Rate, Transamerica High Yield Bond, Transamerica Intermediate Bond, Transamerica Government Money Market, Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced and Transamerica Short-Term Bond, filed previously with PEA 213 on February 25, 2016.
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 216 on April 29, 2016.
  (iii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated November  11, 2016, filed previously with PEA 236 on November 10, 2016.
  (iv) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated July  2, 2018, on behalf of Transamerica Bond, filed previously with PEA 263 on August 30, 2018.
  (v) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated August  1, 2019, filed previously with PEA 274 on September 27, 2019.
  (vi) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated January  6, 2020, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
  (vii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated July 31, 2020, on behalf of Transamerica High Yield ESG and Transamerica Sustainable Bond, filed herein.
(d)(3)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., dated June 23, 2004, filed previously with PEA 63 on November 2, 2004.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated March  1, 2016, on behalf of Transamerica Capital Growth, filed previously with PEA 213 on February 25, 2016.
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated May  1, 2016, filed previously with PEA 274 on March 17, 2017.
  (iii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  18, 2019, filed previously with PEA 274 on September 27, 2019.
(d)(4)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC dated November  1, 2018, filed previously with PEA 268 on December 19, 2018.
(d)(5)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Pacific Investment Management Company dated March 1, 2002, filed previously with PEA 51 on December 13, 2002.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated July  1, 2015, on behalf of Transamerica Total Return, filed previously with PEA 213 on February 25, 2016.
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 230 on September 29, 2016.
(d)(6)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Systematic Financial Management L.P. dated March  22, 2011, filed previously with PEA 126 on April 29, 2011.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  31, 2013, filed previously with PEA 179 on October 30, 2013 on behalf of Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value.
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 216 on April 29, 2016.
(d)(7)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. dated June 15, 2004, filed previously with PEA 63 on November 2, 2004 on behalf of Transamerica Mid Cap Value.
(d)(8)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. dated November 7, 2005, filed previously with PEA 72 to Registration Statement on November 8, 2005.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  31, 2013, filed previously with PEA 179 on October 30, 2013 on behalf of Transamerica Core Bond and Transamerica Multi-Managed Balanced.


Table of Contents
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 216 on April 29, 2016.
  (iii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated July  31, 2016, filed previously with PEA 230 on September 29, 2016.
  (iv) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated November  11, 2016, filed previously with PEA 236 on November 10, 2016.
  (v) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated August  1, 2017, filed previously with PEA 250 on December 19, 2017.
(d)(9)   Asset Allocation Management Agreement between TAM and Morningstar Associates LLC, filed previously with PEA 44 on February  19, 2002.
  (i) Amendment dated March  1, 2006 to Asset Allocation Management Agreement, filed previously with PEA77 on March 1, 2006 on behalf of Transamerica Asset Allocation series (4).
  (ii) Amendment dated November 25, 2012, filed previously with PEA 167 on December  21, 2012 on behalf of Transamerica Asset Allocation series (4).
  (iv) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement to be filed by amendment.
(d)(10)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and TDAM USA Inc. dated November  1, 2018, filed previously with PEA 268 on December 19, 2018.
  (i) Sub-Advisory Agreement Assumption Letter between TAM and TDAM USA Inc. dated as of September  30, 2019, filed previously with PEA 277 on December 18, 2019.
(d)(11)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Wellington Management LLP dated September  15, 2008, filed previously with PEA 93 to Registration Statement on September 15, 2008.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated May  29, 2015, filed previously with PEA 213 on February 25, 2016.
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated May  13, 2016, filed previously with PEA 230 on September 29, 2016.
  (iii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated November  11, 2016, filed previously with PEA 236 on November 10, 2016.
  (iv) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated December  1, 2018, filed previously with PEA 268 on December 19, 2018.
  (v) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated August  2, 2019, filed previously with PEA 274 on September 27, 2019.
  (vi) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated December  19, 2019, filed previously with PEA 277 on December 18, 2019.
(d)(12)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Thompson, Siegel  & Walmsley LLC, dated November 10, 2017, filed previously with PEA 251 on February 28, 2018.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated February  21, 2020, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(d)(13)   Sub-Advisory Agreement dated July  31, 2012 between TAM and Levin Easterly Partners LLC, filed previously with PEA 159 on August 30, 2012 on behalf of Transamerica Large Cap Value.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 216 on April 29, 2016.
(d)(14)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Peregrine Capital Management, LLC on behalf of Transamerica Small Cap Value, filed previously with PEA 268 on December 19, 2018.
(d)(15)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and MetLife Investment Management, LLC on behalf of Transamerica Emerging Markets Debt dated September 15, 2017, filed previously with PEA 251 on February 28, 2018.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated July  2, 2018, filed previously with PEA 263 on August 30, 2018.
(d)(16)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and ClariVest Asset Management LLC dated December  24, 2012, filed previously with PEA 171 dated February 28, 2013 on behalf of Transamerica Emerging Markets Equity.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 148 on July 6, 2017.
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated July  2, 2018, filed previously with PEA 263 on August 30, 2018.
  (iii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated September  28, 2018 on behalf of Transamerica International Stock, filed previously with PEA 266 on September 27, 2018.
(d)(17)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Ranger Investment Management, L.P. dated August  31, 2012, filed previously with PEA 159 on August 30, 2012 on behalf of Transamerica Small Cap Growth.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 216 on April 29, 2016.
(d)(18)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Belle Haven Investments, L.P. dated October  31, 2012, filed previously with PEA 165 on October 31, 2012 on behalf of Transamerica Intermediate Muni.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated July  31, 2013, filed previously with PEA 176 on July 30, 2013 on behalf of Transamerica Intermediate Muni and Transamerica High Yield Muni.
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated February  2, 2016, filed previously with PEA 230 on September 29, 2016.
(d)(19)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, dated November 10, 2017, filed previously with PEA 251 on February 28, 2018.
(d)(20)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Kanye Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. dated April  30, 2013, filed previously with PEA 173 on April 29, 2013 on behalf of Transamerica MLP & Energy Income.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated February  2, 2016, filed previously with PEA 216 on April 29, 2016.


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(d)(21)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and PineBridge Investments LLC, dated March 1, 2014, filed previously with PEA 183 on February 28, 2014.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated December  8, 2014 on behalf of Transamerica Inflation Opportunities and Transamerica Unconstrained Bond, filed previously with PEA 192 on December 3, 2014.
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 216 on April 29, 2016.
  (iii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated June  29, 2018 on behalf of Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities, filed previously with PEA 263 on August 30, 2018.
  (iv) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement Dated September  1, 2018 on behalf of Transamerica Inflation Opportunities, Transamerica Inflation-Protected Securities, Transamerica Large Core, Transamerica Large Value Opportunities and Transamerica Unconstrained Bond, filed previously with PEA 268 on December 19, 2018.
(d)(22)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Rockefeller  & Co. LLC dated March 1, 2018 on behalf of Transamerica Global Equity, filed previously with PEA 253 on March 20, 2018.
(d)(23)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and QS Investors LLC, on behalf of the Transamerica ClearTrack series filed previously with PEA 197 on February 27, 2015.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory dated May  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 203 on May 28, 2015, on behalf of Transamerica Dynamic Income.
  (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 216 on April 29, 2016.
  (iii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated July  7, 2017, filed previously with PEA 248 on July 6, 2017.
  (iv) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated December  20, 2019, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(d)(24)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between TAM and Advent Capital Management, LLC on behalf of Transamerica Event Driven, filed previously with PEA 199 on March 30, 2015.
  (i) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 230 on September 29, 2016.
(d)(25)   Sub-Advisory Agreement dated November  11, 2016 between TAM and Merganser Capital Management, LLC on behalf of Transamerica High Quality Bond, filed previously with PEA 236 on November 10, 2016.
(e)(1)   Underwriting Agreement between Registrant and Transamerica Capital, Inc. (“TCI”) dated November  1, 2007, filed previously with PEA 89 on February 28, 2008.
(e)(1)(i)   Schedule I to Underwriting Agreement between Registrant and TCI dated March  1, 2020, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(e)(1)(ii)   Schedule I to Underwriting Agreement between Registrant and TCI dated July 31, 2020, filed herein.
(e)(2)   Dealer’s Sales Agreement form between TCI and dealer, filed previously with PEA 106 to Registration Statement on November 30, 2009.
(e)(3)   Service Agreement form between TCI and prospective Servicer, filed previously with PEA 31 to Registration Statement filed on September  2, 1999.
(e)(4)   Wholesaler’s Agreement, filed previously with PEA 25 to Registration Statement filed on January 31, 1997.
(f)   Amended and Restated Board Members Deferred Compensation Plan dated January  12, 2010, filed previously with PEA 108 to Registration Statement on February 26, 2010.
(g)(1)   Custody Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated January  1, 2011, filed previously with PEA 126 on April 29, 2011.
(g)(1)(i)   Amendment to Appendix A-1 of Custody Agreement dated November  30, 2015 filed previously with PEA 213 on February 25, 2016.
(g)(1)(ii)   Amendment to Custody Agreement dated December  17, 2012, filed previously with PEA 170 to Registration Statement on February 12, 2013.
(g)(1)(iii)   Amended Appendix A-1 (Mutual Funds) of Custody Agreement dated March  1, 2020, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(g)(1)(iv)   Amended Appendix A-1 (Mutual Funds) of Custody Agreement dated July 31, 2020, filed herein.
(h)(1)   Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement between Registrant and Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. (“TFS”) dated March 1, 2018, filed previously with PEA 251 on February 28, 2018.
(h)(2)   Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and TAM dated March  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 199 on March 30, 2015.
(h)(2)(i)   Amendment to Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement dated September  16, 2016, filed previously with PEA 269 on February 28, 2019.
(h)(2)(ii)   Amended Schedules A and B to Expense Limitation Agreement dated March  1, 2020, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(h)(2)(iii)   Amended Schedules A and B to Expense Limitation Agreement dated July 31, 2020, filed herein.


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(h)(3)   Master Sub-Administration Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated December 17, 2012, filed previously with PEA 170 on February 12, 2013.
(h)(3)(i)   Novation Agreement dated April  7, 2016 on behalf of Master Sub-Administration Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, filed previously with PEA 230 on September 29, 2016.
(h)(3)(ii)   Amended Schedule (Mutual Funds) dated March 1, 2020, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(h)(3)(iii)   Amended Schedule (Mutual Funds) dated July 31, 2020, filed herein.
(i)   Opinion of Counsel, filed herein.
(j)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed herein.
(k)   n/a
(l)   Investment Letter from Sole Shareholder, filed previously with PEA 24, filed on November 15, 1996.
(m)(1)   Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution under Rule 12b-1 dated March  1, 2015, filed previously with PEA 197 on February 27, 2015.
(m)(1)(i)   Amended Schedule A to 12b-1 Plan dated March  1, 2020, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(m)(1)(ii)   Amended Schedule A to 12b-1 Plan dated July 31, 2020, filed herein.
(n)(1)   Amended and Restated Plan for Multiple Classes of Shares dated February  15, 2019, filed previously with PEA 269 on February 28, 2019.
(n)(1)(i)   Amended Schedule A to Multiple Class Plan dated March  1, 2020, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(n)(1)(ii)   Amended Schedule A to Multiple Class Plan dated July 31, 2020, filed herein.
(o)   Reserved
(p)(1)   Joint Code of Ethics for Transamerica Funds and Transamerica Asset Management, Inc., filed previously with PEA 269 on February  28, 2019.

SUB-ADVISERS CODE OF ETHICS

(p)(2)   Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC, filed previously with PEA 251 on February 28, 2018.
(p)(3)   Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(4)   BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(5)   J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(6)   Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(7)   Morningstar Associates, LLC, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(8)   Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC, filed previously with PEA 243 on February 28, 2017.
(p)(9)   TDAM USA Inc., filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(10)   Wellington Management Company, LLP, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(11)   Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(12)   Systematic Financial Management L.P., filed previously with PEA 243 on February 28, 2017.
(p)(13)   MetLife Investment Management, LLC, filed previously with PEA 154 on March 1, 2012.
(p)(14)   ClariVest Asset Management LLC, filed previously with PEA 251 on February 28, 2018.
(p)(15)   Levin Easterly Partners LLC, filed previously with PEA 269 on February 28, 2019.
(p)(16)   Ranger Investment Management, L.P., filed previously with PEA 159 on August 30, 2012.
(p)(17)   Belle Haven Investments, L.P., filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(18)   Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, filed previously with PEA 243 on February 28, 2017.
(p)(19)   PineBridge Investments LLC, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(20)   Rockefeller & Co. LLC, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(21)   QS Investors, LLC, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(22)   Advent Capital Management, LLC, filed previously with PEA 269 on February 28, 2019.
(p)(23)   Peregrine Capital Management, LLC, filed previously with PEA 280 on February 28, 2020.
(p)(24)   Merganser Capital Management, LLC, filed previously with PEA 251 on February 28, 2018.
(q)(1)   Power of Attorney, filed previously with PEA 277 on December 18, 2019.
(q)(2)   Power of Attorney, Board of BlackRock Fund Advisors, Inc. on behalf of S&P 500 Stock Master Portfolio, a series of the Master Investment Portfolio, filed previously with PEA 271 on April 30, 2019.


Table of Contents
Item 29

Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Fund

To the knowledge of the Registrant, neither the Registrant nor any Series thereof is controlled by or under common control with any other person. The Registrant has no subsidiaries.

 

Item 30

Indemnification

Provisions relating to indemnification of the Registrant’s Trustees and employees are included in Registrant’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Bylaws which are incorporated herein by reference.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to Trustees, officers and controlling persons, or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification may be against public policy as expressed in the Act and may be, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Trustee, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such Trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

Item 31

Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

See “Shareholder Information — Investment Manager” in the Prospectuses and “Investment Management and Other Services — The Investment Manager” in the Statement of Additional Information for information regarding Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (“TAM”). For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of each of the officers and directors of TAM, reference is made to TAM’s current Form ADV filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, incorporated herein by reference (File No. 801-53319; CRD No. 107376).

With respect to information regarding each sub-adviser, reference is hereby made to “Shareholder Information — Sub-Advisers” in the Prospectuses. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of each of the officers and directors of each sub-adviser, reference is made to the current Form ADVs of each sub-adviser filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, incorporated herein by reference and the file numbers of which are as follows:

 

Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC

File No. 801-60667

CRD No. 114537

  

Morningstar Investment Management LLC

File No. 801-56896

CRD No. 108031

Advent Capital Management, LLC

File No. 801-60263

CRD No. 113013

  

Pacific Investment Management Company LLC

File No. 801-48187

CRD No. 104559

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

File No. 801-31237

CRD No. 105519

  

Peregrine Capital Management, LLC

File No. 801-21400

CRD No. 110052

Belle Haven Investments, L.P

File No. 801-62290

CRD No. 29278

  

PineBridge Investments LLC

File No. 801-18759

CRD No. 105926

BlackRock Investment Management, LLC

File No. 801-56972

CRD No. 108928

  

QS Investors, LLC

File No. 801-70974

CRD No. 152688

ClariVest Asset Management LLC

File No. 801-66386

CRD No. 139785

  

Ranger Investment Management, L.P.

File No. 801-62397

CRD No. 124414

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.

File No. 801-21011

CRD No. 107038

  

Rockefeller & Co. LLC

File No. 801-113009

CRD No. 294197

Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P.

File No. 801-46991

CRD No. 104536

  

Systematic Financial Management, L.P.

File No. 801-48908

CRD No. 106146

Levin Easterly Partners LLC

File No. 801-114563

CRD No. 299607

  

TDAM USA Inc.

File No. 801-50261

CRD No. 110088


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MetLife Investment Management, LLC

File No. 801-67314

CRD No. 142463

  

Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC

File No. 801-6273

CRD No. 105726

Merganser Capital Management, LLC

File No. 801-78733

CRD No. 169258

  

Wellington Management Company, LLP

File No. 812-15908

CRD No. 106595

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

File No. 801-15757

CRD No. 110353

  

 

Item 32

Principal Underwriter

 

(a)

The Registrant has entered into an Underwriting Agreement with Transamerica Capital, Inc. (“TCI”), whose address is 1801 California St., Suite 5200, Denver, Colorado 80202 to act as the principal underwriter of Fund shares.

 

(b)

Directors and Officers of TCI:

 

     
Name    Positions and Offices with Underwriter    Positions and Offices with Registrant
     
Brian Beitzel    Director, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer    N/A
     
Joseph Boan    Director & Vice President    N/A
     
Doug Hellerman    Chief Compliance Officer & Vice President    N/A
     
Frank Sottosanti    Chief Marketing Officer    N/A
     
Gregory E. Miller-Breetz    Secretary    N/A
     
Vincent Toner    Vice President    Vice President & Treasurer
     
Michael Kiefer    Vice President    N/A
     
Jennifer Pearce    Vice President    N/A

 

Item 33

Location of Accounts and Records

The accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder are maintained as follows:

 

(a)

Shareholder records are maintained by the Registrant’s transfer agent, Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., 1801 California St., Suite 5200, Denver, Colorado 80202.

 

(b)

All other accounting records of the Registrant are maintained at the offices of the Registrant at 1801 California St., Suite 5200, Denver, Colorado 80202 under the physical possession of the officers of the Fund, or at the offices of the Custodian: State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111.

 

Item 34

Management Services

The Registrant has no management-related service contract that is not discussed in Part I of this form. See “Shareholder Information — Investment Manager” in the Prospectuses and “Investment Management and Other Services — The Investment Manager” in the Statement of Additional Information for a discussion of the management and advisory services furnished by Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC, Advent Capital Management, LLC, Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, Belle Haven Investments, L.P, BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, ClariVest Asset Management LLC, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., Levin Easterly Partners LLC, MetLife Investment Management, LLC, Merganser Capital Management, LLC, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., LLC, Morningstar Investment Management LLC, Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, Peregrine Capital Management, LLC, PineBridge Investments, LLC, QS Investors, LLC, Ranger Investment Management, L.P., Rockefeller & Co. LLC, Systematic Financial Management, L.P., TDAM USA Inc., Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC and Wellington Management Company LLP, pursuant to the Investment Management Agreements, the Sub-Advisory Agreements, and the Underwriting Agreement.

 

Item 35

Undertakings

Not applicable


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 287 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunder duly authorized, in the City of Denver, State of Colorado, on the 30th day of July, 2020.

 

TRANSAMERICA FUNDS

By:   /s/ Marijn P. Smit
 

Marijn P. Smit

 

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 287 to its Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

/s/ Marijn P. Smit

Marijn P. Smit

  

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

July 30, 2020

/s/ Sandra N. Bane

Sandra N. Bane*

  

Trustee

 

July 30, 2020

/s/ Leo J. Hill

Leo J. Hill*

  

Trustee

 

July 30, 2020

/s/ David W. Jennings

David W. Jennings*

  

Trustee

 

July 30, 2020

/s/ Fredric A. Nelson III

Fredric A. Nelson III*

  

Trustee

 

July 30, 2020

/s/ John E. Pelletier

John E. Pelletier*

  

Trustee

 

July 30, 2020

/s/ Patricia L. Sawyer

Patricia L. Sawyer*

  

Trustee

 

July 30, 2020

/s/ John W. Waechter

John W. Waechter*

  

Trustee

 

July 30, 2020

/s/ Alan F. Warrick

Alan F. Warrick*

  

Trustee

 

July 30, 2020

/s/ Vincent J. Toner

Vincent J. Toner

  

Vice President, Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

 

July 30, 2020

 

*By:

 

/s/ Erin D. Nelson

Erin D. Nelson**

  

Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

 

July 30, 2020

 

**

Attorney-in-fact pursuant to power of attorney previously filed.

 


Table of Contents

Exhibits Filed With

Post-Effective Amendment No. 287

to

Registration Statement on

Form N-1A

Transamerica Funds

Registration No. 033-02659

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number  

Description of Exhibit

(d)(1)(b)   Amended Schedule A dated July 31, 2020 to Management Agreement
(d)(2)(vii)   Amendment dated July 31, 2020 to Sub-Advisory Agreement with AUIM
(e)(1)(ii)   Amended Schedule I dated July 31, 2020 to Underwriting Agreement
(g)(1)(iv)   Amended Appendix A-1 dated July 31, 2020 to Custody Agreement
(h)(2)(iii)   Amended Schedules A and B dated July 31, 2020 to Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement
(h)(3)(iii)   Amended Schedule (Mutual Funds) dated July 31, 2020 to Master Sub-Administration Agreement
(i)   Opinion of Counsel
(j)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-Ernst & Young LLP
(m)(1)(ii)   Amended Schedule A dated July 31, 2020 to Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution under Rule 12b-1
(n)(1)(ii)   Amended Schedule A to Multiple Class Plan dated July 31, 2020