0000950129-09-001423.txt : 20120529
0000950129-09-001423.hdr.sgml : 20120528
20090430162656
ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950129-09-001423
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 485APOS
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 30
FILED AS OF DATE: 20090430
DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20111209
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIM EQUITY FUNDS
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000105377
IRS NUMBER: 132576643
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1031
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 485APOS
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-25469
FILM NUMBER: 09784201
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 11 GREENWAY PLZ
STREET 2: STE 100
CITY: HOUSTON
STATE: TX
ZIP: 77046
BUSINESS PHONE: 7136261919
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 11 GREENWAY PLAZA
STREET 2: SUITE 2500
CITY: HOUSTON
STATE: TX
ZIP: 77046
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: AIM EQUITY FUNDS
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20000713
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: AIM EQUITY FUNDS INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WEINGARTEN EQUITY FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19880929
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIM EQUITY FUNDS
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000105377
IRS NUMBER: 132576643
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1031
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 485APOS
SEC ACT: 1940 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-01424
FILM NUMBER: 09784202
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 11 GREENWAY PLZ
STREET 2: STE 100
CITY: HOUSTON
STATE: TX
ZIP: 77046
BUSINESS PHONE: 7136261919
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 11 GREENWAY PLAZA
STREET 2: SUITE 2500
CITY: HOUSTON
STATE: TX
ZIP: 77046
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: AIM EQUITY FUNDS
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20000713
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: AIM EQUITY FUNDS INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WEINGARTEN EQUITY FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19880929
0000105377
S000025554
AIM DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND
C000076530
CLASS Y
485APOS
1
h66495ae485apos.txt
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT TO 485(A)
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2009
1933 Act Registration No. 002-25469
1940 Act Registration No. 811-01424
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___ [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 94 [X]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77046
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code (713) 626-1919
John M. Zerr, Esquire
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77046
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Melanie Ringold, Esquire E. Carolan Berkley, Esquire
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100 2600 One Commerce Square
Houston, Texas 77046-1173 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after this
post-effective amendment becomes
effective.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] on (date)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)
X on July 14, 2009 pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities
in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion - April 30, 2009
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund
PROSPECTUS
July 14, 2009
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund's investment objective is long-term capital
appreciation and current income.
This prospectus contains important information about the Class Y shares of the
fund. Please read it before investing and keep it for future reference.
As with all other mutual fund securities, the Securities and Exchange Commission
has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined whether the
information in this prospectus is adequate or accurate. Anyone who tells you
otherwise is committing a crime. An investment in the fund:
- is not FDIC insured;
- may lose value; and
- is not guaranteed by a bank.
Table of Contents
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY 1
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION 1
FEE TABLE AND EXPENSE EXAMPLE 1
Fee Table 1
Expense Example 2
HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT AND EXPENSE INFORMATION 2
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS 3
Objective and Strategies 3
Risks 4
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 5
FUND MANAGEMENT 5
The Advisors 5
Advisor Compensation 6
Portfolio Managers 6
OTHER INFORMATION 7
Dividends and Distributions 7
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 7
GENERAL INFORMATION A-1
Choosing a Share Class A-1
Share Class Eligibility A-2
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees A-2
Initial Sales Charges (Class A Only) A-3
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (CDSCs) A-4
Redemption Fees A-6
Purchasing Shares A-6
Redeeming Shares A-8
Exchanging Shares A-9
Rights Reserved by the Funds A-11
Pricing of Shares A-11
Taxes A-13
Payments to Financial Advisors A-13
Excessive Short-Term Trading Activity (Market Timing) Disclosures A-14
OBTAINING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Back Cover
The AIM Family of Funds, AIM and Design, AIM, AIM Funds, AIM Funds and Design,
AIM Investments, AIM Investor, AIM Lifetime America, AIM LINK, AIM Institutional
Funds, aimfunds.com, La Familia AIM de Fondos, La Familia AIM de Fondos and
Design, Invierta con DISCIPLINA, Invest with DISCIPLINE, The AIM College Savings
Plan, AIM Solo 401(k), AIM Investments and Design and Your goals. Our solutions.
are registered service marks and AIM Bank Connection, AIM Internet Connect, AIM
Private Asset Management, AIM Private Asset Management and Design, AIM Stylized
and/or Design, AIM Alternative Assets and Design and myaim.com are service marks
of Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc. AIM Trimark is a registered service mark
of Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc. and Invesco Trimark Ltd.
No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations other than those contained in this
prospectus, and you should not rely on such other information or
representations.
Risk/Return Summary
The fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation and current
income.
The fund seeks to meet these objectives by investing at least 80% of its
assets in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of publicly traded U.S.
companies. The fund may also invest in convertible securities of any
publicly-traded company, the equity securities of foreign companies and American
Depositary Receipts.
The fund may also invest in debt securities. The fund's investments in the
types of securities described in this prospectus vary from time to time and, at
any time, the fund may not be invested in all types of securities described in
this prospectus. Any percentage limitations with respect to assets of the fund
are applied at the time of purchase.
Among the principal risks of investing in the fund, which could adversely
affect its net asset value, yield and total return are:
Market Risk
Value Investing Risk
Equity Securities Risk
Foreign Securities Risk
Market Capitalization Risk
Convertible Securities Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Credit Risk
Management Risk
Please see "Investment Objective, Strategies and Risks" for a description
of these risks.
There is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in
the fund and that the income you may receive from your investment may vary. The
value of your investment in the fund will rise and fall with the prices of the
securities in which the fund invests.
An investment in a fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.
Performance Information
No performance information is available for the fund because it has not yet
commenced operations. In the future, the fund will disclose performance
information in a bar chart and performance table. Such disclosure will give some
indication of the risks of an investment in the fund by comparing the fund's
performance with a broad measure of market performance and by showing changes in
the fund's performance from year to year.
Fee Table and Expense Example
FEE TABLE
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 Y
---------------------------------------------- -------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) [ ]
Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) [ ]
(as a percentage of original purchase
price or redemption proceeds, whichever
is less)
1
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2)
(EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) CLASS Y
--------------------------------------------- -------
Management Fees [ ]
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees [ ]
Other Expenses [ ]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses [ ]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses [ ]
[(1) A contingent deferred sales charge may apply in some cases. See "General
Information--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (CDSCs)."
(2) There is no guarantee that actual expenses will be the same as those shown
in the table.]
If a financial institution is managing your account, you may also be charged a
transaction or other fee by such financial institution. As a result of 12b-1
fees, long-term shareholders in the fund may pay more than the maximum permitted
initial sales charge.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in different
classes of the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you:
(i) invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated;
(ii) redeem all of your shares at the end of the periods indicated;
(iii) earn a 5% return on your investment before operating expenses each year;
(iv) incur the same amount in operating expenses each year (after giving effect
to any applicable contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements);
and
(v) incur applicable initial sales charges (see "General Information--Choosing
a Share Class" section of this prospectus for applicability of initial
sales charge).
To the extent fees are waived and/or expenses are reimbursed voluntarily, your
expenses will be lower. Although your actual returns and costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
------ -------
Class Y [ ] [ ]
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
------ -------
Class Y [ ] [ ]
Hypothetical Investment and Expense Information
In connection with the final settlement reached between Invesco Aim Advisors,
Inc. and certain of its affiliates with certain regulators, including the New
York Attorney General's Office, the SEC and the Colorado Attorney General's
Office (the settlement) arising out of certain market timing and unfair pricing
allegations made against Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. and certain of its
affiliates, Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. and certain of its affiliates agreed,
among other things, to disclose certain hypothetical information regarding
investment and expense information to fund shareholders. The chart below is
intended to reflect the annual and cumulative impact of the fund's expenses,
including investment advisory fees and other fund costs, on the fund's return
over a 10-year period. The example reflects the following:
- You invest $10,000 in the fund and hold it for the entire 10-year
period;
2
- Your investment has a 5% return before expenses each year;
- Hypotheticals both with and without any applicable initial sales
charge applied (see "General Information--Choosing a Share Class"
section of this prospectus for applicability of initial sales charge);
and
- There is no sales charge on reinvested dividends.
There is no assurance that the annual expense ratio will be the expense ratio
for the fund classes for any of the years shown. To the extent that Invesco Aim
Advisors, Inc. and certain of its affiliates make any fee waivers and/or expense
reimbursements pursuant to a voluntary arrangement, your actual expenses may be
less. This is only a hypothetical presentation made to illustrate what expenses
and returns would be under the above scenarios; your actual returns and expenses
are likely to differ (higher or lower) from those shown below.
CLASS Y YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 YEAR 6 YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Annual Expense Ratio [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Cumulative Return Before Expenses [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Cumulative Return After Expenses [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
End of Year Balance [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Estimated Annual Expenses [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Investment Objective, Strategies and Risks
OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
The fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation and current
income. The investment objective of the fund may be changed by the Board of
Trustees without shareholder approval.
The fund seeks to meet these objectives by investing, at least 80% of its
assets in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of publicly-traded U.S.
companies. The Fund may also invest in convertible securities of any publicly
traded company. The equity securities of foreign companies and American
Depositary Receipts.
The fund may also invest in debt securities, including lower quality debt
securities. The fund's investments in the types of securities described in this
prospectus vary from time to time and, at any time, the fund may not be invested
in all types of securities described in this prospectus. Any percentage
limitations with respect to assets of the fund are applied at the time of
purchase.
The fund normally invests in common stocks that generate strong cash flow and
are available at attractive valuations. The fund's portfolio managers will be
opportunistic with regard to the prices it will pay for new investments and at
which it will terminate positions. The fund seeks a yield for its shareholders
that exceeds the yield on the securities comprising the S&P 500--Registered
Trademark-- Index. The Fund is not restricted to investing in particular sectors
or in stocks within a market capitalization range, but will tend toward
large-cap companies.
The fund's portfolio managers emphasize a bottom-up, fundamental stock
selection that focuses on companies that can consistently deliver strong cash
flow growth and return on invested capital. The portfolio managers also looks to
invest in companies with a proven track record of solid business execution
because it believes that such a history is an indication of the value of the
underlying franchise or market position. These companies typically have a
proprietary product or business approach that allows them to be leaders within
their respective industries. In addition, the portfolio managers emphasize
diversification in terms of sector exposure as well as the number of securities
held, and normally expects low turnover of holdings.
The fund typically maintains a portion of its assets in cash, which is
generally invested in money market funds advised by the fund's advisor. The fund
holds cash to handle its daily cash needs, which include payment of fund
expenses, redemption requests and
3
securities transactions. The amount of cash held by the fund may increase if the
fund takes a temporary defensive position. The fund may take a temporary
defensive position when it receives unusually large redemption requests, or if
there are inadequate investment opportunities due to adverse market, economic,
political or other conditions. A larger amount of cash could negatively affect
the fund's investment results in a period of rising market prices; conversely it
could reduce the magnitude of a fund's loss in the event of falling market
prices and provide liquidity to make additional investments or to meet
redemptions. As a result, the fund may not achieve its investment objectives.
RISKS
The principal risks of investing in the fund are:
Market Risk--The prices of and the income generated by securities held by the
fund may decline in response to certain events, including those directly
involving the companies whose securities are owned by the fund; general economic
and market conditions; regional or global economic instability; and currency and
interest rate fluctuations.
Value Investing Risk--Value stocks can react differently to issuer, political,
market and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of
stocks. In addition, market performance tends to be cyclical and, during various
cycles, value stocks may be out-of-favor with many investors and can continue to
be undervalued for long periods of time and may not ever realize their full
value.
Equity Securities Risk--The prices of equity securities change in response to
many factors including the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer,
the value of its assets, general economic conditions, interest rates, investor
perceptions, and market liquidity.
Foreign Securities Risk--The dollar value of the fund's foreign investments will
be affected by changes in the exchange rates between the dollar and the
currencies in which those investments are traded. The value of the fund's
foreign investments may be adversely affected by political and social
instability in their home countries, by changes in economic or taxation policies
in those countries, or by the difficulty in enforcing obligations in those
countries. Foreign companies generally may be subject to less stringent
regulations than U.S. companies, including financial reporting requirements and
auditing and accounting controls. As a result, there generally is less publicly
available information about foreign companies than about U.S. companies. Trading
in many foreign securities may be less liquid and more volatile than U.S.
securities due to the size of the market or other factors. Investments in
American Depositary Receipts also present many of the same risks as foreign
securities.
Market Capitalization Risk--Stocks fall into three broad market capitalization
categories - large, medium and small. Investing primarily in one category
carries the risk that, due to current market conditions, that category may be
out of favor with investors. Small and mid-sized companies tend to be more
vulnerable to adverse developments and more volatile than larger companies.
Investments in small and mid-sized companies may involve special risks,
including those associated with dependence on a small management group, little
or no operating history, little or no track record of success, and limited
product lines, markets and financial resources. Also, there may be less publicly
available information about the issuers of the securities or less market
interest in such securities than in the case of large companies, each of which
can cause significant price volatility. The securities of small and mid-sized
companies may be illiquid, restricted as to resale, or may trade less frequently
and in smaller volume than more widely held securities, which may make it
difficult for the fund to establish or close out a position in these securities
at prevailing market prices.
Convertible Securities Risk--The value of convertible securities in which the
fund may invest also will be affected by market interest rates, the risk that
the issuer may default on interest or principal payments and the value of the
underlying common stock into which these securities may be converted.
Specifically, since these types of securities pay fixed interest dividends,
their value may fall if market interest rates rise and rise if market interest
rates fall. Additionally, an issuer may have the right to buy back certain of
the convertible securities at a time and a price that is unfavorable to the
fund.
Interest Rate Risk--Interest rate risk refers to the risk that bond prices
generally fall as interest rates rise; conversely, bond prices generally rise as
interest rate fall. Specific bond differ in their sensitivity to changes in
interest rates depending on specific characteristics of each bond. A measure
investors usually use to determine this sensitivity is called duration. The
longer the duration of a particular bond, the greater is its price sensitivity
to interest rate changes. Similarly, a longer duration portfolio of securities
has greater price sensitivity. Duration is determined by a number of factors
including coupon rate, whether the coupon is fixed or floating, time to
maturity, call or put features, and various repayment features.
4
Credit Risk--Credit risk is the risk of loss on an investment due to the
deterioration of an issuer's financial health. Such a deterioration of financial
health may result in a reduction of the credit rating of the issuer's securities
and may lead to the issuer's inability to honor its contractual obligations
including making timely payment of interest and principal. Credit ratings are a
measure of credit quality. Although a downgrade or upgrade of a bond's credit
ratings may or may not affect its price, a decline in credit quality may make
bonds less attractive, thereby driving up the yield on the bond and driving down
the price. Declines in credit quality may result in bankruptcy for the issuer
and permanent loss of investment.
Management Risk--There is no guarantee that the investment techniques and risk
analyses used by the fund's portfolio managers will produce the desired results.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The fund's portfolio holdings are disclosed on a regular basis in its
semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, and on Form N-Q, which is filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within 60 days of the fund's
first and third fiscal quarter-ends. In addition, portfolio holdings information
for the fund is available at http://www.invescoaim.com. To reach this
information, access the fund's overview page on the website. Links to the
following fund information are located in the upper right side of this website
page:
APPROXIMATE DATE OF INFORMATION REMAINS
INFORMATION WEBSITE POSTING POSTED ON WEBSITE
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Top ten holdings as of month-end 15 days after month-end Until posting of the following month's
top ten holdings
Complete portfolio holdings as of 30 days after calendar quarter-end For one year
calendar quarter-end
A description of the fund's policies and procedures with respect to the
disclosure of the fund's portfolio holdings is available in the fund's Statement
of Additional Information, which is available at http://www.invescoaim.com.
Fund Management
THE ADVISORS
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. (the advisor or Invesco Aim) serves as the fund's
investment advisor and manages the investment operations of the fund and has
agreed to perform or arrange for the performance of the fund's day-to-day
management. The advisor is located at 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston,
Texas 77046-1173. The advisor has acted as an investment advisor since its
organization in 1976. Today, the advisor, together with its subsidiaries,
advises or manages over 225 investment portfolios, including the fund,
encompassing a broad range of investment objectives.
The following affiliates of the advisor (collectively, the affiliated
sub-advisors) serve as sub-advisors to the fund and may be appointed by the
advisor from time to time to provide discretionary investment management
services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the fund:
Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH (Invesco Deutschland), located at
Bleichstrasse 60-62, Frankfurt, Germany 60313, which has acted as an investment
advisor since 1998.
Invesco Asset Management Limited (Invesco Asset Management), located at 30
Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1AG, United Kingdom, which has acted as an
investment advisor since 2001.
Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited (Invesco Japan), located at 25th Floor,
Shiroyama Trust Tower, 3-1, Toranomon 4-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6025, Japan,
which has acted as an investment advisor since 1996.
Invesco Australia Limited (Invesco Australia), located at 333 Collins Street,
Level 26, Melbourne Vic 3000, Australia, which has acted as an investment
advisor since 1983.
5
Invesco Global Asset Management (N.A.), Inc. (Invesco Global), located at 1555
Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309, which has acted as an investment
advisor since 1997.
Invesco Hong Kong Limited (Invesco Hong Kong), located at 32nd Floor, Three
Pacific Place, 1 Queen's Road East, Hong Kong, which has acted as an investment
advisor since 1994.
Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc. (Invesco Institutional), located at 1555
Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309, which has acted as an investment
advisor since 1988.
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (Invesco Senior Secured), located at
1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, which has acted as an
investment advisor since 1992.
Invesco Trimark Ltd. (Invesco Trimark), located at 5140 Yonge Street, Suite 900,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M2N 6X7, which has acted as an investment advisor since
1981.
It is anticipated that, on or about the fourth quarter of 2009, Invesco Aim,
Invesco Global and Invesco Institutional will be combined into a single entity,
which will be named Invesco Advisers, Inc. The combined entity will serve as the
fund's investment adviser. Invesco Advisers, Inc. will provide substantially the
same services as are currently provided by the three existing separate entities.
Further information about this combination will be posted on
http://www.invescoaim.com on or about the closing date of the transaction and
will be available in the fund's Statement of Additional Information..
Civil lawsuits, including a regulatory proceeding and purported class action and
shareholder derivative suits, have been filed against certain of the AIM funds,
INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. (IFG) (the former investment advisor to certain AIM
funds), Invesco Aim, Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc. (Invesco Aim Distributors)
(the distributor of the AIM funds) and/or related entities and individuals,
depending on the lawsuit, alleging among other things: (i) that the defendants
permitted improper market timing and related activity in the funds; and (ii)
that certain funds inadequately employed fair value pricing.
Additional civil lawsuits related to the above or other matters may be filed by
regulators or private litigants against the AIM funds, IFG, Invesco Aim, Invesco
Aim Distributors and/or related entities and individuals in the future. You can
find more detailed information concerning all of the above matters, including
the parties to the civil lawsuits and summaries of the various allegations and
remedies sought in such lawsuits, in the fund's Statement of Additional
Information.
As a result of the matters discussed above, investors in the AIM funds might
react by redeeming their investments. This might require the funds to sell
investments to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse
effect on the investment performance of the funds.
ADVISOR COMPENSATION
The Advisor is to receive a fee from the fund calculated at an annual rate of
____.
Invesco Aim, not the fund, pays sub-advisory fees, if any.
When issued, a discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the
investment advisory and investment sub-advisory agreements of the fund will be
available in the fund's annual report to shareholders.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the
day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio:
- Doug Rogers, Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the fund
since its inception on December 1, 2005, and has been associated with
the Advisor, and/or one of its affiliates since 1999.
- Paul McPheeters, Portfolio Manager, who, except for the first five
months of 2006, has been responsible for the fund since its inception
on December 1, 2005. Mr. McPheeters has been associated with the
Advisor and/or one of its affiliates from
6
1997 thru 2005 and again from 2006 to the present. During the first
five months of 2006, Mr. McPheeters served as a portfolio manager with
another investment management company managing unregistered
portfolios.
The Advisor employs a team approach with specific individual members of the team
having final authority and ultimate accountability for specific phases of the
process. Portfolio managers and analyst are responsible for research in the
sectors they cover. All members of the team conduct fundamental research to
identify investment candidates and participate in the portfolio construction
process. The lead portfolio managers of the team are jointly and primarily
responsible for making the day-to-day investment decisions for the fund.
More information on the portfolio managers may be found on the advisor's website
http://www.invescoaim.com. The website is not part of this prospectus.
The fund's Statement of Additional Information provides additional information
about the portfolio managers' investments in the fund, a description of their
compensation structure, and information regarding other accounts they manage.
Other Information
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The fund expects, based on its investment objectives and strategies, that its
income will consist of both ordinary income and capital gains.
DIVIDENDS
The fund generally declares and pays dividends from net investment income, if
any, annually.
CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
The fund generally distributes long-term and short-term capital gains (net of
any capital loss carryovers), if any, annually, but may declare and pay capital
gains distributions more than once per year as permitted by law. Due to the
2008-2009 economic downturn, many funds have experienced capital losses and
unrealized depreciation in value of investments, the effect of which may be to
reduce or eliminate capital gains distributions for a period of time. Even
though the fund may experience a current year loss, it may nonetheless
distribute prior year capital gains. Capital gains distributions may vary
considerably from year to year as a result of the fund's normal investment
activities and cash flows.
Financial Highlights
No financial highlights are available for the fund because it has not yet
commenced operations.
7
THE AIM FUNDS
General Information
In addition to the fund, Invesco Aim serves as investment advisor to many other
mutual funds that are offered to retail investors. The following information is
about all the AIM funds that offer retail share classes.
CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS
Each of the funds offers multiple classes of shares. Each class represents an
interest in the same portfolio of investments. Certain classes have higher
expenses than other classes which may lower the return on your investment when
compared to a less expensive class. In deciding which class of shares to
purchase, you should consider the following attributes of the various share
classes, among other things: (i) the eligibility requirements that apply to
purchases of a particular class, (ii) the initial sales charges and contingent
deferred sales charges (CDSCs), if any, applicable to the class, (iii) the 12b-1
fee, if any, paid by the class, and (iv) any services you may receive from a
financial intermediary. Please contact your financial advisor to assist you in
making your decision. Please refer to the prospectus fee table for more
information on the fees and expenses of a particular fund's share classes. In
addition to the share classes shown in the chart below, AIM Money Market Fund
offers AIM Cash Reserve Shares and AIM Summit Fund offers Class P shares.
AIM FUND RETAIL SHARE CLASSES
INVESTOR
CLASS A CLASS A3 CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y CLASS
---------------- ---------------- -------------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------- --------------
- Initial - No initial - No initial - No initial - No initial - No initial - No
sales charge sales charge sales sales sales sales initial
which may be charge charge charge charge sales
waived or charge
reduced
- Contingent - No - Contingent - Contingent - Contingent - No - No
deferred contingent deferred deferred deferred contingent contingent
sales charge deferred sales sales sales deferred deferred
on certain sales charge charge on charge on charge on sales sales
redemptions redemptions redemptions certain charge charge
within six within one redemptions
years year(3)
- 12b-1 fee of - 12b-1 fee - 12b-1 fee - 12b-1 fee - 12b-1 fee - No 12b-1 - 12b-1 fee
0.25%(1) of 0.25% of 1.00% of 1.00%(4) of 0.50% fee of
0.25%(1)
- Does not - Converts - Does not - Does not - Does not - Does not
convert to to Class A convert to convert to convert to convert to
Class A shares on Class A Class A Class A Class A
shares or about shares shares shares shares
the end of
the month
which is
at least
eight
years
after the
date on
which
shares
were
purchased
along with
a pro rata
portion of
reinvested
dividends
and
distributions(2)
- Generally - Available - Available - Generally - Generally, - Generally, - Generally
more only for a only to more available available closed to
appropriate limited investors appropriate only to only to new
for number of with a for employee investors investors
long-term funds total short-term benefit who
investors account investors plans purchase
balance through
less than - Purchase fee-based
$100,000. orders advisory
The total limited to accounts
account amounts with an
value for less than approved
this $1,000,000 financial
purpose intermediary
includes or to any
all current,
accounts former or
eligible retired
for Rights trustee,
of director,
Accumulation. officer or
employee
(or
immediate
family
member of
a current,
former or
retired
trustee,
director,
officer or
employee)
of any AIM
Fund or of
Invesco
Ltd. or
any of its
subsidiaries.
(1) Class A shares of AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund and Investor Class shares
of AIM Money Market Fund, AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund, Premier Portfolio,
Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio do
not have a 12b-1 fee.
(2) Class B shares of AIM Money Market Fund convert to AIM Cash Reserve Shares.
(3) CDSC does not apply to redemption of Class C shares of AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund
or AIM Short Term Bond Fund unless you received Class C shares of AIM LIBOR
Alpha Fund or AIM Short Term Bond Fund through an exchange from Class C
shares from another AIM Fund that is still subject to a CDSC.
(4) Class C shares of AIM Floating Rate Fund have a 12b-1 fee of 0.75%.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued regulations
significantly impacting the 403(b) market. The new regulations increased
administrative duties and information-sharing responsibilities for both 403(b)
plan sponsors and account custodians beginning January 1, 2009. In response to
the new IRS regulations and beginning on January 1, 2009, Invesco Aim, on behalf
of Invesco National Trust Company (INTC), no longer accepts transfers of assets
or contributions to existing 403(b) plan accounts for which INTC serves as
custodian ("AIM 403(b) Accounts"). Accordingly, effective January 1, 2009, AIM
fund shares of any class are unavailable for purchase by AIM 403(b) Accounts
(except in the case of payments on outstanding loans).
MCF -- 04/09
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We will continue to maintain and service participants' AIM 403(b) Accounts
and participants may leave assets invested therein; however, any contributions
received after December 31, 2008 will be refused.
Purchases of eligible share classes in respect of non-AIM 403(b) plan
accounts for which parties unaffiliated with Invesco Aim serve as custodian will
continue to be accepted after December 31, 2008.
SHARE CLASS ELIGIBILITY
CLASS A, A3, B, C AND AIM CASH RESERVE SHARES
Class A, A3, B, C and AIM Cash Reserve Shares are available to all retail
investors, including individuals, trusts, corporations and other business and
charitable organizations and eligible employee benefit plans. The share classes
offer different fee structures which are intended to compensate financial
intermediaries for services provided in connection with the sale of shares and
continued maintenance of the customer relationship. You should consider the
services provided by your financial advisor and any other intermediaries who
will be involved in the servicing of your account when choosing a share class.
Class B shares are not available as an investment for retirement plans
maintained pursuant to Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code).
These plans include 401(k) plans (including AIM Solo 401(k) plans), money
purchase pension plans and profit sharing plans. However, plans that have
existing accounts invested in Class B shares will continue to be allowed to make
additional purchases.
CLASS P SHARES
In addition to the other share classes discussed herein, the AIM Summit Fund
offers Class P shares, which were historically sold only through the AIM Summit
Investors Plans I and II (each a Plan and, collectively, the Summit Plans).
Class P shares are sold with no initial sales charge and have a 12b-1 fee of
0.10%. However, Class P shares are not sold to members of the general public.
Only shareholders who had accounts in the Summit Plans at the close of business
on December 8, 2006 may purchase Class P shares and only until the total of
their combined investments in the Summit Plans and in Class P shares directly
equals the face amount of their former Plan under the 30 year extended
investment option. The face amount of a Plan is the combined total of all
scheduled monthly investments under the Plan. For a Plan with a scheduled
monthly investment of $100.00, the face amount would have been $36,000.00 under
the 30 year extended investment option.
CLASS R SHARES
Class R shares are generally available only to eligible employee benefit plans.
These may include, for example, retirement and deferred compensation plans
maintained pursuant to Sections 401, 403, and 457 of the Code; nonqualified
deferred compensation plans; health savings accounts maintained pursuant to
Section 223 of the Code; and voluntary employees' beneficiary arrangements
maintained pursuant to Section 501(c)(9) of the Code. Retirement plans
maintained pursuant to Section 401 generally include 401(k) plans, profit
sharing plans, money purchase pension plans, and defined benefit plans. Class R
shares are generally not available for individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
such as traditional, Roth, SEP, SAR-SEP and SIMPLE IRAs.
CLASS Y SHARES
Class Y shares are generally available to investors who purchase through a
fee-based advisory account with an approved financial intermediary or to any
current, former or retired trustee, director, officer or employee (or immediate
family members of a current, former or retired trustee, director, officer or
employee) of any AIM Fund or of Invesco Ltd. or any of its subsidiaries. In
fee-based advisory programs, a financial intermediary typically charges each
investor a fee based on the value of the investor's account in exchange for
servicing that account.
INVESTOR CLASS SHARES
Some of the funds offer Investor Class shares. Investor Class shares are sold
with no initial sales charge and have a maximum 12b-1 fee of 0.25%. Investor
Class shares are not sold to members of the general public. Only the following
persons may purchase Investor Class shares:
- Investors who established accounts prior to April 1, 2002, in Investor
Class shares who have continuously maintained an account in Investor Class
shares (this includes anyone listed in the registration of an account, such
as a joint owner, trustee or custodian, and immediate family members of
such persons). These investors are referred to as "grandfathered
investors."
- Customers of certain financial intermediaries which have had relationships
with the funds' distributor or any funds that offered Investor Class shares
prior to April 1, 2002, who have continuously maintained such
relationships. These intermediaries are referred to as "grandfathered
intermediaries."
- Eligible employee benefit plan, other than Investor Class shares are
generally not available for IRAs, unless the IRA depositor is considered a
grandfathered investor or the account is opened through a grandfathered
intermediary.
- Any current, former or retired trustee, director, officer or employee (or
immediate family member of a current, former or retired trustee, director,
officer or employee) of any AIM Fund or of Invesco Ltd. or any of its
subsidiaries.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
Except as noted below, each fund has adopted a distribution plan pursuant to SEC
Rule 12b-1. A 12b-1 plan allows a fund to pay distribution fees to Invesco Aim
Distributors, Inc. (Invesco Aim Distributors) to compensate or reimburse, as
applicable, Invesco Aim Distributors for its efforts in connection with the sale
and distribution of the fund's shares and for services provided to shareholders,
all or a substantial portion of which are paid to the dealer of record. Because
the funds pay these fees out of their 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.
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The following funds and share classes do not have 12b-1 plans:
- AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund, Class A shares.
- AIM Money Market Fund, Investor Class shares.
- AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund, Investor Class shares.
- Premier Portfolio, Investor Class shares.
- Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio, Investor Class shares.
- Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio, Investor Class shares.
- All funds, Class Y shares
INITIAL SALES CHARGES (CLASS A SHARES ONLY)
The funds are grouped into four categories for determining initial sales
charges. The "Other Information" section of each fund's prospectus will tell you
the sales charge category in which the fund is classified. As used below, the
term "offering price" with respect to all categories of Class A shares includes
the initial sales charge.
CATEGORY I INITIAL SALES CHARGES
INVESTOR'S SALES CHARGE
----------------------------
AMOUNT INVESTED AS A % OF AS A % OF
IN A SINGLE TRANSACTION OFFERING PRICE INVESTMENT
--------------------------------- -------------- ----------
Less than $ 25,000 5.50% 5.82%
$ 25,000 but less than $ 50,000 5.25 5.54
$ 50,000 but less than $ 100,000 4.75 4.99
$100,000 but less than $ 250,000 3.75 3.90
$250,000 but less than $ 500,000 3.00 3.09
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 2.00 2.04
CATEGORY II INITIAL SALES CHARGES
INVESTOR'S SALES CHARGE
----------------------------
AMOUNT INVESTED AS A % OF AS A % OF
IN A SINGLE TRANSACTION OFFERING PRICE INVESTMENT
--------------------------------- -------------- ----------
Less than $ 50,000 4.75% 4.99%
$ 50,000 but less than $ 100,000 4.00 4.17
$100,000 but less than $ 250,000 3.75 3.90
$250,000 but less than $ 500,000 2.50 2.56
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 2.00 2.04
CATEGORY III INITIAL SALES CHARGES
INVESTOR'S SALES CHARGE
----------------------------
AMOUNT INVESTED AS A % OF AS A % OF
IN A SINGLE TRANSACTION OFFERING PRICE INVESTMENT
--------------------------------- -------------- ----------
Less than $ 100,000 1.00% 1.01%
$100,000 but less than $ 250,000 0.75 0.76
$250,000 but less than $1,000,000 0.50 0.50
CATEGORY IV INITIAL SALES CHARGES
INVESTOR'S SALES CHARGE
----------------------------
AMOUNT INVESTED AS A % OF AS A % OF
IN A SINGLE TRANSACTION OFFERING PRICE INVESTMENT
--------------------------------- -------------- ----------
Less than $ 100,000 2.50% 2.56%
$100,000 but less than $ 250,000 2.00 2.04
$250,000 but less than $ 500,000 1.50 1.52
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 1.25 1.27
CLASS A SHARES SOLD WITHOUT AN INITIAL SALES CHARGE
Certain categories of investors are permitted to purchase and certain
intermediaries are permitted to sell Class A shares of the funds without an
initial sales charge because their transactions involve little or no expense.
The investors who are entitled to purchase Class A shares without paying an
initial sales charge include the following:
- Any current, former or retired trustee, director, officer or employee (or
immediate family member of a current, former or retired trustee, director,
officer or employee) of any AIM Fund or of Invesco Ltd. or any of its
subsidiaries. This includes any foundation, trust or eligible employee
benefit plan maintained by any of the persons listed above.
- Any registered representative or employee of any intermediary who has an
agreement with Invesco Aim Distributors to sell shares of the funds (this
includes any immediate family members of such persons).
- Investors who purchase shares through a fee-based advisory account with an
approved financial intermediary or any current or retired trustee,
director, officer or employee of any AIM Fund or of Invesco Ltd. or any of
its subsidiaries. In a fee based advisory program, a financial intermediary
typically charges each investor a fee based on the value of the investor's
account in exchange for servicing that account.
- Any investor who purchases their shares with the proceeds of a rollover,
transfer or distribution from a retirement plan or individual retirement
account for which Invesco Aim Distributors acts as the prototype sponsor to
another eligible retirement plan or individual retirement account for which
Invesco Aim Distributors acts as the prototype sponsor, to the extent that
such proceeds are attributable to the redemption of shares of a fund held
through the plan or account.
- Eligible employee benefit plans; provided, however, that they meet at least
one of the following requirements:
a. the plan has assets of at least $1 million;
b. there are at least 100 employees eligible to participate in the plan;
or
c. all plan transactions are executed through a single omnibus account
per fund.
- Any investor who maintains an account in Investor Class shares of a fund
(this includes anyone listed in the registration of an account, such as a
joint owner, trustee or custodian, and immediate family members of such
persons).
- Qualified Tuition Programs created and maintained in accordance with
Section 529 of the Code.
A-3
- Insurance company separate accounts.
No investor will pay an initial sales charge in the following
circumstances:
- When buying Class A shares of AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund and Class A3 shares
of AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund or AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund.
- When reinvesting dividends and distributions.
- When exchanging shares of one fund, that were previously assessed a sales
charge, for shares of another fund.
- As a result of a fund's merger, consolidation, or acquisition of the assets
of another fund.
Additional information regarding eligibility to purchase shares at reduced
or without sales charges is available on the Internet at www.invescoaim.com,
then click on the link for My Account, then Service Center, or consult the
fund's Statement of Additional Information, which is available on that same
website or upon request free of charge.
REDUCED SALES CHARGES AND SALES CHARGE EXCEPTIONS
You may qualify for reduced sales charges or sales charge exceptions. To qualify
for these reductions or exceptions, you or your financial advisor must notify
the transfer agent at the time of purchase that your purchase qualifies for such
treatment. Certain individuals and employer-sponsored retirement plans may link
accounts for the purpose of qualifying for lower initial sales charges. You or
your financial consultant must provide other account numbers to be considered
for Rights of Accumulation, or mark the Letter of Intent section on the account
application, or provide other relevant documentation, so that the transfer agent
can verify your eligibility for the reduction or exception. Please consult the
fund's Statement of Additional Information for details.
Purchases of Class A shares of AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund, Class A3 shares of
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund and AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund, AIM Cash
Reserve Shares of AIM Money Market Fund and Investor Class shares of any fund
will not be taken into account in determining whether a purchase qualifies for a
reduction in initial sales charges pursuant to Rights of Accumulation or Letters
of Intent.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION
You may combine your new purchases of Class A shares of a fund with other fund
shares currently owned (Class A, B, C, P, R or Y) and investments in the AIM
College Savings Plan(R) for the purpose of qualifying for the lower initial
sales charge rates that apply to larger purchases. The applicable initial sales
charge for the new purchase is based on the total of your current purchase and
the public offering price of all other shares you own. The transfer agent may
automatically link certain accounts registered in the same name with the same
taxpayer identification number for the purpose of qualifying you for lower
initial sales charge rates. There may be other accounts that are eligible to be
linked, as described in the fund's Statement of Additional Information. However,
if the accounts are not registered in the same name with the same taxpayer
identification number, you will have to contact the transfer agent to request
that those accounts be linked. The transfer agent will not be responsible for
identifying all accounts that may be eligible to be linked.
LETTERS OF INTENT
Under a Letter of Intent (LOI), you commit to purchase a specified dollar amount
of Class A shares of one or more funds during a 13-month period. The amount you
agree to purchase determines the initial sales charge you pay. If the full
amount committed to in the LOI is not invested by the end of the 13-month
period, your account will be assessed the higher initial sales charge that would
normally be applicable to the amount actually invested.
REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING REDEMPTION
If you redeem shares of a fund, you may reinvest all or a portion of the
proceeds from the redemption in the same share class of any fund in the same
Category within 180 days of the redemption without paying an initial sales
charge. Class B, P and Y redemptions may be reinvested only into Class A shares
with no initial sales charge.
This reinstatement privilege does not apply to a purchase made through a
regularly scheduled automatic investment plan, such as a purchase by a regularly
scheduled payroll deduction or transfer from a bank account.
In order to take advantage of this reinstatement privilege, you must inform
your financial advisor or the transfer agent that you wish to do so at the time
of your investment.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSCS)
CDSCS ON CLASS A SHARES AND AIM CASH RESERVE SHARES OF AIM MONEY MARKET FUND
You can purchase $1,000,000 or more (a Large Purchase) of Class A shares of
Category I, II and IV funds without paying an initial sales charge. However, if
you redeem these shares prior to 18 months after the date of purchase, they will
be subject to a CDSC of 1%.
If you currently own Class A shares of a Category I, II or IV fund, and
make additional purchases without paying an initial sales charge that result in
account balances of $1,000,000 or more, the additional shares purchased will be
subject to an 18-month, 1% CDSC.
If Invesco Aim Distributors pays a concession to the dealer of record in
connection with a Large Purchase of Class A shares by an employee benefit plan,
the Class A shares may be subject to a 1% CDSC if all of the plan's shares are
redeemed within one year from the date of the plan's initial purchase.
If you acquire AIM Cash Reserve Shares of AIM Money Market Fund, Class A
shares of AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund, Class A3 shares of AIM Limited Maturity
Treasury Fund or AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund through an exchange involving
Class A shares that were subject to a CDSC, the shares acquired as a result of
the exchange will continue to be subject to that same CDSC.
A-4
CDSCS ON CLASS B SHARES AND ON CLASS C SHARES OF FUNDS OTHER THAN
AIM LIBOR ALPHA FUND AND AIM SHORT TERM BOND FUND
Class B and Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge. However,
they are subject to a CDSC. If you redeem your shares during the CDSC period,
you will be assessed a CDSC as follows, unless you qualify for one of the CDSC
exceptions outlined below:
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE MADE: CLASS B CLASS C
------------------------- ------- -------
First 5% 1%
Second 4 None
Third 3 None
Fourth 3 None
Fifth 2 None
Sixth 1 None
Seventh and following None None
CDSCS ON CLASS C SHARES -- EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
Invesco Aim Distributors pays a concession to the dealer of record in connection
with a purchase of Class C shares by an employee benefit plan; the Class C
shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC at the time of redemption if all of the
plan's shares are redeemed within one year from the date of the plan's initial
purchase.
CDSCS ON CLASS C SHARES OF AIM LIBOR ALPHA FUND AND AIM SHORT TERM BOND FUND
Class C shares of AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund and AIM Short Term Bond Fund are not
normally subject to a CDSC. However, if you acquired shares of those funds
through an exchange, and the shares originally purchased were subject to a CDSC,
the shares acquired as a result of the exchange will continue to be subject to
that same CDSC. Conversely, if you acquire Class C shares of any other fund as a
result of an exchange involving Class C shares of AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund or AIM
Short Term Bond Fund that were not subject to a CDSC, then the shares acquired
as a result of the exchange will not be subject to a CDSC.
CDSCS ON CLASS R SHARES
Class R shares are not normally subject to a CDSC. However, if Invesco Aim
Distributors pays a concession to the dealer of record in connection with a
purchase of Class R shares by an employee benefit plan, the Class R shares are
subject to a 0.75% CDSC at the time of redemption if all of the plan's shares
are redeemed within one year from the date of the plan's initial purchase.
COMPUTING A CDSC
The CDSC on redemptions of shares is computed based on the lower of their
original purchase price or current net asset value, net of reinvested dividends
and capital gains distributions. In determining whether to charge a CDSC, shares
are accounted for on a first-in, first-out basis, which means that you will
redeem shares on which there is no CDSC first and, then, shares in the order of
their purchase.
CDSC EXCEPTIONS
Investors who own shares that are otherwise subject to a CDSC will not pay a
CDSC in the following circumstances:
- If you participate in the Systematic Redemption Plan and withdraw up to 12%
of the value of your shares that are subject to a CDSC in any twelve-month
period.
- If you redeem shares to pay account fees.
- If you are the executor, administrator or beneficiary of an estate or are
otherwise entitled to assets remaining in an account following the death or
post-purchase disability of a shareholder or beneficial owner and you
choose to redeem those shares.
There are other circumstances under which you may be able to redeem shares
without paying CDSCs. Additional information regarding CDSC exceptions is
available on the Internet at www.invescoaim.com, then click on the link for My
Account, then Service Center, or consult the fund's Statement of Additional
Information, which is available on that same website or upon request free of
charge.
Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions are
not subject to CDSCs.
The following share classes are sold with no CDSC:
- Class A shares of any Category III Fund.
- Class A shares of AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund.
- Class A3 shares of AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund and AIM Tax-Free
Intermediate Fund.
- AIM Cash Reserve Shares of AIM Money Market Fund.
- Investor Class shares of any fund.
- Class P shares of AIM Summit Fund.
- Class Y shares of any fund.
CDSCS UPON CONVERTING TO CLASS Y SHARES
If shares that are subject to a CDSC are converted to Class Y shares, the
applicable CDSC will be assessed prior to conversion.
A-5
REDEMPTION FEES
Certain funds impose a 2% redemption fee (on redemption proceeds) if you redeem
or exchange shares within 31 days of purchase. Please refer to the applicable
fund's prospectus to determine whether that fund imposes a redemption fee. As of
the date of this prospectus, the following funds impose redemption fees:
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund
AIM China Fund
AIM Developing Markets Fund
AIM European Growth Fund
AIM European Small Company Fund
AIM Floating Rate Fund
AIM Global Core Equity Fund
AIM Global Equity Fund
AIM Global Growth Fund
AIM Global Health Care Fund
AIM Global Real Estate Fund
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund
AIM High Yield Fund
AIM International Allocation Fund
AIM International Core Equity Fund
AIM International Growth Fund
AIM International Small Company Fund
AIM International Total Return Fund
AIM Japan Fund
AIM Trimark Fund
The redemption fee will be retained by the fund from which you are
redeeming or exchanging shares, and is intended to offset the trading costs,
market impact and other costs associated with short-term money movements in and
out of the fund. The redemption fee is imposed on a first-in, first-out basis,
which means that you will redeem shares in the order of their purchase.
Redemption fees generally will not be charged in the following
circumstances:
- Redemptions and exchanges of shares held in accounts maintained by
intermediaries that do not have the systematic capability to assess the
redemption fees.
- Redemptions and exchanges of shares held by funds of funds, qualified
tuition plans maintained pursuant to Section 529 of the Code, variable
insurance contracts or separately managed qualified default investment
alternative vehicles maintained pursuant to Section 404(c)(5) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), which
use the funds as underlying investments.
- Redemptions and exchanges effectuated pursuant to automatic investment
rebalancing or dollar cost averaging programs or systematic withdrawal
plans.
- Redemptions requested within 31 days following the death or post-purchase
disability of an account owner.
- Redemptions or exchanges initiated by a fund.
The following shares are not subject to redemption fees, irrespective of
whether they are redeemed in accordance with any of the exceptions set forth
above:
- Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
- Shares acquired through systematic purchase plans.
- Shares acquired in connection with a rollover or transfer of assets from
the trustee or custodian of an employee benefit plan to the trustee or
custodian of another employee benefit plan.
Shares held by employee benefit plans will only be subject to redemption
fees if the shares were acquired by exchange and are redeemed by exchange within
31 days of purchase.
Some investments in the funds are made through accounts that are maintained
by intermediaries (rather than the funds' transfer agent) and some investments
are made indirectly through products that use the funds as underlying
investments, such as employee benefit plans, funds of funds, qualified tuition
plans, and variable insurance contracts (these products are generally referred
to as conduit investment vehicles). If shares of the funds are held in an
account maintained by an intermediary or in the name of a conduit investment
vehicle (and not in the names of individual investors), the intermediary account
or conduit investment vehicle may be considered an individual shareholder of the
funds for purposes of assessing redemption fees. In these cases, the funds are
likely to be limited in their ability to assess redemption fees on transactions
initiated by individual investors, and the applicability of redemption fees will
be determined based on the aggregate holdings and redemptions of the
intermediary account or the conduit investment vehicle.
If shares of the funds are held in an account maintained by an intermediary
or in the name of a conduit investment vehicle (and not in the names of
individual investors), the intermediary or conduit investment vehicle may impose
rules intended to limit short-term money movements in and out of the funds which
differ from those described in this prospectus. In such cases, there may be
redemption fees imposed by the intermediary or conduit investment vehicle on
different terms (and subject to different exceptions) than those set forth
above. Please consult your financial advisor or other intermediary for details.
The funds have the discretion to waive the 2% redemption fee if a fund is
in jeopardy of losing its registered investment company qualification for tax
purposes.
Your financial advisor or other intermediary may charge service fees for
handling redemption transactions. Your shares also may be subject to a CDSC in
addition to the redemption fee.
PURCHASING SHARES
If you hold your shares through a financial advisor or other intermediary, your
eligibility to purchase shares and the terms by which you may purchase, redeem
and exchange shares may differ depending on that institution's policies.
A-6
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
There are no minimum investments for Class P or R shares for fund accounts. The
minimum investments for Class A, A3, B, C, Y and Investor Class shares for fund
accounts are as follows:
INITIAL INVESTMENT ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
TYPE OF ACCOUNT PER FUND PER FUND
--------------- ------------------ ----------------------
Asset or fee-based accounts managed by your financial advisor None None
Eligible employee benefit plans, SEP, SARSEP and SIMPLE IRA plans None None
IRAs, Roth IRAs and Coverdell ESAs accounts if the new investor
is purchasing shares through a systematic purchase plan $ 25 $25
All other accounts if the investor is purchasing shares through a
systematic purchase plan 50 50
IRAs, Roth IRAs and Coverdell ESAs 250 25
All other accounts 1,000 50
Invesco Aim Distributors has the discretion to accept orders for
lesser amounts.
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES
OPENING AN ACCOUNT ADDING TO AN ACCOUNT
------------------ --------------------
Through a Financial Advisor Contact your financial advisor. Contact your financial advisor.
By Mail Mail completed account application and check to Mail your check and the remittance slip from your
the transfer agent, Invesco Aim Investment confirmation statement to the transfer agent.
Services, Inc., P.O. Box 4739, Houston, TX Invesco Aim does NOT accept the following types
77210-4739. Invesco Aim does NOT accept the of payments: Credit Card Checks, Third Party
following types of payments: Credit Card Checks, Checks, and Cash*.
Third Party Checks, and Cash*.
By Wire Mail completed account application to the transfer Call the transfer agent to receive a reference
agent. Call the transfer agent at (800) 959-4246 number. Then, use the wire instructions provided
to receive a reference number. Then, use the wire below.
instructions provided below.
Wire Instructions Beneficiary Bank ABA/Routing #: 021000021
Beneficiary Account Number: 00100366807
Beneficiary Account Name: Invesco Aim Investment
Services, Inc.
RFB: Fund Name, Reference #
OBI: Your Name, Account #
By Telephone Open your account using one of the methods Select the Bank Account Information option on
described above. your completed account application or complete a
Systematic Options and Bank Information Form.
Mail the application or form to the transfer
agent. Once the transfer agent has received the
form, call the transfer agent at the number below
to place your purchase order.
Automated Investor Line Open your account using one of the methods Call the Invesco Aim 24-hour Automated Investor
described above. Line at 1-800-246-5463. You may place your order
after you have provided the bank instructions
that will be requested.
By Internet Open your account using one of the methods Access your account at www.invescoaim.com. The
described above. proper bank instructions must have been provided
on your account. You may not purchase shares in
retirement accounts on the internet.
* In addition, Invesco Aim does not accept cash equivalents for employer
sponsored plan accounts. Cash equivalents include cashier's checks,
official checks, bank drafts, traveler's checks, treasurer's checks, postal
money orders or money orders. We also reserve the right to reject at our
sole discretion payment by Temporary / Starter Checks.
Purchase orders will not be processed unless the account application and
purchase payment are received in good order. In accordance with the USA PATRIOT
Act, if you fail to provide all the required information requested in the
current account application, your purchase order will not be processed.
Additionally, federal law requires that the fund verify and record your
identifying information.
SYSTEMATIC PURCHASE PLAN
You can arrange for periodic investments in any of the funds by authorizing the
transfer agent to withdraw the amount of your investment from your bank account
on a day or dates you specify and in an amount of at least $25 per fund for
IRAs, Roth IRAs and Coverdell ESAs, and at least $50 per fund for all other
types of accounts. You may stop the Systematic Purchase Plan at any time by
giving the transfer agent notice ten days prior to your next scheduled
withdrawal. Certain financial advisors and other intermediaries may also offer
systematic purchase plans.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
Dollar Cost Averaging allows you to make automatic periodic exchanges, if
permitted, from one fund to another fund or multiple other funds. The account
from which exchanges are to be made must have a minimum balance of $5,000 before
you can use this option. Exchanges will occur on (or about) the day of the month
you specify, in the amount you specify. Dollar Cost Averaging cannot be set up
for the 29th through the 31st of the month. The minimum amount you can exchange
to another fund is $50. Certain financial advisors and other intermediaries may
also offer dollar cost averaging programs. If you participate in one of these
programs and it is the same or similar to Invesco Aim's Dollar Cost Averaging
program, exchanges made under the program generally will not be counted toward
the limitation of four exchanges out of a fund per calendar year, discussed
below.
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTION INVESTMENT
Your dividends and distributions may be paid in cash or reinvested in the same
fund or another fund without paying an initial sales charge. Unless you specify
otherwise, your dividends and distributions will automatically be reinvested in
the same fund. If you elect to receive your distributions by check,
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and the distribution amount is $10 or less, then the amount will be
automatically reinvested in the same fund and no check will be issued. If you
have elected to receive distributions by check, and the postal service is unable
to deliver checks to your address of record, then your distribution election may
be converted to having all subsequent distributions reinvested in the same fund
and no checks will be issued. You should contact the transfer agent to change
your distribution option, and your request to do so must be received by the
transfer agent before the record date for a distribution in order to be
effective for that distribution. No interest will accrue on amounts represented
by uncashed distribution checks.
You must comply with the following requirements to be eligible to invest
your dividends and distributions in shares of another fund:
- Your account balance in the fund paying the dividend or distribution must
be at least $5,000; and
- Your account balance in the fund receiving the dividend or distribution
must be at least $500.
PORTFOLIO REBALANCING PROGRAM
If you have at least $5,000 in your account, you may participate in the
Portfolio Rebalancing Program. Under this Program, you can designate how the
total value of your fund holdings should be rebalanced, on a percentage basis,
between two and ten of your funds on a quarterly, semiannual or annual basis.
Your portfolio will be rebalanced through the exchange of shares in one or more
of your funds for shares of the same class of one or more other funds in your
portfolio. Rebalancing will not occur if your portfolio is within 2% of your
stated allocation. If you wish to participate in the Program, make changes or
cancel the Program, the transfer agent must receive your request to participate,
changes, or cancellation in good order at least five business days prior to the
next rebalancing date, which is normally the 28th day of the last month of the
period you choose. We may modify, suspend or terminate the Program at any time
on 60 days' prior written notice to participating investors. Certain financial
advisors and other intermediaries may also offer portfolio rebalancing programs.
If you participate in one of these programs and it is the same as or similar to
Invesco Aim's program, exchanges made under the program generally will not be
counted toward the limitation of four exchanges out of a fund per calendar year,
discussed below.
RETIREMENT PLANS SPONSORED BY INVESCO AIM DISTRIBUTORS
Invesco Aim Distributors acts as the prototype sponsor for certain types of
retirement plan documents. These plan documents are generally available to
anyone wishing to invest plan assets in the funds. These documents are provided
subject to terms, conditions and fees that vary by plan type. Contact your
financial advisor or other intermediary for details.
REDEEMING SHARES
For funds other than Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier
U.S. Government Money Portfolio, the transfer agent must receive your call
during the hours of the customary trading session of the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) in order to effect the redemption at that day's net asset value. For
Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S. Government
Money Portfolio, the transfer agent must receive your call before the last net
asset value determination in order to effect the redemption that day.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
Through a Financial Advisor Contact your financial advisor or intermediary (including your
or Other Intermediary retirement plan administrator).
By Mail Send a written request to the transfer agent which includes:
- Original signatures of all registered owners/trustees;
- The dollar value or number of shares that you wish to redeem;
- The name of the fund(s) and your account number; and
- Signature guarantees, if necessary (see below).
The transfer agent may require that you provide additional
documentation, or information, such as corporate resolutions or powers
of attorney, if applicable. If you are redeeming from an IRA or other
type of retirement account, you must complete the appropriate
distribution form, as well as employer authorization.
By Telephone Call the transfer agent at 1-800-959-4246. You will be allowed to
redeem by telephone if:
- Your redemption proceeds are to be mailed to your address on
record (and there has been no change in your address of record
within the last 30 days) or transferred electronically to a
pre-authorized checking account;
- You do not hold physical share certificates;
- You can provide proper identification information;
- Your redemption proceeds do not exceed $250,000 per fund; and
- You have not previously declined the telephone redemption
privilege.
You may, in limited circumstances, initiate a redemption from an
Invesco Aim IRA account by telephone. Redemptions from other types of
retirement plan accounts may be initiated only in writing and require
the completion of the appropriate distribution form, as well as
employer authorization.
Automated Investor Line Call the Invesco Aim 24-hour Automated Investor Line at
1-800-246-5463. You may place your redemption order after you have
provided the bank instructions that will be requested.
By Internet Place your redemption request at www.invescoaim.com. You will be
allowed to redeem by Internet if:
- You do not hold physical share certificates;
- You can provide proper identification information;
- Your redemption proceeds do not exceed $250,000 per fund; and
- You have already provided proper bank information.
Redemptions from most retirement plan accounts may be initiated only
in writing and require the completion of the appropriate distribution
form, as well as employer authorization.
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TIMING AND METHOD OF PAYMENT
We normally will send out payments within one business day, and in any event no
more than seven days, after your redemption request is received in good order
(meaning that all necessary information and documentation related to the
redemption request have been provided to the transfer agent). If you redeem
shares recently purchased by check or ACH, you may be required to wait up to ten
business days before we send your redemption proceeds. This delay is necessary
to ensure that the purchase has cleared. Payment may be postponed in cases where
the SEC declares an emergency or normal trading is halted on the NYSE.
Redemption checks are mailed to your address of record, via first class
U.S. mail, unless you make other arrangements with the transfer agent.
We use reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated via
telephone and the Internet are genuine, and we are not liable for losses arising
from actions taken in accordance with instructions that are reasonably believed
to be genuine.
EXPEDITED REDEMPTIONS (AIM CASH RESERVE SHARES OF AIM MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY)
If you place your redemption order by telephone, before 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time
and request an expedited redemption, we will transmit payment of redemption
proceeds on that same day via federal wire to a bank of record on your account.
If we receive your redemption order after 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time and before the
close of the customary trading session of the NYSE, we will transmit payment on
the next business day.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS
You may arrange for regular periodic withdrawals from your account in amounts
equal to or greater than $50 per fund. We will redeem the appropriate number of
shares from your account to provide redemption proceeds in the amount requested.
You must have a total account balance of at least $5,000 in order to establish a
Systematic Redemption Plan, unless you are establishing a Required Minimum
Distribution for a retirement plan. You can stop this plan at any time by giving
ten days prior notice to the transfer agent.
CHECK WRITING
The transfer agent provides check writing privileges for accounts in the
following funds and share classes:
- AIM Money Market Fund, AIM Cash Reserve Shares, Class Y shares and Investor
Class shares
- AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund, Class A shares, Class Y shares and Investor Class
shares
- Premier Portfolio, Investor Class shares
- Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio, Investor Class shares
- Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio, Investor Class shares
You may redeem shares of these funds by writing checks in amounts of $250
or more if you have completed an authorization form. Redemption by check is not
available for retirement accounts. Checks are not eligible to be converted to
ACH by the payee. You may not give authorization to a payee by phone to debit
your account by ACH for a debt owed to the payee.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES
We require a signature guarantee in the following circumstances:
- When your redemption proceeds will equal or exceed $250,000 per fund.
- When you request that redemption proceeds be paid to someone other than the
registered owner of the account.
- When you request that redemption proceeds be sent somewhere other than the
address of record or bank of record on the account.
- When you request that redemption proceeds be sent to a new address or an
address that changed in the last 30 days.
The transfer agent will accept a guarantee of your signature by a number of
different types of financial institutions. Call the transfer agent for
additional information. Some institutions have transaction amount maximums for
these guarantees. Please check with the guarantor institution to determine
whether the signature guarantee offered will be sufficient to cover the value of
your transaction request.
REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
Although the funds generally intend to pay redemption proceeds solely in cash,
the funds reserve the right to determine, in their sole discretion, whether to
satisfy redemption requests by making payment in securities or other property
(known as a redemption in kind).
REDEMPTIONS INITIATED BY THE FUNDS
If your account (Class A, A3, B, C, P and Investor Class shares only) has been
open at least one year, you have not made an additional purchase in the account
during the past six calendar months, and the value of your account falls below
$500 for three consecutive months, the funds have the right to redeem the
account after giving you 60 days' prior written notice. You may avoid having
your account redeemed during the notice period by bringing the account value up
to $500 or by initiating a Systematic Purchase Plan.
If the fund determines that you have not provided a correct Social Security
or other tax identification number on your account application, or the fund is
not able to verify your identity as required by law, the fund may, at its
discretion, redeem the account and distribute the proceeds to you.
EXCHANGING SHARES
You may, under certain circumstances, exchange shares in one fund for those of
another fund. An exchange is the purchase of shares in one fund which
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is paid for with the proceeds from a redemption of shares of another fund
effectuated on the same day. Accordingly, the procedures and processes
applicable to redemptions of fund shares, as discussed under the heading
"Redeeming Shares" above, will apply. Before requesting an exchange, review the
prospectus of the fund you wish to acquire.
All exchanges are subject to the limitations set forth in the prospectuses
of the funds. If you wish to exchange shares of one fund for those of another
fund, you must consult the prospectus of the fund whose shares you wish to
acquire to determine whether the fund is offering shares to new investors and
whether you are eligible to acquire shares of that fund.
PERMITTED EXCHANGES
Except as otherwise provided below under "Exchanges Not Permitted", you
generally may exchange your shares for shares of the same class of another fund.
The following below shows permitted exchanges:
EXCHANGE FROM EXCHANGE TO
------------- -----------
AIM Cash Reserve Shares Class A, A3, B, C, R, Y*, Investor Class
Class A Class A, A3, Y*, Investor Class, AIM Cash Reserve Shares
Class A3 Class A, A3, Y*, Investor Class, AIM Cash Reserve Shares
Investor Class Class A, A3, Y*, Investor Class
Class P Class A, A3, AIM Cash Reserve Shares
Class B Class B
Class C Class C, Y*
Class R Class R
Class Y Class Y
* You may exchange your AIM Cash Reserve Shares, Class A shares, Class A3
shares, Class C shares or Investor Class shares for Class Y shares of the
same fund if you otherwise qualify to buy that fund's Class Y shares.
Please consult your financial advisor to discuss the tax implications, if
any, of all exchanges into Class Y shares of the same fund.
EXCHANGES NOT PERMITTED
The following exchanges are not permitted:
- Investor Class shares cannot be exchanged for Class A shares of any fund
which offers Investor Class shares.
- Exchanges into Class A shares of AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund and AIM
Tax-Free Intermediate Fund (also known as the Category III funds) are not
permitted.
- Class A shares of AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund and AIM Tax-Free
Intermediate Fund cannot be exchanged for Class A3 shares of those funds.
- AIM Cash Reserve Shares cannot be exchanged for Class B, C or R shares if
the shares being exchanged were acquired by exchange from Class A shares of
any fund.
- AIM Cash Reserve shares, Class A shares, Class A3 shares, Class C shares or
Investor Class shares of one fund can not be exchanged for Class Y shares
of a different fund.
- All existing systematic exchanges and reallocations will cease and these
options will no longer be available on all 403(b) prototype plans.
EXCHANGE CONDITIONS
The following conditions apply to all exchanges:
- Shares must have been held for at least one day prior to the exchange with
the exception of dividends and distributions that are reinvested; and
- If you have physical share certificates, you must return them to the
transfer agent in order to effect the exchange.
Under unusual market conditions, a fund may delay the exchange of shares
for up to five business days if it determines that it would be materially
disadvantaged by the immediate transfer of exchange proceeds. The exchange
privilege is not an option or right to purchase shares. Any of the participating
funds or the distributor may modify or terminate this privilege at any time.
LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF EXCHANGES
You will generally be limited to four exchanges out of a fund per calendar year
(other than the money market funds); provided, however, that the following
transactions will not count toward the exchange limitation:
- Exchanges of shares held in accounts maintained by intermediaries that do
not have the systematic capability to apply the exchange limitation.
- Exchanges of shares held by funds of funds, qualified tuition plans
maintained pursuant to Section 529 of the Code, and insurance company
separate accounts which use the funds as underlying investments.
- Generally, exchanges effectuated pursuant to automatic investment
rebalancing or dollar cost averaging programs.
- Exchanges initiated by a fund or by the trustee, administrator or other
fiduciary of an employee benefit plan (not in response to distribution or
exchange instructions received from a plan participant).
Each fund reserves the discretion to accept exchanges in excess of these
guidelines on a case-by-case basis if the fund, or its designated agent,
believes that granting such exceptions would be consistent with the best
interests of shareholders.
There is no limit on the number of exchanges out of AIM Limited Maturity
Treasury Fund, AIM Money Market Fund, AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund, Premier
Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S. Government Money
Portfolio.
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If you exchange shares of one fund for shares of multiple other funds as
part of a single transaction, that transaction is counted as one exchange out of
a fund.
INITIAL SALES CHARGES AND CDSCS APPLICABLE TO EXCHANGES
You may be required to pay an initial sales charge when exchanging from a fund
with a lower initial sales charge than the one into which you are exchanging. If
you exchange into shares that are subject to a CDSC, we will begin the holding
period for purposes of calculating the CDSC on the date you made your initial
purchase.
RIGHTS RESERVED BY THE FUNDS
Each fund and its agents reserve the right at any time to:
- Reject or cancel all or any part of any purchase or exchange order.
- Modify any terms or conditions related to the purchase, redemption or
exchange of shares of any fund.
- Reject or cancel any request to establish a Systematic Purchase Plan,
Systematic Redemption Plan or Portfolio Rebalancing Program.
- Suspend, change or withdraw all or any part of the offering made by this
prospectus.
PRICING OF SHARES
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The price of each fund's shares is the fund's net asset value per share. The
funds value portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily
available at market value. The funds value all other securities and assets for
which market quotations are unavailable or unreliable at their fair value in
good faith using procedures approved by the Boards of Trustees of the funds
(collectively, the Board). The Board has delegated the daily determination of
good faith fair value methodologies to Invesco Aim's Valuation Committee, which
acts in accordance with Board approved policies. On a quarterly basis, Invesco
Aim provides the Board various reports indicating the quality and effectiveness
of its fair value decisions on portfolio holdings. Securities and other assets
quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars based on the prevailing
exchange rates on that day.
Even when market quotations are available, they may be stale or unreliable
because the security is not traded frequently, trading on the security ceased
before the close of the trading market or issuer specific events occurred after
the security ceased trading or because of the passage of time between the close
of the market on which the security trades and the close of the NYSE and when
the fund calculates its net asset value. Issuer specific events may cause the
last market quotation to be unreliable. Such events may include a merger or
insolvency, events which affect a geographical area or an industry segment, such
as political events or natural disasters, or market events, such as a
significant movement in the U.S. market. Where market quotations are not readily
available, including where Invesco Aim determines that the closing price of the
security is unreliable, Invesco Aim will value the security at fair value in
good faith using procedures approved by the Board. Fair value pricing may reduce
the ability of frequent traders to take advantage of arbitrage opportunities
resulting from potentially "stale" prices of portfolio holdings. However, it
cannot eliminate the possibility of frequent trading.
Fair value is that amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive
for the security upon its current sale. Fair value requires consideration of all
appropriate factors, including indications of fair value available from pricing
services. A fair value price is an estimated price and may vary from the prices
used by other mutual funds to calculate their net asset values.
Invesco Aim may use indications of fair value from pricing services
approved by the Board. In other circumstances, the Invesco Aim Valuation
Committee may fair value securities in good faith using procedures approved by
the Board. As a means of evaluating its fair value process, Invesco Aim
routinely compares closing market prices, the next day's opening prices for the
security in its primary market if available, and indications of fair value from
other sources. Fair value pricing methods and pricing services can change from
time to time as approved by the Board.
Specific types of securities are valued as follows:
Senior Secured Floating Rate Loans and Senior Secured Floating Rate Debt
Securities. Senior secured floating rate loans and senior secured floating rate
debt securities are fair valued using evaluated quotes provided by an
independent pricing service. Evaluated quotes provided by the pricing service
may reflect appropriate factors such as market quotes, ratings, tranche type,
industry, company performance, spread, individual trading characteristics,
institution-size trading in similar groups of securities and other market data.
Domestic Exchange Traded Equity Securities. Market quotations are generally
available and reliable for domestic exchange traded equity securities. If market
quotations are not available or are unreliable, Invesco Aim will value the
security at fair value in good faith using procedures approved by the Board.
Foreign Securities. If market quotations are available and reliable for
foreign exchange traded equity securities, the securities will be valued at the
market quotations. Because trading hours for certain foreign securities end
before the close of the NYSE, closing market quotations may become unreliable.
If between the time trading ends on a particular security and the close of the
customary trading session on the NYSE events occur that are significant and may
make the closing price unreliable, the fund may fair value the security. If an
issuer specific event has occurred that Invesco Aim determines, in its judgment,
is likely to have affected the closing price of a foreign security, it will
price the security at fair value. Invesco Aim also relies on a screening process
from a pricing vendor to indicate the degree of certainty, based on historical
data, that the closing price in the principal market where a foreign security
trades is not the current market value as of the close of the NYSE. For foreign
securities where Invesco Aim believes, at the approved degree of certainty, that
the price is not reflective of current market value, Invesco Aim will use the
indication of fair value from the pricing service to determine the fair value of
the security. The pricing vendor, pricing methodology or degree of certainty may
change from time to time.
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Fund securities primarily traded on foreign markets may trade on days that
are not business days of the fund. Because the net asset value of fund shares is
determined only on business days of the fund, the value of the portfolio
securities of a fund that invests in foreign securities may change on days when
you will not be able to purchase or redeem shares of the fund.
Fixed Income Securities. Government, corporate, asset-backed and municipal
bonds, convertible securities, including high yield or junk bonds, and loans,
normally are valued on the basis of prices provided by independent pricing
services. Prices provided by the pricing services may be determined without
exclusive reliance on quoted prices, and may reflect appropriate factors such as
institution-size trading in similar groups of securities, developments related
to special securities, dividend rate, maturity and other market data. Prices
received from pricing services are fair value prices. In addition, if the price
provided by the pricing service and independent quoted prices are unreliable,
the Invesco Aim valuation committee will fair value the security using
procedures approved by the Board.
Short-term Securities. The funds' short-term investments are valued at
amortized cost when the security has 60 days or less to maturity. AIM Money
Market Fund, AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund, Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt
Portfolio and Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio value all their securities
at amortized cost. AIM High Income Municipal Fund, AIM Municipal Bond Fund and
AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund value variable rate securities that have an
unconditional demand or put feature exercisable within seven days or less at
par, which reflects the market value of such securities.
Futures and Options. Futures contracts are valued at the final settlement
price set by the exchange on which they are principally traded. Options are
valued on the basis of market quotations, if available.
Swap Agreements. Swap Agreements are fair valued using an evaluated quote
provided by an independent pricing service. Evaluated quotes provided by the
pricing service are based on a model that may include end of day net present
values, spreads, ratings, industry and company performance.
Open-end Funds. To the extent a fund invests in other open-end funds, other
than open-end funds that are exchange traded, the investing fund will calculate
its net asset value using the net asset value of the underlying fund in which it
invests.
Each fund determines the net asset value of its shares on each day the NYSE
is open for business (a business day), as of the close of the customary trading
session, or earlier NYSE closing time that day. AIM Money Market Fund also
determines its net asset value as of 12:00 noon Eastern Time on each business
day. Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S. Government
Money Portfolio determine the net asset value of their shares every fifteen
minutes on each business day, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The last net
asset value determination on any business day for Premier Portfolio and Premier
U.S. Government Money Portfolio will generally occur at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time,
and the last net asset value determination on any business day for Premier
Tax-Exempt Portfolio will generally occur at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Premier
Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S. Government Money
Portfolio are authorized not to open for trading on a day that is otherwise a
business day if the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Bank of New York,
the fund's custodian, are not open for business or the Securities Industry and
Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) recommends that government securities
dealers not open for trading and any such day will not be considered a business
day. Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S. Government
Money Portfolio also may close early on a business day if SIFMA recommends that
government securities dealers close early. If Premier Portfolio, Premier
Tax-Exempt Portfolio or Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio uses its
discretion to close early on a business day, the last net asset value
calculation will occur as of the time of such closing.
From time to time and in circumstances deemed appropriate by Invesco Aim in
its sole discretion, each of Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and
Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio may remain open for business, during
customary business day hours, on a day that the NYSE is closed for business. In
such event, on such day you will be permitted to purchase or redeem shares of
such funds and net asset values will be calculated for such funds.
TIMING OF ORDERS
For funds other than Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier
U.S. Government Money Portfolio, you can purchase or redeem shares on each
business day prior to the close of the customary trading session or any earlier
NYSE closing time that day. For funds other than Premier Portfolio, Premier
Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio, purchase
orders that are received and accepted before the close of the customary trading
session or any earlier NYSE closing time on a business day generally are
processed that day and settled on the next business day.
For Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S.
Government Money Portfolio, you can purchase or redeem shares on each business
day, prior to the last net asset value determination on such business day;
however, if your order is received and accepted after the close of the customary
trading session or any earlier NYSE closing time that day, your order generally
will be processed on the next business day and settled on the second business
day following the receipt and acceptance of your order.
For all funds, you can exchange shares on each business day, prior to the
close of the customary trading session or any earlier NYSE closing time that
day. Shareholders of Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier
U.S. Government Money Portfolio therefore cannot exchange their shares after the
close of the customary trading session or any earlier NYSE closing time on a
particular day, even though these funds remain open after such closing time.
The funds price purchase, exchange and redemption orders at the net asset
value calculated after the transfer agent receives an order in good order. Any
applicable sales charges are applied at the time an order is processed. A fund
may postpone the right of redemption only under unusual circumstances, as
allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as when the NYSE
restricts or suspends trading.
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TAXES
In general, if you are a taxable investor, dividends and distributions you
receive are taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains for federal
income tax purposes. This is true whether you reinvest distributions in
additional fund shares or take them in cash. Every year, you will be sent
information showing the amount of dividends and distributions you received from
each fund during the prior year. Investors should read the information under the
heading "Other Information--Special Tax Information Regarding the Fund" where
applicable in the fund's prospectus. In addition, investors in taxable accounts
should be aware of the following basic tax points:
- Distributions of net short-term capital gains are taxable to you as
ordinary income. A fund that is expected to have higher turnover than that
of other funds is more likely to generate short-term gain or loss.
- Distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable to you as
long-term capital gains no matter how long you have owned your fund shares.
- If you are an individual and meet certain holding period requirements, a
portion of income dividends paid to you by a fund may be designated as
qualified dividend income eligible for taxation at long-term capital gain
rates. These reduced rates generally are available with respect to taxable
years of a fund beginning before January 1, 2011, unless such provision is
extended or made permanent, for dividends derived from a fund's investment
in stocks of domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations. In
the case of a fund that invests primarily in debt securities, either none
or only a nominal portion of the dividends paid by the fund will be
eligible for taxation at these reduced rates.
- Distributions declared to shareholders with a record date in December--if
paid to you by the end of January--are taxable for federal income tax
purposes as if received in December.
- Any long-term or short-term capital gains realized from redemptions of fund
shares will be subject to federal income tax. For tax purposes, an exchange
of your shares for shares of another fund is the same as a sale.
- If you invest in a fund shortly before it makes a capital gains
distribution, the distribution will lower the value of the fund's shares by
the amount of the distribution and, in effect, you will receive some of
your investment back in the form of a taxable distribution. This is
sometimes referred to as "buying a dividend."
- By law, if you do not provide a fund with your proper taxpayer
identification number and certain required certifications, you may be
subject to backup withholding on any distributions of income, capital
gains, or proceeds from the sale of your shares. A fund also must withhold
if the IRS instructs it to do so. When withholding is required, the amount
will be 28% of any distributions or proceeds paid.
- You will not be required to include the portion of dividends paid by the
fund derived from interest on federal obligations in your gross income for
purposes of personal and, in some cases, corporate income taxes in many
state and local tax jurisdictions. The percentage of dividends that
constitutes dividends derived from interest on federal obligations will be
determined annually. This percentage may differ from the actual percentage
of interest received by the fund on federal obligations for the particular
days on which you hold shares.
- Fund distributions and gains from sale or exchange of your fund shares
generally are subject to state and local income taxes.
- If a fund qualifies to pass through to you the tax benefits from foreign
taxes it pays on its investments, and elects to do so, then any foreign
taxes it pays on these investments may be passed through to you as a
foreign tax credit. You will then be required to include your pro-rata
share of these taxes in gross income, even though not actually received by
you, and will be entitled either to deduct your share of these taxes in
computing your taxable income, or to claim a foreign tax credit for these
taxes against your U.S. federal income tax.
- Foreign investors should be aware that U.S. withholding, special
certification requirements to avoid U.S. backup withholding and claim any
treaty benefits and estate taxes may apply to an investment in a fund.
The preceding discussion concerning the taxability of fund dividends and
distributions and of redemptions and exchanges of fund shares is inapplicable to
investors that are generally exempt from federal income tax, such as retirement
plans that are qualified under Section 401, 403, 408, 408A and 457 of the Code,
individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and Roth IRAs. You should consult your tax
advisor before investing in a fund.
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL ADVISORS
The financial advisor or intermediary through which you purchase your shares may
receive all or a portion of the sales charges and distribution fees discussed
above. In addition to those payments, Invesco Aim Distributors or one or more of
its corporate affiliates (collectively, Invesco Aim Affiliates) may make
additional cash payments to financial advisors in connection with the promotion
and sale of shares of the funds. These additional cash payments may include cash
payments and other payments for certain marketing and support services. Invesco
Aim Affiliates make these payments from their own resources, from Invesco Aim
Distributors' retention of initial sales charges and from payments to Invesco
Aim Distributors made by the funds under their 12b-1 plans. In this context,
"financial advisors" include any broker, dealer, bank (including bank trust
departments), registered investment advisor, financial planner, retirement plan
administrator and any other financial intermediary having a selling,
administration or similar agreement with Invesco Aim Affiliates.
Invesco Aim Affiliates make payments as incentives to certain financial
advisors to promote and sell shares of the funds. The benefits Invesco Aim
Affiliates receive when they make these payments include, among other things,
placing the funds on the financial advisor's funds sales system, and access (in
some cases on a preferential basis over other competitors) to individual members
of the financial advisor's sales force or to the financial advisor's management.
These payments are sometimes referred to as "shelf space" payments because the
payments compensate the financial advisor for including the funds in its fund
sales system (on its "sales shelf"). Invesco Aim Affiliates compensate financial
advisors differently depending typically
A-13
on the level and/or type of considerations provided by the financial advisor.
The payments Invesco Aim Affiliates make may be calculated based on sales of
shares of the funds (Sales-Based Payments), in which case the total amount of
such payments shall not exceed 0.25% of the public offering price of all shares
sold by the financial advisor during the particular period. Payments may also be
calculated based on the average daily net assets of the applicable funds
attributable to that particular financial advisor (Asset-Based Payments), in
which case the total amount of such cash payments shall not exceed 0.25% per
annum of those assets during a defined period. Sales-Based Payments primarily
create incentives to make new sales of shares of the funds and Asset-Based
Payments primarily create incentives to retain previously sold shares of the
funds in investor accounts. Invesco Aim Affiliates may pay a financial advisor
either or both Sales-Based Payments and Asset-Based Payments.
Invesco Aim Affiliates are motivated to make these payments as they promote
the sale of fund shares and the retention of those investments by clients of
financial advisors. To the extent financial advisors sell more shares of the
funds or retain shares of the funds in their clients' accounts, Invesco Aim
Affiliates benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid to
Invesco Aim Affiliates by the funds with respect to those assets.
Invesco Aim Affiliates also may make payments to certain financial advisors
for certain administrative services, including record keeping and sub-accounting
of shareholder accounts pursuant to a sub-transfer agency, omnibus account
service or sub-accounting agreement. All fees payable by Invesco Aim Affiliates
under this category of services are charged back to the funds, subject to
certain limitations approved by the Board.
You can find further details in the fund's Statement of Additional
Information about these payments and the services provided by financial
advisors. In certain cases these payments could be significant to the financial
advisor. Your financial advisor may charge you additional fees or commissions
other than those disclosed in this prospectus. You can ask your financial
advisor about any payments it receives from Invesco Aim Affiliates or the funds,
as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges.
EXCESSIVE SHORT-TERM TRADING ACTIVITY (MARKET TIMING) DISCLOSURES
While the funds provide their shareholders with daily liquidity, their
investment programs are designed to serve long-term investors and are not
designed to accommodate excessive short-term trading activity in violation of
our policies described below. Excessive short-term trading activity in the
funds' shares (i.e., a purchase of fund shares followed shortly thereafter by a
redemption of such shares, or vice versa) may hurt the long-term performance of
certain funds by requiring them to maintain an excessive amount of cash or to
liquidate portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time, thus interfering with
the efficient management of such funds by causing them to incur increased
brokerage and administrative costs. Where excessive short-term trading activity
seeks to take advantage of arbitrage opportunities from stale prices for
portfolio securities, the value of fund shares held by long-term investors may
be diluted. The Board has adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage
excessive or short-term trading of fund shares for all funds except the money
market funds. However, there is the risk that these funds' policies and
procedures will prove ineffective in whole or in part to detect or prevent
excessive or short-term trading. These funds may alter their policies at any
time without prior notice to shareholders if the advisor believes the change
would be in the best interests of long-term shareholders.
The Invesco Aim Affiliates currently use the following tools designed to
discourage excessive short-term trading in the retail funds:
- Trade activity monitoring.
- Trading guidelines.
- Redemption fees on trades in certain funds.
- The use of fair value pricing consistent with procedures approved by the
Board.
Each of these tools is described in more detail below. Although these tools
are designed to discourage excessive short-term trading, you should understand
that none of these tools alone nor all of them taken together eliminate the
possibility that excessive short-term trading activity in the funds will occur.
Moreover, each of these tools involves judgments that are inherently subjective.
Invesco Aim Affiliates seek to make these judgments to the best of their
abilities in a manner that they believe is consistent with long-term shareholder
interests.
Some investments in the funds are made through accounts that are maintained
by intermediaries (rather than the funds' transfer agent) and some investments
are made indirectly through products that use the funds as underlying
investments, such as employee benefit plans, funds of funds, qualified tuition
plans, and variable insurance contracts (these products are generally referred
to as conduit investment vehicles). If shares of the funds are held in an
account maintained by an intermediary or in the name of a conduit investment
vehicle (and not in the names of individual investors), the intermediary account
or conduit investment vehicle may be considered an individual shareholder of the
funds for purposes of assessing redemption fees. In these cases, the funds are
likely to be limited in their ability to assess redemption fees on transactions
initiated by individual investors, and the applicability of redemption fees will
be determined based on the aggregate holdings and redemptions of the
intermediary account or the conduit investment vehicle.
If shares of the funds are held in an account maintained by an intermediary
or in the name of a conduit investment vehicle (and not in the names of
individual investors), the intermediary or conduit investment vehicle may impose
rules intended to limit short-term money movements in and out of the funds which
differ from those described in this prospectus. In such cases, there may be
redemption fees imposed by the intermediary or conduit investment vehicle on
different terms (and subject to different exceptions) than those set forth
above. Please consult your financial advisor or other intermediary for details.
Money Market Funds. The Board of AIM Money Market Fund, AIM Tax-Exempt Cash
Fund, Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S.
Government Money Portfolio (the money market funds) have not adopted any
policies and procedures that would limit frequent purchases and redemptions of
such funds' shares. The Board considered the risks of not having a specific
policy that limits frequent purchases and redemptions, and determined that those
risks were minimal. Nonetheless, to the extent that a money market fund must
maintain additional cash and/or
A-14
securities with short-term durations in greater amounts than may otherwise be
required or borrow to honor redemption requests, the money market fund's yield
could be negatively impacted.
The Board does not believe that it is appropriate to adopt any such
policies and procedures for the money market funds for the following reasons:
- The money market funds are offered to investors as cash management
vehicles; investors must perceive an investment in such funds as an
alternative to cash, and must be able to purchase and redeem shares
regularly and frequently.
- One of the advantages of a money market fund as compared to other
investment options is liquidity. Any policy that diminishes the liquidity
of the money market funds will be detrimental to the continuing operations
of such funds.
- The money market funds' portfolio securities are valued on the basis of
amortized cost, and such funds seek to maintain a constant net asset value.
As a result, there are no price arbitrage opportunities.
- Because the money market funds seek to maintain a constant net asset value,
investors expect to receive upon redemption the amount they originally
invested in such funds. Imposition of redemption fees would run contrary to
investor expectations.
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund. The Board of AIM Limited Maturity
Treasury Fund has not adopted any policies and procedures that would limit
frequent purchases and redemptions of such fund's shares. The Board considered
the risks of not having a specific policy that limits frequent purchases and
redemptions and determined that those risks were minimal. Nonetheless, to the
extent that AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund must maintain additional cash
and/or securities with short-term durations in greater amounts than may
otherwise be required or borrow to honor redemption requests, AIM Limited
Maturity Treasury Fund's yield could be negatively impacted.
The Board does not believe that it is appropriate to adopt any such
policies and procedures for the fund for the following reasons:
- Many investors use AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund as a short-term
investment alternative and should be able to purchase and redeem shares
regularly and frequently.
- One of the advantages of AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund as compared to
other investment options is liquidity. Any policy that diminishes the
liquidity of AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund will be detrimental to the
continuing operations of such fund.
TRADE ACTIVITY MONITORING
Invesco Aim Affiliates monitor selected trades on a daily basis in an effort to
detect excessive short-term trading activities. If, as a result of this
monitoring, Invesco Aim Affiliates believe that a shareholder has engaged in
excessive short-term trading, they will seek to act in a manner that they
believe is consistent with the best interests of long-term investors, which may
include taking steps such as (i) asking the shareholder to take action to stop
such activities or (ii) refusing to process future purchases or exchanges
related to such activities in the shareholder's accounts other than exchanges
into a money market fund. Invesco Aim Affiliates will use reasonable efforts to
apply the fund's policies uniformly given the practical limitations described
above.
The ability of Invesco Aim Affiliates to monitor trades that are made
through accounts that are maintained by intermediaries (rather than the funds'
transfer agent) and through conduit investment vehicles may be severely limited
or non-existent.
TRADING GUIDELINES
If you exceed four exchanges out of a fund per calendar year (other than the
money market funds and AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund), or a fund or an
Invesco Aim Affiliate determines, in its sole discretion, that your short-term
trading activity is excessive (regardless of whether or not you exceed such
guidelines), it may, in its discretion, reject any additional purchase and
exchange orders.
The ability of Invesco Aim Affiliates to monitor exchanges made through
accounts that are maintained by intermediaries (rather than the funds' transfer
agent) and through conduit investment vehicles may be severely limited or
non-existent. If shares of the funds are held in the name of a conduit
investment vehicle and not in the names of the individual investors who have
invested in the funds through the conduit investment vehicle, the conduit
investment vehicle may be considered an individual shareholder of the funds. To
the extent that a conduit investment vehicle is considered an individual
shareholder of the funds, the funds are likely to be limited in their ability to
impose exchange limitations on individual transactions initiated by investors
who have invested in the funds through the conduit investment vehicle.
REDEMPTION FEES
You may be charged a 2% redemption fee if you redeem, including redeeming by
exchange, shares of certain funds within 31 days of purchase. The ability of a
fund to assess a redemption fee on redemptions effectuated through accounts that
are maintained by intermediaries (rather than the funds' transfer agent) and
through conduit investment vehicles may be severely limited or non-existent.
FAIR VALUE PRICING
Securities owned by a fund are to be valued at current market value if market
quotations are readily available. All other securities and assets of a fund for
which market quotations are not readily available are to be valued at fair value
determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board. Fair value
pricing may reduce the ability of frequent traders to take advantage of
arbitrage opportunities resulting from potentially "stale" prices of portfolio
holdings. However, it cannot eliminate the possibility of frequent trading.
A-15
Obtaining Additional Information
More information may be obtained free of charge upon request. The Statement of
Additional Information (SAI), a current version of which is on file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), contains more details about the fund
and is incorporated by reference into the prospectus (is legally a part of the
prospectus). Annual and semiannual reports to shareholders contain additional
information about the fund's investments. The fund's annual report also
discusses the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly
affected the fund's performance during its last fiscal year. The fund also files
its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the 1st and 3rd
quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund's most recent portfolio
holdings, as filed on Form N-Q, are also available at http://www.invescoaim.com.
If you have questions about this fund, another fund in The AIM Family of
Funds--Registered Trademark-- or your account, or wish to obtain free copies of
the fund's current SAI or annual or semiannual reports, please contact us by
mail at Invesco Aim Investment Services, Inc., P.O. Box 4739, Houston, TX
77210-4739 or
By Telephone: (800) 959-4246
On the Internet: You can send us a request by e-mail or
download prospectuses, SAIs, annual or
semiannual reports via our website:
http://www.invescoaim.com
You can also review and obtain copies of the fund's SAI, financial reports, the
fund's Forms N-Q and other information at the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC; on the EDGAR database on the SEC's Internet website
(http://www.sec.gov); or, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a letter to
the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102 or by sending an
electronic mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov. Please call the SEC at
1-202-942-8090 for information about the Public Reference Room.
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund
SEC 1940 Act file number: 811-01424
invescoaim.com [EQI-PRO-1]
(INVAIM1.GIF, [INVESCO AIM LOGO APPEARS HERE])
8
THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND
MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND
IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER
OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
Subject to Completion - Dated April 30, 2009
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
11 GREENWAY PLAZA
SUITE 100
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77046-1173
(713) 626-1919
----------
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATES TO THE PORTFOLIO (THE "FUND")
OF AIM EQUITY FUNDS LISTED BELOW. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS
NOT A PROSPECTUS, AND IT SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PROSPECTUSES FOR
THE FUND LISTED BELOW. WHEN ISSUED, THE FUND'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WILL BE
INCORPORATED INTO THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BY REFERENCE TO THE
FUND'S MOST RECENT ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS. YOU MAY OBTAIN, WITHOUT
CHARGE, A COPY OF ANY PROSPECTUS AND/OR ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE FUND LISTED BELOW
FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR BY WRITING TO:
INVESCO AIM INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
P.O. BOX 4739
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77210-4739
OR BY CALLING (800) 959-4246
OR ON THE INTERNET: WWW.INVESCOAIM.COM
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED JULY 14, 2009, RELATES TO CLASS Y
SHARES OF THE FOLLOWING PROSPECTUS:
FUND DATED
AIM DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND JULY 14, 2009
--------------------------- -------------
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST 1
Fund History 1
Shares of Beneficial Interest 1
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 4
Classification 4
Investment Strategies and Risks 4
Equity Investments 4
Foreign Investments 5
Exchange Traded Funds 8
Debt Investments 8
Other Investments 9
Investment Techniques 10
Derivatives 15
Fund Policies 21
Temporary Defensive Positions 22
Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Fund Holdings 23
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST 26
Board of Trustees 26
Management Information 26
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares 29
Compensation 29
Retirement Plan For Trustees 30
Deferred Compensation Agreements 30
Purchases of Class A Shares of the Funds at Net Asset Value 31
Code of Ethics 31
Proxy Voting Policies 31
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 31
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 32
Investment Advisor 32
Investment Sub-Advisors 33
Portfolio Managers 34
Securities Lending Arrangements 34
Service Agreements 34
Other Service Providers 35
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES 36
Brokerage Transactions 36
Commissions 36
Broker Selection 36
Allocation of Portfolio Transactions 40
Allocation of Initial Public Offering ("IPO") Transactions 40
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES 41
Transactions through Financial Intermediaries 41
Purchase and Redemption of Shares 41
Institutional Class Shares 59
Offering Price 60
i
Redemptions In Kind 61
Backup Withholding 62
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX MATTERS 63
Dividends and Distributions 63
Tax Matters 63
DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES 73
Distributor 73
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 73
PENDING LITIGATION 73
APPENDICES:
RATINGS OF DEBT SECURITIES A-1
PERSONS TO WHOM INVESCO AIM PROVIDES NON-PUBLIC PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS ON
AN ONGOING BASIS B-1
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS C-1
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION TABLE D-1
PROXY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES E-1
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES F-1
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS G-1
CERTAIN FINANCIAL ADVISORS THAT RECEIVE ONE OR MORE TYPES OF PAYMENTS H-1
PENDING LITIGATION I-1
ii
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST
FUND HISTORY
AIM Equity Funds (the "Trust") is a Delaware statutory trust which is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"), as an open-end series management investment company. The Trust currently
consists of eight separate portfolios: AIM Capital Development Fund, AIM Charter
Fund, AIM Constellation Fund, AIM Diversified Dividend Fund, AIM Disciplined
Equity Fund, AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund, AIM Large Cap Growth Fund and AIM
Summit Fund. This Statement of Additional Information relates solely to AIM
Disciplined Equity Fund (the "Fund"). Under an Amended and Restated Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, dated September 14, 2005, as amended (the "Trust
Agreement"), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") is authorized to
create new series of shares without the necessity of a vote of shareholders of
the Trust.
The Trust was originally organized on May 19, 1988 as a Maryland
corporation. The Trust reorganized as a Delaware business trust on June 21,
2000. The following Funds were included in the reorganization: AIM Aggressive
Growth Fund, AIM Blue Chip Fund, AIM Capital Development Fund, AIM Charter Fund,
AIM Constellation Fund, AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund, AIM Large Cap Growth
Fund, AIM Mid Cap Growth Fund and AIM Weingarten Fund. All historical and other
information contained in this Statement of Additional Information for periods
prior to June 21, 2000 relating to the Funds (or a class thereof) is that of the
predecessor funds (or the corresponding class thereof). AIM Core Strategies
Fund, AIM Diversified Dividend Fund, and AIM U.S. Growth Fund commenced
operations as series of the Trust. Prior to May 2, 2003, AIM Diversified
Dividend Fund was known as AIM Large Cap Core Equity Fund. Prior to September
15, 2004, AIM Select Basic Value Fund was known as AIM Basic Value II Fund. As
of March 15, 2005, AIM Core Strategies Fund and AIM U.S. Growth Fund were
liquidated. On July 18, 2005, AIM Aggressive Growth Fund acquired all the assets
of AIM Emerging Growth Fund and AIM Weingarten Fund acquired all the assets of
AIM Dent Demographic Trends Fund. In addition, on July 18, 2005, AIM Aggressive
Growth Fund acquired the assets of AIM Libra Fund, a portfolio of AIM
Investments Funds. On March 27, 2006, AIM Constellation Fund acquired all the
assets of AIM Aggressive Growth Fund and AIM Weingarten Fund. Also on March 27,
2006, AIM Large Cap Growth Fund acquired all the assets of AIM Blue Chip Fund.
On April 10, 2006, AIM Dynamics Fund, a portfolio of AIM Stock Funds, acquired
all the assets of AIM Mid Cap Growth Fund. In addition, on April 10, 2006, AIM
Charter Fund acquired the assets of AIM Premier Equity Fund, a portfolio of AIM
Funds Group. As of February 27, 2007, AIM Select Basic Value was liquidated.
On April 30, 2008, AIM Summit Fund succeeded to the assets and assumed the
liabilities of AIM Summit Fund (the "Predecessor Fund") of AIM Summit Fund, a
Delaware statutory trust ("ASF"), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization between the Trust and ASF.
SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Shares of beneficial interest of the Trust are redeemable at their net
asset value (subject, in certain circumstances, to a contingent deferred sales
charge or redemption fee) at the option of the shareholder or at the option of
the Trust in certain circumstances.
The Trust allocates moneys and other property it receives from the issue or
sale of shares of each of its series of shares, and all income, earnings and
profits from such issuance and sales, subject only to the rights of creditors,
to the appropriate Fund. These assets constitute the underlying assets of each
Fund, are segregated on the Trust's books of account, and are charged with the
expenses of such Fund and its respective classes. The Trust allocates any
general expenses of the Trust not readily identifiable as belonging to a
particular Fund by or under the direction of the Board, primarily on the basis
of relative net assets, or other relevant factors.
1
Each share of each Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in that
Fund with each other share and is entitled to such dividends and distributions
out of the income belonging to such Fund as are declared by the Board.
Each Fund offers separate classes of shares as follows:
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR
FUND CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS P CLASS R CLASS Y CLASS CLASS
---- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------------- --------
AIM Capital X X X X X X X
Development Fund
AIM Charter Fund X X X X X X
AIM Constellation Fund X X X X X X
AIM Diversified X X X X X X X
Dividend Fund
AIM Disciplined X
Equity Fund
AIM Large Cap Basic X X X X X X X
Value Fund
AIM Large Cap Growth X X X X X X X
Fund
AIM Summit Fund X X X X X X
This Statement of Additional Information relates solely to the Class A,
Class B, Class C, Class P, Class R, Class Y, Investor Class and Institutional
Class shares, if applicable, of the Funds. The Institutional Class shares are
intended for use by certain eligible institutional investors, including the
following:
- banks and trust companies acting in a fiduciary or similar
capacity;
- bank and trust company common and collective trust funds;
- banks and trust companies investing for their own account;
- entities acting for the account of a public entity (e.g.
Taft-Hartley funds, states, cities or government agencies);
- retirement plans;
- platform sponsors with which Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.
("Invesco Aim Distributors") has entered into an agreement;
- proprietary asset allocation funds; and
2
- Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc. ("Invesco Aim Management") and
its affiliates.
Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of
investments. Differing sales charges and expenses will result in differing net
asset values and dividends and distributions. Upon any liquidation of the Trust,
shareholders of each class are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets
belonging to the applicable Fund allocable to such class available for
distribution after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities of the Fund allocable
to such class.
Each share of a Fund generally has the same voting, dividend, liquidation
and other rights; however, each class of shares of a Fund is subject to
different sales loads, conversion features, exchange privileges and
class-specific expenses. Only shareholders of a specific class may vote on
matters relating to that class' distribution plan.
Because Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares on or about
month-end which is at least eight years after the date of purchase, the Funds'
Agreement and Declaration of Trust requires that Class B shareholders must also
approve any material increase in distribution fees submitted to Class A
shareholders of that Fund. A pro rata portion of shares from reinvested
dividends and distributions convert along with the Class B shares.
Except as specifically noted above, shareholders of each Fund are entitled
to one vote per share (with proportionate voting for fractional shares),
irrespective of the relative net asset value of the shares of a Fund. However,
on matters affecting an individual Fund or class of shares, a separate vote of
shareholders of that Fund or class is required. Shareholders of a Fund or class
are not entitled to vote on any matter which does not affect that Fund or class
but that requires a separate vote of another Fund or class. An example of a
matter that would be voted on separately by shareholders of each Fund is the
approval of the advisory agreement with Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. ("Invesco
Aim"), and an example of a matter that would be voted on separately by
shareholders of each class of shares is approval of the distribution plans. When
issued, shares of each Fund are fully paid and nonassessable, have no preemptive
or subscription rights, and are freely transferable. Other than the automatic
conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares, there are no conversion rights.
Shares do not have cumulative voting rights, which means that in situations in
which shareholders elect trustees, holders of more than 50% of the shares voting
for the election of trustees can elect all of the trustees of the Trust, and the
holders of less than 50% of the shares voting for the election of trustees will
not be able to elect any trustees.
Under Delaware law, shareholders of a Delaware statutory trust shall be
entitled to the same limitations of liability extended to shareholders of
private for-profit corporations. There is a remote possibility, however, that
shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held liable for the
obligations of the Trust to the extent the courts of another state which does
not recognize such limited liability were to apply the laws of such state to a
controversy involving such obligations. The Trust Agreement disclaims
shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and requires that
notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument
entered into or executed by the Trust or the trustees to all parties, and each
party thereto must expressly waive all rights of action directly against
shareholders of the Trust. The Trust Agreement provides for indemnification out
of the property of a Fund for all losses and expenses of any shareholder of such
Fund held liable on account of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the
risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss due to shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which a Fund is unable to meet its obligations and
the complaining party is not held to be bound by the disclaimer.
The trustees and officers of the Trust will not be liable for any act,
omission or obligation of the Trust or any trustee or officer; however, a
trustee or officer is not protected against any liability to the Trust or to the
shareholders to which a trustee or officer would otherwise be subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of
the duties
3
involved in the conduct of his or her office with the Trust ("Disabling
Conduct"). The Trust's Bylaws generally provide for indemnification by the Trust
of the trustees, the officers and employees or agents of the Trust, provided
that such persons have not engaged in Disabling Conduct. Indemnification does
not extend to judgments or amounts paid in settlement in any actions by or in
the right of the Trust. The Trust's Bylaws provide for the advancement of
payments of expenses to current and former trustees, officers and employees or
agents of the Trust, or anyone serving at their request, in connection with the
preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or
proceeding, for which such person would be entitled to indemnification; provided
that any advancement of payments would be reimbursed unless it is ultimately
determined that such person is entitled to indemnification for such expenses.
SHARE CERTIFICATES. Shareholders of the Fund do not have the right to
demand or require the Trust to issue share certificates and share certificates
are not issued.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
CLASSIFICATION
The Trust is an open-end management investment company. The Fund is
"diversified" for purposes of the 1940 Act.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
Set forth below are detailed descriptions of the various types of
securities and investment techniques that Invesco Aim and/or the Sub-Advisors
(as defined herein), may use in managing the Fund, as well as the risks
associated with those types of securities and investment techniques. The
descriptions of the types of securities and investment techniques below
supplement the discussion of principal investment strategies and risks contained
in the Fund's Prospectus; where a particular type of security or investment
technique is not discussed in the Fund's Prospectus, that security or investment
technique is not a principal investment strategy.
The Fund may not invest in all of the types of securities or use all of the
investment techniques described below, and the Fund may not invest in all of
these types of securities or use all of these techniques at any one time. The
Fund's transactions in a particular type of security or use of a particular
technique is subject to limitations imposed by the Fund's investment
objective(s), policies and restrictions described in the Fund's Prospectus
and/or this Statement of Additional Information, as well as the federal
securities laws. Invesco Aim and/or the Sub-Advisors may invest in other types
of securities and may use other investment techniques in managing the Fund,
including those described below that are not specifically mentioned as investing
in the security or using the investment technique, as well as securities and
techniques not described, subject to limitations imposed by the Fund's
investment objective(s), policies and restrictions described in the Fund's
Prospectus and/or this Statement of Additional Information, as well as the
federal securities laws.
The Fund's investment objectives, policies, strategies and practices
described below are non-fundamental unless otherwise indicated.
Equity Investments
The Fund may invest in all of the following types of equity investments:
COMMON STOCK. Common stock is issued by companies principally to raise cash
for business purposes and represents a residual interest in the issuing company.
The Fund participates in the success or failure of any company in which it holds
stock. The prices of equity securities change in response to many factors
including the historical and prospective earnings of
4
the issuer, the value of its assets, general economic conditions, interest
rates, investor perceptions and market liquidity.
PREFERRED STOCK. Preferred stock, unlike common stock, often offers a
stated dividend rate payable from a corporation's earnings. If interest rates
rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the
price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking
fund provisions, as well as call/redemption provisions prior to maturity, which
is a negative feature when interest rates decline. Dividends on some preferred
stock may be "cumulative," requiring all or a portion of prior unpaid dividends
to be paid before dividends are paid on the issuer's common stock. Preferred
stock also generally has a preference over common stock on the distribution of a
corporation's assets in the event of liquidation of the corporation, and may be
"participating," which means that it may be entitled to a dividend exceeding the
stated dividend in certain cases. In some cases an issuer may offer auction rate
preferred stock, which means that the interest to be paid is set by auction and
will often be reset at stated intervals. The rights of preferred stocks on the
distribution of a corporation's assets in the event of a liquidation are
generally subordinate to the rights associated with a corporation's debt
securities.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Convertible securities include bonds, debentures,
notes, preferred stocks and other securities that may be converted into a
prescribed amount of common stock or other equity securities at a specified
price and time. The holder of convertible securities is entitled to receive
interest paid or accrued on debt, or dividends paid or accrued on preferred
stock, until the security matures or is converted.
The value of a convertible security depends on interest rates, the yield of
similar nonconvertible securities, the financial strength of the issuer and the
seniority of the security in the issuer's capital structure. Convertible
securities may be illiquid, and may be required to convert at a time and at a
price that is unfavorable to the Fund.
The values of the convertible securities in which the Fund may invest also
will be affected by market interest rates, the risk that the issuer may default
on interest or principal payments and the value of the underlying common stock
into which these securities may be converted. Specifically, since these types of
convertible securities pay fixed interest and dividends, their values may fall
if market interest rates rise and rise if market interest rates fall.
Additionally, an issuer may have the right to buy back certain of the
convertible securities at a time and at a price that is unfavorable to the fund.
ALTERNATIVE ENTITY SECURITIES. Companies that are formed as limited
partnerships, limited liability companies, business trusts or other
non-corporate entities, which may issue equity securities that are similar to
common or preferred stock of corporations.
Foreign Investments
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in foreign securities. Foreign
securities are equity or debt securities issued by issuers outside the United
States, and include securities in the form of American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), or other securities
representing underlying securities of foreign issuers. Depositary receipts are
typically issued by a bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by foreign corporations. For a discussion of ADRs and EDRs,
please refer to "Description of the Fund and Its Investments and Risks -
Investment Strategies and Risks - Foreign Investments - ADRs and EDRs" below.
Investments by the Fund in foreign securities, whether denominated in U.S.
dollars or foreign currencies, may entail all of the risks set forth below in
addition to those accompanying as investment in U.S.-issued securities.
Investments by the Fund in ADRs, EDRs or similar securities also may entail some
or all of the risks described below, as well as risks set forth below
5
under "Description of the Fund and Its Investments and Risks - Investment
Strategies and Risks - Foreign Investments - ADRs and EDRs".
Currency Risk. The value of the Fund's foreign investments will be affected
by changes in currency exchange rates. The U.S. dollar value of a foreign
security decreases when the value of the U.S. dollar rises against the foreign
currency in which the security is denominated, and increases when the value of
the U.S. dollar falls against such currency.
Political and Economic Risk. The economies of many of the countries in
which the Fund may invest may not be as developed as the United States' economy
and may be subject to significantly different forces. Political or social
instability and developments, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, and
limitations on the removal of funds or other assets could also adversely affect
the value of the Fund's investments.
Regulatory Risk. Foreign companies are not registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and are generally not subject to the regulatory
controls imposed on United States issuers and, as a consequence, there is
generally less publicly available information about foreign securities than is
available about domestic securities. Foreign companies may not be subject to
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, corporate
governance practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic
companies. Therefore, financial information about foreign companies may be
incomplete, or may not be comparable to the information available on U.S.
companies. Income from foreign securities owned by the Fund may be reduced by a
withholding tax at the source, which tax would reduce dividend income payable to
the Fund's shareholders.
Market Risk. The securities markets in many of the countries in which the
Fund invests will have substantially less trading volume than the major United
States markets. As a result, the securities of some foreign companies may be
less liquid and experience more price volatility than comparable domestic
securities. Increased custodian costs as well as administrative costs (such as
the need to use foreign custodians) may be associated with the maintenance of
assets in foreign jurisdictions. There is generally less government regulation
and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and issuers which may make
it difficult to enforce contractual obligations. In addition, transaction costs
in foreign securities markets are likely to be higher, since brokerage
commission rates in foreign countries are likely to be higher than in the United
States.
Risks of Developing Countries. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total
assets in securities of companies located in developing countries. Developing
countries are those countries which are not included in the MSCI World Index.
The Fund considers various factors when determining whether a company is in a
developing country, including whether (1) it is organized under the laws of a
developing country; (2) it has a principal office in a developing country; (3)
it derives 50% or more of its total revenues from businesses in developing
countries; or (4) its securities are traded principally on a stock exchange, or
in an over-the-counter market, in a developing country. Investments in
developing countries present risks greater than, and in addition to, those
presented by investments in foreign issuers in general. A number of developing
countries restrict, to varying degrees, foreign investment in stocks.
Repatriation of investment income, capital, and the proceeds of sales by foreign
investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some
developing countries. A number of the currencies of developing countries have
experienced significant declines against the U.S. dollar in recent years, and
devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by the Fund.
Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to
have negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain
developing countries. Many of the developing countries' securities markets are
relatively small or less diverse, have low trading volumes, suffer periods of
relative illiquidity, and are characterized by significant price volatility.
There is a risk in developing countries that a future economic or political
crisis could lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, expropriation
or confiscatory taxation, seizure,
6
nationalization, or creation of government monopolies, any of which may have a
detrimental effect on the Fund's investments.
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may invest in debt securities of
foreign governments. Debt securities issued by foreign governments are often,
but not always, supported by the full faith and credit of the foreign
governments, or their subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, that issue
them. These securities involve the risks discussed above with respect to foreign
securities. Additionally, the issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities
that control repayment of the debt may be unwilling or unable to pay interest or
repay principal when due. Political or economic changes or the balance of trade
may affect a country's willingness or ability to service its debt obligations.
Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of
sovereign debt obligations, especially debt obligations issued by the
governments of developing countries. Foreign government obligations of
developing countries, and some structures of emerging market debt securities,
both of which are generally below investment grade, are sometimes referred to as
"Brady Bonds".
FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. The Fund has authority to deal in foreign
exchange between currencies of the different countries in which it will invest
as a hedge against possible variations in the foreign exchange rates between
those currencies. The Fund may commit the same percentage of its assets to
foreign exchange hedges as it can invest in foreign securities. Foreign exchange
transactions include direct purchases of futures contracts with respect to
foreign currency, and contractual agreements to purchase or sell a specified
currency at a specified future date (up to one year) at a price set at the time
of the contract. Such contractual commitments may be forward currency contracts
entered into directly with another party or exchange traded futures contracts.
Foreign exchange transactions also include transactions conducted on a cash or
"spot" basis at the spot rate for purchasing or selling currency in the foreign
currency exchange markets.
The Fund may utilize either specific transactions ("transaction hedging")
or portfolio positions ("position hedging") to hedge foreign currency exposure
through foreign exchange transactions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or
sale of foreign currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of the
Fund accruing in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio
securities, the sale and redemption of shares of the Fund, or the payment of
dividends and distributions by the Fund. Position hedging is the purchase or
sale of foreign currency with respect to portfolio security positions (or
underlying portfolio security positions, such as in an ADR) denominated or
quoted in a foreign currency. There can be no guarantee that these investments
will be successful. Additionally, foreign exchange transactions may involve some
of the risks of investments in foreign securities.
ADRS AND EDRS. ADRs are receipts typically issued by U.S. banks. ADRs are
receipts for the shares of foreign corporations that are held by the bank
issuing the receipt. An ADR entitles its holder to all dividends and capital
gains on the underlying foreign securities, less any fees paid to the bank.
Purchasing ADRs gives the Fund the ability to purchase the functional equivalent
of foreign securities without going to the foreign securities markets to do so.
ADRs are bought and sold in U.S. dollars, not foreign currencies. An ADR that is
"sponsored" means that the foreign corporation whose shares are represented by
the ADR is actively involved in the issuance of the ADR, and generally provides
material information about the corporation to the U.S. market. An "unsponsored"
ADR program means that the foreign corporation whose shares are held by the bank
is not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and,
therefore, the market value of the ADR may not reflect important facts known
only to the foreign company. Since they mirror their underlying foreign
securities, ADRs generally have the same risks as investing directly in the
underlying foreign securities. EDRs are similar to ADRs, except they are
typically issued by European banks or trust companies.
7
Exchange Traded Funds
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS. The Fund may purchase shares of exchange-traded
funds ("ETFs"). Most ETFs are registered under the 1940 Act as investment
companies. Therefore, the Fund's purchase of shares of an ETF may be subject to
the restrictions on investments in other investment companies discussed under
"Other Investment Companies."
ETFs hold portfolios of securities, commodities and/or currencies that are
designed to replicate, as closely as possible before expenses, the price and/or
yield of (i) a specified market or other index, (ii) a basket of securities,
commodities or currencies, or (iii) a particular commodity or currency. The
performance results of ETFs will not replicate exactly the performance of the
pertinent index, basket, commodity or currency due to transaction and other
expenses, including fees to service providers, borne by ETFs. ETF shares are
sold and redeemed at net asset value only in large blocks called creation units
and redemption units, respectively. ETF shares also may be purchased and sold in
secondary market trading on national securities exchanges, which allows
investors to purchase and sell ETF shares at their market price throughout the
day.
Investments in ETFs generally present the same primary risks as an
investment in a conventional mutual fund that has the same investment objective,
strategy and policies. Investments in ETFs further involve the same risks
associated with a direct investment in the commodity or currency, or in the
types of securities, commodities and/or currencies included in the indices or
baskets the ETFs are designed to replicate. In addition, shares of an ETF may
trade at a market price that is higher or lower than their net asset value and
an active trading market in such shares may not develop or continue. Moreover,
trading of an ETF's shares may be halted if the listing exchange's officials
deem such action to be appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange,
or the activation of market-wide "circuit breakers" (which are tied to large
decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. Finally, there can be
no assurance that the portfolio of securities, commodities and/or currencies
purchased by an ETF will replicate a particular index or basket or price of a
commodity or currency.
Debt Investments
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may invest in U.S. Government
obligations. Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies and instrumentalities include bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S.
Treasury, as well as "stripped" or "zero coupon" U.S. Treasury obligations
representing future interest or principal payments on U.S. Treasury notes or
bonds. Stripped securities are sold at a discount to their "face value," and may
exhibit greater price volatility than interest-bearing securities because
investors receive no payment until maturity.
Obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
Government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), are
supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as
those of the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), are supported by
the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury.
On September 6, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") placed
FNMA and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") into conservatorship,
and FHFA succeeded to all rights, titles, powers and privileges of FNMA and
FHLMC. The U.S. Treasury entered into a Senior Preferred Stock Purchase
Agreement with each of FNMA and FHLMC pursuant to which the U.S. Treasury will
purchase up to an aggregate of $100 billion of each of FNMA and FHLMC to
maintain a positive net worth in each enterprise; this agreement contains
various covenants that severely limit each enterprise's operation. The U.S.
Treasury also announced the creation of a new secured lending facility that is
available to FNMA and FHLMC as a liquidity backstop and announced the creation
of a temporary program to purchase mortgage-backed securities issued by FNMA and
FHLMC. FHFA has the power to repudiate any
8
contract entered into by FNMA or FHLMC prior to FHFA's appointment if FHFA
determines that performance of the contract is burdensome and the repudiation of
the contract promotes the orderly administration of FNMA's or FHLMC's affairs.
FHFA has indicated that it has no intention to repudiate the guaranty
obligations of FNMA or FHLMC. FHFA also has the right to transfer or sell any
asset or liability of FNMA or FHLMC without any approval, assignment or consent,
although FHFA has stated that is has no present intention to do so. In addition,
holders of mortgage-backed securities issued by FNMA and FHLMC may not enforce
certain rights related to such securities against FHFA, or the enforcement of
such rights may be delayed, during the conservatorship.
Other obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
Government, such as the Federal Farm Credit Bureau ("FFCB"), are supported only
by the credit of the instrumentality. The U.S. Government may choose not to
provide financial support to U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or
instrumentalities if it is not legally obligated to do so, in which case, if the
issuer were to default, the Fund holding securities of such issuer might not be
able to recover their investment from the U.S. Government.
LIQUID ASSETS. The Fund may invest in liquid assets. For cash management
purposes, the Fund may hold a portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents,
including shares of affiliated money market funds. In anticipation of or in
response to adverse market or other conditions, or atypical circumstances such
as unusually large cash inflows or redemptions, the Fund may temporarily hold
all or a portion of its assets in cash, cash equivalents (including shares of
affiliated money market funds) or high-quality debt instruments. As a result,
the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Cash equivalents include money market instruments (such as certificates of
deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances from U.S. or foreign banks, and
repurchase agreements), shares of affiliated money market funds or high-quality
debt obligations (such as U.S. Government obligations, commercial paper, master
notes and other short-term corporate instruments and municipal obligations.
INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may invest in U.S.
dollar-denominated debt obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations or
U.S. commercial banks, U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers
and debt obligations of foreign issuers denominated in foreign currencies. Such
debt obligations include, among others, bonds, notes, debentures and variable
rate demand notes. In choosing corporate debt securities on behalf of a Fund,
its portfolio managers may consider: (i) general economic and financial
conditions; (ii) the specific issuer's (a) business and management, (b) cash
flow, (c) earnings coverage of interest and dividends, (d) ability to operate
under adverse economic conditions, (e) fair market value of assets, and (f) in
the case of foreign issuers, unique political, economic or social conditions
applicable to such issuer's country; and, (iii) other considerations deemed
appropriate.
Descriptions of debt securities ratings are found in Appendix A.
Other Investments
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITS"). The Fund may invest in equity
and/or debt securities issued by REITs. REITs are trusts that sell equity or
debt securities to investors and use the proceeds to invest in real estate or
interests therein. A REIT may focus on particular projects, such as apartment
complexes, or geographic regions, such as the southeastern United States, or
both.
To the extent that the Fund has the ability to invest in REITs, the Fund
could conceivably own real estate directly as a result of a default on the
securities it owns. The Fund, therefore, may be subject to certain risks
associated with the direct ownership of real estate
9
including difficulties in valuing and trading real estate, declines in the value
of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, adverse
changes in the climate for real estate, environmental liability risks, increases
in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or
condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values, the
appeal of properties to tenants, and increases in interest rates.
In addition to the risks described above, equity REITs may be affected by
any changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, while
mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Equity and
mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skill, are not diversified, and are
therefore subject to the risk of financing single or a limited number of
projects. Such trusts are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults
by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to maintain an
exemption from the 1940 Act. Changes in interest rates may also affect the value
of debt securities held by REITs. By investing in REITs indirectly through the
Fund, a shareholder will bear not only his/her proportionate share of the
expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the REITs.
OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Fund may purchase shares of other
investment companies. For the Fund, the 1940 Act imposes the following
restrictions on investments in other investment companies: (i) the Fund may not
purchase more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of another
investment company; (ii) the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total
assets in securities issued by another investment company; and (iii) the Fund
may not invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities issued by other
investment companies. These restrictions do not apply to investments by the Fund
in investment companies that are money market funds, including money market
funds that have Invesco Aim or an affiliate of Invesco Aim as an investment
advisor (the "Affiliated Money Market Funds").
With respect to the Fund's purchase of shares of another investment
company, including an Affiliated Money Market Fund, the Fund will indirectly
bear its proportionate share of the advisory fees and other operating expenses
of such investment company.
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS ("MLPS"). The Fund may invest in MLPs. MLPs are
securities through which the operating results of businesses are passed on to
unitholders of MLPs. Operating earnings flow directly to the unitholders in the
form of cash distributions. Although the characteristics of MLPs closely
resemble a traditional limited partnership, a major difference is that MLPs may
trade on a public exchange or in the over-the-counter market. The ability to
trade on a public exchange or in the over-the-counter market provides a certain
amount of liquidity not found in many limited partnership investments.
INVESTMENTS IN ENTITIES WITH RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE FUNDS/ADVISOR. The Fund
may invest in securities issued, sponsored or guaranteed by the following types
of entities or their affiliates: (i) entities that sell shares of the AIM Funds;
(ii) entities that rate or rank the AIM Funds; (iii) exchanges on which the AIM
Funds buy or sell securities; and (iv) entities that provide services to the AIM
Funds (e.g., custodian banks). The Fund will decide whether to invest in or sell
securities issued by these entities based on the merits of the specific
investment opportunity.
Investment Techniques
DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may engage in delayed delivery
transactions. Delayed delivery transactions, also referred to as forward
commitments, involve commitments by the Fund to dealers or issuers to acquire or
sell securities at a specified future date beyond the customary settlement for
such securities. These commitments may fix the payment price and interest rate
to be received or paid on the investment. The Fund may purchase securities on a
delayed delivery basis to the extent it can anticipate having available cash on
settlement date. Delayed delivery agreements will not be used as a speculative
or leverage technique.
10
Investment in securities on a delayed delivery basis may increase the
Fund's exposure to market fluctuation and may increase the possibility that the
Fund will incur short-term gains subject to federal taxation or short-term
losses if the Fund must engage in portfolio transactions in order to honor a
delayed delivery commitment. Until the settlement date, the Fund will segregate
liquid assets of a dollar value sufficient at all times to make payment for the
delayed delivery transactions. Such segregated liquid assets will be
marked-to-market daily, and the amount segregated will be increased if necessary
to maintain adequate coverage of the delayed delivery commitments. No additional
delayed delivery agreements or when-issued commitments (as described below) will
be made by the Fund if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund's total assets
would become so committed.
The delayed delivery securities, which will not begin to accrue interest or
dividends until the settlement date, will be recorded as an asset of the Fund
and will be subject to the risk of market fluctuation. The purchase price of the
delayed delivery securities is a liability of the Fund until settlement. Absent
extraordinary circumstances, the Fund will not sell or otherwise transfer the
delayed delivery basis securities prior to settlement.
The Fund may enter into buy/sell back transactions (a form of delayed
delivery agreement). In a buy/sell back transaction, the Fund enters a trade to
sell securities at one price and simultaneously enters a trade to buy the same
securities at another price for settlement at a future date.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES. The Fund may purchase when-issued securities.
Purchasing securities on a "when-issued" basis means that the date for delivery
of and payment for the securities is not fixed at the date of purchase, but is
set after the securities are issued. The payment obligation and, if applicable,
the interest rate that will be received on the securities are fixed at the time
the buyer enters into the commitment. The Fund will only make commitments to
purchase such securities with the intention of actually acquiring such
securities, but the Fund may sell these securities before the settlement date if
it is deemed advisable.
If the Fund purchases a when-issued security, the Fund will segregate
liquid assets in an amount equal to the when-issued commitment. If the market
value of such segregated assets declines, additional liquid assets will be
segregated on a daily basis so that the market value of the segregated assets
will equal the amount of the Fund's when-issued commitments. No additional
delayed delivery agreements (as described above) or when-issued commitments will
be made by the Fund if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund's total assets
would become so committed.
Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and the securities held in the
Fund's portfolio are subject to changes in market value based upon the public's
perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and, if applicable, changes in
the level of interest rates. Therefore, if the Fund is to remain substantially
fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a
when-issued basis, there will be a possibility that the market value of the
Fund's assets will fluctuate to a greater degree. Furthermore, when the time
comes for the Fund to meet its obligations under when-issued commitments, the
Fund will do so by using then available cash flow, by sale of the segregated
liquid assets, by sale of other securities or, although it would not normally
expect to do so, by directing the sale of the when-issued securities themselves
(which may have a market value greater or less than the Fund's payment
obligation). Investment in securities on a when-issued basis may increase the
Fund's exposure to market fluctuation and may increase the possibility that the
Fund will incur short-term gains subject to federal taxation or short-term
losses if the Fund must sell another security in order to honor a when-issued
commitment.
SHORT SALES. The Fund may engage in short sales. A short sale is effected
when it is believed that the price of a particular security will decline, and
involves the sale of a security
11
which the Fund does not own in the hope of purchasing the same security at a
later date at a lower price. To make delivery to the buyer, the Fund must borrow
the security from a broker-dealer through which the short sale is executed, and
the broker-dealer delivers the securities, on behalf of the Fund, to the buyer.
The broker-dealer is entitled to retain the proceeds from the short sale until
the Fund delivers the securities sold short to the broker-dealer. In addition,
the Fund is required to pay to the broker-dealer the amount of any dividends
paid on shares sold short and may have to pay a premium to borrow the
securities.
To secure its obligation to deliver the securities sold short to the
broker-dealer, the Fund may be required to deposit cash or liquid securities
with the broker in addition to the proceeds from the short sale to meet
necessary margin requirements. In addition, the Fund will place in a segregated
account with the Fund's custodian an amount of cash or liquid securities equal
to the difference, if any, between the current market value of the securities
sold short and any cash or liquid securities deposited as collateral with the
broker-dealer in connection with the short sale. The amounts deposited with the
broker-dealer or segregated with the custodian do not have the effect of
limiting the amount of money that the Fund may lose on a short sale.
The Fund is said to have a short position in the securities sold short
until it delivers to the broker-dealer the securities sold short, at which time
the Fund receives the proceeds of the sale. The Fund will normally close out a
short position by purchasing on the open market and delivering to the
broker-dealer an equal amount of the securities sold short.
The Fund will realize a gain if the price of a security declines between
the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund purchases a security
to replace the borrowed security. On the other hand, the Fund will incur a loss
if the price of the security increases between those dates. The amount of any
gain will be decreased and the amount of any loss increased by any premium or
interest that the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale.
It should be noted that possible losses from short sales differ from those that
could arise from a cash investment in a security in that losses from a short
sale may be limitless, while the losses from a cash investment in a security
cannot exceed the total amount of the Fund's investment in the security. For
example, if the Fund purchases a $10 security, potential loss is limited to $10;
however, if the Fund sells a $10 security short, it may have to purchase the
security for return to the broker-dealer when the market value of that security
is $50, thereby incurring a loss of $40.
The Fund may also make short sales "against the box," meaning that at all
times when a short position is open the Fund owns an equal amount of such
securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment
of any further consideration, securities of the same issue as, and in an amount
equal to, the securities sold short. To secure its obligation to deliver the
securities sold short against the box, the Fund will segregate with its
custodian an equal amount of the securities sold short or securities convertible
into or exchangeable for an equal amount of such securities. The Fund will not
sell a security short if, as a result of such short sale, the aggregate market
value of all securities sold short exceeds 10% of the Fund's total assets.
In addition to enabling the Fund to hedge against market risk, short sales
and short sales "against the box" may afford the Fund an opportunity to earn
additional current income to the extent the Fund is able to enter into
arrangements with broker-dealers though which the short sales are executed to
receive income with respect to the proceeds of the short sales during the period
the Fund's short positions remain open. There is no assurance that the Fund will
be able to enter into such arrangements.
See "Dividends, Distributions and Tax Matters - Tax Matters - Determination
of Taxable Income of a Regulated Investment Company."
12
MARGIN TRANSACTIONS. The Fund will not purchase any security on margin,
except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for
the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. The payment by the
Fund of initial or variation margin in connection with futures or related
options transactions will not be considered the purchase of a security on
margin.
INTERFUND LOANS. The Fund may lend uninvested cash up to [15%] of its net
assets to other funds advised by Invesco Aim (the "AIM Funds") and the Fund may
borrow from other AIM Funds to the extent permitted under the Fund's investment
restrictions. During temporary or emergency periods, the percentage of the
Fund's net assets that may be loaned to other AIM Funds may be increased as
permitted by the SEC. If any interfund borrowings are outstanding, a Fund cannot
make any additional investments. If a Fund has borrowed from other AIM Funds and
has aggregate borrowings from all sources that exceed 10% of the Fund's total
assets, such Fund will secure all of its loans from other AIM Funds. The ability
of the Fund to lend its securities to other AIM Funds is subject to certain
other terms and conditions.
BORROWING. The Fund may borrow money to a limited extent for temporary or
emergency purposes. If there are unusually heavy redemptions because of changes
in interest rates or for any other reason, the Fund may have to sell a portion
of its investment portfolio at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
Selling fund securities under these circumstances may result in a lower net
asset value per share or decreased dividend income, or both. The Trust believes
that, in the event of abnormally heavy redemption requests, the Fund's borrowing
ability would help to mitigate any such effects and could make the forced sale
of their portfolio securities less likely.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities
(principally to broker-dealers) where such loans are callable at any time and
are continuously secured by segregated collateral equal to no less than the
market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. Such collateral will
be cash, letters of credit, or debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government or any of its agencies. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to the
extent of one-third of its total assets.
The Fund will not have the right to vote securities while they are being
lent, but it can call a loan in anticipation of an important vote. The Fund
would receive income in lieu of dividends on loaned securities and may, at the
same time, generate income on the loan collateral or on the investment of any
cash collateral.
If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned
because of insolvency or other reasons, the Fund could experience delays and
costs in recovering securities loaned or gaining access to the collateral. If
the Fund is not able to recover the securities loaned, the Fund may sell the
collateral and purchase a replacement security in the market. Lending securities
entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the extent that the market value of
the loaned securities increases and the collateral is not increased accordingly,
or in the event of a default by the borrower. The Fund could also experience
delays and costs in gaining access to the collateral.
Any cash received as collateral for loaned securities will be invested, in
accordance with the Fund's investment guidelines, in short-term money market
instruments or Affiliated Money Market Funds. For purposes of determining
whether the Fund is complying with its investment policies, strategies and
restrictions, the Fund will consider the loaned securities as assets of the
Fund, but will not consider any collateral received as the Fund asset. The Fund
will bear any loss on the investment of cash collateral.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may engage in repurchase agreement
transactions. Repurchase agreements are agreements under which the Fund acquires
ownership of a security from a broker-dealer or bank that agrees to repurchase
the security at a
13
mutually agreed upon time and price (which is higher than the purchase price),
thereby determining the yield during the Fund's holding period. The Fund may,
however, enter into a "continuing contract" or "open" repurchase agreement under
which the seller is under a continuing obligation to repurchase the underlying
securities from the Fund on demand and the effective interest rate is negotiated
on a daily basis. Repurchase agreements are considered loans by the Fund under
the 1940 Act.
If the seller of a repurchase agreement fails to repurchase the security in
accordance with the terms of the agreement, the Fund might incur expenses in
enforcing its rights, and could experience losses, including a decline in the
value of the underlying security and loss of income. The securities underlying a
repurchase agreement will be marked-to-market every business day so that the
value of such securities is at least equal to the investment value of the
repurchase agreement, including any accrued interest thereon.
The Fund may invest its cash balance in joint accounts with other AIM Funds
for the purpose of investing in repurchase agreements with maturities not to
exceed 60 days, and in certain other money market instruments with remaining
maturities not to exceed 90 days.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
securities that are illiquid, including repurchase agreements with, in absence
of certain demand features, remaining maturities in excess of seven (7) days.
Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be disposed of within seven days
in the normal course of business at the price at which they are valued. Illiquid
securities may include securities that are subject to restrictions on resale
because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"1933 Act").
Restricted securities may, in certain circumstances, be resold pursuant to
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, and thus may or may not constitute illiquid
securities. Limitations on the resale of restricted securities may have an
adverse effect on their marketability, which may prevent the Fund from disposing
of them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund may have to bear the expense of
registering such securities for resale, and the risk of substantial delays in
effecting such registrations.
RULE 144A SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in Rule 144A securities. Rule
144A securities are securities which, while privately placed, are eligible for
purchase and resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. This Rule permits
certain qualified institutional buyers, such as the Fund, to trade in privately
placed securities even though such securities are not registered under the 1933
Act. Invesco Aim and/or Sub-Advisors, under the supervision of the Board, will
consider whether securities purchased under Rule 144A are illiquid and thus
subject to the Fund's restriction on investment in illiquid securities.
Determination of whether a Rule 144A security is liquid or not is a question of
fact. In making this determination Invesco Aim and/or Sub-Advisors will consider
the trading markets for the specific security taking into account the
unregistered nature of a Rule 144A security. In addition, Invesco Aim and/or
Sub-Advisors could consider the (i) frequency of trades and quotes; (ii) number
of dealers and potential purchasers; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market;
and (iv) nature of the security and of market place trades (for example, the
time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the
mechanics of transfer). Invesco Aim and/or Sub-Advisors will also monitor the
liquidity of Rule 144A securities and, if as a result of changed conditions,
Invesco Aim and/or Sub-Advisors determines that a Rule 144A security is no
longer liquid, Invesco Aim and/or Sub-Advisors will review the Fund's holdings
of illiquid securities to determine what, if any, action is required to assure
that the Fund complies with its restriction on investment in illiquid
securities. Investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the amount of the
Fund's investments in illiquid securities if qualified institutional buyers are
unwilling to purchase such securities.
UNSEASONED ISSUERS. The Fund, may invest in the securities of unseasoned
issuers. Investments in the equity securities of companies having less than
three years' continuous
14
operations (including operations of any predecessor) involve more risk than
investments in the securities of more established companies because unseasoned
issuers have only a brief operating history and may have more limited markets
and financial resources. As a result, securities of unseasoned issuers tend to
be more volatile than securities of more established companies.
Derivatives
PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. The Fund may engage in certain strategies involving
options to attempt to manage the risk of its investments or, in certain
circumstances, for investment (e.g., as a substitute for investing in
securities). Option transactions present the possibility of large amounts of
exposure, which may result in the Fund's net asset value being more sensitive to
changes in the value of the related investment.
Call Options: A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy the
underlying security, contract or foreign currency at the stated exercise price
at any time prior to the expiration of the option (or on a specified date if the
option is a European style option), regardless of the market price or exchange
rate of the security, contract or foreign currency, as the case may be, at the
time of exercise. If the purchaser exercises the call option, the writer of a
call option is obligated to sell to and deliver the underlying security,
contract or foreign currency to the purchaser of the call option.
Put Options: A put option gives the purchaser the right to sell the
underlying security, contract or foreign currency at the stated exercise price
at any time prior to the expiration date of the option (or on a specified date
if the option is a European style option), regardless of the market price or
exchange rate of the security, contract or foreign currency, as the case may be,
at the time of exercise. If the purchaser exercises the put option, the writer
of a put option is obligated to buy the underlying security, contract or foreign
currency. The premium paid to the writer is consideration for undertaking the
obligations under the option contract. Until an option expires or is offset, the
option is said to be "open." When an option expires or is offset, the option is
said to be "closed."
Listed Options and Over-The-Counter Options. Options may be either listed
on an exchange or traded in over-the-counter ("OTC") markets. Listed options are
third-party contracts (i.e., performance of the obligations of the purchaser and
seller are guaranteed by the exchange or clearing corporation) and have
standardized strike prices and expiration dates. OTC options are two-party
contracts with negotiated strike prices and expiration dates. The Fund will not
purchase an OTC option unless it believes that daily valuations for such options
are readily obtainable. OTC options differ from exchange-traded options in that
OTC options are transacted with dealers directly and not through a clearing
corporation (which guarantees performance). Consequently, there is a risk of
non-performance by the dealer. Since no exchange is involved, OTC options are
valued on the basis of an average of the last bid prices obtained from dealers,
unless a quotation from only one dealer is available, in which case only that
dealer's price will be used. In the case of OTC options, there can be no
assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option at
any specific time. Because purchased OTC options in certain cases may be
difficult to dispose of in a timely manner, the Fund may be required to treat
some or all of these options (i.e., the market value) as illiquid securities.
Although the Fund will enter into OTC options only with dealers that are
expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with it, there is
no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out an OTC option
position at a favorable price prior to expiration. In the event of insolvency of
the dealer, the Fund might be unable to close out an OTC option position at any
time prior to its expiration.
Index Options. Index options (or options on securities indices) are similar
in many respects to options on securities, except that an index option gives the
holder the right to receive, upon exercise, cash instead of securities, if the
closing level of the securities index upon which the option is based is greater
than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the
15
exercise price of the option. The amount of cash is equal to the difference
between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the call or put
times a specified multiple (the "multiplier"), which determines the total dollar
value for each point of such difference.
The risks of investment in index options may be greater than options on
securities. Because index options are settled in cash, when the Fund writes a
call on an index it cannot provide in advance for its potential settlement
obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities. The Fund can
offset some of the risk of writing a call index option by holding a diversified
portfolio of securities similar to those on which the underlying index is based.
However, the Fund cannot, as a practical matter, acquire and hold a portfolio
containing exactly the same securities as underlie the index and, as a result,
bears a risk that the value of the securities held will not be perfectly
correlated with the value of the index.
Writing Options. The Fund may write put and call options in an attempt to
realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be
realized on the underlying security, contract, or foreign currency alone. The
Fund may only write a call option on a security if it owns an equal amount of
such securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable, without payment
of any further consideration, for securities of the same issue as, and equal in
amount to, the securities subject to the call option. In return for the premium
received for writing a call option, the Fund foregoes the opportunity for profit
from a price increase in the underlying security, contract, or foreign currency
above the exercise price so long as the option remains open, but retains the
risk of loss should the price of the security, contract, or foreign currency
decline.
The Fund may write a put option without owning the underlying security if
it covers the option as described in the section "Cover." The Fund may only
write a put option on a security as part of an investment strategy and not for
speculative purposes. In return for the premium received for writing a put
option, the Fund assumes the risk that the price of the underlying security,
contract, or foreign currency will decline below the exercise price, in which
case the put would be exercised and the Fund would suffer a loss.
If an option that the Fund has written expires, it will realize a gain in
the amount of the premium; however, such gain may be offset by a decline in the
market value of the underlying security, contract or currency during the option
period. If a call option is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or loss from
the sale of the underlying security, contract or currency, which will be
increased or offset by the premium received. The Fund would write a put option
at an exercise price that, reduced by the premium received on the option,
reflects the price it is willing to pay for the underlying security, contract or
currency. The obligation imposed upon the writer of an option is terminated upon
the expiration of the option, or such earlier time at which the Fund effects a
closing purchase transaction by purchasing an option (put or call as the case
may be) identical to that previously sold.
Writing call options can serve as a limited hedge because declines in the
value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the premium
received for writing the option. Closing transactions may be effected in order
to realize a profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying
security, contract or currency from being called or to permit the sale of the
underlying security, contract or currency. Furthermore, effecting a closing
transaction will permit a Fund to write another call option on the underlying
security, contract or currency with either a different exercise price or
expiration date, or both.
Pursuant to federal securities rules and regulations, if the Fund writes
options it may be required to set aside assets to reduce the risks associated
with writing those options. This process is described in more detail below in
the section "Cover."
The Fund will not write (sell) options if, immediately after such sale, the
aggregate value of securities or obligations underlying the outstanding options
exceeds 20% of the Fund's total
16
assets. The Fund will not purchase options if, at the time of the investment,
the aggregate premiums paid for the options will exceed 5% of the Fund's total
assets.
Purchasing Options. The Fund may purchase a call option for the purpose of
acquiring the underlying security, contract or currency for its portfolio. The
Fund is not required to own the underlying security in order to purchase a call
option, and may only cover the transaction with cash, liquid assets and/or
short-term debt securities. Utilized in this fashion, the purchase of call
options would enable the Fund to acquire the security, contract or currency at
the exercise price of the call option plus the premium paid. So long as it holds
such a call option, rather than the underlying security or currency itself, the
Fund is partially protected from any unexpected increase in the market price of
the underlying security, contract or currency. If the market price does not
exceed the exercise price, the Fund could purchase the security on the open
market and could allow the call option to expire, incurring a loss only to the
extent of the premium paid for the option. The Fund may also purchase call
options on underlying securities, contracts or currencies against which it has
written other call options. For example, where the Fund has written a call
option on an underlying security, rather than entering a closing transaction of
the written option, it may purchase a call option with a different exercise
strike and/or expiration date that would eliminate some or all of the risk
associated with the written call. Used in combinations, these strategies are
commonly referred to as "call spreads."
The Fund may only purchase a put option on an underlying security, contract
or currency ("protective put") owned by the Fund in order to protect against an
anticipated decline in the value of the security, contract or currency. Such
hedge protection is provided only during the life of the put option. The premium
paid for the put option and any transaction costs would reduce any profit
realized when the security, contract or currency is delivered upon the exercise
of the put option. Conversely, if the underlying security, contract or currency
does not decline in value, the option may expire worthless and the premium paid
for the protective put would be lost. The Fund may also purchase put options on
underlying securities, contracts or currencies against which it has written
other put options. For example, where the Fund has written a put option on an
underlying security, rather than entering a closing transaction of the written
option, it may purchase a put option with a different exercise price and/or
expiration date that would eliminate some or all of the risk associated with the
written put. Used in combinations, these strategies are commonly referred to as
"put spreads." Likewise, the Fund may write call options on underlying
securities, contracts or currencies against which it has purchased protective
put options. This strategy is commonly referred to as a "collar."
Straddles. The Fund, for hedging purposes, may write straddles
(combinations of put and call options on the same underlying security) to adjust
the risk and return characteristics of the Fund's overall position. A possible
combined position would involve writing a covered call option at one strike
price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to reduce the risk of
the written covered call option in the event of a substantial price increase.
Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in
higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
General Information Regarding Options: 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 price
volatility of the underlying investment and general market and interest rate
conditions. Options that expire unexercised have no value.
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, which 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, which is known as a
closing sale transaction.
17
Closing transactions permit the Fund to realize profits or limit losses on an
option position prior to its exercise or expiration.
WARRANTS. The Fund may purchase warrants. A warrant is a security that
gives the holder the right to purchase securities from the issuer at a specific
price within a certain time frame and are similar to call options. The main
difference between warrants and call options is that warrants are issued by the
company that will issue the underlying security, whereas options are not issued
by the company. The purchaser of a warrant expects that the market price of the
security will exceed the purchase price of the warrant plus the exercise price
of the warrant, thus giving him a profit. Since 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 purchase price of the warrant.
Warrants generally trade in the open market and may be sold rather than
exercised. Warrants are sometimes sold in unit form with other securities of an
issuer. Units of warrants and common stock are often employed to finance young,
unseasoned companies. The purchase price of a warrant varies with the exercise
price of the warrant, the current market value of the underlying security, the
life of the warrant and various other investment factors.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. A Futures Contract is a two-party agreement to buy or
sell a specified amount of a specified security or currency (or delivery of a
cash settlement price, in the case of an index future) for a specified price at
a designated date, time and place (collectively, "Futures Contracts").
Common examples of Futures Contracts that the Fund may engage in include,
but are not limited to:
Index Futures: A stock index Futures Contract is an exchange-traded
contract that provides for the delivery, at a designated date, time and place,
of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference
between the stock index value at the close of trading on the contracts and the
price agreed upon in the Futures Contract; no physical delivery of stocks
comprising the index is made.
Interest Rate Futures: An interest-rate futures contract is an
exchange-traded contact in which the specified underlying security is either an
interest-bearing fixed income security or an inter-bank deposit. Two examples of
common interest rate futures contracts are U.S. Treasury futures and Eurodollar
futures contracts. The specified security for U.S. Treasury futures is a U.S.
Treasury security. The specified security for Eurodollar futures is the London
Interbank Offered Rate ("Libor") which is a daily reference rate based on the
interest rates at which banks offer to lend unsecured funds to other banks in
the London wholesale money market.
Security Futures: A security futures contract is an exchange-traded
contract to purchase or sell in the future a specified quantity of a security,
other than a Treasury security, or a narrow-based securities index at a certain
price. Presently, the only available security futures contracts use shares of a
single equity security as the specified security.
Currency Futures: A currency futures contract is an exchange-traded
contract to buy or sell a particular currency at a specified price at some time
in the future (commonly three months or more). Currency futures contracts are
highly volatile, with a relatively small price movement potentially resulting in
substantial gains or losses to the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may lose money
on currency futures if changes in the currency rates do not occur as
anticipated.
The Fund will only enter into Futures Contracts that are traded (either
domestically or internationally) on futures exchanges and are standardized as to
maturity date and underlying financial instrument. Futures exchanges and trading
thereon in the United States are regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act and
by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"). Foreign futures exchanges
and trading thereon are not regulated by the CFTC and are not subject to the
same regulatory controls. For a further discussion of the risks associated with
18
investments in foreign securities, see "Foreign Investments" above. It should be
noted that the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has claimed an exclusion from the
definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange
Act and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool
operator under the act with respect to the Fund.
Brokerage fees are incurred when a Futures Contract is bought or sold, and
margin deposits must be maintained at all times when a Futures Contract is
outstanding. "Margin" with respect to Futures Contracts is the amount of funds
that must be deposited by the Fund in order to initiate Futures Contracts
trading and maintain its open positions in Futures Contracts. A margin deposit
made when the Futures Contract is entered ("initial margin") is intended to
ensure the Fund's performance under the Futures Contract. The margin required
for a particular Futures Contract is set by the exchange on which the Futures
Contract is traded and may be significantly modified from time to time by the
exchange during the term of the Futures Contract.
Subsequent payments, called "variation margin," received from or paid to
the futures commission merchant through which the Fund entered into the Futures
Contract will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying security,
currency, index or futures price fluctuates making the Futures Contract more or
less valuable, a process known as marking-to-market.
Closing out an open Futures Contract is effected by entering into an
offsetting Futures Contract for the same aggregate amount of the identical
financial instrument or currency and the same delivery date. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting
transaction with respect to a particular Futures Contract at a particular time.
If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, it will
continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the Futures Contract.
In addition, if the Fund were unable to liquidate a Futures Contract or an
option on a Futures Contract position due to the absence of a liquid secondary
market or the imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The
Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position.
In addition, except in the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to
be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to
maintain the position being hedged by the Futures Contract or option or to
maintain cash or securities in a segregated account.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. Options on Futures Contracts are similar to
options on securities or currencies except that options on Futures Contracts
give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a
position in a Futures Contract (a long position if the option is a call and a
short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time
during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of
the Futures Contract position by the writer of the option to the holder of the
option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the
writer's Futures Contract margin account. The Fund currently may not invest in
any security (including futures contracts or options thereon) that is secured by
physical commodities.
Pursuant to federal securities laws and regulations, the Fund's use of
Futures Contracts and options on Futures Contracts may require the Fund to set
aside assets to reduce the risks associated with using Futures Contracts and
options on Futures Contracts. This process is described in more detail below in
the section "Cover."
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS AND ON
CERTAIN OPTIONS ON CURRENCIES.
The Fund will enter into Futures Contracts for hedging purposes only; that
is, Futures Contracts will be sold to protect against a decline in the price of
securities or currencies that the Fund owns, or Futures Contracts will be
purchased to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities or
currencies it has committed to purchase or expects to purchase.
19
COVER. Certain transactions including, but not limited to, credit default
swaps, forward currency contracts, futures contracts and options (other than
options purchased by the Fund) expose the Fund to an obligation to another
party. The Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless, in addition to
complying with all the restrictions noted in the disclosure above, it owns
either (1) an offsetting position in securities, currencies, or other options,
forward currency contracts, or futures contracts or (2) cash, liquid assets
and/or short-term debt securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover
its potential obligations not covered as provided in (1) above. The Fund will
comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the
guidelines so require, set aside cash or liquid assets. To the extent that a
credit default swap, futures contract, forward currency contract or option is
deemed to be illiquid, the assets used to cover the Fund's obligation will also
be treated as illiquid for purposes of determining the Fund's maximum allowable
investment in illiquid securities.
To the extent that a purchased option is deemed illiquid, the Fund will
treat the market value of the purchased option (i.e., the amount at risk to the
Fund) as illiquid, but will not treat the assets used as cover on such
transactions as illiquid.
Assets used as cover cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding
position is open unless they are replaced with other appropriate assets. If a
large portion of the Fund's assets is used for cover or otherwise set aside, it
could affect portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption
requests or other current obligations.
GENERAL RISKS OF HEDGING STRATEGIES. The use by the Fund of hedging
strategies involves special considerations and risks, as described below.
(1) Successful use of hedging transactions depends upon Invesco Aim's and
the Sub-Advisors' ability to correctly predict the direction of changes in the
value of the applicable markets and securities, contracts and/or currencies.
While Invesco Aim and the Sub-Advisors are experienced in the use of these
instruments, there can be no assurance that any particular hedging strategy will
succeed.
(2) In a hedging transaction, there might be imperfect correlation, or even
no correlation, between the price movements of an instrument (such as an option
contract) and the price movements of the investments being hedged. For example,
if a "protective put" is used to hedge a potential decline in a security and the
security does decline in price, the put option's increased value may not
completely offset the loss in the underlying security. Such a lack of
correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments
being hedged, such as changing interest rates, market liquidity, and speculative
or other pressures on the markets in which the hedging instrument is traded.
(3) Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce risk of loss by wholly or
partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price movements in the
investments being hedged. However, hedging strategies can also reduce
opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price
movements in the hedged investments.
(4) There is no assurance that the Fund will use hedging transactions. For
example, if the Fund determines that the cost of hedging will exceed the
potential benefit to the Fund, the Fund will not enter into such transaction.
20
FUND POLICIES
FUNDAMENTAL RESTRICTIONS. The Fund is subject to the following investment
restrictions, which may be changed only by a vote of the Fund's outstanding
shares. Fundamental restrictions may be changed only by a vote of the lesser of
(i) 67% or more of the Fund's shares present at a meeting if the holders of more
than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or represented by
proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares. Any investment
restriction that involves a maximum or minimum percentage of securities or
assets (other than with respect to borrowing) shall not be considered to be
violated unless an excess over or a deficiency under the percentage occurs
immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or disposition of securities
or utilization of assets by the Fund.
(1) Purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal business
activity in the same industry if, immediately after the purchase and as a result
thereof, the value of the Fund's investments in that industry would equal or
exceed 25% of the current value of the Fund's total assets, provided that this
restriction does not limit the Fund's investments in securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities,
investments in securities of other investment companies, municipal securities or
repurchase agreements;
(2) Purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, with respect to 75%
of the Fund's total assets, more than 5% of the value of its total assets would
be invested in the securities of anyone issuer or the Fund's ownership would be
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, provided that
this restriction does not limit the Fund's investments in securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, or
investments in securities of other investment companies;
(3) Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act,
including the rules, regulations and any orders obtained thereunder;
(4) Issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted under the 1940
Act, including the rules, regulations and any orders obtained thereunder;
(5) Make loans to other parties if, as a result, the aggregate value of
such loans would exceed one-third of the Fund's total assets. For the purposes
of this limitation, entering into repurchase agreements, lending securities and
acquiring any debt securities are not deemed to be the making of loans;
(6) Underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the
purchase of permitted investments directly from the issuer thereof or from an
underwriter for an issuer and the later disposition of such securities in
accordance with the Fund's investment program may be deemed to be an
underwriting;
(7) Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from
investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities
of companies engaged in the real estate business); nor
(8) Purchase or sell commodities, provided that (i) currency will not be
deemed to be a commodity for purposes of this restriction, (ii) this restriction
does not limit the purchase or sale of futures contracts, forward contracts or
options, and (iii) this restriction does not limit the purchase or sale of
securities or other instruments backed by commodities or the purchase or sale of
commodities acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other
instruments.
The investment restrictions set forth above provides the Fund with the
ability to operate under new interpretations of the 1940 Act or pursuant to
exemptive relief from the SEC without receiving prior shareholder approval of
the change. Even though the Fund has this
21
flexibility, the Board has adopted non-fundamental restrictions for the Fund
relating to certain of these restrictions which Invesco Aim and, when
applicable, the Sub-Advisors must follow in managing the Fund. Any changes to
these non-fundamental restrictions, which are set forth below, require the
approval of the Board.
NON-FUNDAMENTAL RESTRICTIONS. The following non-fundamental investment
restrictions apply to the Fund. They may be changed without approval of the
Fund's voting securities.
(1) The Fund may not invest or hold more than 15% of the Fund's net assets
in illiquid securities. For this purpose, illiquid securities include, among
others, (a) securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily
available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale, (b) fixed time
deposits that are subject to withdrawal penalties and that have maturities of
more than seven days, and (c) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven
days.
(2) The Fund may invest in futures or options contracts regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") for (i) bona fide hedging purposes
within the meaning of the rules of the CFTC and (ii) for other purposes if, as a
result, no more than 5% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in initial
margin and premiums (excluding amounts "in-the-money") required to establish the
contracts.
(3) The Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to approved brokers,
dealers and financial institutions, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act,
including the rules, regulations and exemptions thereunder, which currently
limit such activities to one-third of the value of a Fund's total assets
(including the value of the collateral received). Any such loans of portfolio
securities will be fully collateralized based on values that are
marked-to-market daily.
(4) The Fund may not make investments for the purpose of exercising control
or management, provided that this restriction does not limit the Fund's
investments in securities of other investment companies or investments in
entities created under the laws of foreign countries to facilitate investment in
securities of that country.
(5) The Fund may not purchase securities on margin (except for short-term
credits necessary for the clearance of transactions).
(6) The Fund may not sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right
to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short
(short sales "against the box"), and provided that transactions in futures
contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
In addition, the Fund has a non-fundamental policy in place to provide
shareholders with at least 60 days' notice of any change to the Fund's
non-fundamental investment policy to invest at least 80% of its assets in a
diversified portfolio of common stocks of publicly-traded, U.S. companies.
If a percentage restriction on the investment or use of assets set forth in
the Prospectus or this SAI is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected,
later changes in percentage resulting from changing asset values will not be
considered a violation. It is the intention of the Fund, unless otherwise
indicated, that with respect to the Fund's policies that are a result of
application of law, the Fund will take advantage of the flexibility provided by
rules or interpretations of the SEC currently in existence or promulgated in the
future, or changes to such laws.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITIONS
In anticipation of or in response to adverse market or other conditions, or
atypical circumstances such as unusually large cash inflows or redemptions, the
Fund may temporarily
22
hold all or a portion of their assets in cash, cash equivalents or high-quality
debt instruments (including shares of Affiliated Money Market Funds).
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF FUND HOLDINGS
The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to the
disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings (the "Holdings Disclosure Policy").
Invesco Aim and the Board may amend the Holdings Disclosure Policy at any time
without prior notice. Details of the Holdings Disclosure Policy and a
description of the basis on which employees of Invesco Aim and its affiliates
may release information about portfolio securities in certain contexts are
provided below.
PUBLIC RELEASE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS. The Fund discloses the following
portfolio holdings information on http://www.invescoaim.com(1):
APPROXIMATE DATE OF INFORMATION REMAINS
INFORMATION WEBSITE POSTING POSTED ON WEBSITE
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------
Top ten holdings as of month- end 15 days after month-end Until replaced with the
following month's top ten
holdings
Select holdings included in the 29 days after calendar quarter-end Until replaced with the
Fund's Quarterly Performance following quarter's Quarterly
Update Performance Update
Complete portfolio holdings as of 30 days after calendar quarter-end For one year
calendar quarter-end
Complete portfolio holdings as of 60-70 days after fiscal For one year
fiscal quarter-end quarter-end
These holdings are listed along with the percentage of the Fund's net
assets they represent. Generally, employees of Invesco Aim and its affiliates
may not disclose such portfolio holdings until one day after they have been
posted on http://www.invescoaim.com. You may also obtain the publicly available
portfolio holdings information described above by contacting us at
1-800-959-4246.
SELECTIVE DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS PURSUANT TO NON-DISCLOSURE
AGREEMENT. Employees of Invesco Aim and its affiliates may disclose non-public
full portfolio holdings on a selective basis only if the Internal Compliance
Controls Committee (the "ICCC") of Invesco Aim Management approves the parties
to whom disclosure of non-public full portfolio holdings will be made. The ICCC
must determine that the proposed selective disclosure will be made for
legitimate business purposes of the applicable Fund and address any perceived
conflicts of interest between shareholders of such Fund and Invesco Aim or its
affiliates as part of granting its approval.
The Board exercises continuing oversight of the disclosure of Fund
portfolio holdings by (1) overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the
Holdings Disclosure Policy and the AIM Funds Code of Ethics by the Chief
Compliance Officer (or his designee) of Invesco Aim and the AIM Funds and (2)
considering reports and recommendations by the Chief Compliance Officer
concerning any material compliance matters (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the
1940 Act and Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as
amended) that may arise in connection with the Holdings Disclosure Policy.
Pursuant to the Holdings Disclosure Policy, the Board reviews the types of
situations in which Invesco Aim provides selective disclosure and
----------
(1) To locate the Fund's portfolio holdings information on
http://www.invescoaim.com, click on the Products and Performance tab, then
click on the Mutual Funds link, then click on the Fund Overview link and
select the Fund from the drop down menu. Links to the Fund's portfolio
holdings are located in the upper right side of this website page.
23
approves situations involving perceived conflicts of interest between
shareholders of the applicable Fund and Invesco Aim or its affiliates brought to
the Board's attention by Invesco Aim.
Invesco Aim discloses non-public full portfolio holdings information to the
following persons in connection with the day-to-day operations and management of
the AIM Fund:
- Attorneys and accountants;
- Securities lending agents;
- Lenders to the AIM Funds;
- Rating and rankings agencies;
- Persons assisting in the voting of proxies;
- AIM Funds' custodians;
- The AIM Funds' transfer agent(s) (in the event of a redemption in
kind);
- Pricing services, market makers, or other persons who provide systems
or software support in connection with AIM Funds' operations (to
determine the price of securities held by an AIM Fund);
- Financial printers;
- Brokers identified by the AIM Funds' portfolio management team who
provide execution and research services to the team; and
- Analysts hired to perform research and analysis to the AIM Funds'
portfolio management team.
In many cases, Invesco Aim will disclose current portfolio holdings on a
daily basis to these persons. In these situations, Invesco Aim has entered into
non-disclosure agreements which provide that the recipient of the portfolio
holdings will maintain the confidentiality of such portfolio holdings and will
not trade on such information ("Non-disclosure Agreements"). Please refer to
Appendix B for a list of examples of persons to whom Invesco Aim provides
non-public portfolio holdings on an ongoing basis.
Invesco Aim will also disclose non-public portfolio holdings information if
such disclosure is required by applicable laws, rules or regulations, or by
regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over Invesco Aim and its affiliates
or the Fund.
The Holdings Disclosure Policy provides that Invesco Aim will not request,
receive or accept any compensation (including compensation in the form of the
maintenance of assets in any Fund or other mutual fund or account managed by
Invesco Aim or one of its affiliates) for the selective disclosure of portfolio
holdings information.
DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AND RELATED INFORMATION WITHOUT
NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT. Invesco Aim and its affiliates that provide services
to the Fund, the Sub-Advisors and each of their employees may receive or have
access to portfolio holdings as part of the day to day operations of the Fund.
From time to time, employees of Invesco Aim and its affiliates may express
their views orally or in writing on one or more of the Fund's portfolio
securities or may state that the Fund has recently purchased or sold, or
continues to own, one or more securities. The securities subject to these views
and statements may be ones that were purchased or sold since the Fund's most
recent quarter-end and therefore may not be reflected on the list of the Fund's
most recent quarter-end portfolio holdings disclosed on the website. Such views
and statements may be made to various persons, including members of the press,
brokers and other financial intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund,
shareholders in the Fund, persons considering investing in the Fund or
representatives of such shareholders or potential shareholders, such as
fiduciaries of a 401(k) plan or a trust and their advisers, and other entities
for which Invesco Aim or its affiliates provides or may provide investment
advisory services. The nature and content of the views and statements provided
to each of these persons may differ.
24
From time to time, employees of Invesco Aim and its affiliates also may
provide oral or written information ("portfolio commentary") about the Fund,
including, but not limited to, how the Fund's investments are divided among
various sectors, industries, countries, investment styles and capitalization
sizes, and among stocks, bonds, currencies and cash, security types, bond
maturities, bond coupons and bond credit quality ratings. This portfolio
commentary may also include information on how these various weightings and
factors contributed to Fund performance. Invesco Aim may also provide oral or
written information ("statistical information") about various financial
characteristics of the Fund or its underlying portfolio securities including,
but not limited to, alpha, beta, R-squared, coefficient of determination,
duration, maturity, information ratio, sharpe ratio, earnings growth, payout
ratio, price/book value, projected earnings growth, return on equity, standard
deviation, tracking error, weighted average quality, market capitalization,
percent debt to equity, price to cash flow, dividend yield or growth, default
rate, portfolio turnover, and risk and style characteristics. This portfolio
commentary and statistical information about the Fund may be based on the Fund's
portfolio as of the most recent quarter-end or the end of some other interim
period, such as month-end. The portfolio commentary and statistical information
may be provided to various persons, including those described in the preceding
paragraph. The nature and content of the information provided to each of these
persons may differ.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS BY TRADERS. Additionally, employees of
Invesco Aim and its affiliates may disclose one or more of the portfolio
securities of the Fund when purchasing and selling securities through
broker-dealers, requesting bids on securities, obtaining price quotations on
securities, or in connection with litigation involving the Fund's portfolio
securities. Invesco Aim does not enter into formal Non-disclosure Agreements in
connection with these situations; however, the Fund would not continue to
conduct business with a person who Invesco Aim believed was misusing the
disclosed information.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF OTHER INVESCO AIM-MANAGED PRODUCTS.
Invesco Aim and its affiliates manage products sponsored by companies other than
Invesco Aim, including investment companies, offshore funds, and separate
accounts. In many cases, these other products are managed in a similar fashion
to certain AIM Funds (as defined herein) and thus have similar portfolio
holdings. The sponsors of these other products managed by Invesco Aim and its
affiliates may disclose the portfolio holdings of their products at different
times than Invesco Aim discloses portfolio holdings for the AIM Funds.
Invesco Aim provides portfolio holdings information for portfolios of AIM
Variable Insurance Funds (the "Insurance Funds") to insurance companies whose
variable annuity and variable life insurance accounts invest in the Insurance
Funds ("Insurance Companies"). Invesco Aim may disclose portfolio holdings
information for the Insurance Funds to Insurance Companies with which Invesco
Aim has entered into Non-disclosure Agreements up to five days prior to the
scheduled dates for Invesco Aim's disclosure of similar portfolio holdings
information for other AIM Funds on http://www.invescoaim.com. Invesco Aim
provides portfolio holdings information for the Insurance Funds to such
Insurance Companies to allow them to disclose this information on their websites
at approximately the same time that Invesco Aim discloses portfolio holdings
information for the other AIM Funds on its website. Invesco Aim manages the
Insurance Funds in a similar fashion to certain other AIM Funds and thus the
Insurance Funds and such other AIM Funds have similar portfolio holdings.
Invesco Aim does not disclose the portfolio holdings information for the
Insurance Funds on its website, and not all Insurance Companies disclose this
information on their websites.
25
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Trustees have the authority to take all actions necessary in connection
with the business affairs of the Trust. The Trustees, among other things,
approve the investment objectives, policies and procedures for the Fund. The
Trust enters into agreements with various entities to manage the day-to-day
operations of the Fund, including the Fund's investment advisers, administrator,
transfer agent, distributor and custodians. The Trustees are responsible for
selecting these service providers, and approving the terms of their contracts
with the Fund. On an ongoing basis, the Trustees exercise general oversight of
these service providers.
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are affiliated with Invesco Aim
and Invesco Aim Management, the parent corporation of Invesco Aim. All of the
Trust's executive officers hold similar offices with some or all of the other
AIM Funds.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
The trustees and officers of the Trust, their principal occupations during
the last five years and certain other information concerning them are set forth
in Appendix C.
The standing committees of the Board are the Audit Committee, the
Compliance Committee, the Governance Committee, the Investments Committee, the
Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee and the Special Market
Timing Litigation Committee (the "Committees).
The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. James T. Bunch (Vice Chair),
Bruce L. Crockett, Lewis F. Pennock, Dr. Larry Soll and Raymond Stickel, Jr.
(Chair). The Audit Committee's primary purposes are to: (i) oversee
qualifications and performance of the independent registered public accountants;
(ii) appoint independent registered public accountants for the Fund; (iii)
pre-approve all permissible audit and non-audit services that are provided to
the Fund by their independent registered public accountants to the extent
required by Section 10A(h) and (i) of the Exchange Act; (iv) pre-approve, in
accordance with Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X, certain non-audit
services provided by the Fund's independent registered public accountants to the
Fund's investment advisor and certain other affiliated entities; (v) review the
audit and tax plans prepared by the independent registered public accountants;
(vi) review the Fund's audited financial statements; (vii) review the process
that management uses to evaluate and certify disclosure controls and procedures
in Form N-CSR; (viii) review the process for preparation and review of the
Fund's shareholder reports; (ix) review certain tax procedures maintained by the
Fund (x) review modified or omitted officer certifications and disclosures; (xi)
review any internal audits of the Fund; (xii) establish procedures regarding
questionable accounting or auditing matters and other alleged violations; (xiii)
set hiring policies for employees and proposed employees of the Fund who are
employees or former employees of the independent registered public accountants;
and (xiv) remain informed of (a) the Fund's accounting systems and controls, (b)
regulatory changes and new accounting pronouncements that affect the Fund's net
asset value calculations and financial statement reporting requirements, and (c)
communications with regulators regarding accounting and financial reporting
matters that pertain to the Fund. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008,
the Audit Committee held five meetings.
The members of the Compliance Committee are Messrs. Frank S. Bayley,
Crockett (Chair), Albert R. Dowden (Vice Chair) and Stickel. The Compliance
Committee is responsible for: (i) recommending to the Board and the independent
trustees the appointment, compensation and removal of the Fund's Chief
Compliance Officer; (ii) recommending to the independent trustees the
appointment, compensation and removal of the Fund's Senior Officer appointed
pursuant to the terms of the Assurances of Discontinuance entered into by the
New York Attorney
26
General, Invesco Aim and INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. ("IFG"); (iii) recommending
to the independent trustees the appointment and removal of Invesco Aim's
independent Compliance Consultant (the "Compliance Consultant") and reviewing
the report prepared by the Compliance Consultant upon its compliance review of
Invesco Aim (the "Report") and any objections made by Invesco Aim with respect
to the Report; (iv) reviewing any report prepared by a third party who is not an
interested person of Invesco Aim, upon the conclusion by such third party of a
compliance review of Invesco Aim; (v) reviewing all reports on compliance
matters from the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, (vi) reviewing all
recommendations made by the Senior Officer regarding Invesco Aim's compliance
procedures, (vii) reviewing all reports from the Senior Officer of any
violations of state and federal securities laws, the Colorado Consumer
Protection Act, or breaches of Invesco Aim's fiduciary duties to Fund
shareholders and of Invesco Aim's Code of Ethics; (viii) overseeing all of the
compliance policies and procedures of the Fund and their service providers
adopted pursuant to Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act; (ix) from time to time,
reviewing certain matters related to redemption fee waivers and recommending to
the Board whether or not to approve such matters; (x) receiving and reviewing
quarterly reports on the activities of Invesco Aim's Internal Compliance
Controls Committee; (xi) reviewing all reports made by Invesco Aim's Chief
Compliance Officer; (xii) reviewing and recommending to the independent trustees
whether to approve procedures to investigate matters brought to the attention of
Invesco Aim's ombudsman; (xiii) risk management oversight with respect to the
Fund and, in connection therewith, receiving and overseeing risk management
reports from Invesco Ltd. ("Invesco") that are applicable to the Fund or their
service providers; and (xiv) overseeing potential conflicts of interest that are
reported to the Compliance Committee by Invesco Aim, the Chief Compliance
Officer, the Senior Officer and/or the Compliance Consultant. During the fiscal
year ended October 31, 2008, the Compliance Committee held seven meetings.
The members of the Governance Committee are Messrs. Bob R. Baker, Bayley,
Dowden (Chair), Jack M. Fields (Vice Chair), Carl Frischling and Dr. Prema
Mathai-Davis. The Governance Committee is responsible for: (i) nominating
persons who will qualify as independent trustees for (a) election as trustees in
connection with meetings of shareholders of the Fund that are called to vote on
the election of trustees, (b) appointment by the Board as trustees in connection
with filling vacancies that arise in between meetings of shareholders; (ii)
reviewing the size of the Board, and recommending to the Board whether the size
of the Board shall be increased or decreased; (iii) nominating the Chair of the
Board; (iv) monitoring the composition of the Board and each committee of the
Board, and monitoring the qualifications of all trustees; (v) recommending
persons to serve as members of each committee of the Board (other than the
Compliance Committee), as well as persons who shall serve as the chair and vice
chair of each such committee; (vi) reviewing and recommending the amount of
compensation payable to the independent trustees; (vii) overseeing the selection
of independent legal counsel to the independent trustees; (viii) reviewing and
approving the compensation paid to independent legal counsel to the independent
trustees; (ix) reviewing and approving the compensation paid to counsel and
other advisers, if any, to the Committees of the Board; and (x) reviewing as
they deem appropriate administrative and/or logistical matters pertaining to the
operations of the Board.
The Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by a
shareholder to serve as trustees, provided: (i) that such person is a
shareholder of record at the time he or she submits such names and is entitled
to vote at the meeting of shareholders at which trustees will be elected; and
(ii) that the Governance Committee or the Board, as applicable, shall make the
final determination of persons to be nominated. During the fiscal year ended
October 31, 2008, the Governance Committee held seven meetings.
Notice procedures set forth in the Trust's bylaws require that any
shareholder of the Fund desiring to nominate a trustee for election at a
shareholder meeting must submit to the Trust's Secretary the nomination in
writing not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior
to such shareholder meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public
27
announcement is made of the shareholder meeting and not earlier than the close
of business on the 120th day prior to the shareholder meeting.
The members of the Investments Committee are Messrs. Baker (Vice Chair),
Bayley (Chair), Bunch, Crockett, Dowden, Fields, Martin L. Flanagan, Frischling,
Pennock, Stickel, Philip A. Taylor and Drs. Mathai-Davis (Vice Chair) and Soll
(Vice Chair). The Investments Committee's primary purposes are to: (i) assist
the Board in its oversight of the investment management services provided by
Invesco Aim and the Sub-Advisors; and (ii) review all proposed and existing
advisory, sub-advisory and distribution arrangements for the Fund, and to
recommend what action the full Boards and the independent trustees take
regarding the approval of all such proposed arrangements and the continuance of
all such existing arrangements. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008,
the Investments Committee held six meetings.
The Investments Committee has established three Sub-Committees. The
Sub-Committees are responsible for: (i) reviewing the performance, fees and
expenses of the Fund that has been assigned to a particular Sub-Committee (for
each Sub-Committee, the "Designated Funds"), unless the Investments Committee
takes such action directly; (ii) reviewing with the applicable portfolio
managers from time to time the investment objective(s), policies, strategies and
limitations of the Designated Funds; (iii) evaluating the investment advisory,
sub-advisory and distribution arrangements in effect or proposed for the
Designated Funds, unless the Investments Committee takes such action directly;
(iv) being familiar with the registration statements and periodic shareholder
reports applicable to their Designated Funds; and (v) such other
investment-related matters as the Investments Committee may delegate to the
Sub-Committee from time to time.
The members of the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee
are Messrs. Baker, Bunch, Fields, Frischling (Chair), Pennock (Vice Chair),
Taylor and Drs. Mathai-Davis and Soll. The primary purposes of the Valuation,
Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee are: (a) to address issues requiring
action or oversight by the Board of the AIM Funds (i) in the valuation of the
AIM Funds' portfolio securities consistent with the Pricing Procedures, (ii) in
oversight of the creation and maintenance by the principal underwriters of the
AIM Funds of an effective distribution and marketing system to build and
maintain an adequate asset base and to create and maintain economies of scale
for the AIM Funds, (iii) in the review of existing distribution arrangements for
the AIM Funds under Rule 12b-1 and Section 15 of the 1940 Act, and (iv) in the
oversight of proxy voting on portfolio securities of the Funds; and (b) to make
regular reports to the full Boards of the AIM Funds.
The Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee is responsible
for: (a) with regard to valuation, (i) developing an understanding of the
valuation process and the Pricing Procedures, (ii) reviewing the Pricing
Procedures and making recommendations to the full Board with respect thereto,
(iii) reviewing the reports described in the Pricing Procedures and other
information from Invesco Aim regarding fair value determinations made pursuant
to the Pricing Procedures by Invesco Aim's internal valuation committee and
making reports and recommendations to the full Board with respect thereto, (iv)
receiving the reports of Invesco Aim's internal valuation committee requesting
approval of any changes to pricing vendors or pricing methodologies as required
by the Pricing Procedures and the annual report of Invesco Aim evaluating the
pricing vendors, approving changes to pricing vendors and pricing methodologies
as provided in the Pricing Procedures, and recommending annually the pricing
vendors for approval by the full Board; (v) upon request of Invesco Aim,
assisting Invesco Aim's internal valuation committee or the full Board in
resolving particular fair valuation issues; (vi) reviewing the reports described
in the Procedures for Determining the Liquidity of Securities (the "Liquidity
Procedures") and other information from Invesco Aim regarding liquidity
determinations made pursuant to the Liquidity Procedures by Invesco Aim and
making reports and recommendations to the full Board with respect thereto, and
(vii) overseeing actual or potential conflicts of interest by investment
personnel or others that could affect their input or recommendations regarding
pricing
28
or liquidity issues; (b) with regard to distribution, (i) developing an
understanding of mutual fund distribution and marketing channels and legal,
regulatory and market developments regarding distribution, (ii) reviewing
periodic distribution and marketing determinations and annual approval of
distribution arrangements and making reports and recommendations to the full
Board with respect thereto, and (iii) reviewing other information from the
principal underwriters to the AIM Funds regarding distribution and marketing of
the AIM Funds and making recommendations to the full Board with respect thereto;
and (c) with regard to proxy voting, (i) overseeing the implementation of the
Proxy Voting Guidelines (the "Guidelines") and the Proxy Policies and Procedures
(the "Proxy Procedures") by Invesco Aim and the Sub-Advisors, reviewing the
Quarterly Proxy Voting Report and making recommendations to the full Board with
respect thereto, (ii) reviewing the Guidelines and the Proxy Procedures and
information provided by Invesco Aim and the Sub-Advisors regarding industry
developments and best practices in connection with proxy voting and making
recommendations to the full Board with respect thereto, and (iii) in
implementing its responsibilities in this area, assisting Invesco Aim in
resolving particular proxy voting issues. The Valuation, Distribution and Proxy
Oversight Committee was formed effective January 1, 2008. It succeeded to the
Valuation Committee which existed prior to 2008. During the fiscal year ended
October 31, 2008, the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee held
six meetings.
The members of the Special Market Timing Litigation Committee are Messrs.
Bayley, Bunch (Chair) Crockett and Dowden (Vice Chair). The Special Market
Timing Litigation Committee is responsible: (i) for receiving reports from time
to time from management, counsel for management, counsel for the AIM Funds and
special counsel for the independent trustees, as applicable, related to (a) the
civil lawsuits, including purported class action and shareholder derivative
suits, that have been filed against the AIM Funds concerning alleged excessive
short term trading in shares of the AIM Funds ("market timing") and (b) the
civil enforcement actions and investigations related to market timing activity
in the AIM Funds that were settled with certain regulators, including without
limitation the SEC, the New York Attorney General and the Colorado Attorney
General, and for recommending to the independent trustees what actions, if any,
should be taken by the AIM Funds in light of all such reports; (ii) for
overseeing the investigation(s) on behalf of the independent trustees by special
counsel for the independent trustees and the independent trustees' financial
expert of market timing activity in the AIM Funds, and for recommending to the
independent trustees what actions, if any, should be taken by the AIM Funds in
light of the results of such investigation(s); (iii) for (a) reviewing the
methodology developed by Invesco Aim's Independent Distribution Consultant (the
"Distribution Consultant") for the monies ordered to be paid under the
settlement order with the SEC, and making recommendations to the independent
trustees as to the acceptability of such methodology and (b) recommending to the
independent trustees whether to consent to any firm with which the Distribution
Consultant is affiliated entering into any employment, consultant,
attorney-client, auditing or other professional relationship with Invesco Aim,
or any of its present or former affiliates, directors, officers, employees or
agents acting in their capacity as such for the period of the Distribution
Consultant's engagement and for a period of two years after the engagement; and
(iv) for taking reasonable steps to ensure that any AIM Fund which the Special
Market Timing Litigation Committee determines was harmed by improper market
timing activity receives what the Special Market Timing Litigation Committee
deems to be full restitution. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the
Special Market Timing Litigation Committee did not hold any meetings.
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares
The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each trustee
(i) in the Fund and (ii) on an aggregate basis, in all registered investment
companies overseen by the trustee within the AIM Funds complex is set forth in
Appendix C.
COMPENSATION
29
Each trustee who is not affiliated with Invesco Aim is compensated for his
or her services according to a fee schedule which recognizes the fact that such
trustee also serves as a trustee of other AIM Funds. Each such trustee receives
a fee, allocated among the AIM Funds for which he or she serves as a trustee,
which consists of an annual retainer component and a meeting fee component. The
Chair of the Board and Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain committees receive
additional compensation for their services.
Information regarding compensation paid or accrued for each trustee of the
Trust who was not affiliated with Invesco Aim during the year ended December 31,
2008 is found in Appendix D.
Retirement Plan For Trustees
The trustees have adopted a retirement plan for the trustees of the Trust
who are not affiliated with Invesco Aim.
The trustees have also adopted a retirement policy that permits each
non-Invesco Aim-affiliated trustee to serve until December 31 of the year in
which the trustee turns 75. A majority of the trustees may extend from time to
time the retirement date of a trustee.
Annual retirement benefits are available to each non-Invesco Aim-affiliated
trustee of the Trust and/or the other AIM Funds (each, a "Covered Fund") who
became a trustee prior to December 1, 2008 and has at least five years of
credited service as a trustee (including service to a predecessor fund) for a
Covered Fund. Effective January 1, 2006, for retirements after December 31,
2005, the retirement benefits will equal 75% of the trustee's annual retainer
paid to or accrued by any Covered Fund for such trustee during the twelve-month
period prior to retirement, including the amount of any retainer deferred under
a separate deferred compensation agreement between the Covered Fund and the
trustee. The amount of the annual retirement benefit does not include additional
compensation paid for Board meeting fees or compensation paid to the Chair of
the Board and the Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain Board committees, whether
such amounts are paid directly to the trustee or deferred. The annual retirement
benefit is payable in quarterly installments for a number of years equal to the
lesser of (i) sixteen years or (ii) the number of such trustee's credited years
of service. If a trustee dies prior to receiving the full amount of retirement
benefits, the remaining payments will be made to the deceased trustee's
designated beneficiary for the same length of time that the trustee would have
received the payments, based on his or her service or if the trustee has
elected, in a discounted lump sum payment. A trustee must have attained the age
of 65 (60 in the event of death or disability) to receive any retirement
benefit. A trustee may make an irrevocable election to commence payment of
retirement benefits upon retirement from the Board before age 72; in such a
case, the annual retirement benefit is subject to a reduction for early payment.
Deferred Compensation Agreements
Messrs. Crockett, Edward K. Dunn, Jr. (a former trustee), Fields and
Frischling and Drs. Mathai-Davis and Soll (for purposes of this paragraph only,
the "Deferring Trustees") have each executed a Deferred Compensation Agreement
(collectively, the "Compensation Agreements"). Pursuant to the Compensation
Agreements, the Deferring Trustees have the option to elect to defer receipt of
up to 100% of their compensation payable by the Trust, and such amounts are
placed into a deferral account and deemed to be invested in one or more AIM
Funds selected by the Deferring Trustees. Distributions from the Deferring
Trustees' deferral accounts will be paid in cash, generally in equal quarterly
installments over a period of five or ten years (depending on the Compensation
Agreement) beginning on the date selected under the Compensation Agreement. If a
Deferring Trustee dies prior to the distribution of amounts in his or her
deferral account, the balance of the deferral account will be distributed to his
or her designated beneficiary. The Compensation Agreements are not funded, and,
with respect to the payments of amounts held in the deferral accounts, the
Deferring Trustees have the status of
30
unsecured creditors of the Trust and of each other AIM Fund from which they are
deferring compensation.
Purchases of Class A Shares of the Funds at Net Asset Value
The trustees and other affiliated persons of the Trust may purchase Class A
shares of the AIM Funds without paying an initial sales charge. Invesco Aim
Distributors permits such purchases because there is a reduced sales effort
involved in sales to such purchasers, thereby resulting in relatively low
expenses of distribution. For a complete description of the persons who will not
pay an initial sales charge on purchases of Class A shares of the AIM Funds, see
"Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares - Purchase and Redemption of Shares
- Purchases of Class A Shares, Class A3 Shares of AIM Limited Maturity Treasury
Fund and AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund and AIM Cash Reserve Shares of AIM Money
Market Fund - Purchases of Class A Shares at Net Asset Value."
CODE OF ETHICS
Invesco Aim, the Trust, Invesco Aim Distributors and the Sub-Advisors have
adopted a Code of Ethics which applies to all AIM Fund trustees and officers,
and employees of Invesco Aim, the Sub-Advisors and their affiliates, and
governs, among other things, personal trading activities of such persons. The
Code of Ethics is intended to address conflicts of interest with the Trust that
may arise from personal trading, including personal trading in most of the funds
within The AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark--. Personal trading,
including personaL trading involving securities that may be purchased or held by
a fund within The AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark--, iS permitted
under the Code subject to certain restrictions; however, employees are required
to pre-clear security transactions with the Compliance Officer or a designee and
to report transactions on a regular basis.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
The Board has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting
for securities held by the Fund to Invesco Aim, the Fund's investment advisor.
Invesco Aim will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and
procedures, which have been reviewed by the Board, and which are found in
Appendix E.
Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted
to the Board for approval. The Board will be supplied with a summary quarterly
report of the Fund's proxy voting record.
Once the Fund commences operations, information regarding how the Fund
voted proxies related to their portfolio securities during the 12 months ended
June 30, 2009 will be available, without charge, at our website,
http://www.invescoaim.com. This information is also available at the SEC
website, http://www.sec.gov.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
Information about the ownership of each class of the Fund's shares by
beneficial or record owners of the Fund and by trustees and officers as a group
is found in Appendix F. A shareholder who owns beneficially 25% or more of the
outstanding shares of the Fund is presumed to "control" that Fund.
31
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Invesco Aim, the Fund's investment advisor, was organized in 1976, and
along with its subsidiaries, manages or advises over 225 investment portfolios
encompassing a broad range of investment objectives. Invesco Aim is a direct,
wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Aim Management, a holding company that has
been engaged in the financial services business since 1976. Invesco Aim
Management is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco. Invesco and its
subsidiaries are an independent global investment management group. Certain of
the directors and officers of Invesco Aim are also executive officers of the
Trust and their affiliations are shown under "Management Information" herein.
As investment advisor, Invesco Aim supervises all aspects of the Fund's
operations and provides investment advisory services to the Fund. Invesco Aim
obtains and evaluates economic, statistical and financial information to
formulate and implement investment programs for the Fund. The Master Investment
Advisory Agreement ("Advisory Agreement") provides that, in fulfilling its
responsibilities, Invesco Aim may engage the services of other investment
managers with respect to the Fund. The investment advisory services of Invesco
Aim are not exclusive and Invesco Aim is free to render investment advisory
services to others, including other investment companies.
Invesco Aim is also responsible for furnishing to the Fund, at Invesco
Aim's expense, the services of persons believed to be competent to perform all
supervisory and administrative services required by the Fund, in the judgment of
the trustees, to conduct their respective businesses effectively, as well as the
offices, equipment and other facilities necessary for their operations. Such
functions include the maintenance of the Fund's accounts and records, and the
preparation of all requisite corporate documents such as tax returns and reports
to the SEC and shareholders.
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will pay or cause to be paid
all expenses of the Fund not assumed by Invesco Aim, including, without
limitation: brokerage commissions, taxes, legal, auditing or governmental fees,
custodian, transfer and shareholder service agent costs, expenses of issue,
sale, redemption, and repurchase of shares, expenses of registering and
qualifying shares for sale, expenses relating to trustee and shareholder
meetings, the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to
shareholders, the fees and other expenses incurred by the Trust on behalf of the
Fund in connection with membership in investment company organizations, and the
cost of printing copies of prospectuses and statements of additional information
distributed to the Fund's shareholders.
Invesco Aim, at its own expense, furnishes to the Trust office space and
facilities. Invesco Aim furnishes to the Trust all personnel for managing the
affairs of the Trust and each of its series of shares.
Pursuant to its Advisory Agreement with the Trust, Invesco Aim receives a
monthly fee from the Fund calculated at the annual rates indicated in the second
column below, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund during the year.
The Fund allocates advisory fees to a class based on the relative net assets of
each class.
Invesco Aim may from time to time waive or reduce its fee. Voluntary fee
waivers or reductions may be rescinded at any time without further notice to
investors. During periods of voluntary fee waivers or reductions, Invesco Aim
will retain its ability to be reimbursed for such fee prior to the end of each
fiscal year. Contractual fee waivers or reductions set forth in the Fee Table in
a Prospectus may not be terminated or amended to the Fund's detriment during the
period stated in the agreement between Invesco Aim and the Fund.
32
Invesco Aim has contractually agreed through at least June 30, 2009, to
waive advisory fees payable by the Fund in an amount equal to 100% of the
advisory fee Invesco Aim receives from the Affiliated Money Market Funds as a
result of the Fund's investment of uninvested cash in the Affiliated Money
Market Funds. See "Description of the Fund and Its Investments and Risks -
Investment Strategies and Risks - Other Investments - Other Investment
Companies."
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORS
Invesco Aim has entered into a Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract (the
"Sub-Advisory Agreement") with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisors to
the Fund, pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisors may be appointed by
Invesco Aim from time to time to provide discretionary investment management
services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund. These
affiliated sub-advisors, each of which is a registered investment advisor under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 are:
Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH ("Invesco Deutschland");
Invesco Asset Management Limited ("Invesco Asset Management");
Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited ("Invesco Japan");
Invesco Australia Limited ("Invesco Australia");
Invesco Global Asset Management (N.A.), Inc. ("Invesco Global");
Invesco Hong Kong Limited ("Invesco Hong Kong");
Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc. ("Invesco Institutional");
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. ("Invesco Senior Secured"); and
Invesco Trimark Ltd. ("Invesco Trimark"); (each a "Sub-Advisor" and
collectively, the "Sub-Advisors").
Invesco Aim and each Sub-Advisor are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of
Invesco.
It is anticipated that, on or about the fourth quarter of 2009, Invesco
Aim, Invesco Global and Invesco Institutional will be renamed Invesco Advisers,
Inc. The combined entity will serve as the Fund's investment adviser. Invesco
Advisers, Inc. will provide substantially the same services as are currently
provided by the three existing separate entities. Further information about this
combination will be posted on http://www.invescoaim.com on or about the closing
date of the transaction.
The only fees payable to the Sub-Advisors under the Sub-Advisory Agreement
are for providing discretionary investment management services. For such
services, Invesco Aim will pay each Sub-Advisor a fee, computed daily and paid
monthly, equal to (i) 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco Aim receives
from the Trust, multiplied by (ii) the fraction equal to the net assets of such
Fund as to which such Sub-Advisor shall have provided discretionary investment
management services for that month divided by the net assets of such Fund for
that month. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, this fee is reduced to
reflect contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense limitations by Invesco
Aim, if any, in effect from time to time. In no event shall the aggregate
monthly fees paid to the Sub-Advisors under the Sub-Advisory Agreement exceed
40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco Aim receives from the Trust
33
pursuant to its advisory agreement with the Trust, as reduced to reflect
contractual or voluntary fees waivers or expense limitations by Invesco Aim, if
any.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Appendix G contains the following information regarding the portfolio
managers identified in the Fund's prospectus:
- The dollar range of the managers' investments in the Fund.
- A description of the managers' compensation structure.
- Information regarding other accounts managed by the manager and
potential conflicts of interest that might arise from the management
of multiple accounts.
SECURITIES LENDING ARRANGEMENTS
If the Fund engages in securities lending, Invesco Aim will provide the
Fund investment advisory services and related administrative services. The
Advisory Agreement describes the administrative services to be rendered by
Invesco Aim if the Fund engages in securities lending activities, as well as the
compensation Invesco Aim may receive for such administrative services. Services
to be provided include: (a) overseeing participation in the securities lending
program to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and investment
guidelines; (b) assisting the securities lending agent or principal (the
"agent") in determining which specific securities are available for loan; (c)
monitoring the agent to ensure that securities loans are effected in accordance
with Invesco Aim's instructions and with procedures adopted by the Board; (d)
preparing appropriate periodic reports for, and seeking appropriate approvals
from, the Board with respect to securities lending activities; (e) responding to
agent inquiries; and (f) performing such other duties as may be necessary.
Invesco Aim's compensation for advisory services rendered in connection
with securities lending is included in the advisory fee schedule. As
compensation for the related administrative services Invesco Aim will provide, a
lending Fund will pay Invesco Aim a fee equal to 25% of the net monthly interest
or fee income retained or paid to the Fund from such activities. Invesco Aim
currently waives such fee, and has agreed to seek Board approval prior to its
receipt of all or a portion of such fee.
SERVICE AGREEMENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT. Invesco Aim and the Trust have entered
into a Master Administrative Services Agreement ("Administrative Services
Agreement") pursuant to which Invesco Aim may perform or arrange for the
provision of certain accounting and other administrative services to the Fund
which are not required to be performed by Invesco Aim under the Advisory
Agreement. The Administrative Services Agreement provides that it will remain in
effect and continue from year to year only if such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by the Board, including the independent trustees, by
votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. Under the
Administrative Services Agreement, Invesco Aim is entitled to receive from the
Fund reimbursement of its costs or such reasonable compensation as may be
approved by the Board. Currently, Invesco Aim is reimbursed for the services of
the Trust's principal financial officer and her staff, and any expenses related
to fund accounting services.
34
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
TRANSFER AGENT. Invesco Aim Investment Services, Inc., ("Invesco Aim
Investment Services"), 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77046, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Aim, is the Trust's transfer agent.
The Transfer Agency and Service Agreement (the "TA Agreement") between the
Trust and Invesco Aim Investment Services provides that Invesco Aim Investment
Services will perform certain services related to the servicing of shareholders
of the Fund. Other such services may be delegated or sub-contracted to third
party intermediaries. For servicing accounts holding Class A, A3, B, C, P, R, Y,
AIM Cash Reserve and Investor Class shares, the TA Agreement provides that the
Trust, on behalf of the Fund, will pay Invesco Aim Investment Services at an
annual fee per open shareholder account plus certain out of pocket expenses.
This fee is paid monthly at the rate of 1/12 of the annual rate and is based
upon the number of open shareholder accounts during each month. For servicing
accounts holding Institutional Class shares, the TA Agreement provides that the
Trust, on behalf of the Fund, will pay Invesco Aim Investment Services a fee per
trade executed, to be billed monthly, plus certain out of pocket expenses. In
addition, all fees payable by Invesco Aim Investment Services or its affiliates
to third party intermediaries who service accounts pursuant to sub-transfer
agency, omnibus account services and sub-accounting agreements are charged back
to the Fund, subject to certain limitations approved by the Board of the Trust.
These payments are made in consideration of services that would otherwise be
provided by Invesco Aim Investment Services if the accounts serviced by such
intermediaries were serviced by Invesco Aim Investment Services directly. For
more information regarding such payments to intermediaries, see the discussion
under "Sub-Accounting and Network Support Payments" below.
SUB-TRANSFER AGENT. Invesco Trimark, 5140 Yonge Street, Suite 900, Toronto,
Ontario M2N6X7, a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Invesco, provides
services to the Trust as a sub-transfer agent, pursuant to an agreement between
Invesco Trimark and Invesco Aim Investment Services. The Trust does not pay a
fee to Invesco Trimark for these services. Rather Invesco Trimark is compensated
by Invesco Aim Investment Services, as a sub-contractor.
CUSTODIAN. State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian"), 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, is custodian of all securities and
cash of the Fund. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 712 Main, Houston, Texas 77002,
serves as sub-custodian for purchases of shares of the Fund. The Bank of New
York, 2 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, New York 11217-1431, also serves as
sub-custodian to facilitate cash management.
The Custodians is authorized to establish separate accounts in foreign
countries and to cause foreign securities owned by the Fund to be held outside
the United States in branches of U.S. banks and, to the extent permitted by
applicable regulations, in certain foreign banks and securities depositories.
Invesco Aim is responsible for selecting eligible foreign securities
depositories and for assessing the risks associated with investing in foreign
countries, including the risk of using eligible foreign securities' depositories
in a country. The Custodian is responsible for monitoring eligible foreign
securities depositories.
Under its contract with the Trust, the Custodian maintains the portfolio
securities of the Fund, administers the purchases and sales of portfolio
securities, collects interest and dividends and other distributions made on the
securities held in the portfolios of the Fund and performs other ministerial
duties. These services do not include any supervisory function over management
or provide any protection against any possible depreciation of assets.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM. The Fund's independent
registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the financial
statements of the Fund. The Audit Committee of the Board has appointed
[__________________] as the independent registered
35
public accounting firm to audit the financial statements of the Fund. Such
appointment was ratified and approved by the Board.
COUNSEL TO THE TRUST. Legal matters for the Trust have been passed upon by
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, 2600 One Commerce Square, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19103.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
The Sub-Advisors have adopted compliance procedures that cover, among other
items, brokerage allocation and other trading practices. Unless specifically
noted, the Sub-Advisors' procedures do not materially differ from Invesco Aim's
procedures discussed below.
BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS
Invesco Aim or the Sub-Advisor makes decisions to buy and sell securities
for the Fund, selects broker-dealers (each, a "Broker"), effects the Fund's
investment portfolio transactions, allocates brokerage fees in such transactions
and, where applicable, negotiates commissions and spreads on transactions.
Invesco Aim and the Sub-Advisor's primary consideration in effecting a security
transaction is to obtain the best execution, which is defined as prompt and
efficient execution of the transaction at the best obtainable price with payment
of commissions, mark-ups or mark-downs which are reasonable in relation to the
value of the brokerage services provided by the Broker. While Invesco Aim and
the Sub-Advisors seek reasonably competitive commission rates, the Fund may not
pay the lowest commission or spread available. See "Broker Selection" below.
Some of the securities in which the Fund invests are traded in
over-the-counter markets. Portfolio transactions placed in such markets may be
effected on a principle basis at net prices without commissions, but which
include compensation to the Broker in the form of a mark up or mark down, or on
an agency basis, which involves the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions
to the Broker, including electronic communication networks. Purchases of
underwritten issues include a commission or concession paid by the issuer (not
the Fund) to the underwriter. Purchases of money market instruments may be made
directly from issuers without the payment of commissions.
Traditionally, commission rates have not been negotiated on stock markets
outside the United States. Although in recent years many overseas stock markets
have adopted a system of negotiated rates, a number of markets maintain an
established schedule of minimum commission rates.
COMMISSIONS
The Fund may engage in certain principal and agency transactions with banks
and their affiliates that own 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of
an AIM Fund, provided the conditions of an exemptive order received by the AIM
Funds from the SEC are met. In addition, the Fund may purchase or sell a
security from or to certain other AIM Funds or accounts (and may invest in
Affiliated Money Market Funds) provided the Fund follows procedures adopted by
the Boards of the various AIM Funds, including the Trust. These inter-fund
transactions do not generate brokerage commissions but may result in custodial
fees or taxes or other related expenses.
BROKER SELECTION
Invesco Aim's primary consideration in selecting Brokers to execute
portfolio transactions for the Fund is to obtain best execution. In selecting a
Broker to execute a portfolio transaction in equity securities for the Fund,
Invesco Aim considers the full range and quality of a Broker's services,
including the value of research and/or brokerage services provided, execution
36
capability, commission rate, willingness to commit capital, anonymity and
responsiveness. Invesco Aim's primary consideration when selecting a Broker to
execute a portfolio transaction in fixed income securities for the Fund is the
Broker's ability to deliver or sell the relevant fixed income securities;
however, Invesco Aim will also consider the various factors listed above. In
each case, the determinative factor is not the lowest commission or spread
available but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution
for the Fund. Invesco Aim will not select Brokers based upon their promotion or
sale of Fund shares.
In choosing Brokers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, Invesco
Aim may select Brokers that provide brokerage and/or research services ("Soft
Dollar Products") to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which Invesco Aim
and its affiliates have investment discretion. Section 28(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, provides that Invesco Aim, under certain
circumstances, lawfully may cause an account to pay a higher commission than the
lowest available. Under Section 28(e)(1), Invesco Aim must make a good faith
determination that the commissions paid are "reasonable in relation to the value
of the brokerage and research services provided....viewed in terms of either
that particular transaction or [Invesco Aim's] overall responsibilities with
respect to the accounts as to which [it] exercises investment discretion." The
services provided by the Broker also must lawfully and appropriately assist
Invesco Aim in the performance of its investment decision-making
responsibilities. Accordingly, the Fund may pay a Broker higher commissions than
those available from another Broker in recognition of such Broker's provision of
Soft Dollar Products to Invesco Aim.
Invesco Aim faces a potential conflict of interest when it uses client
trades to obtain Soft Dollar Products. This conflict exists because Invesco Aim
is able to use the Soft Dollar Products to manage client accounts without paying
cash for the Soft Dollar Products, which reduces Invesco Aim's expenses to the
extent that Invesco Aim would have purchased such products had they not been
provided by Brokers. Section 28(e) permits Invesco Aim to use Soft Dollar
Products for the benefit of any account it manages. Certain Invesco Aim-managed
accounts may generate soft dollars used to purchase Soft Dollar Products that
ultimately benefit other Invesco Aim-managed accounts, effectively cross
subsidizing the other Invesco Aim-managed accounts that benefit directly from
the product. Invesco Aim may not use all of the Soft Dollar Products provided by
Brokers through which the Fund effects securities transactions in connection
with managing such Fund.
Invesco Aim and certain of its affiliates presently engage in the following
instances of cross-subsidization:
1. Fixed income funds normally do not generate soft dollar commissions to
pay for Soft Dollar Products. Therefore, soft dollar commissions used
to pay for Soft Dollar Products which are used to manage certain fixed
income AIM Funds are generated entirely by equity AIM Funds and other
equity client accounts managed by Invesco Aim or Invesco Aim Capital
Management, Inc. ("Invesco Aim Capital"), a subsidiary of Invesco Aim.
In other words, certain fixed income AIM Funds are cross-subsidized by
the equity AIM Funds in that the fixed income AIM Funds receive the
benefit of Soft Dollar Products services for which they do not pay.
2. The investment models used to manage many of the AIM Funds are also
used to manage other accounts of Invesco Aim and/or Invesco Aim
Capital. The Soft Dollar Products obtained through the use of soft
dollar commissions generated by the transactions of the AIM Funds
and/or other accounts managed by Invesco Aim and/or Invesco Aim
Capital are used to maintain the investment models relied upon by both
of these advisory affiliates.
This type of cross-subsidization occurs in both directions. For
example, soft dollar commissions generated by transactions of the AIM
Funds and/or other accounts managed by Invesco Aim are used for Soft
Dollar Products which may benefit those
37
AIM Funds and/or accounts as well as accounts managed by Invesco Aim
Capital. Additionally, soft dollar commissions generated by
transactions of accounts managed by Invesco Aim Capital are used for
Soft Dollar Products which may benefit those accounts as well as
accounts managed by Invesco Aim. In certain circumstances, Invesco Aim
Capital accounts may indicate that their transactions should not be
used to generate soft dollar commissions but may still receive the
benefits of Soft Dollar Products received by Invesco Aim or Invesco
Aim Capital.
3. Some of the common investment models used to manage various AIM Funds
and other accounts of Invesco Aim and/or Invesco Aim Capital are also
used to manage accounts of Invesco Aim Private Asset Management, Inc.
("IAPAM"), another Invesco Aim subsidiary. The Soft Dollar Products
obtained through the use of soft dollar commissions generated by the
transactions of the Fund and/or other accounts managed by Invesco Aim
and/or Invesco Aim Capital are used to maintain the investment models
relied upon by Invesco Aim, Invesco Aim Capital and IAPAM. This
cross-subsidization occurs in only one direction. Most of IAPAM's
accounts do not generate soft dollar commissions which can be used to
purchase Soft Dollar Products. The soft dollar commissions generated
by transactions of the Fund and/or other accounts managed by Invesco
Aim and/or Invesco Aim Capital are used for Soft Dollar Products which
may benefit the accounts managed by Invesco Aim, Invesco Aim Capital
and IAPAM; however, IAPAM does not provide any soft dollar research
benefit to the Fund and/or other accounts managed by Invesco Aim or
Invesco Aim Capital.
Invesco Aim and Invesco Aim Capital attempt to reduce or eliminate the
potential conflicts of interest concerning the use of Soft Dollar Products by
directing client trades for Soft Dollar Products only if Invesco Aim and Invesco
Aim Capital conclude that the Broker supplying the product is capable of
providing best execution.
Certain Soft Dollar Products may be available directly from a vendor on a
hard dollar basis; other Soft Dollar Products are available only through Brokers
in exchange for soft dollars. Invesco Aim uses soft dollars to purchase two
types of Soft Dollar Products:
- proprietary research created by the Broker executing the trade,
and
- other products created by third parties that are supplied to
Invesco Aim through the Broker executing the trade.
Proprietary research consists primarily of traditional research reports,
recommendations and similar materials produced by the in house research staffs
of broker-dealer firms. This research includes evaluations and recommendations
of specific companies or industry groups, as well as analyses of general
economic and market conditions and trends, market data, contacts and other
related information and assistance. Invesco Aim periodically rates the quality
of proprietary research produced by various Brokers. Based on the evaluation of
the quality of information that Invesco Aim receives from each Broker, Invesco
Aim develops an estimate of each Broker's share of Invesco Aim clients'
commission dollars. Invesco Aim attempts to direct trades to the firms to meet
these estimates.
Invesco Aim also uses soft dollars to acquire products from third parties
that are supplied to Invesco Aim through Brokers executing the trades or other
Brokers who "step in" to a transaction and receive a portion of the brokerage
commission for the trade. Invesco Aim may from time to time instruct the
executing Broker to allocate or "step out" a portion of a transaction to another
Broker. The Broker to which Invesco Aim has "stepped out" would then settle and
complete the designated portion of the transaction, and the executing Broker
would settle and complete the remaining portion of the transaction that has not
been "stepped out." Each Broker
38
may receive a commission or brokerage fee with respect to that portion of the
transaction that it settles and completes.
Soft Dollar Products received from Brokers supplement Invesco Aim's own
research (and the research of certain of its affiliates), and may include the
following types of products and services:
- Database Services - comprehensive databases containing current
and/or historical information on companies and industries and
indices. Examples include historical securities prices, earnings
estimates and financial data. These services may include software
tools that allow the user to search the database or to prepare
value-added analyses related to the investment process (such as
forecasts and models used in the portfolio management process).
- Quotation/Trading/News Systems - products that provide real time
market data information, such as pricing of individual securities
and information on current trading, as well as a variety of news
services.
- Economic Data/Forecasting Tools - various macro economic
forecasting tools, such as economic data or currency and
political forecasts for various countries or regions.
- Quantitative/Technical Analysis - software tools that assist in
quantitative and technical analysis of investment data.
- Fundamental/Industry Analysis - industry specific fundamental
investment research.
- Fixed Income Security Analysis - data and analytical tools that
pertain specifically to fixed income securities. These tools
assist in creating financial models, such as cash flow
projections and interest rate sensitivity analyses, which are
relevant to fixed income securities.
- Other Specialized Tools - other specialized products, such as
consulting analyses, access to industry experts, and distinct
investment expertise such as forensic accounting or custom built
investment-analysis software.
If Invesco Aim determines that any service or product has a mixed use
(i.e., it also serves functions that do not assist the investment
decision-making or trading process), Invesco Aim will allocate the costs of such
service or product accordingly in its reasonable discretion. Invesco Aim will
allocate brokerage commissions to Brokers only for the portion of the service or
product that Invesco Aim determines assists it in the investment decision-making
or trading process and will pay for the remaining value of the product or
service in cash.
Outside research assistance is useful to Invesco Aim since the Brokers used
by Invesco Aim tend to provide more in-depth analysis of a broader universe of
securities and other matters than Invesco Aim's staff follows. In addition, such
services provide Invesco Aim with a diverse perspective on financial markets.
Some Brokers may indicate that the provision of research services is dependent
upon the generation of certain specified levels of commissions and underwriting
concessions by Invesco Aim's clients, including the Fund. However, the Fund is
not under any obligation to deal with any Broker in the execution of
transactions in portfolio securities. In some cases, Soft Dollar Products are
available only from the Broker providing them. In other cases, Soft Dollar
Products may be obtainable from alternative sources in return for cash payments.
Invesco Aim believes that because Broker research supplements rather than
replaces Invesco Aim's research, the receipt of such research tends to improve
the quality of
39
Invesco Aim's investment advice. The advisory fee paid by the Fund is not
reduced because Invesco Aim receives such services. To the extent the Fund's
portfolio transactions are used to obtain Soft Dollar Products, the brokerage
commissions obtained by the Fund might exceed those that might otherwise have
been paid.
Invesco Aim may determine target levels of brokerage business with various
Brokers on behalf of its clients (including the Fund) over a certain time
period. The target levels will be based upon the following factors, among
others: (1) the execution services provided by the Broker; and (2) the research
services provided by the Broker. Portfolio transactions may be effected through
Brokers that recommends the Fund to their clients, or that act as agent in the
purchase of the Fund's shares for their clients, provided that Invesco Aim
believes such Brokers provide best execution and such transactions are executed
in compliance with Invesco Aim's policy against using directed brokerage to
compensate Brokers for promoting or selling AIM Fund shares. Invesco Aim will
not enter into a binding commitment with Brokers to place trades with such
Brokers involving brokerage commissions in precise amounts.
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Invesco Aim and its affiliates manage numerous AIM Funds and other
accounts. Some of these accounts may have investment objectives similar to the
Fund. Occasionally, identical securities will be appropriate for investment by
the Fund and by another fund or one or more other accounts. However, the
position of each account in the same security and the length of time that each
account may hold its investment in the same security may vary. The timing and
amount of purchase by each account will also be determined by its cash position.
If the purchase or sale of securities is consistent with the investment policies
of the Fund(s) and one or more other accounts, and is considered at or about the
same time, Invesco Aim will allocate transactions in such securities among the
Fund(s) and these accounts on a pro rata basis based on order size or in such
other manner believed by Invesco Aim to be fair and equitable. Invesco Aim may
combine such transactions, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,
to obtain the most favorable execution. Simultaneous transactions could,
however, adversely affect the Fund's ability to obtain or dispose of the full
amount of a security which it seeks to purchase or sell.
ALLOCATION OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING ("IPO") TRANSACTIONS
Certain of the AIM Funds or other accounts managed by Invesco Aim may
become interested in participating in IPOs. Purchases of IPOs by one AIM Fund or
account may also be considered for purchase by one or more other AIM Funds or
accounts. It shall be Invesco Aim's practice to specifically combine or
otherwise bunch indications of interest for IPOs for all AIM Funds and accounts
participating in purchase transactions for that IPO, and when the full amount of
all IPO orders for such AIM Funds and accounts cannot be filled completely, to
allocate such transactions in accordance with the following procedures:
Invesco Aim or the Sub-Advisor will determine the eligibility of each AIM
Fund and account that seeks to participate in a particular IPO by reviewing a
number of factors, including market capitalization/liquidity suitability and
sector/style suitability of the investment with the AIM Fund's or account's
investment objective, policies, strategies and current holdings. The allocation
of securities issued in IPOs will be made to eligible AIM Funds and accounts on
a pro rata basis based on order size.
Invesco Australia, Invesco Hong Kong, Invesco Japan and Invesco Trimark
allocate IPOs on a pro rata basis based on size of order or in such other manner
believed by Invesco Australia, Invesco Global, Invesco Hong Kong, Invesco Japan
and Invesco Trimark to be fair and equitable.
40
Invesco Asset Management, Invesco Global and Invesco Institutional allocate
IPOs on a pro rata basis based on account size or in such other manner believed
by Invesco Asset Management, Invesco Global and Invesco Institutional to be fair
and equitable.
Invesco Deutschland and Invesco Senior Secured do not subscribe to IPOs.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
TRANSACTIONS THROUGH FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
If you are investing indirectly in the Fund through a financial
intermediary such as a broker-dealer, a bank (including a bank trust
department), an insurance company separate account, an investment advisor, an
administrator or trustee of a retirement plan or a qualified tuition plan or a
sponsor of a fee-based program that maintains a master account (an omnibus
account) with the Fund for trading on behalf of its customers, different
guidelines, conditions and restrictions may apply than if you held your shares
of the Fund directly. These differences may include, but are not limited to: (i)
different eligibility standards to purchase and sell shares, different
eligibility standards to invest in funds with limited offering status and
different eligibility standards to exchange shares by telephone; (ii) different
minimum and maximum initial and subsequent purchase amounts; (iii) system
inability to provide Letter of Intent privileges; and (iv) different annual
amounts (less than 12%) subject to withdrawal under a Systematic Redemption Plan
without being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The financial
intermediary through whom you are investing may also choose to adopt different
exchange and/or transfer limit guidelines and restrictions, including different
trading restrictions designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading. The
financial intermediary through whom you are investing may also choose to impose
a redemption fee that has different characteristics, which may be more or less
restrictive, than the redemption fee currently imposed on certain Fund.
If the financial intermediary is managing your account, you may also be
charged a transaction or other fee by such financial intermediary, including
service fees for handling redemption transactions. Consult with your financial
intermediary (or, in the case of a retirement plan, your plan sponsor) to
determine what fees, guidelines, conditions and restrictions, including any of
the above, may be applicable to you.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Purchases of Class A Shares, Class A3 Shares of AIM Limited Maturity Treasury
Fund and AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund and AIM Cash Reserve Shares of AIM Money
Market Fund
INITIAL SALES CHARGES. Each AIM Fund (other than AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund)
is grouped into one of four categories to determine the applicable initial sales
charge for its Class A shares. The sales charge is used to compensate Invesco
Aim Distributors and participating dealers for their expenses incurred in
connection with the distribution of the Fund's shares. You may also be charged a
transaction or other fee by the financial institution managing your account.
Class A shares of AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund, Class A3 shares of AIM Limited
Maturity Treasury Fund and AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund and AIM Cash Reserve
Shares of AIM Money Market Fund are sold without an initial sales charge.
41
CATEGORY I FUNDS
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund
AIM Basic Balanced Fund
AIM Basic Value Fund
AIM Capital Development Fund
AIM Charter Fund
AIM China Fund
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund
AIM Constellation Fund
AIM Developing Markets Fund
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund
AIM Dynamics Fund
AIM Energy Fund
AIM European Growth Fund
AIM European Small Company Fund
AIM Financial Services Fund
AIM Global Core Equity Fund
AIM Global Equity Fund
AIM Global Growth Fund
AIM Global Health Care Fund
AIM Global Real Estate Fund
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund
AIM Growth Allocation Fund
AIM Income Allocation Fund
AIM Independence Now Fund
AIM Independence 2010 Fund
AIM Independence 2020 Fund
AIM Independence 2030 Fund
AIM Independence 2040 Fund
AIM Independence 2050 Fund
AIM International Allocation Fund
AIM International Core Equity Fund
AIM International Growth Fund
AIM International Small Company Fund
AIM Japan Fund
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund
AIM Leisure Fund
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund
AIM Multi-Sector Fund
AIM Real Estate Fund
AIM Select Equity Fund
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund
AIM Structured Core Fund
AIM Structured Growth Fund
AIM Structured Value Fund
AIM Summit Fund
AIM Technology Fund
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund
AIM Trimark Fund
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund
AIM Utilities Fund
Dealer
Investor's Sales Charge Concession
-------------------------- -------------
As a As a As a
Percentage Percentage Percentage
of the Public of the Net of the Public
Amount of Investment in Offering Amount Offering
Single Transaction Price Invested Price
--------------------------------- ------------- ---------- -------------
Less than $25,000 5.50% 5.82% 4.75%
$25,000 but less than $50,000 5.25 5.54 4.50
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.75 4.99 4.00
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.75 3.90 3.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000 3.00 3.09 2.50
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 2.00 2.04 1.60
42
CATEGORY II FUNDS
AIM Core Bond Fund
AIM High Income Municipal Fund
AIM High Yield Fund
AIM Income Fund
AIM International Total Return Fund
AIM Municipal Bond Fund
AIM U.S. Government Fund
Dealer
Investor's Sales Charge Concession
-------------------------- -------------
As a As a As a
Percentage Percentage Percentage
of the Public of the Net of the Public
Amount of Investment in Offering Amount Offering
Single Transaction Price Invested Price
--------------------------------- ------------- ---------- -------------
Less than $50,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.00 4.17 3.25
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.75 3.90 3.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 2.56 2.00
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 2.00 2.04 1.60
CATEGORY III FUNDS
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund
AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund
Dealer
Investor's Sales Charge Concession
-------------------------- -------------
As a As a As a
Percentage Percentage Percentage
of the Public of the Net of the Public
Amount of Investment in Offering Amount Offering
Single Transaction Price Invested Price
--------------------------------- ------------- ---------- -------------
Less than $100,000 1.00% 1.01% 0.75%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 0.75 0.76 0.50
$250,000 but less than $1,000,000 0.50 0.50 0.40
As of the close of business on October 30, 2002, Class A shares of AIM
Limited Maturity Treasury Fund and AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund were closed to
new investors. Current investors must maintain a share balance in order to
continue to make incremental purchases.
43
CATEGORY IV FUNDS
AIM Floating Rate Fund
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund
AIM Short Term Bond Fund
Dealer
Investor's Sales Charge Concession
-------------------------- -------------
As a As a As a
Percentage Percentage Percentage
of the Public of the Net of the Public
Amount of Investment in Offering Amount Offering
Single Transaction Price Invested Price
--------------------------------- ------------- ---------- -------------
Less than $100,000 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 2.00 2.04 1.50
$250,000 but less than $500,000 1.50 1.52 1.25
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 1.25 1.27 1.00
LARGE PURCHASES OF CLASS A SHARES. Investors who purchase $1,000,000 or
more of Class A shares of Category I, II, III or IV Funds do not pay an initial
sales charge. In addition, investors who currently own Class A shares of
Category I, II, III or IV Funds and make additional purchases that result in
account balances of $1,000,000 or more do not pay an initial sales charge on the
additional purchases. The additional purchases, as well as initial purchases of
$1,000,000 or more, are referred to as Large Purchases. If an investor makes a
Large Purchase of Class A shares of a Category I, II or IV Funds, each share
will generally be subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")
if the investor redeems those shares within 18 months after purchase.
Invesco Aim Distributors may pay a dealer concession and/or advance a
service fee on Large Purchases, as set forth below. Exchanges between the AIM
Funds may affect total compensation paid.
PURCHASES OF CLASS A SHARES BY NON-RETIREMENT PLANS. Invesco Aim
Distributors may make the following payments to dealers of record for Large
Purchases of Class A shares of Category I, II or IV Funds by investors other
than: (i) retirement plans that are maintained pursuant to Sections 401 and 457
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and (ii)
retirement plans that are maintained pursuant to Section 403 of the Code if the
employer or plan sponsor is a tax-exempt organization operated pursuant to
Section 501(c)(3) of the Code:
PERCENT OF PURCHASES
1% of the first $2 million
plus 0.80% of the next $1 million
plus 0.50% of the next $17 million
plus 0.25% of amounts in excess of $20 million
If (i) the amount of any single purchase order plus (ii) the public
offering price of all other shares owned by the same customer submitting the
purchase order on the day on which the purchase order is received equals or
exceeds $1,000,000, the purchase will be considered a "jumbo accumulation
purchase." With regard to any individual jumbo accumulation purchase, Invesco
Aim Distributors may make payment to the dealer of record based on the
cumulative total of jumbo accumulation purchases made by the same customer over
the life of his or her account(s).
If an investor makes a Large Purchase of Class A3 shares of a Category III
Fund on and after October 31, 2002 and exchanges those shares for Class A shares
of a Category I, II or IV Fund, Invesco Aim Distributors will pay 1.00% of such
purchase as dealer compensation upon the exchange. The
44
Class A shares of the Category I, II or IV Fund received in exchange generally
will be subject to a 1.00% CDSC if the investor redeems such shares within 18
months from the date of exchange.
PURCHASES OF CLASS A SHARES BY CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS AT NAV. For
purchases of Class A shares of Category I, II and IV Funds, Invesco Aim
Distributors may make the following payments to investment dealers or other
financial service firms for sales of such shares at net asset value ("NAV") to
certain retirement plans provided that the applicable dealer of record is able
to establish that the retirement plan's purchase of such Class A shares is a new
investment (as defined below):
PERCENT OF PURCHASES
0.50% of the first $20 million
plus 0.25% of amounts in excess of $20 million
This payment schedule will be applicable to purchases of Class A shares at
NAV by the following types of retirement plans: (i) all plans maintained
pursuant to Sections 401 and 457 of the Code, and (ii) plans maintained pursuant
to Section 403 of the Code if the employer or plan sponsor is a tax-exempt
organization operated pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.
A "new investment" means a purchase paid for with money that does not
represent (i) the proceeds of one or more redemptions of AIM Fund shares, (ii)
an exchange of AIM Fund shares, (iii) the repayment of one or more retirement
plan loans that were funded through the redemption of AIM Fund shares, or (iv)
money returned from another fund family. If Invesco Aim Distributors pays a
dealer concession in connection with a plan's purchase of Class A shares at NAV,
such shares may be subject to a CDSC of 1.00% of net assets for 12 months,
commencing on the date the plan first invests in Class A shares of an AIM Fund.
If the applicable dealer of record is unable to establish that a plan's purchase
of Class A shares at NAV is a new investment, Invesco Aim Distributors will not
pay a dealer concession in connection with such purchase and such shares will
not be subject to a CDSC.
With regard to any individual jumbo accumulation purchase, Invesco Aim
Distributors may make payment to the dealer of record based on the cumulative
total of jumbo accumulation purchases made by the same plan over the life of the
plan's account(s).
PURCHASERS QUALIFYING FOR REDUCTIONS IN INITIAL SALES CHARGES. As shown in
the tables above, purchases of certain amounts of AIM Fund shares may reduce the
initial sales charges. These reductions are available to purchasers that meet
the qualifications listed below. We will refer to purchasers that meet these
qualifications as "Qualified Purchasers."
DEFINITIONS
As used herein, the terms below shall be defined as follows:
- "Individual" refers to a person, as well as his or her Spouse or
Domestic Partner and his or her Children;
- "Spouse" is the person to whom one is legally married under state law;
- "Domestic Partner" is an adult with whom one shares a primary
residence for at least six-months, is in a relationship as a couple
where one or each of them provides personal or financial welfare of
the other without a fee, is not related by blood and is not married;
- "Child" or "Children" include a biological, adopted or foster son or
daughter, a Step-child, a legal ward or a Child of a person standing
in loco parentis;
- "Parent" is a person's biological or adoptive mother or father;
45
- "Step-child" is the child of one's Spouse by a previous marriage or
relationship;
- "Step-parent" is the Spouse of a Child's Parent; and
- "Immediate Family" includes an Individual (including, as defined
above, a person, his or her Spouse or Domestic Partner and his or her
Children) as well as his or her Parents, Step-parents and the Parents
of Spouse or Domestic Partner.
INDIVIDUALS
- an Individual (including his or her spouse or domestic partner, and
children);
- a retirement plan established exclusively for the benefit of an
Individual, specifically including, but not limited to, a Traditional
IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Solo 401(k), Keogh plan, or a
tax-sheltered 403(b)(7) custodial account; and
- a qualified tuition plan account, maintained pursuant to Section 529
of the Code, or a Coverdell Education Savings Account, maintained
pursuant to Section 530 of the Code (in either case, the account must
be established by an Individual or have an Individual named as the
beneficiary thereof).
EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS
- a retirement plan maintained pursuant to Sections 401, 403 (only if
the employer or plan sponsor is a tax-exempt organization operated
pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Code), 408 (includes SEP, SARSEP
and SIMPLE IRA plans) or 457 of the Code, if:
a. the employer or plan sponsor submits all contributions for all
participating employees in a single contribution transmittal (the
AIM Funds will not accept separate contributions submitted with
respect to individual participants);
b. each transmittal is accompanied by checks or wire transfers; and
c. if the AIM Funds are expected to carry separate accounts in the
names of each of the plan participants, (i) the employer or plan
sponsor notifies Invesco Aim Distributors in writing that the
separate accounts of all plan participants should be linked, and
(ii) all new participant accounts are established by submitting
an appropriate Account Application on behalf of each new
participant with the contribution transmittal.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR REDUCTIONS IN INITIAL SALES CHARGES. The following
sections discuss different ways that a Qualified Purchaser can qualify for a
reduction in the initial sales charges for purchases of Class A shares of the
AIM Funds.
LETTERS OF INTENT
A Qualified Purchaser may pay reduced initial sales charges by (i)
indicating on the Account Application that he, she or it intends to provide a
Letter of Intent ("LOI"); and (ii) subsequently fulfilling the conditions of
that LOI. Employer-sponsored retirement plans, with the exception of Solo 401(k)
plans and SEP plans, are not eligible for a LOI.
The LOI confirms the total investment in shares of the AIM Funds that the
Qualified Purchaser intends to make within the next 13 months. By marking the
LOI section on the account application and by signing the account application,
the Qualified Purchaser indicates that he, she or it understands and agrees to
the terms of the LOI and is bound by the provisions described below:
46
Calculating the Initial Sales Charge
- Each purchase of fund shares normally subject to an initial sales
charge made during the 13-month period will be made at the public
offering price applicable to a single transaction of the total dollar
amount indicated by the LOI (to determine what the applicable public
offering price is, look at the sales charge table in the section on
"Initial Sales Charges" above).
- It is the purchaser's responsibility at the time of purchase to
specify the account numbers that should be considered in determining
the appropriate sales charge.
- The offering price may be further reduced as described below under
"Rights of Accumulation" if Invesco Aim Investment Services, the
Fund's transfer agent ("Transfer Agent") is advised of all other
accounts at the time of the investment.
- Reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions acquired
during the 13-month LOI period will not be applied to the LOI.
Calculating the Number of Shares to be Purchased
- Purchases made and shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends
and capital gains distributions prior to the LOI effective date will
be applied toward the completion of the LOI based on the value of the
shares calculated at the public offering price on the effective date
of the LOI.
- If a purchaser wishes to revise the LOI investment amount upward, he,
she or it may submit a written and signed request at anytime prior to
the completion of the original LOI. This revision will not change the
original expiration date.
- The Transfer Agent will process necessary adjustments upon the
expiration or completion date of the LOI.
Fulfilling the Intended Investment
- By signing an LOI, a purchaser is not making a binding commitment to
purchase additional shares, but if purchases made within the 13-month
period do not total the amount specified, the purchaser will have to
pay the increased amount of sales charge.
- To assure compliance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Transfer
Agent will escrow in the form of shares an appropriate dollar amount
(computed to the nearest full share) out of the initial purchase (or
subsequent purchases if necessary). All dividends and any capital gain
distributions on the escrowed shares will be credited to the
purchaser. All shares purchased, including those escrowed, will be
registered in the purchaser's name. If the total investment specified
under this LOI is completed within the 13-month period, the escrowed
shares will be promptly released.
- If the intended investment is not completed, the purchaser will pay
the Transfer Agent the difference between the sales charge on the
specified amount and the sales charge on the amount actually
purchased. If the purchaser does not pay such difference within 20
days of the expiration date, he or she irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the Transfer Agent as his attorney to surrender for
redemption any or all shares, to make up such difference within 60
days of the expiration date.
Canceling the LOI
- If at any time before completing the LOI Program, the purchaser wishes
to cancel the agreement, he or she must give written notice to Invesco
Aim Distributors or its designee.
47
- If at any time before completing the LOI Program the purchaser
requests the Transfer Agent to liquidate or transfer beneficial
ownership of his total shares, the LOI will be automatically canceled.
If the total amount purchased is less than the amount specified in the
LOI, the Transfer Agent will redeem an appropriate number of escrowed
shares equal to the difference between the sales charge actually paid
and the sales charge that would have been paid if the total purchases
had been made at a single time.
Other Persons Eligible for the LOI Privilege
The LOI privilege is also available to holders of the Connecticut General
Guaranteed Account, established for tax qualified group annuities, for contracts
purchased on or before June 30, 1992.
LOIs and Contingent Deferred Sales Charges
All LOIs to purchase $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares of Category I, II
and IV Funds are subject to an 18-month, 1% CDSC.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION
A Qualified Purchaser may also qualify for reduced initial sales charges
based upon his, her or its existing investment in shares of any of the AIM Funds
at the time of the proposed purchase. To determine whether or not a reduced
initial sales charge applies to a proposed purchase, Invesco Aim Distributors
takes into account not only the money which is invested upon such proposed
purchase, but also the value of all shares of the AIM Funds owned by such
purchaser, calculated at their then current public offering price.
If a purchaser qualifies for a reduced sales charge, the reduced sales
charge applies to the total amount of money being invested, even if only a
portion of that amount exceeds the breakpoint for the reduced sales charge. For
example, if a purchaser already owns qualifying shares of any AIM Fund with a
value of $20,000 and wishes to invest an additional $20,000 in a fund with a
maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%, the reduced initial sales charge of 5.25%
will apply to the full $20,000 purchase and not just to the $15,000 in excess of
the $25,000 breakpoint.
To qualify for obtaining the discount applicable to a particular purchase,
the purchaser or his dealer must furnish the Transfer Agent with a list of the
account numbers and the names in which such accounts of the purchaser are
registered at the time the purchase is made.
Rights of Accumulation are also available to holders of the Connecticut
General Guaranteed Account, established for tax-qualified group annuities, for
contracts purchased on or before June 30, 1992.
If an investor's new purchase of Class A shares of a Category I, II or IV
Fund is at net asset value, the newly purchased shares will be subject to a CDSC
if the investor redeems them prior to the end of the 18 month holding period.
REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING REDEMPTION
If you redeem shares of a fund, you may reinvest all or a portion of the
proceeds from the redemption in the same share class of any fund in the same
Category within 180 days of the redemption without paying an initial sales
charge. Class B, P and Y redemptions may be reinvested in Class A shares with no
initial sales charge. This reinstatement privilege does not apply to:
- A purchase made through a regularly scheduled automatic investment
plan, such as a purchase by a regularly scheduled payroll deduction or
transfer from a bank account, or
- A purchase paid for with proceeds from the redemption of shares that
were held indirectly through an employee benefit plan.
48
In order to take advantage of this reinstatement privilege, you must inform
your financial advisor or the transfer agent that you wish to do so at the time
of your investment.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR REDUCTIONS IN INITIAL SALES CHARGES. As discussed
above, investors or dealers seeking to qualify orders for a reduced initial
sales charge must identify such orders and, if necessary, support their
qualification for the reduced charge. Invesco Aim Distributors reserves the
right to determine whether any purchaser is entitled to the reduced sales charge
based on the definition of a Qualified Purchaser listed above. No person or
entity may distribute shares of the AIM Funds without payment of the applicable
sales charge other than to Qualified Purchasers.
Purchases of Class A shares of AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund, Class A3 shares of
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund and AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund, AIM Cash
Reserve Shares of AIM Money Market Fund and Investor Class shares of any Fund
will not be taken into account in determining whether a purchase qualifies for a
reduction in initial sales charges.
PURCHASES OF CLASS A SHARES AT NET ASSET VALUE. Invesco Aim Distributors
permits certain categories of persons to purchase Class A shares of AIM Funds
without paying an initial sales charge. These are typically categories of
persons whose transactions involve little expense, such as persons who have a
relationship with the funds or with Invesco Aim and certain programs for
purchase. It is the purchaser's responsibility to notify Invesco Aim
Distributors or its designee of any qualifying relationship at the time of
purchase.
Invesco Aim Distributors believes that it is appropriate and in the Fund's
best interests that such persons, and certain other persons whose purchases
result in relatively low expenses of distribution, be permitted to purchase
shares through Invesco Aim Distributors without payment of a sales charge.
Accordingly, the following purchasers will not pay initial sales charges on
purchases of Class A shares because there is a reduced sales effort involved in
sales to these purchasers:
- Any current, former or retired trustee, director, officer or employee
(or immediate family member of a current, former or retired trustee,
director, officer or employee) of any AIM Fund or of Invesco Ltd. or
any of its subsidiaries. This includes any foundation, trust or
employee benefit plan maintained by any of the persons listed above;
- Any current or retired officer, director, or employee (and members of
their Immediate Family) of DST Systems, Inc. or Personix, a division
of Fiserv Solutions, Inc.;
- Any registered representative or employee of any intermediary who has
an agreement with Invesco Aim Distributors to sell shares of the Fund
(this includes any members of their Immediate Family);
- Any investor who purchases their shares through an approved fee-based
program (this may include any type of account for which there is some
alternative arrangement made between the investor and the intermediary
to provide for compensation of the intermediary for services rendered
in connection with the sale of the shares and maintenance of the
customer relationship);
- Any investor who purchases their shares with the proceeds of a
rollover, transfer or distribution from a retirement plan or
individual retirement account for which Invesco Aim Distributors acts
as the prototype sponsor to another retirement plan or individual
retirement account for which Invesco Aim Distributors acts as the
prototype sponsor, to the extent that such proceeds are attributable
to the redemption of shares of a fund held through the plan or
account;
- Employer-sponsored retirement plans that are Qualified Purchasers, as
defined above, provided that:
49
a. the plan has assets of at least $1 million;
b. there are at least 100 employees eligible to participate in the
plan; or
c. all plan transactions are executed through a single omnibus
account per Fund; further provided that retirement plans
maintained pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code are not
eligible to purchase shares without paying an initial sales
charge based on the aggregate investment made by the plan or the
number of eligible employees unless the employer or plan sponsor
is a tax-exempt organization operated pursuant to Section
501(c)(3) of the Code;
- "Grandfathered" shareholders as follows:
a. Shareholders of record of Advisor Class shares of AIM
International Growth Fund or AIM Worldwide Growth Fund on
February 12, 1999 who have continuously owned shares of the AIM
Funds;
b. Shareholders of record or discretionary advised clients of any
investment advisor holding shares of AIM Weingarten Fund or AIM
Constellation Fund on September 8, 1986, or of AIM Charter Fund
on November 17, 1986, who have continuously owned shares and who
purchase additional shares of AIM Constellation Fund or AIM
Charter Fund, respectively;
c. Unitholders of G/SET series unit investment trusts investing
proceeds from such trusts in shares of AIM Constellation Fund;
provided, however, prior to the termination date of the trusts, a
unitholder may invest proceeds from the redemption or repurchase
of his units only when the investment in shares of AIM
Constellation Fund is effected within 30 days of the redemption
or repurchase;
d. A shareholder of a fund that merges or consolidates with an AIM
Fund or that sells its assets to an AIM Fund in exchange for
shares of an AIM Fund;
e. Shareholders of the former GT Global funds as of April 30, 1987
who since that date continually have owned shares of one or more
of these funds;
f. Certain former AMA Investment Advisers' shareholders who became
shareholders of the AIM Global Health Care Fund in October 1989,
and who have continuously held shares in the GT Global funds
since that time;
g. Shareholders of record of Advisor Class shares of an AIM Fund on
February 11, 2000 who have continuously owned shares of that AIM
Fund, and who purchase additional shares of that AIM Fund; and
h. Additional purchases of Class A shares by shareholders of record
of Class K shares on October 21, 2005 whose Class K shares were
converted to Class A shares.
- Any investor who maintains an account in Investor Class shares of a
Fund (this includes anyone listed in the registration of an account,
such as a joint owner, trustee or custodian, and members of their
Immediate Family);
- Qualified Tuition Programs created and maintained in accordance with
Section 529 of the Code;
- Insurance company separate accounts;
50
- Retirement plan established exclusively for the benefit of an
individual (specifically including, but not limited to, a Traditional
IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Solo 401(k), Keogh plan, or a
tax-sheltered 403(b)(7) custodial account) if:
a. such plan is funded by a rollover of assets from an
Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan;
b. the account being funded by such rollover is to be maintained by
the same trustee, custodian or administrator that maintained the
plan from which the rollover distribution funding such rollover
originated, or an affiliate thereof; and
c. the dealer of record with respect to the account being funded by
such rollover is the same as the dealer of record with respect to
the plan from which the rollover distribution funding such
rollover originated, or an affiliate thereof.
- Transfers to IRAs that are attributable to AIM Fund investments held
in 403(b)(7)s, SIMPLEs, SEPs, SARSEPs, Traditional or Roth IRAs; and
- Rollovers from Invesco Aim held 403(b)(7)s, 401(K)s, SEPs, SIMPLEs,
SARSEPs, Money Purchase Plans, and Profit Sharing Plans if the assets
are transferred to an Invesco Aim IRA.
In addition, an investor may acquire shares of any of the AIM Funds at net
asset value in connection with:
- when reinvesting dividends and distributions;
- when exchanging shares of one Fund, that were previously assessed a
sales charge, for shares of another Fund; as more fully described in
the Prospectus;
- the purchase of shares in connection with the repayment of a
retirement plan loan administered by Invesco Aim Investment Services;
- as a result of a Fund's merger, consolidation or acquisition of the
assets of another Fund;
- the purchase of Class A shares with proceeds from the redemption of
Class B, Class C or Class Y shares where the redemption and purchase
are effectuated on the same business day; or
- when buying Class A shares of AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund.
PAYMENTS TO DEALERS. Invesco Aim Distributors may elect to re-allow the
entire initial sales charge to dealers for all sales with respect to which
orders are placed with Invesco Aim Distributors during a particular period.
Dealers to whom substantially the entire sales charge is re-allowed may be
deemed to be "underwriters" as that term is defined under the 1933 Act.
The financial advisor through which you purchase your shares may receive
all or a portion of the sales charges and Rule 12b-1 distribution fees discussed
above. In this context, "financial advisors" include any broker, dealer, bank
(including bank trust departments), insurance company separate account, transfer
agent, registered investment advisor, financial planner, retirement plan
administrator and any other financial intermediary having a selling,
administration or similar agreement with Invesco Aim Distributors or one or more
of its corporate affiliates (collectively, the "Invesco Aim Distributors
Affiliates"). In addition to those payments, Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates
may make additional cash payments to financial advisors in connection with the
promotion and sale of shares of AIM Funds. Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates
make these payments from their own resources, from Invesco Aim Distributors'
retention of underwriting concessions and from payments to Invesco Aim
Distributors under Rule 12b-1 plans. In the case of sub-accounting payments,
discussed below, Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates will be reimbursed directly
by the AIM Funds for such payments. These additional cash payments are described
below. The categories described below are not mutually exclusive. The same
51
financial advisor, or one or more of its affiliates, may receive payments under
more than one or all categories. Most financial advisors that sell shares of AIM
Funds receive one or more types of these cash payments. Financial advisors
negotiate the cash payments to be paid on an individual basis. Where services
are provided, the costs of providing the services and the overall package of
services provided may vary from one financial advisor to another. Invesco Aim
Distributors Affiliates do not make an independent assessment of the cost of
providing such services.
A list of certain financial advisors that received one or more types of
payments below during the prior calendar year is attached here as Appendix H.
This list is not necessarily current and will change over time. Certain
arrangements are still being negotiated, and there is a possibility that
payments will be made retroactively to financial advisors not listed below.
Accordingly, please contact your financial advisor to determine whether they
currently may be receiving such payments and to obtain further information
regarding any such payments.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT PAYMENTS. Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates make
financial support payments as incentives to certain financial advisors to
promote and sell shares of AIM Funds. The benefits Invesco Aim Distributors
Affiliates receive when they make these payments include, among other things,
placing AIM Funds on the financial advisor's funds sales system, and access (in
some cases on a preferential basis over other competitors) to individual members
of the financial advisor's sales force or to the financial advisor's management.
Financial support payments are sometimes referred to as "shelf space" payments
because the payments compensate the financial advisor for including AIM Funds in
its fund sales system (on its "sales shelf"). Invesco Aim Distributors
Affiliates compensate financial advisors differently depending typically on the
level and/or type of considerations provided by the financial advisor. In
addition, payments typically apply only to retail sales, and may not apply to
other types of sales or assets (such as sales to retirement plans, qualified
tuition programs, or fee based advisor programs - some of which may generate
certain other payments described below).
The financial support payments Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates make may
be calculated on sales of shares of AIM Funds ("Sales-Based Payments"), in which
case the total amount of such payments shall not exceed 0.25% (for
non-Institutional Class shares) or 0.10% (for Institutional Class shares) of the
public offering price of all such shares sold by the financial advisor during
the particular period. Such payments also may be calculated on the average daily
net assets of the applicable AIM Funds attributable to that particular financial
advisor ("Asset-Based Payments"), in which case the total amount of such cash
payments shall not exceed 0.25% per annum of those assets during a defined
period. Sales-Based Payments primarily create incentives to make new sales of
shares of AIM Funds and Asset-Based Payments primarily create incentives to
retain previously sold shares of AIM Funds in investor accounts. Invesco Aim
Distributors Affiliates may pay a financial advisor either or both Sales-Based
Payments and Asset-Based Payments.
SUB-ACCOUNTING AND NETWORKING SUPPORT PAYMENTS. Invesco Aim Investment
Services, an Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliate, acts as the transfer agent for
the AIM Funds, registering the transfer, issuance and redemption of AIM Fund
shares, and disbursing dividends and other distributions to AIM Funds
shareholders. However, many AIM Fund shares are owned or held by financial
advisors, as that term is defined above, for the benefit of their customers. In
those cases, the AIM Funds often do not maintain an account for the shareholder.
Thus, some or all of the transfer agency functions for these accounts are
performed by the financial advisor. In these situations, Invesco Aim
Distributors Affiliates may make payments to financial advisors that sell AIM
Fund shares for certain transfer agency services, including record keeping and
sub-accounting shareholder accounts. Payments for these services typically do
not exceed 0.25% (for non-Institutional Class shares) or 0.10% (for
Institutional Class shares) of average annual assets of such share classes or
$19 per annum per shareholder account (for non-Institutional Class shares only).
Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates also may make payments to certain financial
advisors that sell AIM Fund shares in connection with client account maintenance
support, statement preparation and transaction processing. The types of payments
that Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates may make under this category include,
among others, payment of networking fees of up to $12 per shareholder account
maintained on certain mutual fund trading systems.
52
All fees payable by Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates pursuant to a
sub-transfer agency, omnibus account service or sub-accounting agreement are
charged back to the AIM Funds, subject to certain limitations approved by the
Board of the Trust.
OTHER CASH PAYMENTS. From time to time, Invesco Aim Distributors
Affiliates, at their expense and out of their own resources, may provide
additional compensation to financial advisors which sell or arrange for the sale
of shares of the Fund. Such compensation provided by Invesco Aim Distributors
Affiliates may include payment of ticket charges per purchase or exchange order
placed by a financial advisor, one-time payments for ancillary services such as
setting up funds on a financial advisor's mutual fund trading systems, financial
assistance to financial advisors that enable Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates
to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training
programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client
entertainment, client and investor events, and other financial advisor-sponsored
events, and travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered
representatives and other employees in connection with client prospecting,
retention and due diligence trips. Other compensation may be offered to the
extent not prohibited by state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") (formerly, NASD, Inc.).
Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates make payments for entertainment events it
deems appropriate, subject to Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates guidelines and
applicable law. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event
or the relationship.
Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates are motivated to make the payments
described above since they promote the sale of AIM Fund shares and the retention
of those investments by clients of financial advisors. To the extent financial
advisors sell more shares of AIM Funds or retain shares of AIM Funds in their
clients' accounts, Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates benefit from the
incremental management and other fees paid to Invesco Aim Distributors
Affiliates by the AIM Funds with respect to those assets.
In certain cases these payments could be significant to the financial
advisor. Your financial advisor may charge you additional fees or commissions
other than those disclosed in the prospectus. You can ask your financial advisor
about any payments it receives from Invesco Aim Distributors Affiliates or the
AIM Funds, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges. You should
consult disclosures made by your financial advisor at the time of purchase.
Purchases of Class B Shares
Class B shares are sold at net asset value, and are not subject to an
initial sales charge. Instead, investors may pay a CDSC if they redeem their
shares within six years after purchase. See the Prospectus for additional
information regarding contingent deferred sales charges. Invesco Aim
Distributors may pay sales commissions to dealers and institutions who sell
Class B shares of the AIM Funds at the time of such sales. Payments will equal
4.00% of the purchase price and will consist of a sales commission equal to
3.75% plus an advance of the first year service fee of 0.25%.
Purchases of Class C Shares
Class C shares are sold at net asset value, and are not subject to an
initial sales charge. Instead, investors may pay a CDSC if they redeem their
shares within the first year after purchase (no CDSC applies to Class C shares
of AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund or AIM Short Term Bond Fund unless you exchange shares
of another AIM Fund that are subject to a CDSC into AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund or AIM
Short Term Bond Fund). See the Prospectus for additional information regarding
this CDSC. Invesco Aim Distributors may pay sales commissions to dealers and
institutions who sell Class C shares of the AIM Funds (except for Class C shares
of AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund and AIM Short Term Bond Fund) at the time of such sales.
Payments with respect to funds other than AIM Floating Rate Fund will equal
1.00% of the purchase price and will consist of a sales commission of 0.75% plus
an advance of the first year service fee of 0.25%. Payments with respect to AIM
Floating Rate Fund will equal 0.75% of the purchase price and will consist of a
sales commission of 0.50% plus an advance of the first year service fee of
0.25%. These commissions are not paid on sales to investors exempt from the
CDSC, including shareholders of record of AIM Advisor Funds, Inc. on April 30,
1995, who purchase additional shares in any of the funds on or after May 1,
1995, and in circumstances where Invesco Aim Distributors grants an exemption on
particular transactions.
53
Payments with Regard to Converted Class K Shares
For Class A shares acquired by a former Class K shareholder (i) as a result
of a fund merger; or (ii) as a result of the conversion of Class K shares into
Class A shares on October 21, 2005, Invesco Aim Distributors will pay financial
intermediaries 0.45% on such Class A shares as follows: (i) 0.25% from the Class
A shares' Rule 12b-1 plan fees; and (ii) 0.20% from Invesco Aim Distributors'
own resources provided that, on an annualized basis for 2005 as of October 21,
2005, the 0.20% exceeds $2,000 per year.
Purchase and Redemption of Class P Shares
Certain former investors in the AIM Summit Plans I and II may acquire Class
P shares at net asset value. Please see AIM Summit Fund's Prospectus for
details.
Purchases of Class R Shares
Class R shares are sold at net asset value, and are not subject to an
initial sales charge. If Invesco Aim Distributors pays a concession to the
dealer of record, however, the Class R shares are subject to a 0.75% CDSC at the
time of redemption if all retirement plan assets are redeemed within one year
from the date of the retirement plan's initial purchase. For purchases of Class
R shares of Category I, II or IV Funds, Invesco Aim Distributors may make the
following payments to dealers of record provided that the applicable dealer of
record is able to establish that the purchase of Class R shares is a new
investment or a rollover from a retirement plan in which an AIM Fund was offered
as an investment option:
PERCENT OF CUMULATIVE PURCHASES
0.75% of the first $5 million
plus 0.50% of amounts in excess of $5 million
With regard to any individual purchase of Class R shares, Invesco Aim
Distributors may make payment to the dealer of record based on the cumulative
total of purchases made by the same plan over the life of the plan's account(s).
Purchases of Class Y Shares
Class Y shares are sold at net asset value, and are not subject to an
initial sales charge or to a CDSC. Please refer to the Prospectus for more
information.
Purchases of Investor Class Shares
Investor Class shares are sold at net asset value, and are not subject to
an initial sales charge or to a CDSC. Invesco Aim Distributors may pay dealers
and institutions an annual service fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets and
such payments will commence immediately. The Investor Class is closed to new
investors.
Purchases of Institutional Class Shares
Institutional Class shares are sold at net asset value, and are not subject
to an initial sales charge or to a CDSC. Please refer to the Institutional Class
Prospectus for more information.
54
Exchanges
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EXCHANGES. Normally, shares of an AIM Fund to be
acquired by exchange are purchased at their net asset value or applicable
offering price, as the case may be, determined on the date that such request is
received, but under unusual market conditions such purchases may be delayed for
up to five business days if it is determined that a fund would be materially
disadvantaged by an immediate transfer of the proceeds of the exchange. If a
shareholder is exchanging into a fund paying daily dividends, and the release of
the exchange proceeds is delayed for the foregoing five-day period, such
shareholder will not begin to accrue dividends until the sixth business day
after the exchange.
Redemptions
GENERAL. Shares of the AIM Funds may be redeemed directly through Invesco
Aim Distributors or through any dealer who has entered into an agreement with
Invesco Aim Distributors. In addition to the Fund's obligation to redeem shares,
Invesco Aim Distributors may also repurchase shares as an accommodation to
shareholders. To effect a repurchase, those dealers who have executed Selected
Dealer Agreements with Invesco Aim Distributors must phone orders to the order
desk of the Fund at (800) 959-4246 and guarantee delivery of all required
documents in good order. A repurchase is effected at the net asset value per
share of the applicable Fund next determined after the repurchase order is
received in good order. Such an arrangement is subject to timely receipt by
Invesco Aim Investment Services, the Fund's transfer agent, of all required
documents in good order. If such documents are not received within a reasonable
time after the order is placed, the order is subject to cancellation. While
there is no charge imposed by the Fund or by Invesco Aim Distributors (other
than any applicable contingent deferred sales charge and any applicable
redemption fee) when shares are redeemed or repurchased, dealers may charge a
fair service fee for handling the transaction.
SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTIONS. The right of redemption may be suspended or the
date of payment postponed when (a) trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
is restricted, as determined by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, (b)
the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings, (c)
the SEC has by order permitted such suspension, or (d) an emergency as
determined by the SEC exists making disposition of portfolio securities or the
valuation of the net assets of a Fund not reasonably practicable.
SYSTEMATIC REDEMPTION PLAN. A Systematic Redemption Plan permits a
shareholder of an AIM Fund to withdraw on a regular basis at least $50 per
withdrawal. At the time the withdrawal plan is established, the total account
value must be $5,000 or more. Under a Systematic Redemption Plan, all shares are
to be held by Invesco Aim Investment Services. To provide funds for payments
made under the Systematic Redemption Plan, Invesco Aim Investment Services
redeems sufficient full and fractional shares at their net asset value in effect
at the time of each such redemption.
Payments under a Systematic Redemption Plan constitute taxable events.
Since such payments are funded by the redemption of shares, they may result in a
return of capital and in capital gains or losses, rather than in ordinary
income. Because sales charges are imposed on additional purchases of Class A
shares, it is disadvantageous to effect such purchases while a Systematic
Redemption Plan is in effect.
Each AIM Fund bears its share of the cost of operating the Systematic
Redemption Plan.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges Imposed upon Redemption of Shares
A CDSC may be imposed upon the redemption of Large Purchases of Class A
shares of Category I, II and IV Funds, upon the redemption of Class B shares or
Class C shares (no CDSC applies to Class C shares of AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund or AIM
Short Term Bond Fund unless you exchange shares of another AIM Fund that are
subject to a CDSC into AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund or AIM Short Term Bond Fund) and, in
certain circumstances, upon the redemption of Class R shares. See the Prospectus
for additional information regarding CDSCs.
55
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE EXCEPTIONS FOR LARGE PURCHASES OF CLASS A
SHARES. An investor who has made a Large Purchase of Class A shares of a
Category I, II or IV Fund, will not be subject to a CDSC upon the redemption of
those shares in the following situations:
- Redemptions of shares of Category I, II or IV Funds held more than 18
months;
- Redemptions of shares held by retirement plans, maintained pursuant to
Sections 403 (only if the employer or plan sponsor is a tax-exempt
organization operated pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Code), 401
or 457 of the Code, in cases where (i) the plan has remained invested
in Class A shares of a Fund for at least 12 months, or (ii) the
redemption is not a complete redemption of shares held by the plan;
- Redemptions of shares by the investor where the investor's dealer
waives the amounts otherwise payable to it by the distributor and
notifies the distributor prior to the time of investment;
- Minimum required distributions made in connection with an IRA, Keogh
Plan or custodial account under Section 403(b) of the Code or other
retirement plan following attainment of age 70 1/2;
- Redemptions following the death or post-purchase disability of (i) any
registered shareholders on an account or (ii) a settlor of a living
trust, of shares held in the account at the time of death or initial
determination of post-purchase disability, provided that shares have
not been commingled with shares that are subject to CDSC; and
- Amounts from a monthly, quarterly or annual Systematic Redemption Plan
of up to an annual amount of 12% of the account value on a per fund
basis provided the investor reinvests his dividends. At the time the
withdrawal plan is established, the total account value must be $5,000
or more.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE EXCEPTIONS FOR CLASS B AND C SHARES. CDSCs
will not apply to the following redemptions of Class B or Class C shares, as
applicable:
- Additional purchases of Class C shares of AIM International Core
Equity Fund and AIM Real Estate Fund by shareholders of record on
April 30, 1995, of AIM International Value Fund, predecessor to AIM
International Core Equity Fund, and AIM Real Estate Fund, except that
shareholders whose broker-dealers maintain a single omnibus account
with Invesco Aim Investment Services on behalf of those shareholders,
perform sub-accounting functions with respect to those shareholders,
and are unable to segregate shareholders of record prior to April 30,
1995, from shareholders whose accounts were opened after that date
will be subject to a CDSC on all purchases made after March 1, 1996;
- Redemptions following the death or post-purchase disability of (1) any
registered shareholders on an account or (2) a settlor of a living
trust, of shares held in the account at the time of death or initial
determination of post-purchase disability, provided that shares have
not been commingled with shares that are subject to CDSC;
- Certain distributions from individual retirement accounts, Section
403(b) retirement plans, Section 457 deferred compensation plans and
Section 401 qualified plans, where redemptions result from (i)
required minimum distributions to plan participants or beneficiaries
who are age 70 1/2 or older, and only with respect to that portion of
such distributions that does not exceed 12% annually of the
participant's or beneficiary's account value in a particular Fund;
(ii) in kind transfers of assets where the participant or beneficiary
notifies the distributor of the transfer no later than the time the
transfer occurs; (iii) tax-free rollovers or transfers of assets to
another plan of the type described above invested in Class B or Class
C shares of one or more of the funds; (iv) tax-free returns of excess
contributions or returns of excess
56
deferral amounts; and (v) distributions on the death or disability (as
defined in the Code) of the participant or beneficiary;
- Amounts from a monthly or quarterly Systematic Redemption Plan of up
to an annual amount of 12% of the account value on a per fund basis
provided the investor reinvests his dividends. At the time the
withdrawal plan is established, the total account value must be $5,000
or more;
- Liquidation initiated by the Fund when the account value falls below
the minimum required account size of $500; and
- Investment account(s) of Invesco Aim and its affiliates.
CDSCs will not apply to the following redemptions of Class C shares:
- A total or partial redemption of shares where the investor's dealer of
record notifies the distributor prior to the time of investment that
the dealer would waive the upfront payment otherwise payable to him;
- Redemption of shares held by retirement plans, maintained pursuant to
Sections 403 (only if the employer or plan sponsor is a tax-exempt
organization operated pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Code), 401
or 457 of the Code, in cases where (i) the plan has remained invested
in Class C shares of a Fund for at least 12 months, or (ii) the
redemption is not a complete redemption of all Class C shares held by
the plan; and
- Redemptions of Class C shares of a Fund other than AIM LIBOR Alpha
Fund or AIM Short Term Bond Fund if you received such Class C shares
by exchanging Class C shares of AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund or AIM Short Term
Bond Fund.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE EXCEPTIONS FOR CLASS R SHARES. CDSCs will
not apply to the following redemptions of Class R shares:
- A total or partial redemption of Class R shares where the retirement
plan's dealer of record notifies the distributor prior to the time of
investment that the dealer waives the upfront payment otherwise
payable to him; and
- Redemptions of shares held by retirement plans, maintained pursuant to
Sections 403 (only if the employer or plan sponsor is a tax-exempt
organization operated pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Code), 401
or 457 of the Code, in cases where (i) the plan has remained invested
in Class R shares of a Fund for at least 12 months, or (ii) the
redemption is not a complete redemption of all Class R shares held by
the plan.
General Information Regarding Purchases, Exchanges and Redemptions
GOOD ORDER. Purchase, exchange and redemption orders must be received in
good order in accordance with Invesco Aim Investment Services policy and
procedures and U.S. regulations. Invesco Aim Investment Services reserves the
right to refuse transactions. Transactions not in good order will not be
processed and once brought into good order, will receive current price. To be in
good order, an investor or financial intermediary must supply Invesco Aim
Investment Services with all required information and documentation, including
signature guarantees when required. In addition, if a purchase of shares is made
by check, the check must be received in good order. This means that the check
must be properly completed and signed, and legible to Invesco Aim Investment
Services in its sole discretion. If a check used to purchase shares does not
clear, or if any investment order must be canceled due to nonpayment, the
investor will be responsible for any resulting loss.
AUTHORIZED AGENTS. Invesco Aim Investment Services and Invesco Aim
Distributors may authorize agents to accept purchase and redemption orders that
are in good form on behalf of the AIM
57
Funds. In certain cases, these authorized agents are authorized to designate
other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on a Fund's
behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received the purchase or redemption
order when the Fund's authorized agent or its designee accepts the order. The
order will be priced at the net asset value next determined after the order is
accepted by the Fund's authorized agent or its designee.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES. In addition to those circumstances listed in the
"Shareholder Information" section of the Fund's prospectus, signature guarantees
are required in the following situations: (1) requests to transfer the
registration of shares to another owner; (2) telephone exchange and telephone
redemption authorization forms; (3) changes in previously designated wiring or
electronic funds transfer instructions; (4) written redemptions or exchanges of
shares held in certificate form previously reported to Invesco Aim as lost,
whether or not the redemption amount is under $250,000 or the proceeds are to be
sent to the address of record; and (5) requests to redeem accounts where the
proceeds are over $250,000 or the proceeds are to be sent to an address or a
bank other than the address or bank of record. AIM Funds may waive or modify any
signature guarantee requirements at any time.
Acceptable guarantors include banks, broker-dealers, credit unions,
national securities exchanges, savings associations and any other organization,
provided that such institution or organization qualifies as an "eligible
guarantor institution" as that term is defined in rules adopted by the SEC, and
further provided that such guarantor institution is listed in one of the
reference guides contained in Invesco Aim Investment Services' current Signature
Guarantee Standards and Procedures, such as certain domestic banks, credit
unions, securities dealers, or securities exchanges. Notary public signatures
are not an acceptable replacement for a signature guarantee. Invesco Aim
Investment Services will also accept signatures with either: (1) a signature
guaranteed with a medallion stamp of the STAMP Program, or (2) a signature
guaranteed with a medallion stamp of the NYSE Medallion Signature Program,
provided that in either event, the amount of the total transaction involved does
not exceed the surety coverage amount indicated on the medallion. For
information regarding whether a particular institution or organization qualifies
as an "eligible guarantor institution" and to determine how to fulfill a
signature guarantee requirement, an investor should contact the Client Services
Department of Invesco Aim Investment Services.
TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE. By signing an account application form, an
investor appoints Invesco Aim Investment Services as his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact to surrender for redemption any and all unissued shares held by
Invesco Aim Investment Services in the designated account(s), or in any other
account with any of the AIM Funds, present or future, which has the identical
registration as the designated account(s), with full power of substitution in
the premises. Invesco Aim Investment Services and Invesco Aim Distributors are
thereby authorized and directed to accept and act upon any telephone redemptions
of shares held in any of the account(s) listed, from any person who requests the
redemption proceeds to be applied to purchase shares in any one or more of the
AIM Funds, provided that such fund is available for sale and provided that the
registration and mailing address of the shares to be purchased are identical to
the registration of the shares being redeemed. An investor acknowledges by
signing the form that he understands and agrees that Invesco Aim Investment
Services and Invesco Aim Distributors may not be liable for any loss, expense or
cost arising out of any telephone exchange requests effected in accordance with
the authorization set forth in these instructions if they reasonably believe
such request to be genuine, but may in certain cases be liable for losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Procedures for verification of
telephone transactions may include recordings of telephone transactions
(maintained for six months), requests for confirmation of the shareholder's
Social Security Number and current address, and mailings of confirmations
promptly after the transactions. Invesco Aim Investment Services reserves the
right to modify or terminate the telephone exchange privilege at any time
without notice. An investor may elect not to have this privilege by marking the
appropriate box on the application. Then any exchanges must be effected in
writing by the investor.
INTERNET TRANSACTIONS. An investor may effect transactions in his account
through the internet by establishing a Personal Identification Number (PIN). By
establishing a PIN the investor acknowledges and agrees that neither Invesco Aim
Investment Services nor Invesco Aim Distributors will be liable for any loss,
expense or cost arising out of any internet transaction effected by them in
accordance with any instructions submitted by a user who transmits the PIN as
authentication of his or her identity.
58
Procedures for verification of internet transactions include requests for
confirmation of the shareholder's personal identification number and mailing of
confirmations promptly after the transactions. The investor also acknowledges
that the ability to effect internet transactions may be terminated at any time
by the AIM Funds. Policies for processing transactions via the Internet may
differ from policies for transactions via telephone due to system settings.
ABANDONED PROPERTY. It is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that
Invesco Aim Investment Services maintains a correct address for his account(s).
An incorrect address may cause an investor's account statements and other
mailings to be returned to Invesco Aim Investment Services. Upon receiving
returned mail, Invesco Aim Investment Services will attempt to locate the
investor or rightful owner of the account. If unsuccessful, Invesco Aim
Investment Services will retain a shareholder locator service with a national
information database to conduct periodic searches for the investor. If the
search firm is unable to locate the investor, the search firm will determine
whether the investor's account has legally been abandoned. Invesco Aim
Investment Services is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned
property to the appropriate state's unclaimed property administrator in
accordance with statutory requirements. The investor's last known address of
record determines which state has jurisdiction.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES. In certain circumstances, the intermediary
maintaining the shareholder account through which your Fund shares are held may
assess various fees related to the maintenance of that account, such as:
- an annual custodial fee on accounts where Invesco Aim Distributors
acts as the prototype sponsor;
- expedited mailing fees in response to overnight redemption requests;
and
- copying and mailing charges in response to request for duplicate
statements.
Please consult with your intermediary for further details concerning any
applicable fees.
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS SHARES
Before the initial purchase of shares, an investor must submit a completed
account application to his financial intermediary, who should forward the
application to Invesco Aim Investment Services at P.O. Box 4497, Houston, Texas
77210-4497. An investor may change information in his account application by
submitting written changes or a new account application to his intermediary or
to Invesco Aim Investment Services.
Purchase and redemption orders must be received in good order. To be in
good order, the financial intermediary must give Invesco Aim Investment Services
all required information and documentation with respect to the investor. If the
intermediary fails to deliver the investor's payment on the required settlement
date, the intermediary must reimburse the Fund for any overdraft charges
incurred.
A financial intermediary may submit a written request to Invesco Aim
Investment Services for correction of transactions involving Fund shares. If
Invesco Aim Investment Services agrees to correct a transaction, and the
correction requires a dividend adjustment, the intermediary must agree in
writing to reimburse the Fund for any resulting loss.
An investor may terminate his relationship with an intermediary and become
the shareholder of record on his account. However, until the investor
establishes a relationship with an intermediary, the investor will not be able
to purchase additional shares of the Fund, except through the reinvestment of
distributions.
Payment for redeemed shares is normally made by Federal Reserve wire to the
bank account designated in the investor's account application, but may be sent
by check at the investor's request. By providing written notice to his financial
intermediary or to Invesco Aim Investment Services, an investor
59
may change the bank account designated to receive redemption proceeds. Invesco
Aim Investment Services may request additional documentation.
Invesco Aim Investment Services may request that an intermediary maintain
separate master accounts in the Fund for shares held by the intermediary (a) for
its own account, for the account of other institutions and for accounts for
which the intermediary acts as a fiduciary; and (b) for accounts for which the
intermediary acts in some other capacity. An intermediary may aggregate its
master accounts and sub-accounts to satisfy the minimum investment requirement.
Platform sponsors that provide investment vehicles to fund Section 401
defined contribution plans and have entered into written agreements with Invesco
Aim Distributors to waive applicable investment minimums may purchase
Institutional Class shares for accounts within such plans.
OFFERING PRICE
The following formula may be used to determine the public offering price
per Class A share of an investor's investment:
Net Asset Value / (1 - Sales Charge as % of Offering Price ) = Offering
Price.
For example, at the close of business on October 31, 2008, AIM Capital
Development Fund - Class A shares had a net asset value per share of $10.62. The
offering price, assuming an initial sales charge of 5.50%, therefore was $11.24.
Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Fund determines its net asset value per share once daily as of the
close of the customary trading session of the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time) on each business day of the Fund. In the event the NYSE closes early
(i.e., before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on a particular day, the Fund determines
its net asset value per share as of the close of the NYSE on such day. For
purposes of determining net asset value per share, futures and option contracts
may be valued 15 minutes after the close of the customary trading session of the
NYSE. Futures contracts are valued at the final settlement price set by an
exchange on which they are principally traded. Listed options are valued at the
mean between the last bid and ask prices from the exchange on which they are
principally traded. Options not listed on an exchange are valued by an
independent source at the mean between the last bid and ask prices. The Fund
determines net asset value per share by dividing the value of the Fund's
securities, cash and other assets (including interest accrued but not collected)
attributable to a particular class, less all its liabilities (including accrued
expenses and dividends payable) attributable to that class, by the total number
of shares outstanding of that class. Determination of the Fund's net asset value
per share is made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Generally, the portfolio securities for non-money market funds are recorded in
the NAV no later than trade date plus one, except on fiscal quarter ends, such
securities are recorded on trade date. For money market funds, portfolio
securities are recorded in the NAV on trade date. The net asset value for
shareholder transactions may be different than the net asset value reported in
the Fund's financial statement due to adjustments required by generally accepted
accounting principles made to the net asset value of the Fund at period end.
Investments in open-end and closed-end registered investment companies that
do not trade on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value per
share. Investments in open-end and closed-end registered investment companies
that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price or official closing
price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the
security is principally traded.
A security listed or traded on an exchange (excluding convertible bonds)
held by the Fund is valued at its last sales price or official closing price on
the exchange where the security is principally traded or, lacking any sales or
official closing price on a particular day, the security may be valued at the
closing bid price on that day. Each equity security traded in the
over-the-counter market is valued on the basis of prices furnished by
independent pricing services vendors or market makers. Debt securities
(including convertible bonds) and unlisted equities are fair valued using an
evaluated quote provided by
60
an independent pricing vendor. Evaluated quotes provided by the pricing vendor
may be determined without exclusive reliance on quoted prices, and may reflect
appropriate factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of
securities, developments related to special securities, dividend rate, yield,
quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, individual trading
characteristics and other market data. Securities for which market prices are
not provided by any of the above methods may be valued based upon quotes
furnished by independent sources and are valued at the last bid price in the
case of equity securities and Corporate Loans and in the case of debt
obligations (excluding Corporate Loans), the mean between the last bid and ask
prices.
Short-term investments (including commercial paper) are valued at amortized
cost when the security has 60 days or less to maturity.
Generally, trading in corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities and money
market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to
the close of the customary trading session of the NYSE. The values of such
securities used in computing the net asset value of a Fund's shares are
determined at such times. Occasionally, events affecting the values of such
securities may occur between the times at which such values are determined and
the close of the customary trading session of the NYSE. If Invesco Aim believes
a development/event has actually caused a closing price to no longer reflect
current market value, the closing price may be adjusted to reflect the fair
value of the affected security as of the close of the NYSE as determined in good
faith using procedures approved by the Board.
Foreign securities are converted into U.S. dollar amounts using exchange
rates as of the close of the NYSE. If market quotations are available and
reliable for foreign exchange traded equity securities, the securities will be
valued at the market quotations. Because trading hours for certain foreign
securities end before the close of the NYSE, closing market quotations may
become unreliable. If between the time trading ends on a particular security and
the close of the customary trading session on the NYSE, events occur that are
significant and may make the closing price unreliable, the Fund may fair value
the security. If an issuer specific event has occurred that Invesco Aim
determines, in its judgment, is likely to have affected the closing price of a
foreign security, it will price the security at fair value in good faith using
procedures approved by the Board. Adjustments to closing prices to reflect fair
value may also be based on a screening process from a pricing vendor to indicate
the degree of certainty, based on historical data, that the closing price in the
principal market where a foreign security trades is not the current market value
as of the close of the NYSE. For foreign securities where Invesco Aim believes,
at the approved degree of certainty, that the price is not reflective of current
market value, Invesco Aim will use the indication of fair value from the pricing
vendor to determine the fair value of the security. The pricing vendor, pricing
methodology or degree of certainty may change from time to time. Multiple
factors may be considered by the pricing vendor in determining adjustments to
reflect fair value and may include information relating to sector indices, ADRs,
domestic and foreign index futures, and exchange-traded funds.
Fund securities primarily traded in foreign markets may be traded in such
markets on days that are not business days of the Fund. Because the net asset
value per share of the Fund is determined only on business days of the Fund, the
value of the portfolio securities of the Fund that invests in foreign securities
may change on days when an investor cannot exchange or redeem shares of the
Fund.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or are
unreliable are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the
supervision of the Trust's officers in accordance with procedures approved by
the Board of Trustees. Issuer specific events, market trends, bid/ask quotes of
brokers and information providers and other market data may be reviewed in the
course of making a good faith determination of a security's fair value.
REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
Although the Fund generally intends to pay redemption proceeds solely in
cash, the Fund reserve the right to determine, in their sole discretion, whether
to satisfy redemption requests by making payment in securities or other property
(known as a redemption in kind). For instance, the Fund may make a redemption in
kind, if a cash redemption would disrupt its operations or performance.
Securities
61
that will be delivered as payment in redemptions in kind will be valued using
the same methodologies that the Fund typically utilizes in valuing such
securities. Shareholders receiving such securities are likely to incur
transaction and brokerage costs on their subsequent sales of such securities,
and the securities may increase or decrease in value until the shareholder sells
them. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has made an election under Rule 18f-1
under the 1940 Act (a "Rule 18f-1 Election"), and therefore, the Trust, on
behalf of the Fund is obligated to redeem for cash all shares presented to the
Fund for redemption by any one shareholder in an amount up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets in any 90-day period. The Rule 18f-1
Election is irrevocable while Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act is in effect unless
the SEC by order permits withdrawal of such Rule 18f-1 Election.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Accounts submitted without a correct, certified taxpayer identification
number ("TIN") or, alternatively, a correctly completed and currently effective
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") Form W-8 (for non-resident aliens) or Form W-9
(for U.S. persons including resident aliens) accompanying the registration
information will generally be subject to backup withholding.
Each AIM Fund, and other payers, generally must withhold, 28% of reportable
dividends (whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares),
including exempt-interest dividends, in the case of any shareholder who fails to
provide the Fund with a TIN and a certification that he is not subject to backup
withholding.
An investor is subject to backup withholding if:
1. the investor fails to furnish a correct TIN to the Fund;
2. the IRS notifies the Fund that the investor furnished an incorrect
TIN;
3. the investor or the Fund is notified by the IRS that the investor is
subject to backup withholding because the investor failed to report
all of the interest and dividends on such investor's tax return (for
reportable interest and dividends only);
4. the investor fails to certify to the Fund that the investor is not
subject to backup withholding under (3) above (for reportable interest
and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only); or
5. the investor does not certify his TIN. This applies only to non-exempt
mutual fund accounts opened after 1983.
Interest and dividend payments are subject to backup withholding in all
five situations discussed above. Redemption proceeds are subject to backup
withholding only if (1), (2) or (5) above applies.
Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding and
information reporting. Invesco Aim or Invesco Aim Investment Services will not
provide Form 1099 to those payees.
Investors should contact the IRS if they have any questions concerning
withholding.
IRS PENALTIES - Investors who do not supply the AIM Funds with a correct
TIN will be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS unless such failure is
due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. If an investor falsifies
information on this form or makes any other false statement resulting in no
backup withholding on an account which should be subject to backup withholding,
such investor may be subject to a $500 penalty imposed by the IRS and to certain
criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.
NON-RESIDENT ALIENS - Non-resident alien individuals and foreign entities
with a valid Form W-8 are not subject to the backup withholding previously
discussed. The Form W-8 generally remains in effect for a period starting on the
date the Form is signed and ending on the last day of the third succeeding
calendar year. Such shareholders may, however, be subject to federal income tax
withholding at a 30% rate on ordinary income dividends and other distributions.
Under applicable treaty law, residents of treaty countries may qualify for a
reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption.
62
Non-resident alien individuals and some foreign entities failing to provide a
valid Form W-8 may be subject to backup withholding and Form 1099 reporting.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX MATTERS
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
It is the present policy of the Fund, to declare and pay annually net
investment income dividends and any capital gain distributions. The Fund,
however, may declare and pay such income dividends and capital gains
distributions more than once per year, if necessary, in order to reduce or
eliminate federal excise or income taxes on the Fund. The Fund intends to
distribute substantially all of its net investment income and capital gain net
income (excess of capital gains over capital losses) as noted below. In
determining the amount of capital gains, if any, available for distribution,
capital gains will generally be offset against available net capital loss, if
any, carried forward from previous fiscal periods.
All dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the same class of the Fund unless the shareholder has
requested in writing to receive such dividends and distributions in cash or that
they be invested in shares of another AIM Fund, subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Purchasing Shares -
Automatic Dividend and Distribution Investment." Such dividends and
distributions will be reinvested at the net asset value per share determined on
the ex-dividend date. If a shareholder's account does not have any shares in it
on a dividend or capital gain distribution payment date, the dividend or
distribution will be paid in cash whether or not the shareholder has elected to
have such dividends or distributions reinvested.
Dividends on Class B, Class C and Class R shares of certain funds are
expected to be lower than those for Class A and Institutional Class shares of
the same Fund because of higher distribution fees paid by Class B, Class C,
Class R and Class Y shares. Other class-specific expenses may also affect
dividends on shares of those classes. Expenses attributable to a particular
class ("Class Expenses") include distribution plan expenses, which must be
allocated to the class for which they are incurred. Other expenses may be
allocated as Class Expenses, consistent with applicable legal principles under
the 1940 Act and the Code.
TAX MATTERS
The following is only a summary of certain additional tax considerations
generally affecting the Fund and their shareholders that are not described in
the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax
treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here and in the
Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.
QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY. The Fund has elected to be
taxed under Subchapter M of the Code as a regulated investment company and
intends to maintain its qualification as such in each of its taxable years. As a
regulated investment company, the Fund is not subject to federal income tax on
the portion of its net investment income (i.e., taxable interest, dividends and
other taxable ordinary income, net of expenses) and capital gain net income
(i.e., excess of capital gains over capital losses) that it distributes to
shareholders, provided that it distributes an amount equal to (i) at least 90%
of its investment company taxable income (i.e., net investment income, net
foreign currency ordinary gain or loss and the excess of net short-term capital
gain over net long-term capital loss) and (ii) at least 90% of the excess of its
tax-exempt interest income under Code Section 103(a) over its deductions
disallowed under Code Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) for the taxable year (the
"Distribution Requirement"), and satisfies certain other requirements of the
Code that are described below. Distributions by the Fund made during the taxable
year or, under specified circumstances, within twelve months after the close of
the taxable year, will be considered distributions of income and gain of the
taxable year and can therefore satisfy the Distribution Requirement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Trustees reserves the right not to
maintain the qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company if it
determines such a course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.
63
The Fund presently intends to elect under applicable Treasury regulations
to treat any net capital loss and any net long-term capital loss incurred after
October 31 as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in
determining its taxable income for the current taxable year. The Fund may also
elect under the same regulations to treat all or part of any net foreign
currency loss incurred after October 31 as if it had been incurred in the
succeeding taxable year.
The Fund may use "equalization accounting" in determining the portion of
its net investment income and capital gain net income that has been distributed.
The Fund that elects to use equalization accounting will allocate a portion of
its realized investment income and capital gain to redemptions of Fund shares
and will reduce the amount of such income and/or gain that it distributes in
cash. However, the Fund intends to make cash distributions for each taxable year
in an aggregate amount that is sufficient to satisfy the Distribution
Requirement without taking into account its use of equalization accounting. The
IRS has not published any guidance concerning the methods to be used in
allocating investment income and capital gain to redemptions of shares. In the
event that the IRS determines that the Fund is using an improper method of
allocation and has under-distributed its net investment income or capital gain
net income for any taxable year, the Fund may be liable for additional federal
income tax.
In addition to satisfying the Distribution Requirement, a regulated
investment company must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends,
interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the
sale or other disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies (to the
extent such foreign currency gain is directly related to the regulated
investment company's principal business of investing in stock or securities), or
other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or
forward contracts) derived from its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies and net income derived from certain publicly traded
partnerships (the "Income Requirement"). Under certain circumstances, the Fund
may be required to sell portfolio holdings in order to meet this requirement.
In addition to satisfying the requirements described above, the Fund must
satisfy an asset diversification test in order to qualify as a regulated
investment company (the "Asset Diversification Test"). Under this test, at the
close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
the Fund's assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. Government
securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities
of other issuers, as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the
value of the Fund's total assets in securities of such issuer and as to which
the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
such issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be
invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), or of two or
more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or
similar trades or businesses, or, collectively, in securities of certain
publicly traded partnerships.
For purposes of the Asset Diversification Test, the IRS has ruled that the
issuer of a purchased listed call option on stock is the issuer of the stock
underlying the option. The IRS has also informally ruled that, in general, the
issuers of purchased or written call and put options on securities, of long and
short positions on futures contracts on securities and of options on such
futures contracts are the issuers of the securities underlying such financial
instruments where the instruments are traded on an exchange.
Where the writer of a listed call option owns the underlying securities,
the IRS has ruled that the Asset Diversification Test will be applied solely to
such securities and not to the value of the option itself. With respect to
options on securities indexes, futures contracts on securities indexes and
options on such futures contracts, the IRS has informally ruled that the issuers
of such options and futures contracts are the separate entities whose securities
are listed on the index, in proportion to the weighting of securities in the
computation of the index. It is unclear under present law who should be treated
as the issuer of forward foreign currency exchange contracts, of options on
foreign currencies, or of foreign currency futures and related options. It has
been suggested that the issuer in each case may be the foreign central bank or
the foreign government backing the particular currency. Due to this uncertainty
and because the Fund may not rely on informal rulings of the IRS, the Fund may
find it necessary to seek a ruling from the IRS as to the application of the
Asset Diversification Test to certain of the foregoing types of financial
instruments or to limit its holdings of some or all such instruments in order to
stay within the limits of such test.
64
Under an IRS revenue procedure, the Fund may treat its position as lender
under a repurchase agreement as a U.S. Government security for purposes of the
Asset Diversification Test where the repurchase agreement is fully
collateralized (under applicable SEC standards) with securities that constitute
U.S. Government securities.
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment
company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain (net
long-term capital gain over any net short-term capital loss)) would be subject
to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to
shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary dividends to
the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Such
distributions generally would be eligible (to the extent discussed below) for
the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and would
be included in the qualified dividend income of non-corporate shareholders. See
"Fund Distributions" below.
DETERMINATION OF TAXABLE INCOME OF A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY. In
general, gain or loss recognized by the Fund on the disposition of an asset will
be a capital gain or loss. However, gain recognized on the disposition of a debt
obligation purchased by the Fund at a market discount (generally, at a price
less than its principal amount) will be treated as ordinary income to the extent
of the portion of the market discount which accrued during the period of time
the Fund held the debt obligation unless the Fund made an election to accrue
market discount into income. If the Fund purchases a debt obligation that was
originally issued at a discount, the Fund is generally required to include in
gross income each year the portion of the original issue discount which accrues
during such year. In addition, under the rules of Code Section 988, gain or loss
recognized on the disposition of a debt obligation denominated in a foreign
currency or an option with respect thereto (but only to the extent attributable
to changes in foreign currency exchange rates), and gain or loss recognized on
the disposition of a forward foreign currency contract or of foreign currency
itself, will generally be treated as ordinary income or loss. In certain cases,
the Fund may make an election to treat such gain or loss as capital.
Certain hedging transactions that may be engaged in by certain of the Fund
(such as short sales "against the box") may be subject to special tax treatment
as "constructive sales" under Section 1259 of the Code if the Fund holds certain
"appreciated financial positions" (defined generally as any interest (including
a futures or forward contract, short sale or option) with respect to stock,
certain debt instruments, or partnership interests if there would be a gain were
such interest sold, assigned, or otherwise terminated at its fair market value).
Upon entering into a constructive sales transaction with respect to an
appreciated financial position, the Fund will generally be deemed to have
constructively sold such appreciated financial position and will recognize gain
as if such position were sold, assigned, or otherwise terminated at its fair
market value on the date of such constructive sale (and will take into account
any gain for the taxable year which includes such date).
Some of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options and
futures contracts that certain of the Fund may enter into will be subject to
special tax treatment as "Section 1256 contracts." Section 1256 contracts that
the Fund holds are treated as if they are sold for their fair market value on
the last business day of the taxable year, regardless of whether a taxpayer's
obligations (or rights) under such contracts have terminated (by delivery,
exercise, entering into a closing transaction or otherwise) as of such date. Any
gain or loss recognized as a consequence of the year-end deemed disposition of
Section 1256 contracts is combined with any other gain or loss that was
previously recognized upon the termination of Section 1256 contracts during that
taxable year. The net amount of such gain or loss for the entire taxable year
(including gain or loss arising as a consequence of the year-end deemed sale of
such contracts) is deemed to be 60% long-term and 40% short-term gain or loss.
However, in the case of Section 1256 contracts that are forward foreign currency
exchange contracts, the net gain or loss is separately determined and (as
discussed above) generally treated as ordinary income or loss unless certain
elections have been made. If such a future or option is held as an offsetting
position and can be considered a straddle under Section 1092 of the Code, such a
straddle will constitute a mixed straddle. A mixed straddle will be subject to
both Section 1256 and Section 1092 unless certain elections are made by the
Fund.
65
Other hedging transactions in which the Fund may engage may result in
"straddles" or "conversion transactions" for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The straddle and conversion transaction rules may affect the character of gains
(or in the case of the straddle rules, losses) realized by the Fund. In
addition, losses realized by the 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 the losses are
realized. Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules and the
conversion transaction rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences to the
Fund of hedging transactions are not entirely clear. The hedging transactions
may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund (and, if
they are conversion transactions, the amount of ordinary income) which is taxed
as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders.
Because application of any of the foregoing rules governing Section 1256
contracts, constructive sales, straddle and conversion transactions may affect
the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition
of gains or losses from the affected investment or straddle positions, the
taxable income of the Fund may exceed or be less than its book income.
Accordingly, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders and which will
be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or
long-term capital gain may also differ from the book income of the Fund and may
be increased or decreased as compared to a fund that did not engage in such
transactions.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into swap agreements as permitted by
the Fund's prospectus. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in
order for the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company may limit the
extent to which the Fund will be able to engage in certain types of swap
agreements. Moreover, the rules governing the tax aspects of certain types of
these agreements are in a developing stage and are not entirely clear in certain
respects. Accordingly, while the Fund intends to account for such transactions
in a manner deemed to be appropriate, the IRS might not accept such treatment.
If it did not, the status of the Fund as a regulated investment company might be
affected. The Fund intends to monitor developments in this area.
EXCISE TAX ON REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES. A 4% non-deductible excise
tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that fails to distribute in
each calendar year an amount equal to 98% of ordinary taxable income for the
calendar year and 98% of capital gain net income for the one-year period ended
on October 31 of such calendar year (or, at the election of a regulated
investment company having a taxable year ending November 30 or December 31, for
its taxable year (a "taxable year election")). The balance of such income must
be distributed during the next calendar year. For the foregoing purposes, a
regulated investment company is treated as having distributed any amount on
which it is subject to income tax for any taxable year ending in such calendar
year.
For purposes of the excise tax, a regulated investment company shall (1)
reduce its capital gain net income (but not below its net capital gain) by the
amount of any net ordinary loss for the calendar year and (2) exclude Section
988 foreign currency gains and losses incurred after October 31 (or after the
end of its taxable year if it has made a taxable year election) in determining
the amount of ordinary taxable income for the current calendar year (and,
instead, include such gains and losses in determining ordinary taxable income
for the succeeding calendar year).
The Fund generally intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed
distributions of its ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income prior
to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the excise tax. However,
in the event that the IRS determines that the Fund is using an improper method
of allocation for purposes of equalization accounting (as discussed above), the
Fund may be liable for excise tax. Moreover, investors should note that the Fund
may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio investments to
make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability. In addition, under
certain circumstances, the Fund may elect to pay a minimal amount of excise tax.
PFIC INVESTMENTS. The Fund is permitted to invest in foreign equity
securities and thus may invest in stocks of foreign companies that are
classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In
general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its
assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is
investment-type income. When investing in PFIC securities, the Fund intends to
mark-to-market these securities under
66
certain provisions of the Code and recognize any unrealized gains as ordinary
income at the end of the Fund's fiscal and excise tax years. Deductions for
losses are allowable only to the extent of any current or previously recognized
gains. These gains (reduced by allowable losses) are treated as ordinary income
that the Fund is required to distribute, even though it has not sold or received
dividends from these securities. You should also be aware that the designation
of a foreign security as a PFIC security will cause its income dividends to fall
outside of the definition of qualified foreign corporation dividends. These
dividends generally will not qualify for the reduced rate of taxation on
qualified dividends when distributed to you by the Fund. In addition, if the
Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a
mark-to-market election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a
portion of any "excess distribution" or gain from the disposition of such shares
even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its
shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the
Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.
INVESTMENT IN TAXABLE MORTGAGE POOLS (EXCESS INCLUSION INCOME). The Fundmay
invest in U.S.-qualified REITs that hold residual interests in real estate
mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) or which are, or have certain wholly-owned
subsidiaries that are, "taxable mortgage pools." Under a Notice issued by the
IRS, the Code and Treasury regulations to be issued, a portion of the Fund's
income from a U.S.-qualified REIT that is attributable to the REIT's residual
interest in a REMIC or equity interests in a taxable mortgage pool (referred to
in the Code as an excess inclusion) will be subject to Federal income tax in all
events. The excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as
the Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company
in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same
consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC residual interest or,
if applicable, taxable mortgage pool directly. In general, excess inclusion
income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses
(subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will
constitute unrelated business taxable income to entities (including a qualified
pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or
other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on unrelated business income (UBTI),
thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion
income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax
return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign
stockholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. Federal withholding tax.
In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a "disqualified
organization" (which generally includes certain cooperatives, governmental
entities, and tax-exempt organizations not subject to UBTI) is a record holder
of a share in a regulated investment company, then the regulated investment
company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion
income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization,
multiplied by the highest Federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. The
Notice imposes certain reporting requirements upon regulated investment
companies that have excess inclusion income. There can be no assurance that the
Fund will not allocate to shareholders excess inclusion income.
The rules concerning excess inclusion income are complex and unduly
burdensome in their current form, and the Fund is awaiting further guidance from
the IRS on how these rules are to be implemented. Shareholders should talk to
their tax advisors about whether an investment in the Fund is a suitable
investment given the potential tax consequences of the Fund's receipt and
distribution of excess inclusion income.
FUND DISTRIBUTIONS. The Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of
its investment company taxable income for each taxable year. Such distributions
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income and treated as dividends for
federal income tax purposes, but they will qualify for the 70% dividends
received deduction for corporations and as qualified dividend income for
individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers to the extent that shareholders
have held their fund shares for a minimum required period and the distributions
satisfy other requirements that are discussed below.
The Fund may either retain or distribute to shareholders its net capital
gain (net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) for each
taxable year. The Fund currently intends to distribute any such amounts. If net
capital gain is distributed and designated as a capital gain dividend, it will
be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain (currently taxable at
maximum rates of 15% or 25%, depending on the nature of the capital gain, for
non-corporate shareholders) regardless of the
67
length of time the shareholder has held his shares or whether such gain was
recognized by the Fund prior to the date on which the shareholder acquired his
shares. Conversely, if the Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, the Fund
will be taxed thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carry
forwards) at the 35% corporate tax rate. If the Fund elects to retain its net
capital gain, it is expected that the Fund also will elect to have shareholders
treated as if each received a distribution of its pro rata share of such gain,
with the result that each shareholder will be required to report its pro rata
share of such gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, will receive a
refundable tax credit for its pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the
gain, and will increase the tax basis for its shares by an amount equal to the
deemed distribution less the tax credit.
Subject to applicable Code limitations, the Fund will be allowed to take
into account a net capital loss (excess of losses over gains from the sale of
capital assets) from a prior taxable year as a short-term capital loss for the
current taxable year in determining its investment company taxable income and
net capital gain.
Ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund with respect to a taxable year
will qualify for the 70% dividends received deduction generally available to
corporations to the extent of the amount of qualifying dividends, if any,
received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year. The
availability of the dividends-received deduction is subject to certain holding
period and debt financing restrictions imposed under the Code on the corporation
claiming the deduction.
Ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund to individuals and other
non-corporate taxpayers will be treated as qualified dividend income that is
subject to tax at a maximum rate of 15% to the extent of the amount of
qualifying dividends, if any, received by the Fund from domestic corporations
and from foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a possession of
the United States, or are eligible for benefits under certain income tax
treaties with the United States that include an exchange of information program.
In addition, qualifying dividends include dividends paid with respect to stock
of a foreign corporation that is readily tradable on an established securities
market in the United States. Both the Fund and the investor must meet certain
holding period requirements to qualify Fund dividends for this treatment.
Dividends received by the Fund from PFICs are not qualifying dividends, and
dividends received by the Fund from U.S.-qualified REITs generally are not
qualifying dividends. If the qualifying dividend income received by the Fund is
equal to 95% (or a greater percentage) of the Fund's gross income (exclusive of
net capital gain) in any taxable year, all of the ordinary income dividends paid
by the Fund will be qualifying dividend income.
Alternative minimum tax ("AMT") is imposed in addition to, but only to the
extent it exceeds, the regular tax and is computed at a maximum rate of 28% for
non-corporate taxpayers and 20% for corporate taxpayers on the excess of the
taxpayer's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI") over an exemption amount.
However, the AMT on capital gain dividends and qualified dividend income paid by
the Fund to a non-corporate shareholder may not exceed the maximum applicable
capital gains rate for non-corporate taxpayers. The AMT applicable to
corporations may reduce the value of the dividends received deduction. However,
certain small corporations are wholly exempt from the AMT.
Distributions by the Fund that are not paid from earnings and profits will
be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the
shareholder's tax basis in his shares; any excess will be treated as gain from
the sale of his shares.
Distributions by the Fund will be treated in the manner described above
regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund (or of another Fund). Shareholders receiving a
distribution in the form of additional shares will be treated as receiving a
distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received,
determined as of the ex-dividend date.
Ordinarily, shareholders are required to take distributions by the Fund
into account in the year in which the distributions are made. However, dividends
declared in October, November or December of any year and payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month will be deemed to
have been received by the shareholders (and made by the Fund) on December 31 of
such calendar year if such dividends are actually paid in January of the
following year. Shareholders will be advised annually
68
as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of distributions made (or deemed
made) during the year in accordance with the guidance that has been provided by
the IRS.
If the net asset value of shares is reduced below a shareholder's cost as a
result of a distribution by the Fund, such distribution generally will be
taxable even though it represents a return of invested capital. Investors should
be careful to consider the tax implications of buying shares of the Fund just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at this time may reflect
the amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a
distribution will receive a distribution which generally will be taxable to
them.
Income earned on certain U.S. government obligations is exempt from state
and local personal income taxes if earned directly by you. States also grant
tax-free status to dividends paid to you from interest earned on direct
obligations of the U.S. government, subject in some states to minimum investment
or reporting requirements that must be met by the Fund. Income on investments by
the Fund in certain other obligations, such as repurchase agreements
collateralized by U.S. government obligations, commercial paper and federal
agency-backed obligations (e.g., Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)
or Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) obligations), generally does not
qualify for tax-free treatment. The rules on exclusion of this income are
different for corporations.
SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES. A shareholder will recognize gain or loss on
the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund in an amount equal to the
difference between the proceeds of the sale or redemption and the shareholder's
adjusted tax basis in the shares. Any redemption fees you incur on shares
redeemed within 31 days of purchase will decrease the amount of any capital gain
(or increase any capital loss) you realize on the sale.
All or a portion of any loss so recognized may be deferred under the wash
sale rules if the shareholder purchases other shares of the Fund within 30 days
before or after the sale or redemption. In general, any gain or loss arising
from (or treated as arising from) the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund
will be considered capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or
loss if the shares were held for longer than one year. Currently, any long-term
capital gain recognized by a non-corporate shareholder will be subject to tax at
a maximum rate of 15%. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or
redemption of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received on
such shares. Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent of
capital gains plus, in the case of a non-corporate taxpayer, $3,000 of ordinary
income.
The Transfer Agent may provide Fund shareholders with information
concerning the average cost basis of their shares in order to help them
calculate their gain or loss from a sale or redemption. This information is
supplied as a convenience to shareholders and will not be reported to the IRS.
Although the IRS permits the use of several methods to determine the cost basis
of mutual fund shares, the cost basis information provided by the Transfer Agent
will be calculated using only the single-category average cost method. Neither
the Transfer Agent nor the Fund recommends any particular method of determining
cost basis, and the use of other methods may result in more favorable tax
consequences for some shareholders. Even if you have reported gains or losses
for the Fund in past years using another method of basis determination, you may
be able to use the average cost method for determining gains or losses in the
current year. However, once you have elected to use the average cost method, you
must continue to use it unless you apply to the IRS for permission to change
methods. Under recently enacted provisions of the Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act of 2008, the Fund's Transfer Agent will be required to provide
you with cost basis information on the sale of any of your shares in the Fund,
subject to certain exceptions. This cost basis reporting requirement is
effective for shares purchased in the Fund on January 1, 2012.
If a shareholder (a) incurs a sales load in acquiring shares of the Fund,
(b) disposes of such shares less than 91 days after they are acquired, and (c)
subsequently acquires shares of the Fund or another fund at a reduced sales load
pursuant to a right to reinvest at such reduced sales load acquired in
connection with the acquisition of the shares disposed of, then the sales load
on the shares disposed of (to the extent of the reduction in the sales load on
the shares subsequently acquired) shall not be taken
69
into account in determining gain or loss on the shares disposed of, but shall be
treated as incurred on the acquisition of the shares subsequently acquired. The
wash sale rules may also limit the amount of loss that may be taken into account
on disposition after such adjustment.
The automatic conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares of the same
Fund at the end of approximately eight years after purchase will be tax-free for
federal income tax purposes. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers
regarding the state and local tax consequences of such conversion.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING. The Fund may be required to withhold 28% of taxable
distributions and/or redemption payments. For more information refer to
"Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares - Backup Withholding".
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS. Shareholders who, as to the United States, are a
non-resident alien individual, foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation, or
foreign partnership ("foreign shareholder"), may be subject to U.S. withholding
and estate tax and are subject to special U.S. tax certification requirements.
Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisors about the applicability
of U.S. tax withholding and the use of the appropriate forms to certify their
status.
Taxation of a foreign shareholder depends on whether the income from the
Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by such
shareholder.
If the income from the Fund is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade
or business carried on by a foreign shareholder, distributions to such
shareholder (other than certain capital gain dividends and exempt-interest
dividends) will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower
treaty rate) upon the gross amount of the distribution subject to certain
exemptions. Exemptions from this U.S. withholding tax are provided for
exempt-interest dividends, capital gain dividends paid by the Fund from its net
long-term capital gains, and with respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning
before January 1, 2010 (sunset date), interest-related dividends paid by the
Fund from its qualified net interest income from U.S. sources and short-term
capital gains dividends. The Fund does not intend to utilize the exemptions for
interest-related dividends paid and short-term capital gain dividends paid.
However, notwithstanding such exemptions from U.S. withholding at the source,
any dividends and distributions of income and capital gains, including the
proceeds from the sale of your Fund shares, will be subject to backup
withholding at a rate of 28% if you fail to properly certify that you are not a
U.S. person.
In general, (i) a capital gain dividend designated by the Fund and paid
from its net long-term capital gains, or (ii) with respect to taxable years of
the Fund beginning before January 1, 2010 (sunset date), a short-term capital
gain dividend designated by the Fund and paid from its net short-term capital
gains, other than long- or short-term capital gains realized on disposition of
U.S. real property interests (see the discussion below), are not subject to U.S.
withholding tax unless you are a nonresident alien present in the United States
for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year.
With respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2010
(sunset date), dividends designated by the Fund as interest-related dividends
and paid from its qualified net interest income from U.S. sources are not
subject to U.S. withholding tax. "Qualified interest income" includes, in
general, U.S. source (1) bank deposit interest, (2) short-term original
discount, (3) interest (including original issue discount, market discount, or
acquisition discount) on an obligation which is in registered form, unless it is
earned on an obligation issued by a corporation or partnership in which the Fund
is a 10-percent shareholder or is contingent interest, and (4) any
interest-related dividend from another regulated investment company. On any
payment date, the amount of an income dividend that is designated by the Fund as
an interest-related dividend may be more or less that the amount that is so
qualified. This is because the designation is based on an estimate of Fund's
qualified net interest income for its entire fiscal year, which can only be
determined with exactness at fiscal year end. As a consequence, the Fund may
over withhold a small amount of U.S. tax from a dividend payment. In this case,
the non-U.S. investor's only recourse may be to either forgo recovery of the
excess withholding, or to file a United Sates nonresident income tax return to
recover the excess.
70
The Fund's designation of interest-related or short-term capital gain
dividends may not be passed through to shareholders by intermediaries who have
assumed tax reporting responsibilities for this income in managed omnibus
accounts due to systems limitations or operational constraints.
Moreover, amounts designated as capital gain dividends that are
attributable to certain capital gain dividends received from U.S.-qualified
REITs (other than one that is domestically controlled) will not be exempt from
U.S. federal income tax and may be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate
of 30% (or lower treaty rate). If, in general, more than 50% of the Fund's
assets consists of interests in U.S.-qualified REITs and U.S. real property
holding corporations. In this case, foreign shareholders owning more than 5% of
the shares of the Fund may be treated as realizing gain from the disposition of
a U.S. real property interest, causing Fund distributions to be subject to U.S.
withholding tax at a rate of 35%, and requiring the filing of a non-resident
U.S. income tax return. These rules apply to dividends with respect to the
Fund's taxable years beginning before January 1, 2010 (sunset date), except that
after such sunset date, Fund distributions from a U.S.-qualified REIT (whether
or not domestically controlled) attributable to gain from the disposition of a
U.S. real property interest will continue to be subject to the withholding rules
described above provided more than 50% of the Fund's assets consists of
interests in U.S.-qualified REITs and U.S. real property holding corporations.
If the income from the Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business carried on by a foreign shareholder, then ordinary income dividends,
capital gain dividends and any gains realized upon the sale or redemption of
shares of the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates
applicable to U.S. citizens or domestic corporations and require the filing of a
non-resident U.S. income tax return.
In the case of foreign non-corporate shareholders, the Fund may be required
to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 28% on distributions that are
otherwise exempt from withholding tax (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate)
unless such shareholders furnish the Fund with proper notification of their
foreign status.
Foreign shareholders may be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of
30% on the income resulting from the Foreign Tax Election (as described below),
but may not be able to claim a credit or deduction with respect to the
withholding tax for the foreign tax treated as having been paid by them.
Foreign persons who file a United States tax return to obtain a U.S. tax
refund and who are not eligible to obtain a social security number must apply to
the IRS for an individual taxpayer identification number, using IRS Form W-7.
For a copy of the IRS Form W-7 and accompanying instructions, please contact
your tax adviser or go to www.irs.gov and search forms..
Transfers by gift of shares of the Fund by a foreign shareholder who is a
non-resident alien individual will not be subject to U.S. federal gift tax. An
individual who, at the time of death, is a foreign shareholder will nevertheless
be subject to U.S. federal estate tax with respect to shares at the graduated
rates applicable to U.S. citizens and residents, unless a treaty exception
applies. If a treaty exemption is available, a decedent's estate may nonetheless
need to file a U.S. estate tax return to claim the exemption in order to obtain
a U.S. federal transfer certificate. The transfer certificate will identify the
property (i.e., Fund shares) as to which the U.S. federal estate tax lien has
been released. In the absence of a treaty, there is a $13,000 statutory estate
tax credit. Estates of non-resident alien shareholders dying after December 31,
2004 and before January 1, 2010 will be able to exempt from federal estate tax
the proportion of the value of the Fund's shares attributable to "qualifying
assets" held by the Fund at the end of the quarter immediately preceding the
non-resident alien shareholder's death (or such other time as the IRS may
designate in regulations). Qualifying assets include bank deposits and other
debt obligations that pay interest or accrue original issue discount that is
exempt from withholding tax, debt obligations of a domestic corporation that are
treated as giving rise to foreign source income, and other investments that are
not treated for tax purposes as being within the United States. Through December
31, 2009, shareholders will be advised annually of the portion of the Fund's
assets that constituted qualifying assets at the end of each quarter of its
taxable year.
71
The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the
benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described
herein. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund,
including the applicability of foreign tax.
FOREIGN INCOME TAX. Investment income received by the Fund from sources
within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income tax withheld at the
source and the amount of tax withheld will generally be treated as an expense of
the Fund. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign
countries which entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of, or exemption from, tax on
such income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in
advance since the amount of the Fund's assets to be invested in various
countries is not known.
If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of
each taxable year consists of the stock or securities of foreign corporations,
the Fund may elect to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of
foreign income tax paid by the Fund (the "Foreign Tax Election") in lieu of
deducting such amount in determining its investment company taxable income.
Pursuant to the Foreign Tax Election, shareholders will be required (i) to
include in gross income, even though not actually received, their respective
pro-rata shares of the foreign income tax paid by the Fund that are attributable
to any distributions they receive; and (ii) either to deduct their pro-rata
share of foreign tax in computing their taxable income, or to use it (subject to
various Code limitations) as a foreign tax credit against Federal income tax
(but not both). No deduction for foreign tax may be claimed by a non-corporate
shareholder who does not itemize deductions or who is subject to AMT.
Unless certain requirements are met, a credit for foreign tax is subject to
the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax (determined
without regard to the availability of the credit) attributable to the
shareholder's foreign source taxable income. In determining the source and
character of distributions received from the Fund for this purpose, shareholders
will be required to allocate Fund distributions according to the source of the
income realized by the Fund. The Fund's gain from the sale of stock and
securities and certain currency fluctuation gain and loss will generally be
treated as derived from U.S. sources. In addition, the limitation on the foreign
tax credit is applied separately to foreign source "passive" income, such as
dividend income, and the portion of foreign source income consisting of
qualified dividend income is reduced by approximately 57% to account for the tax
rate differential. Individuals who have no more than $300 ($600 for married
persons filing jointly) of creditable foreign tax included on Form 1099 and
whose foreign source income is all "qualified passive income" may elect each
year to be exempt from the foreign tax credit limitation and will be able to
claim a foreign tax credit without filing Form 1116 with its corresponding
requirement to report income and tax by country. Moreover, no foreign tax credit
will be allowable to any shareholder who has not held his shares of the Fund for
at least 16 days during the 30-day period beginning 15 days before the day such
shares become ex-dividend with respect to any Fund distribution to which foreign
income taxes are attributed (taking into account certain holding period
reduction requirements of the Code). Because of these limitations, shareholders
may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of their proportionate
shares of the foreign income tax paid by the Fund.
EFFECT OF FUTURE LEGISLATION; LOCAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS. The foregoing
general discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on the Code
and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this
Registration Statement. Future legislative or administrative changes or court
decisions may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and any
such changes or decisions may have a retroactive effect with respect to the
transactions contemplated herein.
Rules of state and local taxation of ordinary income, qualified dividend
income and capital gain dividends may differ from the rules for U.S. federal
income taxation described above. Distributions may also be subject to additional
state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder's particular
situation. Non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to U.S. tax rules that differ
significantly from those summarized above. Shareholders are urged to consult
their tax advisers as to the consequences of these and other state and local tax
rules affecting investment in the Fund.
72
DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES
DISTRIBUTOR
The Trust has entered into master distribution agreements, as amended,
relating to the Funds (the "Distribution Agreements") with Invesco Aim
Distributors, a registered broker-dealer and a wholly owned subsidiary of
Invesco Aim, pursuant to which Invesco Aim Distributors acts as the distributor
of shares of the Funds. The address of Invesco Aim Distributors is P.O. Box
4739, Houston, Texas 77210-4739. Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are
affiliated with Invesco Aim Distributors. See "Management of the Trust."
The Distribution Agreements provide Invesco Aim Distributors with the
exclusive right to distribute shares of the Funds on a continuous basis directly
and through other broker-dealers with whom Invesco Aim Distributors has entered
into selected dealer agreements. Invesco Aim Distributors has not undertaken to
sell any specified number of shares of any classes of the Funds.
The Trust (on behalf of any class of any Fund) or Invesco Aim Distributors
may terminate the Distribution Agreements on 60 days' written notice without
penalty. The Distribution Agreements will terminate automatically in the event
of their assignment.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
When issued, the Fund's Financial Statements including the Financial
Highlights pertaining thereto will be incorporated by reference into this
Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") from such Fund's Annual Report.
The portions of such Annual Reports that are not specifically listed above
are not incorporated by reference into this SAI and are not a part of this
Registration Statement.
PENDING LITIGATION
Settled Enforcement Actions Related to Market Timing
On October 8, 2004, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. ("IFG") (the former
investment advisor to certain AIM Funds), Invesco Aim and Invesco Aim
Distributors reached final settlements with certain regulators, including the
SEC, the New York Attorney General and the Colorado Attorney General, to resolve
civil enforcement actions and/or investigations related to market timing and
related activity in the AIM Funds, including those formerly advised by IFG. As
part of the settlements, a $325 million fair fund ($110 million of which is
civil penalties) has been created to compensate shareholders harmed by market
timing and related activity in funds formerly advised by IFG. Additionally,
Invesco Aim and Invesco Aim Distributors created a $50 million fair fund ($30
million of which is civil penalties) to compensate shareholders harmed by market
timing and related activity in funds advised by Invesco Aim, which was done
pursuant to the terms of the settlements. These two fair funds will be
distributed in accordance with a methodology determined by Invesco Aim's
independent distribution consultant ("IDC Plan"), in consultation with Invesco
Aim and the independent trustees of the AIM Funds and approved by the staff of
the SEC. Further details regarding the IDC Plan and planned distributions
thereunder are available under the "About Us - SEC Settlement" section of
Invesco Aim's website, available at http://www.invescoaim.com. Invesco Aim's
website is not a part of this Statement of Additional Information or the
prospectus of any AIM Fund.
Regulatory Action Alleging Market Timing
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Office of the State Auditor -
Securities Commission ("WVASC") issued a Summary Order to Cease and Desist and
Notice of Right to Hearing to Invesco Aim and Invesco Aim Distributors (Order
No. 05-1318). The WVASC makes findings of fact that Invesco Aim and Invesco Aim
Distributors entered into certain arrangements permitting market timing of the
AIM
73
Funds and failed to disclose these arrangements in the prospectuses for such
Funds, and conclusions of law to the effect that Invesco Aim and Invesco Aim
Distributors violated the West Virginia securities laws. The WVASC orders
Invesco Aim and Invesco Aim Distributors to cease any further violations and
seeks to impose monetary sanctions, including restitution to affected investors,
disgorgement of fees, reimbursement of investigatory, administrative and legal
costs and an "administrative assessment," to be determined by the Commissioner.
Initial research indicates that these damages could be limited or capped by
statute. By agreement with the Commissioner of Securities, Invesco Aim's time to
respond to that Order has been indefinitely suspended.
Private Civil Actions Alleging Market Timing
Multiple civil lawsuits, including purported class action and shareholder
derivative suits, have been filed against various parties (including, depending
on the lawsuit, certain AIM Funds, IFG, Invesco Aim, Invesco Aim Management and
certain related entities, certain of their current and former officers and/or
certain unrelated third parties) based on allegations of improper market timing
and related activity in the AIM Funds. These lawsuits allege a variety of
theories of recovery, including but not limited to: (i) violation of various
provisions of the Federal and state securities laws; (ii) violation of various
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
"ERISA"; (iii) breach of fiduciary duty; and/or (iv) breach of contract. These
lawsuits were initiated in both Federal and state courts and seek such remedies
as compensatory damages; restitution; injunctive relief; disgorgement of
management fees; imposition of a constructive trust; removal of certain
directors and/or employees; various corrective measures under ERISA; rescission
of certain Funds' advisory agreements; interest; and attorneys' and experts'
fees. A list identifying such lawsuits that have been served on IFG, Invesco
Aim, the AIM Funds or related entities, or for which service of process has been
waived is set forth in Appendix I-1.
All lawsuits based on allegations of market timing, late trading, and
related issues have been transferred to the United States District Court for the
District of Maryland (the "MDL Court") for consolidated or coordinated pre-trial
proceedings. Pursuant to an Order of the MDL Court, plaintiffs in these lawsuits
consolidated their claims for pre-trial purposes into three amended complaints
against various Invesco Aim- and IFG-related parties. A list identifying the
amended complaints in the MDL Court and details of the settlements are included
in Appendix I-1. Plaintiffs in two of the underlying lawsuits transferred to the
MDL Court continue to seek remand of their action to state court. These lawsuits
are identified in Appendix I-1.
Private Civil Actions Alleging Improper Use of Fair Value Pricing
Multiple civil class action lawsuits have been filed against various
parties (including, depending on the lawsuit, certain AIM Funds, IFG and/or
Invesco Aim) alleging that certain AIM Funds inadequately employed fair value
pricing. These lawsuits allege a variety of theories of recovery, including but
not limited to: (i) violations of various provisions of the Federal securities
laws; (ii) common law breach of duty; and (iii) common law negligence and gross
negligence. These lawsuits have been filed in both Federal and state courts and
seek such remedies as compensatory and punitive damages; interest; and
attorneys' fees and costs. One lawsuit was settled and dismissed in May 2008;
while the other has been consolidated into the MDL Court for pre-trial purposes.
The lawsuit that has been served on IFG, Invesco Aim, the AIM Funds or related
entities, or for which service of process has been waived is set forth in
Appendix I-2.
74
APPENDIX A
RATINGS OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following is a description of the factors underlying the debt ratings
of Moody's, S&P and Fitch.
MOODY'S LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS
AAA: Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with
minimal credit risk.
AA: Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject
to very low credit risk.
A: Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to
low credit risk.
BAA; Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are
considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative
characteristics.
BA: Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are
subject to substantial credit risk.
B: Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high
credit risk.
CAA: Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are
subject to very high credit risk.
CA: Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very
near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C: Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are
typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or
interest.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic
rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the
obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier
2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the
lower end of that generic rating category.
MOODY'S SHORT-TERM PRIME RATING SYSTEM
P-1
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to
repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to
repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to
repay short-term obligations.
Not Prime
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of
the Prime rating categories.
Note: In addition, in certain countries the prime rating may be modified by the
issuer's or guarantor's senior unsecured long-term debt rating.
A-1
Moody's municipal ratings are as follows:
MOODY'S U.S. LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND RATING DEFINITIONS
Municipal Ratings are opinions of the investment quality of issuers and
issues in the US municipal and tax-exempt markets. As such, these ratings
incorporate Moody's assessment of the default probability and loss severity of
these issuers and issues.
Municipal Ratings are based upon the analysis of four primary factors
relating to municipal finance: economy, debt, finances, and
administration/management strategies. Each of the factors is evaluated
individually and for its effect on the other factors in the context of the
municipality's ability to repay its debt.
AAA: Issuers or issues rated Aaa demonstrate the strongest creditworthiness
relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
AA: Issuers or issues rated Aa demonstrate very strong creditworthiness
relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
A: Issuers or issues rated A present above-average creditworthiness
relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
BAA: Issuers or issues rated Baa represent average creditworthiness
relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
BA: Issuers or issues rated Ba demonstrate below-average creditworthiness
relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
B: Issuers or issues rated B demonstrate weak creditworthiness relative to
other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
CAA: Issuers or issues rated Caa demonstrate very weak creditworthiness
relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
CA: Issuers or issues rated Ca demonstrate extremely weak creditworthiness
relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
C: Issuers or issues rated C demonstrate the weakest creditworthiness
relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Note: Also, Moody's applied numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic
rating classification from Aa to Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issue
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates
a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the
lower end of its generic category.
MOODY'S MIG/VMIG US SHORT-TERM RATINGS
In municipal debt issuance, there are three rating categories for
short-term obligations that are considered investment grade. These ratings are
designated as Moody's Investment Grade (MIG) and are divided into three levels -
MIG 1 through MIG 3.
In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality
are designated SG, or speculative grade.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component
rating is assigned. The first element represents Moody's evaluation of the
degree of risk associated with scheduled principal
A-2
and interest payments. The second element represents Moody's evaluation of the
degree of risk associated with the demand feature, using the MIG rating scale.
The short-term rating assigned to the demand feature of VRDOs is designated
as VMIG. When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that
piece is designated NR, e.g., Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1.
MIG ratings expire at note maturity. By contrast, VMIG rating expirations
will be a function of each issue's specific structural or credit features.
Gradations of investment quality are indicated by rating symbols, with each
symbol representing a group in which the quality characteristics are broadly the
same.
MIG 1/VMIG 1: This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent
protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity
support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2/VMIG 2: This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of
protection are ample although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3/VMIG 3: This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity
and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for refinancing is
likely to be less well established.
SG: This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt
instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
STANDARD & POOR'S LONG-TERM CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL RATINGS
Issue credit ratings are based in varying degrees, on the following
considerations: likelihood of payment - capacity and willingness of the obligor
to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms
of the obligation; nature of and provisions of the obligation; and protection
afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of
bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy
and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
The issue ratings definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As
such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are
typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in
bankruptcy, as noted above.
S&P describes its ratings for corporate and municipal bonds as follows:
AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in a small degree.
A: Debt rated A has a strong capacity to meet its financial commitments
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB: Debt rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB-B-CCC-CC-C: Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having
significant speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the
highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and
A-3
protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or
major exposures to adverse conditions.
NR: Not Rated.
S&P DUAL RATINGS
S&P assigns "dual" ratings to all debt issues that have a put option or
demand feature as part of their structure.
The first rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and
interest as due, and the second rating addresses only the demand feature. The
long-term debt rating symbols are used for bonds to denote the long-term
maturity and the commercial paper rating symbols for the put option (for
example, AAA/A-1+). With short-term demand debt, the not rating symbols are used
with the commercial paper rating symbols (for example, SP-1+/A-1+).
S&P COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of
timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days.
These categories are as follows:
A-1: This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated A-1.
A-3: Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B: Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only speculative capacity for
timely payment.
C: This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
capacity for payment.
D: Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due, even
if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's
believes such payments will be made during such grace period.
S&P SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL RATINGS
An S&P note rating reflect the liquidity factors and market-access risks
unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note
rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term
debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:
amortization schedule (the larger the final maturity relative to other
maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note); and source of payment
(the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more
likely it will be treated as a note).
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1: Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to
possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+)
designation.
A-4
SP-2: Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
notes.
SP-3: Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
FITCH LONG-TERM CREDIT RATINGS
Fitch Ratings provides an opinion on the ability of an entity or of a
securities issue to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred
dividends, or repayment of principal, on a timely basis. These credit ratings
apply to a variety of entities and issues, including but not limited to
sovereigns, governments, structured financings, and corporations; debt,
preferred/preference stock, bank loans, and counterparties; as well as the
financial strength of insurance companies and financial guarantors.
Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of
getting their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested.
Thus, the use of credit ratings defines their function: "investment grade"
ratings (international Long-term "AAA" - "BBB" categories; Short-term "F1" -
"F3") indicate a relatively low probability of default, while those in the
"speculative" or "non-investment grade" categories (international Long-term "BB"
- "D"; Short-term "B" - "D") either signal a higher probability of default or
that a default has already occurred. Ratings imply no specific prediction of
default probability. However, for example, it is relevant to note that over the
long term, defaults on "AAA" rated U.S. corporate bonds have averaged less than
0.10% per annum, while the equivalent rate for "BBB" rated bonds was 0.35%, and
for "B" rated bonds, 3.0%.
Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be provided by
insurance policies or financial guaranties unless otherwise indicated.
Entities or issues carrying the same rating are of similar but not
necessarily identical credit quality since the rating categories do not fully
reflect small differences in the degrees of credit risk.
Fitch credit and research are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold any
security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the
suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature
of taxability of payments of any security.
The ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other obligors,
underwriters, their experts, and other sources Fitch Ratings believes to be
reliable. Fitch Ratings does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such
information. Ratings may be changed or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or
the unavailability of, information or for other reasons.
Our program ratings relate only to standard issues made under the program
concerned; it should not be assumed that these ratings apply to every issue made
under the program. In particular, in the case of non-standard issues, i.e.,
those that are linked to the credit of a third party or linked to the
performance of an index, ratings of these issues may deviate from the applicable
program rating.
Credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. In
particular, these ratings do not deal with the risk of loss due to changes in
market interest rates and other market considerations.
AAA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of
financial commitments, which is unlikely to be affected by foreseeable events.
AA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
quality. The obligor has a very strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments which is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
A-5
BBB: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of good credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances are more
likely to impair this capacity.
PLUS (+) MINUS (-): Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the "AAA" category.
NR: Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
WITHDRAWN: A rating will be withdrawn when an issue matures or is called or
refinanced and at Fitch's discretion, when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of
information available to be inadequate for ratings purposes.
RATINGWATCH: Ratings are placed on RatingWatch to notify investors that
there is a reasonable possibility of a rating change and the likely direction of
such change. These are designated as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade,
"Negative," for potential downgrade, or "Evolving," if ratings may be raised,
lowered or maintained. RatingWatch is typically resolved over a relatively short
period.
FITCH SPECULATIVE GRADE BOND RATINGS
BB: Bonds are considered speculative. There is a possibility of credit risk
developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic changes over time.
However, business and financial alternatives may be available to allow financial
commitments to be met.
B: Bonds are considered highly speculative. Significant credit risk is
present but a limited margin of safety remains. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting financial commitments, the capacity for continued payment is
contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC: Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial
commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic
developments.
CC: Default of some kind appears probable.
C: Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, AND D: Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.
Such bonds are extremely speculative and are valued on the basis of their
prospects for achieving partial or full recovery value in liquidation or
reorganization of the obligor. "DDD" represents the highest potential for
recovery on these bonds, and "D" represents the lowest potential for recovery.
PLUS (+) MINUS (-): Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in categories below CCC.
FITCH SHORT-TERM CREDIT RATINGS
The following ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency
ratings. A Short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 12 months for most
obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance securities, and thus
places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments
in a timely manner.
F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are
regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1-: Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated
"F-1+;"
A-6
F-2: Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory
degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great
as in the case of the higher ratings.
F-3: Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however,
near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B: Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and
economic conditions.
C: High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.
D: Default. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent payment
default.
A-7
APPENDIX B
PERSONS TO WHOM INVESCO AIM PROVIDES
NON-PUBLIC PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS ON AN ONGOING BASIS
(AS OF JANUARY 31, 2009)
SERVICE PROVIDER DISCLOSURE CATEGORY
---------------- ---------------------------------------------
ABN AMRO Financial Services, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Anglemyer & Co. Analyst (for certain AIM Funds)
Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP Legal Counsel
BB&T Capital Markets Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Bear, Stearns Pricing Direct, Inc. Pricing Vendor (for certain AIM Funds)
BOSC, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
BOWNE & Co. Financial Printer
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Securities Lender (for certain AIM Funds)
Cabrera Capital Markets Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
CENVEO Financial Printer
Charles River Systems, Inc. System Provider
Chas. P. Young Co. Financial Printer
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Classic Printers Inc. Financial Printer
Color Dynamics Financial Printer
Commerce Capital Markets Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Crews & Associates Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
D.A. Davidson & Co. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Dechert LLP Legal Counsel
DEPFA First Albany Capital Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Earth Color Houston Financial Printer
EMCO Press Financial Printer
Empirical Research Partners Analyst (for certain AIM Funds)
Finacorp Securities Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
First Miami Securities Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
First Tryon Securities Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
F T Interactive Data Corporation Pricing Vendor
GainsKeeper Software Provider (for certain AIM Funds)
GCom2 Solutions Software Provider (for certain AIM Funds)
George K. Baum & Company Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Glass, Lewis & Co. System Provider (for certain AIM Funds)
Global Trend Alert Analyst (for certain AIM Funds)
Greater Houston Publishers, Inc. Financial Printer
Grover Printing Financial Printer
Gulfstream Graphics Corp. Financial Printer
Hattier, Sanford & Reynoir Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Co. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
ICRA Online Ltd. Rating & Ranking Agency (for certain AIM Funds)
Imageset Financial Printer
iMoneyNet, Inc. Rating & Ranking Agency (for certain AIM Funds)
Infinity Web, Inc. Financial Printer
Initram Data, Inc. Pricing Vendor
Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. Proxy Voting Service (for certain AIM Funds)
Invesco Aim Investment Services, Inc. Transfer Agent
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. System Provider (for certain AIM Funds)
Investortools, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
B-1
SERVICE PROVIDER DISCLOSURE CATEGORY
---------------- ---------------------------------------------
ITG, Inc. Pricing Vendor (for certain AIM Funds)
J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. Analyst (for certain AIM Funds)
JPMorgan Securities Inc.\Citigroup Global Markets Lender (for certain AIM Funds)
Inc.\JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC Sub-advisor (for certain sub-advised accounts)
Jorden Burt LLP Special Insurance Counsel
KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Kramer, Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Legal Counsel
Lipper, Inc. Rating & Ranking Agency (for certain AIM Funds)
Loan Pricing Corporation Pricing Service (for certain AIM Funds)
Loop Capital Markets Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
M.R. Beal Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
MarkIt Group Limited Pricing Vendor (for certain AIM Funds)
Merrill Communications, LLC Financial Printer
Mesirow Financial, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Moody's Investors Service Rating & Ranking Agency (for certain AIM Funds)
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Morrison Foerster LLP Legal Counsel
M.R. Beal Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
MS Securities Services, Inc. and Morgan Stanley Securities Lender (for certain AIM Funds)
& Co. Incorporated
Muzea Insider Consulting Services, LLC Analyst (for certain AIM Funds)
Ness USA System provider
Noah Financial, LLC Analyst (for certain AIM Funds)
OMGEO Omgeo OasysLLC Trading System
Page International Financial Printer
PCPublishing Financial Printer
Piper Jaffray Analyst (for certain AIM Funds)
Prager, Sealy & Co. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (for all AIM Funds)
Protective Securities Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Ramirez & Co., Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
RBC Capital Markets Analyst (for certain AIM Funds)
RBC Dain Rauscher Incorporated Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Reuters America, LLC Pricing Service (for certain AIM Funds)
Rice Financial Products Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
RR Donnelley Financial Financial Printer
Ryan Beck & Co. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
SAMCO Capital Markets, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Seattle-Northwest Securities Corporation Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., L.L.C. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Signature Financial Printer
Simon Printing Company Financial Printer
Southwest Precision Printers, Inc. Financial Printer
Standard and Poor's/Standard and Poor's Securities Pricing Service and Rating and Ranking Agency (each, respectively, for
Evaluations, Inc. certain AIM Funds)
StarCompliance, Inc. System Provider
State Street Bank and Trust Company Custodian, Lender, Securities Lender, and System Provider (each,
respectively, for certain AIM Funds)
Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
B-2
SERVICE PROVIDER DISCLOSURE CATEGORY
---------------- ---------------------------------------------
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP Legal Counsel
The Bank of New York Custodian and Securities Lender (each, respectively, for certain AIM
Funds)
The MacGregor Group, Inc. Software Provider
The Savader Group Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Thomson Information Services Incorporated Software Provider
UBS Financial Services, Inc. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
VCI Group Inc. Financial Printer
Wachovia National Bank, N.A. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
Western Lithograph Financial Printer
Wiley Bros. Aintree Capital L.L.C. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
William Blair & Co. Broker (for certain AIM Funds)
XSP, LLC\Solutions PLUSPlus, Inc. Software Provider
B-3
APPENDIX C
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
As of January 31, 2009
The address of each trustee and officer is 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100,
Houston, Texas 77046-1173. Each trustee oversees 104 portfolios in the AIM Funds
complex. The trustees serve for the life of the Trust, subject to their earlier
death, incapacitation, resignation, retirement or removal as more specifically
provided in the Trust's organizational documents. Each officer serves for a one
year term or until their successors are elected and qualified. Column two below
includes length of time served with predecessor entities, if any.
TRUSTEE OTHER
AND/OR TRUSTEESHIP(S)/
NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH AND OFFICER DIRECTORSHIPS(S)
POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE TRUST SINCE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS HELD BY TRUSTEE/DIRECTOR
------------------------------- ------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
INTERESTED PERSONS
Martin L. Flanagan(1) - 1960 2007 Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer and None
Trustee President, Invesco Ltd. (ultimate parent of Invesco Aim
and a global investment management firm); Chairman,
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. (registered investment
advisor); Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President, INVESCO North American Holdings, Inc.
(holding company); Trustee, The AIM Family of
Funds--Registered Trademark--; Vice Chairman, Investment
Company Institute; and Member of Executive Board, SMU
Cox School of Business
Formerly: Director, Chairman, Chief Exective Officer and
President, IVZ Inc. (holding company) and Invesco Group
Services, Inc. (service provider); Director, Chief
Executive Officer and President, Invesco Holding Company
Limited (parent of Invesco Aim and a global investment
management firm); Director, Invesco Ltd.; Chairman,
Investment Company Institute; and President, Co-Chief
Executive Officer, Co-President, Chief Operating Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.
(global investment management organization)
Philip A. Taylor(2) - 1954 2006 Head of North American Retail and Senior Managing None
Trustee, President and Principal Director, Invesco Ltd.; Director, Chief Executive
Executive Officer Officer and President, Invesco Trimark Dealer Inc.
(formerly AIM Mutual Fund Dealer Inc.) (registered
broker dealer), Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., and 1371
Preferred Inc. (holding company); Director, Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Aim
Management Group, Inc. (financial services holding
company) and Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc.
(registered investment advisor); Director and President,
INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. (registered investment advisor
and registered transfer agent) and AIM GP Canada Inc.
(general partner for limited partnerships) Director,
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc. (registered broker
dealer); Director and Chairman, Invesco Aim Investment
Services, Inc. (registered transfer agent) and INVESCO
Distributors, Inc. (registered broker dealer); Director,
President and
----------
(1) Mr. Flanagan is considered an interested person of the Trust because he is
an officer of the advisor to the Trust, and an officer and a director of
Invesco Ltd., ultimate parent of the advisor to the Trust.
(2) Mr. Taylor is considered an interested person of the Trust because he is an
officer and a director of the advisor to, and a director of the principal
underwriter of, the Trust.
C-1
TRUSTEE OTHER
AND/OR TRUSTEESHIP(S)/
NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH AND OFFICER DIRECTORSHIPS(S)
POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE TRUST SINCE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS HELD BY TRUSTEE/DIRECTOR
------------------------------- ------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
Chairman, INVESCO Inc. (holding company) and Invesco
Canada Holdings Inc. (formerly AIM Canada Holdings Inc.)
(holding company); Chief Executive Officer, AIM Trimark
Corporate Class Inc. (corporate mutual fund company) and
AIM Trimark Canada Fund Inc. (corporate mutual fund
company); Director and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco
Trimark Ltd./Invesco Trimark Ltee (formerly AIM Funds
Management Inc. d/b/a INVESCO Enterprise Services)
(registered investment advisor and registered transfer
agent); Trustee, President and Principal Executive
Officer, The AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark--
(other than AIM Treasurer's Series Trust and Short-Term
Investments Trust); Trustee and Executive Vice
President, The AIM Family of Funds--Registered
Trademark-- (AIM Treasurer's Series Trust and Short-Term
Investments Trust only); and Manager, Invesco
PowerShares Capital Management LLC
Formerly: Director and President, AIM Trimark Corporate
Class Inc. and AIM Trimark Canada Fund Inc.; Director
and President, Invesco Trimark Ltd./Invesco Trimark Ltee
(formerly AIM Funds Management Inc. d/b/a INVESCO
Enterprise Services); Senior Managing Director, Invesco
Holding Company Limited; Trustee and Executive Vice
President, Tax-Free Investments Trust; Director and
Chairman, Fund Management Company (former registered
broker dealer); President and Principal Executive
Officer, The AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark--
(AIM Treasurer's Series Trust, Short-Term Investments
Trust and Tax-Free Investments Trust only); President,
AIM Trimark Global Fund Inc. and AIM Trimark Canada Fund
Inc.; and Director, Trimark Trust (federally regulated
Canadian trust company)
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Bruce L. Crockett - 1944 1993 Chairman, Crockett Technology Associates (technology ACE Limited (insurance
Trustee and Chair consulting company) company); Captaris, Inc.
(unified messaging
provider); and Investment
Company Institute.
Bob R. Baker - 1936 2003 Retired None
Trustee
Frank S. Bayley - 1939 2001 Retired None
Trustee
Formerly: Partner, law firm of Baker & McKenzie and
Director, Badgley Funds, Inc. (registered investment
company) (2 portfolios)
James T. Bunch - 1942 2003 Founder, Green, Manning & Bunch Ltd. (investment banking Formerly: Van Gilder
Trustee firm) Insurance Company; Board
of Governors, Western
Golf Association/Evans
Scholars Foundation and
Executive Committee,
United States Golf
Association
C-2
TRUSTEE OTHER
AND/OR TRUSTEESHIP(S)/
NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH AND OFFICER DIRECTORSHIPS(S)
POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE TRUST SINCE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS HELD BY TRUSTEE/DIRECTOR
------------------------------- ------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
Albert R. Dowden - 1941 2000 Director of a number of public and private business None
Trustee corporations, including the Boss Group, Ltd. (private
investment and management); Continental Energy Services,
LLC (oil and gas pipeline service); Reich & Tang Funds
(registered investment company); Annuity and Life Re
(Holdings), Ltd. (reinsurance company); and Homeowners
of America Holding Corporation/Homeowners of America
Insurance Company (property casualty company)
Formerly: Director, CompuDyne Corporation (provider of
product and services to the public security market);
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volvo
Group North America, Inc.; Senior Vice President, AB
Volvo; Director of various public and private
corporations
Jack M. Fields - 1952 1997 Chief Executive Officer, Twenty First Century Group, Administaff
Trustee Inc. (government affairs company); and Owner and Chief
Executive Officer, Dos Angelos Ranch, L.P. (cattle,
hunting, corporate entertainment), Discovery Global
Education Fund (non-profit) and Cross Timbers Quail
Research Ranch (non-profit)
Formerly: Chief Executive Officer, Texana Timber LP
(sustainable forestry company)
Carl Frischling - 1937 1988 Partner, law firm of Kramer Levin Naftalis and Frankel Director, Reich & Tang
Trustee LLP Funds (16 portfolios)
Prema Mathai-Davis - 1950 1998 Retired None
Trustee
Lewis F. Pennock - 1942 1988 Partner, law firm of Pennock & Cooper None
Trustee
Larry Soll - 1942 2003 Retired None
Trustee
Raymond Stickel, Jr. - 1944 2005 Retired None
Trustee
Formerly: Director, Mainstay VP Series Funds, Inc. (25
portfolios)
OTHER OFFICERS
Russell C. Burk - 1958 2005 Senior Vice President and Senior Officer, The AIM Family N/A
Senior Vice President and Senior of Funds--Registered Trademark--
Officer
Formerly: Director of Compliance and Assistant General
Counsel, ICON Advisers, Inc.; Financial Consultant,
Merrill Lynch; and General Counsel and Director of
Compliance, ALPS Mutual Funds, Inc.
C-3
TRUSTEE OTHER
AND/OR TRUSTEESHIP(S)/
NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH AND OFFICER DIRECTORSHIPS(S)
POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE TRUST SINCE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS HELD BY TRUSTEE/DIRECTOR
------------------------------- ------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
John M. Zerr - 1962 2006 Director, Senior Vice President, Secretary and General N/A
Senior Vice President, Chief Counsel, Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc., Invesco Aim
Legal Officer and Secretary Advisors, Inc. and Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc.;
Director, Senior Vice President and Secretary, Invesco
Aim Distributors, Inc.; Director, Vice President and
Secretary, Invesco Aim Investment Services, Inc. and
INVESCO Distributors, Inc.; Director and Vice President,
INVESCO Funds Group, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Chief
Legal Officer and Secretary, The AIM Family of
Funds--Registered Trademark--; and Manager, Invesco
PowerShares Capital Management LLC
Formerly: Director, Vice President and Secretary, Fund
Management Company; Vice President, Invesco Aim Capital
Management, Inc.; Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary, Liberty Ridge
Capital, Inc. (an investment adviser); Vice President
and Secretary, PBHG Funds (an investment company); Vice
President and Secretary, PBHG Insurance Series Fund (an
investment company); Chief Operating Officer, General
Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Investment Partners (a
broker-dealer); General Counsel and Secretary, Old
Mutual Fund Services (an administrator); General Counsel
and Secretary, Old Mutual Shareholder Services (a
shareholder servicing center); Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Capital, Inc.
(an investment adviser); and Vice President and
Secretary, Old Mutual Advisors Funds (an investment
company)
Lisa O. Brinkley - 1959 2004 Global Compliance Director, Invesco Ltd.; and Vice N/A
Vice President President, The AIM Family of Funds--Registered
Trademark--
Formerly: Senior Vice President, Invesco Aim Management
Group, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance
Officer, Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. and The AIM Family
of Funds--Registered Trademark--; Vice President and
Chief Compliance Officer, Invesco Aim Capital
Management, Inc. and Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.;
Vice President, Invesco Aim Investment Services, Inc.
and Fund Management Company
C-4
TRUSTEE OTHER
AND/OR TRUSTEESHIP(S)/
NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH AND OFFICER DIRECTORSHIPS(S)
POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE TRUST SINCE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS HELD BY TRUSTEE/DIRECTOR
------------------------------- ------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
Kevin M. Carome - 1956 2003 General Counsel, Secretary and Senior Managing Director, N/A
Vice President Invesco Ltd.; Director and Secretary, Invesco Holding
Company Limited, and, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc.;
Director and Secretary, INVESCO North American Holdings,
Inc.; Director, Executive Vice President and Secretary,
IVZ, Inc. and Invesco Group Services, Inc.; Director and
Executive Vice President, Invesco Investments (Bermuda)
Ltd.; and Vice President, The AIM Family of
Funds--Registered Trademark--
Formerly: Senior Managing Director and Secretary,
Invesco Holding Company Limited; Director, Senior Vice
President, Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Aim
Management Group, Inc. and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.;
Senior Vice President, Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.;
Director, General Counsel and Vice President, Fund
Management Company; Vice President, Invesco Aim Capital
Management, Inc., Invesco Aim Investment Services, Inc.;
Invesco Group Services, Inc. and IVZ Inc.; Senior Vice
President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, The AIM
Family of Funds--Registered Trademark--; Director and
Vice President, INVESCO Distributors, Inc.; and Chief
Executive Officer and President, INVESCO Funds Group,
Inc.
Sheri Morris - 1964 1999 Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial N/A
Vice President, Treasurer and Officer, The AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark--
Principal Financial Officer ; Vice President, Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., Invesco
Aim Capital Management, Inc. and Invesco Aim Private
Asset Management Inc.
Formerly: Assistant Vice President and Assistant
Treasurer, The AIM Family of Funds--Registered
Trademark-- and Assistant Vice President, Invesco Aim
Advisors, Inc., Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc.,
and Invesco Aim Private Management, Inc.
Karen Dunn Kelley - 1960 2004 Head of Invesco's World Wide Fixed Income and Cash N/A
Vice President Management Group; Director of Cash Management and Senior
Vice President, Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. and Invesco
Aim Capital Management, Inc.; Executive Vice President,
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.; Senior Vice President,
Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc.; Vice President, The
AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark-- (other than
AIM Treasurer's Series Trust and Short-Term Investments
Trust); and President and Principal Executive Officer,
The AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark-- (AIM
Treasurer's Series Trust and Short-Term Investments
Trust only)
Formerly: President and Principal Executive Officer,
Tax-Free Investments Trust; Director and President, Fund
Management Company; Chief Cash Management Officer and
Managing Director, Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc.;
and Vice President, Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. and The
AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark-- (AIM
Treasurer's Series Trust, Short-Term Investments Trust
and Tax-Free Investments Trust only)
C-5
TRUSTEE OTHER
AND/OR TRUSTEESHIP(S)/
NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH AND OFFICER DIRECTORSHIPS(S)
POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE TRUST SINCE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS HELD BY TRUSTEE/DIRECTOR
------------------------------- ------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
Lance A. Rejsek - 1967 2005 Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Invesco Aim N/A
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Advisors, Inc., Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc.,
Officer Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc., Invesco Aim Investment
Services, Inc., Invesco Aim Private Asset Management,
Inc. and The AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark--
Formerly: Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Fund
Management Company
Todd L. Spillane - 1958 2006 Senior Vice President, Invesco Aim Management Group, N/A
Chief Compliance Officer Inc.; Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance
Officer, Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. and Invesco Aim
Capital Management, Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer, The
AIM Family of Funds--Registered Trademark--, Invesco
Global Asset Management (N.A.), Inc. (registered
investment advisor), Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.
(registered investment advisor), INVESCO Private Capital
Investments, Inc. (holding company), Invesco Private
Capital, Inc. (registered investment advisor) and
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (registered
investment advisor); and Vice President, Invesco Aim
Distributors, Inc. and Invesco Aim Investment Services,
Inc.
Formerly: Vice President, Invesco Aim Capital
Management, Inc. and Fund Management Company
C-6
TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP OF FUND SHARES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008
Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Dollar Range of Equity Overseen by Trustee in The AIM Family
Name of Trustee Securities Per Fund of Funds--Registered Trademark--
--------------- ---------------------- -------------------------------------
Martin L. Flanagan Over $100,000
Philip A. Taylor -0-
Bob R. Baker Over $100,000
Frank S. Bayley Over $100,000
James T. Bunch Over $100,000(3)
Bruce L. Crockett Over $100,000(3)
Albert R. Dowden Over $100,000
Jack M. Fields Over $100,000(3)
Carl Frischling Over $100,000(3)
Prema Mathai-Davis Over $100,000(3)
Lewis F. Pennock Over $100,000
Larry Soll Over $100,000(3)
Raymond Stickel, Jr. Over $100,000
----------
(3) Includes the total amount of compensation deferred by the trustee at his or
her election pursuant to a deferred compensation plan. Such deferred
compensation is placed in a deferral account and deemed to be invested in
one or more of the AIM Funds.
C-7
APPENDIX D
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION TABLE
Set forth below is information regarding compensation paid or accrued for
each trustee of the Trust who was not affiliated with AIM during the year ended
December 31, 2008:
RETIREMENT ESTIMATED TOTAL
AGGREGATE BENEFITS ANNUAL COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION ACCRUED BY ALL BENEFITS UPON FROM ALL AIM
TRUSTEE FROM THE TRUST(1) AIM FUNDS(2) RETIREMENT(3) FUNDS(4)
-------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------- ------------
Bob R. Baker $25,302 $238,704 $170,766 $238,575
Frank S. Bayley 27,041 168,162 139,500 255,150
James T. Bunch 22,777 163,280 139,500 214,750
Bruce L. Crockett 48,883 90,641 139,500 463,050
Albert R. Dowden 26,689 111,458 139,500 251,900
Jack M. Fields 22,777 122,832 139,500 214,750
Carl Frischling(5) 25,766 101,872 139,500 252,650
Prema Mathai-Davis 24,566 119,858 139,500 232,075
Lewis F. Pennock 22,102 92,166 139,500 208,250
Larry Soll 24,800 218,468 161,105 238,575
Raymond Stickel, Jr. 28,111 68,859 139,500 270,200
(1) Amounts shown are based upon the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. The
total amount of compensation deferred by all trustees of the Trust during
the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 including earnings was $188,153.
(2) During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the total amount of expenses
allocated to the Trust in respect of such retirement benefits was $272,480.
(3) These amounts represent the estimated annual benefits payable by the AIM
Funds upon the trustees' retirement and assumes each trustee serves until
his or her normal retirement date.
(4) All trustees currently serve as trustee of 13 registered investment
companies advised by Invesco Aim.
(5) During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the Trust paid $64,067 in
legal fees to Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel LLP for services rendered
by such firm as counsel to the independent trustees of the Trust. Mr.
Frischling is a partner of such firm.
D-1
APPENDIX E
PROXY POLICY APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING:
INVESCO AIM ADVISORS, INC.
INVESCO AIM PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
(Effective as of March 31, 2008)
The following Invesco Aim Proxy Voting Guidelines are applicable to all funds
and other accounts managed by Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., Invesco Aim Capital
Management, Inc and Invesco Aim Private Asset Management, Inc. (collectively,
"Invesco Aim").(1)
INTRODUCTION
OUR BELIEF
The AIM Funds Boards of Trustees and Invesco Aim's investment professionals
expect a high standard of corporate governance from the companies in our
portfolios so that Invesco Aim may fulfill its fiduciary obligation to our fund
shareholders and other account holders. Well governed companies are
characterized by a primary focus on the interests of shareholders, accountable
boards of directors, ample transparency in financial disclosure,
performance-driven cultures and appropriate consideration of all stakeholders.
Invesco Aim believes well governed companies create greater shareholder wealth
over the long term than poorly governed companies, so we endeavor to vote in a
manner that increases the value of our investments and fosters good governance
within our portfolio companies.
In determining how to vote proxy issues, Invesco Aim considers the probable
business consequences of each issue and votes in a manner designed to protect
and enhance fund shareholders' and other account holders' interests. Our voting
decisions are intended to enhance each company's total shareholder value over
Invesco Aim's typical investment horizon.
Proxy voting is an integral part of Invesco Aim's investment process. We believe
that the right to vote proxies should be managed with the same care as all other
elements of the investment process. The objective of Invesco Aim's proxy-voting
activity is to promote good governance and advance the economic interests of our
clients. At no time will Invesco Aim exercise its voting power to advance its
own commercial interests, to pursue a social or political cause that is
unrelated to our clients' economic interests, or to favor a particular client or
business relationship to the detriment of others.
PROXY ADMINISTRATION
The Invesco Aim Proxy Committee (the "Proxy Committee") consists of members
representing Invesco Aim's Investments, Legal and Compliance departments.
Invesco Aim's Proxy Voting Guidelines (the "Guidelines") are revised annually by
the Proxy Committee, and are approved by the AIM Funds Boards of Trustees. The
Proxy Committee implements the Guidelines and oversees proxy voting.
The Proxy Committee has retained outside experts to assist with the analysis and
voting of proxy issues. In addition to the advice offered by these experts,
Invesco Aim uses information gathered from our own research, company
managements, Invesco Aim's portfolio managers and outside shareholder groups to
reach our voting decisions.
E-1
Generally speaking, Invesco Aim's investment-research process leads us to invest
in companies led by management teams we believe have the ability to conceive and
execute strategies to outperform their competitors. We select companies for
investment based in large part on our assessment of their management teams'
ability to create shareholder wealth. Therefore, in formulating our proxy-voting
decisions, Invesco Aim gives proper consideration to the recommendations of a
company's Board of Directors.
IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE INVESCO AIM PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
I. ACCOUNTABILITY
Management teams of companies are accountable to their boards of directors, and
directors of publicly held companies are accountable to their shareholders.
Invesco Aim endeavors to vote the proxies of its portfolio companies in a manner
that will reinforce the notion of a board's accountability to its shareholders.
Consequently, Invesco Aim votes against any actions that would impair the rights
of shareholders or would reduce shareholders' influence over the board or over
management.
The following are specific voting issues that illustrate how Invesco Aim applies
this principle of accountability.
- Elections of directors. In uncontested director elections for
companies that do not have a controlling shareholder, Invesco Aim
votes in favor of slates if they are comprised of at least a majority
of independent directors and if the boards' key committees are fully
independent. Key committees include the Audit, Compensation and
Governance or Nominating Committees. Invesco Aim's standard of
independence excludes directors who, in addition to the directorship,
have any material business or family relationships with the companies
they serve.
Contested director elections are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and
are decided within the context of Invesco Aim's investment thesis on a
company.
- Director performance. Invesco Aim withholds votes from directors who
exhibit a lack of accountability to shareholders, either through their
level of attendance at meetings or by enacting egregious
corporate-governance or other policies. In cases of material financial
restatements, accounting fraud, habitually late filings, adopting
shareholder rights plan ("poison pills") without shareholder approval,
or other areas of poor performance, Invesco Aim may withhold votes
from some or all of a company's directors. In situations where
directors' performance is a concern, Invesco Aim may also support
shareholder proposals to take corrective actions such as so-called
"clawback" provisions.
- Auditors and Audit Committee members. Invesco Aim believes a company's
Audit Committee has a high degree of responsibility to shareholders in
matters of financial disclosure, integrity of the financial statements
and effectiveness of a company's internal controls. Independence,
experience and financial expertise are critical elements of a
well-functioning Audit Committee. When electing directors who are
members of a company's Audit Committee, or when ratifying a company's
auditors, Invesco Aim considers the past performance of the Committee
and holds its members accountable for the quality of the company's
financial statements and reports.
- Majority standard in director elections. The right to elect directors
is the single most important mechanism shareholders have to promote
accountability. Invesco Aim supports the nascent effort to reform the
U.S. convention of electing directors, and votes in favor of proposals
to elect directors by a majority vote.
E-2
- Classified boards. Invesco Aim supports proposals to elect directors
annually instead of electing them to staggered multi-year terms
because annual elections increase a board's level of accountability to
its shareholders.
- Supermajority voting requirements. Unless proscribed by law in the
state of incorporation, Invesco Aim votes against actions that would
impose any supermajority voting requirement, and supports actions to
dismantle existing supermajority requirements.
- Responsiveness. Invesco Aim withholds votes from directors who do not
adequately respond to shareholder proposals that were approved by a
majority of votes cast the prior year.
- Cumulative voting. The practice of cumulative voting can enable
minority shareholders to have representation on a company's board.
Invesco Aim supports proposals to institute the practice of cumulative
voting at companies whose overall corporate-governance standards
indicate a particular need to protect the interests of minority
shareholders.
- Shareholder access. On business matters with potential financial
consequences, Invesco Aim votes in favor of proposals that would
increase shareholders' opportunities to express their views to boards
of directors, proposals that would lower barriers to shareholder
action and proposals to promote the adoption of generally accepted
best practices in corporate governance.
II. INCENTIVES
Invesco Aim believes properly constructed compensation plans that include equity
ownership are effective in creating incentives that induce managements and
employees of our portfolio companies to create greater shareholder wealth.
Invesco Aim supports equity compensation plans that promote the proper alignment
of incentives, and votes against plans that are overly dilutive to existing
shareholders, plans that contain objectionable structural features, and plans
that appear likely to reduce the value of an account's investment.
Following are specific voting issues that illustrate how Invesco Aim evaluates
incentive plans.
- Executive compensation. Invesco Aim evaluates compensation plans for
executives within the context of the company's performance under the
executives' tenure. Invesco Aim believes independent compensation
committees are best positioned to craft executive-compensation plans
that are suitable for their company-specific circumstances. We view
the election of those independent compensation committee members as
the appropriate mechanism for shareholders to express their approval
or disapproval of a company's compensation practices. Therefore,
Invesco Aim generally does not support shareholder proposals to limit
or eliminate certain forms of executive compensation. In the interest
of reinforcing the notion of a compensation committee's accountability
to shareholders, Invesco Aim supports proposals requesting that
companies subject each year's compensation record to an advisory
shareholder vote, or so-called "say on pay" proposals.
- Equity-based compensation plans. When voting to approve or reject
equity-based compensation plans, Invesco Aim compares the total
estimated cost of the plans, including stock options and restricted
stock, against a carefully selected peer group and uses multiple
performance metrics that help us determine whether the incentive
structures in place are creating genuine shareholder wealth.
Regardless of a plan's estimated cost relative to its peer group,
Invesco Aim votes against plans that contain structural features that
would impair the alignment of incentives between shareholders and
management. Such features include the ability to reprice or reload
options without shareholder approval, the ability to issue options
below the stock's current market price, or the ability to
automatically replenish shares without shareholder approval.
E-3
- Employee stock-purchase plans. Invesco Aim supports employee
stock-purchase plans that are reasonably designed to provide proper
incentives to a broad base of employees, provided that the price at
which employees may acquire stock is at most a 15 percent discount
from the market price.
- Severance agreements. Invesco Aim generally votes in favor of
proposals requiring advisory shareholder ratification of executives'
severance agreements. However, we oppose proposals requiring such
agreements to be ratified by shareholders in advance of their
adoption.
III. CAPITALIZATION
Examples of management proposals related to a company's capital structure
include authorizing or issuing additional equity capital, repurchasing
outstanding stock, or enacting a stock split or reverse stock split. On requests
for additional capital stock, Invesco Aim analyzes the company's stated reasons
for the request. Except where the request could adversely affect the fund's
ownership stake or voting rights, AIM generally supports a board's decisions on
its needs for additional capital stock. Some capitalization proposals require a
case-by-case analysis within the context of Invesco Aim's investment thesis on a
company. Examples of such proposals include authorizing common or preferred
stock with special voting rights, or issuing additional stock in connection with
an acquisition.
IV. MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER CORPORATE ACTIONS
Issuers occasionally require shareholder approval to engage in certain corporate
actions such as mergers, acquisitions, name changes, dissolutions,
reorganizations, divestitures and reincorporations. Invesco Aim analyzes these
proposals within the context of our investment thesis on the company, and
determines its vote on a case-by-case basis.
V. ANTI-TAKEOVER MEASURES
Practices designed to protect a company from unsolicited bids can adversely
affect shareholder value and voting rights, and they create conflicts of
interests among directors, management and shareholders. Except under special
issuer-specific circumstances, Invesco Aim votes to reduce or eliminate such
measures. These measures include adopting or renewing "poison pills", requiring
supermajority voting on certain corporate actions, classifying the election of
directors instead of electing each director to an annual term, or creating
separate classes of common or preferred stock with special voting rights.
Invesco Aim generally votes against management proposals to impose these types
of measures, and generally votes for shareholder proposals designed to reduce
such measures. Invesco Aim supports shareholder proposals directing companies to
subject their anti-takeover provisions to a shareholder vote.
VI. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Invesco Aim generally votes for shareholder proposals that are designed to
protect shareholder rights if a company's corporate-governance standards
indicate that such additional protections are warranted.
VII. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The potential costs and economic benefits of shareholder proposals seeking to
amend a company's practices for social reasons are difficult to assess.
Analyzing the costs and economic benefits of these proposals is highly
subjective and does not fit readily within our framework of voting to create
greater shareholder wealth over Invesco Aim's typical investment horizon.
Therefore, Invesco Aim abstains from voting on shareholder proposals deemed to
be of a purely social, political or moral nature.
VIII. ROUTINE BUSINESS MATTERS
E-4
Routine business matters rarely have a potentially material effect on the
economic prospects of fund holdings, so we generally support the board's
discretion on these items. However, Invesco Aim votes against proposals where
there is insufficient information to make a decision about the nature of the
proposal. Similarly, Invesco Aim votes against proposals to conduct other
unidentified business at shareholder meetings.
SUMMARY
These Guidelines provide an important framework for making proxy-voting
decisions, and should give fund shareholders and other account holders insight
into the factors driving Invesco Aim's decisions. The Guidelines cannot address
all potential proxy issues, however. Decisions on specific issues must be made
within the context of these Guidelines and within the context of the investment
thesis of the funds and other accounts that own the company's stock. Where a
different investment thesis is held by portfolio managers who may hold stocks in
common, Invesco Aim may vote the shares held on a fund-by-fund or
account-by-account basis.
EXCEPTIONS
In certain circumstances, Invesco Aim may refrain from voting where the economic
cost of voting a company's proxy exceeds any anticipated benefits of that proxy
proposal.
SHARE-LENDING PROGRAMS
One reason that some portion of Invesco Aim's position in a particular security
might not be voted is the securities lending program. When securities are out on
loan and earning fees for the lending fund, they are transferred into the
borrower's name. Any proxies during the period of the loan are voted by the
borrower. The lending fund would have to terminate the loan to vote the
company's proxy, an action that is not generally in the best economic interest
of fund shareholders. However, whenever Invesco Aim determines that the benefit
to shareholders or other account holders of voting a particular proxy outweighs
the revenue lost by terminating the loan, we recall the securities for the
purpose of voting the fund's full position.
"SHARE-BLOCKING"
Another example of a situation where Invesco Aim may be unable to vote is in
countries where the exercise of voting rights requires the fund to submit to
short-term trading restrictions, a practice known as "share-blocking." Invesco
Aim generally refrains from voting proxies in share-blocking countries unless
the portfolio manager determines that the benefit to fund shareholders and other
account holders of voting a specific proxy outweighs the fund's or other
account's temporary inability to sell the security.
INTERNATIONAL CONSTRAINTS
An additional concern that sometimes precludes our voting non-U.S. proxies is
our inability to receive proxy materials with enough time and enough information
to make a voting decision. In the great majority of instances, however, we are
able to vote non-U.S. proxies successfully. It is important to note that Invesco
Aim makes voting decisions for non-U.S. issuers using these Guidelines as our
framework, but also takes into account the corporate-governance standards,
regulatory environment and generally accepted best practices of the local
market.
EXCEPTIONS TO THESE GUIDELINES
Invesco Aim retains the flexibility to accommodate company-specific situations
where strictly adhering to the Guidelines would lead to a vote that the Proxy
Committee deems not to be in the best interest of the funds' shareholders and
other account holders. In these situations, the Proxy Committee will vote the
proxy in the manner deemed to be in the best interest of the funds' shareholders
and other account
E-5
holders, and will promptly inform the funds' Boards of Trustees of such vote and
the circumstances surrounding it.
RESOLVING POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A potential conflict of interest arises when Invesco Aim votes a proxy for an
issuer with which it also maintains a material business relationship. Examples
could include issuers that are distributors of Invesco Aim's products, or
issuers that employ Invesco Aim to manage portions of their retirement plans or
treasury accounts. Invesco Aim reviews each proxy proposal to assess the extent,
if any, to which there may be a material conflict between the interests of the
fund shareholders or other account holders and Invesco Aim.
Invesco Aim takes reasonable measures to determine whether a potential conflict
may exist. A potential conflict is deemed to exist only if one or more of the
Proxy Committee members actually knew or should have known of the potential
conflict.
If a material potential conflict is deemed to exist, Invesco Aim may resolve the
potential conflict in one of the following ways: (1) if the proposal that gives
rise to the potential conflict is specifically addressed by the Guidelines,
Invesco Aim may vote the proxy in accordance with the predetermined Guidelines;
(2) Invesco Aim may engage an independent third party to determine how the proxy
should be voted; or (3) Invesco Aim may establish an ethical wall or other
informational barrier between the persons involved in the potential conflict and
the persons making the proxy-voting decision in order to insulate the potential
conflict from the decision makers.
Because the Guidelines are pre-determined and crafted to be in the best economic
interest of shareholders and other account holders, applying the Guidelines to
vote client proxies should, in most instances, adequately resolve any potential
conflict of interest. As an additional safeguard against potential conflicts,
persons from Invesco Aim's marketing, distribution and other customer-facing
functions are precluded from becoming members of the Proxy Committee.
On a quarterly basis, the AIM Funds Boards of Trustees review a report from
Invesco Aim's Internal Compliance Controls Committee. The report contains a list
of all known material business relationships that Invesco Aim maintains with
publicly traded issuers. That list is cross-referenced with the list of proxies
voted over the period. If there are any instances where Invesco Aim's voting
pattern on the proxies of its material business partners is inconsistent with
its voting pattern on all other issuers, they are brought before the Trustees
and explained by the Chairman of the Proxy Committee.
Personal conflicts of interest. If any member of the Proxy Committee has a
personal conflict of interest with respect to a company or an issue presented
for voting, that Proxy Committee member will inform the Proxy Committee of such
conflict and will abstain from voting on that company or issue.
Funds of funds. Some AIM Funds offering diversified asset allocation within one
investment vehicle own shares in other AIM Funds. A potential conflict of
interest could arise if an underlying AIM Fund has a shareholder meeting with
any proxy issues to be voted on, because Invesco Aim's asset-allocation funds or
target-maturity funds may be large shareholders of the underlying fund. In order
to avoid any potential for a conflict, the asset-allocation funds and target
maturity funds vote their shares in the same proportion as the votes of the
external shareholders of the underlying fund.
POLICIES AND VOTE DISCLOSURE
A copy of these Guidelines and the voting record of each AIM Fund are available
on our web site, www.invescoaim.com. In accordance with Securities and Exchange
Commission regulations, all funds file
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a record of all proxy-voting activity for the prior 12 months ending June 30th.
That filing is made on or before August 31st of each year.
E-7
----------
FOOTNOTES
(1) AIM Funds not managed by Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., are governed by the
proxy voting policies of their respective sub-advisors. Proxy Voting
Guidelines applicable to AIM CHINA FUND, AIM FLOATING RATE FUND, AIM GLOBAL
REAL ESTATE FUND, AIM INTERNATIONAL CORE EQUITY FUND, AIM INTERNATIONAL
TOTAL RETURN FUND, AIM JAPAN FUND, AIM LIBOR ALPHA FUND, AIM REAL ESTATE
FUND, AIM S&P 500 INDEX FUND, AIM SELECT REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND, AIM
STRUCTURED CORE FUND, AIM STRUCTURED GROWTH FUND, AIM STRUCTURED VALUE
FUND, AIM TRIMARK ENDEAVOR FUND, AIM TRIMARK FUND, AIM TRIMARK SMALL
COMPANIES FUND, SERIES C and SERIES M are available at our website,
http://www.invescoaim.com.
E-8
PROXY POLICY APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING:
INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT DEUTSCHLAND, GMBH
(INVESCO LOGO)
PROXY VOTING POLICY
INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
December 2007
E-9
GENERAL POLICY
INVESCO has responsibility for making investment decisions that are in the best
interests of its clients. As part of the investment management services it
provides to clients, INVESCO may be authorized by clients to vote proxies
appurtenant to the shares for which the clients are beneficial owners.
INVESCO believes that it has a duty to manage clients' assets in the best
economic interests of the clients and that the ability to vote proxies is a
client asset.
INVESCO reserves the right to amend its proxy policies and procedures from time
to time without prior notice to its clients.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
VOTING OF PROXIES
INVESCO will on a fund by fund basis, decide whether it will vote proxies and if
so, for which parts of the portfolio it will voted for. If INVESCO decides to
vote proxies, it will do so in accordance with the procedures set forth below.
If the client retains in writing the right to vote or if INVESCO determines that
any benefit the client might gain from voting a proxy would be outweighed by the
costs associated therewith, it will refrain from voting.
BEST ECONOMIC INTERESTS OF CLIENTS
In voting proxies, INVESCO will take into consideration those factors that may
affect the value of the security and will vote proxies in a manner in which, in
its opinion, is in the best economic interests of clients. INVESCO endeavors to
resolve any conflicts of interest exclusively in the best economic interests of
clients.
CERTAIN PROXY VOTES MAY NOT BE CAST
In some cases, INVESCO may determine that it is not in the best economic
interests of clients to vote proxies. For example, proxy voting in certain
countries outside the United States requires share blocking. Shareholders who
wish to vote their proxies must deposit their shares 7 to 21 days before the
date of the meeting with a designated depositary. During the blocked period,
shares to be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken
place and the shares have been returned to the Custodian/Sub-Custodian bank. In
addition, voting certain international securities may involve unusual costs to
clients. In other cases, it may not be possible to vote certain proxies despite
good faith efforts to do so, for instance when inadequate notice of the matter
is provided. In the instance of loan securities, voting of proxies typically
requires termination of the loan, so it is not usually in the best economic
interests of clients to vote proxies on loaned securities. INVESCO typically
will not, but reserves the right to, vote where share blocking restrictions,
unusual costs or other barriers to efficient voting apply. If INVESCO does not
vote, it would have made the determination that the cost of voting exceeds the
expected benefit to the client.
ISS SERVICES
INVESCO has contracted with Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"), an
independent third party service provider, to vote INVESCO's clients' proxies
according to ISS's proxy voting recommendations. In addition, ISS will provide
proxy analyses, vote recommendations, vote execution and record-keeping services
for clients for which INVESCO has proxy voting responsibility. On an annual
basis, INVESCO will review information obtained from ISS to ascertain
E-10
whether ISS (i) has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy
issues, and (ii) can make such recommendations in an impartial manner and in the
best economic interest of INVESCO's clients. This may include a review of ISS'
Policies, Procedures and Practices Regarding Potential Conflicts of Interests
and obtaining information about the work ISS does for corporate issuers and the
payments ISS receives from such issuers.
Custodians forward proxy materials for clients who rely on INVESCO to vote
proxies to ISS. ISS is responsible for exercising the voting rights in
accordance with the ISS proxy voting guidelines. If INVESCO receives proxy
materials in connection with a client's account where the client has, in
writing, communicated to INVESCO that the client, plan fiduciary or other third
party has reserved the right to vote proxies, INVESCO will forward to the party
appointed by client any proxy materials it receives with respect to the account.
In order to avoid voting proxies in circumstances where INVESCO, or any of its
affiliates have or may have any conflict of interest, real or perceived, INVESCO
has engaged ISS to provide the proxy analyses, vote recommendations and voting
of proxies.
In the event that (i) ISS recuses itself on a proxy voting matter and makes no
recommendation or (ii) INVESCO decides to override the ISS vote recommendation,
the Proxy Voting Committee (PVC) of the International Structured Products Group
and the Compliance Officer will review the issue and direct ISS how to vote the
proxies as described below.
ISS RECUSAL
When ISS makes no recommendation on a proxy voting issue or is recused due to a
conflict of interest, the Proxy Voting Committee (PVC) of the International
Structured Products Group and the Compliance Officer will review the issue and,
if INVESCO does not have a conflict of interest, direct ISS how to vote the
proxies. In such cases where INVESCO has a conflict of interest, INVESCO, in its
sole discretion, shall either (a) vote the proxies pursuant to ISS's general
proxy voting guidelines, (b) engage an independent third party to provide a vote
recommendation, or (c) contact its client(s) for direction as to how to vote the
proxies.
OVERRIDE OF ISS RECOMMENDATION
There may be occasions where the INVESCO investment personnel or senior officers
seek to override ISS's recommendations if they believe that ISS's
recommendations are not in accordance with the best economic interests of
clients. In the event that an individual listed above in this section disagrees
with an ISS recommendation on a particular voting issue, the individual shall
document in writing the reasons that he/she believes that the ISS recommendation
is not in accordance with clients' best economic interests and submit such
written documentation to the Proxy Voting Committee (PVC) of the International
Structured Products Group. Upon review of the documentation and consultation
with the individual and others as the PVC deems appropriate, the PVC together
with the Compliance Officer may make a determination to override the ISS voting
recommendation if they determine that it is in the best economic interests of
clients.
PROXY VOTING RECORDS
Clients may obtain information about how INVESCO voted proxies on their behalf
by contacting their client services representative. Alternatively, clients may
make a written request for proxy voting information.
E-11
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND IMPROPER INFLUENCE
In order to avoid voting proxies in circumstances where INVESCO or any of its
affiliates have or may have any conflict of interest, real or perceived, INVESCO
has contracted with ISS to provide proxy analyses, vote recommendations and
voting of proxies. Unless noted otherwise by ISS, each vote recommendation
provided by ISS to INVESCO includes a representation from ISS that ISS faces no
conflict of interest with respect to the vote. In instances where ISS has
recused itself and makes no recommendation on a particular matter or if an
override submission is requested, the Proxy Voting Committee (PVC) of the
International Structured Products Group together with the Compliance Officer
shall determine how the proxy is to be voted and instruct accordingly in which
case the conflict of interest provisions discussed below shall apply.
In effecting the policy of voting proxies in the best economic interests of
clients, there may be occasions where the voting of such proxies may present a
real or perceived conflict of interest between INVESCO, as the investment
manager, and clients.
For each director, officer and employee of INVESCO ("INVESCO person"), the
interests of INVESCO's clients must come first, ahead of the interest of INVESCO
and any person within the INVESCO organization, which includes INVESCO's
affiliates.
Accordingly, each INVESCO person must not put "personal benefit," whether
tangible or intangible, before the interests of clients of INVESCO or otherwise
take advantage of the relationship to INVESCO's clients. "Personal benefit"
includes any intended benefit for oneself or any other individual, company,
group or organization of any kind whatsoever, except a benefit for a client of
INVESCO, as appropriate. It is imperative that each of INVESCO's directors,
officers and employees avoid any situation that might compromise, or call into
question, the exercise of fully independent judgment in the interests of
INVESCO's clients.
Occasions may arise where a person or organization involved in the proxy voting
process may have a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest may also exist
if INVESCO has a business relationship with (or is actively soliciting business
from) either the company soliciting the proxy or a third party that has a
material interest in the outcome of a proxy vote or that is actively lobbying
for a particular outcome of a proxy vote. An INVESCO person shall not be
considered to have a conflict of interest if the INVESCO person did not know of
the conflict of interest and did not attempt to influence the outcome of a proxy
vote. Any individual with actual knowledge of a conflict of interest relating to
a particular referral item shall disclose that conflict to the Compliance
Officer.
The following are examples of situations where a conflict may exist:
- Business Relationships - where INVESCO manages money for a company or
an employee group, manages pension assets or is actively soliciting
any such business, or leases office space from a company;
- Personal Relationships - where a INVESCO person has a personal
relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in
proxy contests, corporate directors, or candidates for directorships;
and
- Familial Relationships - where an INVESCO person has a known familial
relationship relating to a company (e.g. a spouse or other relative
who serves as a director of a public company or is employed by the
company).
In the event that INVESCO (or an affiliate) manages assets for a company, its
pension plan, or related entity and where clients' funds are invested in that
company's shares, it will not take into
E-12
consideration this relationship and will vote proxies in that company solely in
the best economic interest of its clients.
It is the responsibility of the INVESCO person to report any real or potential
conflict of interest of which such individual has actual knowledge to the
Compliance Officer, who shall present any such information to the Head of
Continental Europe Compliance. However, once a particular conflict has been
reported to the Compliance Officer, this requirement shall be deemed satisfied
with respect to all individuals with knowledge of such conflict.
In addition, any INVESCO person who submits an ISS override recommendation to
the Proxy Voting Committee (PVC) of the International Structured Products Group
shall certify as to their compliance with this policy concurrently with the
submission of their override recommendation. A form of such certification is
attached as Appendix A hereto.
In addition, the Proxy Voting Committee (PVC) of the International Structured
Products Group must notify INVESCO's Compliance Officer with impunity and
without fear of retribution or retaliation, of any direct, indirect or perceived
improper influence made by anyone within INVESCO or by an affiliated company's
representatives with regard to how INVESCO should vote proxies. The Compliance
Officer will investigate the allegations and will report his or her findings to
the INVESCO Risk Management Committee and to the Head of Continental Europe
Compliance. In the event that it is determined that improper influence was made,
the Risk Management Committee will determine the appropriate action to take
which may include, but is not limited to, (1) notifying the affiliated company's
Chief Executive Officer, its Management Committee or Board of Directors, (2)
taking remedial action, if necessary, to correct the result of any improper
influence where clients have been harmed, or (3) notifying the appropriate
regulatory agencies of the improper influence and to fully cooperate with these
regulatory agencies as required. In all cases, the Proxy Voting Committee (PVC)
of the International Structured Products Group together with the Compliance
Officer shall not take into consideration the improper influence in determining
how to vote proxies and will vote proxies solely in the best economic interest
of clients.
ISS PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
A copy of the most recent ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines Summary can be found on
ISS's website at www.issproxy.com. From this website, click on ISS Governance
Services tab, next click on "Policy Gateway", next click on "2008 Policy
Information", and then click on "Download 2008 U.S. Proxy Voting Guidelines
Summary."
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APPENDIX A
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION
I acknowledge that I have read the INVESCO Proxy Voting Policy (a copy of
which has been supplied to me, which I will retain for future reference) and
agree to comply in all respects with the terms and provisions thereof. I have
disclosed or reported all real or potential conflicts of interest to the INVESCO
Compliance Officer and will continue to do so as matters arise. I have complied
with all provisions of this Policy.
----------------------------------------
Print Name
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Date Signature
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PROXY POLICY APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING:
INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED
(UPDATED FEBRUARY 2008)
INVESCO PERPETUAL
POLICY ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
1. INTRODUCTION
Invesco Perpetual (IP), the trading name of Invesco Asset Management
Limited, has adopted a clear and considered policy towards its
responsibility as a shareholder. As part of this policy, IP will take steps
to satisfy itself about the extent to which the companies in which it
invests comply with local recommendations and practices, such as the UK
Combined Code issued by the Committee on Corporate Governance and/or the
U.S. Department of Labor Interpretive Bulletins.
2. RESPONSIBLE VOTING
IP has a responsibility to optimise returns to its clients. As a core part
of the investment process, Fund Managers will endeavour to establish a
dialogue with management to promote company decision making that is in the
best interests of shareholders, and is in accordance with good Corporate
Governance principles.
IP considers that shareholder activism is fundamental to good Corporate
Governance. Whilst this does not entail intervening in daily management
decisions, it does involve supporting general standards for corporate
activity and, where necessary, taking the initiative to ensure those
standards are met.
One important means of putting shareholder responsibility into practice is
via the exercising of voting rights. In deciding whether to vote shares, IP
will take into account such factors as the likely impact of voting on
management activity, and where expressed, the preference of clients. As a
result of these two factors, IP will tend to vote on all UK and European
shares, but to vote on a more selective basis on other shares. (See
Appendix I - Voting on non-UK/European shares)
IP considers that the voting rights attached to its clients' investments
should be actively managed with the same duty of care as that applied to
all other aspects of asset administration. As such, voting rights will be
exercised on an informed and independent basis, and will not simply be
passed back to the company concerned for discretionary voting by the
Chairman. In doing this, IP will have in mind three objectives:
i) To protect the rights of its clients
ii) To minimise the risk of financial or business impropriety within the
companies in which its clients are invested, and
iii) To protect the long-term value of its clients' investments.
It is important to note that, when exercising voting rights, a third option
of abstention can also be used as a means of expressing dissatisfaction, or
lack of support, to a Board on a particular issue. Additionally, in the
event of a conflict of interest arising between IP and its clients over a
specific issue, IP will either abstain or seek instruction from each
client.
IP will exercise actively the voting rights represented by the shares it
manages on behalf of its investors.
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Note: Share Blocking
Generally, IP will not vote where this results in shares being blocked from
trading for a period of more than a few hours. IP considers that it is not in
the interest of clients that their shares are blocked at a potentially sensitive
time, such as that around a shareholder meeting.
3. VOTING PROCEDURES
IP will endeavour to keep under regular review with trustees, depositaries
and custodians the practical arrangements for circulating company
resolutions and notices of meetings and for exercising votes in accordance
with standing or special instructions.
IP will endeavour to review regularly any standing or special instructions
on voting and where possible, discuss with company representatives any
significant issues.
IP will take into account the implications of stock lending arrangements
where this is relevant (that is, when stock is lent to the extent permitted
by local regulations, the voting rights attaching to that stock pass to the
borrower). If a stock is on loan and therefore cannot be voted, it will not
necessarily be recalled in instances where we would vote with management.
Individual IP Fund Managers enter securities lending arrangements at their
own discretion and where they believe it is for the potential benefit of
their investors.
4. DIALOGUE WITH COMPANIES
IP will endeavour, where practicable in accordance with its investment
processes, to enter into a dialogue with companies based on the mutual
understanding of objectives. This dialogue is likely to include regular
meetings with company representatives to explore any concerns about
corporate governance where these may impact on the best interests of
clients. In discussion with Company Boards and senior non-Executive
Directors, IP will endeavour to cover any matters with particular relevance
to shareholder value.
Specifically when considering resolutions put to shareholders, IP will pay
attention to the companies' compliance with the relevant local
requirements. In addition, when analysing the company's prospects for
future profitability and hence returns to shareholders, IP will take many
variables into account, including but not limited to, the following:
- Nomination and audit committees
- Remuneration committee and directors' remuneration
- Board balance and structure
- Financial reporting principles
- Internal control system and annual review of its effectiveness
- Dividend and Capital Management policies
5. NON-ROUTINE RESOLUTIONS AND OTHER TOPICS
These will be considered on a case-by-case basis and where proposals are
put to the vote will require proper explanation and justification by (in
most instances) the Board. Examples of such would be all SRI issues (i.e.
those with social, environmental or ethical connotations), political
donations, and any proposal raised by a shareholder or body of shareholders
(typically a pressure group).
Apart from the three fundamental voting objectives set out under
`Responsible Voting' above, considerations that IP might apply to
non-routine proposals will include:
i) The degree to which the company's stated position on the issue could
affect its reputation and/or sales, or leave it vulnerable to boycott or
selective purchasing
E-16
ii) What other companies have done in response to the issue
iii) Whether implementation would achieve the objectives sought in the
proposal
iv) Whether the matter is best left to the Board's discretion.
6. EVALUATION OF COMPANIES' CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS
IP will, when evaluating companies' governance arrangements, particularly
those relating to board structure and composition, give due weight to all
relevant factors drawn to their attention.
7. DISCLOSURE
On request from clients, IP will in good faith provide records of voting
instructions given to third parties such as trustees, depositaries and
custodians provided that
(i) in IP's discretion, to do so does not conflict with the best interests
of other clients and
(ii) it is understood that IP will not be held accountable for the
expression of views within such voting instructions and
(iii) IP are not giving any assurance nor undertaking any obligation to
ensure that such instructions resulted in any votes actually being
cast. Records of voting instructions within the immediate preceding 3
months will not normally be provided.
Note: The record of votes will reflect the voting instruction of the relevant
Fund Manager. This may not be the same as votes actually cast as IP is
entirely reliant on third parties complying promptly with such instructions
to ensure that such votes are cast correctly. Accordingly, the provision of
information relating to an instruction does not mean that a vote was
actually cast, just that an instruction was given in accordance with a
particular view taken.
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APPENDIX I
VOTING ON NON-UK/EUROPEAN SHARES
When deciding whether to exercise the voting rights attached to its
clients' non-UK/European shares, IP will take into consideration a number
of factors. These will include:
- the likely impact of voting on management activity, versus the cost to
the client
- the portfolio management restrictions (e.g. share blocking) that may
result from voting
- the preferences, where expressed, of clients
Generally, IP will vote on non-UK/European shares by exception only, except
where the client or local regulator expressly requires voting on all shares.
SHARE BLOCKING
Generally, IP will not vote where this results in shares being blocked from
trading for a period of more than a few hours. IP considers that it is not in
the interest of clients that their shares are blocked at a potentially sensitive
time, such as that around a shareholder meeting.
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PROXY POLICY APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING:
Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited
(Quick Translation)
INTERNAL RULES ON PROXY VOTING EXECUTION
(PURPOSE)
ARTICLE 1
INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited (referred to as "INVESCO" thereafter)]
assumes a fiduciary responsibility to vote proxies in the best interest of its
trustors and beneficiaries. In addition, INVESCO acknowledges its responsibility
as a fiduciary to vote proxies prudently and solely for the purpose of
maximizing the economic values of trustors (investors) and beneficiaries. So
that it may fulfill these fiduciary responsibilities to trustors (investors) and
beneficiaries , INVESCO has adopted and implemented these internal rules
reasonably designed to ensure that the business operations of the company to
invest are appropriately conducted in the best interest of shareholders and are
always monitored by the shareholders.
(PROXY VOTING POLICY)
ARTICLE 2
INVESCO exercises the voting right in the best interest of its trustors and
beneficiaries not in the interests of the third parties. The interests of
trustors and beneficiaries are defined as the increase of the value of the
enterprise or the expansion of the economic value of the shareholders or to
protect these values from the impairment.
(VOTING EXERCISE STRUCTURE)
ARTICLE 3
Please refer to the Article 2 of Proxy Voting basic Policy as per attached.
(PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES)
ARTICLE 4
Please refer to Proxy Voting Guidelines (Attachment 2).
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(PROXY VOTING PROCESS)
ARTICLE 5
1. DOMESTIC EQUITIES
(1) Notification on the shareholder meeting will be delivered to
Operations from trustee banks which will be in turn forwarded to the
person in charge of equities investment. The instruction shall be
handled by Operations.
(2) The person in charge of equities investment scrutinizes the subjects
according to the "Screening Standard" and forward them to the proxy
voting committee ("Committee").
(3) In case of asking for the outside counsel, to forward our proxy voting
guidelines("Guidelines") to them beforehand and obtain their advice
(4) In either case of b. or c., the person in charge shall make proposal
to the committee to ask for their "For", "Against", "Abstention", etc.
(5) The committee scrutinizes the respective subjects and
approves/disapproves with the quorum of two thirds according to the
Guidelines.
(6) In case where as to the subject which the Committee judges as
inappropriate according to the Guidelines and/or the subject which
cannot obtain the quorum, the Committee will be held again to discuss
the subject.
2. FOREIGN EQUITIES
(1) As to the voting exercise of the foreign equities, we shall consider
the manners and customs of the foreign countries as well as the costs.
(2) As to the voting process, the above process of the domestic equities
shall be accordingly adjusted and applied.
(DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION)
ARTICLE 6
In case of the request from the customers, we can disclose the content.
(VOTING RECORD)
ARTICLE 7
- The Committee preserves the record of Attachment 1 for one year.
- The administration office is the Investment Division which shall preserve
all the related documents of this voting process.
- Operations which handle the instruction shall preserve the instruction
documents for 10 years after the termination of the ITM funds or the
termination of the investment advisory contracts.
Article 8 and addendum are omitted.
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Proxy Voting Basic Policy
1. Basic Thought on Proxy Voting
- INVESCO makes efforts to maximize the entrusted assets in terms of
fiduciary duties in investing the funds entrusted by the trustors
(investors) and the beneficiaries.
- For the purpose of maximizing the invested assets and the value of the
equities, INVESCO always monitors the invested companies to operate
appropriately as a shareholder in the best interests of the
shareholders.
- From the above point of view, INVESCO has adopted and implemented this
Proxy Voting Basic Policy and Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure to
fulfill the proxy voting rights properly.
- In exercising the proxy voting rights, INVESCO fulfills the voting
rights in the benefits of the trustors (investors) and the
beneficiaries not in the benefits of the third parties.
2. Voting Process and Structure
- INVESCO establishes the Proxy Voting Committee (referred to as
"Committee" thereafter) which executes the proxy voting rights.
- The Committee is composed of the chairman who is designated by
Japanese Management Committee (referred to as "J-Mac" thereafter) and
the members appointed by the chairman. Persons in charge of Investment
Division and Legal & Compliance Division shall be mandatory members.
- The Committee has been delegated the judgment power to execute the
voting right from the J-Mac.
- The Committee has worked out the subjects according to the
pre-determined "Screening Standard" in terms of benefits of the
shareholders and executes the voting rights based on the "Proxy Voting
Guidelines".
- The Committee is occasionally taken the advice from the outside
parties according to the "Proxy Voting Guidelines".
The Committee is held on a monthly basis and the result of the voting
execution is to be reported to J-Mac on a monthly basis at least.
3. Screening Standard
For the purpose of efficient voting execution, INVESCO implements the
following screening criteria. The companies fallen under this screening
criteria shall be scrutinized according to "Voting Guidelines".
(1) Quantitative Standard
1) Low profit margin of operational income and recurrent income for
certain periods
2) Negative Net Assets/Insolvency
3) Extremely High Dividend Ratios or Low Dividend Ratios
(2) Qualitative Standard
1) In breach of the substantial laws or anti-social activities for
the past one year
2) Impairment of the interests of the shareholders for the past one
year
(3) Others
1) External Auditor's Audit Report with the limited auditor's
opinion
2) Shareholders' proposals
4. Proxy Voting Guidelines
(1) General Subjects
1) Any violation of laws and anti-social activities ?
2) Inappropriate disclosure which impairs the interests of
shareholders ?
3) Enough Business Improvement Efforts ?
(2) Subjects on Financial Statements
Any reasonable reasons for Interest Appropriation/Loss Disposal ?
(3) Amendments to Articles of Incorporations, etc
Any possibility of the limitation to the shareholder's rights ?
(4) Directors/Statutory Auditors
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Appointment of the unqualified person, or inappropriate amount of
payment/gifts to the unqualified person ?
(5) Capital Policy/Business Policy
Unreasonable policy in terms of maximization of the shareholders'
interests ?
(6) Others
1) Shareholder's Proposals
Contribution to the increase of the shareholders' economic interests ?
2) Appointment of Auditor
Any problem of independency ?
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Voting Screening Criteria & Decision Making Documents (Attachment 1)
Company Name [_] Year Month
---------------- ---- -----
Screening Criteria [_] Quantitative Criteria [_] consolidated or [_] single [_]
[_]
Yes No
--- ---
Consecutive unprofitable settlements for the past 3 years
Consecutive Non dividend payments for the past 3 years
Operational loss for the most recent fiscal year
Negative net assets for the most recent fiscal year
Less than 10% or more than 100% of the dividend ratios for the most
recent fiscal year
Screening Criteria/Qualitative Criteria
Yes No
--- ---
Substantial breach of the laws/anti-social activities for the past
one year
If Yes, describe the content of the breach of the
law/anti-social activities [_]
Others, especially, any impairment of the value of the shareholders
for the past one year
If Yes, describe the content of the impairment of the value of
shareholders:
Others
Yes No
--- --
External Auditor's report with the limited auditor's opinion
Shareholder's proposal
Person in charge of equities investment Initial Signature
- If all Nos (ARROW) No objection to the agenda of the shareholders' meeting
- If one or more Yes (ARROW)(Person in charge of equities investment shall
fill
Out the blanks below and forward to the Committee)
Proposal on Voting Execution
Reason for judgment
Chairman For Against Initial Signature
Member For Against Initial Signature
Member For Against Initial Signature
Member For Against Initial Signature
Member For Against Initial Signature
Member For Against Initial Signature
(Attachment 2)
Proxy Voting Guidelines
1. PURPORT OF GUIDELINES
Pursuant to Article 2 of Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure, INVESCO has adopted
and
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implemented the following guidelines and hereby scrutinizes and decides the
subjects one by one in light of the guidelines.
2. GUIDELINES
(1) General Subjects
1) Any violation of laws and anti-social activities ?
- To scrutinize and judge respectively the substantial impact
over the company's business operations by the above subjects
or the impairment of the shareholders' economic value.
2) Inappropriate disclosure which impairs the interests of
shareholders ?
- To scrutinize and judge respectively the potential
impairment of the shareholder's economic value.
3) Enough Business Improvement Efforts ?
- Although the continuous extremely unprofitable and the
extremely bad performance, the management is in short of
business improvement efforts. To scrutinize and judge
respectively the cases.
(2) Subjects on Financial Statements
1) Interest Appropriation Plan
(1) Interest Appropriation Plan (Dividends)
- To basically approve unless the extremely overpayment
or minimum payment of the dividends
(2) Interest Appropriation Plan (Bonus payment to corporate
officers)
- To basically agree but in case where the extremely
unprofitable, for example, the consecutive unprofitable
and no dividend payments or it is apparent of the
impairment of the shareholder's value, to request to
decrease the amount or no bonus payment.
(3) To basically disagree to the interest appropriation plan if
no dividend payments but to pay the bonus to the corporate
officers without prior assessment.
2) Loss Disposal Plan
To scrutinize and judge respectively
(3) Amendments to Articles of Incorporation, etc.
1. Company Name Change/Address Change, etc.
2. Change of Purpose/Method of Public Announcement
3. Change of Business Operations, etc.
4. Change of Stipulations on Shareholders/Shareholders Meeting
5. Change of Stipulations on Directors/Board of Directors/Statutory
Auditors
- To basically approve however, in case of the
possibility of the limitation to the shareholders'
rights, to judge respectively
(4) Subjects on Corporate Organization
1) Composition of Board of Directors Meeting, etc
- To basically approve the introduction of "Committee
Installation Company "or "Substantial Asset Control
Institution"
- To basically approve the introduction of the corporate
officer institution. Provided, however, that in case where
all directors are concurrent with those committee members
and the institutions, to basically disagree. In case of the
above introduction, to basically disapprove to the decrease
of the board members or adjustment of the remuneration.
2) Appointment of Directors
- To basically disagree in case where the increase of the
board members which is deemed to be overstaffed and no
explanatory comments on the increase. In case of 21 or more
board members, to respectively judge.
- To basically disagree the re-appointment of the existing
directors in case where the consecutive unprofitable
settlements for the past 3 years and the consecutive 3 year
no dividend payments, or the consecutive decrease in the net
profits for the past 5 years.
- To basically disagree the re-appointment of the existing
directors in case where the scandal of the breach of the
laws and the anti-social activities occurred and caused the
substantial impact over the business operations during
his/her assignment.
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3) Appointment of Outside Directors
- To basically agree after the confirmation of its
independency based on the information obtained from the
possible data sources.
- To basically disagree the decrease in number.
- To basically disagree the job concurrence of the
competitors' CEO, COO,CFO or concurrence of the outside
directors of 4 or more companies.
- To basically disagree in case of no-independence of the
company
- To basically disagree the extension of the board of
directors' term.
4) Appointment of Statutory Auditors
- To basically disagree the appointment of the candidate who
is appointed as a director and a statutory auditor by turns.
- To basically disagree the re-appointment of the existing
directors in case where the scandal of the breach of the
laws and the anti-social activities occurred and caused the
substantial impact over the business operations during
his/her assignment.
5) Appointment of Outside Statutory Auditors
- To basically disagree in case where the outside statutory
auditor is not actually the outside auditor (the officer or
employee of the parent company, etc.)
- To basically disagree in case where the reason of the
decrease in the number is not clearly described.
- To basically agree in case where the introduction of the
"Statutory Auditor Appointment Committee" which includes
plural outside statutory auditors.
(5) Officer Remuneration/officer Retirement Allowances
1) Officer Remuneration
- To basically disagree the amendment of the officer
remuneration (unless the decrease in amount or no payment)
in case where the consecutive unprofitable settlements for
the past 3 years and the consecutive 3 year no dividend
payments, or the consecutive decrease in the net profits for
the past 5 years.
- To basically disagree and scrutinize respectively in case
where no sufficient explanation of the substantial increase
(10% or more per head), or no decrease of the remuneration
amount if the number of the officers decrease.
2) Officer Retirement Allowance
- To basically approve
- To basically disapprove in case where the payment of the
allowance to the outside statutory auditors and the outside
directors.
- To basically disapprove in case where the officer resigned
or retired during his/her assignment due to the scandal of
the breach of the laws and the anti-social activities.
- To basically disagree in case where the consecutive
unprofitable settlements for the past 3 years and the
consecutive 3 year no dividend payments, or the consecutive
decrease in the net profits for the past 5 years.
(2) Capital Policy/Business Policy
1) Acquisition of Own shares
- To basically approve
- To basically approve the disposition of the own sharers if
the disposition ratio of less than 10% of the total issued
shares and the shareholders' equities. In case of 10% or
more, to respectively scrutinize.
2) Capital Reduction
- To basically disagree in case where the future growth of the
business might be substantially decreased.
3) Increase of the authorized capital
To basically disagree in case of the substantial increase of the
authorized capital taking into consideration the dilution of the
voting right (10% or more) and incentive.
4) Granting of the stock options to Directors, Statutory Auditors
and Employees
- To basically approve
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- To basically disagree in case where the substantial dilution
of the value of the stocks (the potential dilution ration is
to increase 5% of the total issued stock number) will occur
and accordingly decrease of the shareholders' interests.
- To basically disagree in case where the exercise price is
deviated by 10% or more from the market value as of the
fiscal year-end
- To basically disagree the decrease of the exercise price
(re-pricing)
- To basically disagree in case where the exercise
term remains less than 1 year.
- To basically disagree in case the scope of the
option granted objectives (transaction
countereparties) is not so closely connected
with the better performance.
5) Mergers and Acquisitions
- To basically disagree in case where the terms and conditions
are not advantageous and there is no assessment base by the
thirdparty.
- To basically disagree in case where the content of the
mergers and acquisitions can not be deemed to be reasonable
in comparison with the business strategy.
6) Business Transfer/Acceptance
To basically disagree in case where the content of the mergers
and acquisitions can not be deemed to be reasonable and extremely
unprofitable in comparison with the business strategy.
7) Capital Increase by the allocation to the thirdparties
- To basically analyze on a case by case basis
- Provided, however, that to basically approve in case where
the companies under the financial difficulties executes as
the restructuring of the business.
(7) Others
1) Appointment of Accountant
- To basically approve
- To basically disapprove on suspicion of its independency.
- To scrutinize the subjects in case where the decline of the
re-appointment due to the conflict of the audit policy.
2) Shareholders' proposal
To basically analyze on a case by case basis
The basic judgment criterion is the contribution to the increase of
the shareholders' value. However, to basically disapprove in case where to
maneuver as a method to resolve the specific social and political problems.
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Proxy policy applies to the following:
INVESCO AUSTRALIA LIMITED
PROXY VOTING POLICY
1. Purpose of this Policy
INVESCO recognises its fiduciary obligation to act in the best interests of
all clients, be they superannuation trustees, institutional clients,
unit-holders in managed investment schemes or personal investors. One way
INVESCO represents its clients in matters of corporate governance is
through the proxy voting process.
This document sets out INVESCO's policy in relation to proxy voting. It has
been approved by the INVESCO Australia Limited Board.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all INVESCO portfolios with the following
exceptions:
- "index" or "index like" funds where, due to the nature of the funds,
INVESCO will generally abstain from voting;
- private client or discrete wholesale mandates, where the voting policy
has been agreed within the mandate;
- where investment management of an international fund has been
delegated to an overseas AMVESCAP or INVESCO company, proxy voting
will rest with that delegated manager.
3. Policy
In accordance with industry practices and the IFSA standard on proxy
voting, our policy is as follows:
- INVESCO's overriding principle is that votes will be cast in the best
economic interests of investors.
- INVESCO's intention is to vote on all Australian Company shareholder
resolutions however it recognises that in some circumstances it would
be inappropriate to vote, or its vote may be immaterial. INVESCO will
generally abstain from voting on "routine" company resolutions (eg
approval of financial accounts or housekeeping amendments to Articles
of Association or Constitution) unless its clients' portfolios in
aggregate represent a significant proportion of the shareholdings of
the company in question (a significant proportion in this context
means 5% or more of the market capitalisation of the company).
- INVESCO will always vote on the following issues arising in company
Annual General Meetings where it has the authority to do so on behalf
of clients.
- contentious issues (eg. issues of perceived national interest, or
where there has been extensive press coverage or public comment);
- employee and executive share and option schemes;
- approval of changes of substantial shareholdings;
- mergers or schemes of arrangement; and
- approval of major asset sales or purchases.
- Management agreements or mandates for individually-managed clients
will provide direction as to who has responsibility for voting.
- In the case of existing management agreements which do not contain a
provision concerning voting authority or are ambiguous on the subject,
INVESCO will not vote until clear instructions have been received from
the client.
- In the case of clients who wish to place special conditions on the
delegation of proxy voting powers, INVESCO will endeavour to
accommodate those clients' requirements as far as
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practicable, subject to any administrative obstacles or additional
costs that might arise in implementing the conditions.
- In considering proxy voting issues arising in respect of unit-holders
in managed investment schemes, INVESCO will act solely in accordance
with its fiduciary responsibility to take account of the collective
interests of unit-holders in the scheme as a whole. INVESCO cannot
accept instructions from individual unit-holders as to the exercise of
proxy voting authority in a particular instance.
- In order to facilitate its proxy voting process, INVESCO may retain a
professional proxy voting service to assist with in-depth proxy
research, vote execution, and the necessary record keeping.
4. Reporting and Disclosure
A written record will be kept of the voting decision in each case, and of
the reasons for each decision (including abstentions).
INVESCO will disclose on an annual basis, a summary of its proxy voting
statistics on its website as required by IFSA standard No. 13 - Proxy
Voting.
5. Conflicts of Interest
All INVESCO employees are under an obligation to be aware of the potential
for conflicts of interest with respect to voting proxies on behalf of
clients.
INVESCO acknowledges that conflicts of interest do arise and where a
conflict of interest is considered material, INVESCO will not vote until a
resolution has been agreed upon and implemented.
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PROXY POLICY APPLIES
TO THE FOLLOWING:
INVESCO HONG KONG LIMITED
INVESCO HONG KONG LIMITED
PROXY VOTING POLICY
8 APRIL 2004
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 2
1. Guiding Principles 3
2. Proxy Voting Authority 4
3. Key Proxy Voting Issues 7
4. Internal Admistration and Decision-Making Process 10
5. Client Reporting 12
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INTRODUCTION
This policy sets out Invesco's approach to proxy voting in the context of
our broader portfolio management and client service responsibilities. It
applies to Asia related equity portfolios managed by Invesco on behalf of
individually-managed clients and pooled fund clients
Invesco's proxy voting policy is expected to evolve over time to cater for
changing circumstances or unforeseen events.
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1. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1.1 Invesco recognises its fiduciary obligation to act in the best
interests of all clients, be they retirement scheme trustees,
institutional clients, unitholders in pooled investment vehicles or
personal investors. The application of due care and skill in
exercising shareholder responsibilities is a key aspect of this
fiduciary obligation.
1.2 The sole objective of Invesco's proxy voting policy is to promote the
economic interests of its clients. At no time will Invesco use the
shareholding powers exercised in respect of its clients' investments
to advance its own commercial interests, to pursue a social or
political cause that is unrelated to clients' economic interests, or
to favour a particular client or other relationship to the detriment
of others.
1.3 Invesco also recognises the broader chain of accountability that
exists in the proper governance of corporations, and the extent and
limitations of the shareholder's role in that process. In particular,
it is recognised that company management should ordinarily be presumed
to be best placed to conduct the commercial affairs of the enterprise
concerned, with prime accountability to the enterprise's Board of
Directors which is in turn accountable to shareholders and to external
regulators and exchanges. The involvement of Invesco as an
institutional shareholder will not extend to interference in the
proper exercise of Board or management responsibilities, or impede the
ability of companies to take the calculated commercial risks which are
essential means of adding value for shareholders.
1.4 The primary aim of the policy is to encourage a culture of performance
among investee companies, rather than one of mere conformance with a
prescriptive set of rules and constraints. Rigid adherence to a
checklist approach to corporate governance issues is of itself
unlikely to promote the maximum economic performance of companies, or
to cater for circumstances in which non-compliance with a checklist is
appropriate or unavoidable.
1.5 Invesco considers that proxy voting rights are an asset which should
be managed with the same care as any other asset managed on behalf of
its clients.
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2. PROXY VOTING AUTHORITY
2.1 An important dimension of Invesco's approach to corporate governance
is the exercise of proxy voting authority at the Annual General
Meetings or other decision-making forums of companies in which we
manage investments on behalf of clients.
2.2 An initial issue to consider in framing a proxy voting policy is the
question of where discretion to exercise voting power should rest -
with Invesco as the investment manager, or with each individual
client? Under the first alternative, Invesco's role would be both to
make voting decisions on clients' behalf and to implement those
decisions. Under the second alternative, Invesco would either have no
role to play, or its role would be limited solely to implementing
voting decisions under instructions from our clients.
2.3 In addressing this issue, it is necessary to distinguish the different
legal structures and fiduciary relationships which exist as between
individually-managed clients, who hold investments directly on their
own accounts, and pooled fund clients, whose investments are held
indirectly under a trust structure.
2.4 INDIVIDUALLY-MANAGED CLIENTS
2.4.1 As a matter of general policy, Invesco believes that unless a
client's mandate gives specific instructions to the contrary,
discretion to exercise votes should normally rest with the investment
manager, provided that the discretion is always exercised in the
client's interests alone.
2.4.2 The reason for this position is that Invesco believes that, with its
dedicated research resources and ongoing monitoring of companies, an
investment manager is usually better placed to identify issues upon
which a vote is necessary or desirable. We believe it is also more
practical that voting discretion rests with the party that has the
authority to buy and sell shares, which is essentially what investment
managers have been engaged to do on behalf of their clients.
2.4.3 In cases where voting authority is delegated by an
individually-managed client, Invesco recognises its responsibility to
be accountable for the decisions it makes. If a client requires, an
appropriate reporting mechanism will be put in place.
2.4.4 While it is envisaged that the above arrangements will be acceptable
in the majority of cases, it is recognised that some
individually-managed clients will wish to retain voting authority for
themselves, or to place conditions on the circumstances in which it
can be exercised by investment managers. In practice, it is believed
that this option is generally only likely to arise with relatively
large clients such as trustees of major superannuation funds or
statutory corporations which have the resources to develop their own
policies and to supervise their implementation by investment managers
and custodians. In particular, clients who have multiple equity
managers and utilise a master custody arrangement may be more likely
to consider retaining voting authority in order to ensure consistency
of approach across their total portfolio.
2.4.5 In any event, whatever decision is taken as to where voting authority
should lie, Invesco believes that the matter should be explicitly
covered by the terms of the investment management agreement and
clearly understood by the respective parties.
2.4.6 Accordingly, Invesco will pursue the following policies with respect
to the exercise of proxy voting authority for individually-managed
clients:
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PROXY VOTING AUTHORITY
Individually-Managed Clients
Unless an individually-managed client wishes to retain proxy voting
authority, Invesco will assume proxy voting authority by way of
delegation from the client, provided that the allocation of proxy
voting responsibility is clearly set out in the investment management
agreement.
In the case of clients who wish to place special conditions on the
delegation of proxy voting powers, Invesco will endeavour to
accommodate those clients' requirements as far as practicable, subject
to any administrative obstacles or additional costs that might arise
in implementing the conditions.
2.5 POOLED FUND CLIENTS
2.5.1 The legal relationship between an investment manager and its pooled
fund clients is different in a number of important respects from that
applying to individually-managed clients. These differences have a
bearing on how proxy voting authority is exercised on behalf of pooled
fund clients.
2.5.2 These legal relationships essentially mean that the manager is
required to act solely in the collective interests of unitholders at
large rather than as a direct agent or delegate of each unitholder. On
the issue of proxy voting, as with all other aspects of our client
relationships, Invesco will naturally continue to be receptive to any
views and concerns raised by its pooled fund clients. However, the
legal relationship that exists means it is not possible for the
manager to accept instructions from a particular pooled fund client as
to how to exercise proxy voting authority in a particular instance.
2.5.3 As in the case of individually-managed clients who delegate their
proxy voting authority, Invesco's accountability to pooled fund
clients in exercising its fiduciary responsibilities is best addressed
as part of the manager's broader client relationship and reporting
responsibilities.
2.5.4 Accordingly, Invesco will pursue the following policies with respect
to the exercise of proxy voting authority for pooled fund clients:
PROXY VOTING AUTHORITY
Pooled Fund Clients
In considering proxy voting issues arising in respect of pooled fund
shareholdings, Invesco will act solely in accordance with its
fiduciary responsibility to take account of the collective interests
of unitholders in the pooled fund as a whole.
Invesco cannot accept instructions from individual unitholders as to
the exercise of proxy voting authority in a particular instance.
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3. KEY PROXY VOTING ISSUES
3.1 This section outlines Invesco's intended approach in cases where proxy
voting authority is being exercised on clients' behalf.
3.2 Invesco will vote on all material issues at all company meetings where
it has the voting authority and responsibility to do so. We will not
announce our voting intentions and the reasons behind them.
3.3 Invesco applies two underlying principles. First, our interpretation
of 'material voting issues' is confined to those issues which affect
the value of shares we hold on behalf of clients and the rights of
shareholders to an equal voice in influencing the affairs of companies
in proportion to their shareholdings. We do not consider it
appropriate to use shareholder powers for reasons other than the
pursuit of these economic interests. Second, we believe that a
critical factor in the development of an optimal corporate governance
policy is the need to avoid unduly diverting resources from our
primary responsibilities to add value to our clients' portfolios
through investment performance and client service.
3.4 In order to expand upon these principles, Invesco believes it is
necessary to consider the role of proxy voting policy in the context
of broader portfolio management and administrative issues which apply
to our investment management business as a whole. These are discussed
as follows.
3.5 PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT ISSUES - ACTIVE EQUITY PORTFOLIOS
3.5.1 While recognising in general terms that issues concerning corporate
governance practices can have a significant bearing on the financial
performance of companies, the primary criterion for the selection and
retention of a particular stock in active equity portfolios remains
our judgment that the stock will deliver superior investment
performance for our clients, based on our investment themes and market
analysis.
3.5.2 In view of these dynamics, Invesco does not consider it feasible or
desirable to prescribe in advance comprehensive guidelines as to how
it will exercise proxy voting authority in all circumstances. The
primary aim of Invesco's approach to corporate governance is to
encourage a culture of performance among the companies in which we
manage investments in order to add value to our clients' portfolios,
rather than one of mere conformance with a prescriptive set of rules
and constraints.
3.5.3 Nevertheless, Invesco has identified a limited range of issues upon
which it will always exercise proxy voting authority - either to
register disapproval of management proposals or to demonstrate support
for company initiatives through positive use of voting powers. These
issues are outlined as follows:
KEY VOTING ISSUES
Major Corporate Proposals
Invesco will always vote on the following issues arising in company
General Meetings where it has the authority to do so on behalf of
clients.
- contentious issues (eg. issues of perceived national interest, or
where there has been extensive press coverage or public comment);
- approval of changes of substantial shareholdings;
- mergers or schemes of arrangement; and
- approval of major asset sales or purchases.
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As a general rule, Invesco will vote against any actions that will
reduce the rights or options of shareholders, reduce shareholder
influence over the board of directors and management, reduce the
alignment of interests between management and shareholders, or reduce
the value of shareholders' investments, unless balanced by reasonable
increase in net worth of the shareholding.
Where appropriate, Invesco will also use voting powers to influence
companies to adopt generally accepted best corporate governance
practices in areas such as board composition, disclosure policies and
the other areas of recommended corporate governance practice.
Invesco's approach to significant proxy voting issues which fall
outside these areas will be addressed on their merits.
3.6 ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
3.6.1 In addition to the portfolio management issues outlined above,
Invesco's proxy voting policy also takes account of administrative and
cost implications, together with the size of our holdings as compared
to the issue size, involved in the exercise of proxy voting authority
on our clients' behalf.
3.6.2 There are practical constraints to the implementation of proxy voting
decisions. Proxy voting is a highly seasonal activity, with most
company Annual General Meetings being collapsed into a few months,
with short deadlines for the distribution and return of notice papers,
multiple resolutions from multiple companies being considered
simultaneously, and under a legal system which is essentially
dependent upon paper-based communication and record-keeping.
3.6.3 In addition, for investment managers such as Invesco who do not
invest as principals and who consequently do not appear directly on
the share registers of companies, all of these communications are
channelled through external custodians, among whom there is in turn a
considerable variation in the nature and quality of systems to deal
with the flow of information.
3.6.4 While Invesco has the systems in place to efficiently implement proxy
voting decisions when required, it can be seen that administrative and
cost considerations by necessity play an important role in the
application of a responsible proxy voting policy. This is particularly
so bearing in mind the extremely limited time period within which
voting decisions must often be made and implemented (which can in
practice be as little as a few days). This factor also explains why
Invesco resists any suggestion that there should be compulsory proxy
voting on all issues, as in our view this would only increase the
costs to be borne by our clients with very little practical
improvement in corporate performance in most cases.
3.6.5 These administrative constraints are further highlighted by the fact
that many issues on which shareholders are in practice asked to vote
are routine matters relating to the ongoing administration of the
company - eg. approval of financial accounts or housekeeping
amendments to Articles of Association. Generally in such cases, we
will be in favour of the motion as most companies take seriously their
duties and are acting in the best interests of shareholders. However,
the actual casting of a "yes" vote on all such resolutions in our view
would entail an unreasonable administrative workload and cost.
3.6.6 Accordingly, Invesco believes that an important consideration in the
framing of a proxy voting policy is the need to avoid unduly diverting
resources from our primary responsibilities to add
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value to our clients' investments through portfolio management and
client service. The policies outlined below have been prepared on this
basis.
KEY PROXY VOTING ISSUES
Administrative Constraints
In view of the administrative constraints and costs involved in the
exercise of proxy voting powers, Invesco may (depending on
circumstances) not exercise its voting right unless its clients'
portfolios in aggregate represent a significant proportion of the
shareholdings of the company in question.
A significant proportion in this context means 5% or more of the
market capitalisation of the company.
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4. INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION & DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
4.1 The following diagram illustrates the procedures adopted by Invesco
for the administration of proxy voting:
(FLOW CHART)
4.2 As shown by the diagram, a central administrative role is performed by
our Settlement Team, located within the Client Administration section.
The initial role of the Settlement Team is to receive company notice
papers via the range of custodians who hold shares on behalf of our
clients, to ascertain which client portfolios hold the stock, and to
initiate the decision-making process by distributing the company
notice papers to the Primary Investment Manager responsible for the
company in question.
4.3 A voting decision on each company resolution (whether a yes or no
vote, or a recommended abstention) is made by the Primary Investment
Manager responsible for the company in question. Invesco believes that
this approach is preferable to the appointment of a committee with
responsibility for handling voting issues across all companies, as it
takes advantage of the expertise of individuals whose professional
lives are occupied by analysing particular companies and sectors, and
who are familiar with the issues facing particular companies through
their regular company visits.
4.4 Moreover, the Primary Equity Manager has overall responsibility for
the relevant market and this ensures that similar issues which arise
in different companies are handled in a consistent way across the
relevant market.
4.5 The voting decision is then documented and passed back to the
Settlement Team, who issue the voting instructions to each custodian
in advance of the closing date for receipt of proxies by the company.
At the same time, the Settlement Team logs all proxy voting activities
for record keeping or client reporting purposes.
4.6 A key task in administering the overall process is the capture and
dissemination of data from companies and custodians within a time
frame that makes exercising votes feasible in practice. This applies
particularly during the company Annual General Meeting "season", when
there are typically a large number of proxy voting issues under
consideration
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simultaneously. Invesco has no control over the former dependency and
Invesco's ability to influence a custodian's service levels are
limited in the case of individually-managed clients, where the
custodian is answerable to the client.
4.7 The following policy commitments are implicit in these administrative
and decision-making processes:
INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION AND DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
Invesco will consider all resolutions put forward in the Annual
General Meetings or other decision-making forums of all companies in
which investments are held on behalf of clients, where it has the
authority to exercise voting powers. This consideration will occur in
the context of our policy on Key Voting Issues outlined in Section 3.
The voting decision will be made by the Primary Investment Manager
responsible for the market in question.
A written record will be kept of the voting decision in each case, and
in case of an opposing vote, the reason/comment for the decision.
Voting instructions will be issued to custodians as far as practicable
in advance of the deadline for receipt of proxies by the company.
Invesco will monitor the efficiency with which custodians implement
voting instructions on clients' behalf.
Invesco's ability to exercise proxy voting authority is dependent on
timely receipt of notification from the relevant custodians.
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5. CLIENT REPORTING
5.1 Invesco will keep records of its proxy voting activities.
5.2 Upon client request, Invesco will regularly report back to the
client on proxy voting activities for investments owned by the
client.
5.2 The following points summarise Invesco's policy commitments on the
reporting of proxy voting activities to clients (other than in cases
where specific forms of client reporting are specified in the client's
mandate):
CLIENT REPORTING
Where proxy voting authority is being exercised on a client's behalf,
a statistical summary of voting activity will be provided on request
as part of the client's regular quarterly report.
Invesco will provide more detailed information on particular proxy
voting issues in response to requests from clients wherever possible.
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Proxy policy applies to the following:
INVESCO INSTITUTIONAL (N.A.), INC.
INVESCO GLOBAL ASSET MANAGEMENT (N.A.), INC.
INVESCO SENIOR SECURED MANAGEMENT, INC.
(INVESCO LOGO)
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
AND
PROCEDURES
April 1, 2006
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GENERAL POLICY
INVESCO Institutional (N.A.), Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and
INVESCO Global Asset Management (N.A.), Inc. (collectively, "INVESCO"), each has
responsibility for making investment decisions that are in the best interests of
its clients. As part of the investment management services it provides to
clients, INVESCO may be authorized by clients to vote proxies appurtenant to the
shares for which the clients are beneficial owners.
INVESCO believes that it has a duty to manage clients' assets in the best
economic interests of the clients and that the ability to vote proxies is a
client asset.
INVESCO reserves the right to amend its proxy policies and procedures from time
to time without prior notice to its clients.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
VOTING OF PROXIES
INVESCO will vote client proxies in accordance with the procedures set forth
below unless the client for non-ERISA clients retains in writing the right to
vote, the named fiduciary (e.g., the plan sponsor) for ERISA clients retains in
writing the right to direct the plan trustee or a third party to vote proxies or
INVESCO determines that any benefit the client might gain from voting a proxy
would be outweighed by the costs associated therewith.
BEST ECONOMIC INTERESTS OF CLIENTS
In voting proxies, INVESCO will take into consideration those factors that may
affect the value of the security and will vote proxies in a manner in which, in
its opinion, is in the best economic interests of clients. INVESCO endeavors to
resolve any conflicts of interest exclusively in the best economic interests of
clients.
ISS SERVICES
INVESCO has contracted with Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"), an
independent third party service provider, to vote INVESCO's clients' proxies
according to ISS's proxy voting recommendations. In addition, ISS will provide
proxy analyses, vote recommendations, vote execution and record-keeping services
for clients for which INVESCO has proxy voting responsibility. On an annual
basis, INVESCO will review information obtained from ISS to ascertain whether
ISS (i) has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues, and
(ii) can make such recommendations in an impartial manner and in the best
economic interest of INVESCO's clients. This may include a review of ISS'
Policies, Procedures and Practices Regarding Potential Conflicts of Interests
and obtaining information about the work ISS does for corporate issuers and the
payments ISS receives from such issuers.
Custodians forward proxy materials for clients who rely on INVESCO to vote
proxies to ISS. ISS is responsible for exercising the voting rights in
accordance with the ISS proxy voting guidelines. If INVESCO receives proxy
materials in connection with a client's account where the client has, in
writing, communicated to INVESCO that the client, plan fiduciary or other third
party has reserved the right to vote proxies, INVESCO will forward to the party
appointed by client any proxy materials it receives with respect to the account.
In order to avoid voting proxies in circumstances where INVESCO, or any of its
affiliates have or may have any conflict of interest, real or perceived, INVESCO
has engaged ISS to provide the proxy analyses, vote recommendations and voting
of proxies.
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In the event that (i) ISS recuses itself on a proxy voting matter and makes no
recommendation or (ii) INVESCO decides to override the ISS vote recommendation,
the Proxy Committee will review the issue and direct ISS how to vote the proxies
as described below.
PROXY COMMITTEE
The Proxy Committee shall have seven (7) members, which shall include
representatives from portfolio management, operations, and legal/compliance or
other functional departments as deemed appropriate who are knowledgeable
regarding the proxy process. A majority of the members of the Proxy Committee
shall constitute a quorum and the Proxy Committee shall act by a majority vote.
The chair of the Proxy Committee shall be chosen by the Chief Compliance Officer
of INVESCO. The Proxy Committee shall keep minutes of its meetings that shall be
kept with the proxy voting records of INVESCO. The Proxy Committee will appoint
a Proxy Manager to manage the proxy voting process, which includes the voting of
proxies and the maintenance of appropriate records.
Proxy Committee meetings shall be called by the Proxy Manager when override
submissions are made and in instances when ISS has recused itself from a vote
recommendation. In these situations, the Proxy Committee shall meet and
determine how proxies are to be voted in the best interests of clients.
The Proxy Committee periodically reviews new types of corporate governance
issues, evaluates proposals not addressed by the ISS proxy voting guidelines in
instances when ISS has recused itself, and determines how INVESCO should vote.
The Committee monitors adherence to these Procedures, industry trends and
reviews the ISS proxy voting guidelines.
ISS RECUSAL
When ISS makes no recommendation on a proxy voting issue or is recused due to a
conflict of interest, the Proxy Committee will review the issue and, if INVESCO
does not have a conflict of interest, direct ISS how to vote the proxies. In
such cases where INVESCO has a conflict of interest, INVESCO, in its sole
discretion, shall either (a) vote the proxies pursuant to ISS's general proxy
voting guidelines, (b) engage an independent third party to provide a vote
recommendation, or (c) contact its client(s) for direction as to how to vote the
proxies.
OVERRIDE OF ISS RECOMMENDATION
There may be occasions where the INVESCO investment personnel, senior officers
or a member of the Proxy Committee seek to override ISS's recommendations if
they believe that ISS's recommendations are not in accordance with the best
economic interests of clients. In the event that an individual listed above in
this section disagrees with an ISS recommendation on a particular voting issue,
the individual shall document in writing the reasons that he/she believes that
the ISS recommendation is not in accordance with clients' best economic
interests and submit such written documentation to the Proxy Manager for
consideration by the Proxy Committee. Upon review of the documentation and
consultation with the individual and others as the Proxy Committee deems
appropriate, the Proxy Committee may make a determination to override the ISS
voting recommendation if the Committee determines that it is in the best
economic interests of clients and the Committee has addressed conflict of
interest issues as discussed below.
PROXY COMMITTEE MEETINGS
When a Proxy Committee Meeting is called, whether because of an ISS recusal or
request for override of an ISS recommendation, the Proxy Committee shall review
the report of the Chief Compliance Officer as to whether any INVESCO person has
reported a conflict of interest.
The Proxy Committee shall review the information provided to it to determine if
a real or perceived conflict of interest exists and the minutes of the Proxy
Committee shall:
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(1) describe any real or perceived conflict of interest,
(2) discuss any procedure used to address such conflict of interest,
(3) report any contacts from outside parties (other than routine
communications from proxy solicitors), and
(4) include confirmation that the recommendation as to how the proxies are
to be voted is in the best economic interests of clients and was made
without regard to any conflict of interest.
Based on the above review and determinations, the Proxy Committee will direct
ISS how to vote the proxies.
CERTAIN PROXY VOTES MAY NOT BE CAST
In some cases, INVESCO may determine that it is not in the best economic
interests of clients to vote proxies. For example, proxy voting in certain
countries outside the United States requires share blocking. Shareholders who
wish to vote their proxies must deposit their shares 7 to 21 days before the
date of the meeting with a designated depositary. During the blocked period,
shares to be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken
place and the shares have been returned to the Custodian/Sub-Custodian bank. In
addition, voting certain international securities may involve unusual costs to
clients. In other cases, it may not be possible to vote certain proxies despite
good faith efforts to do so, for instance when inadequate notice of the matter
is provided. In the instance of loan securities, voting of proxies typically
requires termination of the loan, so it is not usually in the best economic
interests of clients to vote proxies on loaned securities. INVESCO typically
will not, but reserves the right to, vote where share blocking restrictions,
unusual costs or other barriers to efficient voting apply. If INVESCO does not
vote, it would have made the determination that the cost of voting exceeds the
expected benefit to the client. The Proxy Manager shall record the reason for
any proxy not being voted, which record shall be kept with the proxy voting
records of INVESCO.
PROXY VOTING RECORDS
Clients may obtain information about how INVESCO voted proxies on their behalf
by contacting their client services representative. Alternatively, clients may
make a written request for proxy voting information to: Proxy Manager, 1360
Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND IMPROPER INFLUENCE
In order to avoid voting proxies in circumstances where INVESCO or any of its
affiliates have or may have any conflict of interest, real or perceived, INVESCO
has contracted with ISS to provide proxy analyses, vote recommendations and
voting of proxies. Unless noted otherwise by ISS, each vote recommendation
provided by ISS to INVESCO includes a representation from ISS that ISS faces no
conflict of interest with respect to the vote. In instances where ISS has
recused itself and makes no recommendation on a particular matter or if an
override submission is requested, the Proxy Committee shall determine how the
proxy is to be voted and instruct the Proxy Manager accordingly in which case
the conflict of interest provisions discussed below shall apply.
In effecting the policy of voting proxies in the best economic interests of
clients, there may be occasions where the voting of such proxies may present a
real or perceived conflict of interest between INVESCO, as the investment
manager, and clients.
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For each director, officer and employee of INVESCO ("INVESCO person"), the
interests of INVESCO's clients must come first, ahead of the interest of INVESCO
and any person within the INVESCO organization, which includes INVESCO's
affiliates.
Accordingly, each INVESCO person must not put "personal benefit," whether
tangible or intangible, before the interests of clients of INVESCO or otherwise
take advantage of the relationship to INVESCO's clients. "Personal benefit"
includes any intended benefit for oneself or any other individual, company,
group or organization of any kind whatsoever, except a benefit for a client of
INVESCO, as appropriate. It is imperative that each of INVESCO's directors,
officers and employees avoid any situation that might compromise, or call into
question, the exercise of fully independent judgment in the interests of
INVESCO's clients.
Occasions may arise where a person or organization involved in the proxy voting
process may have a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest may also exist
if INVESCO has a business relationship with (or is actively soliciting business
from) either the company soliciting the proxy or a third party that has a
material interest in the outcome of a proxy vote or that is actively lobbying
for a particular outcome of a proxy vote. An INVESCO person (excluding members
of the Proxy Committee) shall not be considered to have a conflict of interest
if the INVESCO person did not know of the conflict of interest and did not
attempt to influence the outcome of a proxy vote. Any individual with actual
knowledge of a conflict of interest relating to a particular referral item shall
disclose that conflict to the Chief Compliance Officer.
The following are examples of situations where a conflict may exist:
- Business Relationships - where INVESCO manages money for a company or
an employee group, manages pension assets or is actively soliciting
any such business, or leases office space from a company;
- Personal Relationships - where a INVESCO person has a personal
relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in
proxy contests, corporate directors, or candidates for directorships;
and
- Familial Relationships - where an INVESCO person has a known familial
relationship relating to a company (e.g. a spouse or other relative
who serves as a director of a public company or is employed by the
company).
In the event that INVESCO (or an affiliate) manages assets for a company, its
pension plan, or related entity or where any member of the Proxy Committee has a
personal conflict of interest, and where clients' funds are invested in that
company's shares, the Proxy Committee will not take into consideration this
relationship and will vote proxies in that company solely in the best economic
interest of its clients.
It is the responsibility of the Proxy Manager and each member of the Proxy
Committee to report any real or potential conflict of interest of which such
individual has actual knowledge to the Chief Compliance Officer, who shall
present any such information to the Proxy Committee. However, once a particular
conflict has been reported to the Chief Compliance Officer, this requirement
shall be deemed satisfied with respect to all individuals with knowledge of such
conflict.
In addition, the Proxy Manager and each member of the Proxy Committee shall
certify annually as to their compliance with this policy. In addition, any
INVESCO person who submits an ISS override recommendation to the Proxy Committee
shall certify as to their compliance with this policy concurrently with the
submission of their override recommendation. A form of such certification is
attached as Appendix A hereto.
In addition, members of the Proxy Committee must notify INVESCO's Chief
Compliance Officer, with impunity and without fear of retribution or
retaliation, of any direct, indirect or perceived improper influence made by
anyone within INVESCO or by an affiliated company's representatives with regard
to
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how INVESCO should vote proxies. The Chief Compliance Officer will investigate
the allegations and will report his or her findings to the INVESCO Risk
Management Committee. In the event that it is determined that improper influence
was made, the Risk Management Committee will determine the appropriate action to
take which may include, but is not limited to, (1) notifying the affiliated
company's Chief Executive Officer, its Management Committee or Board of
Directors, (2) taking remedial action, if necessary, to correct the result of
any improper influence where clients have been harmed, or (3) notifying the
appropriate regulatory agencies of the improper influence and to fully cooperate
with these regulatory agencies as required. In all cases, the Proxy Committee
shall not take into consideration the improper influence in determining how to
vote proxies and will vote proxies solely in the best economic interest of
clients.
Furthermore, members of the Proxy Committee must advise INVESCO's Chief
Compliance Officer and fellow Committee members of any real or perceived
conflicts of interest he or she may have with regard to how proxies are to be
voted regarding certain companies (e.g., personal security ownership in a
company, or personal or business relationships with participants in proxy
contests, corporate directors or candidates for corporate directorships). After
reviewing such conflict, upon advice from the Chief Compliance Officer, the
Committee may require such Committee member to recuse himself or herself from
participating in the discussions regarding the proxy vote item and from casting
a vote regarding how INVESCO should vote such proxy.
ISS PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
A copy of the most recent ISS US Proxy Voting Guidelines Summary can be found on
ISS's website at www.issproxy.com. From this website, click on ISS Governance
Services tab, next click on "Policy Gateway", next click on "2008 Policy
Information", and then click on "Download 2008 U.S. Proxy Voting Guidelines
Summary."
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APPENDIX A
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION
I acknowledge that I have read the INVESCO Proxy Voting Policy (a copy of
which has been supplied to me, which I will retain for future reference) and
agree to comply in all respects with the terms and provisions thereof. I have
disclosed or reported all real or potential conflicts of interest to the INVESCO
Compliance Officer and will continue to do so as matters arise. I have complied
with all provisions of this Policy.
----------------------------------------
Print Name
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Date Signature
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PROXY POLICY APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING:
INVESCO TRIMARK INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC.
PROXY VOTING
Policy Number: B-6 Effective Date: May 1, 2001 Revision Date: November 6, 2006
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
In its trusteeship and management of mutual funds, AIM Trimark acts as fiduciary
to the unitholders and must act in their best interests.
APPLICATION
AIM Trimark will make every effort to exercise all voting rights with respect to
securities held in the mutual funds that it manages in Canada or to which it
provides sub-advisory services, including a Fund registered under and governed
by the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "US Funds")
(collectively, the "Funds"). Proxies for the funds distributed by AIM Trimark
Investments and managed by an affiliate or a third party (a "Sub-Advisor") will
be voted in accordance with the Sub-Advisor's policy, unless the sub-advisory
agreement provides otherwise.
The portfolio managers have responsibility for exercising all proxy votes and in
doing so, for acting in the best interest of the Fund. Portfolio managers must
vote proxies in accordance with the Guidelines, as amended from time to time, a
copy of which is attached to this policy.
When a proxy is voted against management's recommendation, the portfolio manager
will provide to the CIO the reasons in writing for any vote in opposition to
management's recommendation. AIM Trimark may delegate to a third party the
responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of all or certain Funds, in accordance
with the Guidelines.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
The Investment Department will endeavour to ensure that all proxies and notices
are received from all issuers on a timely basis, and will maintain for all Funds
- A record of all proxies received;
- a record of votes cast;
- a copy of the reasons for voting against management; and for the
US Funds
- the documents mentioned above; and
- a copy of any document created by AIM Trimark that was material
to making a decision how to vote proxies on behalf of a US Fund
and that memorializes the basis of that decision.
AIM Trimark has a dedicated Central Proxy Administrator who manages all proxy
voting materials. Proxy voting circulars for all companies are received
electronically through an external service provider. Circulars for North
American companies and ADRs are generally also received in paper format. Once a
circular is received, the Administrator verifies that all shares and Funds
affected are correctly listed. The Administrator then gives a copy of the proxy
summary to each affected portfolio manager and maintains a tracking list to
ensure that all proxies are voted within the prescribed deadlines. Once voting
information has been received from the portfolio managers, voting instructions
are sent electronically to the service provider who then forwards the
instructions to the appropriate proxy voting agent or transfer agent. The
external service provider retains on behalf of AIM Trimark a record of the votes
cast and agrees to provide AIM Trimark with a copy of proxy records promptly
upon request. The service provider must make all documents available to AIM
Trimark for a period of 6 years.
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In the event that AIM Trimark ceases to use an external service provider, all
documents would be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place i) for
a period of 2 years where AIM Trimark carries on business in Canada and ii) for
a period of 3 years thereafter at the same location or at any other location.
REPORTING
The CIO will report on proxy voting to the Fund Boards on an annual basis with
respect to all funds managed in Canada or distributed by AIM Trimark Investments
and managed by a Sub-Advisor. The CIO will report on proxy voting to the Board
of Directors of the US Funds as required from time to time. In accordance with
NI 81-106, proxy voting records for all Canadian mutual funds for years ending
June 30th are posted on AIM Trimark's websites. The AIM Trimark Compliance
department will review the proxy voting records held by AIM Trimark on an annual
basis.
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AIM TRIMARK INVESTMENTS
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES (APRIL 17, 2006)
PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to describe AIM Trimark's general guidelines for
voting proxies received from companies held in AIM Trimark's Toronto-based
funds. Proxy voting for the funds managed on behalf of AIM Trimark on a
sub-advised basis (i.e. by other AMVESCAP business units or on a third party
basis) are subject to the proxy voting policies & procedures of those other
entities. As part of its regular due diligence, AIM Trimark will review the
proxy voting policies & procedures of any new sub-advisors to ensure that they
are appropriate in the circumstances.
INTRODUCTION
AIM Trimark has the fiduciary obligation to ensure that the long-term economic
best interest of unitholders is the key consideration when voting proxies of
portfolio companies. As a general rule, AIM Trimark shall vote against any
actions that would:
- reduce the rights or options of shareholders,
- reduce shareholder influence over the board of directors and
management,
- reduce the alignment of interests between management and
shareholders, or
- reduce the value of shareholders' investments.
At the same time, since AIM Trimark's Toronto-based portfolio managers follow an
investment discipline that includes investing in companies that are believed to
have strong management teams, the portfolio managers will generally support the
management of companies in which they invest, and will accord proper weight to
the positions of a company's board of directors. Therefore, in most
circumstances, votes will be cast in accordance with the recommendations of the
company's board of directors.
While AIM Trimark's proxy voting guidelines are stated below, the portfolio
managers will take into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances
(including country specific considerations), and retain the right to vote
proxies as deemed appropriate.
These guidelines may be amended from time to time.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
When voting proxies, AIM Trimark's portfolio managers assess whether there are
material conflicts of interest between AIM Trimark's interests and those of
unitholders. A potential conflict of interest situation may include where AIM
Trimark or an affiliate manages assets for, provides other financial services
to, or otherwise has a material business relationship with, a company whose
management is soliciting proxies, and failure to vote in favour of management of
the company may harm AIM Trimark's relationship with the company. In all
situations, the portfolio managers will not take AIM Trimark's relationship with
the company into account, and will vote the proxies in the best interest of the
unitholders. To the extent that a portfolio manager has any conflict of interest
with respect to a company or an issue presented, that portfolio manager should
abstain from voting on that company or issue. Portfolio managers are required to
report to the Chief Investment Officer any such conflicts of interest and/or
attempts by outside parties to improperly influence the voting process.
BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
We believe that a board that has at least a majority of independent directors is
integral to good corporate governance. Unless there are restrictions specific to
a company's home jurisdiction, key board committees, including audit and
compensation committees, should be completely independent.
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VOTING ON DIRECTOR NOMINEES IN UNCONTESTED ELECTIONS
Votes in an uncontested election of directors are evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE
basis, considering factors that may include:
- Long-term company performance relative to a market index,
- Composition of the board and key board committees,
- Nominee's attendance at board meetings,
- Nominee's time commitments as a result of serving on other
company boards,
- Nominee's investments in the company,
- Whether the chairman is also serving as CEO, and
- Whether a retired CEO sits on the board.
VOTING ON DIRECTOR NOMINEES IN CONTESTED ELECTIONS
Votes in a contested election of directors are evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE
basis, considering factors that may include:
- Long-term financial performance of the target company relative to
its industry,
- Management's track record,
- Background to the proxy contest,
- Qualifications of director nominees (both slates),
- Evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as
the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met,
and
- Stock ownership positions.
MAJORITY THRESHOLD VOTING FOR DIRECTOR ELECTIONS
We will generally vote FOR proposals that require directors to be elected with
an affirmative majority of votes cast unless the relevant portfolio manager
believes that the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles
that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and
provide an adequate and timely response to both new nominees as well as
incumbent nominees who fail to receive a majority of votes cast.
REIMBURSEMENT OF PROXY SOLICITATION EXPENSES
Decisions to provide reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest are
made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
SEPARATING CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Shareholder proposals to separate the chairman and CEO positions should be
evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
While we generally SUPPORT these proposals, some companies have governance
structures in place that can satisfactorily counterbalance a combined position.
Voting decisions will take into account factors such as:
- Designated lead director, appointed from the ranks of the
independent board members with clearly delineated duties;
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- Majority of independent directors;
- 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.
MAJORITY OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
While we generally support shareholder proposals asking that a majority of
directors be independent, each proposal should be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. We generally vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board's
audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of
independent directors.
STOCK OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
We believe that individual directors should be appropriately compensated and
motivated to act in the best interests of shareholders. Share ownership by
directors better aligns their interests with those of other shareholders.
Therefore, we believe that meaningful share ownership by directors is in the
best interest of the company.
We generally vote FOR proposals that require a certain percentage of a
director's compensation to be in the form of common stock.
SIZE OF BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
We believe that the number of directors is important to ensuring the board's
effectiveness in maximizing long-term shareholder value. The board must be large
enough to allow it to adequately discharge its responsibilities, without being
so large that it becomes cumbersome.
While we will prefer a board of no fewer than 5 and no more than 16 members,
each situation will be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into
consideration the specific company circumstances.
CLASSIFIED OR STAGGERED BOARDS
In a classified or staggered board, directors are typically elected in two or
more "classes", serving terms greater than one year.
We prefer the annual election of all directors and will generally NOT SUPPORT
proposals that provide for staggered terms for board members. We recognize that
there may be jurisdictions where staggered terms for board members is common
practice and, in such situations, we will review the proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE
basis.
DIRECTOR INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY PROTECTION
We recognize that many individuals may be reluctant to serve as corporate
directors if they were to be personally liable for all lawsuits and legal costs.
As a result, limitations on directors' liability can benefit the corporation and
its shareholders by helping to attract and retain qualified directors while
providing recourse to shareholders on areas of misconduct by directors.
We generally vote FOR proposals that limit directors' liability and provide
indemnification as long as the arrangements are limited to the director acting
honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation
and, in criminal matters, are limited to the director having reasonable grounds
for believing the conduct was lawful.
AUDITORS
A strong audit process is a requirement for good corporate governance. A
significant aspect of the audit process is a strong relationship with a
knowledgeable and independent set of auditors.
E-52
RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS
We believe a company should limit its relationship with its auditors to the
audit engagement, and certain closely related activities that do not, in the
aggregate, raise an appearance of impaired independence. We generally vote FOR
the reappointment of the company's auditors unless:
- It is not clear that the auditors will be able to fulfill their
function;
- There is reason to believe the auditors have rendered an opinion
that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company's
financial position; or
- The auditors have a significant professional or personal
relationship with the issuer that compromises their independence.
DISCLOSURE OF AUDIT VS. NON-AUDIT FEES
Understanding the fees earned by the auditors is important for assessing auditor
independence. Our support for the re-appointment of the auditors will take into
consideration whether the management information circular contains adequate
disclosure about the amount and nature of audit vs. non-audit fees.
There may be certain jurisdictions that do not currently require disclosure of
audit vs. non-audit fees. In these circumstances, we will generally SUPPORT
proposals that call for this disclosure.
COMPENSATION PROGRAMS
Appropriately designed equity-based compensation plans, approved by
shareholders, can be an effective way to align the interests of long-term
shareholders and the interests of management, employees and directors. Plans
should not substantially dilute shareholders' ownership interests in the
company, provide participants with excessive awards or have objectionable
structural features. We will consider each compensation plan in its entirety
(including all incentives, awards and other compensation) to determine if the
plan provides the right incentives to managers and directors and is reasonable
on the whole.
While we generally encourage companies to provide more transparent disclosure
related to their compensation programs, the following are specific guidelines
dealing with some of the more common features of these programs (features not
specifically itemized below will be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking
into consideration the general principles described above):
CASH COMPENSATION AND SEVERANCE PACKAGES
We will generally SUPPORT the board's discretion to determine and grant
appropriate cash compensation and severance packages.
EQUITY BASED PLANS - DILUTION
We will generally vote AGAINST equity-based plans where the total dilution
(including all equity-based plans) is excessive.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLANS
We will generally vote FOR the use of employee stock purchase plans to increase
company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the
plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value. It is recognized
that country specific circumstances may exist (e.g. tax issues) that require
proposals to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
LOANS TO EMPLOYEES
We will vote AGAINST the corporation making loans to employees to allow
employees to pay for stock or stock options. It is recognized that country
specific circumstances may exist that require proposals to be reviewed on a
CASE-BY-CASE basis.
E-53
STOCK OPTION PLANS - BOARD DISCRETION
We will vote AGAINST stock option plans that give the board broad discretion in
setting the terms and conditions of the programs. Such programs should be
submitted with detail and be reasonable in the circumstances regarding their
cost, scope, frequency and schedule for exercising the options.
STOCK OPTION PLANS - INAPPROPRIATE FEATURES
We will generally vote AGAINST plans that have any of the following structural
features:
- ability to re-price "underwater" options without shareholder
approval,
- ability to issue options with an exercise price below the stock's
current market price,
- ability to issue "reload" options, or
- automatic share replenishment ("evergreen") features.
STOCK OPTION PLANS - DIRECTOR ELIGIBILITY
While we prefer stock ownership by directors, we will SUPPORT stock option plans
for directors as long as the terms and conditions of director options are
clearly defined and are reasonable.
STOCK OPTION PLANS - REPRICING
We will vote FOR proposals to re-price options if there is a value-for-value
(rather than a share-for-share) exchange.
STOCK OPTION PLANS - VESTING
We will vote AGAINST stock option plans that are 100% vested when granted.
STOCK OPTION PLANS - AUTHORIZED ALLOCATIONS
We will generally vote AGAINST stock option plans that authorize allocation of
25% or more of the available options to any one individual.
STOCK OPTION PLANS - CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS
We will vote AGAINST stock option plans with change in control provisions that
allow option holders to receive more for their options than shareholders would
receive for their shares.
CORPORATE MATTERS
We will review management proposals relating to changes to capital structure,
reincorporation, restructuring and mergers & acquisitions on a case-by-case
basis, taking into consideration the impact of the changes on corporate
governance and shareholder rights, anticipated financial and operating benefits,
portfolio manager views, level of dilution, and a company's industry and
performance in terms of shareholder returns.
COMMON STOCK AUTHORIZATION
We will review proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock
authorized for issue on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
DUAL CLASS SHARE STRUCTURES
Dual class share structures involve a second class of common stock with either
superior or inferior voting rights to those of another class of stock. We will
generally vote AGAINST proposals to create or extend dual class share structures
where certain stockholders have superior or inferior voting rights to another
class of stock.
E-54
STOCK SPLITS
We will vote FOR proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock
split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in
excessive dilution given a company's industry and performance in terms of
shareholder returns.
REVERSE STOCK SPLITS
We will vote FOR management proposals to implement a reverse stock split,
provided that the reverse split does not result in an increase of authorized but
unissued shares of more than 100% after giving effect to the shares needed for
the reverse split.
SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAMS
We will vote AGAINST proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans
if all shareholders do not participate on an equal basis.
REINCORPORATION
Reincorporation involves re-establishing the company in a different legal
jurisdiction.
We will generally vote FOR proposals to reincorporate the company provided that
the board and management have demonstrated sound financial or business reasons
for the move. Proposals to reincorporate will NOT BE SUPPORTED if solely as part
of an anti-takeover defense or as a way to limit directors' liability.
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
We will vote FOR merger & acquisition proposals that the relevant portfolio
managers believe, based on their review of the materials:
- will result in financial and operating benefits,
- have a fair offer price,
- have favourable prospects for the combined companies, and
- will not have a negative impact on corporate governance or
shareholder rights.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We recognize that to effectively manage a corporation, directors and management
must consider not only the interests of shareholders, but the interests of
employees, customers, suppliers, and creditors, among others.
We believe that companies and their boards must give careful consideration to
social responsibility issues in order to enhance long-term shareholder value.
We SUPPORT efforts by companies to develop policies and practices that consider
social responsibility issues related to their businesses.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholder proposals can be extremely complex, and the impact on the interests
of all stakeholders can rarely be anticipated with a high degree of confidence.
As a result, shareholder proposals will be reviewed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis with
consideration of factors such as:
- the proposal's impact on the company's short-term and long-term
share value,
- its effect on the company's reputation,
- the economic effect of the proposal,
- industry and regional norms applicable to the company,
E-55
- the company's overall corporate governance provisions, and
- the reasonableness of the request.
We will generally SUPPORT shareholder proposals that require additional
disclosure regarding corporate responsibility issues where the relevant
portfolio manager believes:
- the company has failed to adequately address these issues with
shareholders,
- there is information to suggest that a company follows procedures
that are not in compliance with applicable regulations, or
- the company fails to provide a level of disclosure that is
comparable to industry peers or generally accepted standards.
We will generally NOT SUPPORT shareholder proposals that place arbitrary or
artificial constraints on the board, management or the company.
ORDINARY BUSINESS PRACTICES
We will generally SUPPORT the board's discretion regarding shareholder proposals
that involve ordinary business practices.
PROTECTION OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
We will generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that are designed to protect
shareholder rights if the company's corporate governance standards indicate that
such additional protections are warranted.
BARRIERS TO SHAREHOLDER ACTION
We will generally vote FOR proposals to lower barriers to shareholder action.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLANS
We will generally vote FOR proposals to subject shareholder rights plans to a
shareholder vote.
OTHER
We will vote AGAINST any proposal where the proxy materials lack sufficient
information upon which to base an informed decision.
We will vote AGAINST any proposals to authorize the company to conduct any other
business that is not described in the proxy statement (including the authority
to approve any further amendments to an otherwise approved resolution).
E-56
APPENDIX F
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
To the best knowledge of the Trust, the names and addresses of the record
and beneficial holders of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of
the Trust's equity securities and the percentage of the outstanding shares held
by such holders are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated below, the Trust
has no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the shares owned of record
are also owned beneficially.
A shareholder who owns beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding
securities of a Fund is presumed to "control" that Fund as defined in the 1940
Act. Such control may affect the voting rights of other shareholders.
All information listed below is as of January 22, 2009.
AIM CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
AIG Federal Savings Bank -- -- -- -- -- -- 7.49%
State of Florida Employees DEF
Com 2929 Allen Pkwy Ste L3-00
Houston, TX 77019-2118
AIM Moderate Asset -- -- -- -- -- -- 19.46%
Allocation Fund
Omnibus Account
c/o AIM Advisors
11 E Greenway Plz Ste 100
Houston, TX 77046-1113
Chairmans Processing Only -- -- -- -- 8.90% -- --
Deferred Comp Plan
FBO Carl Frischling
Attn Sheri Morris
P.O. Box 4333
Houston, TX 77210-4333
F-1
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Citigroup Global Markets -- -- 5.35% -- -- -- --
Attn: Cindy Tempesta
7th Floor
333 West 34th St
New York, NY 10001-2402
Delaware Charter Guarantee & -- -- -- 9.00% -- -- --
Trust
FBO Various Qualified Plans
711 High St
Des Moines, IA 50309-2732
Delaware Charter Guarantee & -- -- -- 6.15% -- -- --
Trust
FBO Principal Financial Group
OMNIB
US Qualified
711 High St
Des Moines, IA 50309-2732
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & 9.37% -- 17.16% 14.76% -- -- 28.02%
Smith
FBO The Sole Benefit of
Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr East
2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Nat'l Financial Services Corp. -- -- -- -- -- 11.90% 16.47%
The Exclusive Benefit Cust
One World Financial Center
200 Liberty St., 5th Floor
Attn: Kate Recon
New York, NY 10281-5503
Paul J. Rasplicka & -- -- -- -- 8.46% -- --
Jody K. Rasplicka JTWROS
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046
F-2
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Robert G. Alley and -- -- -- -- 6.75% -- --
Marsena M. Alley CommProp
730 Honor Drive
Kerrville, TX 78028-7554
Pershing LLC 11.06% 9.81% 9.06% -- -- 10.63% --
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001
Wilmington Trust Co -- -- -- -- -- 7.89% --
Cust FBO MGH Ret Plan Match
C/O Mutual Funds
P.O. Box 8880
Wilmington, DE 19899-8880
F-3
AIM CHARTER FUND
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Chase Manhattan Bank TTEE -- -- -- 5.01% -- --
FBO ADP/Access 401K Program
3 Chase Metrotech Ctr 6th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11245-0001
Citigroup Global Markets 6.58% -- 7.83% -- -- --
Attn: Cindy Tempesta
7th Floor
333 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001-2402
First Command Bank Trust -- -- -- -- -- 18.18%
FBO First Command SIP
Attention: Trust Department
P.O. Box 901075
Fort Worth, TX 76101-2075
ING Life Insurance & Annuity Co. -- -- -- 16.09% -- --
One Orange Way B3N
Windsor, CT 06095
JP Morgan Chase Bank -- -- -- -- -- 75.31%
as TTEE FBO Cisco Systems Inc
401K Plan
C/O JP Morgan RPS 5500 Team
9300 Ward Pkwy
Kansas City, MO 64114-3317
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 8.51% -- 17.02% -- -- --
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr East
2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
F-4
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Nat'l Financial Services Corp. -- -- -- -- 5.76% --
The Exclusive Benefit Cust
One World Financial Center
200 Liberty St., 5th Floor
Attn: Kate Recon
New York, NY 10281-5503
Pershing LLC 6.96% 6.73% 6.64% -- -- --
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001
Robert Michael Kippes -- -- -- -- 32.98% --
Kelly F. Kippes JTTEN
16202 Bradford Shores Dr.
Cypress, TX 77433-4625
AIM CONSTELLATION FUND
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Citigroup Global Markets 6.26% -- 5.68% -- -- --
Attn: Cindy Tempesta
7th Floor
333 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001-2402
F-5
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Fidelity Investments Institutional -- -- -- -- -- 19.31%
Operations Co (F11OC) as Agent
For Certain Employee Benefit Plans
100 Magellan Way
Mail Location - KW1C
Covington, KY 41015-1999
GPC Securities Inc. as Agent for -- -- -- 6.49% -- --
Reliance Trust Co FBO
Guys Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
P.O. Box 105117
Atlanta, GA 30348-5117
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 7.80% -- 9.69% -- -- 46.40%
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr East
2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Pershing LLC 5.23% 6.96% 5.52% -- -- --
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001
Relistar Insurance Co. of New York -- -- -- 6.28% -- --
One Orange Way B3N
Windsor, CT 06095
Relistar Insurance Co of New York -- -- -- 6.16% -- --
One Orange Way B3N
Windsor, CT 06095
State Street Bank & Trust Co. Ttee -- -- -- -- -- 13.91%
State Street Solutions
Attn: Edlira Mosko
1 Heritage Drive 4N
North Quincy, MA 02171-2105
F-6
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Wells Fargo Bank West NA -- -- -- -- -- 15.64%
Custodian City of Houston
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
C/O Great West, Recordkeeper
8515 E Orchard Rd 2T2
Englewood, CO 80111-0000
AIM DIVERSIFIED DIVIDEND FUND
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
AIM Income Allocation Fund -- -- -- -- -- -- 20.65%
Omnibus Account
c/o AIM Advisors
11 E. Greenway Plaza
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046-1113
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 8.50% -- -- -- -- 10.25% --
Special Custody FBO
Customers (SIM)
Attn. Mutual Funds
101 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94104-4122
Citigroup Global Markets -- -- 10.29% -- -- -- --
Attn: Cindy Tempesta
7th Floor
333 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001-2402
F-7
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
FIIOC Agent -- -- -- -- -- -- 14.96%
Employee Benefit Plans
100 Magellan Way KW1C
Covington, KY 41015-1987
GPC Securities Inc. as Agent -- -- -- -- -- -- 25.47%
for Reliance Trust Co TTEE
Cust FBO Invesco 401(k) Plan
P. O. Box 105117
Atlanta, GA 30348-5117
GPC Securities Inc. as Agent -- -- -- -- -- -- 11.37%
for Reliance Trust Co TTEE
Cust FBO Invesco Money
Purchase Plan
P. O. Box 105117
Atlanta, GA 30348-5117
Jonathan B. Harrington -- -- -- -- 5.07% -- --
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046
Jordan Products Inc. -- -- -- 8.24% -- -- --
401(k) Plan
Paul Jordan Trustee
430 Whitney Rd
Penfield, NY 14526-2326
Lighthouse Design Inc. -- -- -- 5.22% -- -- --
David Mohler
401(K) Omnibus Acct. Ttee
5091 Lone Tree Way
Antioch, CA 94531-8016
Martin Flanagan & -- -- -- -- 29.80% -- --
Jennifer Flanagan JTWROS
700 Fairfield Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30327-3224
F-8
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Meggan M. Walsh -- -- -- -- 14.95% -- --
James W. Walsh TIC
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & 6.66% -- 9.40% -- -- -- --
Smith
FBO The Sole Benefit of
Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr East, 2nd
Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
MG TrustCo. Cust -- -- -- 8.61% -- -- --
FBO Donald Wurtzel DDS PC
EE 401(K)
700 17th Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202-3531
MG TrustCompany Cust -- -- -- 5.85% -- -- --
FBO Frog Holler Produce
Station 401(K)
700 17th Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202-3531
MG TrustCo Cust FBO -- -- -- 5.15% -- -- --
Stacy Wilkerson D D S PSP
700 17th St. Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202-3531
MIBAR Marketing Corp DBA CT -- -- -- 6.81% -- -- --
NETWOR
401(K) Plan
Barry Goldstein Trustee
125 Wireless Blvd,
Hauppauge, NY 11788-3971
F-9
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Nat'l Financial Services Corp. -- -- -- -- -- 5.13% --
The Exclusive Benefit Cust
One World Financial Center
200 Liberty St., 5th Floor
Attn: Kate Recon
New York, NY 10281-5503
Pershing LLC -- 7.22% 9.80% 8.44% -- -- --
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001
Robert H. Graham -- -- -- -- 5.35% -- --
3710 Robinhood St
Houston, TX 77005-2028
SEI Private Trust Co -- -- -- -- -- -- 16.96%
FBO First Merit 682
Attn Mutual Fund Admin
One Freedom Valley Dr.
Oaks, PA 19456
AIM LARGE CAP BASIC VALUE FUND
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
AIM Growth Allocation Fund -- -- -- -- -- -- 42.34%
Omnibus Acct
C/O AIM Advisors
11 E Greenway Plz, Ste 100
Houston, TX 77046-1113
F-10
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
AIM Moderate Asset Allocation Fund -- -- -- -- -- -- 25.89%
Omnibus Acct
C/O AIM Advisors
11 E Greenway Plz, Ste 100
Houston, TX 77046-1113
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation -- -- -- -- -- -- 23.69%
Fund Omnibus Account
C/O AIM Advisors
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046-1113
Bret Wilson Stanley and -- -- -- -- 38.28% -- --
Judy R. Stanley TIC
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046
Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. -- -- -- -- -- 9.83% --
Special Custody FBO (SIM)
Customers Attn: Mutual Funds
101 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94104-4122
Edgar M. Larsen and -- -- -- -- 5.59% -- --
Stephanie D. Larsen JTWROS
2121 Kirby Dr. Apt. 16 South
Houston, TX 77019
ING Enhanced K-Choice -- -- -- 8.32% -- -- --
Trustee: Reliance Trust Company
400 Atrium Dr.
Somerset, NJ 08873-4162
F-11
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
James Cox Chambers Trust -- -- -- -- -- 5.06% --
Tax Escrow
6 Concourse Pkwy NE Ste 1800
Atlanta, GA 30328-5353
Matthew W. Seinsheimer -- -- -- -- 6.50% -- --
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 8.89% 7.91% 14.22% 5.43% -- -- --
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr East
2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Merrill Lynch Security -- -- -- -- -- 7.21% --
4800 Deer Lake Dr East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Michael J. Simon and -- -- -- -- 7.27% -- --
Anna M. Simon JTWROS
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046
MG Trust Company Cust FBO -- -- -- 6.79% -- -- --
Federated Lighting Inc 401k Plan
700 17th Street Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202-3531
F-12
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Reliance Trust Company -- -- -- 7.52% -- -- --
Custodian FBO Rosin
Optical Co. Inc.
Profit Sharing Plan
PO Box 48529
Atlanta, GA 30362-1529
Pershing LLC 6.56% 7.81% 10.69% -- -- -- --
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001
F-13
AIM LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
AIM Growth Allocation Fund -- -- -- -- -- -- 30.77%
Omnibus Acct
C/O AIM Advisors
11 E Greenway Plz, Ste 100
Houston, TX 77046-1113
AIM Moderate Asset Allocation -- -- -- -- -- -- 20.61%
Fund Omnibus Acct
C/O AIM Advisors
11 E Greenway Plz, Ste 100
Houston, TX 77046-1113
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation -- -- -- -- -- -- 17.73%
Fund
Omnibus Account
C/O AIM Advisors
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046-1113
Citigroup Global Markets Attn: -- -- 7.21% -- -- -- --
Cindy Tempesta
7th Floor
333 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001-2402
CFP Holdings Ltd Partnership -- -- -- -- 11.08% -- --
11 E Greenway Plz Ste 1919
Houston, TX 77046-1103
Gary Thomas Crum -- -- -- -- 24.98% -- --
11 E Greenway Plz Ste 2600
Houston, TX 77046-1100
F-14
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y INVESTOR INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Geoffrey Keeling and -- -- -- -- 5.01% -- --
Ingelisa Keeling TIC
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046
GPC Securities Inc as Agent for -- -- -- -- -- -- 9.08%
Reliance Trust Co
TTEE/Cust FBO Invesco 401k Plan
P.O. Box 105117
Atlanta, GA 30348-5117
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & 6.09% -- 12.82% 5.03% -- -- --
Smith
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr East
2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Pershing LLC 7.97% 8.48% 6.01% -- -- -- --
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001
Reliance Trust Company -- -- -- 7.33% -- -- --
Custodian FBO Morley
Incentives 401(k)
Profit Sharing Plan & Trust
PO Box 48529
Atlanta, GA 30362-1529
Robert H. Graham -- -- -- -- 5.22% -- --
3710 Robinhood St
Houston, TX 77005-2028
F-15
AIM SUMMIT FUND
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS P CLASS Y INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Charles Schwab & Co Inc 21.90% -- -- -- -- --
Reinvestment Account
101 Montgomery St
San Francisco CA 94104-4151
Chairmans Processing Only -- -- -- -- 27.26% --
Deferred Comp Plan
FBO Carl Frischling
Attn Sheri Morris
P.O. Box 4333
Houston, TX 77210-4333
INTC Cust IRA R/O -- -- -- -- 8.35% --
FBO Martin L. Flanagan
1555 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30309
LPL Financial 5.96% -- -- -- -- --
FBO Customer Accounts
Attn: Mutual Fund Operations
P.O. Box 509046
San Diego, CA 92150-9046
Martin L. Flanagan & -- -- -- -- 32.74% --
Jennifer D. Flanagan JTWROS
1555 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30309
Nat'l Financial Services Corp. -- -- -- -- 5.19% --
The Exclusive Benefit Cust
One World Financial Center
200 Liberty St., 5th Floor
Attn: Kate Recon
New York, NY 10281-5503
F-16
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS P CLASS Y INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES CLASS SHARES
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF OWNED OF
PRINCIPAL HOLDER RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD RECORD
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Northern Trust Co Cust -- -- -- -- -- 99.92%
FBO Wayne County 401k
50 S Lasalle St
Chicago, IL 60603-1006
Pershing LLC 7.89% 30.65% 14.69% -- -- --
1 Pershing Plz
Jersey City NJ 07399-0001
AIM DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND
Invesco Aim provided the initial capitalization of AIM Disciplined Equity
Fund and, accordingly, as of the date of this Statement of Additional
Information, owned more than 25% of the issued and outstanding shares of AIM
Disciplined Equity Fund and therefore could be deemed to "control" AIM
Disciplined Equity Fund as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. It is
anticipated that after the commencement of the public offering of AIM
Disciplined Equity Fund's shares, Invesco Aim will cease to control AIM
Disciplined Equity Fund for the purposes of the 1940 act.
MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP
As of January 22, 2009, the trustees and officers as a group owned less
than 1% of the outstanding shares of each class of each Fund, except the
trustees and officers as a group owned 2.59%, 3.27%, 29.80%, 1.65% and 41.09% of
the outstanding Class Y shares of AIM Capital Development Fund, AIM Charter
Fund, AIM Diversified Dividend Fund, AIM Large Cap Growth Fund and AIM Summit
Fund, respectively.
F-17
APPENDIX G
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
PORTFOLIO MANAGER FUND HOLDINGS AND INFORMATION ON OTHER MANAGED ACCOUNTS
Invesco Aim's portfolio managers develop investment models which are used
in connection with the management of certain AIM Funds as well as other mutual
funds for which Invesco Aim or an affiliate acts as sub-advisor, other pooled
investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts
managed for organizations and individuals. The following chart reflects the
portfolio managers' investments in the Funds that they manage. The chart also
reflects information regarding accounts other than the Funds for which each
portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities. Accounts are
grouped into three categories: (i) registered investment companies, (ii) other
pooled investment vehicles, and (iii) other accounts. To the extent that any of
these accounts pay advisory fees that are based on account performance
("performance-based fees"), information on those accounts is specifically broken
out. In addition, any assets denominated in foreign currencies have been
converted into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rates as of the applicable date.
The following information is as of October 31, 2008:
DOLLAR RANGE
OF OTHER REGISTERED OTHER POOLED
INVESTMENTS INVESTMENT COMPANIES INVESTMENT VEHICLES OTHER ACCOUNTS
IN EACH MANAGED (ASSETS IN MANAGED (ASSETS IN MANAGED
PORTFOLIO MANAGER FUND(1) MILLIONS) MILLIONS) (ASSETS IN MILLIONS)
----------------- ------------ -------------------- ------------------- --------------------
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
ACCOUNTS ASSETS ACCOUNTS ASSETS ACCOUNTS ASSETS
--------- -------- --------- ------- --------- --------
AIM DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager
has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one Fund or
other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple Funds
and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the following
potential conflicts:
- The management of multiple Funds and/or other accounts may result in a
portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of
each Fund and/or other account. The Advisor and each Sub-Advisor seek to
manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio
managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment
discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed
using the same investment models that are used in connection with the
management of the Funds.
----------
(1) [This column reflects investments in a Fund's shares owned directly by a
portfolio manager or beneficially owned by a portfolio manager (as
determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). A portfolio manager is presumed to be a
beneficial owner of securities that are held by his or her immediate family
members sharing the same household.
(2) These are accounts of individual investors for which Invesco Aim's
affiliate, Invesco Aim Private Asset Management, Inc. ("IAPAM") provides
investment advice. IAPAM offers separately managed accounts that are
managed according to the investment models developed by Invesco Aim's
portfolio managers and used in connection with the management of certain
AIM Funds. IAPAM accounts may be invested in accordance with one or more of
those investment models and investments held in those accounts are traded
in accordance with the applicable models.]
G-1
- If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which
may be suitable for more than one Fund or other account, a Fund may not be
able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of
filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible Funds and other
accounts. To deal with these situations, the Advisor, each Sub-Advisor and
the Funds have adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions
across multiple accounts.
- The Advisor and each Sub-Advisor determine which broker to use to execute
each order for securities transactions for the Funds, consistent with its
duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, for certain other
accounts (such as mutual funds for which Invesco Aim or an affiliate acts
as sub-advisor, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered
mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and
individuals), the Advisor and each Sub-Advisor may be limited by the client
with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct
trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for a Fund in a
particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated
with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a
security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the
execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of the
Fund or other account(s) involved.
- Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where the
Advisor or Sub-Advisor has an incentive, such as a performance-based
management fee, which relates to the management of one Fund or account but
not all Funds and accounts for which a portfolio manager has day-to-day
management responsibilities.
The Advisor, each Sub-Advisor, and the Funds have adopted certain
compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts.
However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every
situation in which a conflict arises.
DESCRIPTION OF COMPENSATION STRUCTURE
For the Advisor and each affiliated Sub-Advisor
The Advisor and each Sub-Advisor seek to maintain a compensation program
that is competitively positioned to attract and retain high-caliber investment
professionals. Portfolio managers receive a base salary, an incentive bonus
opportunity, and an equity compensation opportunity. Portfolio manager
compensation is reviewed and may be modified each year as appropriate to reflect
changes in the market, as well as to adjust the factors used to determine
bonuses to promote competitive fund performance. The Advisor and each
Sub-Advisor evaluate competitive market compensation by reviewing compensation
survey results conducted by an independent third party of investment industry
compensation. Each portfolio manager's compensation consists of the following
three elements:
Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a base salary. In setting the
base salary, the Advisor and each Sub-Advisor's intention is to be competitive
in light of the particular portfolio manager's experience and responsibilities.
Annual Bonus. The portfolio managers are eligible, along with other
employees of the Advisor and each Sub-Advisor, to participate in a discretionary
year-end bonus pool. The Compensation Committee of Invesco reviews and approves
the amount of the bonus pool available for the Advisor and each of the
Sub-Advisor's investment centers. The Compensation Committee considers
investment performance and financial results in its review. In addition, while
having no direct impact on individual bonuses, assets under management are
considered when determining the starting bonus funding levels. Each portfolio
manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus which is based on
quantitative (i.e. investment performance) and non-quantitative factors (which
may include, but are not limited to, individual performance, risk management and
teamwork).
Each portfolio manager's compensation is linked to the pre-tax investment
performance of the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager as described
in Table 1 below.
Table 1
G-2
SUB-ADVISOR PERFORMANCE TIME PERIOD(3)
----------- --------------------------
Invesco Aim(4) One-, Three- and Five-year performance against
Invesco Institutional (Except Fund peer group.
Invesco Real Estate U.S.)
Invesco Global
Invesco Australia
Invesco Deutschland
Invesco Institutional -
Invesco Real Estate U.S. N/A
Invesco Senior Secured N/A
Invesco Trimark(4) One-year performance against Fund peer group.
Three- and Five-year performance against entire
universe of Canadian funds.
Invesco Hong Kong(4) One- and Three-year performance against Fund
Invesco Asset Management peer group.
Invesco Japan One-, Three- and Five-year performance against
the appropriate Micropol benchmark.
Invesco Institutional - Invesco Real Estate U.S.'s bonus is based on net
operating profits of Invesco Institutional - Invesco Real Estate U.S.
Invesco Senior Secured's bonus is based on annual measures of equity return and
standard tests of collateralization performance.
High investment performance (against applicable peer group) would deliver
compensation generally associated with top pay in the industry (determined by
reference to the third-party provided compensation survey information) and poor
investment performance (versus applicable peer group) would result in low bonus
compared to the applicable peer group or no bonus at all. These decisions are
reviewed and approved collectively by senior leadership which has responsibility
for executing the compensation approach across the organization.
Equity-Based Compensation. Portfolio managers may be awarded options to purchase
common shares and/or granted restricted shares of Invesco stock from pools
determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of Invesco's Board of
Directors. Awards of equity-based compensation typically vest over time, so as
to create incentives to retain key talent.
Portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans and programs available
generally to all employees.
----------
(3) Rolling time periods based on calender year end.
(4) Portfolio Managers may be granted a short-term award that vests on a
pro-rata basis over a three year period and final payments are based on the
performance of eligible funds selected by the manager at the time the award
is granted.
G-3
APPENDIX H
CERTAIN FINANCIAL ADVISORS THAT RECEIVE ONE OR MORE TYPES OF PAYMENTS
1st Global Capital Corporation
A G Edwards & Sons, Inc.
ADP Broker Dealer, Inc.
Advantage Capital Corporation
American General Securities, Inc.
American Skandia Life Assurance Corporation
American United Life Insurance Company
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
APS Financial
Associated Securities Corporation
AXA Advisors, LLC
Bank of New York
Bank of Oklahoma N.A.
BBVA Investments
Bear Stearns Securities Co
Brown Brothers Harriman
Cadaret Grant & Company, Inc.
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
Cantella
Cantor Fitzgerald
Centennial Bank
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.
Chase Investment Services Corporation
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Citigroup
CitiCorp Investment Services
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
Citistreet Equities LLC
Comerica Bank
Commonwealth Financial Network
Compass Brokerage, Inc.
Contemporary Financial Solutions, Inc.
Credit Suisse
CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.
CUSO Financial Services, Inc.
Equity Services, Inc.
Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC
Fidelity Institutional Operations Company, Inc.
Fifth Third Bank
Financial Network Investment Corporation
Fiserv
Frost Brokerage Services, Inc.
Frost National Bank
FSC Securities Corporation
Fund Services Advisors
Goldman Sachs
Great West Life & Annuity Company
Guaranty Bank & Trust
Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc.
GunnAllen Financial
Harris Nesbitt Burns
H. D. Vest Investment Securities, Inc.
Hilliard Lyons, Inc.
Hornor Townsend & Kent, Inc.
Huntington
ING Financial Partners, Inc.
ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company
Intersecurities, Inc.
INVEST Financial Corporation, Inc.
Investment Centers of America, Inc.
Jefferson Pilot Securities Corporation
JM Lummis Securities
JP Morgan Chase
LaSalle
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.
Linsco/Private Ledger Corporation
M & I Trust
M & T Securities, Inc.
M M L Investors Services, Inc.
Matrix
McDonald Investments, Inc.
Mellon Financial
Merrill Lynch & Company, Inc.
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company
Metlife Securities, Inc.
Meyer Financial Group
Money Concepts Capital Corporation
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley DW Inc.
Multi-Financial Securities Corporation
Mutual Service Corporation
N F P Securities, Inc.
NatCity Investments, Inc.
National Planning Corporation
Nationwide Investment Services Corporation
New England Securities Corporation
Next Financial Group, Inc.
Northwestern Mutual Investment Services
NYLIFE Distributors, LLC
Oppenheimer & Company, Inc.
Pershing LLC
PFS Investments, Inc.
Piper Jaffray & Company
PNC Capital Markets
Primevest Financial Services, Inc.
Proequities, Inc.
R B C Centura Securities, Inc.
R B C Dain Rauscher, Inc.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Ross Sinclair and Associates
Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.
SCF Securities
S I I Investments, Inc.
Securities America, Inc.
Sentra Securities Corporation
Signator Investors, Inc.
Simmons 1st Investment Group
Spelman & Company, Inc.
State Farm VP Management Corp
State Street Bank & Trust Company
SunAmerica Securities, Inc.
SunGard Institutional Brokerage, Inc.
Sungard Investment Products, Inc.
SunTrust Bank, Central Florida, N.A.
SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
SWS Financial Services
The (Wilson) William Financial
Tower Square Securities, Inc.
Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.
Transamerica Life Insurance & Annuity Company
Trust Management Network
U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.
UBS Financial Services Inc.
Union Bank of California
United Planner Financial Service
USAllianz Securities, Inc.
US Bank
UVEST Financial Services, Inc.
V S R Financial Services, Inc.
VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc.
vFinance Investments
Wachovia Capital Markets LLC
Wachovia Securities, LLC
Walnut Street Securities, Inc.
Waterstone Financial Group, Inc.
Wells Fargo Investments, LLC
Woodbury Financial Services, Inc.
X C U Capital Corporation, Inc.
Zions Bank
H-1
APPENDIX I-1
PENDING LITIGATION ALLEGING MARKET TIMING
The following civil lawsuits, including purported class action and
shareholder derivative suits, involve, depending on the lawsuit, one or more AIM
Funds, IFG, Invesco Aim, Invesco Aim Management and certain related entities,
certain of their current and former officers and/or certain unrelated third
parties and are based on allegations of improper market timing and related
activity in the AIM Funds. These lawsuits either have been served or have had
service of process waived (with the exception of the Sayegh lawsuit discussed
below).
RICHARD LEPERA, ON BEHALF OF HIMSELF AND ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED, V.
INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., INVESCO STOCK FUNDS, INC., INVESCO BOND FUNDS,
INC., INVESCO SECTOR FUNDS, INC. AND DOE DEFENDANTS 1-100, in the District
Court, City and County of Denver, Colorado, (Civil Action No. 03-CV-7600),
filed on October 2, 2003. This claim alleges: common law breach of
fiduciary duty; common law breach of contract; and common law tortious
interference with contract. The plaintiff in this case is seeking:
compensatory and punitive damages; injunctive relief; disgorgement of
revenues and profits; and costs and expenses, including counsel fees and
expert fees.
MIKE SAYEGH, ON BEHALF OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, V. JANUS CAPITAL CORPORATION,
JANUS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC, JANUS INVESTMENT FUND, EDWARD J. STERN,
CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC, CANARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC, CANARY
CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD., KAPLAN & CO. SECURITIES INC., BANK ONE CORPORATION,
BANC ONE INVESTMENT ADVISORS, THE ONE GROUP MUTUAL FUNDS, BANK OF AMERICA
CORPORATION, BANC OF AMERICA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC, BANC OF AMERICA
ADVISORS LLC, NATIONS FUND INC., ROBERT H. GORDON, THEODORE H. SIHPOL III,
CHARLES D. BRYCELAND, SECURITY TRUST COMPANY, STRONG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
INC., JB OXFORD & COMPANY, ALLIANCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT HOLDING L.P.,
ALLIANCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT L.P., ALLIANCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,
AXA FINANCIAL INC., ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN REGISTRANTS, GERALD MALONE, CHARLES
SCHAFFRAN, MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES, INC., PUTNAM INVESTMENTS TRUST,
PUTNAM INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC, PUTNAM INVESTMENT FUNDS, AND DOES 1-500,
in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles
(Case No. BC304655), filed on October 22, 2003 and amended on December 17,
2003 to substitute INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. and Raymond R. Cunningham for
unnamed Doe defendants. This claim alleges unfair business practices and
violations of Sections 17200 and 17203 of the California Business and
Professions Code. The plaintiff in this case is seeking: injunctive relief;
restitution, including pre-judgment interest; an accounting to determine
the amount to be returned by the defendants and the amount to be refunded
to the public; the creation of an administrative process whereby injured
customers of the defendants receive their losses; and counsel fees.
RAJ SANYAL, DERIVATIVELY ON BEHALF OF NATIONS INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND, V.
WILLIAM P. CARMICHAEL, WILLIAM H. GRIGG, THOMAS F. KELLER, CARL E. MUNDY,
JR., CORNELIUS J. PINGS, A. MAX WALKER, CHARLES B. WALKER, EDMUND L.
BENSON, III, ROBERT H. GORDON, JAMES B. SOMMERS, THOMAS S. WORD, JR.,
EDWARD D. BEDARD, GERALD MURPHY, ROBERT B. CARROLL, INVESCO GLOBAL ASSET
MANAGEMENT, PUTNAM INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION,
MARSICO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC, BANC OF AMERICA ADVISORS, LLC, BANC OF
AMERICA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC, AND NATIONS FUNDS TRUST, in the Superior
Court Division,
I-1
State of North Carolina (Civil Action No. 03-CVS-19622), filed on November
14, 2003. This claim alleges common law breach of fiduciary duty; abuse of
control; gross mismanagement; waste of fund assets; and unjust enrichment.
The plaintiff in this case is seeking: injunctive relief, including
imposition of a constructive trust; damages; restitution and disgorgement;
and costs and expenses, including counsel fees and expert fees.
L. SCOTT KARLIN, DERIVATIVELY ON BEHALF OF INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC. V.
AMVESCAP, PLC, INVESCO, INC., CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, CANARY
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC, AND CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., in the
United States District Court, District of Colorado (Civil Action No.
03-MK-2406), filed on November 28, 2003. This claim alleges violations of
Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company
Act"), and common law breach of fiduciary duty. The plaintiff in this case
is seeking damages and costs and expenses, including counsel fees and
expert fees.
RICHARD RAVER, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED,
V. INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., INVESCO STOCK FUNDS, INC, AIM MANAGEMENT
GROUP, INC., AIM STOCK FUNDS, AIM STOCK FUNDS, INC., AMVESCAP PLC, INVESCO
ADVANTAGE HEALTH SCIENCES FUND, INVESCO CORE EQUITY FUND, INVESCO DYNAMICS
FUND, INVESCO ENERGY FUND, INVESCO FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND, INVESCO GOLD &
PRECIOUS METALS FUND, INVESCO HEALTH SCIENCES FUND, INVESCO INTERNATIONAL
CORE EQUITY FUND, INVESCO LEISURE FUND, INVESCO MID-CAP GROWTH FUND,
INVESCO MULTI-SECTOR FUND, INVESCO S&P 500 INDEX FUND, INVESCO SMALL
COMPANY GROWTH FUND, INVESCO TECHNOLOGY FUND, INVESCO TOTAL RETURN FUND,
INVESCO UTILITIES FUND, INVESCO ADVANTAGE FUND, INVESCO BALANCED FUND,
INVESCO EUROPEAN FUND, INVESCO GROWTH FUND, INVESCO HIGH YIELD FUND,
INVESCO GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INVESCO INTERNATIONAL BLUE CHIP VALUE FUND,
INVESCO REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY FUND, INVESCO SELECT FUND, INVESCO TAX-FREE
BOND FUND, INVESCO TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND, INVESCO U.S. GOVERNMENT
SECURITIES FUND, INVESCO VALUE FUND, EDWARD J. STERN, CANARY INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT, LLC, CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS,
LLC, AND DOES 1-100, in the United States District Court, District of
Colorado (Civil Action No. 03-F-2441), filed on December 2, 2003. This
claim alleges violations of: Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of
1933 (the "Securities Act"); Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"); Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange
Act; and Sections 34(b), 36(a) and 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. The
claim also alleges common law breach of fiduciary duty. The plaintiffs in
this case are seeking: damages; pre-judgment and post-judgment interest;
counsel fees and expert fees; and other relief.
JERRY FATTAH, CUSTODIAN FOR BASIM FATTAH, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL
OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED, V. INVESCO ADVANTAGE HEALTH SCIENCES FUND,
INVESCO CORE EQUITY FUND, INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND, INVESCO ENERGY FUND,
INVESCO FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND, INVESCO GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS FUND,
INVESCO HEALTH SCIENCES FUND, INVESCO INTERNATIONAL CORE EQUITY FUND
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS INTERNATIONAL BLUE CHIP VALUE FUND), INVESCO LEISURE
FUND, INVESCO MID-CAP GROWTH FUND, INVESCO MULTI-SECTOR FUND, AIM INVESCO
S&P 500 INDEX FUND, INVESCO SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND, INVESCO TECHNOLOGY
FUND, INVESCO TOTAL RETURN FUND, INVESCO UTILITIES FUND, AIM MONEY MARKET
FUND, AIM INVESCO TAX-FREE MONEY FUND, AIM INVESCO TREASURER'S MONEY MARKET
RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO TREASURER'S TAX-EXEMPT RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO
U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY FUND, INVESCO ADVANTAGE
I-2
FUND, INVESCO BALANCED FUND, INVESCO EUROPEAN FUND, INVESCO GROWTH FUND,
INVESCO HIGH YIELD FUND, INVESCO GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INVESCO REAL ESTATE
OPPORTUNITY FUND, INVESCO SELECT INCOME FUND, INVESCO TAX-FREE BOND FUND,
INVESCO TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND, INVESCO U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND,
INVESCO VALUE FUND, INVESCO, INVESCO LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
(COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "INVESCO FUNDS"), AIM STOCK FUNDS, AIM COUNSELOR
SERIES TRUST, AIM SECTOR FUNDS INC., AIM BOND FUNDS INC., AIM COMBINATION
STOCK AND BOND FUNDS INC., AIM MONEY MARKET FUNDS INC., AIM INTERNATIONAL
FUNDS INC. (COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "INVESCO FUNDS REGISTRANTS"),
AMVESCAP PLC, INVESCO FUNDS GROUP INC., TIMOTHY MILLER, RAYMOND CUNNINGHAM,
THOMAS KOLBE, EDWARD STERN, AMERICAN SKANDIA INC., BREAN MURRAY & CO.,
INC., CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, CANARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC,
CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., AND JOHN DOES 1-100, in the United States
District Court, District of Colorado (Civil Action No. 03-F-2456), filed on
December 4, 2003. This claim alleges violations of: Sections 11 and 15 of
Securities Act; Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act; Rule 10b-5
under the Exchange Act; and Section 206 of the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"). The plaintiffs in this case are
seeking: compensatory damages; rescission; return of fees paid; accounting
for wrongfully gotten gains, profits and compensation; restitution and
disgorgement; and other costs and expenses, including counsel fees and
expert fees.
EDWARD LOWINGER AND SHARON LOWINGER, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL
OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED, V. INVESCO ADVANTAGE HEALTH SCIENCES FUND,
INVESCO CORE EQUITY FUND, INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND, INVESCO ENERGY FUND,
INVESCO FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND, INVESCO GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS FUND,
INVESCO HEALTH SCIENCES FUND, INVESCO INTERNATIONAL CORE EQUITY FUND
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS INTERNATIONAL BLUE CHIP VALUE FUND), INVESCO LEISURE
FUND, INVESCO MID-CAP GROWTH FUND, INVESCO MULTI-SECTOR FUND, AIM INVESCO
S&P 500 INDEX FUND, INVESCO SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND, INVESCO TECHNOLOGY
FUND, INVESCO TOTAL RETURN FUND, INVESCO UTILITIES FUND, AIM MONEY MARKET
FUND, AIM INVESCO TAX-FREE MONEY FUND, AIM INVESCO TREASURER'S MONEY MARKET
RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO TREASURER'S TAX-EXEMPT RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO
U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY FUND, INVESCO ADVANTAGE FUND, INVESCO BALANCED FUND,
INVESCO EUROPEAN FUND, INVESCO GROWTH FUND, INVESCO HIGH-YIELD FUND,
INVESCO GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INVESCO REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY FUND, INVESCO
SELECT INCOME FUND, INVESCO TAX-FREE BOND FUND, INVESCO TELECOMMUNICATIONS
FUND, INVESCO U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, INVESCO VALUE FUND, INVESCO;
INVESCO LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND (COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "INVESCO
FUNDS"), AIM STOCK FUNDS, AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST, AIM SECTOR FUNDS
INC., AIM BOND FUNDS INC., AIM COMBINATION STOCK AND BOND FUNDS INC., AIM
MONEY MARKET FUNDS INC., AIM INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INC. (COLLECTIVELY KNOWN
AS THE "INVESCO FUNDS REGISTRANTS"), AMVESCAP PLC, INVESCO FUNDS GROUP,
INC., TIMOTHY MILLER, RAYMOND CUNNINGHAM, THOMAS KOLBE, EDWARD J. STERN,
AMERICAN SKANDIA INC., BREAN MURRAY & CO., INC., CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS,
LLC, CANARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC, CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., AND
JOHN DOES 1-100, in the United States District Court, Southern District of
New York (Civil Action No. 03-CV-9634), filed on December 4, 2003. This
claim alleges violations of: Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act;
Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act; Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange
Act; and Section 206 of the Advisers Act. The plaintiffs in this case are
seeking: compensatory damages; rescission; return of fees
I-3
paid; accounting for wrongfully gotten gains, profits and compensation;
restitution and disgorgement; and other costs and expenses, including
counsel fees and expert fees.
JOEL GOODMAN, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED,
V. INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC. AND RAYMOND R. CUNNINGHAM, in the District
Court, City and County of Denver, Colorado (Case Number 03CV9268), filed on
December 5, 2003. This claim alleges common law breach of fiduciary duty
and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty. The plaintiffs in this
case are seeking: injunctive relief; accounting for all damages and for all
profits and any special benefits obtained; disgorgement; restitution and
damages; costs and disbursements, including counsel fees and expert fees;
and equitable relief.
STEVEN B. EHRLICH, CUSTODIAN FOR ALEXA P. EHRLICH, UGTMA/FLORIDA, AND DENNY
P. JACOBSON, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED,
V. INVESCO ADVANTAGE HEALTH SCIENCES FUND, INVESCO CORE EQUITY FUND,
INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND, INVESCO ENERGY FUND, INVESCO FINANCIAL SERVICES
FUND, INVESCO GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS FUND, INVESCO HEALTH SCIENCES FUND,
INVESCO INTERNATIONAL CORE EQUITY FUND (FORMERLY KNOWN AS INTERNATIONAL
BLUE CHIP VALUE FUND), INVESCO LEISURE FUND, INVESCO MID-CAP GROWTH FUND,
INVESCO MULTI-SECTOR FUND, AIM INVESCO S&P 500 INDEX FUND, INVESCO SMALL
COMPANY GROWTH FUND, INVESCO TECHNOLOGY FUND, INVESCO TOTAL RETURN FUND,
INVESCO UTILITIES FUND, AIM MONEY MARKET FUND, AIM INVESCO TAX-FREE MONEY
FUND, AIM INVESCO TREASURERS MONEY MARKET RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO
TREASURERS TAX-EXEMPT RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO US GOVERNMENT MONEY FUND,
INVESCO ADVANTAGE FUND, INVESCO BALANCED FUND, INVESCO EUROPEAN FUND,
INVESCO GROWTH FUND, INVESCO HIGH-YIELD FUND, INVESCO GROWTH & INCOME FUND,
INVESCO REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY FUND, INVESCO SELECT INCOME FUND, INVESCO
TAX-FREE BOND FUND, INVESCO TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND, INVESCO U.S.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, INVESCO VALUE FUND, INVESCO LATIN AMERICAN
GROWTH FUND (COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "INVESCO FUNDS"), AIM STOCK FUNDS,
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST, AIM SECTOR FUNDS INC., AIM BOND FUNDS INC., AIM
COMBINATION STOCK AND BOND FUNDS INC., AIM MONEY MARKET FUNDS INC., AIM
INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INC. (COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "INVESCO FUNDS
REGISTRANTS"), AMVESCAP PLC, INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., TIMOTHY MILLER,
RAYMOND CUNNINGHAM, THOMAS KOLBE, EDWARD J. STERN, AMERICAN SKANDIA INC.,
BREAN MURRAY & CO., INC., CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, CANARY INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT, LLC, CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., AND JOHN DOES 1-100, in the
United States District Court, District of Colorado (Civil Action No.
03-N-2559), filed on December 17, 2003. This claim alleges violations of:
Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act; Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the
Exchange Act; Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act; and Section 206 of the
Advisers Act. The plaintiffs in this case are seeking: compensatory
damages; rescission; return of fees paid; accounting for wrongfully gotten
gains, profits and compensation; restitution and disgorgement; and other
costs and expenses, including counsel fees and expert fees.
JOSEPH R. RUSSO, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY
SITUATED, V. INVESCO ADVANTAGE HEALTH SCIENCES FUND, INVESCO CORE EQUITY
FUND, INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND, INVESCO ENERGY FUND, INVESCO FINANCIAL
SERVICES FUND, INVESCO GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS FUND, INVESCO HEALTH SCIENCES
FUND, INVESCO INTERNATIONAL CORE EQUITY FUND (FORMERLY KNOWN AS
INTERNATIONAL BLUE CHIP VALUE FUND), INVESCO LEISURE FUND, INVESCO MID-CAP
GROWTH FUND, INVESCO MULTI-SECTOR FUND, AIM INVESCO S&P 500 INDEX FUND,
INVESCO SMALL COMPANY
I-4
GROWTH FUND, INVESCO TECHNOLOGY FUND, INVESCO TOTAL RETURN FUND, INVESCO
UTILITIES FUND, AIM MONEY MARKET FUND, AIM INVESCO TAX-FREE MONEY FUND, AIM
INVESCO TREASURERS MONEY MARKET RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO TREASURERS
TAX-EXEMPT RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO US GOVERNMENT MONEY FUND, INVESCO
ADVANTAGE FUND, INVESCO BALANCED FUND, INVESCO EUROPEAN FUND, INVESCO
GROWTH FUND, INVESCO HIGH-YIELD FUND, INVESCO GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INVESCO
REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY FUND, INVESCO SELECT INCOME FUND, INVESCO TAX-FREE
BOND FUND, INVESCO TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND, INVESCO U.S. GOVERNMENT
SECURITIES FUND, INVESCO VALUE FUND, INVESCO LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
(COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "INVESCO FUNDS"), AIM STOCK FUNDS, AIM COUNSELOR
SERIES TRUST, AIM SECTOR FUNDS INC., AIM BOND FUNDS INC., AIM COMBINATION
STOCK AND BOND FUNDS INC., AIM MONEY MARKET FUNDS INC., AIM INTERNATIONAL
FUNDS INC. (COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "INVESCO FUNDS REGISTRANTS"),
AMVESCAP PLC, INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., TIMOTHY MILLER, RAYMOND
CUNNINGHAM, THOMAS KOLBE, EDWARD J. STERN, AMERICAN SKANDIA INC., BREAN
MURRAY & CO., INC., CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, CANARY INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT, LLC, CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., AND JOHN DOES 1-100, in the
United States District Court, Southern District of New York (Civil Action
No. 03-CV-10045), filed on December 18, 2003. This claim alleges violations
of: Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act; Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of
the Exchange Act; Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act; and Section 206 of the
Advisers Act. The plaintiffs in this case are seeking: compensatory
damages; rescission; return of fees paid; accounting for wrongfully gotten
gains, profits and compensation; restitution and disgorgement; and other
costs and expenses, including counsel fees and expert fees.
MIRIAM CALDERON, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY
SITUATED, V. AMVESCAP PLC, AVZ, INC., AMVESCAP RETIREMENT, INC., AMVESCAP
NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, ROBERT F. MCCULLOUGH, GORDON NEBEKER, JEFFREY G.
CALLAHAN, INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., RAYMOND R. CUNNINGHAM, AND DOES 1-100,
in the United States District Court, District of Colorado (Civil Action No.
03-M-2604), filed on December 24, 2003. This claim alleges violations of
Sections 404, 405 and 406B of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
("ERISA"). The plaintiffs in this case are seeking: declarations that the
defendants breached their ERISA fiduciary duties and that they are not
entitled to the protection of Section 404(c)(1)(B) of ERISA; an order
compelling the defendants to make good all losses to a particular
retirement plan described in this case (the "Retirement Plan") resulting
from the defendants' breaches of their fiduciary duties, including losses
to the Retirement Plan resulting from imprudent investment of the
Retirement Plan's assets, and to restore to the Retirement Plan all profits
the defendants made through use of the Retirement Plan's assets, and to
restore to the Retirement Plan all profits which the participants would
have made if the defendants had fulfilled their fiduciary obligations;
damages on behalf of the Retirement Plan; imposition of a constructive
trust, injunctive relief, damages suffered by the Retirement Plan, to be
allocated proportionately to the participants in the Retirement Plan;
restitution and other costs and expenses, including counsel fees and expert
fees.
PAT B. GORSUCH AND GEORGE L. GORSUCH V. INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC. AND AIM
ADVISER, INC., in the United States District Court, District of Colorado
(Civil Action No. 03-MK-2612), filed on December 24, 2003. This claim
alleges violations of Sections 15(a), 20(a) and 36(b) of the Investment
Company Act. The plaintiffs in this case are seeking: rescission and/or
voiding of the investment advisory agreements; return of fees paid;
damages; and other costs and expenses, including counsel fees and expert
fees.
I-5
LORI WEINRIB, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED,
V. INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., AIM STOCK FUNDS, AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST,
AIM SECTOR FUNDS INC., AIM BOND FUNDS INC., AIM COMBINATION STOCK AND BOND
FUNDS INC., AIM MONEY MARKET FUNDS INC., AIM INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INC.,
AMVESCAP PLC, TIMOTHY MILLER, RAYMOND CUNNINGHAM, THOMAS KOLBE, EDWARD J.
STERN, AMERICAN SKANDIA INC., BREAN MURRAY & CO., INC., CANARY CAPITAL
PARTNERS, LLC, CANARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC, CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS,
LTD., AND JOHN DOES 1-100, in the United States District Court, Southern
District of New York (Civil Action No. 04-CV-00492), filed on January 21,
2004. This claim alleges violations of: Sections 11 and 15 of the 1933 Act;
Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act; Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange
Act; and Section 206 of the Advisers Act. The plaintiffs in this case are
seeking: compensatory damages; rescission; return of fees paid; accounting
for wrongfully gotten gains, profits and compensation; restitution and
disgorgement; and other costs and expenses, including counsel fees and
expert fees.
ROBERT S. BALLAGH, JR., INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY
SITUATED, V. INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., INVESCO STOCK FUNDS, INC., AIM
MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC., AIM STOCK FUNDS, AIM STOCK FUNDS, INC., AMVESCAP
PLC, INVESCO ADVANTAGE HEALTH SCIENCES FUND, INVESCO CORE EQUITY FUND,
INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND, INVESCO ENERGY FUND, INVESCO FINANCIAL SERVICES
FUND, INVESCO GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS FUND, INVESCO HEALTH SCIENCES FUND,
INVESCO INTERNATIONAL CORE EQUITY FUND, INVESCO LEISURE FUND, INVESCO
MID-CAP GROWTH FUND, INVESCO MULTI-SECTOR FUND, INVESCO S&P 500 INDEX FUND,
INVESCO SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND, INVESCO TECHNOLOGY FUND, INVESCO TOTAL
RETURN FUND, INVESCO UTILITIES FUND, INVESCO ADVANTAGE FUND, INVESCO
BALANCED FUND, INVESCO EUROPEAN FUND, INVESCO GROWTH FUND, INVESCO HIGH
YIELD FUND, INVESCO GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INVESCO INTERNATIONAL BLUE CHIP
VALUE FUND, INVESCO REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY FUND, INVESCO SELECT FUND,
INVESCO TAX-FREE BOND FUND, INVESCO TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND, INVESCO U.S.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, INVESCO VALUE FUND, EDWARD J. STERN, CANARY
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC, CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., CANARY CAPITAL
PARTNERS, LLC, AND DOES 1-100, in the United States District Court,
District of Colorado (Civil Action No. 04-MK-0152), filed on January 28,
2004. This claim alleges violations of: Sections 11 and 15 of the
Securities Act; Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act; Rule 10b-5
under the Exchange Act; and Sections 34(b), 36(a) and 36(b) of the
Investment Company Act. The claim also alleges common law breach of
fiduciary duty. The plaintiffs in this case are seeking: damages;
pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; counsel fees and expert fees; and
other relief.
JONATHAN GALLO, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY
SITUATED, V. INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., INVESCO STOCK FUNDS, INC., AIM
MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC., AIM STOCK FUNDS, AIM STOCK FUNDS, INC., AMVESCAP
PLC, INVESCO ADVANTAGE HEALTH SCIENCES FUND, INVESCO CORE EQUITY FUND,
INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND, INVESCO ENERGY FUND, INVESCO FINANCIAL SERVICES
FUND, INVESCO GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS FUND, INVESCO HEALTH SCIENCES FUND,
INVESCO INTERNATIONAL CORE EQUITY FUND, INVESCO LEISURE FUND, INVESCO
MID-CAP GROWTH FUND, INVESCO MULTI-SECTOR FUND, INVESCO S&P 500 INDEX FUND,
INVESCO SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND, INVESCO TECHNOLOGY FUND, INVESCO TOTAL
RETURN FUND, INVESCO UTILITIES FUND, INVESCO ADVANTAGE FUND, INVESCO
BALANCED FUND, INVESCO EUROPEAN FUND, INVESCO GROWTH FUND, INVESCO HIGH
YIELD FUND, INVESCO GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INVESCO INTERNATIONAL BLUE CHIP
VALUE FUND, INVESCO REAL ESTATE
I-6
OPPORTUNITY FUND, INVESCO SELECT FUND, INVESCO TAX-FREE BOND FUND, INVESCO
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND, INVESCO U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, INVESCO
VALUE FUND, EDWARD J. STERN, CANARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC, CANARY
CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, AND DOES 1-100, in
the United States District Court, District of Colorado (Civil Action No.
04-MK-0151), filed on January 28, 2004. This claim alleges violations of:
Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act; Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the
Exchange Act; Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act; and Sections 34(b), 36(a)
and 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. The claim also alleges common law
breach of fiduciary duty. The plaintiffs in this case are seeking: damages;
pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; counsel fees and expert fees; and
other relief.
EILEEN CLANCY, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED,
V. INVESCO ADVANTAGE HEALTH SCIENCES FUND, INVESCO CORE EQUITY FUND,
INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND, INVESCO ENERGY FUND, INVESCO FINANCIAL SERVICES
FUND, INVESCO GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS FUND, INVESCO HEALTH SCIENCES FUND,
INVESCO INTERNATIONAL CORE EQUITY FUND (FORMERLY KNOWN AS INTERNATIONAL
BLUE CHIP VALUE FUND), INVESCO LEISURE FUND, INVESCO MID-CAP GROWTH FUND,
INVESCO MULTI-SECTOR FUND, AIM INVESCO S&P 500 INDEX FUND, INVESCO SMALL
COMPANY GROWTH FUND, INVESCO TECHNOLOGY FUND, INVESCO TOTAL RETURN FUND,
INVESCO UTILITIES FUND, AIM MONEY MARKET FUND, AIM INVESCO TAX-FREE MONEY
FUND, AIM INVESCO TREASURER'S MONEY MARKET RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO
TREASURER'S TAX-EXEMPT RESERVE FUND, AIM INVESCO US GOVERNMENT MONEY FUND,
INVESCO ADVANTAGE FUND, INVESCO BALANCED FUND, INVESCO EUROPEAN FUND,
INVESCO GROWTH FUND, INVESCO HIGH-YIELD FUND, INVESCO GROWTH & INCOME FUND,
INVESCO REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY FUND, INVESCO SELECT INCOME FUND, INVESCO
TAX-FREE BOND FUND, INVESCO TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND, INVESCO U.S.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, INVESCO VALUE FUND, INVESCO, INVESCO LATIN
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND (COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "INVESCO FUNDS"), AIM STOCK
FUNDS, AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST, AIM SECTOR FUNDS INC., AIM BOND FUNDS
INC., AIM COMBINATION STOCK AND BOND FUNDS INC., AIM MONEY MARKET FUNDS
INC., AIM INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INC. (COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "INVESCO
FUNDS REGISTRANTS"), AMVESCAP PLC, INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., TIMOTHY
MILLER, RAYMOND CUNNINGHAM AND THOMAS KOLBE, in the United States District
Court, Southern District of New York (Civil Action No. 04-CV-0713), filed
on January 30, 2004. This claim alleges violations of Sections 11 and 15 of
the Securities Act. The plaintiffs in this case are seeking: compensatory
damages, rescission; return of fees paid; and other costs and expenses,
including counsel fees and expert fees.
SCOTT WALDMAN, ON BEHALF OF HIMSELF AND ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED, V.
INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND, INVESCO EUROPEAN FUND,
INVESCO SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND, INVESCO TECHNOLOGY FUND, AIM STOCK
FUNDS, AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST, AIM SECTOR FUNDS INC., AIM BOND FUNDS
INC., AIM COMBINATION STOCK AND BOND FUNDS INC., AIM MONEY MARKET FUNDS
INC., AIM INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INC., AMVESCAP PLC, AND RAYMOND CUNNINGHAM,
in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York (Civil
Action No. 04-CV-00915), filed on February 3, 2004. This claim alleges
violations of Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act and common law
breach of fiduciary duty. The plaintiffs in this case are seeking
compensatory damages; injunctive relief; and costs and expenses, including
counsel fees and expert fees.
I-7
CARL E. VONDER HAAR AND MARILYN P. MARTIN, ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES AND ALL
OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED, V. INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., INVESCO STOCK
FUNDS, INC. AND DOE DEFENDANTS 1-100, in the United States District Court,
District of Colorado (Civil Action No. 04-CV-812), filed on February 5,
2004. This claim alleges: common law breach of fiduciary duty; breach of
contract; and tortious interference with contract. The plaintiffs in this
case are seeking: injunctive relief; damages; disgorgement; and costs and
expenses, including counsel fees and expert fees.
HENRY KRAMER, DERIVATIVELY ON BEHALF OF INVESCO ENERGY FUND, INVESCO STOCK
FUNDS, INC., AND INVESCO MUTUAL FUNDS V. AMVESCAP, PLC, INVESCO FUNDS
GROUP, INC., CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, CANARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT,
LLC, AND CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., DEFENDANTS, AND INVESCO ENERGY
FUND, INVESCO STOCK FUNDS, INC., AND INVESCO MUTUAL FUNDS, NOMINAL
Defendants, in the United States District Court, District of Colorado
(Civil Action No. 04-MK-0397), filed on March 4, 2004. This claim alleges
violations of Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act and common law
breach of fiduciary duty. The plaintiff in this case is seeking damages and
costs and expenses, including counsel fees and expert fees.
CYNTHIA L. ESSENMACHER, DERIVATIVELY ON BEHALF OF THE INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND
AND THE REMAINING "INVESCO FUNDS" V. INVESCO FUNDS GROUPS, INC., AMVESCAP
PLC, AIM MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC., RAYMOND CUNNINGHAM, TIMOTHY MILLER, THOMAS
KOLBE AND MICHAEL LEGOSKI, DEFENDANTS, AND INVESCO DYNAMICS FUND AND THE
"INVESCO FUNDS", NOMINAL DEFENDANTS, in the United States District Court,
District of Delaware (Civil Action No. 04-CV-188), filed on March 29, 2004.
This claim alleges: violations of Section 36(b) of the Investment Company
Act; violations of Section 206 of the Advisers Act; common law breach of
fiduciary duty; and civil conspiracy. The plaintiff in this case is
seeking: damages; injunctive relief; and costs and expenses, including
counsel fees and expert fees.
ANNE G. PERENTESIS (WIDOW) V. AIM INVESTMENTS, ET AL (INVESCO FUNDS GROUP,
INC.), in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County (Case No.
080400228152005), filed on July 21, 2005. This claim alleges financial
losses, mental anguish and emotional distress as a result of unlawful
market timing and related activity by the defendants. The plaintiff in this
case is seeking damages and costs and expenses.
Pursuant to an Order of the MDL Court, plaintiffs in the above lawsuits
(with the exception of Carl E. Vonder Haar, et al. v. INVESCO Funds Group, Inc.
et al. and Mike Sayegh v. Janus Capital Corporation, et al.) consolidated their
claims for pre-trial purposes into three amended complaints against various
Invesco Aim- and IFG-related parties: (i) a Consolidated Amended Class Action
Complaint purportedly brought on behalf of shareholders of the AIM Funds (the
Lepera lawsuit discussed below); (ii) a Consolidated Amended Fund Derivative
Complaint purportedly brought on behalf of the AIM Funds and fund registrants
(the Essenmacher lawsuit discussed below); and (iii) an Amended Class Action
Complaint for Violations of the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act
("ERISA") purportedly brought on behalf of participants in Invesco's 401(k) plan
(the Calderon lawsuit discussed below). The plaintiffs in the Vonder Haar and
Sayegh lawsuits continue to seek remand of their lawsuits to state court. Set
forth below is detailed information about these three amended complaints.
RICHARD LEPERA, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED
(LEAD PLAINTIFF: CITY OF CHICAGO DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN), V. INVESCO
FUNDS GROUP, INC., AMVESCAP, PLC, AIM INVESTMENTS, AIM ADVISORS, INC.,
INVESCO INSTITUTIONAL (N.A.), INC., INVESCO ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED,
INVESCO GLOBAL ASSETS MANAGEMENT (N.A.), AIM
I-8
STOCK FUNDS, AIM MUTUAL FUNDS, AIM COMBINATION STOCK & BOND FUNDS, AIM
SECTOR FUNDS, AIM TREASURER'S SERIES TRUST, INVESCO DISTRIBUTORS, INC., AIM
DISTRIBUTORS, INC., RAYMOND R. CUNNINGHAM, TIMOTHY J. MILLER, THOMAS A.
KOLBE, MICHAEL D. LEGOSKI, MICHAEL K. BRUGMAN, MARK WILLIAMSON, EDWARD J.
STERN, CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, CANARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC,
CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., RYAN GOLDBERG, MICHAEL GRADY, CITIGROUP,
INC., CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS HOLDINGS, INC., SALOMON SMITH BARNEY, INC.,
MORGAN STANLEY DW, ANNA BRUGMAN, ANB CONSULTING, LLC, KAPLAN & CO.
SECURITIES INC., SECURITY TRUST COMPANY, N.A., GRANT D. SEEGER, JB OXFORD
HOLDINGS, INC., NATIONAL CLEARING CORPORATION, JAMES G. LEWIS, KRAIG L.
KIBBLE, JAMES Y. LIN, BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION, BANC OF AMERICA
SECURITIES LLC, THEODORE C. SIHPOL, III, BEAR STEARNS & CO., INC., BEAR
STEARNS SECURITIES CORP., CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
(USA) INC., PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC., PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, INC.,
CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE, JP MORGAN CHASE AND CO., AND JOHN DOE
DEFENDANTS 1-100, in the MDL Court (Case No. 04-MD-15864; No.
04-CV-00814-JFM) (originally in the United States District Court for the
District of Colorado), filed on September 29, 2004. This lawsuit alleges
violations of Sections 11, 12(a) (2), and 15 of the Securities Act; Section
10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder; Section
20(a) of the Exchange Act; Sections 34(b), 36(a), 36(b) and 48(a) of the
Investment Company Act; breach of fiduciary duty/constructive fraud; aiding
and abetting breach of fiduciary duty; and unjust enrichment. The
plaintiffs in this lawsuit are seeking: compensatory damages, including
interest; and other costs and expenses, including counsel and expert fees.
CYNTHIA ESSENMACHER, SILVANA G. DELLA CAMERA, FELICIA BERNSTEIN AS
CUSTODIAN FOR DANIELLE BROOKE BERNSTEIN, EDWARD CASEY, TINA CASEY, SIMON
DENENBERG, GEORGE L. GORSUCH, PAT B. GORSUCH, L. SCOTT KARLIN, HENRY
KRAMER, JOHN E. MORRISEY, HARRY SCHIPPER, BERTY KREISLER, GERSON SMITH,
CYNTHIA PULEO, ZACHARY ALAN STARR, JOSHUA GUTTMAN, AND AMY SUGIN,
DERIVATIVELY ON BEHALF OF THE MUTUAL FUNDS, TRUSTS AND CORPORATIONS
COMPRISING THE INVESCO AND AIM FAMILY OF MUTUAL FUNDS V. AMVESCAP, PLC,
INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., INVESCO DISTRIBUTORS, INC., INVESCO
INSTITUTIONAL (N.A.), INC., INVESCO ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED, INVESCO
GLOBAL ASSETS MANAGEMENT (N.A.), AIM MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC., AIM ADVISERS,
INC., AIM INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC., AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC., FUND
MANAGEMENT COMPANY, MARK H. WILLIAMSON, RAYMOND R. CUNNINGHAM, TIMOTHY
MILLER, THOMAS KOLBE, MICHAEL LEGOSKI, MICHAEL BRUGMAN, FRED A. DEERING,
VICTOR L. ANDREWS, BOB R. BAKER, LAWRENCE H. BUDNER, JAMES T. BUNCH, GERALD
J. LEWIS, JOHN W. MCINTYRE, LARRY SOLL, RONALD L. GROOMS, WILLIAM J.
GALVIN, JR., ROBERT H. GRAHAM, FRANK S. BAYLEY, BRUCE L. CROCKETT, ALBERT
R. DOWDEN, EDWARD K. DUNN, JACK M. FIELDS, CARL FRISCHILING, PREMA
MATHAI-DAVIS, LEWIS F. PENNOCK, RUTH H. QUIGLEY, LOUIS S. SKLAR, OWEN DALY
II, AURUM SECURITIES CORP., AURUM CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CORP., GOLDEN GATE
FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC, BANK OF AMERICA CORP., BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES
LLC, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., BEAR STEARNS & CO., INC., CANARY CAPITAL
PARTNERS, LLC, CANARY CAPITAL PARTNERS, LTD., CANARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT,
LLC, EDWARD J. STERN, CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE, CIRCLE TRUST
COMPANY, RYAN GOLDBERG, MICHAEL GRADY, KAPLAN & CO. SECURITIES, INC., JP
MORGAN CHASE & CO., OPPENHEIMER & CO., INC., PRITCHARD CAPITAL PARTNERS
LLC, TIJA MANAGEMENT, TRAUTMAN WASSERMAN & COMPANY, INC., DEFENDANTS, AND
THE INVESCO FUNDS AND THE AIM FUNDS AND ALL TRUSTS AND
I-9
CORPORATIONS THAT COMPRISE THE INVESCO FUNDS AND AIM FUNDS THAT WERE
MANAGED BY INVESCO AND AIM, NOMINAL DEFENDANTS, in the MDL Court (Case No.
04-MD-15864-FPS; No. 04-819), filed on September 29, 2004. This lawsuit
alleges violations of Sections 206 and 215 of the Investment Advisers Act;
Sections 36(a), 36(b) and 47 of the Investment Company Act; control person
liability under Section 48 of the Investment Company Act; breach of
fiduciary duty; aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty; breach of
contract; unjust enrichment; interference with contract; and civil
conspiracy. The plaintiffs in this lawsuit are seeking: removal of director
defendants; removal of adviser, sub-adviser and distributor defendants;
rescission of management and other contracts between the Funds and
defendants; rescission of 12b-1 plans; disgorgement of management fees and
other compensation/profits paid to adviser defendants; compensatory and
punitive damages; and fees and expenses, including attorney and expert
fees.
MIRIAM CALDERON, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY
SITUATED, V. AVZ, INC., AMVESCAP RETIREMENT, INC., AMVESCAP NATIONAL TRUST
COMPANY, INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., AMVESCAP, ROBERT F. MCCULLOUGH, GORDON
NEBEKER, JEFFREY G. CALLAHAN, AND RAYMOND R. CUNNINGHAM, in the MDL Court
(Case No. 1:04-MD-15864-FPS), filed on September 29, 2004. This lawsuit
alleges violations of ERISA Sections 404, 405 and 406. The plaintiffs in
this lawsuit are seeking: declaratory judgment; restoration of losses
suffered by the plan; disgorgement of profits; imposition of a constructive
trust; injunctive relief; compensatory damages; costs and attorneys' fees;
and equitable restitution.
On March 1, 2006, the MDL Court entered orders on Defendants' Motions to dismiss
in the derivative (Essenmacher) and class action (Lepera) lawsuits. The MDL
Court dismissed all derivative causes of action in the Essenmacher lawsuit but
two: (i) the excessive fee claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"); and (ii) the "control person liability" claim
under Section 48 of the 1940 Act. The MDL Court dismissed all claims asserted in
the Lepera class action lawsuit but three: (i) the securities fraud claims under
Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (ii) the excessive fee
claim under Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act (which survived only insofar as
plaintiffs seek recovery of fees associated with the assets involved in market
timing); and (iii) the "control person liability" claim under Section 48 of the
1940 Act. On June 14, 2006, the MDL Court entered an order dismissing the
Section 48 claim in the derivative (Essenmacher) lawsuit. Based on the MDL
Court's March 1, 2006 and June 14, 2006 orders, all claims asserted against the
Funds that have been transferred to the MDL Court have been dismissed, although
certain Funds remain nominal defendants in the derivative (Essenmacher) lawsuit.
Defendants filed their Original Answer in the class action (Lepera) lawsuit on
March 31, 2006. The MDL Court has indefinitely deferred Defendants' obligation
to answer the derivative (Essenmacher) lawsuit. The Plaintiffs in the class
action (Lepera) lawsuit stipulated that their claims against Invesco Aim,
Invesco Aim Distributors and Invesco Aim Investment Services, Inc. ("Invesco Aim
Investment Services") are based solely on successor liability for alleged timing
in the AIM Funds formerly advised by IFG and that they are not making any claims
based on alleged timing in the other AIM Funds. Based upon this stipulation,
Invesco Aim withdrew its pending Motion to Dismiss the claims against Invesco
Aim, Invesco Aim Distributors and Invesco Aim Investment Services. On July 3,
2007, the Defendants filed an Omnibus Motion to Dismiss in both the class action
(Lepera) and derivative (Essenmacher) lawsuits based on Plaintiffs' lack of
standing to sue for injuries to funds the Plaintiffs do not own. On October 19,
2007, Judge Motz for the MDL Court denied the Defendants' Motion to Dismiss. On
January 5, 2008, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle both
the class action (Lepera) and the derivative (Essenmacher) lawsuits, subject to
the MDL Court approval. Individual class members have the right to object.
On September 15, 2006, Judge Motz for the MDL Court granted the Defendants'
motion to dismiss the ERISA (Calderon) lawsuit and dismissed such lawsuit. The
Plaintiff appealed this decision. On June 16, 2008, the Fourth Court of Appeals
reversed the dismissal and remanded this lawsuit back to the MDL Court for
further proceedings. On December 15, 2008, the parties reached an agreement in
principle to
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settle this lawsuit, subject to the MDL Court approval. Individual
class members have the right to object. No payments are required under the
settlement; however, the parties agreed that certain limited changes to benefit
plans and participants' accounts would be made.
I-11
APPENDIX I-2
PENDING LITIGATION ALLEGING INADEQUATELY EMPLOYED FAIR VALUE PRICING
The following civil class action lawsuits involves AIM Funds, IFG and/or
Invesco Aim and allege that the defendants inadequately employed fair value
pricing. These lawsuits either have been served or have had service of process
waived.
T.K. PARTHASARATHY, EDMUND WOODBURY, STUART ALLEN SMITH AND SHARON SMITH,
INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED, V. T. ROWE
PRICE INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, INC., T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL, INC., ARTISAN
FUNDS, INC., ARTISAN PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, AIM INTERNATIONAL FUNDS,
INC. AND AIM ADVISORS, INC., in the Third Judicial Circuit Court for
Madison County, Illinois (Case No. 2003-L-001253), filed on September 23,
2003. This claim alleges: common law breach of duty and common law
negligence and gross negligence. The plaintiffs in these cases are seeking:
compensatory and punitive damages; interest; and attorneys' fees and costs.
The Third Judicial Circuit Court for Madison County, Illinois has issued an
order severing the claims of plaintiff Parthasarathy from the claims of the
other plaintiffs against Invesco Aim and other defendants. As a result,
Invesco Aim is a defendant in the following severed action: EDMUND
WOODBURY, STUART ALLEN SMITH and SHARON SMITH, Individually and On Behalf
of All Others Similarly Situated, v. AIM INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, INC., ET AL.,
in the Third Judicial Circuit Court for Madison County, Illinois (Case No.
03-L-1253A). The claims made by Plaintiffs and the relief sought in the
Woodbury lawsuit are identical to those in the Parthasarathy lawsuit. This
case has been through various procedural steps, including complete
dismissal and appeals. The parties were contesting whether the proper venue
for this action is the Federal District Court or the Illinois State Court.
On July 17, 2007, the Federal District Court ordered this case remanded
back to Illinois State Court. On January 1, 2008, the Illinois State Court
denied defendants' Motion to Dismiss. Pursuant to a settlement agreement,
Plaintiffs filed a Motion to Dismiss with prejudice, which was granted on
May 6, 2008.
JOHN BILSKI, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED,
V. AIM INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, INC., AIM ADVISORS, INC., INVESCO INTERNATIONAL
FUNDS, INC., INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC., T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL FUNDS,
INC. AND T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL, INC., in the United States District
Court, Southern District of Illinois (East St. Louis) (Case No. 03-772),
filed on November 19, 2003. This claim alleges: violations of Sections
36(a) and 36(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940; common law breach of
duty; and common law negligence and gross negligence. The plaintiff in this
case is seeking: compensatory and punitive damages; interest; and
attorneys' fees and costs. This lawsuit has been transferred to the MDL
Court by order of the United States District Court, Southern District of
Illinois (East St. Louis).
I-12
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits
a - (a) Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of
Registrant, dated September 14, 2005.(21)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated March 27, 2006, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(23)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated April 10, 2006, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(23)
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated May 24, 2006, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(23)
- (e) Amendment No. 4, dated July 5, 2006, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(23)
- (f) Amendment No. 5, dated February 28, 2007, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005(24)
- (g) Amendment No. 6, dated April 30, 2008, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(26)
- (h) Amendment No. 7, dated May 1, 2008, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(26)
- (i) Amendment No. 8, dated June 19, 2008, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(26)
- (j) Amendment No. 9, dated July 15, 2008, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(26)
- (k) Amendment No. 10, dated January 22, 2009, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005. (27)
- (l) Amendment No. 11, dated April 14, 2009, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(27)
b - (a) Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005.(21)
C-1
- (b) Amendment, dated August 1, 2006, to Amended and Restated Bylaws
of Registrant, adopted effective September 14, 2005.(23)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated March 23, 2007, to Amended and Restated
Bylaws of Registrant, adopted effective September 14, 2005(24)
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated January 1, 2008, to Amended and Restated
Bylaws of Registrant, adopted effective September 14, 2005(24)
c - Articles II, VI, VII, VIII and IX of the Amended and Restated
Agreement Declaration of Trust, as amended, and Articles IV, V and VI
of the Amended and Restated By-Laws as amended, both as previously
filed define rights of holders of shares.
d (1) - (a) Master Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000,
between Registrant and A I M Advisors, Inc.(7)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated December 28, 2001, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(10)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated August 29, 2002, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(12)
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated May 2, 2003, to Master Investment Advisory
Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(14)
- (e) Amendment No. 4, dated July 1, 2004, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(17)
- (f) Amendment No. 5, dated September 15, 2004, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(17)
- (g) Amendment No. 6, dated March 15, 2005, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(20)
- (h) Amendment No. 7, dated July 18, 2005, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(20)
- (i) Amendment No. 8, dated March 27, 2006, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(23)
- (j) Amendment No. 9, dated April 10, 2006, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(23)
- (k) Amendment No. 10, dated February 27, 2007, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(24)
- (l) Amendment No. 11, dated July 1, 2007, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and A I M
Advisors, Inc.(24)
- (m) Amendment No. 12, dated April 30, 2008, to Master Investment
Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant and
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., formerly A I M Advisors, Inc.(26)
C-2
- (n) Form of Amendment No. 13, dated [_______, 2009], to Master
Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between
Registrant and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., formerly A I M Advisors,
Inc.(27)
(2) - (a) Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract for Mutual Funds, dated
May 1, 2008 between Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., on behalf of
Registrant, and each of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH,
Invesco Asset Management Ltd., Invesco Asset Management (Japan)
Limited, Invesco Australia Limited, Invesco Global Asset Management
(N.A.), Inc., Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Institutional
(N.A.), Inc., Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and AIM Funds
Management, Inc. (now known as Invesco Trimark Ltd.)(26)
- (b) Form of Amendment No. 1, dated [_______, 2009], to Master
Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract for Mutual Funds, dated May 1, 2008
between Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., on behalf of Registrant, and each
of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset
Management Ltd., Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco
Australia Limited, Invesco Global Asset Management (N.A.), Inc.,
Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.,
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Trimark Ltd.(27)
e (1) - (a) First Restated Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August
13, 2003, as subsequently amended, and as restated September 20,
2006, by and between Registrant (all classes of shares except Class B
shares) and A I M Distributors, Inc.(23)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated December 8, 2006, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all classes of shares except Class B shares), and
A I M Distributors, Inc.(23)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated January 31, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all classes of shares except Class B shares), and
A I M Distributors, Inc.(23)
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated February 28, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all classes of shares except Class B shares), and
A I M Distributors, Inc.(24)
- (e) Amendment No. 4, dated March 9, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all classes of shares except Class B shares), and
A I M Distributors, Inc.(24)
- (f) Amendment No. 5, dated April 23, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all classes of shares except Class B shares), and
A I M Distributors, Inc.(24)
- (g) Amendment No. 6, dated September 28, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all classes of shares except Class B shares), and
A I M Distributors, Inc.(24)
C-3
- (h) Amendment No. 7, dated December 20, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all classes of shares except Class B shares), and
A I M Distributors, Inc.(24)
- (i) Amendment No. 8, dated April 28, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all classes of shares except B shares), and
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc., formerly A I M Distributors, Inc.(26)
- (j) Amendment No. 9, dated April 30, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all classes of shares except B shares), and
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc., formerly A I M Distributors, Inc.(26)
- (k) Amendment No. 10, dated May 1, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as subsequently
amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and between
Registrant (all Classes of Shares except Class B shares) and Invesco
Aim Distributors, Inc.(26)
- (l) Amendment No. 11, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all Classes of Shares except Class B shares) and
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.(27)
- (m) Amendment No. 12, dated October 3, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all Classes of Shares except Class B shares) and
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.(27)
- (n) Form of Amendment No. 13, dated [_______, 2009], to the First
Restated Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003,
as subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all Classes of Shares except Class B shares) and
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.(27)
(2) - (a) First Restated Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August
18, 2003, as subsequently amended, and as restated September 20,
2006, by and between Registrant (Class B shares) dated August 18,
2003, between Registrant and A I M Distributors, Inc.(23)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated January 31, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (Class B shares) dated August 18, 2003, between
Registrant and A I M Distributors, Inc.(23)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated February 28, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (Class B shares) dated August 18, 2003, between
Registrant and A I M Distributors, Inc.(24)
C-4
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated March 9, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (Class B shares) dated August 18, 2003, between
Registrant and A I M Distributors, Inc.(24)
- (e) Amendment No. 4, dated April 23, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (Class B shares) dated August 18, 2003, between
Registrant and A I M Distributors, Inc.(24)
- (f) Amendment No. 5, dated April 30, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (Class B shares) and Invesco Aim Distributors,
Inc., formerly A I M Distributors, Inc.(26)
- (g) Amendment No. 6, dated May 1, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as subsequently
amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and between
Registrant (Class B shares) and Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.,
formerly A I M Distributors, Inc.(26)
- (h) Amendment No. 7, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (Class B shares) and Invesco Aim Distributors,
Inc.(27)
(3) - Form of Selected Dealer Agreement between Invesco Aim Distributors,
Inc. and selected dealers.(27)
(4) - Form of Bank Selling Group Agreement between Invesco Aim
Distributors, Inc. and banks.(27)
f (1) - Form of AIM Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible Directors/Trustees, as
amended and restated as of January 1, 2008.(27)
(2) - Form of AIM Funds Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended
January 1, 2008.(27)
g (1) - (a) Master Custodian Contract, dated May 1, 2000, between Registrant
and State Street Bank and Trust Company.(7)
- (b) Amendment, dated May 1, 2000, to the Custodian Contract, dated
May 1, 2000, between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
Company.(7)
- (c) Amendment, dated June 29, 2001, to the Master Custodian Contract,
dated May 1, 2000, between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
Company.(9)
- (d) Amendment, dated April 2, 2002, to the Custodian Contract dated
May 1, 2000 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
Company.(11)
- (e) Amendment, dated September 8, 2004, to the Custodian Contract
dated May 1, 2000 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
Company. (18)
C-5
- (f) Amendment, dated February 8, 2006, to the Custodian Contract,
dated May 1, 2000, between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
Company.(22)
- (g) Amendment, dated as of January 31, 2007, to Master Custodian
Contract, dated May 1, 2000, between Registrant and State Street Bank
and Trust Company.(23)
(2) - (a) Subcustodian Agreement, dated September 9, 1994, between
Registrant, Texas Commerce Bank National Association, State Street
Bank and Trust Company and A I M Fund Services, Inc. (now known as
AIM Investment Services, Inc.)(2)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated October 2, 1998, to Subcustodian Agreement
between Registrant, Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (formerly Texas
Commerce Bank), State Street and Trust Company and A I M Fund
Services, Inc. (now known as AIM Investment Services, Inc.)(6)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated March 15, 2002, to the Subcustodian
Agreement, dated September 9, 1994, as amended October 2, 1998 among
JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly known as Chase Bank of Texas, N.A.),
State Street Bank and Trust Company and A I M Fund Services, Inc.
(now known as AIM Investment Services, Inc.)(13)
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated May 1, 2004, to the Subcustodian
Agreement, dated September 9, 1994, between Registrant, JPMorgan
Chase Bank (formerly Chase Bank of Texas, N.A., State Street Bank and
Trust Company and A I M Fund Services, Inc. (now known as AIM
Investment Services, Inc.)(22)
(3) - Subcustodian Agreement, dated January 20, 1993, between State Street
Bank and Trust Company and The Bank of New York.(15)
(4) - Foreign Assets Delegation Agreement, dated November 6, 2006, between
A I M Advisors, Inc. and Registrant.(24)
h (1) - (a) Third Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement,
dated July 1, 2006, between Registrant and AIM Investment Services,
Inc.(23)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated July 1, 2007, to Third Amended and
Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 1, 2006,
between Registrant and AIM Investment Services, Inc.(24)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated October 3, 2008, to Third Amended and
Restated Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated July 1, 2006,
between Registrant and Invesco Aim Services, Inc., formerly AIM
Investment Services, Inc.(27)
(2) - Shareholder Sub-Accounting Services Agreement between Registrant,
First Data Investor Services Group (formerly The Shareholder Services
Group, Inc.), Financial Data Services Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Inc., dated October 1, 1993.(1)
(3) - (a) Second Amended and Restated Master Administrative Service
Agreement dated July 1, 2006, between Registrant and A I M Advisors,
Inc.(23)
C-6
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated February 28, 2007, to Second Amended and
Restated Master Administrative Service Agreement dated July 1, 2006,
between Registrant and A I M Advisors, Inc.(24)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated April 30, 2008, to Second Amended and
Restated Master Administrative Service Agreement dated July 1, 2006,
between Registrant and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., formerly A I M
Advisors, Inc.(26)
- (d) Form of Amendment No. 3, dated [_______, 2009], to Second Amended
and Restated Master Administrative Service Agreement dated July 1,
2006, between Registrant and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., formerly A I
M Advisors, Inc.(27)
(4) - Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum of Agreement, regarding
securities lending, dated July 1, 2008, between Registrant, on behalf
of all Funds, and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.(26)
(5) - Memorandum of Agreement, regarding expense limitations, dated July 1,
2008, between Registrant (on behalf of AIM Large Cap Basic Value and
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund) and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.(26)
(6) - Memorandum of Agreement, regarding advisory fee waivers, dated July
1, 2008, between Registrant (on behalf of AIM Charter Fund and AIM
Constellation Fund) and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.(26)
(7) - Memorandum of Agreement, dated July 1, 2008, regarding Affiliated
Money Market Fund Waiver, between Registrant and Invesco Aim
Advisors, Inc.(26)
(8) - Third Amended and Restated Interfund Loan Agreement, dated December
30, 2005, between Registrant and A I M Advisors, Inc.(23)
(9) - Expense Reimbursement Agreement Related to DST Transfer Agent System
Conversion dated June 30, 2003.(16)
i - None
j - None
k - Financial Statements for the period ended October 31, 2008 are
incorporated by reference to the Funds' annual reports to
shareholders contained in the Registrant's Form N-CSR filed on
January 8, 2009.
l (1) - Agreement concerning initial capitalization of Registrant's AIM Large
Cap Growth Fund, dated February 26, 1999.(4)
(2) - Agreement concerning initial capitalization of Registrant's AIM Large
Cap Basic Value Fund, dated June 29, 1999.(5)
(3) - Agreement concerning initial capitalization of Registrant's AIM Mid
Cap Growth Fund, dated November 1, 1999.(6)
(4) - Agreement concerning initial capitalization of Registrant's AIM Basic
Value II Fund and AIM U.S. Growth Fund dated August 28, 2002.(12)
(5) - Agreement concerning initial capitalization of Registrant's AIM
Summit Fund, dated April 29, 2008.(26)
C-7
(6) - Agreement concerning initial capitalization of Institutional Class
shares of Registrants for AIM Summit Fund dated October 2,
2008.(27)
(7) - Form of Agreement concerning initial capitalization of AIM
Disciplined Equity Fund, dated [_____, 2009].(27)
m (1) - (a) First Restated Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August
18, 2003, as subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006
(Class A shares).(23)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated January 31, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class A
shares).(23)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated February 28, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class A
shares).(24)
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated March 9, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class A
shares).(24)
- (e) Amendment No. 4, dated April 23, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class A
shares).(24)
- (f) Amendment No. 5, dated April 30, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class A
shares).(26)
- (g) Amendment No. 6, dated May 1, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as subsequently
amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class A shares).(26)
- (h) Amendment No. 7, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class A
shares).(27)
(2) - (a) First Restated Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August
18, 2003, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class B shares)
(Securitization Feature).(23)
- (b) Amendment 1, dated January 31, 2007, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, and as restated
September 20, 2006 (Class B shares) (Securitization Feature).(23)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated February 28, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, and as
restated September 20, 2006 (Class B shares) (Securitization
Feature).(24)
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated March 9, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, and as
restated September 20, 2006 (Class B shares) (Securitization
Feature).(24)
C-8
- (e) Amendment No. 4, dated April 23, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, and as
restated September 20, 2006 (Class B shares) (Securitization
Feature).(24)
- (f) Amendment No. 5, dated April 30, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, and as
restated September 20, 2006 (Class B shares) (Securitization
Feature).(26)
- (g) Amendment No. 6, dated May 1, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, and as restated
September 20, 2006 (Class B shares) (Securitization Feature).(26)
- (h) Amendment No. 7, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, and as
restated September 20, 2006 (Class B shares) (Securitization
Feature).(27)
(3) - (a) First Restated Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August
18, 2003, as subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006
(Class C shares).(23)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated January 31, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class C
shares).(23)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated February 28, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class C
shares).(24)
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated March 9, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class C
shares).(24)
- (e) Amendment No. 4, dated April 23, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class C
shares).(24)
- (f) Amendment No. 5, dated April 30, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class C
shares).(26)
- (g) Amendment No. 6, dated May 1, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as subsequently
amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class C shares).(26)
- (h) Amendment No. 7, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class C
shares).(27)
(4) - (a) Second Amended and Restated Master Distribution Plan, dated
December 8, 2006, between Registrant (Class P shares) and A I M
Distributors, Inc.(25)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated April 30, 2008, to the Second Amended and
Restated Master Distribution Plan, dated December 8, 2006, between
Registrant (Class P shares) and Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.,
formerly A I M Distributors, Inc.(26)
C-9
(5) - (a) First Restated Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August
18, 2003, as subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006
(Class R shares).(23)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated January 31, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class R
shares).(23)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated February 28, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class R
shares).(24)
- (d) Amendment No. 3, dated April 30, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class R
shares).(26)
(6) - (a) First Restated Master Distribution Plan (Compensation) effective
as of July 1, 2004, as subsequently amended, and as restated
September 20, 2006 (Investor Class shares).(23)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated December 20, 2007, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan (Compensation) effective as of July 1, 2004,
as subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Investor
Class shares).(24)
- (c) Amendment No. 2, dated April 28, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan (Compensation) effective as of July 1, 2004,
as subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Investor
Class shares).(26)
(7) - (a) First Restated Master Distribution Plan (Reimbursement) effective
as of July 1, 2004, as subsequently amended, and as restated
September 20, 2006 (Investor Class shares).(23)
- (b) Amendment No. 1, dated April 30, 2008, to the First Restated
Master Distribution Plan (Reimbursement) effective as of July 1,
2004, as subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006
(Investor Class shares).(26)
(8) - Master Related Agreement to First Restated Master Distribution Plan
(Class A shares).(26)
(9) - Master Related Agreement to First Restated Master Distribution Plan
(Class C shares).(26)
(10) - Master Related Agreement to Second Amended and Restated Master
Distribution Plan (Class P shares).(27)
(11) - Master Related Agreement to First Restated Master Distribution Plan
(Class R shares).(26)
(12) - Master Related Agreement to First Restated Master Distribution Plan
(Compensation) (Investor Class shares).(26)
C-10
(13) - Master Related Agreement to First Restated Master Distribution Plan
(Reimbursement) (Investor Class shares).(26)
n - Fourteenth Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan of the AIM Family
of Funds(R) effective December 12, 2001, as amended and restated,
October 3, 2008.(27)
o - Reserved.
p (1) - Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc. and AIM Funds Code of Ethics,
adopted May 1, 1981, as last amended effective January 1, 2009,
relating to Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc. and any of its
subsidiaries.(27)
(2) - Invesco Code of Ethics, adopted February 29, 2008, and last amended
January 1, 2009, relating to Invesco Global Asset Management (N.A.),
Inc., Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc. and Invesco Senior Secured
Management, Inc. (27)
(3) - Code of Ethics, revised 2008, relating to Invesco Asset Management
Limited.(27)
(4) - Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited Code of Ethics on behalf of
AIM Japan Fund.(25)
(5) - Invesco Staff Ethics and Personal Share Dealing, dated September
2008, relating to Invesco Hong Kong Limited.(27)
(6) - Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, revised October 2007, Invesco Trimark
Ltd. Addendum to the Invesco Code of Conduct, revised July 2008,
Policy No. D-6 Gifts and Entertainment, revised March 2008, and
Policy No. D-7 AIM Trimark Personal Trading Policy, revised March
2007, together the Code of Ethics relating to Invesco Trimark Ltd.
(27)
(7) - Code of Ethics dated March 1, 2008, relating to Invesco Continental
Europe (Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH).(27)
(8) - Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, revised November 2008, relating to
Invesco Australia Limited.(27)
q - Powers of Attorney for Baker, Bayley, Bunch, Crockett, Dowden,
Fields, Flanagan, Frischling, Mathai-Davis, Pennock, Soll, Stickel,
and Taylor.(26)
C-11
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 40, filed on February 26, 1992.
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 44, filed on February 24, 1995.
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 55, filed on December 11, 1998.
(4) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 56, filed on February 23, 1999.
(5) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 60, filed on July 15, 1999.
(6) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 62, filed on January 6, 2000.
(7) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 67, filed on February 23, 2001.
(8) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 68, filed on October 12, 2001.
(9) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 70, filed on December 28, 2001.
(10) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 71, filed on April 26, 2002.
(11) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 72, filed on May 22, 2002.
(12) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 75, filed on February 24, 2003.
(13) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 76, filed on March 3, 2003.
(14) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 77, filed on July 7, 2003.
(15) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 78, filed on February 24, 2004.
(16) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 79, filed on March 1, 2004.
(17) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 80, filed on September 29,
2004.
(18) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 81, filed on December 23,
2004.
(19) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 83, filed on March 1, 2005.
(20) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 85, filed on August 23,
2005.
(21) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 86, filed on December 15, 2005.
(22) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 87, filed on February 23, 2006.
(23) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 88, filed on February 28,
2007.
(24) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 89, filed on February 6, 2008.
(25) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA no. 90, filed on February 19,
2008.
(26) Incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 91, filed on July 22, 2008.
(27) Filed herewith electronically.
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control With the Fund
None.
Item 25. Indemnification
Indemnification provisions for officers, trustees and employees of
the Registrant are set forth in Article VIII of the Registrant's
Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Article
VIII of its Amended and Restated Bylaws, and are hereby incorporated
by reference. See Item 23(a) and (b) above. Under the Amended and
Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective as of September
14, 2005, as amended (i) Trustees or officers, when acting in such
capacity, shall not be personally liable for any act, omission or
obligation of the Registrant or any Trustee or officer except by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office with the Trust; (ii) every Trustee, officer, employee or agent
of the Registrant shall be indemnified to the fullest extent
permitted under the Delaware Statutory Trust act, the Registrant's
Bylaws and other applicable law; (iii) in case any shareholder or
former shareholder of the Registrant shall be held to be personally
liable solely by reason of his being or having been a shareholder of
the Registrant or any portfolio or class and not because of his acts
or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former
shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal
representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity,
its corporate or general successor) shall be entitled, out of the
assets belonging to the applicable portfolio (or allocable to the
applicable class), to be held harmless from and indemnified against
all loss and expense arising from such liability in accordance with
the Bylaws and applicable law. The Registrant, on behalf of the
affected portfolio (or class), shall upon request by the shareholder,
assume the defense of any such claim made against the shareholder for
any act or obligation of that portfolio (or class).
C-12
The Registrant and other investment companies and their respective
officers and trustees are insured under a joint Mutual Fund Directors
& Officers Liability Policy, issued by ICI Mutual Insurance Company
and certain other domestic insurers, with limits up to $60,000,000
(plus an additional $20,000,000 limit that applies to independent
directors/trustees only).
Section 16 of the Master Investment Advisory Agreement between the
Registrant and Invesco Aim provides that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
obligations or duties hereunder on the part of Invesco Aim or any of
its officers, directors or employees, that Invesco Aim shall not be
subject to liability to the Registrant or to any series of the
Registrant, or to any shareholder of any series of the Registrant for
any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering
services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the
purchase, holding or sale of any security. Any liability of Invesco
Aim to any series of the Registrant shall not automatically impart
liability on the part of Invesco Aim to any other series of the
Registrant. No series of the Registrant shall be liable for the
obligations of any other series of the Registrant.
Section 9 of the Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract for Mutual
Funds (the "Sub-Advisory Contract") between Invesco Aim Advisors,
Inc., on behalf of Registrant, and each of Invesco Asset Management
Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Limited., Invesco Asset
Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Australia Limited, Invesco Global
Asset Management (N.A.), Inc., Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco
Institutional (N.A.), Inc., Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.
and AIM Funds Management, Inc. (now known as Invesco Trimark Ltd.)
(each a "Sub-Advisor", collectively the "Sub-Advisors") provides that
the Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for any costs or liabilities
arising from any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss
suffered by any series of the Registrant or the Registrant in
connection with the matters to which the Sub-Advisory Contract
relates except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence on the part of the Sub-Advisor in the performance
by the Sub-advisor of its duties or from reckless disregard by the
Sub-Advisor of its obligations and duties under the Sub-Advisory
Contract.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to trustees,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised
that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
C-13
Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor
The only employment of a substantial nature of Invesco Aim's
directors and officers is with Invesco Aim and its affiliated
companies. For information as to the business, profession, vocation
or employment of a substantial nature of each of the officers and
directors of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset
Management Ltd., Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco
Australia Limited, Invesco Global Asset Management (N.A.), Inc.,
Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.,
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Trimark Ltd.
(each a "Sub-Advisor", collectively the "Sub-Advisors") reference is
made to Form ADV filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by
each Sub-Advisor herein incorporated by reference. Reference is also
made to the caption "Fund Management - The Advisors" in the
Prospectus which comprises Part A of the Registration Statement, and
to the caption "Investment Advisory and Other Services" of the
Statement of Additional Information which comprises Part B of the
Registration Statement, and to Item 27(b) of this Part C.
It is anticipated that, on or about the end of the fourth quarter of
2009, Invesco Aim, Invesco Global and Invesco Institutional will be
combined into a single entity, which will be named Invesco Advisers,
Inc. The combined entity will serve as the fund's investment adviser.
Invesco Advisers, Inc. will provide substantially the same services
as are currently provided by the three existing separate entities.
Further information about this combination will be posted on
http://www.invescoaim.com on or about the closing date of the
transaction.
Item 27. Principal Underwriters
(a) Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc., the Registrant's principal
underwriter, also acts as a principal underwriter to the following
investment companies:
AIM Counselor Series Trust
AIM Funds Group
AIM Growth Series
AIM International Mutual Funds
AIM Investment Funds
AIM Investment Securities Funds
AIM Sector Funds
AIM Tax-Exempt Funds
AIM Treasurer's Series Trust
AIM Variable Insurance Funds
PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust
PowerShares Exchange Traded Fund Trust
PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II
PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust
Short-Term Investments Trust
(b) The following table sets forth information with respect to each
director, officer or partner of Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.
C-14
Name and Principal
Business Address* Position and Offices with Underwriter Positions and Offices with Registrant
---------------------- ------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
Philip A. Taylor Director Trustee, President & Principal Executive Officer
John S. Cooper President None
William Hoppe, Jr. Executive Vice President None
Karen Dunn Kelley Executive Vice President Vice President
Brian Lee Executive Vice President None
Ben Utt Executive Vice President None
LuAnn S. Katz Senior Vice President None
Ivy B. McLemore Senior Vice President None
Lyman Missimer III Senior Vice President Assistant Vice President
David J. Nardecchia Senior Vice President None
Margaret A. Vinson Senior Vice President None
Gary K. Wendler Director & Senior Vice President None
John M. Zerr Director, Senior Vice President & Secretary Senior Vice President, Secretary & Chief Legal Officer
David A. Hartley Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer None
Lance Rejsek Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer
Rebecca Starling-Klatt Chief Compliance Officer & Assistant None
Vice President
----------
* 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77046-1173
(c) Not applicable.
C-15
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston,
Texas 77046-1173, will maintain physical possession of each such
account, book or other document of the Registrant at its principal
executive offices, except for those maintained by the Registrant's
Custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110, and the Registrant's Transfer Agent and
Dividend Paying Agent, Invesco Aim Investment Services, Inc., P.O.
Box 4739, Houston, Texas 77210-4739.
Records may also be maintained at the offices of:
Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH
Bleichstrasse 60-62
Frankfurt, Germany 60313
Invesco Asset Management Ltd.
30 Finsbury Square
London, United Kingdom
EC2A 1AG
Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited
25th Floor, Shiroyama Trust Tower
3-1, Toranoman 4-chome, Minato-Ku
Tokyo, Japan 105-6025
Invesco Australia Limited
333 Collins Street, Level 26
Melbourne Vic 3000, Australia
Invesco Global Asset Management (N.A.), Inc.
1555 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Invesco Hong Kong Limited
32nd Floor
Three Pacific Place
1 Queen's Road East
Hong Kong
Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.
1555 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.
1166 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
Invesco Trimark Ltd.
5140 Yonge Street
Suite 900
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M2N 6X7
Item 29. Management Services
None.
Item 30. Undertakings
Not applicable.
C-16
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to
its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Houston, Texas on the 30th of April,
2009.
REGISTRANT: AIM EQUITY FUNDS
By: /s/ Philip A. Taylor
------------------------------
Philip A. Taylor, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
SIGNATURES TITLE DATE
---------- ----- ----
/s/ Philip A. Taylor Trustee & President April 30, 2009
----------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
(Philip A. Taylor)
/s/ Bob R. Baker* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Bob R. Baker)
/s/ Frank S. Bayley* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Frank S. Bayley)
/s/ James T. Bunch* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(James T. Bunch)
/s/ Bruce L. Crockett* Chair & Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Bruce L. Crockett)
/s/ Albert R. Dowden* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Albert R. Dowden)
/s/ Jack M. Fields* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Jack M. Fields)
/s/ Martin L. Flanagan Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Martin L. Flanagan)
/s/ Carl Frischling* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Carl Frischling)
/s/ Prema Mathai-Davis* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Prema Mathai-Davis)
/s/ Lewis F. Pennock* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Lewis F. Pennock)
/s/ Larry Soll* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Larry Soll)
/s/ Raymond Stickel, Jr.* Trustee April 30, 2009
-----------------------------------
(Raymond Stickel, Jr.)
/s/ Sheri Morris Vice President & Treasurer April 30, 2009
----------------------------------- (Principal Financial and
(Sheri Morris) Accounting Officer)
*By /s/ Philip A. Taylor
-----------------------------------
Philip A. Taylor
Attorney-in-Fact
* Philip A. Taylor, pursuant to powers of attorney filed in Registrant's
Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 on July 22, 2008.
INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description
------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
a(k) Amendment No. 10, dated January 22, 2009, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005
a(l) Amendment No. 11, dated April 14, 2009, to Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, adopted effective
September 14, 2005
d(1)(n) Form of Amendment No. 13, dated [January _________, 2009], to Master
Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2000, between Registrant
and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., formerly A I M Advisors, Inc.
d(2)(b) Form of Amendment No. 1, dated [_______, 2009], to Master Intergroup
Sub-Advisory Contract for Mutual Funds, dated May 1, 2008 between
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., on behalf of Registrant, and each of
Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management
Ltd., Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Australia
Limited, Invesco Global Asset Management (N.A.), Inc., Invesco Hong
Kong Limited, Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc., Invesco Senior
Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Trimark Ltd.
e(1)(l) Amendment No. 11, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as subsequently
amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and between Registrant
(all Classes of Shares except Class B shares) and Invesco Aim
Distributors, Inc.
e(1)(m) Amendment No. 12, dated October 3, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as subsequently
amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and between Registrant
(all Classes of Shares except Class B shares) and Invesco Aim
Distributors, Inc.
e(1)(n) Form of Amendment No. 13, dated [_______, 2009], to the First Restated
Master Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as
subsequently amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and
between Registrant (all Classes of Shares except Class B shares) and
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.
e(2)(h) Amendment No. 7, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Agreement, made as of August 18, 2003, as subsequently
amended, and as restated September 20, 2006, by and between Registrant
(Class B shares) and Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.
e(3) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement between Invesco Aim Distributors,
Inc. and selected dealers
e(4) Form of Bank Selling Group Agreement between Invesco Aim Distributors,
Inc. and banks
f(1) Form of AIM Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible Directors/Trustees, as
amended and restated as of January 1, 2008
f(2) Form of AIM Funds Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement, as amended
January 1, 2008
h(1)(c) Amendment No. 2, dated October 3, 2008, to Third Amended and Restated
Transfer
Agency and Services Agreement, dated July 1, 2006, between Registrant
and Invesco Aim Services, Inc., formerly AIM Investment Services, Inc
h(3)(d) Form of Amendment No. 3, dated [_______, 2009], to Second Amended and
Restated Master Administrative Service Agreement dated July 1, 2006,
between Registrant and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., formerly A I M
Advisors, Inc.
l(6) Agreement concerning initial capitalization of Institutional Class
shares of Registrants for AIM Summit Fund dated October 2, 2008
l(7) Form of Agreement concerning initial capitalization of AIM Disciplined
Equity Fund, dated [_____, 2009]
m(1)(h) Amendment No. 7, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as subsequently
amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class A shares)
m(2)(h) Amendment No. 7, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, and as restated
September 20, 2006 (Class B shares) (Securitization Feature)
m(3)(h) Amendment No. 7, dated July 24, 2008, to the First Restated Master
Distribution Plan, effective as of August 18, 2003, as subsequently
amended, and as restated September 20, 2006 (Class C shares)
m(10) Master Related Agreement to Second Amended and Restated Master
Distribution Plan (Class P shares)
n Fourteenth Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan of the AIM Family
of Funds(R) effective December 12, 2001, as amended and restated,
October 3, 2008
p(1) Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc. and AIM Funds Code of Ethics,
adopted May 1, 1981, as last amended effective January 1, 2009,
relating to Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc. and any of its
subsidiaries
p(2) Invesco Code of Ethics, adopted February 29, 2008, and last amended
January 1, 2009, relating to Invesco Global Asset Management (N.A.),
Inc., Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc. and Invesco Senior Secured
Management, Inc.
p(3) Code of Ethics, revised 2008, relating to Invesco Asset Management
Limited
p(5) Invesco Staff Ethics and Personal Share Dealing, dated September 2008,
relating to Invesco Hong Kong Limited
p(6) Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, revised October 2007, Invesco Trimark
Ltd. Addendum to the Invesco Code of Conduct, revised July 2008,
Policy No. D-6 Gifts and Entertainment, revised March 2008, and Policy
No. D-7 AIM Trimark Personal Trading Policy, revised March 2007,
together the Code of Ethics relating to Invesco Trimark Ltd.
p(7) Code of Ethics dated March 1, 2008, relating to Invesco Continental
Europe (Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH)
p(8) Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, revised November 2008, relating to
Invesco Australia Limited
EX-99.A.K
2
h66495aexv99wawk.txt
EX-99.A.K
AMENDMENT NO. 10
TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST OF
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
This Amendment No. 10 (the "Amendment") to the Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of AIM Equity Funds (the "Trust") amends,
effective January 22, 2009, the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration
of Trust of the Trust dated as of September 14, 2005, as amended (the
"Agreement").
Under Section 9.7 of the Agreement, this Amendment may be executed by
a duly authorized officer of the Trust.
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to amend the Agreement to add a new
portfolio - AIM Equity Income Fund;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
1. Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in
its entirety as set forth on Exhibit 1 to this Amendment.
2. All references in the Agreement to "this Agreement" shall mean the
Agreement as amended by this Amendment.
3. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Agreement is
hereby confirmed and remains in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, a duly authorized officer of the
Trust, has executed this Amendment as of January 22, 2009.
By: /s/ John M. Zerr
------------------------------------
Name: John M. Zerr
Title: Senior Vice President
EXHIBIT 1
SCHEDULE A
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES THEREOF
PORTFOLIO CLASSES OF EACH PORTFOLIO
--------- --------------------------
AIM Capital Development Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
Investor Class Shares
AIM Charter Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
AIM Constellation Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
Investor Class Shares
AIM Equity Income Fund Class Y Shares
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
Investor Class Shares
PORTFOLIO CLASSES OF EACH PORTFOLIO
--------- --------------------------
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
Investor Class Shares
AIM Summit Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class P Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
EX-99.A.L
3
h66495aexv99wawl.txt
EX-99.A.L.
AMENDMENT NO. 11
TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST OF
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
This Amendment No. 11 (the "Amendment") to the Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of AIM Equity Funds (the "Trust") amends,
effective April 14, 2009, the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of
Trust of the Trust dated as of September 14, 2005, as amended (the "Agreement").
Under Section 9.7 of the Agreement, this Amendment may be executed by
a duly authorized officer of the Trust.
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to amend the Agreement to change the name
of AIM Equity Income Fund to AIM Disciplined Equity Fund;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
1. Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in
its entirety as set forth on Exhibit 1 to this Amendment.
2. All references in the Agreement to "this Agreement" shall mean the
Agreement as amended by this Amendment.
3. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Agreement is
hereby confirmed and remains in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, a duly authorized officer of the
Trust, has executed this Amendment as of April 14, 2009.
By: /s/ John M. Zerr
------------------------------------
Name: John M. Zerr
Title: Senior Vice President
EXHIBIT 1
SCHEDULE A
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES THEREOF
PORTFOLIO CLASSES OF EACH PORTFOLIO
--------- --------------------------
AIM Capital Development Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
Investor Class Shares
AIM Charter Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
AIM Constellation Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund Class Y Shares
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
Investor Class Shares
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
Investor Class Shares
PORTFOLIO CLASSES OF EACH PORTFOLIO
--------- --------------------------
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
Investor Class Shares
AIM Summit Fund Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class P Shares
Class Y Shares
Institutional Class Shares
EX-99.D1.N
4
h66495aexv99wd1wn.txt
EX-99.D1.N
AMENDMENT NO. 13
TO
MASTER INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
This Amendment dated as of [May __, 2009], amends the Master Investment
Advisory Agreement (the "Agreement"); dated June 21, 2000, between AIM Equity
Funds, a Delaware statutory trust, and Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Agreement to add a new portfolio -
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund effective [May __, 2009];
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows;
1. Appendix A and Appendix B to the Agreement are hereby deleted in their
entirety and replaced with the following:
"APPENDIX A
FUNDS AND EFFECTIVE DATES
EFFECTIVE DATE OF
NAME OF FUND ADVISORY AGREEMENT
------------ ------------------
AIM Capital Development Fund June 1, 2000
AIM Charter Fund June 1, 2000
AIM Constellation Fund June 1, 2000
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund [May __, 2009]
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund December 28, 2001
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund June 1, 2000
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund June 1, 2000
AIM Summit Fund April 30, 2008
APPENDIX B
COMPENSATION TO THE ADVISOR
The Trust shall pay the Advisor, out of the assets of a Fund, as full
compensation for all services rendered, an advisory fee for such Fund set forth
below. Such fee shall be calculated by applying the following annual rates to
the average daily net assets of such Fund for the calendar year computed in the
manner used for the determination of the net asset value of shares of such Fund.
AIM CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE
---------- -----------
First $350 million................................................ 0.75%
Over $350 million................................................. 0.625%
AIM CHARTER FUND
NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE
---------- -----------
First $150 million................................................ 0.80%
Over $150 million................................................. 0.625%
AIM CONSTELLATION FUND
NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE
---------- -----------
First $150 million................................................ 0.80%
Over $150 million................................................. 0.625%
AIM DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND
NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE
---------- -----------
[______] [______]
2
AIM DIVERSIFIED DIVIDEND FUND
NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE
---------- -----------
First $350 million................................................ 0.60%
Next $350 million................................................. 0.55%
Next $1.3 billion................................................. 0.50%
Next $2 billion................................................... 0.45%
Next $2 billion................................................... 0.40%
Next $2 billion................................................... 0.375%
Over $8 billion................................................... 0.35%
AIM LARGE CAP BASIC VALUE FUND
NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE
---------- -----------
First $ 1 billion................................................. 0.60%
Over $1 billion to and including $ 2 billion...................... 0.575%
Over $ 2 billion.................................................. 0.55%
AIM LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE
---------- -----------
First $250 million................................................ 0.695%
Next $250 million................................................. 0.67%
Next $500 million................................................. 0.645%
Next $1.5 billion................................................. 0.62%
Next $2.5 billion................................................. 0.595%
Next $2.5 billion................................................. 0.57%
Next $2.5 billion................................................. 0.545%
Over $10 billion.................................................. 0.52%
AIM SUMMIT FUND
NET ASSETS ANNUAL RATE
---------- -----------
First $10 million................................................. 1.00%
Over $10 million up to and including $150 million................. 0.75%
Over $150 million................................................. 0.625%"
2. In all other respects, the Agreement is hereby confirmed and remains
in full force and effect.
3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
by their respective officers on the date first written above.
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
Attest: By:
----------------------------------- ------------------------------
Assistant Secretary John M. Zerr
Senior Vice President
(SEAL)
INVESCO AIM ADVISORS, INC.
Attest: By:
----------------------------------- ------------------------------
Assistant Secretary John M. Zerr
Senior Vice President
(SEAL)
4
EX-99.D2.B
5
h66495aexv99wd2wb.txt
EX-99.D2.B
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
MASTER INTERGROUP SUB-ADVISORY CONTRACT FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
This Amendment dated as of [May , 2009], amends the Master Intergroup
Sub-Advisory Contract for Mutual Funds (the "Contract"), dated May 1, 2008,
between Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor"), on behalf of AIM Investment
Funds, and each of Invesco Trimark Ltd., formerly AIM Funds Management Inc.,
Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Limited,
Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Ltd., Invesco Australia Limited, Invesco Global
Asset Management (N.A.), Inc., Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Institutional
(N.A.), Inc., and Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (each a "Sub-Advisor"
and, collectively, the "Sub-Advisors").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Contract to add AIM Disciplined
Equity Fund;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows;
1. Exhibit A to the Contract is hereby deleted in its entirety and
replaced with the following:
"EXHIBIT A
FUNDS
AIM Capital Development Fund
AIM Charter Fund
AIM Constellation Fund
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund
AIM Summit Fund"
2. All other terms and provisions of the Contract not amended shall
remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Contract to be
executed by their officers designated as of the day and year first above
written.
INVESCO AIM ADVISORS, INC.
Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name: John M. Zerr
Title: Senior Vice President
INVESCO TRIMARK LTD.
Sub-Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT
DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
Sub-Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Sub-Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT (JAPAN) LTD.
Sub-Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
INVESCO AUSTRALIA LIMITED
Sub-Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
INVESCO GLOBAL ASSET MANAGEMENT
(N.A.), INC.
Sub-Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
INVESCO HONG KONG LIMITED
Sub-Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
INVESCO INSTITUTIONAL (N.A.), INC.
Sub-Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
INVESCO SENIOR SECURED MANAGEMENT, INC.
Sub-Advisor
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
----------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
EX-99.E1.L
6
h66495aexv99we1wl.txt
EX-99.E1.L
AMENDMENT NO. 11
TO THE
FIRST RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
(ALL CLASSES OF SHARES EXCEPT CLASS B SHARES)
The First Restated Master Distribution Agreement (all Classes of shares
except Class B Shares) (the "Agreement") made as of the 18th day of August,
2003, as subsequently amended, and as restated the 20th day of September, 2006,
by and between each registered investment company set forth on Schedule A to the
Agreement (each individually referred to as "Fund", or collectively, "Funds"),
severally, on behalf of each of its series of beneficial interest set forth on
Schedule A to the Agreement, (each, a "Portfolio"), with respect to each class
of shares except Class B Shares (the "Shares") of each Portfolio, and INVESCO
AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Distributor"), is hereby
amended to reflect the name change of AIM Global Value Fund to AIM Global Core
Equity Fund.
Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced
with the following:
"SCHEDULE A
TO
FIRST RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
(ALL CLASSES OF SHARES EXCEPT CLASS B SHARES)
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST
AIM Floating Rate Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Multi-Sector Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM Structured Core Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Structured Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Structured Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
AIM Capital Development Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Charter Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Constellation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Summit Fund - Class A
Class C
Class P
AIM FUNDS GROUP
AIM Basic Balanced Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
2
AIM European Small Company Fund - Class A
Class C
AIM Global Core Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM International Small Company Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Select Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM GROWTH SERIES
AIM Basic Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Global Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Growth Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Income Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
3
AIM Independence Now Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2010 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2020 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2030 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2040 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2050 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM International Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
4
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
AIM European Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Investor Class
AIM Global Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM International Core Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM International Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS
AIM China Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM Developing Markets Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM Global Health Care Fund - Class A
Class C
Investor Class
5
AIM International Total Return Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM Japan Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Trimark Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS
AIM Dynamics Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Global Real Estate Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM High Yield Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
Investor Class
6
AIM Income Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund - Class A
Class A3
Institutional Class
AIM Money Market Fund - AIM Cash Reserve Shares
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Municipal Bond Fund - Class A
Class C
Investor Class
AIM Real Estate Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Short Term Bond Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM Total Core Bond Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
AIM U.S. Government Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM SECTOR FUNDS
AIM Energy Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Financial Services Fund - Class A
Class C
Investor Class
7
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund - Class A
Class C
Investor Class
AIM Leisure Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Investor Class
AIM Technology Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Utilities Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS
AIM High Income Municipal Fund - Class A
Class C
Institutional Class
AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund - Class A
Investor Class
AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund - Class A
Class A3
Institutional Class
AIM TREASURER'S SERIES TRUST
Premier Portfolio - Investor Class
Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio - Investor Class
Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio - Investor Class"
8
All other terms and provisions of the Agreement not amended herein shall
remain in full force and effect.
Dated: July 24, 2008
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
AIM FUNDS GROUP
AIM GROWTH SERIES
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS
AIM SECTOR FUNDS
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS
on behalf of the Shares of each
Portfolio listed on Schedule A
By: /s/ John M. Zerr
------------------------------------
John M. Zerr
Senior Vice President
AIM TREASURER'S SERIES TRUST
on behalf of the Shares of each
Portfolio listed on Schedule A
By: /s/ Karen Dunn Kelley
------------------------------------
Karen Dunn Kelley
President
INVESCO AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By: /s/ John S. Cooper
------------------------------------
John S. Cooper
President
9
EX-99.E1.M
7
h66495aexv99we1wm.txt
EX-99.E1.M
AMENDMENT NO. 12
TO THE
FIRST RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
(ALL CLASSES OF SHARES EXCEPT CLASS B SHARES)
The First Restated Master Distribution Agreement (all Classes of shares
except Class B Shares) (the "Agreement") made as of the 18th day of August,
2003, as subsequently amended, and as restated the 20th day of September, 2006,
by and between each registered investment company set forth on Schedule A to the
Agreement (each individually referred to as "Fund", or collectively, "Funds"),
severally, on behalf of each of its series of beneficial interest set forth on
Schedule A to the Agreement, (each, a "Portfolio"), with respect to each class
of shares except Class B Shares (the "Shares") of each Portfolio, and INVESCO
AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Distributor"), is hereby
amended to reflect the addition of Class Y shares to all Funds other than
Premier Portfolio, Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio and Premier U.S. Government
Money Portfolio and the addition of Institutional Class shares to AIM Summit
Fund.
Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced
with the following:
"SCHEDULE A
TO
FIRST RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
(ALL CLASSES OF SHARES EXCEPT CLASS B SHARES)
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST
AIM Floating Rate Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Multi-Sector Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Structured Core Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Structured Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Structured Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
AIM Capital Development Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Charter Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Constellation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
2
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Summit Fund - Class A
Class C
Class P
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM FUNDS GROUP
AIM Basic Balanced Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM European Small Company Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
AIM Global Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM International Small Company Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Select Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
3
AIM GROWTH SERIES
AIM Basic Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Global Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Growth Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Income Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence Now Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2010 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2020 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
4
AIM Independence 2030 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2040 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2050 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM International Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
5
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
AIM European Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Global Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM International Core Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM International Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS
AIM China Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Developing Markets Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
6
AIM Global Health Care Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM International Total Return Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Japan Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Trimark Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS
AIM Core Bond Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
7
AIM Dynamics Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Global Real Estate Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM High Yield Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Income Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund - Class A
Class A3
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Money Market Fund - AIM Cash Reserve Shares
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Municipal Bond Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Real Estate Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
8
AIM Short Term Bond Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM U.S. Government Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM SECTOR FUNDS
AIM Energy Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Financial Services Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Leisure Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Technology Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Utilities Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
9
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS
AIM High Income Municipal Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund - Class A
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund - Class A
Class A3
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM TREASURER'S SERIES TRUST
Premier Portfolio - Investor Class
Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio - Investor Class
Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio - Investor Class
10
All other terms and provisions of the Agreement not amended herein shall
remain in full force and effect.
Dated: October 3, 2008
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
AIM FUNDS GROUP
AIM GROWTH SERIES
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS
AIM SECTOR FUNDS
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS
on behalf of the Shares of each
Portfolio listed on Schedule A
By: /s/ John M. Zerr
------------------------------------
John M. Zerr
Senior Vice President
AIM TREASURER'S SERIES TRUST
on behalf of the Shares of each
Portfolio listed on Schedule A
By: /s/ Karen Dunn Kelley
------------------------------------
Karen Dunn Kelley
President
INVESCO AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By: /s/ John S. Cooper
------------------------------------
John S. Cooper
President
11
EX-99.E1.N
8
h66495aexv99we1wn.txt
EX-99.E1.N
AMENDMENT NO. 13
TO THE
FIRST RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
(ALL CLASSES OF SHARES EXCEPT CLASS B SHARES)
The First Restated Master Distribution Agreement (all Classes of shares
except Class B Shares) (the "Agreement") made as of the 18th day of August,
2003, as subsequently amended, and as restated the 20th day of September, 2006,
by and between each registered investment company set forth on Schedule A to the
Agreement (each individually referred to as "Fund", or collectively, "Funds"),
severally, on behalf of each of its series of beneficial interest set forth on
Schedule A to the Agreement, (each, a "Portfolio"), with respect to each class
of shares except Class B Shares (the "Shares") of each Portfolio, and INVESCO
AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Distributor"), is hereby
amended to reflect the addition of a new portfolio - AIM Disciplined Equity
Fund.
Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced
with the following:
"SCHEDULE A
TO
FIRST RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
(ALL CLASSES OF SHARES EXCEPT CLASS B SHARES)
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST
AIM Floating Rate Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Multi-Sector Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Structured Core Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Structured Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Structured Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
AIM Capital Development Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Charter Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Constellation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund - Class Y
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
2
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Summit Fund - Class A
Class C
Class P
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM FUNDS GROUP
AIM Basic Balanced Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM European Small Company Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
AIM Global Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM International Small Company Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Select Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
3
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM GROWTH SERIES
AIM Basic Value Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Global Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Growth Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Income Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence Now Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2010 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
4
AIM Independence 2020 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2030 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2040 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Independence 2050 Fund- Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM International Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
5
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
AIM European Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Global Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM International Core Equity Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM International Growth Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
6
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS
AIM China Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Developing Markets Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Global Health Care Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM International Total Return Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Japan Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Trimark Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
7
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS
AIM Core Bond Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Dynamics Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Global Real Estate Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM High Yield Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Income Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund - Class A
Class A3
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Money Market Fund - AIM Cash Reserve Shares
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Municipal Bond Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Investor Class
8
AIM Real Estate Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Short Term Bond Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM U.S. Government Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM SECTOR FUNDS
AIM Energy Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM Financial Services Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Leisure Fund - Class A
Class C
Class R
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Technology Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
9
AIM Utilities Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
Investor Class
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS
AIM High Income Municipal Fund - Class A
Class C
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund - Class A
Class Y
Investor Class
AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund - Class A
Class A3
Class Y
Institutional Class
AIM TREASURER'S SERIES TRUST
Premier Portfolio - Investor Class
Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio - Investor Class
Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio - Investor Class
10
All other terms and provisions of the Agreement not amended herein shall
remain in full force and effect.
Dated: [May __, 2009]
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
AIM FUNDS GROUP
AIM GROWTH SERIES
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS
AIM SECTOR FUNDS
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS
on behalf of the Shares of each
Portfolio listed on Schedule A
By:
------------------------------------
John M. Zerr
Senior Vice President
AIM TREASURER'S SERIES TRUST
on behalf of the Shares of each
Portfolio listed on Schedule A
By:
------------------------------------
Karen Dunn Kelley
President
INVESCO AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By:
------------------------------------
John S. Cooper
President
11
EX-99.E2.H
9
h66495aexv99we2wh.txt
EX-99.E2.H
AMENDMENT NO. 7
TO
FIRST RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
(CLASS B SHARES)
The First Restated Master Distribution Agreement (Class B Shares) (the
"Agreement") made as of the 18th day of August, 2003, as subsequently amended,
and as restated the 20th day of September, 2006, by and between each registered
investment company set forth on Schedule A-1 and Schedule A-2 to the Agreement
(each individually referred to as the "Fund", or collectively, the "Funds"),
severally, on behalf of each of its series of common stock or beneficial
interest, as the case may be, set forth on Schedule A-1 and Schedule A-2 to the
Agreement (each, a "Portfolio"), with respect to the Class B Shares (the
"Shares") of each Portfolio, and INVESCO AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Distributor"), is hereby amended as follows:
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Agreement to reflect the name
change of AIM Global Value Fund to AIM Global Core Equity Growth Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, Schedule A-1 and Schedule A-2 to the Agreement are hereby
deleted in their entirety and replaced with Schedule A-1 and Schedule A-2
attached to this amendment.
All other terms and provisions of the Agreement not amended hereby shall
remain in full force and effect.
Dated: July 24, 2008
EACH FUND LISTED ON SCHEDULE A-1 ON
BEHALF OF THE SHARES OF EACH PORTFOLIO
LISTED ON SCHEDULE A-1
By: /s/ John M. Zerr
------------------------------------
Name: John M. Zerr
Title: Senior Vice President
EACH FUND LISTED ON SCHEDULE A-2 ON
BEHALF OF THE SHARES OF EACH PORTFOLIO
LISTED ON SCHEDULE A-2
By: /s/ John M. Zerr
------------------------------------
Name: John M. Zerr
Title: Senior Vice President
INVESCO AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By: /s/ John C. Cooper
------------------------------------
Name: John C. Cooper
Title: President
"SCHEDULE A-1
TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
(CLASS B SHARES)
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Capital Development Fund
AIM Charter Fund
AIM Constellation Fund
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund
AIM Summit Fund
AIM FUNDS GROUP
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Basic Balanced Fund
AIM European Small Company Fund
AIM Global Core Equity Fund
AIM International Small Company Fund
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund
AIM Select Equity Fund
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund
AIM GROWTH SERIES
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Basic Value Fund
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund
AIM Global Equity Fund
AIM Growth Allocation Fund
AIM Income Allocation Fund
AIM Independence Now Fund
AIM Independence 2010 Fund
AIM Independence 2020 Fund
AIM Independence 2030 Fund
AIM Independence 2040 Fund
AIM Independence 2050 Fund
AIM International Allocation Fund
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund
2
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund
AIM European Growth Fund
AIM Global Growth Fund
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund
AIM International Core Equity Fund
AIM International Growth Fund
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS
PORTFOLIOS
AIM China Fund
AIM Developing Markets Fund
AIM Global Health Care Fund
AIM International Total Return Fund
AIM Japan Fund
AIM Trimark Fund
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Core Bond Fund
AIM Dynamics Fund
AIM Global Real Estate Fund
AIM High Yield Fund
AIM Income Fund
AIM Money Market Fund
AIM Municipal Bond Fund
AIM Real Estate Fund
AIM U.S. Government Fund
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS
PORTFOLIO
AIM High Income Municipal Fund"
3
"SCHEDULE A-2
TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
(CLASS B SHARES)
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Multi-Sector Fund
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund
AIM Structured Core Fund
AIM Structured Growth Fund
AIM Structured Value Fund
AIM SECTOR FUNDS
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Energy Fund
AIM Financial Services Fund
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund
AIM Leisure Fund
AIM Technology Fund
AIM Utilities Fund"
4
EX-99.E3
10
h66495aexv99we3.txt
EX-99.E3
(INVESCO AIM LOGO)
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE AGREEMENT
FOR SALE OF SHARES
OF THE AIM MUTUAL FUNDS
This Shareholder Service Agreement (the "Agreement") being made between Invesco
Aim Distributors, Inc. ("Invesco Distributors") and the undersigned authorized
dealer ("Dealer"), defines the services to be provided by the Dealer.
1. To the extent that Dealer provides distribution-related and continuing
personal shareholder services to customers who may, from time to time,
directly or beneficially own shares of the mutual Funds distributed by
Invesco Distributors (or designated classes of such Funds) listed in
Schedule A, which may be amended from time to time (the "Funds") by Invesco
Distributors, including but not limited to, distributing sales literature,
answering routine customer inquiries regarding the Funds, assisting
customers in changing dividend options, account designations and addresses,
and in enrolling into any of several special investment plans offered in
connection with the purchase of the Funds' shares, assisting in the
establishment and maintenance of customer accounts and records and in the
processing of purchase and redemption transactions, investing dividends and
capital gains distributions automatically in shares and providing such
other services as the Funds or the customer may reasonably request, Invesco
Distributors shall pay Dealer a fee periodically or arrange for such fee to
be paid to Dealer.
2. The fee paid with respect to each Fund will be calculated at the end of
each payment period (as indicated in Schedule A) for each business day of
the Fund during such payment period at the annual rate set forth in
Schedule A as applied to the average daily net asset value of the shares of
such Fund purchased or acquired through exchange on or after the Plan
Calculation Date shown for such Fund on Schedule A. Fees calculated in this
manner shall be paid to Dealer only if Dealer is the dealer of record at
the close of business on the last business day of the applicable payment
period, for the account in which such shares are held (the "Subject
Shares"). In cases where Invesco Distributors has advanced payment to
Dealer of the first year's fee for shares sold at net asset value and
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, no additional payments will
be made to Dealer during the first year the Subject Shares are held.
3. The total of the fees calculated for all of the Funds listed on Schedule A
for any period with respect to which calculations are made shall be paid to
Dealer within 45 days after the close of such period.
4. Invesco Distributors reserves the right to (i) withhold payment with
respect to the Subject Shares purchased by Dealer and redeemed or
repurchased by the Fund or by Invesco Distributors as Agent within seven
(7) business days after the date of Invesco Distributors' confirmation;
(ii) withhold payment of any amount which Invesco Distributors is unable to
collect from the Funds for any reason; and (iii) to impose, at any time,
minimum fee payment requirements before any periodic payments will be made
to Dealer hereunder.
5. This Agreement and Schedule A does not require any Dealer to provide
transfer agency and recordkeeping related services as nominee for its
customers.
1
6. Dealer shall furnish Invesco Distributors and the Funds with such
information as shall reasonably be requested either by the trustees of the
Funds or by Invesco Distributors with respect to the fees paid to Dealer
pursuant to this Agreement.
7. Neither Dealer nor any of its employees or agents are authorized to make
any representation concerning shares of the Funds except those contained in
the then current Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information for the
Funds, and Dealer shall have no authority to act as agent for the Funds or
for Invesco Distributors.
8. This Agreement may be amended at any time without Dealer's consent by
Invesco Distributors mailing a copy of an amendment to Dealer at the
address set forth below. Such amendment shall become effective on the date
specified in such amendment unless Dealer elects to terminate this
Agreement within thirty (30) days of its receipt of such amendment by
giving Invesco Distributors written notification, within (30) days, of
Dealer's desire to terminate this Agreement.
9. This Agreement will be terminated by any act which terminates either the
Selected Dealer Agreement between Dealer firm and Invesco Distributors or
the Fund's Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act (each, the "Plan") and in any event, it shall terminate automatically
in the event of its assignment as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.
10. The provisions of the Distribution Agreement between any Fund and Invesco
Distributors, insofar as they relate to the Plan, are incorporated herein
by reference.
11. This Agreement shall become effective upon execution and delivery hereof
and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the continuance of
the Plan and any related Agreement to the Plan(s) are approved at least
annually by a vote of the trustees, including a majority of the
dis-interested trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting thereon.
12. Representations, Warranties and Acknowledgements of Dealer.
a) Dealer represents and warrants to Invesco Distributors that:
i) it is lawful for Dealer to receive the fees (as Described in
Schedule A) payable hereunder;
ii) to the extent required by applicable law, Dealer has disclosed to
each client that it is receiving the fee under this Agreement;
iii) to the extent required by applicable law, Dealer has obtained all
necessary consents and authorizations from each client that may
have a beneficial interest in the Funds with respect to Dealer's
receipt of the fee;
iv) Dealer has all requisite authority, pursuant to applicable law
and regulation, to enter into and perform its obligations under
this Agreement;
v) this Agreement is valid and binding obligation of Dealer and is
enforceable against Dealer in accordance with its terms, except
as such enforceability may be limited by laws regarding
bankruptcy and insolvency;
vi) all persons signing this Agreement on behalf of Dealer possess
full power and authority to do so; and
vii) Dealer has sole responsibility for making the determinations of
fact and performing the required actions necessary to make the
representations and warranties described in this paragraph, and
Dealer is not relying on Invesco Distributors or any of its
affiliates in any manner to make or assist Dealer in making the
representations and warranties described in this paragraph.
b) Dealer understands and acknowledges that Invesco Distributors, the
Funds, their affiliates and their respective directors and officers:
2
i) make no representations or warranties as to the permissibility,
under federal securities laws or federal or state banking laws,
of Dealer's receipt of the fee under this Agreement; and
ii) may, in their sole discretion, determine that it is necessary or
advisable to disclose in the Funds' offering documents the
existence and terms of this Agreement and the names of the
parties hereto.
c) Invesco Distributors hereby informs Dealer and Dealer acknowledges
that payments of distribution fees pursuant to this Agreement are
subject to applicable rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority ("FINRA"), which rules set forth limitations on such
payments.
d) Dealer acknowledges that, in accordance with the rules of FINRA, as
well as interpretations of the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), the classes of the Funds that have Plans providing
for more than 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the shares
annually in shareholder service and/or distribution-related fees are
not considered to be "no-load" investments, and Dealer represents that
it will not market such classes as "no-load" investments.
e) Dealer acknowledges that neither it nor any of its employees or agents
are authorized to make any representation to its clients concerning
the Funds except those contained in the Funds' then current
Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information.
f) Dealer acknowledges that it will be acting as an independent
contractor under this Agreement and not as an employee or agent of
Invesco Distributors, the Funds or any of their affiliates. Dealer
represents that it will not hold itself out to any other party as an
employee or agent of, or with the authority to bind, Invesco
Distributors, the Funds or any of their affiliates in any manner.
g) Dealer acknowledges that Invesco Distributors has reserved the right,
at its discretion and without notice, to suspend or withdraw the sale
of shares of the Funds.
h) Dealer represents either that:
i) its activities on behalf of its clients and pursuant to this
Agreement are not such as to require registration as a
broker-dealer with the SEC or in the state(s) in which Dealer
engages in such activities; or
ii) it is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and in the
state(s) in which Dealer engages in its activities on behalf of
its clients and pursuant to this Agreement.
i) Dealer represents that:
i) in all material respects it is in compliance and will continue to
comply with all applicable laws and regulations;
ii) without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause, in all
material respects, it is in compliance and will continue to
comply with laws and regulations related to and concerning the
prevention of money laundering; and
iii) it has implemented and follows proper procedures to verify
suspicious transactions and to verify the identity of its clients
whose assets are invested in any Funds, including without
limitation procedures to verify the source of funds for
settlement of client transactions.
iv) it is a member in good standing of FINRA, and:
(1) it agrees to comply, in all material respects, with the
rules of FINRA, including without limitation the rules
pertaining to determining suitability of the Funds and the
various classes thereof, including any particular class of
the Funds, as an investment for its clients;
3
(2) its expulsion from FINRA will automatically terminate the
Agreement and any obligations of Invesco Distributors
hereunder, without notice; and
(3) its suspension from FINRA or a material violation by Dealer
of applicable federal and/or state laws, rules and
regulations will terminate this Agreement effective upon
notice received by Dealer from Invesco Distributors.
v) if it is not a registered broker-dealer, Dealer will comply in,
all material respects, with the rules, regulations and/or
fiduciary standards applicable to its business operations,
including without limitation any rules, regulations or fiduciary
standards pertaining to assessing the appropriateness of the
Funds, including any particular class, as an investment for its
clients.
j) Dealer acknowledges, represents and agrees that it will not accept any
compensation for promoting or selling Funds' shares in the form of
"directed brokerage" directed to it by a Fund. Directed brokerage
includes any arrangement, whether explicit or implicit, in which
Dealer receives, in consideration for or recognition of the sale of
Funds' shares, support payments in the form of brokerage commissions,
brokerage transactions (orders for the purchase or sale of the Funds'
securities), or mark ups or other quid pro quo-type arrangements, such
as the purchase or sale of a security issued by Dealer or its
affiliates in recognition of Dealer's sale or promotion of Funds'
shares or client referrals. Dealer will provide Invesco Distributors
or its affiliates from time to time, upon request, such information as
is reasonably necessary for Invesco Distributors or its affiliates to
verify that Dealer has complied with the provisions of this paragraph.
13. Indemnification.
a) Dealer will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Invesco Distributors,
the Funds, their affiliates and their respective officers, directors
and employees from and against any and all liabilities, losses,
damages, claims, costs, payments and/or expenses of any kind or
character, including reasonable fees of counsel, paid or incurred by
any one or more of them, or all of them, directly or indirectly (or
actions in respect thereof), whether joint or several, arising out of
or in connection with any misrepresentations made by Dealer in
connection with this Agreement, or any other breach by Dealer of the
terms of this Agreement, except where such liabilities, losses,
damages, claims, costs, payments and/or expenses result from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of Invesco Distributors, the Funds,
their affiliates or their respective officers, directors or employees.
b) Invesco Distributors will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Dealer
and its officers, directors and employees from and against any and all
liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs, payments and/or expenses
of any kind or character, including reasonable fees of counsel, paid
or incurred by any one or more of them, or all of them, directly or
indirectly (or actions in respect thereof), whether joint or several,
arising out of or in connection with any misrepresentations made by
Invesco Distributors in connection with this Agreement, or any other
breach by Invesco Distributors of the terms of this Agreement, except
where such liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs, payments
and/or expenses result from the gross negligence or willful misconduct
of Dealer or its officers, directors or employees.
14. Term and Termination.
a) The Agreement will commence upon execution by Invesco Distributors and
shall continue in full force and effect as long as the continuance of
the Plan is approved at least annually by a vote of the trustees,
including a majority of the dis-interested trustees, cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting thereon.
b) Either party may terminate the Agreement at any time on not less than
10 days' written notice to the other party. The Agreement will
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, the term
"assignment" for this purpose having the meaning defined in Section
2(a) (4) of the 1940 Act.
15. Notice.
4
Any notice which any party hereto may be required or may desire to give
hereunder shall be deemed to have been given if delivered personally or if
mailed, postage prepaid, by United States registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, or by overnight express courier addressed as follows:
As to Invesco Distributors: As to Dealer:
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.
11 Greenway Plaza
Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77049
Attention: President and General Counsel Attention:
or at such other addresses or to the attention of such other persons as may from
time to time be designated by the party to be addresses by written notice to the
other parties in the manner herein provided. Notices, demands and requests given
in the manner aforesaid shall be deemed sufficiently served or given for all
purposes hereunder when received or when delivery is refused by the party or
when the same are returned to sender for failure to be called for.
16. Choice of Law. The Agreement and all rights and obligations of the parties
hereunder will be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of
Texas without regard to its choice of law provisions.
17. Non-Exclusivity. Each party to the Agreement agrees that the arrangements
described herein are intended to be non-exclusive and that either party may
enter into similar agreements and arrangements with other parties.
18. Entire Agreement. The provisions, terms and conditions of this Agreement
represent the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof. In the event inconsistencies exist between this
Agreement and any other agreement or understanding with respect to the
subject matter hereof, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement which is
effective as of the date written below by Invesco Distributors.
INVESCO AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Signature:
--------------------------
Name:
-------------------------------
Title:
------------------------------
Dated:
------------------------------
[DEALER]
Signature:
--------------------------
Name:
-------------------------------
Title:
------------------------------
Dated:
------------------------------
6
SCHEDULE "A" TO
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE AGREEMENT
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 November 1, 1997
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 November 1, 1997
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** November 1, 1997
AIM Basic Balanced Fund A Shares 0.25 September 28, 2001
AIM Basic Balanced Fund B Shares 0.25 September 28, 2001
AIM Basic Balanced Fund C Shares 1.00** September 28, 2001
AIM Basic Balanced Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Basic Balanced Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 July 18, 2005
AIM Basic Value Fund A Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Basic Value Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Basic Value Fund C Shares 1.00** May 3, 1999
AIM Basic Value Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Capital Development Fund A Shares 0.25 June 17, 1996
AIM Capital Development Fund B Shares 0.25 October 1, 1996
AIM Capital Development Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Capital Development Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Capital Development Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 November 30, 2004
AIM Charter Fund A Shares 0.25 November 18, 1986
AIM Charter Fund B Shares 0.25 June 15, 1995
AIM Charter Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Charter Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM China Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM China Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM China Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 30, 2004
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Constellation Fund A Shares 0.25 September 9, 1986
AIM Constellation Fund B Shares 0.25 November 3, 1997
AIM Constellation Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Constellation Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Core Bond Fund A Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Core Bond Fund B Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Core Bond Fund C Shares 1.00** December 31, 2001
AIM Core Bond Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Developing Markets Fund A Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Developing Markets Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Developing Markets Fund C Shares 1.00** March 1, 1999
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund A Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund B Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund C Shares 1.00** December 31, 2001
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund R Shares 0.50** October 25, 2005
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 July 18, 2005
AIM Dynamics Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Dynamics Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Dynamics Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Dynamics Fund R Shares 0.50** October 25, 2005
AIM Dynamics Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
7
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Energy Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Energy Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Energy Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Energy Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM European Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 November 1, 1997
AIM European Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 November 1, 1997
AIM European Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** November 1, 1997
AIM European Growth Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM European Growth Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM European Small Company Fund A Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM European Small Company Fund B Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM European Small Company Fund C Shares 1.00** August 31, 2000
AIM Financial Services Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Financial Services Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Financial Services Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Financial Services Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM Floating Rate Fund A Shares 0.25 April 14, 2006
AIM Floating Rate Fund C Shares 0.75** April 14, 2006
AIM Floating Rate Fund R Shares 0.50** April 14, 2006
AIM Global Core Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 December 29, 2000
AIM Global Core Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 December 29, 2000
AIM Global Core Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** December 29, 2000
AIM Global Equity Fund A Shares 0.25** May 29, 1998
AIM Global Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Global Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** May 29, 1998
AIM Global Equity Fund R Shares 0.50** October 31, 2005
AIM Global Growth Fund A Shares 0.25** September 15, 1994
AIM Global Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 September 15, 1994
AIM Global Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Global Health Care Fund A Shares 0.25** May 29, 1998
AIM Global Health Care Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Global Health Care Fund C Shares 1.00** March 1, 1999
AIM Global Health Care Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 July 18, 2005
AIM Global Real Estate Fund A Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Global Real Estate Fund B Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Global Real Estate Fund C Shares 1.00** April 29, 2005
AIM Global Real Estate Fund R Shares 0.50** April 29, 2005
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund A Shares 0.25** September 15, 1994
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 September 15, 1994
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM Growth Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Growth Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Growth Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 30, 2004
AIM Growth Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM High Income Municipal Fund A Shares 0.25 December 22, 1997
AIM High Income Municipal Fund B Shares 0.25 December 22, 1997
AIM High Income Municipal Fund C Shares 1.00** December 22, 1997
AIM High Yield Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
AIM High Yield Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1, 1993
AIM High Yield Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM High Yield Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
8
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Income Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 October 25, 2005
AIM Income Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 October 25, 2005
AIM Income Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** October 25, 2005
AIM Income Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** October 25, 2005
AIM Income Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
AIM Income Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1, 1993
AIM Income Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Income Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Income Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Independence Now Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence Now Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence Now Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence Now Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2010 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2010 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2010 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2010 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2020 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2020 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2020 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2020 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2030 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2030 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2030 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2030 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2040 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2040 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2040 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2040 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2050 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2050 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2050 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2050 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM International Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 October 31, 2005
AIM International Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 October 31, 2005
AIM International Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** October 31, 2005
AIM International Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** October 31, 2005
AIM International Core Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM International Core Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM International Core Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM International Core Equity Fund R Shares 0.50** November 24, 2003
AIM International Core Equity Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM International Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 May 21, 1992
AIM International Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 September 15, 1994
AIM International Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM International Growth Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM International Small Company Fund A Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM International Small Company Fund B Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM International Small Company Fund C Shares 1.00** August 31, 2000
AIM International Total Return Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM International Total Return Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM International Total Return Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Japan Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Japan Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Japan Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
9
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund A Shares 0.25 July 15, 1999
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund B Shares 0.25 August 1, 2000
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund C Shares 1.00** August 1, 2000
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 March 1, 1999
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 April 5, 1999
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** April 5, 1999
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Leisure Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Leisure Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Leisure Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Leisure Fund R Shares 0.50** October 25, 2005
AIM Leisure Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund C Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund R Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund A Shares (1) 0.15 December 2, 1987
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund A3 Shares 0.25 October 31, 2002
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund A Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund B Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund C Shares 1.00** December 31, 2001
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** May 3, 1999
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 30, 2004
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 29, 2005
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 29, 2005
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 29, 2005
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 29, 2005
AIM Money Market Fund B Shares 0.25 October 18, 1993
AIM Money Market Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Money Market Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Money Market Fund Cash Reserve Shares 0.25 October 18, 1993
AIM Multi-Sector Fund A Shares 0.25 August 30, 2002
AIM Multi-Sector Fund B Shares 0.25 August 30, 2002
AIM Multi-Sector Fund C Shares 1.00** August 30, 2002
AIM Municipal Bond Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
AIM Municipal Bond Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1, 1993
AIM Municipal Bond Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Municipal Bond Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Real Estate Fund A Shares (1) 0.25 August 4, 1997
----------
(1) AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund - Class A, AIM Real Estate Fund and AIM
Small Cap Growth Fund are closed to new investors.
10
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Real Estate Fund B Shares (1) 0.25 March 3, 1998
AIM Real Estate Fund C Shares (1) 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Real Estate Fund R Shares (1) 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Real Estate Fund Investor Shares (1)*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Select Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
AIM Select Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1,1993
AIM Select Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund A Shares 0.25 March 9, 2007
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund B Shares 0.25 March 9, 2007
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund C Shares 1.00** March 9, 2007
AIM Short Term Bond Fund A Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Short Term Bond Fund C Shares 0.50** August 30, 2002
AIM Short Term Bond Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** August 31, 2000
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund A Shares (1) 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund B Shares (1) 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund C Shares (1) 1.00** May 3, 1999
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund R Shares (1) 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund Investor Shares (1)*** 0.25 April 10, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund R Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 April 28, 2008
AIM Structured Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Growth Fund R Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Value Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Value Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Value Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Value Fund R Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM Summit Fund A Shares 0.25 October 31, 2005
AIM Summit Fund B Shares 0.25 October 31, 2005
AIM Summit Fund C Shares 1.00** October 31, 2005
AIM Summit Fund P Shares+ 0.10+ December 8, 2006
AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund A Shares 0.10 July 1, 1992
AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund A3 Shares 0.25 October 31, 2002
AIM Technology Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Technology Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Technology Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Technology Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund A Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund B Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund C Shares 1.00** November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Trimark Fund A Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Fund B Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Fund C Shares 1.00** November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund A Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund B Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
11
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund C Shares 1.00** November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM U.S. Government Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
AIM U.S. Government Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1, 1993
AIM U.S. Government Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM U.S. Government Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM U.S. Government Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Utilities Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Utilities Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Utilities Fund C Shares 1.00** September 28, 2001
AIM Utilities Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
* Frequency of Payments: Quarterly: Class A share payments begin immediately
(unless Dealer's customer purchases at net asset value and Dealer receives
a commission, in which case it will begin after an initial 12-month holding
period); Class A3 and Investor Class share payments begin immediately; and
Class B, C and R share (except for AIM Short Term Bond Fund and AIM LIBOR
Alpha Fund) payments begin after an initial 12 month holding period. Class
C share payments with respect to AIM Short Term Bond Fund and AIM LIBOR
Alpha Fund begin immediately. Where the broker dealer or financial
institution waives, pursuant to the terms of the prospectus, the 1% (0.75%
with respect to AIM Floating Rate Fund) up-front commission on Class C
shares or the 0.50% up-front commission on Class R shares, payments
commence immediately.
** Of this amount, 0.25% is paid as a shareholder servicing fee and the
remainder is paid as an asset-based sales charge, as those terms are
defined under the rules of FINRA.
*** Closed to new investors. Certain investors, including shareholders who had
established an account, prior to April 1, 2002, in Investor Class shares of
any of the funds currently distributed by Invesco Distributors and have
continuously maintained such relationships may make additional purchases
and reinvest dividends and capital gains distributions into their accounts.
See the prospectus for the complete list of investors who may purchase
Investor Class shares.
Minimum Payments: $50 (with respect to all funds in the aggregate.)
No payment pursuant to this Schedule is payable to a dealer, bank or other
service provider for the first year with respect to sales of $1 million or
more, at no load, in cases where Invesco Distributors has advanced the
service fee to the dealer, bank or other service provider.
+ Closed to new investors. Only shareholders with accounts in the former AIM
Summit Investors Plans I or II (the "Plan") at the close of business on
December 8, 2006, may continue to purchase Class P shares until the total
of their combined investments in the Plan and in Class P shares directly
equals the face amount of their former Plan under the 30 year extended
investment option. The face amount of a Plan is the combined total of all
scheduled monthly investments under the Plan. For a Plan with a scheduled
monthly investment of $100.00, the face amount would have been $36,000.00
under the 30 year extended investment option.
12
EX-99.E4
11
h66495aexv99we4.txt
EX-99.E4
(INVESCO AIM LOGO)
BANK SHAREHOLDER
SERVICE AGREEMENT
This Bank Shareholder Service Agreement (the "Agreement") has been adopted
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"), by each of the Registered Investment Companies (or designated classes of
such funds) listed in Schedule A, which may be amended from time to time by
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributors") to this Agreement (the
"Funds"), under a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") adopted pursuant to said Rule.
The undersigned bank ("Bank") desires to enter into an agreement with
Distributors for servicing of Bank's agency clients who are shareholders of, and
the administration of such shareholder accounts in the Shares (defined below).
Subject to the Bank's acceptance of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of
this Agreement shall be as follows:
1. Bank shall provide continuing personal shareholder and administration
services for the Funds, which may be amended from time to time (the
"Shares"), who are also Bank's clients. Such services to Bank's clients may
include, without limitation, some or all of the following: distributing
sales literature, answering routine client inquiries regarding the Shares,
assisting clients in changing dividend options, account designations and
addresses, and in enrolling into any of several special investment plans
offered in connection with the purchase of the Shares, assisting in the
establishment and maintenance of client accounts and records and such other
administrative services as Distributors reasonably may request, to the
extent Bank is permitted by applicable statute, rule or regulation to
provide such services. Bank represents that it shall accept fees hereunder
only so long as it continues to provide personal shareholder services to
its clients.
2. Shares purchased by Bank as agents for its clients will be registered
[(choose one) (in Bank's name or in the name of Bank nominee) (in the names
of Bank's clients)]. The client will be the beneficial owner of the Shares
purchased and Shares will be held by Bank in accordance with the client's
instructions and the client may exercise all applicable rights of a holder
of such Shares. Bank agrees to transmit to the Shares' transfer agent in a
timely manner, all purchase orders and redemption requests of Bank's
clients and to forward to each client any proxy statements, periodic
shareholder reports and other communications received from Distributors by
Bank on behalf of Bank's clients. Distributors agrees to pay all
out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by Distributors in connection with
the transfer by Bank of such proxy statements and reports to Bank's clients
as required by applicable law or regulation. Bank agrees to transfer record
ownership of a client's Shares to the client promptly upon the request of a
client. In addition, record ownership will be promptly transferred to the
client in the event that the person or entity ceases to be Bank's client.
3. Within three (3) business days of placing a purchase order Bank agrees to
send (i) a cashiers check to Distributors, or (ii) a wire transfer to the
Shares' transfer agent, in an amount equal to the amount of all purchase
orders placed by Bank on behalf of Bank's clients and accepted by
Distributors.
4. Bank agrees to make available to Distributors, upon Distributors' request,
such information relating to Bank's clients who are beneficial owners of
Shares and their transactions in such Shares as may be required by
applicable laws and regulations or as may be reasonably requested by
Distributors. The names of Bank's clients shall remain its sole property
and shall not be used
by Distributors for any other purpose except as needed for servicing and
information mailings in the normal course of business to holders of the
Shares.
5. Bank shall provide such facilities and personnel (which may be all or any
part of the facilities currently used in its business, or all or any
personnel employed by Bank) as may be necessary or beneficial in carrying
out the purposes of this Agreement.
6. Except as may be provided in a separate written agreement between
Distributors and Bank, neither Bank nor any of Bank's employees or agents
are authorized to assist in distribution of any of the Shares except those
contained in the then current Prospectus applicable to the Shares; and Bank
shall have no authority to act as agent for Distributors or the Funds.
Neither the Funds, Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. nor Distributors will be a
party, nor will they be represented as a party, to any agreement that Bank
may enter into with the Bank's clients.
7. In consideration of the services and facilities described herein, Bank
shall receive from Distributors an annual service fee, payable at such
intervals as may be set forth in Schedule A hereto, of a percentage of the
aggregate average net asset value of the Shares owned beneficially by
Bank's clients during each payment period, as set forth in Schedule A
hereto, which may be amended from time to time by Distributors. Bank
understands that this Agreement and the payment of such service fees has
been authorized and approved by the Boards of Trustees of the Funds, and is
subject to limitations imposed by the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, Inc. ("FINRA"). In cases where Distributors has advanced
payments to Bank of the first year's fee for shares sold with a contingent
deferred sales charge, no payments will be made to Bank during the first
year the subject Shares are held.
8. The Funds reserve the right, at their discretion and without notice, to
suspend the sale of any Shares or withdraw the sale of Shares.
9. Bank understands that Distributors reserves the right to amend this
Agreement or Schedule A hereto at any time without its consent by mailing a
copy of an amendment to Bank at the address set forth below. Such amendment
shall become effective on the date specified in such amendment unless Bank
elects to terminate this Agreement within thirty (30) days of our receipt
of such amendment.
10. Representations, Warranties and Acknowledgements of Bank.
a) Bank represents and warrants to Distributors that:
i) it is lawful for Bank to receive the fees (as Described in
Schedule A) payable hereunder;
ii) to the extent required by applicable law, Bank has disclosed to
each client that it is receiving the fee under this Agreement;
iii) to the extent required by applicable law, Bank has obtained all
necessary consents and authorizations from each client that may
have a beneficial interest in the Funds with respect to Bank's
receipt of the fee;
iv) it has all requisite authority, pursuant to applicable law and
regulation, to enter into and perform its obligations under this
Agreement;
v) this Agreement is valid and binding obligation of Bank and is
enforceable against Bank in accordance with its terms, except as
such enforceability may be limited by laws regarding bankruptcy
and insolvency;
vi) all persons signing this Agreement on behalf of Bank possess full
power and authority to do so; and
2
vii) it has sole responsibility for making the determinations of fact
and performing the required actions necessary to make the
representations and warranties described in this paragraph, and
it is not relying on Distributors or any of its affiliates in any
manner to make or assist Bank in making the representations and
warranties described in this paragraph.
b) Bank understands and acknowledges that Distributors, the Funds, their
affiliates and their respective directors and officers:
i) make no representations or warranties as to the permissibility,
under federal securities laws or federal or state banking laws,
of Bank's receipt of the fee under this Agreement; and
ii) may, in their sole discretion, determine that it is necessary or
advisable to disclose in the Funds' offering documents the
existence and terms of this Agreement and the names of the
parties hereto.
c) Distributors hereby informs Bank and Bank acknowledges that payments
of distribution fees pursuant to this Agreement are subject to
applicable rules of FINRA, which rules set forth limitations on such
payments.
d) Bank acknowledges that, in accordance with the rules of FINRA, as well
as interpretations of the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), the classes of the Funds that have Plans providing
for more than 0.25% in shareholder service and/or distribution-related
fees are not considered to be "no-load" investments, and Bank
represents that it will not market such classes as "no-load"
investments.
e) Bank acknowledges that neither it nor any of its employees or agents
are authorized to make any representation to it's clients concerning
the Funds except those contained in the Funds' then current
prospectuses and statements of additional information.
f) Bank acknowledges that it will be acting as an independent contractor
under this Agreement and not as an employee or agent of Distributors,
the Funds or any of their affiliates. Bank represents that it will not
hold itself out to any other party as an employee or agent of, with
the authority to bind, Distributors, the Funds or any of their
affiliates in any manner.
g) Bank acknowledges that Distributors has reserved the right, at its
discretion and without notice, to suspend or withdraw the sale of
shares of the Funds.
h) Bank represents either that:
i) its activities on behalf of its clients and pursuant to this
Agreement are not such as to require registration as a
broker-dealer with the SEC or in the state(s) in which Bank
engages in such activities; or
ii) it is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and in the
state(s) in which Bank engages in its activities on behalf of its
clients and pursuant to this Agreement.
i) Bank represents that:
i) it is in compliance, in all material respects, with, and will
continue to comply with, all applicable laws and regulations;
ii) without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause, it is in
compliance, in all material respects, with, and will continue to
comply with, laws and regulations related to and concerning the
prevention of money laundering; and
3
iii) it has implemented and follows proper procedures to verify
suspicious transactions and to verify the identity of its clients
whose assets are invested in any Funds, including without
limitation procedures to verify the source of funds for
settlement of client transactions.
iv) it is a Bank as defined by Section 3(a)(6) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934; and
v) it is not a registered broker-dealer, however, Bank will comply
in, all material respects, with the rules, regulations and/or
fiduciary standards applicable to its business operations,
including without limitation any rules, regulations or fiduciary
standards pertaining to assessing the appropriateness of the
Funds, including any particular class, as an investment for its
clients.
j) Bank acknowledges, represents and agrees that it will not accept any
compensation for promoting or selling Funds' shares in the form of
"directed brokerage" directed to it by a Fund. Directed brokerage
includes any arrangement, whether explicit or implicit, in which Bank
receives, in consideration for or recognition of the sale of Funds'
shares, support payments in the form of brokerage commissions,
brokerage transactions (orders for the purchase or sale of the Funds'
securities), or mark ups or other quid pro quo-type arrangements, such
as the purchase or sale of a security issued by Bank or its affiliates
in recognition of Bank's sale or promotion of Funds' shares or client
referrals. Bank will provide Distributors or its affiliates from time
to time, upon request, such information as is reasonably necessary for
Distributors or its affiliates to verify that Bank has complied with
the provisions of this paragraph.
11. Indemnification.
a) Bank will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Distributors, the Funds,
their affiliates and their respective officers, directors and
employees from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages,
claims, costs, payments and/or expenses of any kind or character,
including reasonable fees of counsel, paid or incurred by any one or
more of them, or all of them, directly or indirectly (or actions in
respect thereof), whether joint or several, arising out of or in
connection with any misrepresentations made by Bank in connection with
this Agreement, or any other breach by Bank of the terms of this
Agreement, except where such liabilities, losses, damages, claims,
costs, payments and/or expenses result from the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of Distributors, the Funds, their affiliates or
their respective officers, directors or employees.
b) Distributors will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Bank and its
officers, directors and employees from and against any and all
liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs, payments and/or expenses
of any kind or character, including reasonable fees of counsel, paid
or incurred by any one or more of them, or all of them, directly or
indirectly (or actions in respect thereof), whether joint or several,
arising out of or in connection with any misrepresentations made by
Distributors in connection with this Agreement, or any other breach by
Distributors of the terms of this Agreement, except where such
liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs, payments and/or expenses
result from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Bank or its
officers, directors or employees.
12. Term and Termination.
a) The Agreement will commence upon execution by Distributors and shall
continue in full force and effect as long as the continuance of the
Plan and this related Agreement are approved at least annually by a
vote of the directors, including a majority of the Dis-interested
Directors, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting thereon.
4
b) Either party may terminate the Agreement at any time on not less than
10 days' written notice to the other party. The Agreement will
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, the term
"assignment" for this purpose having the meaning defined in Section
2(a) (4) of the 1940 Act.
13. Notice.
Any notice which any party hereto may be required or may desire to give
hereunder shall be deemed to have been given if delivered personally or if
mailed, postage prepaid, by United States registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, or by overnight express courier addressed as
follows:
As to Distributors: As to Bank:
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.
11 Greenway Plaza
Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77049
Attention: General Counsel Attention:
or at such other addresses or to the attention of such other persons as may
from time to time be designated by the party to be addresses by written
notice to the other parties in the manner herein provided. Notices, demands
and requests given in the manner aforesaid shall be deemed sufficiently
served or given for all purposes hereunder when received or when delivery
is refused by the party or when the same are returned to sender for failure
to be called for.
14. Choice of Law. The Agreement and all rights and obligations of the parties
hereunder will be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of
Texas without regard to its choice of law provisions.
15. Non-Exclusivity. Each party to the Agreement agrees that the arrangements
described herein are intended to be non-exclusive and that either party may
enter into similar agreements and arrangements with other parties.
16. Entire Agreement. The provisions, terms and conditions of this Agreement
represent the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof. In the event inconsistencies exist between this
Agreement and any other agreement or understanding with respect to the
subject matter hereof, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.
INVESCO AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC. BANK
By: By:
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Name: Name:
------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Title: Title:
------------------------------ ---------------------------------
Dated: Dated:
------------------------------ ---------------------------------
5
SCHEDULE "A" TO
BANK SHAREHOLDER SERVICE AGREEMENT
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 November 1, 1997
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 November 1, 1997
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** November 1, 1997
AIM Basic Balanced Fund A Shares 0.25 September 28, 2001
AIM Basic Balanced Fund B Shares 0.25 September 28, 2001
AIM Basic Balanced Fund C Shares 1.00** September 28, 2001
AIM Basic Balanced Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Basic Balanced Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 July 18, 2005
AIM Basic Value Fund A Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Basic Value Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Basic Value Fund C Shares 1.00** May 3, 1999
AIM Basic Value Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Capital Development Fund A Shares 0.25 June 17, 1996
AIM Capital Development Fund B Shares 0.25 October 1, 1996
AIM Capital Development Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Capital Development Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Capital Development Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 November 30, 2004
AIM Charter Fund A Shares 0.25 November 18, 1986
AIM Charter Fund B Shares 0.25 June 15, 1995
AIM Charter Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Charter Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM China Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM China Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM China Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 30, 2004
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Constellation Fund A Shares 0.25 September 9, 1986
AIM Constellation Fund B Shares 0.25 November 3, 1997
AIM Constellation Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Constellation Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Core Bond Fund A Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Core Bond Fund B Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Core Bond Fund C Shares 1.00** December 31, 2001
AIM Core Bond Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Developing Markets Fund A Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Developing Markets Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Developing Markets Fund C Shares 1.00** March 1, 1999
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund A Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund B Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund C Shares 1.00** December 31, 2001
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund R Shares 0.50** October 25, 2005
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 July 18, 2005
AIM Dynamics Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Dynamics Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Dynamics Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Dynamics Fund R Shares 0.50** October 25, 2005
AIM Dynamics Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
6
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Energy Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Energy Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Energy Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Energy Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM European Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 November 1, 1997
AIM European Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 November 1, 1997
AIM European Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** November 1, 1997
AIM European Growth Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM European Growth Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM European Small Company Fund A Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM European Small Company Fund B Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM European Small Company Fund C Shares 1.00** August 31, 2000
AIM Financial Services Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Financial Services Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Financial Services Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Financial Services Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM Floating Rate Fund A Shares 0.25 April 14, 2006
AIM Floating Rate Fund C Shares 0.75** April 14, 2006
AIM Floating Rate Fund R Shares 0.50** April 14, 2006
AIM Global Core Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 December 29, 2000
AIM Global Core Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 December 29, 2000
AIM Global Core Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** December 29, 2000
AIM Global Equity Fund A Shares 0.25** May 29, 1998
AIM Global Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Global Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** May 29, 1998
AIM Global Equity Fund R Shares 0.50** October 31, 2005
AIM Global Growth Fund A Shares 0.25** September 15, 1994
AIM Global Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 September 15, 1994
AIM Global Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Global Health Care Fund A Shares 0.25** May 29, 1998
AIM Global Health Care Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Global Health Care Fund C Shares 1.00** March 1, 1999
AIM Global Health Care Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 July 18, 2005
AIM Global Real Estate Fund A Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Global Real Estate Fund B Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Global Real Estate Fund C Shares 1.00** April 29, 2005
AIM Global Real Estate Fund R Shares 0.50** April 29, 2005
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund A Shares 0.25** September 15, 1994
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 September 15, 1994
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM Growth Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Growth Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Growth Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 30, 2004
AIM Growth Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM High Income Municipal Fund A Shares 0.25 December 22, 1997
AIM High Income Municipal Fund B Shares 0.25 December 22, 1997
AIM High Income Municipal Fund C Shares 1.00** December 22, 1997
AIM High Yield Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
AIM High Yield Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1, 1993
AIM High Yield Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
7
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM High Yield Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Income Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 October 25, 2005
AIM Income Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 October 25, 2005
AIM Income Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** October 25, 2005
AIM Income Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** October 25, 2005
AIM Income Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
AIM Income Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1, 1993
AIM Income Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Income Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Income Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Independence Now Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence Now Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence Now Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence Now Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2010 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2010 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2010 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2010 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2020 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2020 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2020 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2020 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2030 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2030 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2030 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2030 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2040 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2040 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2040 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2040 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2050 Fund A Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2050 Fund B Shares 0.25 January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2050 Fund C Shares 0.50** January 31, 2007
AIM Independence 2050 Fund R Shares 1.00** January 31, 2007
AIM International Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 October 31, 2005
AIM International Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 October 31, 2005
AIM International Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** October 31, 2005
AIM International Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** October 31, 2005
AIM International Core Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM International Core Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM International Core Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM International Core Equity Fund R Shares 0.50** November 24, 2003
AIM International Core Equity Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM International Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 May 21, 1992
AIM International Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 September 15, 1994
AIM International Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM International Growth Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM International Small Company Fund A Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM International Small Company Fund B Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM International Small Company Fund C Shares 1.00** August 31, 2000
AIM International Total Return Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM International Total Return Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM International Total Return Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Japan Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
8
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Japan Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Japan Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund A Shares 0.25 July 15, 1999
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund B Shares 0.25 August 1, 2000
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund C Shares 1.00** August 1, 2000
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 March 1, 1999
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 April 5, 1999
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** April 5, 1999
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Leisure Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Leisure Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Leisure Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Leisure Fund R Shares 0.50** October 25, 2005
AIM Leisure Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund C Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund R Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund A Shares (1) 0.15 December 2, 1987
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund A3 Shares 0.25 October 31, 2002
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund A Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund B Shares 0.25 December 31, 2001
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund C Shares 1.00** December 31, 2001
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** May 3, 1999
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 30, 2004
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 29, 2005
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 29, 2005
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund A Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund B Shares 0.25 April 29, 2005
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund C Shares 1.00** April 29, 2005
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund R Shares 0.50** April 29, 2005
AIM Money Market Fund B Shares 0.25 October 18, 1993
AIM Money Market Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Money Market Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Money Market Fund Cash Reserve Shares 0.25 October 18, 1993
AIM Multi-Sector Fund A Shares 0.25 August 30, 2002
AIM Multi-Sector Fund B Shares 0.25 August 30, 2002
AIM Multi-Sector Fund C Shares 1.00** August 30, 2002
AIM Municipal Bond Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
----------
(1) AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund - Class A, AIM Real Estate Fund and AIM
Small Cap Growth Fund are closed to new investors.
9
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Municipal Bond Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1, 1993
AIM Municipal Bond Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Municipal Bond Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Real Estate Fund A Shares (1) 0.25 August 4, 1997
AIM Real Estate Fund B Shares (1) 0.25 March 3, 1998
AIM Real Estate Fund C Shares (1) 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Real Estate Fund R Shares (1) 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Real Estate Fund Investor Shares (1)*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Select Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
AIM Select Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1, 1993
AIM Select Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund A Shares 0.25 March 9, 2007
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund B Shares 0.25 March 9, 2007
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund C Shares 1.00** March 9, 2007
AIM Short Term Bond Fund A Shares 0.25 April 30, 2004
AIM Short Term Bond Fund C Shares 0.50** August 30, 2002
AIM Short Term Bond Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund A Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund B Shares 0.25 August 31, 2000
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund C Shares 1.00** August 31, 2000
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund A Shares (1) 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund B Shares (1) 0.25 May 29, 1998
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund C Shares (1) 1.00** May 3, 1999
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund R Shares (1) 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund Investor Shares (1)*** 0.25 April 10, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund R Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Core Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 April 28, 2008
AIM Structured Growth Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Growth Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Growth Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Growth Fund R Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Value Fund A Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Value Fund B Shares 0.25 March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Value Fund C Shares 1.00** March 31, 2006
AIM Structured Value Fund R Shares 0.50** March 31, 2006
AIM Summit Fund A Shares 0.25 October 31, 2005
AIM Summit Fund B Shares 0.25 October 31, 2005
AIM Summit Fund C Shares 1.00** October 31, 2005
AIM Summit Fund P Shares+ 0.10+ December 8, 2006
AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund A Shares 0.10 July 1, 1992
AIM Tax-Free Intermediate Fund A3 Shares 0.25 October 31, 2002
AIM Technology Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Technology Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Technology Fund C Shares 1.00** June 1, 2000
AIM Technology Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
----------
(1) AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund - Class A, AIM Real Estate Fund and AIM
Small Cap Growth Fund are closed to new investors.
10
FUND FEE RATE* PLAN CALCULATION DATE
----------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------------------
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund A Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund B Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund C Shares 1.00** November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Trimark Fund A Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Fund B Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Fund C Shares 1.00** November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund A Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund B Shares 0.25 November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund C Shares 1.00** November 4, 2003
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund R Shares 0.50** April 30, 2004
AIM U.S. Government Fund A Shares 0.25 July 1, 1992
AIM U.S. Government Fund B Shares 0.25 September 1, 1993
AIM U.S. Government Fund C Shares 1.00** August 4, 1997
AIM U.S. Government Fund R Shares 0.50** June 3, 2002
AIM U.S. Government Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 September 30, 2003
AIM Utilities Fund A Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Utilities Fund B Shares 0.25 March 29, 2002
AIM Utilities Fund C Shares 1.00** September 28, 2001
AIM Utilities Fund Investor Shares*** 0.25 June 1, 2000
* Frequency of Payments: Quarterly: Class A share payments begin immediately
(unless Dealer's customer purchases at net asset value and Dealer receives
a commission, in which case it will begin after an initial 12-month holding
period); Class A3 and Investor Class share payments begin immediately; and
Class B, C and R share (except for AIM Short Term Bond Fund and AIM LIBOR
Alpha Fund) payments begin after an initial 12 month holding period. Class
C share payments with respect to AIM Short Term Bond Fund and AIM LIBOR
Alpha Fund begin immediately. Where the broker dealer or financial
institution waives, pursuant to the terms of the prospectus, the 1% (0.75%
with respect to AIM Floating Rate Fund) up-front commission on Class C
shares or the 0.50% up-front commission on Class R shares, payments
commence immediately.
** Of this amount, 0.25% is paid as a shareholder servicing fee and the
remainder is paid as an asset-based sales charge, as those terms are
defined under the rules of FINRA.
*** Closed to new investors. Certain investors, including shareholders who had
established an account, prior to April 1, 2002, in Investor Class shares of
any of the funds currently distributed by Invesco Aim Distributors and have
continuously maintained such relationships may make additional purchases
and reinvest dividends and capital gains distributions into their accounts.
See the prospectus for the complete list of investors who may purchase
Investor Class shares.
Minimum Payments: $50 (with respect to all funds in the aggregate.)
No payment pursuant to this Schedule is payable to a dealer, bank or other
service provider for the first year with respect to sales of $1 million or
more, at no load, in cases where Invesco Aim Distributors has advanced the
service fee to the dealer, bank or other service provider.
+ Closed to new investors. Only shareholders with accounts in the former AIM
Summit Investors Plans I or II (the "Plan") at the close of business on
December 8, 2006, may continue to purchase Class P shares until the total
of their combined investments in the Plan and in Class P shares directly
equals the face amount of their former Plan under the 30 year extended
investment option. The face amount of a Plan is the combined total of all
scheduled monthly investments under the Plan. For a Plan with a scheduled
monthly investment of $100.00, the face amount would have been $36,000.00
under the 30 year extended investment option.
11
EX-99.F1
12
h66495aexv99wf1.txt
EX-99.F1
AIM FUNDS
RETIREMENT PLAN FOR ELIGIBLE
DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES
Effective as of March 8, 1994
As Restated September 18, 1995
As Restated March 7, 2000
As Restated October 1, 2001
As Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2005
As Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RETIREMENT PLAN FOR ELIGIBLE............................................. i
ARTICLE I - DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONSTRUCTION......................... 1
1.1 Definitions.................................................... 1
1.2 Plurals and Gender............................................. 3
1.3 Directors/Trustees............................................. 3
1.4 Headings....................................................... 3
1.5 Severability................................................... 3
ARTICLE II - PARTICIPATION............................................... 3
2.1 Commencement of Participation.................................. 3
2.2 Termination of Participation................................... 3
ARTICLE III - RETIREMENT BENEFITS........................................ 3
3.1 Amount and Terms............................................... 3
3.2 Forfeiture..................................................... 3
3.3 Payment After Participant's Death.............................. 4
3.4 Payment While Serving as Director.............................. 4
3.5 Benefits Calculated in the Aggregate for all of the AIM Funds.. 4
ARTICLE IV - SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS...................................... 4
4.1 No Suspension of Benefits Upon Resumption of Service........... 4
ARTICLE V - ADMINISTRATOR................................................ 4
5.1 Appointment of Administrator................................... 4
5.2 Powers and Duties of Administrator............................. 5
5.3 Action by Administrator........................................ 5
5.4 Participation by Administrator................................. 6
5.5 Payment of Benefits............................................ 6
5.6 Agents and Expenses............................................ 6
5.7 Allocation of Duties........................................... 6
5.8 Delegation of Duties........................................... 6
5.9 Administrator's Action Conclusive.............................. 6
5.10 Records and Reports............................................ 6
5.11 Information from the AIM Funds................................. 7
5.12 Reservation of Rights by Boards of Directors................... 7
5.13 Liability and Indemnification.................................. 7
ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION.................................. 7
6.1 Amendments..................................................... 7
6.2 Termination.................................................... 8
ARTICLE VII - MISCELLANEOUS.............................................. 8
7.1 Rights of Creditors............................................ 8
7.2 Liability Limited.............................................. 8
7.3 Incapacity..................................................... 8
7.4 Cooperation of Parties......................................... 9
7.5 Governing Law.................................................. 9
7.6 No Guarantee of Director Status................................ 9
7.7 Counsel........................................................ 9
7.8 Spendthrift Provision.......................................... 9
7.9 Forfeiture for Cause........................................... 10
i
ARTICLE VIII - CLAIMS PROCEDURE.......................................... 10
8.1 Notice of Denial............................................... 10
8.2 Right to Reconsideration....................................... 10
8.3 Review of Documents............................................ 10
8.4 Decision by Administrator...................................... 10
8.5 Notice by Administrator........................................ 11
Appendix A - AIM Funds................................................... 12
Appendix B - Amount of Benefit - Post December 31, 2005.................. 13
Appendix C - Amount of Benefit - Pre January 1, 2006..................... 16
ii
PREAMBLE
Effective as of March 8, 1994, the registered investment companies
managed, advised, administered and/or distributed by A I M Advisors, Inc. or its
affiliates (the "AIM Funds") and identified on Appendix A (including their
predecessors and successors in interest) have adopted THE AIM FUNDS RETIREMENT
PLAN FOR ELIGIBLE DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES (the "Plan") for the benefit of each of the
directors and trustees of each of the AIM Funds who is not an employee of any of
the AIM Funds, A I M Management Group Inc. or any of their affiliates. As this
Plan does not benefit any employees of the AIM Funds, it is not intended to be
classified as an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA").
Effective January 1, 2005 this Plan became subject to the provisions
of section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"), and
has been amended and restated herein to comply with section 409A of the Code and
Treasury regulations thereunder (together, "section 409A") and to make certain
design changes, as approved by the Board of Directors in December, 2005 and
December, 2008.
ARTICLE I - DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Definitions.
Unless a different meaning is plainly implied by the context, the
following terms as used in this Plan shall have the following meanings:
(a) "Accrued Benefit" shall mean, as of any date prior to a Director's
Retirement date, his Retirement Benefit commencing on such Retirement date, but
based upon his Compensation and Years of Service computed as of such date of
determination.
(b) "Administrator" shall mean the administrative committee provided
for in Article V.
(c) "AIM Funds" shall mean those registered, open end investment
companies managed, advised, administered or distributed by A I M Advisors, Inc.
or its affiliates, set forth on Appendix A hereto (including predecessors in
interest and successors in interest), as such Appendix may be amended from time
to time.
(d) "Board of Directors" shall mean the Board of Directors or Board of
Trustees of each of the AIM Funds.
(e) "Compensation" shall mean, for any Director, the amount of the
retainer paid or accrued by the AIM Funds for such Director during the twelve
month period immediately preceding the Director's termination of his Service,
including retainer amounts deferred under a separate agreement between the AIM
Funds and the Director. Compensation shall not include amounts paid as Board
meeting fees or additional compensation paid for service as Chair of the
1
Board or as Chair or Vice Chair of certain committees. The amount of such
retainer Compensation shall be as determined by the Administrator.
(f) "Director" shall mean an individual who is a director or trustee
of one or more of the AIM Funds which have adopted their version of this Plan
but who is not an employee of any of the AIM Funds, A I M Management Group Inc.
or any of their affiliates.
(g) "Disabled" shall mean the Participant is unable to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to
last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, determined in
accordance with section 409A.
(h) "Effective Date" of the Plan (as amended and restated herein in
December 2008) shall mean January 1, 2008. Except as provided in Appendix B and
Appendix C, the terms of the Plan as in effect when the Participant terminates
Service shall determine the amount, form and timing of his Retirement Benefits.
(i) "Fund" shall mean an AIM Fund that has adopted the Plan.
(j) "Participant" shall mean a Director who is included in this Plan
as provided in Article II hereof.
(k) "Plan" shall mean the "AIM Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible
Directors/Trustees" as described herein or as hereafter amended from time to
time, which shall constitute a separate arrangement, using one document, for
each Fund.
(l) "Plan Year" shall mean the calendar year.
(m) "Removal for Cause" shall mean the removal of a Director by the
Directors of the AIM Funds or by shareholders due to such Director's willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of the office of Director.
(n) "Retirement Benefit" shall mean the benefit described under
Section 3.1 hereof.
(o) "Service" shall mean an individual's serving as a Director of one
or more of the Funds. Furthermore, any unbroken service provided by a
Participant (i) to an AIM Fund immediately prior to its being managed or
administered by A I M Advisors, Inc. (or any of its affiliates) or (ii) to a
predecessor of an AIM Fund immediately prior to its being merged into such AIM
Fund, will be taken into account in determining such Participant's Years of
Service, subject to all restrictions and other forfeiture provisions contained
herein. If a Participant whose Service terminates thereafter again becomes a
Director, his different periods of Service shall be aggregated for purposes of
calculating his Retirement Benefit, except that if a Participant's Service
terminates prior to his being credited with 5 Years of Service, he shall forfeit
all Years of Service completed prior to such termination unless the number of
Years of Service he accumulated prior to such termination exceeds the number of
years in which he did not serve as a Director.
2
(p) "Year of Service" shall mean a twelve consecutive month period of
Service.
1.2 Plurals and Gender.
Where appearing in this Plan, the masculine gender shall include the
feminine and neuter genders, and the singular shall include the plural, and vice
versa, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
1.3 Directors/Trustees.
Where appropriate, the term "director" shall refer to "trustee",
"directorship" shall refer to "trusteeship" and "Board of Directors" shall refer
to "Board of Trustees."
1.4 Headings.
The headings and sub-headings in this Plan are inserted for the
convenience of reference only and are to be ignored in any construction of the
provisions hereof.
1.5 Severability.
In case any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or void, such
illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Plan,
but shall be fully severable, and this Plan shall be construed and enforced as
if said illegal or invalid provisions had never been inserted herein.
ARTICLE II - PARTICIPATION
2.1 Commencement of Participation.
Each Director shall become a Participant hereunder on the date his
directorship of one or more of the Funds commences; provided that such
directorship has commenced by December 1, 2008. No one shall become a
Participant in the Plan after December 1, 2008.
2.2 Termination of Participation.
A Director shall remain a Participant until his entire vested
Retirement Benefit has been paid to him or on his behalf.
ARTICLE III - RETIREMENT BENEFITS
3.1 Amount and Terms.
Participants terminating service on or after January 1, 2006 shall
receive a benefit as described in Appendix B. Participants terminating service
on or before December 31, 2005 shall receive a benefit as described in Appendix
C.
3.2 Forfeiture.
3
(a) If a Participant's Service terminates on account of Removal for
Cause, no Retirement Benefit shall be paid to him or on his behalf, even if such
termination occurs after he has completed 5 Years of Service.
(b) If a Participant's Service terminates for any reason without his
having been credited with at least 5 Years of Service, neither he nor anyone
else on his behalf shall be entitled to a Retirement Benefit.
3.3 Payment After Participant's Death.
No benefits will be paid under this Plan with respect to a Participant
after his death other than as provided in Appendix B or Appendix C, as
applicable.
3.4 Payment While Serving as Director.
Except as provided in Article IV, no benefits will be paid under this
Plan to any Participant while such Participant continues in active service as a
Director.
3.5 Benefits Calculated in the Aggregate for all of the AIM Funds.
With respect to each Participant, the benefits payable hereunder shall
be based on the aggregate Compensation paid by all of the AIM Funds. Each Fund's
share of the obligation to provide such benefits shall be determined by use of
accounting methods adopted by the Administrator.
ARTICLE IV - SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS
4.1 No Suspension of Benefits Upon Resumption of Service.
If a Participant who has begun receiving Retirement Benefits in
accordance with the provisions of Article III resumes Service, his Retirement
Benefit shall continue to be paid during the new period of Service, with the
following adjustments: (i) the amount of the quarterly payment shall be
increased, as appropriate, beginning with the first quarter of each subsequent
calendar year to reflect any increase in the Participant' Compensation during
the prior year (initially as compared with his Compensation when he originally
terminated Service), and (ii) the length of the payment period shall be
lengthened, but not beyond a total of 16 years, to reflect any additional Years
of Service earned after reemployment as a Director.
ARTICLE V - ADMINISTRATOR
5.1 Appointment of Administrator.
This Plan shall be administered by the Governance Committees of the
Boards of Directors of the AIM Funds. The members of such committees are not
"interested persons" (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940) of any of the AIM Funds. The term "Administrator" as used
in this Plan shall refer to the members of such Committees, either individually
or collectively, as appropriate.
4
5.2 Powers and Duties of Administrator.
Except as provided below, the Administrator shall have the following
duties and responsibilities in connection with the administration of this Plan:
(a) to promulgate and enforce such rules, regulations and procedures
as shall be proper for the efficient administration of this Plan;
(b) to determine all questions arising in the administration,
interpretation and application of this Plan, including questions of eligibility
and of the status and rights of Participants and any other persons hereunder;
(c) to decide any dispute arising hereunder; provided, however, that
no Administrator shall participate in any matter involving any questions
relating solely to his own participation or benefits under this Plan;
(d) to advise the Boards of Directors of the AIM Funds regarding the
known future need for funds to be available for distribution;
(e) to correct defects, supply omissions and reconcile inconsistencies
to the extent necessary to effectuate this Plan;
(f) to compute the amount of benefits and other payments which shall
be payable to any Participant, surviving spouse or designated beneficiary in
accordance with the provisions of this Plan and to determine the person or
persons to whom such benefits shall be paid;
(g) to make recommendations to the Boards of Directors of the AIM
Funds with respect to proposed amendments to this Plan;
(h) to file all reports with government agencies, Participants and
other parties as may be required by law, whether such reports are initially the
obligation of the AIM Funds, or this Plan; and
(i) to have all such other powers as may be necessary to discharge its
duties hereunder.
5.3 Action by Administrator.
A majority of the members of the Administrator then serving shall
constitute a quorum for the transacting of business related to this Plan. All
resolutions or other action taken by the Administrator in connection with this
Plan shall be by vote of a majority of those present at such meeting and
entitled to vote. Resolutions may be adopted or other action taken without a
meeting upon written consent signed by at least a majority of the members. All
documents, instruments, orders, requests, directions, instructions and other
papers shall be executed on behalf of the Administrator by either the Chairman
or any Vice-Chairman of the Administrator, or by any member or agent of the
Administrator duly authorized to act on the Administrator's behalf.
5
5.4 Participation by Administrator.
No Administrator shall be precluded from becoming a Participant in
this Plan if he would be otherwise eligible, but he shall not be entitled to
vote or act upon matters or to sign any documents relating specifically to his
own participation under this Plan, except when such matters or documents relate
to benefits generally. If this disqualification results in the lack of a quorum,
then the Boards of Directors, by majority vote of the members of a majority of
such Boards of Directors (a "Majority Vote"), shall appoint a sufficient number
of temporary Administrators, who shall serve for the sole purpose of determining
such a question.
5.5 Payment of Benefits.
Any payment actually made within the applicable grace period under
section 409A shall be deemed made on its scheduled payment date for all purposes
of the Plan.
5.6 Agents and Expenses.
The Administrator may employ agents and provide for such clerical,
legal, actuarial, accounting, medical, advisory or other services as it deems
necessary to perform its duties under this Plan. The cost of such services and
all other expenses incurred by the Administrator in connection with the
administration of this Plan shall be allocated to each Fund pursuant to the
method utilized under Section 3.4 hereof with respect to costs related to
benefit accruals.
5.7 Allocation of Duties.
The duties, powers and responsibilities reserved to the Administrator
may be allocated among its members so long as such allocation is pursuant to
written procedures adopted by the Administrator, in which case no Administrator
shall have any liability, with respect to any duties, powers or responsibilities
not allocated to him, for the acts or omissions of any other Administrator.
5.8 Delegation of Duties.
The Administrator may delegate any of its duties to employees of
Invesco AIM Advisors, Inc. or any of its affiliates or to any other person or
firm, provided that the Administrator shall prudently choose such agents and
rely in good faith on their actions.
5.9 Administrator's Action Conclusive.
Any action on matters within the discretion of the Administrator shall
be final and conclusive.
5.10 Records and Reports.
The Administrator shall maintain adequate records of its actions and
proceedings in administering this Plan and shall file all reports and take all
other actions as it deems appropriate in order to comply with any federal or
state law.
6
5.11 Information from the AIM Funds.
The AIM Funds shall promptly furnish all necessary information to the
Administrator to permit it to perform its duties under this Plan. The
Administrator shall be entitled to rely upon the accuracy and completeness of
all information furnished to it by the AIM Funds, unless it knows or should have
known that such information is erroneous.
5.12 Reservation of Rights by Boards of Directors.
When rights are reserved in this Plan to the Boards of Directors, such
rights shall be exercised only by Majority Vote of the Boards of Directors,
except where the Boards of Directors, by unanimous written resolution, delegate
any such rights to one or more persons or to the Administrator. Subject to the
rights reserved to the Boards of Directors as set forth in this Plan, no member
of the Boards of Directors shall have any duties or responsibilities under this
Plan, except to the extent he shall be acting in the capacity of an
Administrator.
5.13 Liability and Indemnification.
(a) The Administrator shall perform all duties required of it under
this Plan in a prudent manner. The Administrator shall not be responsible in any
way for any action or omission of the AIM Funds or their employees in the
performance of their duties and obligations as set forth in this Plan. The
Administrator also shall not be responsible for any act or omission of any of
its agents provided that such agents were prudently chosen by the Administrator
and that the Administrator relied in good faith upon the action of such agents.
(b) Except for its own gross negligence, willful misconduct or willful
breach of the terms of this Plan, the Administrator shall be indemnified and
held harmless by the AIM Funds against any and all liability, loss, damages,
cost and expense which may arise, occur by reason of, or be based upon, any
matter connected with or related to this Plan or its administration (including,
but not limited to, any and all expenses whatsoever reasonably incurred in
investigating, preparing or defending any litigation, commenced or threatened,
or in settlement of any such claim).
ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
6.1 Amendments.
The Boards of Directors reserve the right at any time and from time to
time, and retroactively if deemed necessary or appropriate by them, to amend in
whole or in part by Majority Vote any or all of the provisions of this Plan,
provided that:
(a) No amendment shall make it possible for any part of a
Participant's or former Participant's Retirement Benefit to be used for, or
diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of such Participant,
except to the extent otherwise provided in this Plan; and
(b) No amendment may reduce any Participant's or former Participant's
Retirement Benefit as of the effective date of the amendment.
7
Amendments may be made in the form of Board of Directors' resolutions
or separate written document.
6.2 Termination.
Except as provided below, the Boards of Directors reserve the right to
terminate this Plan at any time by Majority Vote by giving to the Administrator
notice in writing of such desire to terminate. The Plan shall terminate upon the
date of receipt of such notice and all Participants shall be paid their
Retirement Benefits (determined as of the date this Plan is terminated) as set
forth herein, or to the extent permitted by section 409A, in an actuarially
equivalent lump sum as soon as possible after the effective date of such
termination, as determined by the Administrator.
ARTICLE VII - MISCELLANEOUS.
7.1 Rights of Creditors.
(a) The Plan is unfunded. Neither the Participants nor any other
persons shall have any interest in any Fund or in any specific asset or assets
of any of the AIM Funds by reason of any Retirement Benefit hereunder, nor any
rights to receive distribution of any Retirement Benefit except and as to the
extent expressly provided hereunder.
(b) The Retirement Benefits of each Participant are unsecured and
shall be subject to the claims of the general creditors of the AIM Funds.
7.2 Liability Limited.
Neither the AIM Funds, the Administrator, nor any agents, employees,
officers, directors or shareholders of any of them, nor any other person shall
have any liability or responsibility with respect to this Plan, except as
expressly provided herein.
7.3 Incapacity.
If the Administrator shall receive evidence satisfactory to it that a
Participant, surviving spouse or designated beneficiary entitled to receive any
benefit under this Plan is, at the time when such benefit becomes payable,
physically or mentally incompetent to receive such benefit and to give a valid
release therefor, and that another person or an institution is then maintaining
or has custody of such Participant, surviving spouse, or designated beneficiary
and that no guardian, committee or other representative of the estate of such
Participant, surviving spouse, or designated beneficiary shall have been duly
appointed, the Administrator may make payment of such benefit otherwise payable
to such Participant, surviving spouse, or designated beneficiary to such other
person or institution, and the release of such other person or institution shall
be a valid and complete discharge for the payment of such benefit.
8
7.4 Cooperation of Parties.
All parties to this Plan and any person claiming any interest
hereunder agree to perform any and all acts and execute any and all documents
and papers which are necessary or desirable for carrying out this Plan or any of
its provisions.
7.5 Governing Law.
All rights under this Plan shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with rules of Federal law applicable to such plans and, to the extent
not preempted, by the laws of the State of Texas without regard to principles of
conflicts of law. No action shall be brought by or on behalf of any Participant
for or with respect to benefits due under this Plan unless the person bringing
such action has timely exhausted this Plan's claim review procedure. Any such
action must be commenced within three years. This three-year period shall be
computed from the earlier of (a) the date a final determination denying such
benefit, in whole or in part, is issued under this Plan's claim review procedure
or (b) the date such individual's cause of action first accrued. Any dispute,
controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with this Plan (including
the applicability of this arbitration provision) and not resolved pursuant to
the Plan's claim review procedure shall be determined and settled by arbitration
conducted by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") in the County and
State of the Funds' principal place of business and in accordance with the then
existing rules, regulations, practices and procedures of the AAA. Any award in
such arbitration shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the parties to the
arbitration and may be enforced by either party in any court of competent
jurisdiction. Each party to the arbitration will bear its own costs and fees
(including attorney's fees).
7.6 No Guarantee of Director Status.
Nothing contained in this Plan shall be construed as a guaranty or
right of any Participant to be continued as a Director of one or more of the AIM
Funds (or of a right of a Director to any specific level of Compensation) or as
a limitation of the right of the AIM Funds to remove any of its directors.
7.7 Counsel.
The Administrator may consult with legal counsel, who may be counsel
for one or more of the Boards of Directors of the AIM Funds and for the
Administrator, with respect to the meaning or construction of this Plan, its
obligations or duties hereunder or with respect to any action or proceeding or
any question of law, and they shall be fully protected with respect to any
action taken or omitted by them in good faith pursuant to the advice of legal
counsel.
7.8 Spendthrift Provision.
A Participant's interest in his Accrued Benefit or Retirement Benefit
may not be transferred, alienated, assigned nor become subject to execution,
garnishment or attachment, and any attempt to do so will render benefits
hereunder immediately forfeitable.
9
7.9 Forfeiture for Cause.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, any
benefits to which a Participant (or his surviving spouse or designated
beneficiary) may otherwise be entitled hereunder will be forfeited in the event
the Director has been Removed for Cause.
ARTICLE VIII - CLAIMS PROCEDURE
8.1 Notice of Denial.
If a Participant is denied any Retirement Benefit (or a surviving
spouse or designated beneficiary is denied a survivor's benefit) under this
Plan, either in total or in an amount less than the full Retirement Benefit to
which he would normally be entitled, the Administrator shall advise the
Participant (or surviving spouse or designated beneficiary) in writing of the
amount of his Retirement Benefit (or survivor's benefit), if any, and the
specific reasons for the denial. The Administrator shall also furnish the
Participant (or surviving spouse or designated beneficiary) at that time with a
written notice containing:
(a) A specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions.
(b) A description of any additional material or information necessary
for the Participant (or surviving spouse or designated beneficiary) to perfect
his claim, if possible, and an explanation of why such material or information
is needed.
(c) An explanation of this Plan's claim review procedure.
8.2 Right to Reconsideration.
Within 60 days of receipt of the information stated in Section 8.1
above, the Participant (or surviving spouse or designated beneficiary) shall, if
he desires further review, file a written request for reconsideration with the
Administrator.
8.3 Review of Documents.
So long as the Participant's (or surviving spouse's or designated
beneficiary's) request for review is pending (including the 60 day period in 8.2
above), the Participant (or surviving spouse or designated beneficiary) or his
duly authorized representative may review pertinent Plan documents and may
submit issues and comments in writing to the Administrator.
8.4 Decision by Administrator.
A final and binding decision shall be made by the Administrator within
60 days of the filing by the Participant (or surviving spouse or designated
beneficiary) of his request for reconsideration, provided, however, that if the
Administrator, in its discretion, feels that a hearing with the Participant (or
surviving spouse or designated beneficiary) or his representative present is
necessary or desirable, this period shall be extended an additional 60 days.
10
8.5 Notice by Administrator.
The Administrator's decision shall be conveyed to the Participant (or
surviving spouse or designated beneficiary) in writing and shall include
specific reasons for the provisions on which the decision is based.
11
APPENDIX A - AIM FUNDS
For the purposes of the Retirement Plan for Eligible Directors/Trustees,
"AIM Funds" shall mean each of the regulated investment companies constituting
classes or series of shares of the following entities, and any future regulated
investment companies that are within the same "fund complex" as defined in Form
N-1A adopted under the Investment Company Act of 1940:
AIM CORE ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO SERIES ("CAPS")
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST ("ACST")
AIM EQUITY FUNDS ("AEF")
AIM FUNDS GROUP ("AFG")
AIM GROWTH SERIES ("AGS")
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS ("AIMF")
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS ("AIF")
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS ("AIS")
AIM SECTOR FUNDS ("ASF")
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS ("ATEF")
AIM TREASURER'S SERIES TRUST ("ATST")
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS TRUST ("STIT")
12
APPENDIX B - AMOUNT OF BENEFIT - POST DECEMBER 31, 2005
Amount of Retirement Benefit - Directors who cease Service on or after January
1, 2006.
Section 1. Amount of Benefit.
(a) Subject to the following provisions of this Appendix B and Article III,
a Participant who ceases to be a Director after completing at least 5 Years
of Service shall be entitled to receive an annual retirement benefit from
the AIM Funds equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the Participant's
Compensation, payable in quarterly installments for a period of years equal
to his Years of Service (up to a maximum of 16 Years of Service).
(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Appendix B,
Section 1, such Retirement Benefit shall commence on the first day of the
first quarter following the later of (i) the Participant's termination of
Service or (ii) the Participant's attainment of age 72.
(c) A Participant may make an irrevocable election (in a form and manner
prescribed by the Administrator) to commence payment of his Retirement
Benefit on the first day of the first quarter following the later of (i)
his termination of Service or (ii) his attainment of age 65 (or such other
age between 65 and 72 as the Participant specifies) in the event the
Participant terminates Service prior to age 72. Such election shall
normally be made within the first 30 days after a Director first becomes a
Participant, provided that pursuant to Treasury Notices 2005-1 and 2007-86,
an individual who is both a Director and a Participant on the Effective
Date may make a special, irrevocable election to change the date on which
his Retirement Benefit will commence in accordance with this paragraph (c)
no later than December 31, 2008. Any Retirement Benefit payable in
accordance with this paragraph (c) shall be actuarially reduced to reflect
its early commencement in accordance with the following table:
AGE %
--- ---
65 71%
66 75%
67 78%
68 82%
69 86%
70 91%
71 95%
72 100%
13
There shall be no actuarial increase in the event a Participant's benefit
commences after age 72.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant becomes Disabled, his
Retirement Benefit shall commence on the first day of the first quarter
following the later of (i) his becoming Disabled or (ii) his attainment of
age 60, and such Retirement Benefit shall not be reduced to reflect
commencement prior to age 72.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no change made by election or by default
pursuant to this amended and restated Plan shall have the effect of
deferring a payment that would otherwise have been made in 2008 into a
different calendar year. The intent of this paragraph (e) is that the Plan
meet all applicable requirements for transition relief under Notices 2005-1
and 2007-86 pertaining to changes in the time and form of payment of a
Retirement Benefit (including the so-called "in and out rule"), and it
shall be interpreted accordingly.
Section 2. Death of a Participant.
(a) Payment to Designated Beneficiary.
If a Participant who has completed at least 5 Years of Service dies before
commencement of his Retirement Benefit, or dies after payment of his
Retirement Benefit has commenced but has not been completed, such
Retirement Benefit (or the remainder thereof in the case of death after
commencement) shall be paid to his designated beneficiary at the same time,
for the same (remaining) period and in the same amount as would have been
paid to the Participant had the Participant lived to receive his full
Retirement Benefit unless the Participant elects to have any Retirement
Benefit still payable at the time of Participant's death paid to
Participant's beneficiary in a lump sum (discounted to the net present
value of total benefits calculated with reference to the current yield of
10-year bonds on the Bloomberg Municipal AAA-rated Tax Exempt General
Obligation 10-year Bond Index (the "Index") as reported on the 10th
business day following the Participant's death) 60 days following
Participant's death. If the Index is not available as of the date of
calculation, the Plan Administrator is authorized to select a suitable and
appropriate substitute. The election authorized pursuant to this section
must be made by December 31, 2009 and is irrevocable.
(b) Designated Beneficiary.
(i) A Participant may designate one or more persons (including a
trust) as his beneficiary; if multiple beneficiaries are designated,
the Participant must indicate (in whole percentages) each person's
share of the Retirement Benefit payable on his death. To the extent
permitted by the Administrator, a Participant may also designate one
or more contingent (secondary) beneficiaries in the event a primary
beneficiary predeceases him. A Participant may change any beneficiary
designation at any time, without the consent of any previously
designated beneficiary, provided a written instruction setting forth
the desired change is received by the Administrator prior to the
Participant's death.
(ii) If payments are being made to one or more designated
beneficiaries, and a beneficiary dies before the entire amount due
such beneficiary can be paid, an actuarially-equivalent lump sum
payment of the remaining amount due such
14
beneficiary shall be made to the estate of the beneficiary on the
first day of the second quarter following such beneficiary's death.
(iii) If Participant has failed to designate a beneficiary, or if no
designated beneficiary survives the Participant, the Participant shall
be deemed to have designated the Participant's estate as beneficiary.
15
APPENDIX C - AMOUNT OF BENEFIT - PRE JANUARY 1, 2006
Amount of Retirement Benefit - Directors who cease Service before January 1,
2006.
Section 1. Retirement Benefit.
(a) Subject to the following provisions of this Appendix C and Article III,
a Participant who ceased to be a Director prior to January 1, 2006 after
attaining at least age 65 and after completing at least 5 Years of Service
was entitled to receive a Retirement Benefit from the AIM Funds equal to
seventy-five percent (75%) of the Participant's Compensation, payable in
quarterly installments for a period of years equal to his Years of Service,
up to a maximum of ten (10) Years of Service.
(b) All Participants eligible for benefits pursuant to paragraph (a) above
commenced receipt of their Retirement Benefits prior to the Effective Date.
Section 2. Death of a Participant.
(a) If a Participant receiving his Retirement Benefit pursuant to this
Appendix C dies prior to complete payment of such Retirement Benefit, a
portion of the remainder of his Retirement Benefit shall be paid to his
surviving spouse at the same time as the Participant, for the same
remaining period as the Participant but in a reduced amount equal to 50% of
the quarterly amount payable to the Participant at the time of his death.
If a Participant dies without a surviving spouse, or his surviving spouse
dies before payment of the 50% survivor portion of the Participant's
Retirement Benefit is complete, any remaining portion of his Retirement
Benefit will be forfeited. No death benefit under this Appendix C shall be
paid to an estate or to any person who is not a surviving spouse.
(b) A Participant's "surviving spouse" for purposes of this Appendix C
shall be the person to whom he is legally married on the date of his death.
16
AIM FUNDS
RETIREMENT PLAN FOR ELIGIBLE DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES
ELECTIONS PURSUANT TO APPENDIX B
1. PAYMENT ELECTION
Pursuant to Appendix B, Section 1(c) of the AIM Funds Retirement Plan for
Eligible Directors/Trustees, as amended and restated effective as of January 1,
2008:
I hereby elect that if I leave the board before age 72, I want my
benefits to commence at my attainment of age ___ [specify an age from
65 to 72](1)
I understand that if I do not make this election, payments will commence after I
retire from the board and attain age 72.
2. DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT ELECTION
Pursuant to Appendix B, Section 2(a) of the AIM Funds Retirement Plan for
Eligible Directors/Trustees, as restated effective as of January 1, 2008:
if I should die before I have received the entire amount of the
Retirement Benefit, I elect to have any Retirement Benefit still
payable at the time of my death paid to my beneficiary in a lump sum
(discounted to the net present value of total benefits calculated with
reference to the current yield of 10-year bonds on the Bloomberg
Municipal AAA-rated Tax Exempt General Obligation 10-year Bond Index
(the "Index") as reported on the 10th business day following my death)
60 days following my death. If the Index is not available as of the
date of calculation, the Plan Administrator may select a suitable and
appropriate substitute.
I understand that if I do not make this election, then any Retirement Benefit
still payable at the time of my death will be paid to my designated beneficiary
at the same time, for the same (remaining) period and in the same amount as
would have been paid to me had the Participant lived to receive his full
Retirement Benefit.
I understand that these elections are irrevocable.
Dated: December __, 2008
----------------------------------------
Signature
Name of Director:
----------
(1) Note: payments will not commence until the Trustee retires from the board.
AIM FUNDS
RETIREMENT PLAN FOR ELIGIBLE DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FORM PURSUANT TO SECTION 3.3 AND APPENDIX B
With respect to the AIM Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible
Directors/Trustees (as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2008)
(the "Retirement Plan"):
I hereby revoke any prior designation of Beneficiary under the
Retirement Plan, and designate the following as my Primary and/or Contingent
Beneficiary or Beneficiaries under the Retirement Plan.(2) I hereby make the
following beneficiary designations:
I. Primary Beneficiary
I hereby appoint the following as my Primary Beneficiary(ies) to
receive at my death the amounts payable with respect to my service in accordance
with Appendix B of the Retirement Plan and my election pursuant thereto. If I am
survived by more than one Primary Beneficiary, the Primary Beneficiaries shall
share in such payments as follows (in percentages, the sum of which must equal
100%):
Name & Address Relationship(3) Percentage Share
-------------- --------------- ----------------
II. Secondary (Contingent) Beneficiary
If no Primary Beneficiaries survive me at the date of my death, I
hereby appoint the following as Secondary (Contingent) Beneficiary(ies) to
receive payments under the Retirement Plan. If I am survived by more than one
Secondary Beneficiary, such Secondary Beneficiaries shall share in such payments
as follows:
Name & Address Relationship(3) Percentage Share
-------------- --------------- ----------------
----------
(2) A Trustee may designate any person or a Trust as a Beneficiary.
(3) For aid in identification only.
-1-
III. I understand that:
1. I may revoke or amend the above designations at any time without
the consent of any beneficiary;
2. If I am not survived by a Primary or Contingent Beneficiary, I
will be deemed to have designated my estate as my primary
beneficiary.
This designation shall be effective when received by the Retirement Plan
Administrator and will remain effective until replaced by a properly filed new
designation.
Dated: __________ __, 20__
----------------------------------------
Signature
Name of Director:
RECEIVED: ____________________ (date)
AIM Funds
By:
---------------------------------
Title:
------------------------------
-2-
EX-99.F2
13
h66495aexv99wf2.txt
EX-99.F2
AIM FUNDS
TRUSTEE DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, made on this __ day of _______, 20__, by and between the
registered open-end management investment companies contained in the AIM Funds
Complex listed on Appendix A hereto (each, a "Fund"), and
__________________________________________________________ (the "Trustee")
residing at ___________________________________________________.
WHEREAS, the Trustee serves as a Trustee of the Funds; and
WHEREAS, the Funds and the Trustee have previously entered into an
additional agreement whereby the Funds provided to the Trustee a vehicle under
which the Trustee deferred receipt of directors' fees payable by the Funds; and
WHEREAS, the Funds and the Trustee now desire to amend and restate
such agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
obligations set forth in this Agreement, the Funds and the Trustee hereby agree
as follows:
1 DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Definitions. Unless a different meaning is plainly implied by the
context, the following terms as used in this Agreement shall have the
following meanings:
(a) "409A" shall mean section 409A of the Code, and any regulations
adopted thereunder.
(b) "AIM Funds Complex" means any two or more registered investment
companies that (i) hold themselves out to investors as related
companies for purposes of investment and investor services and
(ii) have a common investment adviser or principal underwriter,
or have as investment advisers or principal underwriters
companies that are affiliated with each other.
(c) "Beneficiary" shall mean such person or persons designated
pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof to receive benefits after the
death of the Director.
(d) "Boards of Trustees" shall mean the respective Boards of Trustees
of the Funds.
(e) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
from time to time, or any successor statute.
(f) "Compensation" shall mean the amount of trustees' fees paid by
each of the Funds to the Trustee during a Deferral Year prior to
reduction for Compensation Deferrals made under this Agreement.
(g) "Compensation Deferral" shall mean the amount or amounts of the
Trustee's Compensation deferred under the provisions of Section 2
of this Agreement.
(h) "Deferral Accounts" shall mean the bookkeeping accounts
maintained to reflect the Trustee's Compensation Deferrals made
pursuant to Section 2 hereof (or pursuant to any prior agreement)
and any other credits or debits thereto.
(i) "Deferral Election Form" shall mean the form attached to this
Agreement as Exhibit A, as modified from time to time.
(j) "Deferral Year" shall mean each calendar year during which the
Trustee makes, or is entitled to make, Compensation Deferrals
under Section 2 hereof.
(k) "Disability" shall mean a condition under which a Trustee is
unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of
a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can
be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than 12 months, as determined
pursuant to 409A.
(l) "Fund" shall mean each series portfolio of any Trust for which
the Trustee serves as Trustee that is part of the AIM Funds
Complex.
(m) "Hardship" shall mean any unforeseeable emergency resulting in a
several financial hardship to the Trustee, as determined by the
Plan Administrator or its delegatee in accordance with written
Hardship Procedures adopted by the Boards of Trustees.
(n) "Modification Form" shall mean the form attached to this
Agreement as Exhibit B, as modified from time to time.
(o) "Payment Date" shall mean the specified day on which payment of
the Trustee's Deferral Account is to be made or commence. Payment
actually made within the grace period permitted under 409A shall
be deemed to be made on the applicable Payment Date.
(p) "Payment Form" shall mean the manner of payment as specified in
Section 2.5.
(q) "Plan Administrator" shall mean the Governance Committee of the
Boards of Trustees, and any person designated by the Boards of
Trustees of the Funds to administer the Funds' deferred
compensation arrangements as
2
contemplated in this Agreement. The Governance Committee
initially delegates the performance of obligations of the Plan
Administrator under this Agreement to Invesco AIM Advisors, Inc.,
subject to oversight of the Governance Committee.
(r) "Retirement" shall mean the date the Trustee ceases service as a
Trustee of the Funds.
(s) "Retirement Plan" shall mean the "AIM Funds Retirement Plan for
Eligible Directors/Trustees."
(t) "Valuation Date" shall mean the last business day of each
calendar year and any other day upon which the Funds makes
valuations of the Deferral Accounts.
1.2 Plurals and Gender. Where appearing in this Agreement the singular
shall include the plural and the masculine shall include the feminine, and
vice versa, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
1.3 Directors and Trustees. Where appearing in this Agreement, "Director"
shall also refer to "Trustee" and "Board of Directors" shall also refer to
"Board of Trustees."
1.4 Headings. The headings and sub-headings in this Agreement are inserted
for the convenience of reference only and are to be ignored in any
construction of the provisions hereof.
1.5 Separate Agreement for Each Fund. This Agreement is drafted, and shall
be construed, as a separate agreement between the Trustee and each Fund.
2 PERIOD DURING WHICH COMPENSATION DEFERRALS ARE PERMITTED
2.1 Commencement of Compensation Deferrals. The Trustee may elect, by
completing the Deferral Election Form provided in Exhibit A and submitting
the Deferral Election Form to the Plan Administrator, to commence
Compensation Deferrals under Section 2.3 hereof.
2.2 Termination of Deferrals. The Trustee shall not be eligible to make
Compensation Deferrals after the date on which he ceases to serve as a
Trustee of all of the Funds.
2.3 Compensation Deferral Elections.
(a) Before the first day of any Deferral Year, the Trustee may elect,
on the Deferral Election Form attached as Exhibit A, to defer the
receipt of all or a portion of the Trustee's Compensation for
services performed during such Deferral Year; provided, however,
that a Trustee newly appointed as Trustee to the Funds may make a
deferral election with respect to Compensation payable for
services to be performed after the election if
3
such new Trustee submits a Deferral Election Form to the Plan
Administrator within 30 days of commencing service as a Trustee.
(b) Any Deferral Election Form must set forth in writing the
following information:
(i) the percentage amount of the Trustee's desired Compensation
Deferral;
(ii) the Payment Date for the Trustee's Deferral Account, from
among the options provided in Section 2.4; and
(iii) the Payment Form for the Trustee's Deferral Account, from
among the options provided in Section 2.5.
(c) Compensation Deferrals shall continue in effect for all
subsequent Deferral Years, unless modified (including to zero) as
provided below.
(d) Compensation Deferrals shall be withheld from each payment of
Compensation by the Funds to the Trustee based upon the
percentage amount elected by the Trustee under this Section 2.3.
(e) The Trustee may modify the amount of his Compensation Deferrals
on a prospective basis by submitting to the Plan Administrator a
Modification Form, which will apply, with respect to the
percentage amount of the deferral, as of the first day of the
next Deferral Year that begins after the date the Modification
Form revision is received by the Plan Administrator.
(f) When the deadline for making a Deferral Election expires,
elections made with respect to such Deferral Year shall be
irrevocable.
2.4 Payment Date.
(a) A Trustee's Payment Date shall be the first day of the calendar
quarter after one of the following (at the Trustee's election):
(i) a specified date;
(ii) the Trustee's termination of service as a Trustee;
(iii) the earlier of (a) or (b); or
(iv) the later of (a) or (b).
(b) Limitation. The Trustee shall select a Payment Date (or extended
Payment Date) that is no sooner than the earlier of (i) the
January 1 that follows the second anniversary of the
Participant's initial deferral election
4
made pursuant to Section 2.3 or (ii) the January 1 of the year
after the Participant's Retirement.
(c) If a Trustee fails to elect a Payment Date, the Trustee shall be
deemed to have selected the Trustee's termination of service as a
Trustee (Section 2.4(a)(i) above).
2.5 Payment Form. A Trustee may elect one of the following Payment Forms:
(a) lump sum; or
(b) quarterly payments over a period of five or ten years.
If a Trustee fails to elect a Payment Form, the Trustee shall be deemed to
have selected (a) above. For purposes of 409A, each installment under (b)
above shall be considered a separate payment.
2.6 Amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2009 shall be paid in accordance
with previously submitted Payment Date and Payment Form elections (except
as effectively modified pursuant to transition relief under Notices 2005-1
and 2007-86). Effective for Compensation Deferrals commencing on or after
January 1, 2009, all compensation deferred under this Agreement shall be
paid on the same Payment Date and in the same Payment Form.
2.7 Modifications to Payment Date and Payment Form.
(a) A Trustee may change the Payment Date or Payment Form for payment
of the Trustee's Compensation Deferrals by submitting a
Modification Form to the Plan Administrator. Changes to Payment
Date or Payment Form will be applied so long as:
(i) Such changes:
(1) the Modification Form provides for a new Payment Date
that is at least five years later than the original
Payment Date;
(2) the Modification Form is submitted to the Plan
Administrator at least twelve months prior to the
original Payment Date; and
(3) the Modification Form has been in place for at least
twelve months before payment would have been due under
the prior Deferral Election Form; and
(ii) payment in accordance with the changes would not violate
409A.
5
(b) If the provisions of this Section 2.7 are not satisfied, then the
Plan Administrator shall make payments in accordance with the
previously effective Deferral Election Form or previously
effective Modification Form, if any.
3 MAINTENANCE OF DEFERRAL ACCOUNTS; VALUATION
3.1 Deferral Accounts. Each Fund shall establish one or more bookkeeping
Deferral Accounts to which will be credited an amount equal to the
Trustee's Compensation Deferrals under this Agreement made with respect to
Compensation earned from each such Fund. Compensation Deferrals shall be
allocated to the Deferral Accounts on the first business day following the
date such Compensation Deferrals are withheld from the Trustee's
Compensation. Compensation Deferrals in consecutive years shall be
allocated to a single Deferral Account for each Trustee. As of the date of
this Agreement, the Deferral Accounts also shall be credited with the
amounts credited to the Trustee under each other outstanding elective
deferred compensation agreement entered into by and between the Funds and
the Trustee which is superseded by this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.11
hereof. The Deferral Accounts shall be debited to reflect any distributions
from such Accounts. Such debits shall be allocated to the Deferral Accounts
as of the date such distributions are made.
3.2 Valuation. As of each Valuation Date, income, gain and loss equivalents
(determined as if the Deferral Accounts are invested in the manner set
forth under Section 3.3, below) attributable to the period following the
next preceding Valuation Date shall be credited to and/or deducted from the
Trustee's Deferral Accounts.
3.3 Investment of Deferral Account Balances.
(a) Investment Designations.
(i) The Trustee may designate, from various options made
available by the Funds, the investment media in which all
or part of his Deferral Accounts shall be deemed to be
invested.
(ii) All Deferral Accounts of the Trustee shall be subject to
the same investment designations and such investment
designations shall apply to all compensation deferred with
respect to any deferral year.
(iii) The Trustee shall make one or more deemed investment
designations on the Investment Designation Form provided by
the Plan Administrator (a copy of which is attached as
Exhibit C) which shall remain effective until another valid
direction has been made by the Trustee as herein provided.
The Trustee may amend his deemed investment designations by
giving written direction to the Plan Administrator in such
manner and at such time as the Funds may permit, but no
more frequently than quarterly on thirty (30) days' notice
prior to the end of a calendar quarter. A timely
6
change to a Trustee's deemed investment designations shall
become effective as soon as practicable following receipt
by the Plan Administrator.
(iv) The investment media deemed to be made available to the
Trustee, and any limitations on the maximum or minimum
percentages of the Trustee's Deferral Accounts that may be
invested any particular medium, shall be the same as from
time-to-time communicated to the Trustee by the Plan
Administrator.
(b) Except as provided below, the Trustee's Deferral Accounts shall
be deemed to be invested in accordance with the Trustee's
investment designations, provided such designations conform to
the provisions of this Section 3.3. If -
(i) the Trustee does not furnish the Plan Administrator with
complete, written investment instructions, or
(ii) the written investment instructions from the Trustee are
unclear,
then the Trustee's election to make Compensation Deferrals
hereunder shall be held in abeyance and have no force or effect
until such time as the Trustee shall provide the Plan
Administrator with complete investment instructions.
Notwithstanding the above, the Boards of Trustees, in their sole
discretion, may disregard the Trustee's election and determine
that all Compensation Deferrals shall be deemed to be invested in
a Fund determined by the Boards of Trustees. If any fund in which
any portion of the Trustee's Deferral Accounts is deemed to be
invested ceases to exist, such portion of the Trustee's Deferral
Accounts thereafter shall be held in the successor to such Fund,
subject to subsequent deemed investment elections. The Funds
shall provide an annual statement to the Trustee showing such
information as is appropriate, including the aggregate amount in
the Deferral Accounts, as of a reasonably current date.
4 DISTRIBUTIONS FROM DEFERRAL ACCOUNTS
4.1 Payment Date and Form. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
payment to the Trustee will be made on the Payment Date he or she has
elected on the Deferral Election Form.
4.2 Disability or Death of a Trustee.
(a) If a Trustee suffers a Disability, then the balance of the
Trustee's Deferral Account shall be distributed to the Trustee in
a single payment within 90 days after the Trustee's Disability is
determined to have occurred (in accordance with 409A and
regulations thereunder).
7
(b) Upon the death of a Trustee, payment of the balance of the
Trustee's Deferral Account shall be made
(i) in accordance with the Payment Date and Payment Form
designations submitted by the Trustee pursuant to Sections
2.4 and 2.5; or
(ii) if the Trustee has so elected, in a lump sum within 90 days
after the Trustee's death (provided that such election must
have been made by December 31, 2008 and at least 12 months
prior to the Trustee's death to be relied upon for payment
under this Section 4.2).
4.3 Liquidation or Dissolution. In the event of the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of a Fund or the distribution of all or
substantially all of a Fund's assets and property relating to one or more
series of its shares to the shareholders of such series (for this purpose a
sale, conveyance or transfer of a Fund's assets to a trust, partnership,
association or corporation in exchange for cash, shares or other securities
with the transfer being made subject to, or with the assumption by the
transferee of, the liabilities of the Fund shall not be deemed a
termination of the Fund or such a distribution), all unpaid balances of the
Deferral Accounts related to such Fund as of the effective date thereof
shall be paid in a lump sum on such effective date
4.4 Designation of Beneficiary. Each Trustee shall designate one or more
Beneficiaries as indicated on Exhibit D hereto, and shall submit such
Beneficiary Designation Form to the Plan Administrator. Payment shall be
made to the Trustee's designated Primary Beneficiary; if no Primary
Beneficiary survives Trustee, then payment shall be made to Trustee's
Secondary Beneficiary; if no Primary or Secondary Beneficiary survives
Trustee, then payment shall be made to Trustee's estate. If no Beneficiary
is designated, the Trustee shall be deemed to have designated the Trustee's
estate.
4.5 Unforeseeable Emergency. If a Trustee experiences a Hardship, the Plan
Administrator may distribute to the Trustee a portion of the Trustee's
Account that does not exceed the amount necessary to satisfy such Hardship
plus the amount necessary to pay taxes reasonably anticipated as a result
of the distribution, after taking into account the extent to which such
emergency is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation by
insurance or otherwise or by liquidation of the Trustee's assets (to the
extent the liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe
financial hardship). An accelerated payment in accordance with this Section
4.5 shall be requested in writing by the Trustee and approved by the Plan
Administrator in accordance with written Hardship Procedures adopted by the
Board of Trustees.
4.6 Payments Due Missing Persons. The Funds shall make a reasonable effort
to locate all persons entitled to benefits under this Agreement. However,
notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, if, after
a period of five (5) years from the date such benefit shall be due, any
such persons entitled to benefits have not been
8
located, their rights under this Agreement shall stand suspended. Before
this provision becomes operative, the Funds shall send a certified letter
to all such persons to their last known address advising them that their
benefits under this Agreement shall be suspended. Any such suspended
amounts shall be held by the Funds for a period of three (3) additional
years (or a total of eight (8) years from the time the benefits first
become payable) and thereafter, if unclaimed, such amounts shall be
forfeited.
5 AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
5.1 Amendments.
(a) The Funds and the Trustee may, by a written instrument signed by,
or on behalf of, such parties, amend this Agreement at any time
and in any manner that complies with applicable law including
409A.
(b) The Funds reserve the right to amend, in whole or in part, and in
any manner, any or all of the provisions of this Agreement by
action of their Boards of Trustees for the purposes of complying
with any provision of the Code or any other technical or legal
requirements, provided that:
(i) No such amendment shall make it possible for any part of the
Trustee's Deferral Account to be used for, or diverted to,
purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of the Trustee
or the Trustee's Beneficiaries, except to the extent
otherwise provided in this Agreement; and
(ii) No such amendment may reduce the amount of the Trustee's
Deferral Account as of the effective date of such amendment.
5.2 Termination. To the extent permitted by, and in accordance with 409A,
the Trustee and the Funds may, by written instrument signed by, or on
behalf of, such parties, terminate this Agreement with respect to all of
the Funds. Following a termination of this Agreement, Deferral Accounts
shall continue to be maintained in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement until the time they are paid out. If a Fund obligated to pay
deferred compensation to the Trustee under this Agreement is liquidated and
ceases to exist (with no legal successor), then the portion of the
Trustee's Deferral Account attributable to that Fund shall be paid to the
Trustee in accordance with applicable law governing such liquidation.
6 MISCELLANEOUS.
6.1 Rights of Creditors.
(a) This Agreement is unfunded. Neither the Trustee nor any other
persons shall have any interest in any specific asset or assets
of any Fund or any Fund in the AIM Funds Complex by reason of any
Deferral Accounts hereunder, nor any rights to receive
distribution of any Deferral Accounts except and as to the extent
expressly provided hereunder. The Funds shall
9
not be required to purchase, hold or dispose of any investments
pursuant to this Agreement; however, if in order to cover their
obligations hereunder the Funds elect to purchase any investments
the same shall continue for all purposes to be a part of the
general assets and property of the respective series of the
Funds, subject to the claims of their general creditors and no
person other than the Funds and their respective series shall by
virtue of the provisions of this Agreement have any interest in
such assets other than an interest as a general creditor.
(b) This Agreement is made by and between the Trustee and each Fund,
individually and not jointly. The rights of the Trustee and the
Beneficiaries to the amounts held in the Deferral Accounts are
separate unsecured general obligations of each of the Funds
obligated to pay deferred compensation to the Trustee and shall
be subject to the creditors of the respective Fund. The Plan
Administrator shall maintain records that separately identify the
obligation of each Fund under this Agreement.
(c) This Agreement is executed on behalf of the Funds by an officer,
or other representative, of the Funds as such and not
individually. Any obligation of the Funds hereunder shall be an
unsecured obligation of the Funds and not of any other person.
6.2 Agents. The Funds may employ agents and provide for such clerical,
legal, actuarial, accounting, advisory or other services as it deems
necessary to perform their duties under this Agreement. The Funds shall
bear the cost of such services and all other expenses they incur in
connection with the administration of this Agreement.
6.3 Liability and Indemnification. Except for their own gross negligence,
willful misconduct or willful breach of the terms of this Agreement, the
Funds shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Trustee against
liability or losses occurring by reason of any act or omission of the Funds
or any other person.
6.4 Incapacity. If any officer, Trustee or other designated representative
of the Funds shall receive evidence satisfactory to them that the Trustee
or any Beneficiary entitled to receive any benefit under the Agreement is,
at the time when such benefit becomes payable, a minor, or is physically or
mentally incompetent to receive such benefit and to give a valid release
therefor, and that another person or an institution is then maintaining or
has custody of the Trustee or Beneficiary and that no guardian, committee
or other representative of the estate of the Trustee or Beneficiary shall
have been duly appointed, the Funds may make payment of such benefit
otherwise payable to the Trustee or Beneficiary to such other person or
institution, including a custodian under a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, or
corresponding legislation (who shall be an adult, a guardian of the minor
or a trust company), and the release of such other person or institution
shall be a valid and complete discharge for the payment of such benefit.
6.5 Cooperation of Parties. All parties to this Agreement and any person
claiming any interest hereunder agree to perform any and all acts and
execute any and all
10
documents and papers which are necessary or desirable for carrying out this
Agreement or any of its provisions.
6.6 Governing Law. This Agreement is made and entered into in the State of
Texas and all matters concerning its validity, construction and
administration shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of
Texas.
6.7 No Guarantee of Trusteeship. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall
be construed as a contract or guarantee of the right of the Trustee to be,
or remain as, a trustee of any of the Funds or to receive any, or any
particular rate of, Compensation from any of the Funds.
6.8 Counsel. The Funds may consult with legal counsel with respect to the
meaning or construction of this Agreement, their obligations or duties
hereunder or with respect to any action or proceeding or any question of
law, and they shall be fully protected with respect to any action taken or
omitted by them in good faith pursuant to the advice of legal counsel.
6.9 Spendthrift Provision. The Trustee's and Beneficiaries' interests in
the Deferral Accounts may not be anticipated, sold, encumbered, pledged,
mortgaged, charged, transferred, alienated, assigned nor become subject to
execution, garnishment or attachment and any attempt to do so by any person
shall render the Deferral Accounts immediately forfeitable.
6.10 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall
be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or mailed by
United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, or by any nationally recognized overnight delivery service
providing for a signed return receipt, addressed to the Trustee at the home
address set forth in the Funds' records and to the Funds at the address set
forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided that all notices to the
Funds shall be directed to the attention of the Plan Administrator or to
such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address
shall be effective only upon receipt.
6.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding
between the Funds and the Trustee with respect to the payment of
non-qualified elective deferred compensation by the Funds to the Trustee.
Effective as of the date hereof, this Agreement replaces, and supersedes,
all other non-qualified elective deferred compensation agreements by and
between the Trustee and the Funds.
6.12 Interpretation of Agreement. Interpretations of, and determinations
(including factual determinations) related to, this Agreement made by the
Funds in good faith, including any determinations of the amounts of the
Deferral Accounts, shall be conclusive and binding upon all parties; and
the Funds shall not incur any liability to the Trustee for any such
interpretation or determination so made or for any other action taken
11
by it in connection with this Agreement in good faith. This Agreement shall
be interpreted, whenever possible, in a manner that conforms with 409A.
6.13 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and
shall inure to the benefit of, the Funds and their successors and assigns
and to the Trustee and his or her heirs, executors, administrators and
personal representatives.
6.14 Severability. In the event any one or more provisions of this
Agreement are held to be invalid or unenforceable, such illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the
other provisions hereof and such other provisions shall remain in full
force and effect unaffected by such invalidity or unenforceability.
6.15 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original,
but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.
The Funds
By:
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Witness Name:
Title:
------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------
Witness Trustee
12
APPENDIX A
For the purposes of the Deferred Compensation Agreement "AIM Funds" shall
mean each of the regulated investment companies constituting classes or series
of shares of the following entities:
AIM CORE ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO SERIES
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
AIM FUNDS GROUP
AIM GROWTH SERIES
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS
AIM SECTOR FUNDS
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS
AIM TREASURER'S SERIES TRUST
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS TRUST
EXHIBIT A
AIM FUNDS
TRUSTEE DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
DEFERRAL ELECTION FORM
With respect to the Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement (the
"Agreement") dated as of December 31, 2008 by and between the undersigned and
the AIM Funds, I hereby make the following Deferral Election:
I. DEFERRAL OF COMPENSATION
Starting with Compensation to be paid to me with respect to services
provided by me to the AIM Funds for the next Deferral Year commencing
January 1, 20__ [insert year] or, if I am a newly appointed Trustee, within
30 days of my appointment to the Board of Trustees, I hereby elect that
_______________ percent (_______%) of my Compensation (as defined under the
Agreement) be reduced and that the Fund establish and maintain a Deferral
Account in accordance with the Agreement.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS ELECTION WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT WITH RESPECT TO
COMPENSATION I EARN IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS UNLESS I MODIFY OR REVOKE IT BY
SUBMITTING A MODIFICATION FORM. I understand that any Modification Form
will be effective only prospectively and will become effective as to
Compensation I earn in the calendar year that begins after the Modification
Form is received by the Plan Administrator.
II. PAYMENT DATE ELECTION
I hereby designate the first day of the calendar quarter following the
designated event below as my Payment Date for the amounts credited to my
Deferral Account pursuant to the Agreement [place an "X" preceding your
choice and fill in the missing information, as applicable]:
____ (a) ___________ 1, _____. [Insert any date at least two years after
this deferral election is made]
____ (b) Termination of my services as a Trustee with respect to all Funds.
____ (c) The LATER of (a) ______________ 1, _____ [fill in month and year
from (a) above] or (b) termination of my service as a Trustee with respect
to all Funds.
____ (d) The EARLIER of (a) _____________ 1, _____ [fill in month and year
from (a) above] or (b termination of my service as a Trustee with respect
to all Funds.
Note: administrative delays in making the actual payment consistent with
409A will not affect the Payment Date.
Page A-1
I understand that any future decision I make to change the Payment Date of
amounts already deferred must be made at least 12 months before the
scheduled payment date and must defer payment for at least five years after
the amount would otherwise have been paid. Notwithstanding any statement to
the contrary in the Agreement, amounts deferred cannot be paid to me or on
my behalf prior to the Payment Date elected herein except on account of
Hardship.
III. PAYMENT FORM ELECTION
I hereby designate one of the following as my Payment Method for the
amounts credited to my Deferral Account pursuant to the Agreement [place an
"X" preceding your choice and fill in the missing information, as
applicable]:
____ A lump sum payment.
____ Quarterly installments for a period of ____ [pick either 5 or 10]
years.
I understand that for purposes of modifications to payment form, each
installment stands alone (e.g., to change installments to a lump sum, the
lump sum must be deferred to five years after the last installment payment
would have been made).
IV. DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT DATE AND FORM
If I die before I have received the entire amount
credited to my Deferral Account, I elect to have the
----------------- balance of my Deferral Account paid to my beneficiar(y)
[Sign here] (ies) in a LUMP SUM within 90 days following my death.
I understand that if I do not make this election, then any amount credited
to my Deferral Account at the time of my death will be paid to my
designated beneficiary at the same time, for the same (remaining) period
and in the same amount as would have been paid to me had I lived to receive
my Deferral Accounts in full.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS ELECTION IS IRREVOCABLE.
V. REPRESENTATIONS OF TRUSTEE
I understand that the amounts credited to my Deferral Account remain the
general assets of the AIM Funds and that, with respect to the payment of
such amounts, I am merely a general creditor of the AIM Funds. I may not
sell, encumber, pledge, assign or otherwise alienate the amounts credited
to my Deferral Account.
[continued on next page]
Page A-2
I hereby agree that the terms of the Agreement, as effective as of December
31, 2008, are incorporated herein and are made a part hereof.
Dated: ___________
TRUSTEE: RECEIVED:
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
AIM Funds
By:
------------------------------------
Date:
----------------------------------
Page A-3
EXHIBIT B
AIM FUNDS
TRUSTEE DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
MODIFICATION FORM
With respect to the Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement (the
"Agreement") dated as of December 31, 2008 by and between the undersigned and
the AIM Funds, I hereby make the following modifications to my prior deferral
elections:
I. MODIFICATION OF DEFERRAL PERCENTAGE
Starting with Compensation to be paid to me with respect to services
provided by me to the AIM Funds for the next Deferral Year commencing
January 1, 20__ [insert year], I hereby elect that _______________ percent
(_______%)(1) of my Compensation (as defined under the Agreement) be
reduced and that the Fund establish and maintain a Deferral Account in
accordance with the Agreement.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS ELECTION WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT WITH RESPECT TO
COMPENSATION I EARN IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS UNLESS I MODIFY OR REVOKE IT BY
SUBMITTING A NEW MODIFICATION FORM. I understand that any Modification Form
will be effective only prospectively and will become effective as to
Compensation I earn in the calendar year that begins after the Modification
Form is received by the Plan Administrator.
II. MODIFICATION OF PAYMENT DATE
I hereby modify my prior Payment Date and designate the first day of the
calendar quarter following the event designated below as my new Payment
Date for the amounts credited to my Deferral Account [place an "X"
preceding your choice and fill in the missing information, as applicable]:
____ (a) ___________ 1, _____. [Select the first month in any calendar
quarter, and insert any year at least five years after your previously
designated date]
____ (b) Termination of my service as a Trustee with respect to all Funds.
____ (c) The LATER of (a) ______________ 1, _____ [fill in month and year
from (a) above] or (b) termination of my service as a Trustee with respect
to all Funds.
____ (d) The EARLIER of (a) _____________ 1, _____ [fill in month and year
from (a) above] or (b) termination of my service as a Trustee with respect
to all Funds.
----------
(1) To stop deferrals of compensation, enter "zero" and "0" in these blanks.
Page B-1
Note:
(i) Any change in Payment Date cannot accelerate a payment. If you have
elected installment payments and would like to change to lump sum, your
earliest payment date would be five years after the date the last
installment payment would have been made.
(ii) Any change in Payment Date must be received by the Plan Administrator
at least 12 months before the payment would have otherwise been made and be
effective for at least 12 months before payment is made. For example, if
you elected a lump sum payment in July 2010, your Modification Form must be
received by July 2009.
(iii) Any change in Payment Date must defer payment for at least five years
after the amount would otherwise have been paid, interpreted in accordance
with regulations adopted under 409A. For example, if you elected a lump sum
in July 2010, you must defer the receipt of the payment until at least July
2015.
III. PAYMENT FORM ELECTION
I hereby modify my Payment Form election and designate the following as my
Payment Form for the amounts credited to my Deferral Account [place an "X"
preceding your choice and fill in the missing information, as applicable]:
____ A lump sum payment.
____ Quarterly installments for a period of ____ [pick either 5 or 10]
years.
I understand that for purposes of modifications to the Payment Form, each
installment stands alone (e.g., to change installments to a lump sum, the
lump sum must be deferred to five years after the last installment payment
would have been made). I understand that any future decision I make to
change the Payment Form is subject to restrictions on acceleration and
mandatory deferrals pursuant to applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code.
Note: Please contact counsel to the Independent Trustees to confirm that
your desired change in Payment Date or Payment Form will comply with 409A.
I hereby agree that the terms of the Agreement, as effective as of December
31, 2008, are incorporated herein and are made a part hereof.
Dated: ___________
TRUSTEE: RECEIVED:
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
AIM Funds
By:
------------------------------------
Date:
----------------------------------
Page B-2
EXHIBIT C
AIM FUNDS
TRUSTEE DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
INVESTMENT DESIGNATION FORM
With respect to the Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement (the
"Agreement") by and between the undersigned and the AIM Funds:
I hereby elect that my Deferral Account under the Agreement be considered
to be invested as follows (in multiples of 10%) (TOTAL MUST EQUAL 100%):
NAME OF FUND %
------------ --
___________________________________ __%
___________________________________ __%
___________________________________ __%
___________________________________ __%
___________________________________ __%
___________________________________ __%
Apply these designations to:
____ NEWLY DEFERRED AMOUNTS(2) (amounts deferred after the date this form
is received by AIM Funds) or
____ ALL AMOUNTS (a REBALANCING).(3)
I acknowledge that I may change these Investment Designations quarterly
upon 30 days notice, by submitting a new Investment Designation Form to the
Plan Administrator. I also acknowledge that the Funds have reserved the
right to disregard my Investment
----------
(2) If you select "newly deferred amounts", then from the date of the first
payment to be deferred in the calendar quarter following receipt of the
designation form, deferred amounts will be deemed invested in those Funds,
but previously deferred amounts will continue to be deemed to be invested
in accordance with your earlier designations.
(3) If you select "rebalancing," the entire amount standing credited to your
account will be re-allocated in accordance with your new designations on
the second business day of the calendar quarter following receipt of the
designation form. Any newly deferred amounts will be deemed invested with
these new designations from the date of the first payment to be deferred in
the calendar quarter following receipt of the designation form.
Page C-1
Designations and consider my Deferral Account to be deemed to be invested
in a fund of its choosing.
Dated: __________
TRUSTEE: RECEIVED:
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
AIM Funds
By:
------------------------------------
Date:
----------------------------------
Page C-2
EXHIBIT D
AIM FUNDS
TRUSTEE DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FORM
With respect to the Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement (the
"Agreement") by and between the undersigned and the AIM Funds:
I hereby revoke any prior designation of beneficiary(ies) and make the
following beneficiary designations:(4)
I. Primary Beneficiary
I hereby appoint the following as my Primary Beneficiary(ies) to receive at
my death the amounts credited to my Deferral Account under the Agreement.
If I am survived by more than one Primary Beneficiary, such Primary
Beneficiaries shall share equally in such amounts unless I indicate
otherwise on this form:
NAME SHARE ADDRESS RELATIONSHIP(5)
-------------- --------- --------------------------- ---------------------
II. Secondary Beneficiary
I hereby appoint the following as Secondary Beneficiary(ies) to receive
death benefits under the Agreement if none of my Primary Beneficiaries
survive me. If I am survived by more than one Secondary Beneficiary, such
Secondary Beneficiaries shall share equally unless I indicate otherwise on
this form:
NAME SHARE ADDRESS RELATIONSHIP(5)
-------------- --------- --------------------------- ---------------------
[continued on next page]
----------
(4) A Trustee may designate any person or a Trust as a Beneficiary.
(5) For aid in identification only.
Page D-1
I understand that (i) if none of my Primary or Secondary Beneficiaries
survive me then payment will be made to my estate; and (ii) if I do not
properly designate a Beneficiary, under the Agreement, I will be deemed to
have designated my estate as my Primary Beneficiary.
I understand that I may revoke or amend the above designations at any time.
I further understand that if I am not survived by a Primary or Secondary
Beneficiary, my Beneficiary shall be as set forth under the Agreement.
Dated: ___________
TRUSTEE: RECEIVED:
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
AIM Funds
By:
------------------------------------
Date:
----------------------------------
Page D-2
EX-99.H1.C
14
h66495aexv99wh1wc.txt
EX-99.H1.C
AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 TO THE THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
This Amendment, dated as of October 3, 2008, is made to the Third Amended and
Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated July 1, 2006, (the
"Agreement") between AIM Equity Funds (the "Fund") and Invesco Aim Investment
Services, Inc., formerly AIM Investment Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent")
pursuant to Article 11 of the Agreement.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Agreement to include Class Y
shares:
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as
follows;
Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its
entirety as set forth below:
"SCHEDULE A
1. RETAIL SHARE CLASSES
OPEN ACCOUNT FEE. For performance by the Transfer Agent pursuant to this
Agreement, the Fund agrees on behalf of each of the Portfolios to pay the
Transfer Agent an annualized fee for shareholder accounts holding Class A, A3,
B, C, P, R, Y, AIM Cash Reserve and Investor Class Shares that are open during
any monthly period at a rate of $20.60.
CLOSED ACCOUNT FEE. For performance by the Transfer Agent pursuant to this
Agreement, the Fund agrees on behalf of each of the Portfolios to pay the
Transfer Agent an annualized fee for shareholder accounts which previously held
Class A, A3, B, C, P, R, Y, AIM Cash Reserve and Investor Class Shares that were
closed during any monthly period at a rate of $0.70, to be paid for twelve
months following the date on which an account was closed.
DETERMINING NUMBER OF BILLABLE ACCOUNTS. The Open Account Fee and the
Closed Account Fee shall be paid only with respect to accounts serviced directly
by the Transfer Agent and not with respect to accounts serviced by third parties
pursuant to omnibus account service or sub-accounting agreements, as provided in
Section 2.04 of the Agreement.
BILLING OF FEES. Both the Open and Closed Account Fees shall be billed by
the Transfer Agent monthly in arrears on a prorated basis of 1/12 of the
annualized fee for all such accounts.
2. INSTITUTIONAL SHARE CLASSES
ACCOUNTS SERVICED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT. For performance by the Transfer
Agent pursuant to this Agreement, the Fund agrees on behalf of the Institutional
Class Shares of each Portfolio to pay the Transfer Agent a fee equal to $2.00
per trade executed, to be billed monthly in arrears.
CAP ON TRANSFER AGENCY FEES AND EXPENSES. The Transfer Agent agrees to
waive the right to collect any fee or reimbursement to which it is entitled
hereunder to the extent that collecting such fee or reimbursement would cause
the fees and expenses incurred hereunder by the Institutional Class Shares of
any given Portfolio to exceed 0.10% of the average net assets attributable to
such Class of such Portfolio.
3. INVESTMENT CREDITS
The total fees due to the Transfer Agent from all funds affiliated with the
Fund shall be reduced by an amount equal to the investment income earned by the
Transfer Agent, if any, on the balances of the disbursement accounts for those
funds. Such credits shall first be allocated to the Institutional Class, if any,
of a Portfolio based upon the number of accounts holding shares of such Class
relative to the total number of accounts holding all Classes of shares in the
Portfolio. The Portfolio's remaining fiscal year-to-date credits shall be
allocated among accounts holding Class A, A3, B, C, P, R, Y, AIM Cash Reserve
and Investor Class Shares, as applicable, on the basis of fiscal year-to-date
average net assets.
4. OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
The Fund shall reimburse the Transfer Agent monthly for applicable
out-of-pocket expenses relating to the procurement of the following goods and
services, as they relate to the performance of the Transfer Agent's obligations
set forth in Article I of the Agreement, including, but not limited to:
(a) Remote access, license and usage charges paid by the Transfer Agent
for use of shareholder record keeping and related systems provided by
DST Systems, Inc., and used by the Transfer Agent to service
Shareholder accounts, including but not limited to:
(i) TA2000(R), the record keeping system on which records related to
most Shareholder accounts will be maintained;
(ii) TRAC2000(R), the record keeping system on which records related
to Shareholder accounts held by and through employer-sponsored
retirement plans are maintained;
(iii) Automated Work Distributor(TM), a document imaging, storage and
distribution system;
(iv) Financial Access Network, a computer system and related software
applications which will provide the necessary interfaces to allow
customers to access account information residing on the TA2000
and TRAC2000 systems through invescoaim.com;
(v) PowerSelect(TM), a reporting database that the Transfer Agent can
query to produce reports derived from Shareholder account data
residing on the TA2000 and TRAC2000 systems; and
(vi) Client specific system enhancements.
(b) Computer and data processing and storage equipment, communication
lines and equipment, printers and other equipment used in connection
with the provision of services hereunder, and any expenses incurred in
connection with the installation and use of such equipment and lines.
(c) Microfiche, microfilm and electronic image scanning equipment.
(d) Electronic data and image storage media and related storage costs.
(e) Record retention, retrieval and destruction costs, including, but not
limited to exit fees charged by third party record keeping vendors.
(f) Telephone and telecommunication costs, including all lease,
maintenance and line costs.
(g) Programming costs, system access and usage fees, electronic
presentment service fees, data and document delivery fees, and other
related fees and costs which relate to the printing and delivery of
the following documents to Shareholders and to each Shareholder's
broker of record:
(i) Investment confirmations;
(ii) Periodic account statements;
(iii) Tax forms; and
(iv) Redemption checks.
(h) Printing costs, including, without limitation, the costs associated
with printing stationery, envelopes, share certificates, checks,
investment confirmations, periodic account statements, and tax forms.
(i) Postage (bulk, pre-sort, ZIP+4, bar coding, first class), certified
and overnight mail and private delivery services, courier services and
related insurance.
(j) Certificate insurance.
(k) Banking charges, including without limitation, incoming and outgoing
wire charges and charges associated with the receipt and processing of
government allotments.
(l) Check writing fees.
(m) Federal Reserve charges for check clearance.
(n) Rendering fees.
(o) Audit, consulting and legal fees which relate to the provision of
service hereunder.
(p) Shareholder information and education mailings, including, but not
limited to, periodic shareholder newsletters and tax guides.
(q) Duplicate services;
(r) Such other miscellaneous expenses reasonably incurred by the Transfer
Agent in performing its duties and responsibilities.
(s) Due diligence mailings.
(t) Ad hoc reports.
(u) Fees and expenses assessed by third-party service providers in
connection with the compilation and delivery of shareholder
transaction data requested by the Transfer Agent in connection with
its administration of the Fund's Rule 22c-2 compliance program.
The Fund agrees that postage and mailing expenses will be paid on the day
of or prior to mailing. In addition, the Fund will promptly reimburse the
Transfer Agent for any other unscheduled expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent
whenever the Fund and the Transfer Agent mutually agree that such expenses are
not otherwise properly borne by the Transfer Agent as part of its duties and
obligations under the Agreement.
Out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent hereunder shall first
be allocated among the series portfolios of the AIM Funds based upon the number
of open accounts holding shares in such portfolios. Such out-of-pocket expenses
that have been allocated to a Portfolio shall be further allocated to the
Institutional Class, if any, of such Portfolio based upon the number of
accounts holding shares of such Class relative to the total number of accounts
holding shares of all Classes in the Portfolio. The remaining amount of the
Portfolio's fiscal year-to-date out-of-pocket expenses shall be further
allocated among accounts holding Class A, A3, B, C, P, R, Y, AIM Cash Reserve
and Investor Class Shares, as applicable, on the basis of fiscal year-to-date
average net assets.
5. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Fee Schedule, "AIM Funds" shall mean all investment
companies and their series portfolios, if any, comprising, from time to time,
the AIM Family of Funds.(R)"
All other terms and provisions of the Agreement not amended herein shall
remain in full force and effect.
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
By: /s/ John M. Zerr
----------------------------------
Senior Vice President
ATTEST:
/s/ Stephen R. Rimes
---------------------------------------
Assistant Secretary
INVESCO AIM INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ William J. Galvin, Jr.
----------------------------------
President
ATTEST:
/s/ Stephen R. Rimes
---------------------------------------
Assistant Secretary
EX-99.H3.D
15
h66495aexv99wh3wd.txt
EX-99.H3.D
AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
AGREEMENT
The Master Administrative Services Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated July
1, 2006, by and between Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and
AIM Equity Funds, a Delaware statutory trust is hereby amended as follows:
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Agreement to add AIM Disciplined
Equity Fund to the Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows;
1. Appendix A of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and
replaced with the following:
"APPENDIX A
TO
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENT OF
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
PORTFOLIOS EFFECTIVE DATE OF AGREEMENT
---------- ---------------------------
AIM Capital Development Fund July 1, 2006
AIM Charter Fund July 1, 2006
AIM Constellation Fund July 1, 2006
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund [May __, 2009]
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund July 1, 2006
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund July 1, 2006
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund July 1, 2006
AIM Summit Fund April 30, 2008
The Administrator may receive from each Portfolio reimbursement for costs
or reasonable compensation for such services as follows:
Rate* Net Assets
----- ------------------
0.023% First $1.5 billion
0.013% Next $1.5 billion
0.003% Over $3 billion
* Annual minimum fee is $50,000. An additional $10,000 per class of shares is
charged for each class other than the initial class. The $10,000 class fee
is waived for any of the above Portfolios with insufficient assets to
result in the payment of more than the minimum fee of $50,000."
All other terms and provisions of the Agreement not amended herein shall
remain in full force and effect.
Dated: [May __, 2009]
INVESCO AIM ADVISORS, INC.
Attest: By:
----------------------------- ------------------------------------
Assistant Secretary John M. Zerr
Senior Vice President
(SEAL)
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
Attest: By:
----------------------------- ------------------------------------
Assistant Secretary John M. Zerr
Senior Vice President
(SEAL)
EX-99.L6
16
h66495aexv99wl6.txt
EX-99.L6
[INVESCO AIM LOGO APPEARS HERE]
--Servicemark--
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046-1173
713-626-1919
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.
October 2, 2008
Board of Trustees
AIM Equity Funds
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77046-1173
Re: Initial Capital Investment in New Institutional Class Shares of AIM Summit
Fund (the "Fund") of AIM Equity Funds (the "Trust")
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We shall and hereby agree to purchase shares equal to the following dollar
amount for the Fund.
FUND AND CLASS AMOUNT DATE
-------------- ---------- ---------------
AIM Summit Fund - Institutional Class Shares $10,000.00 October 2, 2008
We understand that the price per shares for the Institutional Class Shares of
the Fund will be equal to the next determined net asset value per share of the
Class A Shares of the Fund.
We hereby represent that we are purchasing these shares solely for our own
account and solely for investment purposes without any intent of distributing or
reselling said shares. We further represent that disposition of said shares will
only be by direct redemption to or repurchase by the Trust.
We further agree to provide the Trust with at least three business day's advance
written notice of any intended redemption and agree that we will work with the
Trust with respect to the amount of such redemption so as not to place a burden
on the Trust and to facilitate normal portfolio management of the Fund.
Sincerely yours,
INVESCO AIM ADVISORS, INC.
/s/ John M. Zerr
-------------------------------------
John M. Zerr
Senior Vice President
cc: Mark Gregson
Gary Trappe
EX-99.L7
17
h66495aexv99wl7.txt
EX-99.L7
[May __, 2009]
Board of Trustees
AIM Equity Funds (the "Trust")
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77046-1173
Re: Initial Capital Investment in New Portfolio of the Trust (the "Fund")
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are purchasing shares of the Fund for the purpose of providing initial
investment for the new investment portfolio of the Trust. The purpose of this
letter is to set out our understanding of the conditions of and our promises and
representations concerning this investment.
We shall and hereby agree to purchase shares equal to the following dollar
amount for the Fund
FUNDS AND CLASS AMOUNT DATE
-------------------------------------- ------ --------------
INITIAL INVESTMENT AS SOLE SHAREHOLDER
AIM Disciplined Equity Fund -
Class Y Shares $10.00 [May __, 2009]
We understand that the initial net asset value per share for the portfolio named
above will be [$10.00].
We hereby represent that we are purchasing these shares solely for our own
account and solely for investment purposes without any intent of distributing or
reselling said shares. We further represent that disposition of said shares will
only be by direct redemption to or repurchase by the Trust.
Sincerely yours,
INVESCO AIM ADVISORS, INC.
------------------------------------
John M. Zerr
Senior Vice President
cc: Mark Gregson
Noelle Osterbur
EX-99.M1.H
18
h66495aexv99wm1wh.txt
EX-99.M1.H
AMENDMENT NO. 7
TO THE FIRST RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION PLAN
(CLASS A SHARES)
The First Restated Master Distribution Plan (the "Plan"), dated as of
August 18, 2003, and as subsequently amended, and as restated the 20th day of
September, 2006, pursuant to Rule 12b-1, is hereby amended, effective July 24,
2008, as follows:
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Plan to change the name of AIM
Global Value Fund to AIM Global Core Equity Fund.
NOW THEREFORE, Schedule A to the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and
replaced with the following:
"SCHEDULE A
TO
THE AMENDED AND RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION PLAN
(CLASS A SHARES)
(DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE FEES)
The Fund shall pay the Distributor as full compensation for all services
rendered and all facilities furnished under the Distribution Plan for the Class
A Shares of each Portfolio designated below, a Distribution Fee* and a Service
Fee determined by applying the annual rate set forth below as to the Class A
Shares of each Portfolio to the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares
of the Portfolio for the plan year. Average daily net assets shall be computed
in a manner used for the determination of the offering price of the Class A
Shares of the Portfolio.
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS A SHARES
AIM Floating Rate Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Multi-Sector Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Structured Core Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Structured Growth Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Structured Value Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM EQUITY FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS A SHARES
AIM Capital Development Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Charter Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Constellation Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Summit Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM FUNDS GROUP CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS A SHARES
AIM Basic Balanced Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM European Small Company Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Global Core Equity Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM International Small Company Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Select Equity Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM GROWTH SERIES CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS A SHARES
AIM Basic Value Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Global Equity Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Growth Allocation Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Income Allocation Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Independence Now Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Independence 2010 Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Independence 2020 Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Independence 2030 Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Independence 2040 Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Independence 2050 Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM International Allocation Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS A SHARES
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM European Growth Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Global Growth Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund. 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM International Core Equity Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM International Growth Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
2
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS A SHARES
AIM China Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Developing Markets Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Global Health Care Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM International Total Return Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Japan Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Trimark Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS A SHARES
AIM Core Bond Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Dynamics Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Global Real Estate Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM High Yield Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Income Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Limited Maturity Treasury Fund 0.00% 0.15% 0.15%
AIM Municipal Bond Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Real Estate Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Short Term Bond Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM U.S. Government Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM SECTOR FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS A SHARES
AIM Energy Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Financial Services Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Leisure Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Technology Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Utilities Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
3
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS A SHARES
AIM High Income Municipal Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
AIM Tax-Exempt Cash Fund 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
* The Distribution Fee is payable apart from the sales charge, if any, as
stated in the current prospectus for the applicable Portfolio (or Class
thereof)."
All other terms and provisions of the Plan not amended herein shall remain in
full force and effect.
Dated: July 24, 2008
4
EX-99.M2.H
19
h66495aexv99wm2wh.txt
EX-99.M2.H
AMENDMENT NO. 7
TO
FIRST RESTATED MASTER DISTRIBUTION PLAN
(CLASS B SHARES)
(SECURITIZATION FEATURE)
The First Restated Master Distribution Plan (the "Plan"), dated as of
August 18, 2003, as subsequently amended, and as restated the 20th day of
September, 2006, pursuant to Rule 12b-1, is hereby amended, effective July 24,
2008, as follows:
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Plan to change the name of AIM
Global Value Fund to AIM Global Core Equity Fund.
NOW THEREFORE, Schedule A to the Plan is hereby deleted and replaced in its
entirety with Schedule A attached hereto.
All other terms and provisions of the Plan not amended hereby shall remain
in full force and effect.
"SCHEDULE A
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION PLAN
(CLASS B SHARES)
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE FEES
The Fund shall pay the Distributor or the Assignee as full compensation for
all services rendered and all facilities furnished under the Distribution Plan
for the Class B Shares of each Portfolio designated below, a Distribution Fee
and a Service Fee determined by applying the annual rate set forth below to the
average daily net assets of the Class B Shares of the Portfolio. Average daily
net assets shall be computed in a manner used for the determination of the
offering price of Class B Shares of the Portfolio.
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM EQUITY FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Capital Development Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Charter Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Constellation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Summit Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM FUNDS GROUP CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Basic Balanced Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM European Small Company Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Core Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Small Company Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Select Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
2
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM GROWTH SERIES CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Basic Value Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Growth Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Income Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence Now Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2010 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2020 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2030 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2040 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2050 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM European Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Core Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIOS
AIM China Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Developing Markets Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Health Care Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Total Return Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Japan Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Trimark Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
3
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIOS
AIM Core Bond Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Dynamics Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Real Estate Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM High Yield Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Income Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Money Market Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Municipal Bond Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Real Estate Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM U.S. Government Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO
AIM High Income Municipal Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO
AIM Multi-Sector Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Structured Core Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Structured Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Structured Value Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
4
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM SECTOR FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO
AIM Energy Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Financial Services Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Leisure Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Technology Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Utilities Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%"
5
EX-99.M3.H
20
h66495aexv99wm3wh.txt
EX-99.M3.H
AMENDMENT NO. 7
TO THE FIRST RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION PLAN
(CLASS C SHARES)
The First Restated Master Distribution Plan (the "Plan"), dated as of
August 18, 2003, and as subsequently amended, and as restated the 20th day of
September, 2006, pursuant to Rule 12b-1, is hereby amended, effective July 24,
2008, as follows:
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Plan to change the name of AIM
Global Value Fund to AIM Global Core Equity Fund.
NOW THEREFORE, Schedule A to the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and
replaced with the following:
"SCHEDULE A
TO
THE AMENDED AND RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION PLAN
(CLASS C SHARES)
(DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE FEES)
The Fund shall pay the Distributor as full compensation for all services
rendered and all facilities furnished under the Distribution Plan for the Class
C Shares of each Portfolio designated below, a Distribution Fee* and a Service
Fee determined by applying the annual rate set forth below as to the Class C
Shares of each Portfolio to the average daily net assets of the Class C Shares
of the Portfolio for the plan year. Average daily net assets shall be computed
in a manner used for the determination of the offering price of the Class C
Shares of the Portfolio.
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS C SHARES
AIM Floating Rate Fund 0.50% 0.25% 0.75%
AIM Multi-Sector Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Select Real Estate Income Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Structured Core Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Structured Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Structured Value Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM EQUITY FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS C SHARES
AIM Capital Development Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Charter Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Constellation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Diversified Dividend Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Large Cap Basic Value Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Summit Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM FUNDS GROUP CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS C SHARES
AIM Basic Balanced Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM European Small Company Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Core Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Small Company Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Mid Cap Basic Value Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Select Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Small Cap Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM GROWTH SERIES CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS C SHARES
AIM Basic Value Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Conservative Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Growth Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Income Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence Now Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2010 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2020 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2030 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2040 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Independence 2050 Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Mid Cap Core Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Moderate Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Moderate Growth Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Moderately Conservative Allocation Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Small Cap Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MINIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS C SHARES
AIM Asia Pacific Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM European Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Core Equity Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Growth Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
2
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS C SHARES
AIM China Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Developing Markets Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Health Care Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM International Total Return Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Japan Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM LIBOR Alpha Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Trimark Endeavor Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Trimark Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Trimark Small Companies Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS C SHARES
AIM Core Bond Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Dynamics Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Global Real Estate Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM High Yield Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Income Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Money Market Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Municipal Bond Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Real Estate Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Short Term Bond Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM U.S. Government Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM SECTOR FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS C SHARES
AIM Energy Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Financial Services Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Gold & Precious Metals Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Leisure Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Technology Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
AIM Utilities Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
3
MAXIMUM
ASSET
BASED MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
SALES SERVICE AGGREGATE
AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS CHARGE FEE FEE
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ---------
PORTFOLIO - CLASS C SHARES
AIM High Income Municipal Fund 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
* The Distribution Fee is payable apart from the sales charge, if any, as
stated in the current prospectus for the applicable Portfolio (or Class
thereof)."
All other terms and provisions of the Plan not amended herein shall remain in
full force and effect.
Dated: July 24, 2008
4
EX-99.M10
21
h66495aexv99wm10.txt
EX-99.M10
(AIM INVESTMENTS(R) LOGO) MASTER RELATED AGREEMENT TO
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
MASTER DISTRIBUTION PLAN
(CLASS P SHARES)
This Master Related Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into in accordance
with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act") by each registered investment company, listed in Schedule A to this
Agreement (each individually referred to as a "Fund", or collectively, "Funds"),
severally, on behalf of each of the series of common stock or beneficial
interest, as the case may be, set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement (each, a
"Portfolio"), with respect to the Class P Shares of each such Portfolio listed
on Schedule A. This Agreement, being made between Invesco Aim Distributors,
Inc., formerly A I M Distributors, Inc. ("Distributors") and each Fund, on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio, defines the services to be provided by
Distributors, or its designees, for which it is to receive payments pursuant to
the Second Amended and Restated Master Distribution Plan (Class P Shares) (the
"Plan") adopted by each of the Funds. The Plan has been approved by a majority
of the directors/trustees ("Trustees") of each of the Funds, including a
majority of the Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or this Agreement (the "Dis-Interested Trustees"), by
votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan.
1. a. Distributors may use payments received pursuant to Paragraph 2 of this
Agreement to provide continuing personal shareholder services to customers
who may, from time to time, directly or beneficially own shares of the
Funds. Continuing personal shareholder services may include but are not
limited to, distributing sales literature to customers, answering routine
customer inquiries regarding the Funds, assisting customers in changing
dividend options, account designations and addresses, and in enrolling in
any of several special investment plans offered in connection with the
purchase of the Funds' shares, assisting customers in the establishment and
maintenance of customer accounts and records and in the placement of
purchase and redemption transactions, assisting customers in investing
dividends and capital gains distributions automatically in shares, and
providing such other services as the Funds or the customer may reasonably
request and Distributors agrees to provide. Distributors will not be
obligated to provide services which are provided by a transfer agent for a
Fund with respect to a Portfolio.
b. Distributors may also use the payments received pursuant to Paragraph 2
of this Agreement for distribution-related services. As used in this
Agreement, "distribution-related services" shall mean any activity which is
primarily intended to result in the sale of the Shares, including, but not
limited to, organizing and conducting sales seminars, implementing
advertising programs, engaging finders and paying finders fees, printing
prospectuses and statements of additional information (and supplements
thereto) and annual and semi-annual reports for other than existing
shareholders, preparing and distributing advertising material and sales
literature, making supplemental payments to dealers and other institutions
as asset-based sales charges, and administering the Plan.
c. Distributors may provide the services described in paragraphs a. and b.
above either directly or through third parties (its "designees").
1
2. For the services provided by Distributors or its designees pursuant to this
Agreement, each Fund shall pay Distributors a fee, calculated at the end of
each month at the annual rate set forth in Schedule A, or such lesser rate
as shall be agreed to by Distributors, as applied to the average net asset
value of the shares of such Fund purchased or acquired through exchange on
or after the Plan Calculation Date shown for such Fund on Schedule A.
3. The total of the fees calculated for all of the Funds listed on Schedule A
for any period with respect to which calculations are made shall be paid to
Distributors within 10 days after the close of each month.
4. Distributors shall furnish the Funds with such information as shall
reasonably be requested by the Trustees of the Funds with respect to the
fees paid to Distributors pursuant to this Agreement.
5. Distributors shall furnish the Trustees of the Funds, for their review on a
quarterly basis, a written report of the amounts expended under the Plan
and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
6. Distributors may enter into other similar Master Related Agreements with
any other investment company without a Fund's consent.
7. This Agreement shall become effective immediately upon its approval by a
majority of the Trustees of each of the Funds, including a majority of the
Dis-Interested Trustees, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on the Plan and this Agreement.
8. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as long as the
continuance of the Plan and this Agreement are approved at least annually
by a vote of the Trustees, including a majority of the Dis-Interested
Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting
thereon.
9. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to any Fund at any time
without payment of any penalty by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of
such Fund who are Dis-interested Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding shares, on sixty (60) days' written notice. It will be
terminated by any act which terminates the Fund's Plan, and in any event,
it shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment as that
term is defined in the 1940 Act.
10. This Agreement may be amended by mutual written agreement of the parties.
11. All communications should be sent to the address of each signor as shown at
the bottom of this Agreement.
12. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of Texas.
2
EFFECTIVE APRIL 30, 2008.
INVESCO AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By: /s/ John S. Cooper
------------------------------------
Name: John S. Cooper
Title: President
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77046-1173
Attn.: President
FUND (LISTED IN SCHEDULE A)
on behalf of the Class P Shares of each
Portfolio listed on Schedule A
By: /s/ John M. Zerr
------------------------------------
Name: John M. Zerr
Title: Senior Vice President
3
SCHEDULE "A" TO
RELATED AGREEMENT
MAXIMUM
AGGREGATE
FUND FEE RATE PLAN CALCULATION DATE
---- --------- ---------------------
AIM EQUITY FUNDS
AIM Summit Fund P Shares 0.10 December 8, 2006
4
EX-99.N
22
h66495aexv99wn.txt
EX-99.N
FOURTEENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN
OF
THE AIM FAMILY OF FUNDS--Registered Trademark--
1. This Multiple Class Plan (the "Plan") adopted in accordance with Rule 18f-3
under the Act shall govern the terms and conditions under which the Funds
may issue separate Classes of Shares representing interests in one or more
Portfolios of each Fund.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the terms set forth below shall have the
meanings ascribed to them below.
(a) Act -- Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(b) AIM Cash Reserve Shares -- shall mean the AIM Cash Reserve Shares
Class of AIM Money Market Fund, a Portfolio of AIM Investment
Securities Funds.
(c) CDSC -- contingent deferred sales charge.
(d) CDSC Period -- the period of years following acquisition of Shares
during which such Shares may be assessed a CDSC upon redemption.
(e) Class -- a class of Shares of a Fund representing an interest in a
Portfolio.
(f) Class A Shares -- shall mean those Shares designated as Class A Shares
in the Fund's organizing documents.
(g) Class A3 Shares -- shall mean those Shares designated as Class A3
Shares in the Fund's organizing documents.
(h) Class B Shares -- shall mean those Shares designated as Class B Shares
in the Fund's organizing documents.
(i) Class C Shares -- shall mean those Shares designated as Class C Shares
in the Fund's organizing documents.
(j) Class P Shares -- shall mean those Shares designated as Class P Shares
in the Fund's organizing documents.
(k) Class R Shares -- shall mean those Shares designated as Class R Shares
in the Fund's organizing documents.
(l) Class Y Shares -- shall mean those Shares designated as Class Y Shares
in the Fund's organizing documents.
(m) Distribution Expenses -- expenses incurred in activities which are
primarily intended to result in the distribution and sale of Shares as
authorized in a Plan of Distribution and/or agreements relating
thereto.
-1-
(n) Distribution Fee -- a fee paid to the Distributor and/or financial
intermediaries for Distribution Expenses.
(o) Distributor - Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.
(p) Fund -- those investment companies advised by Invesco Aim Advisors,
Inc. which have adopted this Plan.
(q) Institutional Class Shares -- shall mean those Shares designated as
Institutional Class Shares in the Fund's organizing documents and
representing an interest in a Portfolio distributed by Invesco Aim
Distributors, Inc. that are offered for sale to institutional
customers as may be approved by the Trustees from time to time and as
set forth in the Prospectus.
(r) Institutional Money Market Fund Shares -- shall mean those Shares
designated as Cash Management Class Shares, Corporate Class Shares,
Institutional Class Shares, Personal Investment Class Shares, Private
Investment Class Shares, Reserve Class Shares and Resource Class
Shares in the Fund's organizing documents and representing an interest
in a Portfolio distributed by Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc. that are
offered for sale to institutional customers as may be approved by the
Trustees from time to time and as set forth in the Prospectus.
(s) Investor Class Shares -- shall mean those Shares designated as
Investor Class Shares in the Fund's organizing documents.
(t) Plan of Distribution -- any plan adopted under Rule 12b-1 under the
Act with respect to payment of a Distribution Fee and/or Service Fee.
(u) Portfolio -- a series of the Shares of a Fund constituting a separate
investment portfolio of the Fund.
(v) Prospectus -- the then currently effective prospectus and statement of
additional information of a Portfolio.
(w) Service Fee -- a fee paid to the Distributor and/or financial
intermediaries for the ongoing provision of personal services to Fund
shareholders and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
(x) Share -- a share of beneficial interest in a Fund.
(y) Trustees -- the directors or trustees of a Fund.
3. Allocation of Income and Expenses.
(a) Distribution Fees and Service Fees -- Each Class shall bear directly
any and all Distribution Fees and/or Service Fees payable by such
Class pursuant to a Plan of Distribution adopted by the Fund with
respect to such Class.
(b) Transfer Agency and Shareholder Recordkeeping Fees -- Institutional
Class Shares -- The Institutional Class Shares shall bear directly the
transfer agency
-2-
fees and expenses and other shareholder recordkeeping fees and
expenses incurred with respect to such Class.
(c) Transfer Agency and Shareholder Recordkeeping Fees -- All Shares
except Institutional Class Shares -- Each Class of Shares, except
Institutional Class Shares, shall bear proportionately the transfer
agency fees and expenses and other shareholder recordkeeping fees and
expenses incurred with respect to such Classes, based on the relative
net assets attributable to each such Class.
(d) Allocation of Other Expenses -- Each Class shall bear proportionately
all other expenses incurred by a Portfolio based on the relative net
assets attributable to each such Class.
(e) Allocation of Income, Gains and Losses -- Except to the extent
provided in the following sentence, each Portfolio will allocate
income and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses to a Class
based on the relative net assets of each Class. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, each Portfolio that declares dividends on a daily basis
will allocate income on the basis of settled Shares.
(f) Waiver of Fees and Reimbursement of Expenses -- A Portfolio's adviser,
underwriter or any other provider of services to the Portfolio may
waive fees payable by, or reimburse expenses of, a Class, to the
extent that such fees and expenses are payable, or have been paid, to
such provider, and have been allocated solely to that Class as a Class
expense. Such provider may also waive fees payable, or reimburse
expenses paid, by all Classes in a Portfolio to the extent such fees
and expenses have been allocated to such Classes in accordance with
relative net assets.
4. Distribution and Servicing Arrangements. The distribution and servicing
arrangements identified below will apply for the following Classes offered
by a Fund with respect to a Portfolio. The provisions of the Prospectus
describing the distribution and servicing arrangements are incorporated
herein by this reference.
(a) AIM Cash Reserve Shares. AIM Cash Reserve Shares shall be (i) offered
at net asset value, and (ii) subject to ongoing Service Fees and/or
Distribution Fees approved from time to time by the Trustees and set
forth in the Prospectus.
(b) Class A Shares. Class A Shares shall be offered at net asset value
plus a front-end sales charge as approved from time to time by the
Trustees and set forth in the Prospectus, which sales charge may be
reduced or eliminated for certain money market fund shares, for larger
purchases, under a combined purchase privilege, under a right of
accumulation, under a letter of intent or for certain categories of
purchasers as permitted by Section 22(d) of the Act and as set forth
in the Prospectus. Class A Shares that are not subject to a front-end
sales charge as a result of the foregoing shall be subject to a CDSC
for the CDSC Period set forth in Section 5(a) of this Plan if so
provided in the Prospectus. The offering price of Shares subject to a
front-end sales charge shall be computed in accordance with Rule 22c-1
and Section 22(d) of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Class A Shares shall be subject to ongoing Service Fees and/or
Distribution Fees approved from time to time by the Trustees and set
forth in the Prospectus.
-3-
(c) Class A3 Shares. Class A3 Shares shall be (i) offered at net asset
value, and (ii) subject to ongoing Service Fees and/or Distribution
Fees approved from time to time by the Trustees and set forth in the
Prospectus.
(d) Class B Shares. Class B Shares shall be (i) offered at net asset
value, (ii) subject to a CDSC for the CDSC Period set forth in Section
5(c), (iii) subject to ongoing Service Fees and/or Distribution Fees
approved from time to time by the Trustees and set forth in the
Prospectus, and subject to the exceptions below, (iv) converted to
Class A Shares on or about the end of the month which is no less than
96 months and no more than 97 months after the date in which the
shareholder's order to purchase was accepted, as set forth in the
Prospectus.
Class B Shares of AIM Money Market Fund will convert to AIM Cash
Reserve Shares of AIM Money Market Fund.
(e) Class C Shares. Class C Shares shall be (i) offered at net asset
value, (ii) subject to a CDSC for the CDSC Period set forth in Section
5(d) if so provided in the Prospectus, and (iii) subject to ongoing
Service Fees and/or Distribution Fees approved from time to time by
the Trustees and set forth in the Prospectus.
(f) Class P Shares. Class P Shares shall be (i) offered at net asset
value, and (ii) subject to on-going Service Fees and/or Distribution
Fees approved from time to time by the Trustees and set forth in the
Prospectus.
(g) Class R Shares. Class R Shares shall be (i) offered at net asset
value, (ii) subject to a CDSC for the CDSC Period set forth in Section
5(f), and (iii) subject to on-going Service Fees and/or Distribution
Fees approved from time to time by the Trustees and set forth in the
Prospectus.
(h) Class Y Shares. Class Y Shares shall be (i) offered at net asset value
and (ii) offered only to certain categories of customers as approved
from time to time by the Trustees and as set forth in the Prospectus.
(i) Institutional Class Shares. Institutional Class Shares shall be (i)
offered at net asset value and (ii) offered only to certain categories
of institutional customers as approved from time to time by the
Trustees and as set forth in the Prospectus.
(j) Institutional Money Market Fund Shares. Institutional Money Market
Fund Shares shall be (i) offered at net asset value, (ii) offered only
to certain categories of institutional customers as approved from time
to time by the Trustees and as set forth in the Prospectus, and (iii)
may be subject to ongoing Service Fees and/or Distribution Fees as
approved from time to time by the Trustees and set forth in the
Prospectus.
(k) Investor Class Shares. Investor Class Shares shall be (i) offered at
net asset value, (ii) offered only to certain categories of customers
as approved from time to time by the Trustees and as set forth in the
Prospectus, and (iii) may be subject to ongoing Service Fees and/or
Distribution Fees as approved from time to time by the Trustees and
set forth in the Prospectus.
-4-
5. CDSC. A CDSC shall be imposed upon redemptions of Class A Shares that do
not incur a front-end sales charge, and of certain AIM Cash Reserve Shares,
Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares as follows:
(a) AIM Cash Reserve Shares. AIM Cash Reserve Shares acquired through
exchange of Class A Shares of another Portfolio may be subject to a
CDSC for the CDSC Period set forth in Section 5(b) of this Plan if so
provided in the Prospectus.
(b) Class A Shares. The CDSC Period for Class A Shares that are subject to
a CDSC shall be the period set forth in the Fund's Prospectus. The
CDSC rate shall be as set forth in the Prospectus, the relevant
portions of which are incorporated herein by this reference. No CDSC
shall be imposed on Class A Shares unless so provided in a Prospectus.
(c) Class B Shares. The CDSC Period for the Class B Shares shall be six
years. The CDSC rate for the Class B Shares shall be as set forth in
the Prospectus, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein
by this reference.
(d) Class C Shares. The CDSC Period for the Class C Shares that are
subject to a CDSC shall be one year. The CDSC rate for the Class C
Shares that are subject to a CDSC shall be as set forth in the
Prospectus, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
(e) Class R Shares. The CDSC Period for the Class R Shares that are
subject to a CDSC shall be the period set forth in the Prospectus. The
CDSC rate for the Class R Shares that are subject to a CDSC shall be
as set forth in the Prospectus, the relevant portions of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
(g) Method of Calculation. The CDSC shall be assessed on an amount equal
to the lesser of the then current market value or the cost of the
Shares being redeemed. No CDSC shall be imposed on increases in the
net asset value of the Shares being redeemed above the initial
purchase price. No CDSC shall be assessed on Shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. The order in
which Shares are to be redeemed when not all of such Shares would be
subject to a CDSC shall be determined by the Distributor in accordance
with the provisions of Rule 6c-10 under the Act.
(h) Waiver. The Distributor may in its discretion waive a CDSC otherwise
due upon the redemption of Shares on terms disclosed in the Prospectus
and, for the Class A Shares and AIM Cash Reserve Shares, as allowed
under Rule 6c-10 under the Act.
(i) CDSC Computation. The CDSC payable upon redemption of AIM Cash Reserve
Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, and Class R
Shares subject to a CDSC shall be computed in the manner described in
the Prospectus.
6. Exchange Privileges. Exchanges of Shares, except for Institutional Money
Market Fund Shares, shall be permitted between Funds as follows:
-5-
(a) Shares of a Portfolio generally may be exchanged for Shares of the
same Class of another Portfolio or where so provided for in the
Prospectus, another registered investment company distributed by
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc. subject to such exceptions and such
terms and limitations as are disclosed in the Prospectus.
(b) Shares of a Portfolio generally may not be exchanged for Shares of a
different Class of that Portfolio or another Portfolio or another
registered investment company distributed by Invesco Aim Distributors,
Inc. subject to such exceptions and such terms and limitations as are
disclosed in the Prospectus.
(c) Depending upon the Portfolio from which and into which an exchange is
being made and when the shares were purchased, shares being acquired
in an exchange may be acquired at their offering price, at their net
asset value or by paying the difference in sales charges, as disclosed
in the Prospectus.
7. Service Fees and Distribution Fees. The Service Fee and Distribution Fee
applicable to any Class shall be those set forth in the Prospectus,
relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by this reference. All
other terms and conditions with respect to Service Fees and Distribution
Fees shall be governed by the Plan of Distribution and/or agreements
relating thereto adopted by the Fund with respect to such fees and Rule
12b-1 of the Act.
8. Conversion of Class B Shares.
(a) Shares Received upon Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions --
Shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions paid on Shares subject to conversion shall be treated as
if held in a separate sub-account. Each time any Shares in a
Shareholder's account (other than Shares held in the sub-account)
convert to Class A Shares (AIM Cash Reserve Shares in the case of AIM
Money Market Fund), a proportionate number of Shares held in the
sub-account shall also convert to Class A Shares (AIM Cash Reserve
Shares in the case of AIM Money Market Fund).
(b) Conversions on Basis of Relative Net Asset Value -- All conversions,
including the 2006 Class B Share Conversion, shall be effected on the
basis of the relative net asset values of the two Classes without the
imposition of any sales load or other charge.
(c) Amendments to Plan of Distribution for Class A Shares (AIM Cash
Reserve Shares in the case of AIM Money Market Fund) -- If any
amendment is proposed to the Plan of Distribution under which Service
Fees and Distribution Fees are paid with respect to Class A Shares of
a Fund (AIM Cash Reserve Shares in the case of AIM Money Market Fund)
that would increase materially the amount to be borne by those Class A
Shares (AIM Cash Reserve Shares in the case of AIM Money Market Fund),
then no Class B Shares shall convert into Class A Shares of that Fund
(AIM Cash Reserve Shares in the case of AIM Money Market Fund) until
the holders of Class B Shares of that Fund have also approved the
proposed amendment. If the holders of such Class B Shares do not
approve the proposed amendment, the Trustees of the Fund and the
Distributor shall take such action as is necessary to ensure that the
Class voting against the
-6-
amendment shall convert into another Class identical in all material
respects to Class A Shares of the Fund (AIM Cash Reserve Shares in the
case of AIM Money Market Fund) as constituted prior to the amendment.
9. Effective Date. This Plan shall not take effect until a majority of the
Trustees of a Fund, including a majority of the Trustees who are not
interested persons of the Fund, shall find that the Plan, as proposed and
including the expense allocations, is in the best interests of each Class
individually and the Fund as a whole.
10. Amendments. This Plan may not be amended to materially change the
provisions of this Plan unless such amendment is approved in the manner
specified in Section 9 above.
11. Administration of Plan. This Plan shall be administered in compliance with
all applicable provisions of the Act and all applicable rules promulgated
under the Act, including but not limited to Rule 18f-3, Rule 6c-10 (with
respect to the imposition of CDSCs upon the redemption of Shares) and Rule
11a-3 (with respect to exchange privileges among Shares).
Effective December 12, 2001, as amended and restated: March 4, 2002, October 31,
2002, July 21, 2003, August 18, 2003, May 12, 2004, February 25, 2005, June 30,
2005, August 4, 2005, December 6, 2005, July 5, 2006, December 8, 2006, December
7, 2007, December 13, 2007 and as further amended and restated October 3, 2008.
-7-
EX-99.P1
23
h66495aexv99wp1.txt
EX-99.P1
INVESCO AIM MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC. AND AIM FUNDS
CODE OF ETHICS
(ORIGINALLY ADOPTED MAY 1, 1981)
(AMENDED EFFECTIVE JANUARY, 1, 2009)
Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc., Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc., Invesco Aim
Capital Management, Inc., Invesco Aim Private Asset Management, Inc. ("IAPAM"),
Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc., and all of their wholly owned and indirect
subsidiaries (together, "Invesco Aim") have a fiduciary relationship with
respect to each portfolio under management. The interests of Clients and of the
shareholders of Invesco Aim's investment company Clients take precedence over
the personal interests of Covered Persons. Capitalized terms used herein, and
not otherwise defined, are defined at the end of this document
This Code of Ethics ("the Code") applies to all:
- Employees of Invesco Aim;
- Employees of any Invesco Aim affiliates that, in connection with their
duties, obtain or are determined by the Compliance Department to have
access to any information concerning recommendations being made by
Invesco Aim to any of its Clients ("access persons"); and
- AIM Funds Trustees.
I. STATEMENT OF FIDUCIARY PRINCIPLES
The following fiduciary principles govern Covered Persons.
- the interests of Clients and shareholders of investment company
Clients must be placed first at all times and Covered Persons must not
take inappropriate advantage of their positions; and
- all personal securities transactions must be conducted consistent with
this Code and in a manner to avoid any abuse of an individual's
position of trust and responsibility. This Code is our effort to
address conflicts of interest that may arise in the ordinary course of
our business.
This Code does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest or to
ensure literal compliance with each of its specific provisions. It does not
necessarily shield Covered Persons from liability for personal trading or other
conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to Clients and shareholders of investment
company Clients.
Section 5 of this Code generally addresses sanctions for violations of this
Code; certain sections of this Code specifically address sanctions that apply to
violations of those sections.
1
II. LIMITS ON PERSONAL INVESTING
A. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS; REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS
All Invesco Aim Employees are required to comply with applicable state and
federal securities laws, rules and regulations and this Code. Employees shall
promptly report any violations of laws or regulations or any provision of this
Code of which they become aware to Invesco Aim's Chief Compliance Officer or
his/her designee. Additional methods of reporting potential violations or
compliance issues are described in Section IV of this Code under section III.
B. PERSONAL INVESTING
1. Preclearance of Personal Security Transactions. All Covered Persons (other
than AIM Funds Independent Trustees without knowledge of investment activity)
must pre-clear all personal security transactions involving Covered Securities
with the Compliance Department using the automated request system.
Covered Securities include but are not limited to the following. (Please refer
to the Definition section of this document below for a complete definition).:
All investments that can be made by Invesco Aim for its Clients, including
but not limited to stocks, bonds, municipal bonds, closed-end mutual funds,
ETFs, short sales, and any derivatives.
Although AIM Funds are considered Covered Securities those that are held at
Invesco Aim's transfer agent (AIM Fund direct accounts) or in the IVZ
401(k) and Money Purchase plans (excluding the State Street Mutual Fund
Window ), do not need to be pre-cleared through the STAR Compliance system
because compliance monitoring is done through a separate process for these
securities. AIM Funds that are held in external brokerage accounts or in
the State Street Mutual Fund Window MUST be pre-cleared through the STAR
Compliance System. Please refer to section II.B for guidelines on Invesco
Ltd. securities.
Covered Securities do not include shares of money market funds, government
securities, certificates of deposit or shares of open-end mutual funds not
advised by Invesco Aim.
If you are unclear about whether a proposed transaction is a Covered
Security, contact the Compliance Department via email at
CodeofEthics(Northamerica)@invesco.com or by phone the Code of Ethics
Hotline at 877-331-2633 prior to executing the transaction.
ANY APPROVAL GRANTED TO A COVERED PERSON TO EXECUTE A PERSONAL SECURITY
TRANSACTION IS VALID FOR THAT BUSINESS DAY ONLY, EXCEPT IF APPROVAL IS
REQUESTED AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE TRADING DAY IN WHICH CASE ANY APPROVAL
GRANTED IS VALID THROUGH THE NEXT TRADING DAY.
The automated review system will review personal trade requests from
Covered Persons based on the following considerations:
2
- BLACK-OUT PERIOD. Invesco Aim does not permit Covered Persons (other
than AIM Funds Independent Trustees without knowledge of investment
activity) to trade in a Covered Security if a Client has executed a
transaction in the same or affiliated security within the two days
before or after or if there is an order currently on the trading desk.
For example, if a Client trades on a Monday, Covered Persons may not
be cleared to trade until Thursday.
- INVESTMENT PERSONNEL. Investment Personnel may not buy or sell a
Covered Security within the three business days before or after a
Client trades in that security.
- DE MINIMUS EXEMPTIONS. The Compliance Department will apply the
following deminimis exceptions in granting pre-clearance when a Client
has recently traded or is trading in a security involved in a Covered
Person's proposed personal transaction:
- Equity de minimis exemptions.
- If the Covered Person does not have knowledge of
trading activity in a particular equity security, he or
she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a
rolling 30 day period provided the issuer of such
security is included in the Russell 1000 Index.
- If the Covered Person does not have knowledge of
trading activity in a particular equity security, he or
she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a
rolling 30 day period provided that there is no
conflicting client activity on the trading desk that
exceeds 500 shares per trading day.
- Fixed income deminimis exemption. If the Covered Person does
not have knowledge of trading activity in a particular fixed
income security you may execute up to $100,000 of par value
of such security.
The automated review system will confirm that there is no activity currently on
the trading desk for the security involved in the proposed personal transaction
and check the portfolio accounting system to verify that there have been no
transactions for the requested security within the last two trading days. For IT
and Portfolio Administration personnel, the Compliance Department will also
check the trading activity of affiliate personnel that have access to
information to verify that there have been no transactions for the requested
security within the last two trading days. The Compliance Department will notify
the Covered Person of the approval or denial of the proposed personal
transaction. The approval of a personal securities transaction is only valid for
that business day. If a Covered Person does not execute the proposed securities
transaction on the business day the approval is granted, the Covered Person must
resubmit the request again the next day for approval.
Any failure to preclear transactions is a violation of the Code and will be
subject to the following potential sanctions:
3
- A Letter of Education will be provided to any Covered Person whose
failure to preclear is considered immaterial or inadvertent.
- Repeat violations may result in in-person training, probation,
withdrawal of personal trading privileges or termination, depending on
the nature and severity of the violations.
2. Prohibition on Short-Term Trading Profits. Covered Persons are prohibited
from trading in a Covered Security within 60 days from the date of purchase at a
profit. If a Covered Person trades a Covered Security within the 60 day time
frame, any profit from the trade will be disgorged to a charity of Invesco Aim's
choice and a letter of education to the Covered Person will be issued.
3. Initial Public Offerings. Covered Persons are prohibited from acquiring any
security in an equity Initial Public Offering. Exceptions will only be granted
in unusual circumstances and must be recommended by the Compliance Department
and approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel (or designee)
and the Chief Investment Officer.
4. Prohibition of Short Sales by Investment Personnel. Investment Personnel are
prohibited from effecting short sales of Covered Securities in their personal
accounts if an Invesco Client for whose account they have investment management
responsibility has a long position in those Securities.
5. Restricted List Securities. Employees requesting pre-clearance to buy or sell
a security on the Restricted List may be restricted from executing the trade
because of potential conflicts of interest.
6. Brokerage Accounts. Covered Persons may only maintain brokerage accounts with
- discount broker-dealers that provide electronic feeds of confirms and
monthly statements directly to the Compliance Department,
- Invesco Aim broker-dealers, or
- Full service broker-dealers. Covered Persons may own shares of AIM
Funds that are held at a non-Invesco Aim broker-dealers only if those
broker-dealers provide an electronic feed of all transactions and
statements to Invesco Aim's Compliance Department. All Covered Persons
(other than AIM Funds Independent Trustees without knowledge of
investment activity) must arrange for their broker-dealers to forward
to the Compliance Department on a timely basis, duplicate
confirmations of all personal securities transactions and copies of
periodic statements for all brokerage accounts, in an electronic
format if they include holdings in AIM Funds and preferably in
electronic format for holdings other than AIM Funds.
4
Please refer Addendum I for a list of broker-dealers that currently provide
electronic transaction and statement feeds to Invesco Aim.
7. Reporting Requirements.
a. INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT. Within 10 days of becoming a Covered Person
(other than AIM Funds Independent Trustees without knowledge of
investment activity), each Covered Person must complete an Initial
Holdings Report by inputting into STAR Compliance the following
information (the information must be current within 45 days of the
date the person becomes a Covered Person).
- A list of each security including the security name, number of
shares (for equities) and the principal amount (for debt
securities) in which the person has direct or indirect
Beneficial Ownership;
- The name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the person
maintains an account in which any securities are held for the
direct or indirect benefit of the person; and
- The date that the report is submitted by the person.
b. QUARTERLY TRANSACTION REPORTS. All Covered Persons (other than AIM
must report, no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar
quarter, the following information for all transactions in a Covered
Security in which a Covered Person has a direct or indirect beneficial
interest: This includes any Covered Securities held in a 401(k) or
other retirement vehicles outside of the Invesco Aim broker-dealer.
- The date of all transactions in that quarter, the security name,
the number of shares (for equity securities); or the interest
rate and maturity date (if applicable) and the principal amount
(for debt securities) for each Covered Security;
- The nature of the transaction (buy, sell, etc.);
- The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was
executed;
- The name of the broker-dealer or bank executing the transaction;
and
- The date that the report is submitted to the Compliance
Department.
ALL COVERED PERSONS (OTHER THAN AIM FUNDS INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES) MUST SUBMIT
A QUARTERLY REPORT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY HAVE EXECUTED TRANSACTIONS
DURING THE QUARTER OR NOT. If a Covered Person did not execute transactions
subject to reporting requirements during a quarter, the report must include
a representation to that effect. Covered Persons do not need to include
transactions made through an Automatic Investment Plan (systematic
transaction -
5
i.e. systematic purchase, systematic exchange, systematic redemption) in
the quarterly transaction report.
Additionally, Covered Persons (other than AIM Funds Independent Trustees)
must report the information on any new brokerage account established by the
Covered Person during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the
Covered Person (including Covered Securities held in a 401(k) or other
retirement vehicles):
- The date the account was established;
- The name of the broker-dealer or bank; and
- The date that the report is submitted to the Compliance
Department.
An Independent Trustee of an AIM Fund must report a transaction in a
Covered Security in a quarterly transaction report if the trustee, at the
time of that transaction, knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling
his/her duties as a trustee of the AIM Fund, should have known that, during
the 15-day period immediately before or after the date of the transaction
by the trustee, the Covered Security was purchased or sold by the AIM Fund
or was being considered by the AIM Fund or Invesco Aim for purchase or sale
by the AIM Fund or another Client.
The Compliance Department may identify transactions by Covered Persons that
technically comply with the Code for review based on any pattern of
activity that has an appearance of a conflict of interest.
c. ANNUAL HOLDINGS REPORTS. All Covered Persons (other than AIM Funds
Independent Trustees) must report annually the following information,
which must be current within 45 days of the date the report is
submitted to the Compliance Department:
- The security and the number of shares (for equities) or the
interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and principal
amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security in which
the Covered Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial
Ownership;
- The name of the broker-dealer or bank with or through which the
transaction was effected; and
- The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to
the Compliance Department.
d. MANAGED ACCOUNTS. Covered Persons must make an annual report with
respect to transactions held in an account over which the Covered
Person has granted exclusive discretion to an external money manager
(professionally managed accounts). Covered Persons must receive
approval from the Compliance Department to establish and maintain such
an account. Covered Persons are not required to pre-clear transactions
or submit quarterly reports for such managed
6
accounts; however, Covered Persons with these types of accounts must
provide an annual certification that they do not currently and have
not in the past exercised direct or indirect Control over the managed
accounts.
e. ANNUAL CERTIFICATION. All Covered Persons (other than AIM Funds
Independent Trustees) must certify annually that they have read and
understand the Code and recognize that they are subject to the Code.
In addition, all Covered Persons must certify annually that they have
complied with the requirements of the Code and that they have
disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required
to be disclosed or reported under the Code. The AIM Funds Trustees,
including the Independent Trustees, will review and approve the Code
annually.
8. Private Securities Transactions. Covered Persons (other than AIM Funds
Independent Trustees without knowledge of investment activity) may not engage in
a Private Securities Transaction without first giving the Compliance Department
a detailed written notification describing the transaction and indicating
whether or not they will receive compensation and obtaining prior written
permission from the Compliance Department. Investment Personnel who have been
authorized to acquire securities of an issuer in a Private Securities
Transaction must disclose that investment to the Compliance Department and the
Chief Investment Officer of Invesco Aim when they are involved in a Client's
subsequent consideration of an investment in the same issuer. The Client's
decision to purchase such securities must be independently reviewed by
Investment Personnel with no personal interest in that issuer.
9. Limited Investment Opportunities (e.g. private placements, hedge funds,
etc.). Covered Persons may not engage in a Limited Investment Opportunities
without first giving the Compliance Department a detailed written notification
describing the transaction and obtaining prior written permission from the
Compliance Department.
10. Excessive Short Term Trading in Funds. Employees are prohibited from
excessive short term trading of any mutual fund advised by Invesco Aim and are
subject to various limitations on the number of transactions as indicated in the
respective prospectus.
C. INVESCO LTD. SECURITIES
1. No Employee may effect short sales of Invesco Ltd. securities.
2. For all Covered Persons, transactions, including transfers by gift, in
Invesco Ltd. securities are subject to "black-out" periods established by
Invesco Ltd. and holding periods prescribed under the terms of the agreement or
program under which the securities were received. Non-company issued IVZ Ltd.
securities held in outside brokerage accounts are subject to the pre-clearance
requirements outlined in section II.A.
3. Holdings of Invesco Ltd. securities in Covered Persons accounts are subject
to the reporting requirements specified in Section II.A7 of this Code.
7
D. LIMITATIONS ON OTHER PERSONAL ACTIVITIES
1. Board of Directorships. Investment Personnel will not serve on the boards of
directors of either a publicly traded company or any other entity without prior
written permission from Invesco Aim's Compliance Department. If the directorship
is authorized, the individual will be isolated from others making investment
decisions concerning the particular company or entity as appropriate.
2. Gift Policy. Employees may not give or accept gifts or invitations of
entertainment that may be considered excessive either in dollar value or
frequency to avoid the appearance of any potential conflict of interest. Under
no circumstances may any employee give or accept cash or any possible cash
equivalent from a broker or vendor.
- INVITATIONS. Employees must report all entertainment with the
Compliance Department on a monthly basis. The requirement to
report monthly entertainment includes dinners or any other event
with the broker or vendor in attendance.
Examples of invitations that may be excessive in value include
Super Bowl tickets, tickets to All-Star games, hunting trips, or
ski trips. An occasional ticket to a sporting event, golf outing
or concert when accompanied by the broker or vendor may not be
excessive. In all cases, entertainment must be reported to the
Compliance Department.
Additionally, Employees may not reimburse brokers or vendors for
the cost of tickets that would be considered excessive or for
travel related expenses without approval of the Compliance
Department.
- All gifts given or received must be reported to the Compliance
Department on a monthly basis. Invesco Aim Employees are
prohibited from accepting or giving the following:
- single gifts valued in excess of $100; in any calendar year;
or
- gifts from one person or firm valued in excess of $100
during a calendar year period.
III. REPORTING OF POTENTIAL COMPLIANCE ISSUES
Invesco Aim has created several channels for Employees to raise compliance
issues and concerns on a confidential basis. An employee should first discuss a
compliance issue with their supervisor, department head or with anyone in the
Legal and Compliance Department. Human Resources matters should be directed to
the Human Resources Department, an additional anonymous vehicle for reporting
such concerns.
In the event that an employee does not feel comfortable discussing compliance
issues through normal channels, Invesco Aim has hired an Ombudsman to serve as a
resource to Employees.
8
Employees may convey concerns about business matters they believe implicate
matters of ethics or questionable practices to the Ombudsman at 1-888-388-2095.
Employees are encouraged to report these questionable practices so that Invesco
Aim, the Ombudsman or the Compliance Department has an opportunity to address
and resolve these issues before they become a more significant regulatory issue.
Invesco Ltd. and the AIM Funds Boards of Trustees have set up a 1-800 number for
employees to raise any concerns on an anonymous basis. This 1-800 number,
1-866-297-3627, appears on Invesco Aim's website. An outside vendor transcribes
the calls received on the 1-800 number and forwards the transcripts to the
chairman of the Audit Committee of the AIM Funds Boards of Trustees, Invesco
Aim's General Counsel, the Director of Invesco Aim's Fund Administration Group,
and to Invesco Ltd.
IV. ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
Invesco Aim will use reasonable due diligence and institute procedures
reasonably necessary to prevent violations of this Code.
No less frequently than annually, Invesco Aim will furnish to the Boards of
Trustees of the AIM Funds, or such committee as it may designate, a written
report that:
- describes significant issues arising under the Code since the last
report to the Boards of Trustees, including information about material
violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to material
violations; and
- certifies that the AIM Funds have adopted procedures reasonably
designed to prevent Covered Persons from violating the Code.
V. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a material violation of the Code, the Compliance Department
will notify Invesco Aim's Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The CCO will notify
the Internal Compliance Controls Committee of any material violations at the
next regularly scheduled meeting.
The Compliance Department will issue a letter of education to the Covered
Persons involved in violations of the Code that are determined to be inadvertent
or immaterial.
Invesco Aim may impose additional sanctions in the event of repeated violations
or violations that are determined to be material or not inadvertent, including
disgorgement of profits, a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of
employment.
VI. EXCEPTIONS TO THE CODE
Invesco Aim's Chief Compliance Officer (or designee), together with either one
of Invesco Aim's General Counsel, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Executive
Officer or Chairman, may grant an exception to any provision in this Code and
will report all such exceptions at the next Internal Controls Committee meeting.
VII. DEFINITIONS
9
- Invesco Aim Broker-dealer: Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.
- AIM Funds: Generally includes all funds advised or sub-advised by
Invesco AIM Advisors, Inc.
- Automatic Investment Plan: A program in which regular purchases or
sales are made automatically in or from investment accounts in
accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation, including
dividend reinvestment plans.
- Beneficial Ownership: As defined by Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("the '34 Act"). To have a
beneficial interest, Covered Persons must have a "direct or indirect
pecuniary interest," which is the opportunity to profit directly or
indirectly from a transaction in securities. Thus a Covered Person may
have Beneficial Ownership in securities held by members of their
immediate family sharing the same household (i.e. a spouse and
children) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other
arrangements.
- Client: Any account for which Invesco Aim is either the adviser or
sub-adviser.
- Control: As defined same meaning as under Section 2(a)(9) of the
Investment Company Act, as amended (the "Investment Company Act").
- Covered Person: Any full or part time Employee of Invesco Aim or the
AIM Funds; any full or part time Employee of any Invesco Aim
affiliates that, in connection with his or her duties, obtains or has
access to any information concerning recommendations being made by any
Invesco Aim entity to any of its Clients ("access persons"); and any
interested trustee or director of the AIM Funds.
- Covered Security : As defined in Section 2 (a)(36) of the Investment
Company Act and includes any AIM Fund or other Client that is advised
or sub-advised by Invesco Aim. An exchange traded funds (ETF) is
considered a Covered Security.
A Covered Security does not include the following:
- Direct obligations of the Government of the United States or its
agencies;
- Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial
paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including
repurchase agreements;
- Any open-end mutual fund not advised or sub-advised by Invesco
Aim.
- Employee: Any full or part time employee of Invesco Aim or the AIM
Funds, including any consultant or contractor who Invesco Aim's
Compliance Department determines to have access to information
regarding Invesco Aim's trading activity;
- Investment Personnel: Any employee who, in connection with
his/her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in
making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of
securities by the Client; and
10
- IT Personnel: Any employee that is designated to work in the
Information Technology Department; and
- Fund Account Personnel: Any employee that is designated to work
in either of the Fund Administration or Portfolio Administration
Groups.
- Full Service Brokerage Firm: A brokerage firm that provides a large
variety of services to its clients, including research and advice,
retirement planning, tax tips, and much more. It typically does not
include discount on-line brokerage firms with limited services.
- Independent Trustee: A trustee of a fund who is not an "interested
person" of the fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the
Investment Company Act;
- Initial Public Offering: An offering of securities registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which,
immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act for 1934.
- Private Securities Transaction: Any securities transaction outside the
regular course, or scope, of an associated person's employment with a
member, including, though not limited to, new offerings of securities
which are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
provided however that transactions subject to the notification
requirements of Rule 3050 of FINRA's NASD Conduct Rules, transactions
among immediate family members (as defined in the interpretation of
the Board of Governors on free-riding and withholding) for which no
associated person receives any selling compensation, and personal
transactions in investment company and variable annuity securities
shall be excluded.
11
EX-99.P2
24
h66495aexv99wp2.txt
EX-99.P2
(INVESCO LOGO)
INVESCO
CODE OF ETHICS
January 1, 2009
.
.
.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION ITEM PAGE
------- ---- ----
I. INTRODUCTION................................................... 2
II (A) STATEMENT OF FIDUCIARY PRINCIPLES.............................. 2
II (B) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS; REPORTING
OF VIOLATIONS.................................................. 2
III. LIMITS ON PERSONAL INVESTING................................... 3
A. PERSONAL INVESTING.......................................... 3
1 Pre-clearance of Personal Securities Transactions........ 3
- Blackout Period........................................ 3
- Investment Personnel................................... 3
- De Minimis Exemptions.................................. 4
2 Prohibition of Short-Term Trading Profits................ 4
3 Initial Public Offerings................................. 5
4 Prohibition of Short Sales by Investment Personnel....... 5
5 Restricted List Securities............................... 5
6 Brokerage Accounts....................................... 5
7 Reporting Requirements................................... 6
a. Initial Holdings Reports.............................. 6
b. Quarterly Transactions Reports........................ 6
c. Annual Holdings Reports............................... 7
d. Managed Accounts...................................... 7
e. Annual Certification.................................. 7
8 Private Securities Transactions.......................... 7
9 Limited Investment Opportunity........................... 8
10 Excessive Short-Term Trading in Funds.................... 8
B. INVESCO LTD. SECURITIES..................................... 8
C. LIMITATIONS ON OTHER PERSONAL ACTIVITIES.................... 8
1 Outside Business Activities.............................. 8
2 Gifts and Entertainment Policy........................... 8
- Entertainment.......................................... 9
- Gifts.................................................. 9
3 U.S. Department of Labor Reporting....................... 9
D. PARALLEL INVESTING PERMITTED................................ 10
IV. REPORTING OF POTENTIAL COMPLIANCE ISSUES....................... 10
V. ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE..................................... 10
VI. SANCTIONS...................................................... 10
VII. EXCEPTIONS TO THE CODE......................................... 11
VIII. DEFINITIONS.................................................... 11
IX. INVESCO LTD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES............................ 12
CODE OF ETHICS CONTACTS........................................ 13
CODE OF ETHICS
1
INVESCO
CODE OF ETHICS
(ORIGINALLY ADOPTED FEBRUARY 29, 2008; AMENDED EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009)
I. INTRODUCTION
Invesco(1) has a fiduciary relationship with respect to each portfolio under
management. The interests of Clients and of the shareholders of Invesco's
investment company Clients take precedence over the personal interests of
Invesco and Covered Persons (defined below). Capitalized terms used herein and
not otherwise defined are defined at the end of this document.
This Code of Ethics ("the Code") applies to all:
- Employees of Invesco; and
- Employees of any Invesco affiliate that, in connection with their
duties, obtain or are determined by the Compliance Department to have
access to, any information concerning recommendations being made by
any Invesco entity to any of its Clients.
II.(A) STATEMENT OF FIDUCIARY PRINCIPLES
The following fiduciary principles govern Covered Persons.
- the interests of Clients and shareholders of investment company
Clients must be placed first at all times and Covered Persons must not
take inappropriate advantage of their positions; and
- all personal securities transactions must be conducted consistent with
this Code and in a manner to avoid any abuse of an individual's
position of trust and responsibility. This Code is our effort to
address conflicts of interest that may arise in the ordinary course of
our business.
This Code does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest or to
ensure literal compliance with each of its specific provisions. It does not
necessarily shield Covered Persons from liability for personal trading or other
conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to Clients and shareholders of investment
company Clients.
II.(B) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS; REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS
All Invesco Employees are required to comply with applicable state and federal
securities laws, rules and regulations and this Code. Employees shall promptly
report any violations of laws or regulations or any provision of this Code of
which they become aware to Invesco's Chief Compliance Officer or his/her
designee. Additional methods of reporting potential violations or compliance
issues are described in Section IV of this Code under "Reporting of Potential
Compliance Issues."
----------
(1) Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term, "Invesco" shall include
the following registered investment advisers, each an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.: Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc., Invesco
Global Asset Management (N.A.), Inc., Invesco Private Capital, Inc.,
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and WL Ross & Company LLC.
CODE OF ETHICS
2
III. LIMITS ON PERSONAL INVESTING
A. PERSONAL INVESTING
1. Pre-clearance of Personal Security Transactions. All Covered
Persons must pre-clear all personal security transactions involving
Covered Securities with the Compliance Department using the automated
review system.
Covered Securities include but are not limited to all investments that
can be made by an Invesco entity for its Clients, including stocks,
bonds, municipal bonds, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and any of their
derivatives such as options.
Although AIM Funds are considered Covered Securities those that are
held by Employees at AIM Funds' transfer agent (AIM Funds' direct
accounts) or in the Invesco Ltd. 401(k) or Money Purchase plans
(excluding the State Street Mutual Fund Window), do not need to be
pre-cleared through the automated review system because compliance
monitoring for these plans is done through a separate process. AIM
Funds that are held in external brokerage accounts or in the State
Street Mutual Fund Window MUST be pre-cleared through the automated
review system. Please refer to section III.B for guidelines on Invesco
Ltd. securities.
Covered Securities do not include shares of money market funds,
government securities, certificates of deposit or shares of mutual
funds not advised by Invesco or Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc. ("Invesco
Aim"), an affiliate of Invesco. (Please refer to the "Definitions"
section of this Code for more information on the term, Covered
Security.)
If you are unclear about whether a proposed transaction involves a
Covered Security, contact the Compliance Department via email at
CodeofEthics(North America)@invesco.com or by phone at 1-877-331-CODE
[1-877-331-2633] prior to executing the transaction.
- ANY APPROVAL GRANTED TO A COVERED PERSON TO EXECUTE A PERSONAL
SECURITY TRANSACTION IS VALID FOR THAT BUSINESS DAY ONLY, EXCEPT
THAT IF APPROVAL IS GRANTED AFTER THE CLOSE OF TRADING DAY SUCH
APPROVAL IS GOOD THROUGH THE NEXT TRADING DAY.
The automated review system will review personal trade requests from
Covered Persons based on the following considerations:
- BLACKOUT PERIOD. Invesco does not permit Covered Persons to trade
in a Covered Security if a Client has executed a transaction in
the same security within:
- two trading days before or after the Covered Person's
request is received, or
- if there is a Client order on that security currently
with the trading desk.
For example, if a Client trades on a Monday, Covered Persons may
not be cleared to trade until Thursday.
- INVESTMENT PERSONNEL. Investment Personnel may not buy or sell a
Covered Security within three trading days before or after a
Client trades in that security.
CODE OF ETHICS
3
- DE MINIMIS EXEMPTIONS. The Compliance Department will apply the
following de minimis exceptions in granting pre-clearance when a
Client has recently traded or is trading in a security involved
in a Covered Person's proposed personal transaction:
- Equity de minimis exemptions.
- If a Covered Person does not have knowledge
of trading activity in a particular equity
security, he or she may execute up to 500
shares of such security in a rolling 30-day
period provided the issuer of such security
is included in the Russell 1000 Index.
- If a Covered Person does not have knowledge
of trading activity in a particular equity
security, he or she may execute up to 500
shares of such security in a rolling 30 day
period provided that there is no conflicting
client activity in that security on the
trading desk that exceeds 500 shares per
trading day.
- Fixed income de minimis exemption. If a Covered Person
does not have knowledge of trading activity in a
particular fixed income security he or she may execute
up to $100,000 of par value of such security in a
rolling 30-day period.
The automated review system will confirm that there is no activity
currently on the trading desk on the security involved in the proposed
personal transaction and check the portfolio accounting system to
verify that there have been no Client transactions for the requested
security within the last two trading days for all Covered Persons
except Investment Personnel for whom the blackout period is the last
three trading days. For Investments, Portfolio Administration and IT
personnel, the Compliance Department will also check the trading
activity of affiliates with respect to which such personnel have
access to transactional information to verify that there have been no
Client transactions in the requested security within the last three
trading days. The Compliance Department will notify the Covered Person
of the approval or denial of the proposed personal transaction. The
approval of a personal securities transaction request is only valid
for that business day. If a Covered Person does not execute the
proposed securities transaction on the business day the approval is
granted, the Covered Person must resubmit the request on another day
for approval.
Any failure to pre-clear transactions is a violation of the Code and
will be subject to the following potential sanctions:
- A Letter of Education will be provided to any Covered Person
whose failure to pre-clear is considered immaterial or
inadvertent.
- Repeat violations may result in in-person training, probation,
withdrawal of personal trading privileges or employment
termination, depending on the nature and severity of the
violations.
2. Prohibition of Short-Term Trading Profits. Covered Persons are
prohibited from engaging in the purchase and sale, or short sale and
cover of the same Covered Security within 60 days at a profit. If a
Covered Person trades a Covered Security within the 60 day time frame,
any profit
CODE OF ETHICS
4
from the trade will be disgorged to a charity of Invesco's choice and
a letter of education may be issued to the Covered Person.
3. Initial Public Offerings. Covered Persons are prohibited from
acquiring any security in an equity Initial Public Offering.
Exceptions will only be granted in unusual circumstances and must be
recommended by the Compliance Department and approved by the Chief
Compliance Officer or General Counsel (or designee) and the Chief
Investment Officer (or designee) of the Covered Person's business
unit.
4. Prohibition of Short Sales by Investment Personnel. Investment
Personnel are prohibited from effecting short sales of Covered
Securities in their personal accounts if an Invesco Client for whose
account they have investment management responsibility has a long
position in those Securities.
5. Restricted List Securities. Employees requesting pre-clearance to
buy or sell a security on the Restricted List may be restricted from
executing the trade because of potential conflicts of interest.
6. Brokerage Accounts. Covered Persons may only maintain brokerage
accounts with
- discount broker-dealers that provide electronic feeds of
confirmations and monthly statements directly to the
Compliance Department,
- Invesco-affiliated Broker-dealers, or
- full service broker-dealers. Covered Persons may own shares
of AIM Funds that are held at a non-Invesco affiliated
broker-dealer only if the broker-dealer provides an
electronic feed of all transactions and statements to
Invesco's Compliance Department. All Covered Persons must
arrange for their broker-dealers to forward to the
Compliance Department on a timely basis duplicate
confirmations of all personal securities transactions and
copies of periodic statements for all brokerage accounts, in
an electronic format if they include holdings in AIM Funds
and preferably in an electronic format for holdings other
than AIM Funds.
As a result, existing Covered Persons must move any existing
brokerage accounts that do not comply with the above
provision as of the date of this Code to appropriate
broker-dealers within six months of the effective date of
this Code and every person who becomes a Covered Person
under this Code subsequent to the effective date must move
all of their brokerage accounts that do not comply with the
above provision of the Code within thirty (30) days from the
date the Covered Person becomes subject to this Code.
Please refer to the following link in the Invesco Ltd.'s
intranet site for a list of broker-dealers that currently
provide electronic transaction and statement feeds to
Invesco:
http://sharepoint/sites/Compliance-COE-
NA/Training/Documents/Approved%20Discount%20Broker%20List
%20_2_.pdf
CODE OF ETHICS
5
7. Reporting Requirements.
a. INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORTS. Within 10 days of becoming a Covered
Person, each Covered Person must complete an Initial Holdings
Report by inputting into the electronic review system, STAR
Compliance, the following information (the information must be
current within 45 days of the date the person becomes a Covered
Person):
- A list of all security holdings, including the name,
number of shares (for equities) and the principal
amount (for debt securities) in which the person has
direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership;
- The name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the
person maintains an account in which any securities are
held for the direct or indirect benefit of the person;
and
- The date that the report is submitted by the Covered
Person.
b. QUARTERLY TRANSACTIONS REPORTS. All Covered Persons must
report, no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar
quarter, the following information for all transactions in a
Covered Security in which a Covered Person has a direct or
indirect Beneficial Interest: This includes any Covered
Securities held in a 401(k) or other retirement vehicle,
including plans sponsored by Invesco or its affiliates:
- The date of all transactions in that quarter, the
security name, the number of shares (for equity
securities); or the interest rate and maturity date (if
applicable) and the principal amount (for debt
securities) for each Covered Security;
- The nature of the transaction (buy, sell, etc.);
- The price of the Covered Security at which the
transaction was executed;
- The name of the broker-dealer or bank executing the
transaction; and
- The date that the report is submitted to the Compliance
Department.
ALL COVERED PERSONS MUST SUBMIT A QUARTERLY TRANSACTION REPORT
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY EXECUTED TRANSACTIONS DURING THE
QUARTER OR NOT. If a Covered Person did not execute transactions
subject to reporting requirements during a quarter, the Report
must include a representation to that effect. Covered Persons
need not include transactions made through an Automatic
Investment Plan, Dividend Reinvestment Plan or similar plans in
the quarterly transaction report.
Additionally, Covered Persons must report information on any new
brokerage account established by the Covered Person during the
quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Covered Person
(including Covered Securities held in a 401(k) or other
retirement vehicle, including plans sponsored by Invesco or its
affiliates). The report shall include:
- The date the account was established;
CODE OF ETHICS
6
- The name of the broker-dealer or bank; and
- The date that the report is submitted to the Compliance
Department.
The Compliance Department may identify transactions by Covered
Persons that technically comply with the Code for review based on
any pattern of activity that has an appearance of a conflict of
interest.
c. ANNUAL HOLDINGS REPORTS. All Covered Persons must report
annually the following information, which must be current within
45 days of the date the report is submitted to the Compliance
Department:
- The security and the number of shares (for equities) or the
interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and
principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered
Security in which the Covered Person has any direct or
indirect Beneficial Ownership;
- The name of the broker-dealer or bank with or through which
the transaction was effected; and
- The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person
to the Compliance Department.
d. MANAGED ACCOUNTS. Covered Persons must make an annual report
with respect to transactions held in an account over which the
Covered Person has granted exclusive discretion to a professional
money manager or other third party. Covered Persons must receive
approval from the Compliance Department to establish and maintain
such an account and must provide written evidence that exclusive
discretion over the account has been turned over to a
professional money manager or other third party. Covered Persons
are not required to pre-clear or list transactions for such
managed accounts in the automated review system; however, Covered
Persons with these types of accounts must provide an annual
certification that they do not exercise direct or indirect
Control over the managed accounts.
e. ANNUAL CERTIFICATION. All Covered Persons must certify
annually that they have read and understand the Code and
recognize that they are subject to the Code. In addition, all
Covered Persons must certify annually that they have complied
with the requirements of the Code and that they have disclosed or
reported all personal securities transactions required to be
disclosed or reported under the Code. The Invesco Risk Management
Committee will review and approve the Code annually.
8. Private Securities Transactions. Covered Persons may not engage in
a Private Securities Transaction without first giving the Compliance
Department a detailed written notification describing the transaction
and indicating whether or not they will receive compensation and
obtaining prior written permission from the Compliance Department.
Investment Personnel who have been approved to acquire securities of
an issuer in a Private Securities Transaction must disclose that
investment to the Compliance Department and the Chief Investment
Officer of the Investment Personnel's Invesco business unit when they
are involved in a Client's subsequent consideration of an investment
in the same issuer. The business unit's decision to
CODE OF ETHICS
7
purchase such securities on behalf of Client account must be
independently reviewed by Investment Personnel with no personal
interest in that issuer.
9. Limited Investment Opportunity (e.g. private placements, hedge
funds, etc.). Covered Persons may not engage in a Limited Investment
Opportunity without first giving the Compliance Department a detailed
written notification describing the transaction and obtaining prior
written permission from the Compliance Department.
10. Excessive Short Term Trading in Funds. Employees are prohibited
from excessive short term trading of any mutual fund advised or
sub-advised by Invesco or Invesco Aim and are subject to various
limitations on the number of transactions as indicated in the
respective prospectus and other fund disclosure documents.
B. INVESCO LTD. SECURITIES
1. No Employee may effect short sales of Invesco Ltd.
securities.
2. For all Covered Persons, transactions, including transfers
by gift, in Invesco Ltd. securities are subject to pre-
clearance regardless of the size of the transaction, and are
subject to "black-out" periods established by Invesco Ltd.
and holding periods prescribed under the terms of the
agreement or program under which the securities were
received.
3. Holdings of Invesco Ltd. securities in Covered Persons
accounts are subject to the reporting requirements specified
in Section III.A.7 of this Code.
C. LIMITATIONS ON OTHER PERSONAL ACTIVITIES
1. Outside Business Activities. Absent prior written approval of the
Compliance Department, Employees may not serve as directors, officers
or employees of unaffiliated public or private companies, whether for
profit or non-profit. If the outside business activity is approved,
the Employee must recuse himself or herself from making Client
investment decisions concerning the particular company or issuer as
appropriate, provided that this recusal requirement shall not apply
with respect to certain Invesco Employees, primarily those associated
with WL Ross & Co. LLC or Invesco Private Capital, Inc., who may serve
on corporate boards as a result of, or in connection with, Client
investments made in those companies. Employees must always comply with
all applicable Invesco policies and procedures, including those
prohibiting the use of material non-public information in Client or
employee personal trades.
2. Gift and Entertainment Policy. Employees may not give or accept
Gifts or Entertainment that may be considered excessive either in
dollar value or frequency to avoid the appearance of any potential
conflict of interest. Under no circumstances may an Employee give or
accept cash or any possible cash equivalent from a broker or vendor.
An Employee may not provide or receive any Gift or Entertainment that
is conditioned upon Invesco, its parents or affiliates doing business
with the other entity or person involved.
- ENTERTAINMENT. Employees must report Entertainment with the
Compliance Department within thirty (30) calendar days after
the receipt or giving by submitting a Gift Report
CODE OF ETHICS
8
within the automated review system. The requirement to
report Entertainment includes dinners or any other event
with an Invesco Business Partner in attendance.
Examples of Entertainment that may be excessive in value
include Super Bowl tickets, tickets to All-Star games,
hunting trips, or ski trips. An occasional ticket to a
sporting event, golf outing or concert when accompanied by
the Business Partner may not be excessive.
Additionally, Employees may not reimburse Business Partners
for the cost of tickets that would be considered excessive
or for travel related expenses without approval of the
Compliance Department.
- GIFTS. All Gifts given or received must be reported to the
Compliance Department within thirty (30) calendar days after
the receipt or giving by submitting a Gift Report within the
automated review system. Employees are prohibited from
accepting or giving the following:
- single Gifts valued in excess of $100 in any calendar
year; or
- Gifts from one person or firm valued in excess of $100
during a calendar year period.
3. US Department of Labor Reporting: Under current US Department of
Labor (DOL) Regulations, Invesco is required to disclose to the DOL
certain specified financial dealings with a union or officer, agent,
shop steward, employee, or other representative of a union
(collectively referred to as "union officials"). Under the
Regulations, practically any gift or entertainment furnished by
Invesco Employees to a union or union official is considered a payment
reportable to the DOL.
Although the Regulations provide for a de minimis exemption from the
reporting requirements for payments made to a union or union official
which do not exceed $250 a year, that threshold applies to all of
Invesco's Employees in the aggregate with respect to each union or
union official. Therefore, it is Invesco's policy to require that ALL
gifts or entertainment furnished by Employee be reported to Invesco
using the Invesco Finance Department's expense tracking application,
Oracle E-Business Suite or any other application deployed for that
purpose which has the capability to capture all the required details
of the payment. Such details include the name of the recipient, union
affiliation, address, amount of payment, date of payment, purpose and
circumstance of payment, including the terms of any oral agreement or
understanding pursuant to which the payment was made.
Invesco is obligated to reports on an annual basis all payments,
subject to the de minimis exemption, to the DOL on Form LM-10 Employer
Report.
If you have any question whether a payment to a union or union
official is reportable, please contact the Compliance Department. A
failure to report a payment required to be disclosed will be
considered a material violation of this Code. The DOL also requires
all unions and union officials to report payments they receive from
entities such as Invesco and their Employees.
CODE OF ETHICS
9
D. PARALLEL INVESTING PERMITTED
Subject to the provisions of this Code, Employees may invest in or own the same
securities as those acquired or sold by Invesco for its Clients.
IV. REPORTING OF POTENTIAL COMPLIANCE ISSUES
Invesco has created several channels for Employees to raise compliance issues
and concerns on a confidential basis. An Employee should first discuss a
compliance issue with their supervisor, department head or with Invesco's
General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer. Human Resources matters should be
directed to the Human Resources Department, an additional anonymous vehicle for
reporting such concerns.
In the event that an Employee does not feel comfortable discussing compliance
issues through normal channels, the Employee may anonymously report suspected
violations of law or Invesco policy, including this Code, by calling the
toll-free Invesco Compliance Reporting Line, 1-866-297-3627 which is available
to employees of multiple operating units of Invesco Ltd. When you dial this
number and you are asked for your name, use "Invesco." To ensure your
confidentiality, this phone line is provided by an independent company. It is
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls to the Compliance Reporting
Line will be reviewed and handled in a prompt, fair and discreet manner.
Employees are encouraged to report these questionable practices so that Invesco
has an opportunity to address and resolve these issues before they become more
significant regulatory or legal issues.
V. ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
Invesco has used reasonable diligence to institute procedures reasonably
necessary to prevent violations of this Code.
No less frequently than annually, Invesco will furnish to the Invesco Risk
Management Committee (RMC), or such committee as it may designate, a written
report that:
- describes significant issues arising under the Code since the last
report to the RMC, including information about material violations of
the Code and sanctions imposed in response to material violations; and
- certifies that the Invesco has adopted procedures reasonably designed
to prevent Covered Persons from violating the Code.
VI. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a material violation of the Code, the Compliance Department
will notify Invesco's Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The CCO will notify the
RMC of any material violations at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
The Compliance Department will issue a letter of education to the Covered
Persons involved in violations of the Code that are determined to be inadvertent
or immaterial.
Invesco may impose additional sanctions in the event of repeated violations or
violations that are determined to be material or not inadvertent, including
disgorgement of profits, a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of
employment.
CODE OF ETHICS
10
VII. EXCEPTIONS TO THE CODE
Invesco's Chief Compliance Officer (or designee) may grant an exception to any
provision in this Code and will report all such exceptions at the next RMC
meeting.
VIII. DEFINITIONS
- "AIM Funds" generally includes all mutual funds advised or sub-advised
by Invesco Aim.
- "Automatic Investment Plan" means a program in which regular purchases
or sales are made automatically in or from investment accounts in
accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation, including
dividend reinvestment plans.
- "Beneficial Ownership" has the same meaning as Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("the '34 Act"). To
have a beneficial interest, Covered Persons must have a "direct or
indirect pecuniary interest," which is the opportunity to profit
directly or indirectly from a transaction in securities. Thus a
Covered Person may have Beneficial Ownership in securities held by
members of their immediate family sharing the same household (i.e. a
spouse and children) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations,
or other arrangements.
- "Client" means any account for which Invesco is either the adviser or
sub-adviser.
- "Control" has the same meaning as under Section 2(a)(9) of the
Investment Company Act, as amended (the "Investment Company Act").
- "Covered Person" means any director, officer, full or part time
Employee of Invesco or any full or part time Employee of any Invesco
affiliates that, in connection with his or her duties, obtains or has
access to any information concerning investment recommendations being
made by any Invesco entity to any of its Clients. The term, "Covered
Person" shall include all Employees of Invesco Ltd located in the
United States who are not covered by the Code of Ethics of a
registered investment advisory affiliate of Invesco Ltd.
- "Covered Security" has the same meaning as Section 2(a)(36) of the
Investment Company Act except that it shall not include shares of any
registered open-end investment company (mutual funds), except AIM
Funds, not advised or sub-advised by Invesco. All AIM Funds shall be
considered Covered Securities regardless of whether they are advised
or sub-advised by Invesco. An exchange traded funds (ETF) is
considered a Covered Security. A Covered Security does not include the
following:
- Direct obligations of the Government of the United States or its
agencies;
- Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial
paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including
repurchase agreements;
- Any open-end mutual fund, except AIM Funds, not advised or
sub-advised by Invesco; and
- Invesco Ltd. stock because it is subject to the provisions of
Invesco Ltd.'s Code of Conduct. Notwithstanding this exception,
transactions in Invesco Ltd. securities are
CODE OF ETHICS
11
subject to all the pre-clearance and reporting requirements
outlined in other provisions of this Code and any other corporate
guidelines issued by Invesco Ltd.
- "Employee" means any full or part time Employee of Invesco, including
any consultant or contractor who Invesco's Compliance Department
determines to have access to information regarding Invesco's trading
activity.
- "Investment Personnel" means any Employee who, in connection with
his/her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in
making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of
securities by the Client.
- "IT Personnel" means any Employee that is designated to work in
the Information Technology Department.
- "Gifts", "Entertainment" and "Business Partner" have the same meaning
as provided in the Invesco Ltd. Gifts and Entertainment Policy.
- "Initial Public Offering" means an offering of securities registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which,
immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the '34 Act.
- "Invesco-affiliated Broker-dealer" means Invesco Aim Distributors,
Inc. or its successors.
- "Private Securities Transaction" means any securities transaction
relating to new offerings of securities which are not registered with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, provided however that
transactions subject to the notification requirements of Rule 3050 of
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's (FINRA) Conduct Rules,
transactions among immediate family members (as defined in the
interpretation of the Board of Governors on free-riding and
withholding) for which no associated person receives any selling
compensation, and personal transactions in investment company and
variable annuity securities shall be excluded.
- "Restricted List Securities" means the list of securities that are
provided to Compliance Department by Invesco Ltd or investment
departments, which include those securities that are restricted from
purchase or sale by Client or Employee accounts for various reasons
(e.g., large concentrated ownership positions that may trigger
reporting or other securities regulatory issues, or possession of
material, non-public information, or existence of corporate
transaction in the issuer involving an Invesco unit).
IX. INVESCO LTD. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
All Employees are subject to the policies and procedures established by Invesco
Ltd., including the Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct and must abide by all their
requirements, provided that where there is a conflict between a minimal standard
established by an Invesco Ltd. policy and the standards established by an
Invesco policy, including this Code, the latter shall supersede.
CODE OF ETHICS
12
CODE OF ETHICS CONTACTS
- TELEPHONE HOTLINE: 1-877-331-CODE [2633]
- E-MAIL: CODEOFETHICS(NORTH AMERICA)@INVESCO.COM
Last Revised: December 10, 2008
CODE OF ETHICS
13
EX-99.P3
25
h66495aexv99wp3.txt
EX-99.P3
INVESCO UK & IRELAND
CODE OF ETHICS
Page 1 of 34
THIS REVISED CODE OF ETHICS POLICY ('THE CODE') APPLIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES OF ALL
ENTITIES OF INVESCO UK AND IRELAND ("INVESCO"). IT COVERS THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:
- PROHIBITIONS RELATED TO MATERIAL, NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION;
- PERSONAL SECURITIES INVESTING;
- SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR AND OTHER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES;
- GIFTS, BENEFITS AND ENTERTAINING POLICY;
- CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY; AND
- TREATING CUSTOMERS FAIRLY.
THIS CODE ALSO IMPOSES ON EMPLOYEES CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS AND REPORTING
OBLIGATIONS WHICH ARE SPECIFIED BELOW. ADHERENCE TO THIS CODE, BOTH LETTER AND
SPIRIT, IS A FUNDAMENTAL AND ABSOLUTE CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT WITH INVESCO.
It is appreciated that no Code of Ethics can address every circumstance that may
give rise to a conflict, a potential conflict or an appearance of a conflict of
interest. Every employee should be alert to any actual, potential or appearance
of a conflict of interest with Invesco's clients and to conduct himself or
herself with good judgment. Failure to exercise good judgment, as well as
violations of this Code, may result in the imposition of sanctions on the
employee, including suspension or dismissal.
1 STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1.1 As a fiduciary, Invesco owes an undivided duty of loyalty to its
clients. It is Invesco's policy that all employees conduct themselves
so as to avoid not only actual conflicts of interest with Invesco
clients, but also that they refrain from conduct which could give rise
to the appearance of a conflict of interest that may compromise the
trust our clients have placed in us. A copy of Invesco's Conflicts of
Interest Policy is included as Appendix G.
1.2 The Code is designed to ensure, among other things, that the personal
securities transactions of all employees are conducted in accordance
with the following general principles:
1.2.1 A duty at all times to place the interests of Invesco's clients
first and foremost;
1.2.2 The requirement that all personal securities transactions be
conducted in a manner consistent with this Code and in such a
manner as to avoid any actual, potential or appearance of a
conflict of interest or any abuse of an employee's position of
trust and responsibility; and
1.2.3 The requirement that employees should not take inappropriate
advantage of their positions.
1.3 Invesco's policy is to avoid conflicts of interest and, where they
unavoidably occur, to resolve them in a manner that clearly places our
clients' interests first.
1.4 No employee should have ownership in or other interest in or
employment by any outside concern which does business with Invesco
Ltd. This does not apply to stock or other investments in a publicly
held company, provided that the stock and other investments do not, in
the aggregate, exceed 5% of the outstanding ownership interests of
such company. Invesco Ltd may, following a review of the relevant
facts, permit ownership interests which exceed these amounts if
management or the Board of Directors, as appropriate, concludes that
such ownership interests will not adversely affect Invesco's business
interests or the judgment of the affected staff. (Please see Invesco
Ltd's Code of Conduct).
Page 2 of 34
2 MATERIAL, NONPUBLIC INFORMATION
2.1 RESTRICTION ON TRADING OR RECOMMENDING TRADING Each employee is
reminded that it constitutes a violation of law and/or Market Abuse
regulations for any person to trade in or recommend trading in the
securities of a company while in possession of material, non-public
information concerning that company, or to disclose such information
to any person not entitled to receive it if there is reason to believe
that such information will be used in connection with a trade in the
securities of that company. Violations of law and regulations may give
rise to civil as well as criminal liability, including the imposition
of monetary penalties or prison sentences upon the individuals
involved. Tippees (ie, persons who receive material, nonpublic
information) also may be held liable if they trade or if they do not
trade but pass along such information to others who will most likely
trade on such information.
2.2 WHAT IS MATERIAL, NONPUBLIC INFORMATION? 'MATERIAL INFORMATION' is any
information about a company which, if disclosed, is likely to affect
the market price of the company's securities or to be considered
important by an average investor in deciding whether to purchase or
sell those securities. Examples of information which should be
presumed to be "material" are matters such as dividend increases or
decreases, earnings estimates by the company, changes in the company's
previously released earnings estimates, significant new products or
discoveries, major litigation by or against the company, liquidity or
solvency problems, extraordinary management developments, significant
merger or acquisition proposals, or similar major events which would
be viewed as having materially altered the "total mix" of information
available regarding the company or the market for any of its
securities. Further examples can be found in the FSA Market Abuse
Handbook.
2.3 'NONPUBLIC INFORMATION', often referred to as 'inside information,' is
information that has not yet been publicly disclosed. Information
about a company is considered to be nonpublic information if it is
received under circumstances which indicate that it is not yet in
general circulation and that such information may be attributable,
directly or indirectly, to the company or its insiders, or that the
recipient knows to have been furnished by someone in breach of a
fiduciary obligation. Courts have held that fiduciary relationships
exist between a company and another party in a broad variety of
situations involving a relationship between a company and its lawyers,
investment bankers, financial printers, employees, technical advisors
and others.
2.4 Information should not be considered to have been publicly disclosed
until a reasonable time after it has been made public (for example, by
a press release). Someone with access to inside information may not
"beat the market" by trading simultaneously with, or immediately
after, the official release of material information.
2.5 The responsibility of ensuring that the proposed transaction does not
constitute insider dealing or a conflict with the interests of a
client remains with the relevant employee and obtaining pre-clearance
to enter into a transaction under Section 3.3 below does not absolve
that responsibility.
2.6 Invesco is in a unique position, being privy to market research and
rumours and being privy also to information about its clients which
may be public companies. Invesco employees must be aware and vigilant
to ensure that they cannot be accused of being a party of any 'insider
dealing' or market abuse situations.
2.7 In particular, the following investment activities must not be entered
into without carefully ensuring that there are no implications of
insider trading:
2.7.1 Trading in shares for a client in any other client of Invesco
which is quoted on a recognised stock exchange.
2.7.2 Trading in shares for a client in a quoted company where
Invesco:
i) obtains information in any official capacity which may be
price sensitive and has not been made available to the
general public.
Page 3 of 34
ii) obtains any other information which can be substantiated
in connection with a quoted company which is also both
price sensitive and has not been made available to the
general public.
2.7.3 Manipulation of the market through the release of information
to regular market users which is false or misleading about a
company.
2.7.4 Release of information about a company that would have the
effect of distorting the market in such a way to be considered
market abuse.
2.8 REPORTING REQUIREMENT. Whenever an employee believes that he or she
may have come into possession of material, non-public information
about a public company, he or she personally must immediately notify
the Compliance Department and should not discuss such information with
anyone else including Invesco employees and should not engage in
transactions for himself or others, including Invesco clients.
2.9 Upon receipt of such information the Compliance Department will
include the company name on a `Black list' or 'Restricted list' of
which no transactions may be entered into. This list will be advised
to the Equity dealing desk and no discussion will be entered into.
2.10 CONFIDENTIALITY. No information regarding the affairs of any client of
Invesco may be passed to anyone outside Invesco unless specifically
requested by law, regulation or court order. In any event, the
Compliance and Legal Department must be consulted prior to furnishing
such information.
2.11 SANCTIONS. Any employee who knowingly trades or recommends trading
while in possession of material, non-public information may be subject
to civil and criminal penalties, as well as to immediate suspension
and/or dismissal from Invesco.
3 PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES, PRE-CLEARANCE AND PRE-NOTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
3.1 TRANSACTIONS COVERED BY THIS CODE All transactions by employees in
investments made for Covered Accounts are subject to the pre-clearance
procedures, trading restrictions, pre-notification and reporting
requirements described below, unless otherwise indicated. For a
listing of the employee and other accounts subject to these
restrictions and requirements ("Covered Accounts"), see Appendix A.
3.2 TRANSACTIONS IN THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENTS ("EXEMPT INVESTMENTS") ARE
NOT SUBJECT TO THE TRADING RESTRICTIONS OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THIS
CODE AND NEED NOT BE PRE-CLEARED, PRE-NOTIFIED OR REPORTED:
3.2.1 Registered UNAFFILIATED (e.g. Schroders) open ended Collective
Investment Schemes [CIS] including; mutual funds, open-ended
investment companies/ICVCs or unit trusts - but not closed-end
funds, e.g. Investment Trusts; and
3.2.2 Securities which are direct obligations of an OECD country (eg
US Treasury's).
TRANSACTIONS WHICH REQUIRE PRE CLEARANCE OR PRE NOTIFICATION
3.3 PRE-CLEARANCE
3.3.1 Prior to entering an order for a Securities Transaction in a
Covered Account, the employee must complete a Trade
Authorisation Form set forth in Appendix C (also found on the
Compliance intranet site) and submit the completed form
electronically to the UK Equity Dealers by e-mail to Investment
Dealers.
The Trade Authorisation Form requires employees to provide
certain information and to make certain representations in
connection with the specific securities transaction(s).
Page 4 of 34
3.3.2 After receiving the completed Trade Authorisation Form, UK
Equity Dealers will review the information set forth in the
form and, as soon as practicable, will determine whether to
clear the proposed Securities Transaction, subject to local
requirements.
3.3.3 Once UK Equity Dealers have authorised the transaction, it is
passed electronically to Compliance to complete the
authorisation process - again this is conducted electronically
by e-mail. UK Equity Dealers will forward the authorised Form
to *UK- Compliance Personal Share Dealing, who will then check
the proposed transaction against the significant holdings/block
list to ascertain whether or not the security in question has
been blocked.
3.3.4 If satisfactory, then the Form will be authorised by Compliance
and confirmation returned by e-mail to the individual, who will
then be at liberty to deal through his or her broker within the
designated timescales.
3.3.5 No order for a Securities Transaction for which pre-clearance
authorisation is sought may be placed prior to the receipt of
authorisation of the transaction by both the UK Equity Dealers
and Compliance. The authorisation and date and time of the
authorisation must be reflected on the Trade Authorisation Form
(see Appendix C). The original of the completed form will be
kept as part of Invesco's books and records, and matched to the
copy contract note that the member of staff must ensure is sent
by their broker to Invesco.
3.3.6 If an employee receives permission to trade a security or
instrument, the trade must be executed by the close of business
on the next business day, unless the local Compliance Officer's
authorisation to extend this period has been obtained.
3.3.7 For any transaction to buy or sell Invesco Limited ordinary
shares pre clearance needs only to be sought from Compliance.
The trade authorisation form which should be completed in the
way detailed above and sent to *UK- Compliance Personal Share
Dealing.
Page 5 of 34
3.4 PRE-NOTIFICATION
3.4.1 Transactions to buy or sell Venture Capital Trust ordinary
securities or to buy, sell, switch or transfer holdings in UK
ICVCs or other affiliated schemes are subject to
pre-notification directly to the Compliance Department
regardless of whether the order is placed directly or through a
broker/adviser. The employee must complete the relevant
sections of the Trade Authorisation Form which can be found in
Appendix C (and on the Compliance intranet site) and send it by
e-mail to *UK- Compliance Personal Share Dealing. Transactions
are subject to the 60 day holding period requirements.
3.4.2 It will be necessary to send copies of contract notes to the
Compliance Department. This must be done within 7 days of the
transaction.
3.5 TRANSACTIONS THAT DO NOT NEED TO BE PRE-CLEARED BUT MUST BE REPORTED.
The pre-clearance requirements (and the trading restrictions on
personal investing described below) do not apply to the following
transactions:
3.5.1 Discretionary Accounts. Transactions effected in any Covered
Account over which the employee has no direct or indirect
influence or control (a "Discretionary Account"). An employee
shall be deemed to have "no direct or indirect influence or
control" over an account only if all of the following
conditions are met:
i) investment discretion for such account has been delegated
in writing to an independent fiduciary and such investment
discretion is not shared with the employee, or decisions
for the account are made by a family member or significant
other and not by, or in connection with, the employee;
ii) the employee (and, where applicable, the family member or
significant other) certifies in writing that he or she has
not and will not discuss any potential investment
decisions with such independent fiduciary or household
member; and
iii) the Compliance Department has determined that the account
satisfies the foregoing requirements.
3.5.2 Governmental Issues Investments in the debt obligations of
Federal agencies or of state and municipal governments or
agencies, (eg Essex Council Electricity Bond).
3.5.3 Non-Volitional Trades Transactions which are non-volitional on
the part of the employee (such as the receipt of securities
pursuant to a stock dividend or merger).
3.5.4 Automatic Transactions Purchases of the stock of a company
pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or an
employee stock purchase plan sponsored by such company.
3.5.5 Rights Offerings Receipt or exercise of rights issued by a
company on a pro rata basis to all holders of a class of
security. Employees must, however, pre-clear transactions for
the acquisition of such rights from a third party or the
disposition of such rights.
3.5.6 Interests in Securities comprising part of a broad-based,
publicly traded market basket or index of stocks, eg S & P 500
Index, FTSE 100, DAX.
3.5.7 Non-Executive Director's transactions Transactions in
securities, except for Invesco Ltd shares and/or UK Investment
Trusts managed by Invesco, by non-executive Directors.
3.5.8 Note that all of the transactions described in paragraphs
3.4.1. to 3.4.8 while not subject to pre-clearance are
nevertheless subject to all of the reporting requirements set
forth below in paragraph 7.3.
4 TRADE RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTING
Page 6 of 34
4.1 All transactions in Covered Accounts which are subject to the
preclearance requirements specified in this Code are also subject to
the following trading restrictions:
4.1.1 BLACKOUT RESTRICTIONS Transactions in Covered Accounts
generally will not be permitted during a specific period before
and after a client account trades in the same security or
instrument.
4.1.2 BLACKOUT PERIODS An employee may not buy or sell, or permit any
Covered Account to buy or sell, a security or any instrument:
i) within THREE business days before or after the day on
which any client account trades in the same security or
instrument or in a security convertible into or
exchangeable for such security or instrument (including
options) on transactions other than those covered under
the paragraph below, or
ii) within TWO business days before or after the day on which
a pro rata "strip" trade, which includes such security, is
made for the purpose of rebalancing client accounts.
4.1.3 Blackout periods will no longer apply to equity transactions in
"main index" constituents, i.e. FTSE 100, Dow Jones, etc,
subject to a cost and proceeds limit of L25,000 per
transaction. Normal blackout conditions will apply to
transactions outside of these criteria. If in any doubt please
consult your local Compliance Officer. On a case by case basis
and at the discretion of the Compliance Officer in consultation
with the Chief Investment Officer, this limit may be relaxed.
4.1.4 Trades effected by Invesco for the account of an index fund it
manages in the ordinary course of such fund's investment
activity will not trigger the blackout period. However, the
addition or removal of a security from an index, thereby
triggering an index fund trade, would cause employee trades in
such security to be blacked-out for the seven prior and
subsequent calendar days, as described above.
4.1.5 In the event there is a trade in a client account in the same
security or instrument within a blackout period, the employee
may be required to close out the position and to disgorge any
profit to a charitable organisation chosen by the local Board
of Directors; provided, however, that if an employee has
obtained preclearance for a transaction and a subsequent client
trade occurs within the blackout period, the Chief Executive
Officer in consultation with the Compliance Officer, upon a
demonstration of hardship or extraordinary circumstances, may
determine to review the application of the disgorgement policy
to such transaction and may select to impose alternative
restrictions on the employee's position. The disgorgement of
profits will only apply if the total profit exceeds L100 within
the blackout period.
4.1.6 INVESCO LTD SHARES Pre-clearance is also required to buy or
sell Invesco Ltd Shares. Permission will not be given during a'
closed period' i.e., two months before the half year and year
end results, one month before the first and third quarters
results, are announced.
A "closed period" is defined by the rules as the period of two
months prior to the announcement of the year end results and
the period of one month prior to the announcement of the
interim and quarterly results. The closed period may be shorter
depending on when the results are announced but cannot start
until the end of the relevant reporting period.
Full details of the Invesco stock transaction Pre-Clearance
Guide and restrictions for all employees of Invesco can be
found in Appendix F.
4.1.7 INVESCO INVESTMENT TRUSTS Staff dealing in Invesco Investment
Trusts will also be subject to closed periods as dictated by
each of the Trusts.
Page 7 of 34
4.1.8 UK ICVCS and other affiliated schemes will be subject to the
Short Term Trading restrictions (60 day rule - see 4.1.9). The
preferential rate of sales commission allowed to staff will be
withdrawn in circumstances where it is apparent that the
employee has traded on a short term basis in those shares/units
i.e. where previous transactions by that person have resulted
in the short term holding of those investments. Shares/Units of
UK ICVCs and affiliated schemes will not be accepted for
redemption if the funds themselves are closed for redemption
due to the effects of subsequent market or currency movements.
4.1.9 SHORT TERM TRADING PROFITS It is Invesco's policy to restrict
the ability of employees to benefit from short-term trading in
securities and instruments. Employees must disgorge profits
made on the sale by an employee of any security or instrument
held less than 60 days and will not be permitted to purchase
any security or instrument that has been sold by such employee
within the prior 60 days. Employees are required to disgorge
profits made on the sale in a Covered Account within the 60
days period. Exceptions may be granted by the Compliance
Department on a case by case basis. This policy applies to
trading in all types of securities and instruments, except
where in a particular case the local Compliance Officer in
consultation with the Chief Executive Officer has made a
specific finding of hardship and it can be demonstrated that no
potential abuse or conflict is presented (for example, when an
employee's request to sell a security purchased within 60 days
prior to the request is prompted by a major corporate or market
event, such as a tender offer, and the security was not held in
client accounts). To clarify this also applies to non
affiliated mutual funds.
4.1.10 INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS No employee may purchase or permit any
Covered Account to purchase a security offered pursuant to an
initial public offering, except in a Venture Capital Trust,
wherever such offering is made. However where the public
offering is made by a Government of where the employee is
resident and different amounts of the offering are specified
for different investor types eg private and institutional, the
local Compliance Officer may allow such purchases after
consultation with the local Chief Executive Officer or his
designee.
4.1.11 PRIVATELY-ISSUED SECURITIES Employees may not purchase or
permit a Covered Account to purchase or acquire any
privately-issued securities, other than in exceptional cases
specifically approved by the local Chief Executive Officer
(e.g., where such investment is part of a family-owned and
operated business venture that would not be expected to involve
an investment opportunity of interest to any Invesco client).
Requests for exceptions should be made in the first instance to
the local Compliance Officer.
4.1.12 Employees, however, may invest in interests in private
investment funds (i.e., hedge funds) that are established to
invest predominantly in public securities and instruments,
subject to the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions
and reporting requirements contained in this Code. Employees
may also invest in residential co-operatives and private
recreational clubs (such as sports clubs, country clubs,
luncheon clubs and the like) for their personal use; such
investments are not subject to the pre-clearance procedures,
trading restrictions and reporting requirements unless the
employee's investing is part of a business conducted by the
employee. Such ownership should be reported to the Compliance
Officer.
4.1.13 SHORT SALES An employee may not sell short a security unless
this is specifically related to personal taxation issues.
Requests for exceptions should be made to the local Compliance
Officer.
4.1.14 FINANCIAL SPREAD BETTING Employees may not enter into Financial
Spread betting arrangements. The potential problematical issues
to both the employee and Invesco that could arise if the market
were to move in the wrong direction are considered unacceptable
and therefore prohibited.
4.1.15 FUTURES Employees may not write, sell or buy exchange-traded
futures, synthetic futures, swaps and similar non-exchange
traded instruments.
Page 8 of 34
4.1.16 EXCEPTIONS The Chief Executive Officer or his designee in
consultation with the Compliance Officer may in rare instances
grant exceptions from these trading restrictions upon written
request. Employees must demonstrate hardship or extraordinary
circumstances. Any exceptions granted will be reported to the
local Board of Directors at least annually. Additionally if a
local Board or its designee wish to impose additional
restrictions these should be included in Appendix B.
5 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES, CONFIDENTIALITY AND OUTSIDE DIRECTORSHIPS
5.1 In order to reduce potential conflicts of interest arising from the
participation of employees on the boards of directors of public,
private, non-profit and other enterprises, all employees are subject
to the following restrictions and guidelines:
5.1.1 An employee may not serve as a director of a public company
without the approval of the local Compliance Officer after
consultation with the local Chief Executive Officer.
5.1.2 An employee may serve on the board of directors or participate
as an adviser or otherwise, or advisers of a private company
only if:
(i) client assets have been invested in such company and
having a seat on the board would be considered beneficial
to our clients interest; and
(ii) service on such board has been approved in writing by the
local Compliance Officer. The employee must resign from
such board of directors as soon as the company
contemplates going public, except where the local
Compliance Officer has determined that an employee may
remain on a board. In any event, an employee shall not
accept any compensation for serving as a director (or in a
similar capacity) of such company; any compensation
offered shall either be refused or, if unable to be
refused, distributed pro rata to the relevant client
accounts.
5.1.3 An employee must receive prior written permission from the
Compliance Officer or his designee before serving as a
director, trustee or member of an advisory board of either:
(i) any non-profit or charitable institution; or
(ii) a private family-owned and operated business.
5.1.4 An employee may serve as an officer or director of a
residential co-operative, but must receive prior written
permission from the local Compliance Officer before serving as
a director if, in the course of such service, he or she gives
advice with respect to the management of the co-operative's
funds.
5.1.5 If an employee serving on the board of directors or advisers of
any entity comes into possession of material, non-public
information through such service, he or she must immediately
notify his or her local Compliance Officer.
5.1.6 An Invesco employee shall not take personal advantage of any
economic opportunity properly belonging to an Invesco Client or
to INVESCO itself. Such opportunities could arise, for example,
from confidential information belonging to a client or the
offer of a directorship. Employees must not disclose
information relating to a client's intentions, activities or
portfolios except:
i) to fellow employees, or other agents of the client, who
need to know it to discharge their duties; or
ii) to the client itself.
5.1.7 Employees may not cause or attempt to cause any Client to
purchase, sell or hold any Security in a manner calculated to
create any personal benefit to the employee or Invesco.
Page 9 of 34
5.1.8 If an employee or immediate family member stands to materially
benefit from an investment decision for an Advisory Client that
the employee is recommending or participating in, the employee
must disclose that interest to persons with authority to make
investment decisions and to the Compliance Officer. Based on
the information given, a decision will be made on whether or
not to restrict the employee's participation in causing a
client to purchase or sell a Security in which the employee has
an interest.
5.1.9 An employee must disclose to those persons with authority to
make investment decisions for a Client (or to the Compliance
Officer if the employee in question is a person with authority
to make investment decisions for the Client), any Beneficial
Interest that the employee (or immediate family) has in that
Security or an Equivalent Security, or in the issuer thereof,
where the decision could create a material benefit to the
employee (or immediate family) or the appearance of
impropriety. The person to whom the employee reports the
interest, in consultation with the Compliance Officer, must
determine whether or not the employee will be restricted in
making investment decisions.
6 CLIENT INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES OWNED BY INVESCO EMPLOYEES
6.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES In addition to the specific prohibitions on
certain personal securities transactions as set forth herein,
all employees are prohibited from:
6.1.1 Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any
prospect or client;
6.1.2 Making any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to
state to a client or a prospective client, a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
6.1.3 Engaging in any act, practice or course of business which
operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any
prospect or client;
6.1.4 Engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to any
prospect or client; or
6.1.5 Revealing to any other person (except in the normal course of
his or her duties on behalf of a client) any information
regarding securities transactions by any client or the
consideration of any client or Invesco of any securities
transactions.
7 REPORTS
7.1 IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES, RESTRICTIONS AND
PROHIBITIONS CONTAINED IN THIS CODE, EACH EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO FILE
THE FOLLOWING PERIODIC REPORTS:
7.2 INITIAL CERTIFICATION AND SCHEDULES. Within 10 business days of
commencing employment at Invesco, each new employee shall submit to
the Compliance Department:
7.2.1 a signed Initial Certification of Compliance with the Invesco
Code (See Appendix D); and
7.2.2 schedules listing
(i) all Covered Accounts; and
(ii) directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit,
non-profit and other enterprises.
7.3 CONFIRMATIONS AND MONTHLY STATEMENTS Each employee shall cause to be
provided to the Compliance Department where an outside broker
undertakes the transaction:
7.3.1 Duplicate copies of confirmations of all transactions in each
Covered Account; or
Page 10 of 34
7.3.2 Not later than 10 days after the end of each month, monthly
statements (if any are regularly prepared) for each Covered
Account.
7.4 ANNUAL CERTIFICATION Each employee shall provide, or cause to be
provided, as requested, to the Compliance Department, not later than
10 days after the end of each annual period (or as specified in the
electronic request), a signed annual Certification of Compliance with
the Invesco Code (Appendix E) containing:
7.4.1 To the extent not included in the foregoing monthly statements,
a schedule listing:
i) all Covered Accounts/securities and any other transactions
not included in the monthly statements; and
ii) directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit,
non-profit and other enterprises.
7.4.2 A schedule listing directorships (or similar positions) of
for-profit, non-profit and other enterprises;
7.4.3 With respect to Discretionary Accounts, if any, certifications
that such employee does not discuss any investment decisions
with the person making investment decisions; and
7.4.4 With respect to any non-public security owned by such employee,
a statement indicating whether the issuer has changed its name
or publicly issued securities during such calendar year.
7.5 EXEMPT INVESTMENTS Confirmations and periodic reports need not be
provided with respect to Exempt Investments, (see 3.2).
7.6 DISCLAIMER OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP Any report required under this Code
may contain a statement that such report is not to be construed as an
admission by the person making the report that he or she has any
direct and indirect beneficial ownership of the security to which the
report relates.
7.7 ANNUAL REVIEW The European Director of Compliance will review the Code
as necessary, in light of legal and business developments and
experience in implementing the Code, and will prepare a report to the
relevant Executive Committee that:
7.7.1 summarizes existing procedures concerning personal investing
and any changes in the procedures made during the past year,
7.7.2 identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action
during the past year, and
7.7.3 identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or
procedures based on the experience under the Code, evolving
industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or
regulations.
Page 11 of 34
8 GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
8.1 In order to minimize any conflict, potential conflict or appearance of
conflict of interest, employees are subject to the restrictions and
guidelines with respect to gifts made to or received from, and
entertainment with, a person that does business with or provides
services to Invesco, that may do business or is being solicited to do
business with Invesco or that is associated with an organisation that
does or seeks to do business with Invesco (a "Business Associate").
A copy of the Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment Policy is included as
Appendix H.
9 MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 INTERPRETATION The provisions of this Code will be interpreted by the
local Compliance Officer, as applicable. Questions of interpretation
should be directed in the first instance to the local Compliance
Officer or his/her designee or, if necessary, with the Compliance
Officer of another Invesco entity. The interpretation of the local
Compliance Officer is final.
9.2 SANCTIONS If advised of a violation of this Code by an employee, the
local Chief Executive Officer (or, in the case of the local Chief
Executive Officer, the local Board of Directors) may impose such
sanctions as are deemed appropriate. Any violations of this Code and
sanctions therefore will be reported to the local Board of Directors
at least annually.
9.3 EFFECTIVE DATE This revised Code shall become effective as of 1 March
2008.
Page 12 of 34
APPENDIX A
DEFINITIONS
1. 'ADVISORY CLIENT' means any client (including both investment companies and
managed accounts) for which Invesco serves as an investment adviser,
renders investment advice, or makes investment decisions.
2 'BENEFICIAL INTEREST' means the opportunity to share, directly or
indirectly, in any profit or loss on a transaction in Securities, including
but not limited to all joint accounts, partnerships and trusts.
3 'COVERED ACCOUNTS' means:
3.1 any account/securities held by you, or your family, while an employee;
3.2 accounts/securities held by you for the benefit of your spouse,
significant other, or any children or relatives who share your home;
3.3 accounts/securities for which you have or share, directly or
indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding,
relationship, or otherwise:
(i) voting power (which includes power to vote, or to direct the
voting of, a security), or
(ii) investment power (which includes the power to dispose, or to
direct the disposition) of a security; or
3.4 accounts/securities held by any other person to whose support you
materially contribute or in which, by reason of any agreement or
arrangement, you have or share benefits substantially equivalent to
ownership, including, for example:
(i) arrangements (which may be informal) under which you have agreed
to share the profits from an investment, and
(ii) accounts maintained or administered by you for a relative (such
as children or parents) who do not share your home.
3.5 Families include husbands and wives, significant other, sons and
daughters and other immediate family only where any of those persons
take part in discussion or passing on of investment information.
4. 'EMPLOYEE' means a person who has a contract of employment with, or
employed by, Invesco UK or any associated Invesco Company within Europe;
including consultants, contractors or temporary employees.
5. 'EQUIVALENT SECURITY' means any Security issued by the same entity as the
issuer of a security, including options, rights, warrants, preferred stock,
restricted stock, bonds and other obligations of that company.
6. 'FUND' means an investment company for which Invesco serves as an adviser
or subadviser.
7. 'HIGH QUALITY SHORT-TERM DEBT INSTRUMENTS' means any instrument having a
maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and which is treated in one of
the highest two rating categories by a Nationally Recognised Statistical
Rating Organisation, or which is unrated but is of comparable quality.
8. 'INDEPENDENT FUND DIRECTOR' means an independent director of an investment
company advised by Invesco.
9. 'INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING' means any security which is being offered for the
first time on a Recognised Stock Exchange.
10. 'OPEN-ENDED COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEME' means any Open-ended Investment
Company, US Mutual Fund, UK ICVC or Dublin Unit Trust, Luxembourg SICAV,
French SICAV or Bermuda Fund.
Page 13 of 34
11. 'SECURITIES TRANSACTION' means a purchase of or sale of Securities.
12. 'SECURITY' includes stock, notes, bonds, debentures and other evidences of
indebtedness (including loan participations and assignments), limited
partnership interests, investment contracts, and all derivative
instruments, such as options and warrants.
13. "UK ICVC AND AFFILIATE SCHEMES" defined as all UK domiciled retail and
institutional Invesco ICVCs all Invesco Continental European domestic
ranges and all Invesco Dublin and Luxembourg SICAVs and Unit Trusts.
14. "MAIN INDEX" defined as a member of the FTSE 100 or equivalent. The
equivalency will be determined by the Compliance Officer on a case by case
basis.
Page 14 of 34
APPENDIX B
PAGE 1 OF 2
PROCEDURES TO DEAL FOR INVESCO EUROPE
1 The procedures to deal are as follows:
A: Obtain the Pre-Clearance Trade Authorisation Form from the "forms"
section of the Compliance Intranet site.
B: Complete Trade Authorisation Form noting:
i) permission sought to either buy or sell;
ii) the amount in shares or currency;
iii) is the transaction an Invesco ICVC/ISA/PEP or affiliated scheme -
yes or no - if yes, then you will have to submit your
pre-clearance form to *UK- Compliance Personal Share Dealing
e-mail group - if no, then pre-clearance is not required;
iv) type of security;
v) name of company or other;
vi) date of request to deal;
vii) name of beneficial owner; and
viii) address of beneficial owner.
Then complete each of the questions in connection with the transaction
you require completed - "yes" or "no" answers will be required.
C: For Venture Capital Trust ordinary securities or for Invesco
ICVC/PEP/ISA/Mutual Fund Trades, you should now only complete section
Two. Once you have answered both questions, the pre-clearance form
must be submitted to the e-mail *UK- COMPLIANCE PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
- Compliance will review the prospective transaction and revert to you
by e-mail. Once you have received this confirmation e-mail you are
free to deal. However, the trade must be completed by the end of the
next business day from the date of confirmation.
If you wish to sell/buy INVESCO shares you should complete Section two
as noted above.
D: For Equity, Bond or Warrant deals, obtain pre-clearance to deal from
the UK Investment Dealers by submitting the completed pre-clearance
form by e-mail to - *UK- INVEST. DEALERS.
E: Once the UK Investment Dealers have authorised the pre-clearance form,
they will send the form on by e-mail to the Compliance Department for
additional authorisation. UK Investment Dealers will send the form by
e-mail to *UK- COMPLIANCE PERSONAL SHARE DEALING.
Once Compliance have completed their checks, they will authorise the
pre-clearance form and send back to the originator. The originator
then has until close of business the day after pre-clearance is
granted to deal. IF DEALING IS NOT COMPLETED IN THIS TIME FRAME, THEN
ADDITIONAL PRE-CLEARANCE MUST BE SOUGHT VIA THE SAME PROCESS.
Page 15 of 34
APPENDIX B
PAGE 2 OF 2
F: Once authority has been granted from the UK Investment Dealers and
Compliance, the originator must also send a copy of the completed form
to Elaine Coleman in Henley Compliance, who will enter the authority
in the Personal Share Dealing Register.
G: A copy of the contract note must also be sent to Compliance.
NB PERMISSION TO DEAL WILL NOT BE GRANTED RETROSPECTIVELY. DEALS
UNDERTAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE COMPLIANCE
OFFICER'S ATTENTION, BY A REVIEW OF THE PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
REGISTER, FOR DISCUSSION WITH THE PERSON CONCERNED.
Page 16 of 34
APPENDIX C
PAGE 1 OF 4
INVESCO UK
PRE-CLEARANCE OF PERSONAL TRADE AUTHORISATION FORM
THIS FORM IS FOR USE BY UK, IRELAND AND CONTINENTAL EUROPE STAFF
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE OPENED THIS FORM WITH MACROS ENABLED
SECTION A STEP 1 PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SECTION :
Permission is sought to: __________________________________
Type of Security: __________________________________
Please state the Name of Company /
Fund eg INVESCO Perpetual UK Equity : __________________________________
Date of Request: __________________________________
Name of Beneficial Owner: __________________________________
Address of Beneficial Owner: __________________________________
Amount of transaction: __________________________________
Shares or currency: __________________________________
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SECTION FULLY BY PUTTING AN 'X' IN ONLY ONE OF THE BOXES
BELOW AND THEN PRESSING THE ENTER BUTTON ON YOUR KEYPAD. THE NOTE BELOW THE
BOXES WILL THEN TELL YOU WHAT TO DO NEXT
This is a transaction in a Venture Capital Trust (VCT) or an INVESCO/Invesco
Perpetual ICVC/ISA/PEP or a transaction in AMVESCAP shares [ ]
This a transaction in a non-INVESCO ICVC/ISA/PEP [ ]
This is a transaction which is not listed in the above two options (e.g.
Investment Trusts; Ordinary shares etc.) [ ]
PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE FOR GUIDANCE
I HAVE READ THE INVESCO CODE OF ETHICS AND BELIEVE THAT THE PROPOSED TRADE FULLY
COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE.
Name of Employee: __________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________
Click here to view the INVESCO UK and Ireland Code of Ethics (If you click link
press the enter button on returning to form)
Page 17 of 34
APPENDIX C
PAGE 2 OF 4
STEP 2: COMPLETE EITHER SECTION B OR C BELOW AS INSTRUCTED ABOVE AND READ
INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
SECTION B -VENTURE CAPITAL TRUSTS(VCTS); AMVESCAP AND INVESCO PERPETUAL
ICVC/ISA/PEP/MUTUAL FUND TRADES (Complete this section if directed by Section A
above )
STEP 3: ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW. IF YON ARE UNABLE TO CHANGE THE ANSWERS TO
"N" PLEASE PRESS THE ENTER BUTTON AND TRY AGAIN. IF THIS DOES NOT WORK THEN YOU
MAY NOT HAVE ENABLED MACROS WHEN OPENING THE FORM AND YOU SHOULD CLOSE THE FORM
AND START AGAIN.
1. Are you aware of any recent (within 24 hours) dilution
adjustments made against the fund(s) covered? [X] Yes [ ] No
2. Have you or any account covered by the pre-authorisation
provisions of the Code purchased or sold these securities
(or equivalent securities) in the prior 60 days? [X] Yes [ ] No
STEP 4 E-MAIL TO: *UK- COMPLIANCE PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
Date: Time:
Compliance ___________________________ _____________________ ________
STEP 5: COMPLIANCE WILL REVIEW AND REVERT BY E-MAIL. YOU CAN NOW TRADE. THE
TRADE MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY FROM THE DATE OF
THIS CONFIRMATION. FOR UK AND IRELAND STAFF PLEASE ENSURE COPY CONTRACT NOTES
ARE FORWARDED TO ELAINE COLEMAN. FOR CONTINENTAL EUROPEAN STAFF CONTRACT NOTES
SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THEIR LOCAL COMPLIANCE REPRESENTATIVE.
Page 18 of 34
APPENDIX C
PAGE 3 OF 4
SECTION C - EQUITY, BONDS, WARRANTS ETC
STEP 3: ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO CHANGE THE ANSWERS TO
"N" PLEASE PRESS THE ENTER BUTTON AND TRY AGAIN. IF THIS DOES NOT WORK THEN YOU
MAY NOT HAVE ENABLED MACROS WHEN OPENING THE FORM AND YOU SHOULD CLOSE THE FORM
AND START AGAIN.
1 Do you, or to your knowledge does anyone at INVESCO,
possess material non-public information regarding the
security or the issuer of the security? [X] Yes [ ] No
2 To your knowledge are the securities (or equivalent
securities) being considered, for purchase or sale by one
or more accounts managed by INVESCO? [X] Yes [ ] No
3 Have you or any account covered by the pre-authorisation
provisions of the Code purchased or sold these securities
(or equivalent securities) in the prior 60 days? [X] Yes [ ] No
4 Are the securities being acquired in an initial public
offering? [X] Yes [ ] No
5 Are the securities being acquired in a private placement?
If so, please provide a written explanation on a separate
sheet of paper. [X] Yes [ ] No
STEP 4: E-MAIL TO: *UK- INVEST. DEALERS.
AUTHORISED BY: DATE: TIME:
Investment Dealers _____________________ __________________ ___________
Investment Dealers are signing off to confirm that the securities in question
have not been traded in the last seven days (unless the deal is
APPENDIX C
PAGE 4 OF 4
AUTHORITY TO DEAL
This is to confirm that authorisation has been given today to the above
application to acquire/dispose of the above amount of shares/bonds/options etc.
This consent shall remain valid until the end of the next business day from the
date of this authority letter and the transaction must be completed within this
time period.
As a condition of this consent the Company reserves the right to its withdrawal
if circumstances arise, prior to your effecting this transaction, that would
then make it inappropriate for you to enter into this transaction.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT A COPY OF THE CONTRACT NOTE EVIDENCING THE
TRANSACTION IS FORWARDED TO THE RELEVANT COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT AS STATED ABOVE.
This authorisation is given subject to the INVESCO Code of Ethics. 01 12 2006
INVESCO UK Ltd. assures that the confidentiality standards and data protection
requirements of the country of origin are maintained. It also assures that all
information regarding employees' requests for trading remains confidential and
are handled by authorised personnel only.
Page 20 of 34
APPENDIX D
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT
OF INVESCO EUROPE REVISED CODE OF ETHICS
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE RECEIVED THE INVESCO CODE OF ETHICS DATED 1 JANUARY
2008, AND REPRESENT THAT:
1. In accordance with Section 7 of the Code of Ethics, I will fully disclose
the Securities holdings in Covered Accounts*
2. In accordance with Section 3 of the Code of Ethics, I will obtain prior
authorisation for all Securities Transactions in each of my Covered
Accounts except for transactions exempt from pre-clearance under Section 3
of the Code of Ethics*
3. In accordance with section 7 of the Code of Ethics, I will report all
Securities Transactions in each of my Covered Accounts except for
transactions exempt from reporting under Section 3 of the Code of Ethics.
4. I will comply with the Code of Ethics in all other respects as well.
----------------------------------------
Signature
----------------------------------------
Print Name
Date:
-------------------------------
* Representations Nos: 1 and 2 do not apply to Independent Fund Directors
Page 21 of 34
APPENDIX E
ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE INVESCO CODE OF ETHICS
TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL EMPLOYEES FOLLOWING THE END OF EACH CALENDAR YEAR
I hereby certify that, with respect to the calendar year ending on 31 December,
2007 (the 'Calendar Year), I have arranged for monthly account statements for
each of my Covered Account(s) to be provided to Invesco if applicable. I further
certify that I have reviewed the attachments hereto and confirm that:
a) Schedule A contains a complete list of Covered Account(s) as well as a
complete list of my directorships, advisory board memberships and similar
positions; and
b) Schedule B contains a complete list of trades, other than Exempt
Investments, in my Covered Account(s) during the Calendar Year.
I further certify that:
a) For any of my Covered Accounts which have been approved by the Compliance
Department as a Discretionary Account(s) (which have been identified on
Schedule A with an 'E' prefix), that I have not exercised investment
discretion or influenced any investment decisions and that I will not
exercise investment discretion or influence any potential investment
decisions with such Discretionary Account(s);
b) As appropriate, I have identified on Schedule A hereto those Covered
Accounts which contain open-ended Collective Investment Schemes/Investment
Companies shares only but for which account statements and confirms are not
and have not been provided and hereby confirm that all securities
transactions in these accounts are and will be limited exclusively to
transactions in shares of open-ended Collective Investment Schemes;
c) For any privately-issued security held by me or my Covered Account(s), I
will inform the Compliance Department upon learning that any issuer has
either changed its name or has issued or proposed to issue any class of
security to the public;
d) I have received a copy of and understand the Code in its entirety and
acknowledge that I am subject to its provisions. I also certify that I have
complied and will comply with its requirements;
e) I have provided my Department Head with a complete list of gifts received
and accepted by me from a person/group that does business or seeks to do
business with Invesco during the Calendar Quarter; and
to the extent that any of the attached Schedules contain inaccurate or
incomplete information, I have noted and initialled the change directly on the
Schedule and returned this certification along with all Schedules to the
Compliance Department. Capitalised terms used herein without definition shall
have the meanings given to them in the Code.
----------------------------------------
Signature
----------------------------------------
Print Name
Date:
-------------------------------
UPON YOUR FULL REVIEW AND EXECUTION, PLEASE RETURN THE ENTIRE PACKAGE
IMMEDIATELY TO THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT IN HENLEY
Page 22 of 34
APPENDIX E
SCHEDULE A
Annual Certificate of Compliance with THE INVESCO CODE OF ETHICS
COVERED ACCOUNTS
The following is a list of Covered Accounts subject to the Invesco Code of
Ethics:
DIRECTORSHIPS, ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERSHIPS AND SIMILAR POSITIONS HELD
The following is a list of directorships, advisory board memberships and similar
positions that I hold:
Page 23 of 34
APPENDIX E
SCHEDULE B
Annual Certificate of Compliance with THE INVESCO CODE OF ETHICS
Trades undertaken during the period for which contract notes/monthly statements
have not been forwarded:
Page 24 of 34
APPENDIX F
PRE BASIS FOR QUARTERLY REPORTING ANNUAL REPORT OF
TYPE OF TRANSACTION IN IVZ CLEARANCE APPROVAL OF TRANSACTIONS HOLDINGS
------------------------------------------------ -------------- ----------------- ------------------- ----------------
- OPEN MARKET PURCHASES & SALES Yes Not permitted in Yes Yes
- TRANSACTIONS IN 401(K) PLAN blackout periods.
Local Local compliance Local compliance
compliance officer officer
officer
EXERCISE OF EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS Yes Not permitted in Yes n/a
WHEN SAME DAY SALE blackout periods.
- REC'D WHEN MERGED W/ INVESCO IVZ Company Local compliance
- OPTIONS FOR STOCK GRANTS Secretarial in Option holding officer
- OPTIONS FOR GLOBAL STOCK PLANS London period must be
- OPTIONS FOR RESTRICTED STKAWARDS (Michael satisfied.
Perman's
office)
SALE OF STOCKS EXERCISED AND HELD UNTIL LATER Yes Not permitted in Yes Yes
DATE. OPTIONS EXERCISED WILL HAVE BEEN RECEIVED blackout periods.
AS FOLLOWS: Local Local compliance Local compliance
- REC'D WHEN MERGED W/ INVESCO compliance Stock holding officer officer
- OPTIONS FOR STOCK GRANTS officer period must be
- OPTIONS FOR GLOBAL STOCK PLANS satisfied.
- OPTIONS FOR RESTRICTED STKAWARDS
SALE OF STOCK PURCHASED THROUGH SHARESAVE Yes Not permitted in Yes Yes
blackout periods.
Local Local compliance Local compliance
compliance officer officer
officer
SALE OF STOCK PURCHASED THROUGH UK SIP Yes Not permitted in Yes Yes
blackout periods.
Local Local compliance Local compliance
compliance officer officer
officer
1) OPEN MARKET PURCHASES/SALES - Pre-clearance to deal is required from
Compliance, no dealing is permitted during close/blackout periods. Details
of closed periods are posted to the intranet site by Company Secretarial
(Michael Perman's Team).
2) EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS (A) EXERCISE/SAME DAY SALE - authorisation of the
Option is granted by Company Secretarial Department and signed by Trustees
of the Scheme. Dealing would take place through Cazenove, who would not
process the deal unless authorisation had been obtained.
3) EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS (B) EXERCISE/TAKE POSSESSION/SUBSEQUENT DAY SALE -
same as above, except that individual would pay for the shares and pay tax.
The stock would then be lodged in the employee share service arrangement -
then if subsequent disposal was sought the normal pre-clearance process
would apply (pre-clearance from Compliance - no dealing during closed
periods).
4) STOCK GRANTS (GLOBAL STOCK PLANS) - Awards made yearly, stock would be
purchased through Company Secretarial and held for three years. After three
years elect to keep the shares or distribute - stock would be transferred
to employee share service arrangement with normal pre-clearance/closed
period requirements.
5) EMPLOYEES WHO RECEIVE IVZ STOCK WHEN THEIR COMPANY IS PURCHASED BY IVZ -
stock distribution as part of the transaction to buy the Company concerned.
Stock would be issued to the individual concerned and, depending on the
terms of the deal, may be required to be held for a period. Stock would be
transferred into the employee share service, and subject to terms of the
Company deal would then follow normal pre-clearance/close period
guidelines.
6) RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS - similar to stock grants as above - except tax not
paid initially - pre-clearance from Compliance and closed period
restrictions apply.
7) TRANSACTIONS IN IVZ STOCK VIA 401(K) PLAN - Transaction no different to
open market purchases - pre-clearance required, dealing in closed periods
no allowed.
8) SHARESAVE - If share save is exercised then stock would be placed into
employee share service arrangement. Then if individual sells they go
through normal pre-clearance and closed period process. Dealing through
Cazenove, who are aware of all closed periods. So an individual would be
unable to deal through them if permission was refused by Compliance for
closed period reasons, as Cazenove have all the information as well.
Special rules may be brought in at share save anniversary dates. These will
be communicated as appropriate.
9) UK SIP - A UK SIP is open to UK employees - which is a tax efficient way of
purchasing shares on a monthly basis. The shares must be held for 5 years
from initial purchase date - sell before and then tax would be paid. If you
sell after the five year period, then normal pre-clearance and closed
period restrictions would apply.
Page 25 of 34
APPENDIX G
INVESCO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY
GENERAL STATEMENT
In the normal course of business, as in any large financial institution,
situations resulting in conflicts of interests may arise. There is nothing
inherently unethical if and when such situations arise, subject to compliance
with regulatory and legal requirements. However, the abuse of such situations is
clearly improper and we are committed to managing these conflicts of interests
when they arise to prevent abuse and protect our clients, employees and other
counterparties.
We are required to identify, manage, record and, where relevant, disclose actual
or potential conflicts of interest between ourselves and our clients and between
one client and another and to have in place a policy relating to conflicts of
interest. This Policy is applicable to and adopted by the following firms
(together "Invesco") in respect of all regulated activities and ancillary
activities and services provided to clients:-
Invesco Administration Services Limited
Invesco Asset Management Limited
Invesco Fund Managers Limited
Invesco Global Investment Funds Limited
Invesco Pensions Limited.
This Policy also takes into account any conflicts between the above named
companies and other companies within the wider Invesco Ltd Group.
Integrity, fairness, impartiality and primacy of clients' interests occupy a
leading place in our ethical rules.
DEFINITION
A conflict of interest is a situation where, in the course of our activity, our
interests and those of our clients conflict, or the interests of one client
conflicts with that of another, either directly or indirectly.
An interest is the source of any advantage of whatever nature, tangible or
intangible, professional, commercial, financial or personal.
IDENTIFYING CONFLICTS
We will identify the types of conflicts that may arise between the interests of
our clients and those of our own, with reference to:-
- The likelihood of making a financial gain or avoiding a loss at the expense
of a client;
- Whether we have an interest in the outcome of a service or transaction we
provide to our clients;
- Whether there is a financial or other incentive to favour the interest of
one client over the interests of other clients;
- Whether we carry out the same activities performed by our clients; and
- Whether there are inducements deriving from sources other than our clients
in relation to the services we provide to them, in the form of monies,
goods or services, other than standard commission or fees for the
service(s) in question.
We must then identify the means by which we mitigate these potential conflicts.
Where a potential conflict arises, Invesco will seek to ensure that transactions
and services are effected on terms which are not materially less favourable to
the client had the potential conflict not existed. Where internal arrangements
maintained by Invesco are not sufficient to ensure, with reasonable confidence,
that risks of damage to the interests of a client will be prevented, it will
disclose the general nature and/or sources of the conflict to the relevant
client before conducting relevant business with or for them.
Page 26 of 34
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS
The following activities and services are not undertaken within Invesco:-
- Finance arrangements;
- Market Making;
- Proprietary trading (save as required on the manager's box for ICVCs and
error corrections); or
- Investment research for external distribution.
Identified situations where potential conflicts of interest may arise are listed
below, together with the mitigating action(s) undertaken:-
- PERSONAL ACCOUNT DEALING
An employee or director of Invesco engages in personal account dealing, or is
otherwise interested in any company whose securities are held or dealt in on the
client's behalf, in respect of securities or services and Invesco has a client
with an interest which potentially conflicts with such dealing. Invesco operates
personal account dealing procedures which details requirements for pre-clearance
and/or notification, blackout periods and restrictions, and annual declarations.
All such transactions are recorded and monitored. In addition, an annual report
is produced by the Head of Compliance, which is submitted to the UK Executive
Committee, identifying any violations and, where appropriate, making
recommendations for procedural changes.
- BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT AND GIFTS
Gifts and entertainment (including non-monetary gifts) are received and given
that may influence behaviour in a way that conflicts with the interests of
Invesco's clients. Invesco has a Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment Policy which
details what is acceptable. Only gifts and entertainment which do not impair
Invesco's duty to act in the best interests of our clients are allowed. Records
are maintained and monitoring undertaken of gifts and entertainment both
received and given. In addition, Invesco will make any disclosures necessary
under the Inducements regulations.
- EXECUTION/CLIENT ORDER HANDLING
Invesco undertakes discretionary portfolio management for more than one client
or fund and different fee structures (e.g. performance related fees and fixed
annual management charges) may exist for client portfolios, which may
potentially affect incentive for allocation. Invesco has in place strict
allocation procedures to ensure fair allocation of stocks. This is subject to
monitoring. In addition, when carrying out client transactions, Invesco will
combine orders where this is in the best interest of the clients as a whole. If
there is insufficient liquidity for either purchases or sales, a pre-formulated
allocation policy automatically attributes available liquidity proportionately
across all client orders. This is also subject to monitoring. Any exceptions to
this policy - e.g. where a client or fund would receive an uneconomical
allocation - are justified and clearly documented.
- FEES
Transactions may be in relation to an investment in respect of which Invesco may
benefit from a commission, fee, mark-up or mark-down payable otherwise than by
the client, and Invesco may also be remunerated by the counterparty to any such
transaction. Fees for our services are determined in advance and stipulated in
contracts and acknowledgement letters and disclosed where necessary.
- GROUP FUNDS
Transactions may be undertaken in units or shares of funds within the Group or
any company of which Invesco or any other Associate is the manager, operator or
adviser. Invesco funds are only purchased on their investments merits or where
mandated to do so and are disclosed.
- RESEARCH MATERIAL
Subject to compliance with the FSA Rules on the use of dealing commission,
Invesco acquires research material from third parties which is paid for, in
part, by commissions paid to brokers on fund and client account trades. The
value of this research is reviewed and payments are only made if we believe that
such research has been useful in managing client funds.
- PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY
High turnover of clients' portfolios could generate higher levels of commission
for Invesco. Portfolio activity levels are monitored and commission sharing
agreements are negotiated with business partners independently of fund managers.
Both fund managers and dealers have a fiduciary responsibility to obtain best
possible results for clients when executing orders. There may be occasions
Page 27 of 34
where dealers have the ultimate decision for placing deals on behalf of clients
with a particular broker to ensure that best execution obligations are met.
- INSIDE INFORMATION
A potentially significant conflict that arises on a permanent basis is that some
of our staff, to varying degrees, have access to material, non-public
information concerning companies which may be price sensitive. We mitigate this
by explicit disclosure and approval through strict personal account dealing
rules and a code of ethics which applies to all staff. In addition, periodic
compliance checks are carried out.
- STAFF REMUNERATION
Employees are remunerated on the basis of salary and bonus. Bonuses are based on
individual performance and on the revenues and results of Invesco as a whole.
- VOTING RIGHTS
Invesco believes it has a responsibility for making investment decisions that
are in the best interests of its clients. As part of the investment management
process, Invesco may exercise its voting rights where authorised by clients, or
in the collective interests of investors in a fund, to vote in respect of the
shares/units for which the clients are beneficial owners.
GOVERNANCE
As part of its senior management governance framework, Invesco has established
organisational and administrative arrangements and internal control systems
which are designed to manage potential conflicts and to prevent material risk of
damage to the interests of its clients.
Senior Management of Invesco, with support from the Compliance, Risk, Internal
Audit and Legal functions, has responsibility for careful and consistent
identification and management of conflicts of interest situations, either actual
or potential. Operational business areas are responsible on a more general basis
for monitoring their risks.
All staff will be responsible for identifying and recording the circumstances in
which a conflict of interest may arise, or have arisen, as a result of
activities carried out by Invesco. This record will be held centrally and
subject to monitoring and review by the Compliance Department.
All staff will also be responsible for identifying and reporting any breaches of
the policy to the Head of Compliance.
Training will be given to all new and existing staff to ensure that they
understand the Conflict of Interest Policy and their responsibilities under it.
Invesco will apply its Conflicts of Interest Policy to all relevant outsourcing
arrangements entered into.
A monthly report will be produced by the Head of Compliance and submitted to the
Invesco UK Executive Committee which will detail all conflicts recorded. The
Invesco UK Executive Committee will decide what remedial action, if any, needs
to be taken.
Page 28 of 34
APPENDIX H
GIFTS, BENEFITS & ENTERTAINMENT (INDUCEMENTS) POLICY
PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THIS POLICY
To ensure that Invesco has effective procedures in place to monitor gifts,
benefits & entertainment received and given, to avoid any actual or apparent
conflicts of interest which may arise during the normal course of business.
This policy applies to all directors, officers, employees and contract or
temporary employees in the UK and Ireland.
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Policy, a "GIFT" is anything of value given (1) by an
Invesco business unit or its personnel to personnel of an entity that has a
direct or indirect existing or potential business relationship with INVESCO (a
"BUSINESS PARTNER"), or to a member of such a person's immediate family, or (2)
by a Business Partner or its personnel to any Invesco personnel, or to a member
of such a person's immediate family. Gifts may include, but are not limited to,
cash, personal items, office accessories and sporting equipment (e.g. golf
clubs, tennis rackets, etc.). Gifts also include charitable contributions made
to or at the request of a Business Partner.
"ENTERTAINMENT" is similar to a gift but involves attendance at some event,
including but not limited to meals, sporting events, the theatre, parties or
receptions, and similar functions. Entertainment requires the presence of both
Invesco personnel and Business Partner personnel; if the person or entity paying
for the event does not attend, the event constitutes a gift. The value of
entertainment includes the cost of the event itself (for example, the cost of
tickets or a meal), as well as the cost of any related activities or services
provided (such as prizes and transportation in connection with the event). If
the value of the event does not exceed L50, the event will not be taken into
account when applying the entertainment limit thresholds detailed in section 4.
A "BENEFIT" is anything else of value received or given, whether tangible or
not; examples include training, assistance with information technology, taking
part in or organising seminars/conferences and joint marketing exercises.
POLICY
1. PROHIBITION ON CONDITIONAL GIFTS
It is prohibited for an Invesco business unit or its personnel to provide or
receive any gift, benefit or entertainment that is conditional upon Invesco
doing business with the entity or person involved.
2. RESTRICTIONS WHEN DEALING WITH OTHER REGULATED FIRMS
There are additional regulatory restrictions placed upon Invesco and its
personnel when providing fee, commission or non-monetary benefits to other
regulated firms. The main purpose of these regulations is to seek to prevent
conflicts of interest arising where a benefit given to an intermediary or other
regulated firm could induce material bias in respect of the choice of provider,
product or service recommended or create a conflict between their interests and
those of their clients.
The provision of any benefit must be designed to enhance the quality of the
service to clients and not impair the firm's duty to act in the best interest of
clients. The existence, nature and amount of fee, commission or benefit or,
where the amount cannot be ascertained, the method of calculating the amount,
must be clearly disclosed to the client before the provision of the service.
Invesco will satisfy this disclosure obligation if it discloses the essential
arrangements in summary form and undertakes to provide further details to
clients on request.
Page 29 of 34
A list of the kind of benefits which are potentially capable of enhancing the
quality of service provided to clients and, depending on the circumstances, are
capable of being provided without conflicting with clients' best interests, is
shown in Appendix I.
Where a benefit is made available to one firm and not another, this is more
likely to impair compliance with the client's best interest rule.
If there is any doubt regarding the permissibility of a gift, benefit or
entertainment, contact the Compliance department.
3. REPORTING & RECORD KEEPING
All gifts, benefits & entertainment given or received by Invesco or its
personnel must be recorded in the relevant Invesco business unit's Gifts,
Benefits & Entertainment Register, as soon as possible after this is given or
received.
However, the following will not be taken into account when calculating the limit
thresholds detailed in section 4:-
- Promotional items of nominal value (e.g. golf balls, pens, etc.) that
display the logo of Invesco or its business units, or of its Business
Partners.
- Research or analysis meetings attended by investment personnel or industry
educational events sponsored by industry groups, so long as such events are
for educational or research purposes.
- Breakfasts or lunches taken in the office valued at less than L50.
NOTE - For the avoidance of doubt, even where the gift, benefit or entertainment
is such that it will not to be taken into account when calculating limit
thresholds, it must nevertheless be recorded on the Register. For instance,
breakfasts and lunches taken out of the office need to be reported but will only
be taken into account when applying the entertainment limit thresholds if valued
at L50 or more.
The Register must be approved by the relevant Manager/Head of Department on a
quarterly basis and submitted to the Compliance department. A Nil return is
required if there have been no gifts, benefits or entertainment.
A record of all Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment received or given by Invesco
should be kept for a minimum of 5 years.
4. LIMIT THRESHOLDS
The value of gifts, benefits and entertainment which can be provided or received
is limited by way of monetary thresholds. These limits shall not exceed:-
- L200 (in total) annually per individual for gifts; and
- L400 per individual per entertainment event, with a limit of no more than
three events annually to a single person or from a single business partner,
for entertainment.
5. REVIEW AND MONITORING
The Compliance department shall establish procedures for monitoring compliance
with this Policy through review of the Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment
Register and ad hoc reviews. This will include reviews of patterns of gifts and
entertainment to obtain insights into behaviour that may warrant further
investigation.
Page 30 of 34
APPENDIX I
REASONABLE BENEFITS WHICH INVESCO MAY POTENTIALLY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE TO ANOTHER
REGULATED FIRM
GIFTS, HOSPITALITY AND PROMOTIONAL COMPETITION PRIZES
1) Gifts, Hospitality and Promotional Competition Prizes of a reasonable value.
PROMOTION
2) Assisting another firm to promote Invesco's products so that the quality of
its services to clients is enhanced. Such assistance should not be of a kind or
value that is likely to impair the recipient firm's ability to pay due regard to
the interests of its clients, and to give advice on, and recommend, products
from their whole range(s).
JOINT MARKETING EXERCISES
3) Generic product literature (that is, letterheading, leaflets, forms and
envelopes) that is suitable for use and distribution by or on behalf of another
firm if:
(a) The literature enhances the quality of the service to the client and is not
primarily of promotional benefit to Invesco; and
(b) The total costs (for example, packaging, posting, mailing lists) of
distributing such literature to its clients are borne by the other firm.
4) 'Freepost' envelopes, for forwarding such items as completed applications,
medical reports or copy client agreements.
5) Product specific literature (for example, key features, simplified
prospectus, minimum information) if:
(a) The literature does not contain the name of another firm; or
(b) If the name of the recipient firm is included, the literature enhances the
quality of service to the client and is not primarily of promotional benefit to
the other firm.
6) Draft articles, news items and financial promotions for publication in
another firm's magazine, only if in each case any costs paid by Invesco for
placing the articles and financial promotions are not more than market rate, and
exclude distribution costs.
SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES
7) Take part in a seminar organised by another firm or a third party and may pay
toward the cost of the seminar, if:
(a) Its participation is for a genuine business purpose; and
(b) Invesco's contribution is reasonable and proportionate to its participation
and by reference to the time and sessions at the seminar when its staff play an
active role; and
TECHNICAL SERVICES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
8) 'Free phone' link to Invesco.
9) (a) Quotations and projections relating to Invesco's products and, in
relation to specific investment transactions (or for the purpose of any scheme
for review of past business, advice on the completion of forms or other
documents;
(b) Access to data processing facilities, or access to data, that is related to
Invesco's business;
(c) Access to third party electronic dealing or quotation systems that are
related to Invesco's business; and
(d) Software that gives information about Invesco's products or which is
appropriate to its business (for example for producing projections or technical
product information).
10) Cash amounts or other assistance to another firm for the development of
software or other computer facilities necessary to operate software supplied by
Invesco, but only to the extent that by doing so it will generate equivalent
cost savings to Invesco or clients.
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11) Information about sources of mortgage finance.
12) Generic technical information in writing, not necessarily related to
Invesco's business, when this information states clearly and prominently that it
is produced by Invesco.
TRAINING
13) Training facilities of any kind (for example, lectures, venue, written
material and software).
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION EXPENSES
14) Reimbursement of another firm's reasonable travel and accommodation expenses
when the other firm:
(a) Participates in market research conducted by or for Invesco;
(b) Attends an annual national event of a trade association, hosted or co-hosted
by Invesco;
(c) Participates in Invesco's training facilities (see 13);
(d) Visits an Invesco office in order to:
(i) Receive information about Invesco's administrative systems; or
(ii) Attend a meeting with Invesco and an existing or prospective client of the
other firm.
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APPENDIX J
TREATING CUSTOMERS FAIRLY (TCF) - UK POLICY
Treating Customers Fairly is a long-established principle of the UK financial
services regulators and it is central to the way we manage our customer's
assets. The interests of our customers are at the forefront of everything we do.
We are all in a position of trust and are expected to adhere to the highest
professional and ethical standards and to put our customer's interests first at
all times.
The FSA has articulated six TFC outcomes for consumers:
1. Consumers can be confident that they are dealing with firms where the
fair treatment of customers is central to the corporate culture.
2. Products and services marketed and sold in the retail market are
designed to meet the needs of identified consumer groups and are
targeted accordingly.
3. Consumers are provided with clear information and are kept
appropriately informed before, during and after the point of sale.
4. Where consumers receive advice, the advice is suitable and takes
account of their circumstances.
5. Consumers are provided with products that perform as firms have led
them to expect, and the associated service is both of an acceptable
standard and as they have been led to expect.
6. Consumers do not face unreasonable post-sale barriers imposed by firms
to change product, switch provider, submit a claim or make a
complaint.
Set out below are some the key principles that we must always follow.
WHAT TCF MEANS TO US AND HOW WE DEAL WITH OUR CUSTOMERS:
- Dealing openly and honestly.
- Acting with integrity.
- Ensuring the information we give to our clients is accurate, fair, clear
and not misleading to enable them to understand and make informed
decisions.
- Ensuring we manage our customers' assets with competence and diligence.
- Ensuring where errors or omissions have occurred or been brought to our
attention, where we are at fault, that there is no detriment to our
customers.
- Ensuring we deal with customer complaints in a fair and timely manner.
- Honouring promises and representations made to our customers.
- Ensuring our products are adequately described to enable understanding of
what they are and their associated risks.
- Ensuring we consider the impact on all stakeholders when we made decisions.
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If you have any questions, concerns or require further information on TCF please
contact Jon Webb.
Should you come across any instance where you are concerned that we might not be
acting according to these TCF principals and outcomes, please contact Jon Webb
with full details.
Additional information on TCF is also available from the FSA.
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EX-99.P5
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h66495aexv99wp5.txt
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10.1 FIDUCIARY DUTY
10.1.1 As a fiduciary, Invesco owes an undivided duty of loyalty to its clients.
It is Invesco's policy that all employees conduct themselves so as to
avoid not only actual conflicts of interest with Invesco clients, but
also that they refrain from conduct which could give rise to the
appearance of a conflict of interest that may compromise the trust that
clients have placed in Invesco.
10.1.2 The personal securities transactions of all employees must be conducted
in accordance with the following general principles:
(a) There is duty at all times to place the interests of Invesco clients
first and foremost;
(b) All personal securities transactions be conducted in a manner
consistent with these rules and in such a manner as to avoid any
actual, potential or appearance of a conflict of interest or any
abuse of an employee's position of trust and responsibility; and
(c) Employees should not take inappropriate advantage of their
positions.
10.1.3 Invesco's policy is to avoid conflicts and, where they unavoidably occur,
to resolve them in a manner that clearly places our clients' interests
first.
10.1.4 A copy of the INVESCO LTD. Conflicts of Interest Policy and Insider
Dealing Policy is attached as Appendix 10.1 and Appendix 10.8
respectively.
10.1.5 The policy on personal securities transactions is set out under the
following headings:
(i) Definitions
(ii) Prohibited Personal Transactions
(iii) Transactions Exempt from Personal Share Dealing Rules
(iv) Transactions Exempt from Authorisation but Requiring Reporting
(v) Permitted Transactions Requiring Authorisation and Reporting
(vi) Procedures for Authorisation and Placing Orders
(vii) Procedures for Reporting
(viii) Restrictions on Investing
(ix) Dealing in Invesco Ltd
(x) Dealing in Invesco Funds/non Invesco Funds
10.2 DEFINITIONS
10.2.1 "Business Associate" shall mean any person or organisation that provides
services to Invesco, that may do business or is being solicited to do
business with Invesco or that is associated with an organisation that
does or seeks to do business with Invesco.
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10.2.2 "High Quality Short-Term Debt Instrument" means, but is not limited to,
bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and
repurchase agreements; and means any instrument having a maturity at
issuance of less than 366 days and which is treated in one of the highest
two rating categories by a recognised statistical rating organisation, or
which is unrated but is of comparable quality.
10.2.3 "Security" includes stock, notes, bonds, debentures and other evidences
of indebtedness (including loan participation's and assignments), limited
partnership interests, investment contracts, and all derivative
instruments, such as options and warrants.
10.2.4 "Related Accounts" means:
(a) accounts held by (or for the benefit of) an employee's spouse,
significant other, or any children or relatives who share his/her
home;
(b) accounts for which the employee has or shares, directly or
indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding,
relationship, or otherwise;
(i) voting power (which includes power to vote, or to direct the
voting of, a security), or
(ii) investment power (which includes the power to dispose, or to
direct the disposition) of a security; or
(c) accounts held by any other person to whose support the employee
materially contributes or in which, by reason of any agreement or
arrangement, the employee has or shares benefits substantially
equivalent to ownership, including, for example:
(i) arrangements (which may be informal) under which the employee
has agreed to share the profits from an investment, and
(ii) accounts maintained or administered by the employee for a
relative (such as children or parents) who do not share his/her
home.
(d) Families include husbands and wives, significant other, sons and
daughters and other immediate family only where those persons take
part in discussion or passing on of investment information.
(e) All Invesco employees or members of his family only insofar as the
Invesco employee controls or influences the investment decision are
subject to the Invesco Code.
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10.2.5 Non-Discretionary Account shall mean an account where an employee is
deemed to have "no direct or indirect influence or control" over an
account i.e.:
(a) investment discretion for such account has been delegated in writing
to an independent fiduciary and such investment discretion is not
shared with the employee, or decisions for the account are made by a
family member or significant other and not by, or in connection
with, the employee;
(b) the employee (and, where applicable, the family member or
significant other) certifies in writing that he or she has not and
will not discuss any potential investment decisions with such
independent fiduciary or household member; and
(c) the Compliance Department has determined that the account satisfies
the foregoing requirements.
10.2.6 "Pre-Clearance Officer" is the Head of Compliance.
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10.3 PROHIBITED PERSONAL TRANSACTIONS
10.3.1 Privately Issued Securities
(a) Employees may not purchase or permit a Related Account to purchase
or acquire any privately-issued securities, other than in
exceptional cases specifically approved by the local Chief Executive
Officer (e.g., where such investment is part of a family-owned and
operated business venture that would not be expected to involve an
investment opportunity of interest to any Invesco client).
(b) Requests for exceptions should be made in the first instance to the
local Head of Compliance.
10.3.2 Short Selling. An employee may not, sell short a security unless this is
specifically related to personal taxation issues. Requests for exceptions
should be made to the local Head of Compliance.
10.3.3 Futures. Employees may not write, sell or buy exchange-traded futures,
synthetic futures, swaps and similar non-exchange traded instruments.
10.3.4 Deminimus transactions. An employee may request permission to buy or sell
a security which would otherwise be the subject of the Blackout
restrictions (10.10.1) if that security is so liquid that the transaction
would not affect the price per share so that there is no disadvantage to
any Invesco client transaction. Transaction unit size or cost should be
considered by the local Head of Dealing and Chief Investment Officer.
10.3.5 THE LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN CONSULTATION WITH THE LOCAL HEAD OF
COMPLIANCE MAY IN RARE INSTANCES GRANT EXCEPTIONS FROM THESE TRADING
RESTRICTIONS UPON WRITTEN REQUEST. EMPLOYEES MUST DEMONSTRATE HARDSHIP OR
EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES. ANY EXCEPTIONS GRANTED WILL BE REPORTED TO
THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT LEAST ANNUALLY.
10.4 TRANSACTIONS EXEMPT FROM PERSONAL DEALING RULES
The following types of share dealing transactions do not need to be
approved or reported.
Non Invesco Funds
(a) authorised non-Invesco managed open-end investment schemes
(including, mutual funds, open-ended investment companies or unit
trusts but not closed-end funds);
Direct Government Obligations
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(b) Securities which are direct obligations of the country in which the
employee is a resident (e.g., US treasuries for US residents/UK
treasuries for UK residents);
Short Term Debt
(c) High quality short-term debt instruments;
Retirement Fund
(d) member choice pension scheme;
Invesco Regular Investment Plan
(e) authorized Invesco managed open-end investment schemes (including,
mutual funds, open-ended investment companies or unit trusts but not
closed-end funds) by regular saving plan. Regarding the rules for
dealing Invesco Funds, please refer to Section 10.12.
10.5 TRANSACTIONS EXEMPT FROM AUTHORISATION BUT REQUIRING REPORTING
10.5.1 The following types of personal share dealing transactions do not need to
be approved but must be reported to the Compliance Department.
(a) Transactions in a Non-Discretionary Account excluding that of
non-Invesco Funds as mentioned in Section 10.4
(b) Investments in the debt obligations of Federal agencies or of state
and municipal governments or agencies.
(c) Transactions which are non-intentional on the part of the employee
(e.g., receipt of securities pursuant to a stock dividend or merger
bonus issues).
(d) Purchases of the stock of a company pursuant to an automatic
dividend reinvestment plan or an employee stock purchase plan
sponsored by such company.
(e) Receipt or exercise of rights issued by a company on a pro rata
basis to all holders of a class of security. Employees must,
however, pre-clear transactions for the acquisition of such rights
from a third party or the disposition of such rights.
(f) Interests in Securities comprising part of a broad-based, publicly
traded market basket or index of stocks, e.g. S & P 500 Index, FTSE
100, DAX.
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10.5.2 NOTE THAT ALL OF THESE TRANSACTIONS WHILE NOT SUBJECT TO PRE-CLEARANCE
ARE NEVERTHELESS SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS BELOW.
10.6 PERMITTED TRANSACTIONS REQUIRING AUTHORISATION AND REPORTING
10.6.1 Transactions in any other Security not dealt with above for either an
employee a Related Account are subject to the authorisation and reporting
rules set out below.
10.6.2 IPOs. Where there are different amounts of an IPO specified for different
investor types (e.g. private and institutional) investment is permitted
with the consent of the local Head of Compliance after consultation with
the local Chief Investment Officer or his designee.
10.6.3 Private Investment Funds. Employees may invest in interests in private
investment funds (i.e., hedge funds) that are established to invest
predominantly in public securities and instruments, subject to the
pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions and reporting requirements
contained in this Code.
10.6.4 Clubs. Employees may also invest in residential co-operatives and private
recreational clubs (such as sports clubs, country clubs, luncheon clubs
and the like) for their personal use; such investments are not subject to
the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions and reporting
requirements unless the employee's investing is part of a business
conducted by the employee.
10.7 PROCEDURES FOR AUTHORISATIONS
10.7.1 Prior to entering an order for a securities transaction either for the
employee or in a Related Account, the employee must complete a
Pre-Clearance of Personal Trade Authorisation Form (attached as Appendix
10.2) have it signed by the local Chief Investment Officer or his deputy
in his absence and submit the completed form to the local Head of
Compliance or his deputy in his absence (see Appendix 10.2).
10.7.2 (a) The employee must ensure that he answers all the questions on the
Pre-Clearance of Personal Trade Authorisation Form honestly;
(b) In particular, he must check with the relevant dealing desk as to
whether there are any client trades ongoing or outstanding in the
same stock;
(c) If there are no such client orders he should note the time he
checked this with the dealing desk and who reported back to him in
writing on the form;
(d) If there are client orders in place or if the transaction would fall
in one of the blackout periods specified in Section 10.10.1, he
should not
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submit the form until the blackout period has ended as the
authorisation may expire in accordance with Section 10.7.9.
10.7.3 Proposed securities transactions in a Related Account of the local Head
of Compliance must be submitted to the local Chief Executive Officer.
10.7.4 After receiving the completed Pre-Clearance of Personal Trade
Authorisation Form, the local Head of Compliance or his deputy in his
absence will review the information in the form and, as soon as
practicable, will decide whether to clear the proposed Personal
Transaction, subject to local requirements.
10.7.5 No order for a Personal Transaction for which pre-clearance authorisation
is sought may be placed prior to the receipt of written authorisation of
the transaction by the Head of Compliance or his deputy in his absence.
10.7.6 The authorisation and date and time of the authorisation must be stated
on the Pre-Clearance of Personal Trade Authorisation Form.
10.7.7 The original of the completed form will be kept as part of Invesco's
books and records.
10.7.8 (a) If an employee receives permission to trade a security or
instrument, the trade must be executed by the close of business on
the next business day after the day on which authorisation is given.
(b) The Head of Compliance has the discretion to extend this period.
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10.8 PLACING PERSONAL SHARE DEALING ORDERS
10.8.1 Once a Pre-Clearance of Personal Trade Authorisation Form has been duly
signed, a copy will be passed back to the employee and the original
maintained by the local Head of Compliance.
10.8.2 The employee may then place his order to deal with an outside broker.
10.8.3 The employee must ensure that a copy of or duplicate contract note is
provided to the Head of Compliance either directly from the broker or by
the employee.
10.9 PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING
10.9.1 Initial certification and Schedules. Within 10 days of commencing
employment at Invesco, each employee shall submit to the Compliance
Department:
(a) a signed Initial Certification of Compliance with the Invesco Code
(attached as Appendix 10.3); and
(b) a signed Initial Declaration of Personal Holding (attached as
Appendix 10.4) listing
(i) all Related Accounts;
(ii) all public and private securities and instruments directly or
indirectly held by any Related Account of such employee (other
than exempt investments as set out in Section 10.4), with
nonpublic securities plainly indicated; and
(iii) directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit, non-profit
and other enterprises.
The Compliance Department will give these documents to each employee
during the compliance briefing when commencing employment.
10.9.2 (a) Disclosure of Outside Brokerage Account. All employees must receive
approval from the Head of Compliance prior to setting up personal
share dealing accounts with brokers, either for themselves or Related
Accounts.
(b) New employees must disclose existing broker accounts on joining
Invesco in Appendix 10.4.
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(c) Disciplinary action may be taken against employees who deal through a
non-disclosed broker account.
10.9.3 Confirmation and Monthly Statements. Each employee must provide to the
Compliance Department:
(a) Duplicate copies of contract notes or confirmations of all
transactions for his own and each Related Account;
(b) If these are regularly provided by a broker or custodian, monthly
statements for his own and each Related Account not later than 10
days after the end of each month.
10.9.4 Annual Certification. Each employee shall provide to the Compliance
Department, not later than 10 days after the end of each calendar year, a
signed Annual Certification of Compliance with the Invesco Code of Ethics
(Note: any material changes to the Compliance Manual will be summarized
under the Annual Certification)(attached as Appendix 10.5) containing:
(a) If the information is not provided in the monthly statement referred
to in Section 10.9.2 (b)
(i) the date of each Personal transaction, the title and number of
securities and the principal amount of each security involved;
(ii) the nature of the personal transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or
any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(iii) the price at which the personal transaction was effected; and
(iv) the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which
the personal transaction was effected.
(b) If the information is not provided in the monthly statements or any
change from the Initial Declaration of Personal Holding referred to
in Section 10.9.2 (b) a schedule listing:
(i) all Related Accounts;
(ii) all public and private securities and instruments directly or
indirectly held by him or any Related Account of such employee
(other than exempt investment as set out in Section 10.4), with
nonpublic securities plainly indicated; and
(iii) directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit, non-profit
and other enterprises.
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(c) With respect to non-discretionary accounts, certifications that such
employee does discuss any investment decisions with the person
making investment decisions;
(d) With respect to any nonpublic security owned by such employee, a
statement indicating whether the issuer has changed its name or
publicly issued securities during such calendar quarter.
10.10 RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTING
10.10.1 Blackout Periods. An employee may not buy or sell for himself or permit
any Related Account to buy or sell, a security or any instrument:
(a) on the same day as any client is trading in the stock;
(b) where he knows that the sale or purchase of the securities are being
considered for a client account;
(c) if the employee is a portfolio manager, within 7 calendar days
before or after the day on which any client account trades in the
same security or instrument or in a security convertible into or
exchangeable for such security or instrument (including options) on
transactions other than those covered under the paragraph below, or
(d) if the employee is a portfolio manager, within two business days
before or after the day on which a pro rata trade, which includes
such security, is made for the purpose of rebalancing client
accounts.
10.10.2 (a) In the event there is a trade in a personal and a client account in
the same security or instrument within a blackout period, the
employee may be required to close out his personal position and to
disgorge any profit to a charitable organisation chosen by the local
Board of Directors;
(b) If an employee has obtained pre-clearance for a transaction and a
subsequent client trade occurs within the blackout period, the Chief
Executive Officer in consultation with the Head of Compliance, upon
a demonstration of hardship or extraordinary circumstances, may
review the application of the disgorgement policy to such
transaction and may select to impose alternative restrictions on the
employee's personal position.
10.10.3 Trades effected by Invesco for the account of an index fund it manages
in the ordinary course of such fund's investment activity will not
trigger the blackout period restrictions except where client activity
occurs on the same day as the personal transaction pre-clearance
request. However, the addition or removal of a security from an index,
thereby triggering an index
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fund trade, would cause employee trades in such security to be
blacked-out for the seven prior and subsequent calendar days, as
described above.
10.10.4 Short Term Trading Profits.
(a) It is Invesco's policy to restrict the ability of employees to
benefit from short-term trading in securities and instruments.
(b) Employees must disgorge profits made on the sale by an employee of
any security or instrument held less than 60 days.
(c) Employees will not be permitted to purchase any security or
instrument that has been sold by such employee within the prior 60
days.
(d) Employees may be required to disgorge profits made on the sale for
his own account or in a Related Account within the 60 days period.
(d) This policy applies to trading in all types of securities and
instruments, except where in a particular case the local Chief
Executive Officer in consultation with the Head of Compliance has
made a specific finding of hardship and it can be demonstrated that
no potential abuse or conflict is present (for example, when an
employee's request to sell a security purchased within 60 days prior
to the request is prompted by a major corporate or market event,
such as a tender offer, and the security was not held in client
accounts).
10.11 DEALING IN INVESCO LTD
10.11.1 The Group's Insider Trading Policy states that no employees who is aware
of the material nonpublic information regarding Invesco may buy or sell
securities of Invesco or engage in any other action to take personal
advantage of that information. The Policy also governs certain
transactions under Company-sponsored plans, including:
- Stock Option Exercises. The Policy's trading restrictions generally
do not apply to the exercise of a stock option. The restrictions do
apply, however, to any sale of the underlying stock or to a cashless
exercise of the option through a broker, as this entails selling a
portion of the underlying stock to cover the costs of exercise
and/or taxes.
- Invesco Stock Plans. this Policy's trading restrictions apply to any
elections you may make to transfer funds out of Company shares or
borrow money against your Invesco stock plan if the loan will result
in a liquidation of some or all of your Company stock fund balance.
- Dividend Reinvestment Plan. This Policy's trading restrictions do
not apply to purchases of Company shares resulting from your
reinvestment of dividends paid on Company securities under any
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Company dividend reinvestment plan. The trading restrictions do
apply, however, to voluntary purchases of Company shares resulting
from additional contributions you choose to make to any such plan,
and to your election to participate in the plan or increase your
level of participation in the plan. This Policy also applies to your
sale of any Company shares purchased pursuant to the reinvestment
plan.
10.11.2 Procedures. If you wish to purchase and/or sell Invesco Ltd's shares,
you must follow the dealing procedure outlined in this Section and the
Invesco Ltd's Insider Trading Policy (Appendix 10.8). You must obtained
the approval from the local Chief Investment Officer (or his deputy in
his absence) and local Head of Compliance (or his deputy in his absence)
by completing the Pre-Clearance Personal Trade Authorisation Form
(Appendix 10.2). Regarding the board of directors and executive officers
(CEO, SMDs reporting directly to the CEO, and Chief Accounting Officer)
as they may expose to more non-public and material information, they
must obtain pre-clearance of the transaction from the Office of the
General Counsel before engaging in any transaction involving Invesco
securities. For details, please refer to the Addendum of the Insider
Trading Policy of the Invesco Group.
10.11.3 Blackout periods. No Blackout period will be applied to Invesco staffs,
except for the board of directors and executive officers, of which the
Blackout period will commence on the 15th day of the third month of each
fiscal quarter rather than at the end of the quarter (and will still end
two business days after Invesco announces its quarterly results). For
details, please refer to the Addendum of the Insider Trading Policy of
the Invesco Group.
10.11.4 Please note that the Insider Dealing Policy continues to apply to your
transactions in Company securities even after you have terminated
employment for so long as you are in possession of material nonpublic
information.
10.11.5 Prohibited Transactions in relations to Invesco's securities. According
to the Insider Trading Policy, all staff's trading in Invesco's
securities is subject to the following additional restrictions:
- Short Sales. You may not engage in short sales of the Invesco's
securities (sales of securities that are not then owned), including
a "sale against the box" (a sale with delayed delivery).
- Publicly Traded Options. You may not engage in transactions in
publicly traded options, such as puts, calls and other derivative
securities relating to the Invesco's securities, whether on an
exchange or in any other organized market.
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- Standing Orders. Standing orders (other than pursuant to a
pre-approved trading plan that complies with SEC Rule 10b5-1) should
be used only for a very brief period of time (not longer than one
business day). A standing order placed with a broker to sell or
purchase stock at a specified price leaves you with no control over
the timing of the transaction. A standing order transaction executed
by the broker when you are aware of material nonpublic information
may result in unlawful insider trading.
- Margin Accounts and Pledges. Securities held in a margin account or
pledged as collateral for a loan may be sold without your consent by
the broker if you fail to meet a margin call or by the lender in
foreclosure if you default on the loan. Because a margin or
foreclosure sale may occur at a time when you are aware of material
nonpublic information or otherwise are not permitted to trade in
Invesco securities, you are prohibited from holding Invesco
securities in a margin account or pledging Invesco securities as
collateral for a loan. An exception to this prohibition may be
granted where you wish to pledge Invesco securities as collateral
for a loan (not including margin debt) and clearly demonstrate the
financial capacity to repay the loan without resort to the pledged
securities. If you wish to pledge Invesco securities as collateral
for a loan, you must submit a request for approval to the Legal and
Compliance Department at least two weeks prior to the proposed
execution of documents evidencing the proposed pledge.
- Hedging Transactions. Hedging or monetization transactions, such as
zero-cost collars and forward sale contracts, involve the
establishment of a short position in the Invesco's securities and
limit or eliminate your ability to profit from an increase in the
value of the Invesco's securities. Therefore, you are prohibited
from engaging in any hedging or monetization transactions involving
Invesco securities.
10.12 DEALING IN INVESCO FUNDS
10.12.1 Employees are not required to seek permission to deal in units/shares of
Hong Kong authorized open-ended funds managed by Invesco.
10.12.2 Employees are not required to report deals in Invesco managed Hong Kong
authorized open-ended funds. The Head of Compliance will monitor such
dealing on a post-deal basis by reviewing dealing records obtained from
the unitholder/shareholder registry.
10.12.3 Pre-clearance authorisation for dealing in close-ended funds and
non-Hong Kong authorized funds managed by Invesco is required.
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10.12.4 (a) Staff will be exempt from paying front end load, so long as the
units/shares are held for a minimum period of 60 days;
(b) Employees are not prevented from redeeming within the 60 day period;
however at the discretion of the local Head of Compliance FEL may be
charged on the subscription and redemption orders if there is a
redemption within this period;
(c) Full subcription payment must be made on application; no credit will
be given in any circumstances; and
(d) Staff should follow the relevant procedures for dealing in Invesco
Funds (including the placement of deals between the hours of 9:00am
to 5:00pm (Hong Kong time)).
10.12.5 After the 60 day holding period, shares/units purchased may be
transferred but only to family members previously nominated on the
Relationship Declaration Form on commencement of employment, after
marriage or on other notified changes of family relationships. Transfers
to people not nominated on the Relationship Declaration Form will not be
allowed.
10.12.6 Staff will be allocated "C" shares in Invesco Funds wherever "C" shares
are offered. However, transfers will be switched into "A" shares, if the
value of the switch is below the normal "C" share threshold (normally
USD1,000,000 or as stated in the prospectus).
10.12.7 Subscribing for shares on behalf of other people to take advantage of
staff FEL concessions is strictly against company policy and offender
may be subject to disciplinary action.
10.13 DEALING IN NON INVESCO FUNDS
10.13.1 Employees are not required to seek permission to deal in units/shares of
open-ended funds managed by other fund managers.
10.13.2 Employees are not required to report deals in non-Invesco managed
open-ended funds.
10.13.3 Pre-clearance authorisation for dealing in close-ended funds managed by
other fund managers is required.
10.14 HONG KONG EMPLOYEE REFERRALS
10.14.1 Invesco employees may invite friends or family to subscribe for units in
Invesco Funds. Investors referred in this manner may, at the discretion
of the
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STAFF ETHICS AND PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
Head of Investor Services, Pooled Products or his/her deputy, be offered
a discount on the front end load.
10.14.2 For any subscriptions into Invesco Funds referred by an employee, the
employee should put his/her name in the Agent's Stamp Box on the
application form and sign the form.
10.14.3 The completed application form should be given to the Head of Investor
Services, Pooled Products or his/her deputy who will decide how much
discount on the FEL fee should be given to the referred investor and
countersigned by the local Head of Compliance or his/her deputy.
10.14.4 The Head of Investor Services, Pooled Products or his/her deputy should
write the FEL to be charged on the application form and sign to indicate
his approval.
10.14.5 The approved application form should be given to the Retail
Administration Department to complete the subscription.
10.15 GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
10.15.1 It is required that all Invesco personnel adhere to the highest
standards of ethical conduct, including sensitivity to actual or
apparent conflicts of interest. The provision or receipt of gifts or
entertainment can create, or can have the appearance of creating,
conflicts of interest. In addition, Invesco's clients and their
personnel may be subject to similar restrictions regarding the receipt
of gifts or entertainment.
10.15.2 This Policy establishes minimum standards to protect our Company. If the
laws or regulations establish higher standards, we must adhere to those
standards.
10.15.3 For purposes of this Policy, a "Gift" is anything of value given (1) by
the Company or its personnel to a Business Associate (as defined in
10.2.1), or to a member of such a person's immediate family, or (2) by a
Business Associate to any Invesco personnel, or to a member of such a
person's immediate family. Gifts may include, but are not limited to,
personal items, office accessories and sporting equipment (e.g., golf
clubs, tennis rackets, etc.). For purposes of this Policy, Gifts also
include charitable contributions made to or at the request of a Business
Associate. For purposes of this Policy, Gifts do not include promotional
items of nominal value (e.g., golf balls, pens, etc.) that display the
logo of Invesco, or of the Business Associate.
10.15.4 "Entertainment" involves attendance at activities, including but not
limited to meals, sporting events, the theatre, parties or receptions,
and similar functions. Entertainment requires the presence of both
Invesco personnel and the Business Associate; unless personnel from both
entities attend, the
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STAFF ETHICS AND PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
activity constitutes a Gift. The value of Entertainment includes the
cost of the activity itself (for example, the cost of tickets or a
meal), as well as the cost of any related activities or services
provided (such as prizes, transportation, and lodging in connection with
the event). Entertainment does not include research or analysts meetings
provided by issuers and attended by investment personnel or industry
educational events sponsored by industry groups, so long as such events
are for educational or research purposes. All Invesco personnel also
should keep in mind that regulators may attempt to treat entertainment
as "gifts" for compliance purposes, particularly where the entertainment
appears excessive in value or frequency.
10.15.5 The providing or receiving of any Gift or Entertainment that is
conditioned upon the Company doing business or not doing business with
the Business Associate or any other person are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
10.15.6 Gifts. An employee may not retain a gift received from a Business
Associate without the approval of the Head of Department and the local
Head of Compliance (see Approval Form in Appendix 10.6). Reporting and
approval are required for gifts received during festive seasons,
including Christmas dinner sponsor, mooncakes, hampers, and flower and
fruit baskets
10.15.7 Under no circumstances, the value of gift given or received should
exceed USD 200 OR HKD 1,600 PER INDIVIDUAL ANNUALLY. If the value of the
gift received is not able to be determined, professional judgment should
be used to determine the value of the gift. Should the value exceed USD
200 or HKD 1,600, it should be returned to the donor, passed to the
Human Resources or donates to the charity. Approval from Head of
Department is required for providing and receiving gift, however PRIOR
APPROVAL from local Head of Compliance is not necessary. Post approval
from local Head of Compliance is required. If the gift is not giving to
any particular person, the gift shall be passed to Human Resources
Department and distributed to the staff on a raffle basis. The gift
limit is applied to each individual office.
10.15.8 Employees may not give, and must tactfully refuse, any gift of cash, a
gift certificate or a gift that is substantially the same as cash.
Notwithstanding this requirement, employees may give or receive Lai-See
(red envelopes) at Lunar New Year of an amount not more than HK$200
each. In case the amount is more than HK$200, the case must be reported
to the Head of Department and the local Head of Compliance. Due to
Chinese custom, it may be difficult to return the Lai-See. Therefore,
the full amount should be donated to a charitable organization in Hong
Kong, and the Business Associate be informed of the donation.
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STAFF ETHICS AND PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
10.15.9 Gifts should not be given to an employee of any securities firm which
is making a public offering of a fund advised by Invesco nor given in
connection with the acquisition of a new client by Invesco.
10.15.10 Each employee is required to report annually to his/her Department Head
all gifts received and made each year. The Department Head is required
to report annually to the Compliance Department all gifts received and
made by the Department for the whole year. The relevant forms are
attached as Appendix 10.7.
10.15.11 Entertainment. Each employee is expected to use professional judgment,
subject to review by his or her supervisor, in entertaining and in
being entertained by a Business Associate.
10.15.12 Provided that the employee and Business Associate both attend, an
employee may accept from a single business partner, or provide to a
single person or a Business Partner for Entertainment of value UP TO
USD 1,200 OR HKD 9,300 IN A CALENDAR YEAR. Under no circumstances, the
value of the entertainment should exceed USD 400 OR HKD 3,100 PER
INDIVIDUAL PER EVENT. Approval from Head of Department is required for
providing and receiving entertainment, however PRIOR APPROVAL from
local Head of Compliance is not necessary. Post approval from local
Head of Compliance is required. If the event of the entertainment such
as movie tickets is not giving to any particular employee, the event of
the entertainment shall be passed to the Human Resources Department and
distributed to the staff on a raffle basis. The entertainment limit is
applied to each individual office.
10.16 OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
10.16.1 In order to reduce potential conflicts of interest arising from the
participation of employees on the boards of directors of public,
private, non-profit and other enterprises, all employees are subject to
the following restrictions and guidelines.
10.16.2 An employee may not serve as a director of a public company without the
approval of the local Chief Executive Officer after consultation with
the local Head of Compliance.
10.16.3 An employee may serve on the board of directors or participate as an
adviser or otherwise, or advisers of a private company only if:
(a) client assets have been invested in such company; and
(b) service on a such board has been approved in writing by the local
Chief Executive Officer. The employee must resign from such board
of directors as soon as the company contemplates going public,
except where the local Chief Executive Officer has determined that
an employee may remain on a board. (In any event, an employee shall
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STAFF ETHICS AND PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
not accept any compensation for serving as a director (or in a
similar capacity) of such company; except with the prior written
approval of the local Chief Executive Officer.
(c) service on such a board is directly as a result of the employee
position
or
status at Invesco. In this case any fees received for being a
director must be reimbursed to Invesco.
10.16.4 An employee must receive prior written permission from the local Chief
Executive Officer before serving as a director, trustee or member of an
advisory board of either:
(a) any non-profit or charitable institution; or
(b) a private family-owned and -operated business.
10.16.5 If an employee serving on the board of directors or advisers of any
entity comes into possession of material, nonpublic information through
such service, he or she must immediately notify his or her local Head
of Compliance.
10.17 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
10.17.1 An Invesco employee shall not take personal advantage of any economic
opportunity properly belonging to a Invesco client or to Invesco
itself. Such opportunities could arise, for example, from confidential
information belonging to a client or the offer of a directorship.
Employees must not disclose information relating to a client's
intentions, activities or portfolios except:
(a) to fellow employees, or other agents of the client, who need to
know it to discharge their duties; or
(b) to the client itself.
10.17.2 Employees may not cause or attempt to cause any client to purchase,
sell or hold any Security in a manner calculated to create any personal
benefit to the employee or Invesco.
10.17.3 If an employee or immediate family member stands to materially benefit
from an investment decision for a Client that the employee is
recommending or participating in, the employee must disclose that
interest to persons with authority to make investment decisions or to
the Head of Compliance. Based on the information given, a decision will
be made on whether or not to restrict the employee's participation in
causing a client to purchase or sell a Security in which the employee
has an interest.
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STAFF ETHICS AND PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
10.17.4 Employees must disclose to those persons with authority to make
investment decisions for a client (or to the Head of Compliance if the
employee in question is a person with authority to make investment
decisions for the client), any beneficial interest that the employee
(or immediate family member) has in that Security, or in the issuer
thereof, where the decision could create a material benefit to the
employee (or immediate family member) or the appearance of impropriety.
The person to whom the employee reports the interest, in consultation
with the Head of Compliance, must determine whether or not the employee
will be restricted in making investment decisions.
10.18 SANCTIONS
10.18.1 These rules will be interpreted by the local Head of Compliance, as
applicable. Questions of interpretation should be directed in the first
instance to the local Head of Compliance or his/her designee or, if
necessary, with the Head of Compliance of another Invesco entity.
10.18.2 If advised of a violation of these rules by an employee, the local
Chief Executive Officer, (in the case of the local Chief Executive
Officer, the local Board of Directors) may impose such sanctions as are
deemed appropriate. Any violations of these Rules and sanctions
therefore will be reported to the local Board of Directors at least
annually.
10.19 ANNUAL REVIEW
A review will be performed at least once a year and a report will be
prepared that:
(a) summarises existing procedures concerning personal investing and
any changes in the procedures made during the past year;
(b) identifies any violations requiring significant remedied action
during the past year; and
(c) identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or
procedures based on the experience under the Code involving
industry practices on developments in applicable laws or
regulations.
10.20 COMPANY ASSISTANCE
Any person who has a question about the above Policies or its
application to any proposed transaction may obtain additional guidance
from the Local Compliance Department. Do not try to resolve
uncertainties on your own because the rule are often complex, not
always intuitive and carry severe consequences.
SEP 2008 19
EX-99.P6
27
h66495aexv99wp6.txt
EX-99.P6
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Invesco Ltd.
CODE OF CONDUCT
INTRODUCTION
Our company's Mission "Helping People Worldwide Build Their Financial Security"
is a logical beginning point for our Code of Conduct. To help guide us in
achieving our Mission, Invesco has developed the following set of Principles:
- We are passionate about our clients' success
- We earn trust by acting with integrity
- People are the foundation of our success
- Working together, we achieve more
- We believe in the continuous pursuit of performance excellence
This Code of Conduct ("Code of Conduct" or "Code") has been created to assist us
in accomplishing our Mission. It contains a number of policies and standards
which, when taken together, are designed to help define the essence of the
conduct of an Invesco representative. These policies and standards are also
intended to provide guidance to Invesco personnel in fulfilling their
obligations to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations ("applicable
laws"). This Code of Conduct applies to all officers and other employees of
Invesco and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Covered Persons").
Our Principles also help define the Invesco culture. In practice, this means
that our clients' interests must always come first, that Covered Persons should
treat each other with respect and consideration, and that Invesco should
participate as a responsible corporate citizen in every community in which it
operates. This commitment is a vital part of our achieving our principal
responsibility as a publicly-held company: producing a fair return on our
shareholders' capital.
This Code of Conduct contains broad and general principles that supplement the
specific policies, procedures and training within each business unit of Invesco.
Page 1 of 22
YOUR RESPONSIBLITIES
One person's misconduct can damage our entire company's hard-earned reputation
and compromise the public's trust in the company. Every Covered Person should
therefore become familiar with this Code and abide strictly by its provisions.
In brief:
- It is your responsibility at all times to comply with the law and
behave in an ethical manner.
- This Code cannot anticipate every possible situation or cover every
topic in detail. The company has established special policies to
address specific subjects and will update this Code and those specific
policies from time-to-time. If you are unclear about a situation, stop
and ask for guidance before taking action.
- Failure to obey laws and regulations violates this Code and may expose
both you and the company to criminal or civil sanctions. Any violation
of this Code or other company policies may result in disciplinary
action, up to and including termination of employment. The company may
also seek civil remedies from you and even refer criminal misconduct
to law enforcement agencies.
- You are responsible for reporting possible violations of this Code to
the company (see below).
- If you have a question about a topic covered in this Code or a concern
regarding any conduct, please speak with your supervisor or with an
appropriate member of the Legal and Compliance Department.
- If you are aware of a violation and are uncomfortable speaking with
any of these people or wish to remain anonymous, you may call the
toll-free Invesco Compliance Reporting Line (the "Compliance Reporting
Line"). If you are calling from a U.S. or Canadian location dial
1-866-297-3627. For calls from all other locations, dial an
international operator and request a collect call to 1-704-943-1136.
When asked for your name use "Invesco." (See further details below.)
- If you are an attorney or an executive officer of the company, you may
have additional reporting or other obligations under specific rules
applicable to you, such as the POLICY FOR REPORTING BY ATTORNEYS
EMPLOYED BY INVESCO LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, and you should also
comply with such rules.
Page 2 of 22
STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Invesco operates in a highly-regulated and complex environment. There are
numerous layers of overlapping, and occasionally conflicting, laws, customs and
local practices. This Code of Conduct was designed to provide all of us who are
part of Invesco with a clear statement of our firm's ethical and cultural
standards.
We operate in major countries and securities markets throughout the world.
Generally, we serve our clients as fiduciaries.
Fiduciary businesses are generally held to a higher standard of conduct than
other businesses, and as such there are special obligations that apply. The
following key duties and principles govern our conduct as fiduciaries:
- Best interests of clients - As fiduciaries, we have a duty to act with
reasonable care, skill and caution in the best interests of our
clients, and to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Global fiduciary standards - Invesco seeks to maintain the same high
fiduciary standards throughout the world, even though those standards
may not be legally required, or even recognized, in some countries.
- Compliance with applicable laws - We have a duty to comply with
applicable laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate, and to
comply with the terms of our agreements with our clients.
- Client confidentiality - We must maintain the confidentiality of
information relating to the client, and comply with the data
protection requirements imposed by many jurisdictions.
- Information - Clients must be provided with timely and accurate
information regarding their accounts.
- Segregation and protection of assets - Processes must be established
for the proper maintenance, control and protection of client assets.
Fiduciary assets must be segregated from Invesco assets and property.
- Delegation of duties - Fiduciary duties should be delegated only when
the client consents and where permitted by applicable law. Reasonable
care, skill and caution must be exercised in the selection of agents
and review of their performance.
Page 3 of 22
- Client guidelines - Invesco is responsible for making investment
decisions on behalf of clients that are consistent with the
prospectus, contract, or other controlling document relating to the
client's account.
- Relations with regulators - We seek relationships with regulators that
are open and responsive in nature.
1. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
Invesco strives to ensure that all activity by or on behalf of Invesco is in
compliance with applicable laws. Many of these applicable laws are specifically
described in this Code of Conduct and in other Invesco policies and procedures.
In the conduct of our business, all Covered Persons are required to comply with
all applicable laws.
2. Fair and Honest Dealing
Covered Persons shall deal fairly and honestly with Invesco's shareholders,
customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. Covered Persons shall behave in
an ethical manner and shall not take unfair advantage of anyone through
manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of
material facts, or any other unfair dealing practice.
3. Conflicts of Interest
Invesco and its Covered Persons must adhere to the highest standards of honest
and ethical conduct. These include, but are not limited to, sensitivity to the
existence of a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.
In the course of business, conflicts of interest can arise between the company
and its clients, including investment funds, or between the interests of the
company and its Covered Persons. A conflict of interest exists when a Covered
Person's personal interest interferes, or appears to interfere, in any way with
the interests of Invesco or its clients, or when a Covered Person otherwise
takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her
company work objectively and effectively. For example, a conflict of interest
would arise if a Covered Person, or a member of his or her family, receives
improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position with Invesco.
All Covered Persons owe a duty of undivided and unqualified loyalty to Invesco
and may not use their positions improperly to profit personally or to assist
others in profiting at the expense of the company. All Covered Persons are
therefore expected and required to regulate their activities so as to avoid
conflicts of interest. In addition, Covered Persons shall promptly communicate
to the applicable member of the Legal and Compliance Department any material
transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a
conflict of interest so that the company and the Covered Person may take steps
to minimize the conflict.
Page 4 of 22
Covered Persons shall not take for personal use (or for use by a family member)
any business opportunity learned of during the course of serving Invesco, using
Invesco property or as a result of such individual's position with Invesco. If
an employee or officer learns of a business opportunity that is within Invesco's
existing or proposed lines of business, the employee or officer should inform
his or her supervisor, the Legal and Compliance Department, or the Board of
Directors, as appropriate, of the business opportunity and refrain from
personally pursuing the matter until such time as Invesco decides to forego the
business opportunity. At no time may any employee or officer utilize any Invesco
property, information or position to generate personal gain or engage or
participate in any business that directly competes with Invesco.
While not all-inclusive, the following examples of outside financial interests
will serve to illustrate some of the types of activities that might cause
conflicts of interest:
- Ownership or other interest in or employment by any outside concern which
does business with Invesco. This does not apply to stock or other
investments in a publicly-held company, provided that the stock and other
investments do not, in the aggregate, exceed 5% of the outstanding
ownership interests of such company. Invesco may, following a review of the
relevant facts, permit ownership interests which exceed these amounts if
management or the Board of Directors, as appropriate, concludes that such
ownership interests will not adversely affect Invesco's business interests
or the judgment of the affected Covered Person.
- Conducting business, not on behalf of Invesco, with any Invesco vendor,
supplier, contractor, agency, or any of their directors, officers or
employees.
- Representation of Invesco by a Covered Person in any transaction in which
he or she, or a family member, has a substantial personal interest.
- Disclosure or use of confidential, special or inside information of or
about Invesco, particularly for personal profit or advantage of the Covered
Person or a family member of such person.
- Competition with Invesco by a Covered Person, directly or indirectly, in
the purchase, sale or ownership of property or services or business
investment opportunities.
Sections 4, 5 and 6 describe in more detail additional areas where conflicts can
arise and are of particular sensitivity. These areas include outside activities,
personal share dealing, and the use of material non-public information.
All Covered Persons must follow the procedures in place within their respective
divisions and business units and must also be sensitive to the types of
situations that can give rise to such conflicts or apparent conflicts.
Page 5 of 22
4. Outside Activities and Compensation
No Covered Person shall perform work or render services for any competitor of
Invesco or for any organization with which Invesco does business, or which seeks
to do business with Invesco, outside of the normal course of his or her
employment with Invesco, without the prior written approval of the company. Nor
shall any such person be a director, officer, or consultant of such an
organization, or permit his or her name to be used in any fashion that would
tend to indicate a business connection with such organization, without such
approval. Outside organizations can include public or private corporations,
partnerships, charitable foundations and other not-for-profit institutions. With
the above approval, Covered Persons may receive compensation for such
activities.
Service with organizations outside of Invesco can, however, raise serious
regulatory issues, including conflicts of interest and access to material
non-public information.
As an outside board member or officer, a Covered Person may come into possession
of material non-public information about the outside company or other public
companies. It is critical that a proper information barrier be in place between
Invesco and the outside organization, and that the Covered Person does not
communicate such information to other Covered Persons in violation of the
information barrier.
Similarly, Invesco may have a business relationship with the outside
organization or may seek a relationship in the future. In those circumstances,
the Covered Person must not be involved in any way in the business relationship
between Invesco and the outside organization.
Invesco retains the right to prohibit membership by Covered Persons on any board
of directors/trustees or as an officer of an outside organization where such
membership might conflict with the best interests of the company. Approval will
be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to proper resolution of potential
conflicts of interest. Outside activities will be approved only if these issues
can be satisfactorily resolved.
5. Personal Share Dealing
Purchasing and selling securities in a Covered Person's own account, or accounts
over which the Covered Person has access or control, particularly in securities
owned by client accounts, can give rise to potential conflicts of interest. As
fiduciaries, we are held to the highest standards of conduct. Improperly gaining
advance knowledge of portfolio transactions, or conducting securities
transactions based upon information obtained at Invesco, can be a violation of
those standards.
Every Covered Person must also comply with the specific personal trading rules
in effect for the Covered Person's business unit. The Board of Directors of the
company
Page 6 of 22
has adopted an Insider Trading Policy ("Insider Trading Policy") that
specifically governs transactions in Invesco securities, including special
pre-clearance obligations and trading blackout periods for defined personnel.
6. Information Barriers and Material Non-Public Information
In the conduct of our business, Covered Persons may come into possession of
material non-public information. This information could concern an issuer, a
client, a portfolio, the market for a particular security, or Invesco itself.
All Covered Persons are prohibited from using such information in ways that
violate the law, including for personal gain. Non-public information must be
kept confidential, which may include keeping it confidential from other Covered
Persons. The purchase or sale of Invesco's securities or the securities of other
publicly-traded companies while aware of material nonpublic information about
such company, or the disclosure of material nonpublic information to others who
then trade in such company's securities, is prohibited by this Code of Conduct
and by United States and other jurisdictions' securities laws. Invesco's Insider
Trading Policy also applies to all Covered Persons. With regard to Invesco
securities, the Insider Trading Policy, among other provisions, prohibits
directors, officers, and other Covered Persons who are deemed to have access to
material, non-public information relating to the company from trading during
specified Blackout Periods (as defined therein). All Covered Persons should
review the Invesco Insider Trading Policy carefully and follow the policies and
procedures described therein. The failure of a Covered Person to comply with the
company's Insider Trading Policy may subject him or her to company-imposed
sanctions, up to and including termination for cause, whether or not the failure
to comply results in a violation of law. You should seek the advice of the
applicable business unit Legal and Compliance Department on any questions
regarding this subject and the company's Insider Trading Policy.
7. Anti-Bribery and Dealings with Governmental Officials
Special care must be taken when dealing with government customers. Activities
that might be appropriate when working with private sector customers may be
improper and even illegal when dealing with government employees, or when
providing goods and services to another customer who, in turn, will deliver the
company's product to a government end user. Many of the countries in which
Invesco conducts its business prohibit the improper influencing of governmental
officials or other persons by the payment of bribes, gifts, political
contributions, lavish hospitality or by other means. Our policy requires
adherence to those restrictions.
Do not directly or indirectly promise, offer or make payment in money or
anything of value to anyone, including a government official, agent or employee
of a government, political party, labor organization or business entity or a
candidate of a political party, or their families, with the intent to induce
favorable business treatment or to improperly affect business or government
decisions. This policy prohibits actions intended either to influence a specific
decision or merely to enhance future relationships. In general, all
Page 7 of 22
travel and entertainment that Covered Persons provide to governmental officials
must be pre-approved within the appropriate business unit. If approved, a
written confirmation that such expenses do not violate local law must be
obtained from an appropriate third party (e.g., the business unit's legal
counsel or the government official's supervisor).
Covered Persons shall comply with applicable laws governing political campaign
finance and lobbying activities and shall not engage in any conduct that is
intended to avoid the application of such laws to activities undertaken on
Invesco's behalf. In addition, appropriate executive officers shall monitor
compliance with lobbyist registration and disclosure requirements by all
individuals who act on behalf of Invesco.
These prohibitions extend to any consultants or agents we may retain on behalf
of Invesco.
8. Anti-Discrimination and Harassment
Invesco is committed to providing a work environment that is free of
discrimination and harassment. Such conduct, whether overt or subtle, is
demeaning, may be illegal, and undermines the integrity of the employment
relationship.
Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors, pressure to engage in a sexual relationship as a condition of employment
or promotion, or conduct which creates a hostile or offensive work environment.
Discrimination can take many forms including actions, words, jokes, or comments
based upon an individual's race, citizenship, ethnicity, color, religion, sex,
veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital
status or other legally protected characteristic. Any Covered Person who engages
in harassment or discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to
and including termination of employment.
9. Anti-Money Laundering
In the global marketplace, the attempted use of financial institutions and
instruments to launder money is a significant problem that has resulted in the
passage of strict laws in many countries. Money laundering is the attempt to
disguise money derived from or intended to finance illegal activity including
drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, fraud, and many other crimes.
Money launderers go to great lengths to hide the sources of their funds. Among
the most common stratagems are placing cash in legitimate financial
institutions, layering between numerous financial institutions, and integrating
the laundered proceeds back into the economy as apparently legitimate funds.
Page 8 of 22
All Covered Persons must be vigilant in the fight against money laundering, and
must not allow Invesco to be used for money laundering. Each business unit has
developed an anti-money laundering program that is consistent with Invesco's
policy. Each Covered Person must comply with the applicable program.
10. Antitrust
The laws of many countries are designed to protect consumers from illegal
competitive actions such as price fixing and dividing markets. It is Invesco's
policy and practice to compete based on the merits of our products and services.
In order to further that policy, Covered Persons must not fix or control prices
with competitors, divide up territories or markets, limit the production or sale
of products, boycott certain suppliers or customers, unfairly control or
restrict trade in any way, restrict a competitor's marketing practices, or
disparage a competitor. Covered Persons must never discuss products, pricing or
markets with competitors with the intent to fix prices or divide markets.
11. Data Privacy
Data privacy, as it relates both to our clients and our employees, has become a
major political and legal issue in many jurisdictions in which we do business. A
variety of laws in each of those jurisdictions governs the collection, storage,
dissemination, transfer, use, access to and confidentiality of personal
information and patient health information. These laws can work to limit
transfers of such data across borders and even among affiliated entities within
Invesco. Invesco and its Covered Persons will comply with all provisions of
these laws that relate to its business, including the privacy, security and
electronic transmission of financial, health and other personal information. The
company expects its Covered Persons to keep all such data confidential and to
protect, use and disclose information in the conduct of our business only in
compliance with these laws. The company will consider and may release personal
information to third parties to comply with law or to protect the rights,
property or safety of Invesco and its customers. In accordance with Invesco
policies, each business unit has developed required disclosures and data
security procedures applicable to that business unit. All Covered Persons must
comply with the applicable procedures.
With respect to Invesco Covered Persons, all salary, benefit, medical and other
personal information relating to Covered Persons shall generally be treated as
confidential. Personnel files, payroll information, disciplinary matters, and
similar information are to be maintained in a manner designed to protect
confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws. All Covered Persons shall
exercise due care to prevent the release or sharing of such information beyond
those persons who may need such information to fulfill their job functions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all personnel information belongs solely to
Invesco and may be reviewed or used by the company as needed to conduct its
business.
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12. Communications with the Media, Analysts and Shareholders
Invesco has a long-standing policy of co-operating with the news media and the
financial community. This policy is intended to enhance respect for the company,
provide accurate information, and achieve our business goals.
Invesco employs media relations professionals who are responsible for handling
all contacts with the news media. Invesco's Communications and Public Affairs
Department is responsible for formulating and directing our media relations
policy worldwide. Other Invesco employees may not speak to or disseminate
information to the news media unless such contact has been requested and
arranged by or coordinated with an Invesco media relations professional in
accordance with the company's media relations policy. Any contact from the news
media should be referred promptly and without comment to an Invesco media
relations professional. If you do not know the appropriate media relations
professional for your unit, you can refer the contact to the Invesco
Communications and Public Affairs Department.
Many countries have detailed rules with regard to the dissemination of
information about public companies. In particular, a public company must have
procedures for controlling the release of information that may have a material
impact on its share price. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer are responsible for Invesco's relationships with the financial
community, including the release of price sensitive information. Other Invesco
employees may not speak to or disseminate information regarding the company to
the financial community (including analysts, investors, shareholders, Company
lenders, and rating agencies) unless such contact has been requested and
arranged by the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the
Investor Relations Group within the Finance Department.
13. Electronic Communications
The use of electronic mail, the Internet and other technology assets is an
important part of our work at Invesco. Used improperly, this technology presents
legal and business risks for the company and for individual employees. There are
also important privacy issues associated with the use of technology, and related
regulations are evolving.
In accordance with Invesco's Electronic Communications policies, all Covered
Persons are required to use information technology for proper business purposes
and in a manner that does not compromise the confidentiality of sensitive or
proprietary information. All communications with the public, clients, prospects
and fellow employees must be conducted with dignity, integrity, and competence
and in an ethical and professional manner.
We must not use information technology to: transmit or store materials which are
obscene, pornographic, or otherwise offensive; engage in criminal activity;
obtain
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unauthorized access to data or files; commit copyright violations; install
personal software without permission; or make Internet statements, without
permission, that suggest that the user is speaking on behalf of Invesco or its
affiliates.
14. Gifts and Relationships with Customers and Suppliers
Invesco seeks to do business with clients and suppliers on a fair and equitable
basis. We may not accept or provide gifts of other than nominal value, or lavish
entertainment, or other valuable benefits or special favors to or from customers
or suppliers. We must observe any limits imposed by our business unit's
policies, local laws, or regulations with respect to the acceptance or provision
of gifts and entertainment.
15. International Issues
If you conduct business for Invesco outside of the U.S., in addition to being
familiar with the local laws of the other countries involved, be sure you are
familiar with the following U.S. laws and regulations. Violations of these laws
can result in substantial fines, imprisonment and severe restrictions on the
company's ability to do business.
FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT
The United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar laws in many
other countries have a variety of provisions that regulate business in other
countries and with foreign citizens. In essence, these laws make it a crime to
promise or give anything of value to a foreign official or political party in
order to obtain or keep business or obtain any improper advantage. It is also
illegal to make payments to agents, sales representatives or other third parties
if you have reason to believe your gift will be used illegally. Seek advice from
the appropriate member of the Legal and Compliance Department for interpretation
of the FCPA or similar laws if you are involved in any business dealings that
involve foreign countries.
ANTI-BOYCOTT LAWS
From time to time, various countries may impose restrictions upon the ability of
businesses in their jurisdiction to engage in commerce with designated
individuals, countries or companies. These laws are commonly referred to as
boycotts or trade embargoes. It may be against the law to cooperate in any
boycotts between foreign countries not sanctioned by the laws of the place where
your office is located. All requests for boycott support or boycott-related
information must be reported to your supervisor and the member of the Legal and
Compliance Department with responsibility for your office.
Similarly, many countries contribute the names of criminal or terrorist
organizations or individuals to a common database and require financial
institutions to screen customer
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lists against the database as part of their "Know Your Customer" obligations. We
must be aware of, and where appropriate, adhere to any such restrictions.
EMBARGO SANCTIONS
The United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control
prohibits U.S. companies and their foreign subsidiaries from doing business with
certain countries and agencies and certain individuals. The laws of other
countries may have similar types of prohibitions. The regulations vary depending
on the country and the type of transaction and often change as countries'
foreign policies change. If you are aware of any sensitive political issues with
a country in which Invesco is doing or considering doing business, seek advice
from the appropriate member of the Legal and Compliance Department.
16. Political Activities and Lobbying
Covered Persons are encouraged to vote in elections for which they are eligible,
and to make contributions supporting candidates or parties of their choice.
Covered Persons are also encouraged to express their views on government,
legislation and other matters of local or national interest.
Many jurisdictions have imposed severe and complex restrictions on the ability
of individuals and companies to make political contributions. You should assume
that Invesco and its Covered Persons are generally prohibited from certain types
of political activities, and you must be familiar with the rules in effect for
your business unit. No Covered Person may, under any circumstances, use company
funds to make political contributions without the prior written approval of a
member of the Legal and Compliance Department, nor may you represent your
personal political views as being those of the company.
17. Retention of Books and Records
Invesco corporate records are important assets. Corporate records include
essentially everything you produce as a Covered Person, regardless of its
format. A corporate record may be in the form of paper, computer tapes,
microfilm, e-mail, or voice mail. It may be something as obvious as a memorandum
or a contract or something not as obvious, such as a desk calendar, an
appointment book, or an expense record.
Invesco is required by law to maintain certain types of corporate records,
usually for a specified period of time. Failure to retain such documents for
such minimum periods could subject Invesco to penalties and fines, cause the
loss of rights, obstruct justice, place Invesco in contempt of court, or place
Invesco at a serious disadvantage in litigation. However, storage of voluminous
records over time is costly. Therefore, Invesco has established controls to
assure retention for required periods and timely destruction of retrievable
records, such as paper copies and records on computers,
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electronic systems, microfiche, and microfilm. Even if a document is retained
for the legally required period, liability could still result if a document is
destroyed before its scheduled destruction date.
Invesco and its affiliates are subject to the regulatory requirements of
numerous countries and regulatory agencies. Virtually all of them have specific
requirements concerning the creation, maintenance and storage of business
records. Invesco expects all Covered Persons to become familiar with and fully
comply with the records retention/destruction schedule for the departments and
office locations for which they work. If you believe documents should be
retained beyond the applicable retention period, consult with the Legal and
Compliance Department.
18. Sales and Marketing Materials
Invesco is committed to building sustained, open, and honest relationships with
our customers, and to complying with all relevant regulatory requirements. This
requires that all marketing and sales-related materials be prepared under
standards approved by the Legal and Compliance Department and, prior to use,
reviewed and approved by the appropriate supervisor within a business unit.
Covered materials include requests for proposals, client presentations,
performance summaries, advertisements, and published market commentaries.
19. Substance Abuse
Invesco is committed to providing a safe and healthy work place for all
employees. The use, possession, sale, transfer, purchase, or being "under the
influence" of drugs at any time while on company premises or on company business
is prohibited. The term "drug" includes alcoholic beverages (other than in
connection with entertainment events, or in other appropriate settings),
prescriptions not authorized by your doctor, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine,
heroin and other illegal substances.
20. Confidential Information
Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of
use to competitors, or harmful to the company or its customers, if disclosed.
All information (in any form, including electronic information) that is created
or used in support of company business activities is the property of Invesco.
This company information is a valuable asset and Covered Persons are expected to
protect it from unauthorized disclosure. This includes Invesco customer,
supplier, business partner and employee data. United States (federal and state)
and other jurisdictions' laws may restrict the use of such information and
impose penalties for impermissible use or disclosure.
Covered Persons must maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to
them by the company or its customers, vendors or consultants except when
disclosure is properly authorized by the company or legally mandated. Covered
Persons shall take
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all reasonable efforts to safeguard such confidential information that is in
their possession against inadvertent disclosure and shall comply with any
non-disclosure obligations imposed on Invesco in its agreements with third
parties.
Information pertaining to Invesco's competitive position or business strategies,
and information relating to negotiations with Covered Persons or third parties,
should be protected and shared only with Covered Persons having a need to know
such information in order to perform their job responsibilities.
21. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
All Covered Persons shall strive to preserve and protect the company's assets
and resources and to promote their efficient use. The standards set forth below
are intended to guide Covered Persons by articulating Invesco's expectations as
they relate to activities or behaviors that may affect the company's assets.
Personal Use of Corporate Assets
Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on Invesco's profitability.
Covered Persons are not to convert assets of the company to personal use.
Company property should be used for the company's legitimate business purposes
and the business of the company shall be conducted in a manner designed to
further Invesco's interest rather than the personal interest of an individual
Covered Person. Covered Persons are prohibited from the unauthorized use or
taking of Invesco's equipment, supplies, materials or services. Prior to
engaging in any activity on company time which will result in remuneration to
the Covered Person or the use of Invesco's equipment, supplies, materials or
services for personal or non-work related purposes, officers and other Covered
Persons shall obtain the approval of the supervisor of the appropriate business
unit.
Use of Company Software
Covered Persons use software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, data
management, and many other applications. Software products purchased by the
company are covered by some form of licensing agreement that describes the
terms, conditions and allowed uses. It is the company's policy to respect
copyright laws and observe the terms and conditions of any license agreements.
Copyright laws in the United States and other countries impose civil and
criminal penalties for illegal reproductions and use of licensed software. You
must be aware of the restrictions on the use of software and abide by those
restrictions. Invesco business equipment may not be used to reproduce commercial
software. In addition, you may not use personal software on company equipment
without prior written approval.
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Computer Resources/E-mail
The company's computer resources, which include the electronic mail system,
belong to Invesco and not to the Covered Person. They are not intended to be
used for amusement, solicitation, or other non-business purposes. While it is
recognized that Covered Persons will occasionally use the system for personal
communications, it is expected that such uses will be kept to a minimum and that
Covered Persons will be responsible and professional in their use of e-mail. The
use of the computer systems to make or forward derogatory or offensive remarks
about other people or groups is prohibited. E-mail messages should be treated as
any other written business communication.
22. Invesco Intellectual Property
Employees and officers must carefully maintain and manage the intellectual
property rights of Invesco, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade
secrets, to preserve and protect their value. Information, ideas and
intellectual property assets of Invesco are important to the company's success.
Invesco's name, logo, trademarks, inventions, processes and innovations are
intellectual property assets and their protection is vital to the success of the
company's business. The company's and any of its subsidiaries' names, logos and
other trademarks and service marks are to be used only for authorized company
business and never in connection with personal or other activities unless
appropriately approved and in accordance with company policy. In addition, our
Covered Persons must respect the intellectual property rights of third parties.
Violation of these rights can subject both you and the company to substantial
liability, including criminal penalties.
Any work product produced in the course of performing your job shall be deemed
to be a "work made for hire" and shall belong to Invesco and is to be used only
for the benefit of Invesco. This includes such items as marketing plans, product
development plans, computer programs, software, hardware and similar materials.
You must share any innovations or inventions you create with your supervisor so
that the company can take steps to protect these valuable assets.
23. Integrity and Accuracy of Financial Records
The preparation and maintenance of accurate books, records and accounts is
required by law and essential to the proper discharge of financial, legal and
reporting obligations. All Covered Persons are prohibited from directly or
indirectly falsifying or causing to be false or misleading any financial or
accounting book, record or account. In addition, all financial data must be
completely and accurately recorded in compliance with applicable law and
Invesco's accounting policies and procedures. A Covered Person may violate this
section by acting or by failing to act when he or she becomes aware of a
violation or potential violation of this section.
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24. Disclosure in Reports and Documents.
Filings and Public Materials. As a public company, it is important that the
company's filings with the SEC and other U.S. federal, state, domestic and
international regulatory agencies are full, fair, accurate, timely and
understandable. The company also makes many other filings with the SEC and other
U.S. and international regulatory agencies on behalf of the funds that its
subsidiaries and affiliates manage. Further, the company prepares mutual fund
account statements, client investment performance information, prospectuses and
advertising materials that are sent out to its mutual fund shareholders and
clients.
Disclosure and Reporting Policy. The company's policy is to comply with all
applicable disclosure, financial reporting and accounting regulations applicable
to the company. The company maintains the highest commitment to its disclosure
and reporting requirements, and expects and requires all Covered Persons to
record information accurately and truthfully in the books and records of the
company.
Information for Filings. Depending on his or her position with the company, a
Covered Person may be called upon to provide necessary information to assure
that the company's public reports and regulatory filings are full, fair,
accurate, timely and understandable. The company expects all Covered Persons to
be diligent in providing accurate information to the inquiries that are made
related to the company's public disclosure requirements.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting. Covered Persons are required to cooperate and comply with the
company's disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over
financial reporting so that the company's reports and documents filed with the
SEC and other U.S. federal, state, domestic and international regulatory
agencies comply in all material respects with applicable laws and provide full,
fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure.
25. Improper Influence on the Conduct of Audits
Every Covered Person must deal fairly and honestly with outside accountants
performing audits, reviews or examinations of Invesco's and its subsidiaries'
financial statements. To that end, no Covered Person of Invesco may make or
cause to be made a materially false or misleading statement (or omit facts
necessary to make the statements made not misleading) in connection with an
audit, review or examination of financial statements by independent accountants
or the preparation of any document or report required to be filed with a
governmental or regulatory authority. Covered Persons of Invesco also are
prohibited from coercing, manipulating, misleading or fraudulently inducing any
independent public or certified public accountant engaged in the performance or
review of financial statements that are required to be filed with a
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governmental or regulatory authority if he or she knows or should have known
that his or her actions could result in making those financial statements
materially misleading.
26. Standards for Invesco's Financial Officers
Invesco's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting
Officer (the "Financial Officers") are required to take all reasonable steps to
provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosures in the
reports and documents that Invesco files with or submits to the SEC and other
regulatory bodies and in other public communications made by Invesco. In the
event that a Financial Officer learns that any such report, document or
communication does not meet this standard and such deviation is material, then
the Financial Officers are required to review and investigate such deviation,
advise the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
regarding the deviation and, where necessary, revise the relevant report,
document or communication.
Although a particular accounting treatment for one or more of Invesco's
operations may be permitted under applicable accounting standards, the Financial
Officers may not authorize or permit the use of such an accounting treatment if
the effect is to distort or conceal Invesco's true financial condition. The
accounting standards and treatments utilized by Invesco must, in all instances,
be determined on an objective and uniform basis and without reference to a
single transaction or series of transactions and their impact on Invesco's
financial results for a particular time period. Any new or novel accounting
treatment or standard that is to be utilized in the preparation of Invesco's
financial statements must be discussed with Invesco's Audit Committee and its
independent auditors.
27. Policy and Procedures on Reporting Potential Material Violations
Invesco strives to ensure that all activity by or on behalf of Invesco is in
compliance with applicable laws. Invesco and its employees must adhere to the
highest standards of honest and ethical conduct. Employees of Invesco and its
subsidiaries are affirmatively required to report possible violations of the
Invesco Code of Conduct, laws or regulations.
If you are a Covered Person with complaints or concerns regarding:
(i) violations of this Code of Conduct or the rules mentioned herein;
(ii) violations of laws or regulations generally involving Invesco; or
(iii) questionable accounting matters, internal accounting controls,
auditing matters, breaches of fiduciary duty or violations of United
States or foreign securities laws or rules (collectively "Accounting
Matters"), including:
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- fraud or deliberate error in the preparation, evaluation, review
or audit of any financial statement of Invesco;
- fraud or deliberate error in the recording and maintaining of
financial records of Invesco;
- deficiencies in or non-compliance with Invesco's internal
accounting controls;
- misrepresentation or false statements to or by a senior officer
or accountant regarding a matter contained in the financial
records, financial reports or audit reports of Invesco;
- deviation from full and fair reporting of Invesco's financial
condition; or
- fraudulent or criminal activities engaged in by officers,
directors or employees of Invesco;
you may report your concerns in any of three ways:
YOU CAN SPEAK WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR. We encourage you to first contact your
immediate supervisor, who is in turn responsible for informing Invesco's
Compliance Reporting Line (described below) of any concerns raised.
YOU CAN SPEAK DIRECTLY WITH THE LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE OR HUMAN RESOURCES
DEPARTMENTS. If you prefer not to discuss a concern with your own supervisor,
you may instead contact the Legal and Compliance or Human Resources Departments
directly.
YOU CAN CALL OUR COMPLIANCE REPORTING LINE. You may also call the Invesco
Compliance Reporting Line. If you are calling from a U.S. or Canadian location,
dial 1-866-297-3627. For calls from all other locations, dial an international
operator and request a collect call to 1-704-943-1136. When asked for your name
use "Invesco." You can use the Compliance Reporting Line to report possible
violations or to check on the status of a previously filed report. You can also
report to the Compliance Reporting Line if you believe that a report previously
made to company management, your supervisor, other management personnel or the
Legal and Compliance or Human Resources Departments has not been addressed.
The Compliance Reporting Line is administered by an outside vendor. The
telephone operators for the Compliance Reporting Line have been trained to
receive your call. The Compliance Reporting Line is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. All calls will be answered by a live person. Calls are not
recorded and are not able to be traced. You have the option to remain anonymous.
If you remain anonymous, you will be given a numeric code so that you may call
back and ask for follow up. You will be guided through the call and prompted by
appropriate questions from the operator. You will be given a date on which you
can call back and receive a follow up report. Once the call is completed, a
report will be generated and sent to the appropriate departments within
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Invesco based on the subject matter of your call. You are urged to call back for
follow up, because in the event more information is required, this will be an
opportunity for you to provide those details.
If you report a possible violation, regardless of the method that you use to
make the report, it is important that you provide as much detail as possible,
including names, dates, times, locations and the specific conduct in question.
Only with sufficient specific information can Invesco adequately investigate the
reported action.
Your submission of information will be treated in a confidential manner to the
extent reasonably possible. Please note, however, that if an investigation by
Invesco of the activities you have reported takes place, it may be impossible
for Invesco to maintain the confidentiality of the fact of the report or the
information reported.
Complaints relating to Accounting Matters will be reviewed under Audit Committee
direction and oversight by such persons as the Audit Committee determines to be
appropriate. All other matters will be reviewed under the direction and
oversight of the appropriate departments within Invesco, usually also including
the Legal and Compliance Department. Prompt and appropriate corrective action
will be taken when and as warranted in the judgment of the Audit Committee or
other reviewing department.
Invesco will not permit retribution, harassment, or intimidation of any employee
who in good faith reports a possible violation. Along with the three reporting
methods described above, this also includes, but is not limited to an employee
who discloses information to a government or law enforcement agency, or any
other national, state or provincial securities regulatory authority where the
employee has reasonable cause to believe that the information discloses a
violation or possible violation of federal or state law or regulation. Invesco
policy also prevents any employee from being subject to disciplinary or
retaliatory action by Invesco or any of its employees or agents as a result of
the employee's good faith.
However, employees who file reports or provide evidence which they know to be
false or without a reasonable belief in the truth and accuracy of such
information may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of
their employment.
28. Disclosure; Amendments
To the extent required by law, the company shall publicly (e.g., in its Annual
Report on Form 10-K and/or on its website) disclose this Code of Conduct and its
application to all of the company's Covered Persons.
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This Code may only be amended by Invesco's Board of Directors or a duly
authorized committee thereof. To the extent required by law, amendments to the
Code of Conduct shall be disclosed publicly. As set forth in the company's
filings with the SEC, the company has elected to disclose certain amendments to
the Code that affect, and any waivers of the Code granted to, Financial Officers
on the company's Web site.
29. Waivers of the Code.
a. Waivers for Executive Officers. Any change in or waiver of this Code
for executive officers (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, "Executive Officers") of the company may be made
only by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof in the manner
described in Section 29(d) below, and any such waiver (including any
implicit waiver) shall be promptly disclosed to shareholders as
required by the corporate governance listing standards of the New York
Stock Exchange and other applicable laws.
b. Waivers for Other Covered Persons. Any requests for waivers of this
Code for Covered Persons other than Executive Officers of the company
may be made to the Legal and Compliance Department in the manner
described in Section 29(e) below.
c. Definition of Waiver. For the purposes of the Code, the term "waiver"
shall mean a material departure from a provision of the Code. An
"implicit waiver" shall mean the failure of the company to take action
within a reasonable period of time regarding a material departure from
a provision of the Code that has been made known to an Executive
Officer.
d. Manner for Requesting Executive Officer Waivers.
i. Request and Criteria. If an Executive Officer wishes to request a
waiver of this Code, the Executive Officer may submit to the
Global Compliance Director or the Legal and Compliance Department
a written request for a waiver of the Code only if he/she can
demonstrate that such a waiver:
A. is necessary to alleviate undue hardship or in view of
unforeseen circumstances or is otherwise appropriate under
all the relevant facts and circumstances;
B. will not be inconsistent with the purposes and objectives of
the Code;
C. will not adversely affect the interests of clients of the
company or the interests of the company; and
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D. will not result in a transaction or conduct that would
violate provisions of applicable laws or regulations.
ii. Discretionary Waiver and Response. The Legal and Compliance
Department will forward the waiver request to the Board of
Directors or a committee thereof for consideration. Any decision
to grant a waiver from the Code shall be at the sole and absolute
discretion of the Board of Directors or committee thereof, as
appropriate. The Company Secretary will advise the Legal and
Compliance Department in writing of the Board of Director's
decision regarding the waiver, including the grounds for granting
or denying the waiver request. The Legal and Compliance
Department shall promptly advise the Executive Officer in writing
of the Board of Director's decision.
e. Manner for Requesting Other Covered Person Waivers.
i. Request and Criteria. If a Covered Person who is a non-Executive
Officer wishes to request a waiver of this Code, such Covered
Person may submit to the Legal and Compliance Department a
written request for a waiver of the Code only if he/she can
demonstrate that such a waiver would satisfy the same criteria
set forth in Section 29(d).
ii. Discretionary Waiver and Response. The Legal and Compliance
Department shall forward the waiver request to the General
Counsel of the company for consideration. The decision to grant a
waiver shall be at the sole and absolute discretion of the
General Counsel of the company. The General Counsel will advise
the Legal and Compliance Department in writing of his/her
decision regarding the waiver, including the grounds for granting
or denying the waiver request. The Legal and Compliance
Department shall promptly advise the Covered Person in writing of
the General Counsel's decision.
30. Internal Use. This Code is intended solely for the internal use by the
company and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of the company, as
to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion.
CONCLUSION
As Covered Persons, each of us is obligated to read and understand this Code of
Conduct and our relevant business unit's policies and procedures. No code of
conduct, however, can address every situation for which guidance may be
necessary. If you are unclear about a situation, stop and ask for guidance
before taking action. All Covered Persons are expected to abide by both the
letter and spirit of this Code. Covered
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Persons are also expected to perform their work with honesty and integrity in
any areas not specifically addressed by the Code. Invesco will investigate
reported violations of the Code and, if violations are found, may take
disciplinary action, if appropriate, against the individuals involved, and may
make reports, if appropriate, to civil, criminal or regulatory authorities.
Nothing in this Code restricts the company from taking any disciplinary action
on any matters pertaining to the conduct of a Covered Person, whether or not
expressly set forth in the Code. Any questions regarding the scope or
interpretation of this Code should be referred to the appropriate Compliance or
Legal officer.
Revised: November 2008
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INVESCO TRIMARK LTD.
ADDENDUM TO THE
INVESCO CODE OF CONDUCT
EFFECTIVE DATE: OCTOBER 1, 2006 REVISED DATE: JULY 2008
1. INTRODUCTION
Every employee of Invesco Trimark Ltd. ("Invesco Trimark") is considered an
employee of Invesco and is subject to the Invesco Code of Conduct ("Invesco
Code"). All officers, directors and employees of Invesco Trimark, including
temporary, part-time, contract, and seasonal personnel, are expected to be
familiar with the Invesco Code and this Addendum and are required to provide an
annual certificate accepting the Invesco Code and this Addendum and
acknowledging the obligation to abide by their terms.
The Invesco Code has general application globally. It cannot address specific
circumstances which may be required by local regulation or custom. This
Addendum, together with the other Policies referred to below, is intended to
provide supplementary guidance and more detailed procedures where needed to give
effect to the Invesco Code for Invesco Trimark employees. The other Invesco
Trimark policies which deal directly and in a general manner with employee
conduct include:
- Invesco Trimark Personal Trading Policy -- Policy D-7
- Gifts and Entertainment - Policy D-6
2. FIDUCIARY OBLIGATIONS
In Invesco Trimark's capacity as a money manager, Invesco Trimark stands in a
fiduciary relationship to its clients. Those clients to whom the fiduciary
obligations are owed are the mutual funds and investment accounts that we
manage, and the holders of fund securities or the clients in the investment
accounts, as applicable. (For purposes of this Addendum, the terms "clients" and
"client accounts" always refers to the investment funds that we manage or
sub-advise or other accounts in respect of which Invesco Trimark has been
engaged to provide money management services, and do not refer to business
partners who distribute our products.)
In carrying out our investment management responsibilities, Invesco Trimark must
at all times act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of our
clients. This means that the interests of our clients must always and in every
instance come ahead of the interests of Invesco Trimark or Invesco or of any
personal interest of an employee.
The fiduciary nature of our business means that our actions and our policies are
governed by the principles of:
- TRANSPARENCY: it is not enough that Invesco Trimark put client interests
ahead of our own interests; but rather, we must be seen to do so, and the
appearance of conflicts is to be avoided where possible
- ACCOUNTABILITY: Invesco Trimark must account to our clients as to how we
manage their money, through appropriate and clear reporting and disclosure
- COMPETENCE: Invesco Trimark must act competently and with the appropriate
level of care, skill and diligence in the management of client funds.
Regard shall be had to these principles in the interpretation and application of
the Invesco Code, this Addendum and related policies and procedures.
3. INVESCO TRIMARK PERSONAL TRADING POLICY
Policy D-7, Invesco Trimark Personal Trading Policy, covers the following topics
in detail and should be referred to for the definitive rules in this regard.
3.1 RESTRICTION ON THE PERSONAL TRADING ACTIVITY OF INVESCO TRIMARK EMPLOYEES
Employees of Invesco Trimark may not engage in a personal securities transaction
unless it has been precleared by the Invesco Trimark Compliance department
following a determination that the transaction does not give rise to an actual
or potential conflict of interest with activity by a client account in the same
security. Employees are required to report transactions and holdings to the
Invesco Trimark Compliance department on a regular basis. The pre-clearance and
reporting requirements also apply to Covered Accounts. Covered Accounts are
accounts which an Employee is financially interested in or controls, and may
include (but are not limited to) accounts of a spouse, minor child, relative,
friend or personal business associate.
4. PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
4.1 UNDERLYING PRINCIPLE
Employees must avoid taking any actions or placing themselves in circumstances
that result in an actual or potential conflict between their own personal
interests and the interests of Invesco Trimark, Invesco or client accounts.
Employees must never profit personally at the expense of Invesco Trimark,
Invesco or client accounts, and they must refrain from deliberately or knowingly
doing things, which may be otherwise detrimental to the interests of Invesco
Trimark, Invesco or client accounts.
Policy D-7, Invesco Trimark Personal Trading Policy, and Policy B-10, Personal
Conflicts and Self- Dealing, cover certain of the following topics in detail and
should be referred to for the definitive rules in that regard.
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4.2 POSSESSION OF INSIDE INFORMATION
Any director, officer or employee who possesses or believes that he or she may
possess material undisclosed or non-public information about any issuer of
securities which could put such person in a conflict of interest with Invesco
Trimark or any of our client accounts must report the matter immediately to the
Invesco Trimark Chief Compliance Officer (or designee), who will review the
matter and provide further instructions as to the appropriate handling of the
information.
4.3 INSIDER TRADING & TIPPING
Trading on or communicating, other than to persons with a need to know, material
non-public information, or inside information, of any sort, whether obtained in
the course of research activities, through a client relationship or otherwise,
is strictly prohibited. Invesco Trimark forbids its directors and employees from
trading, either personally or on behalf of others (including client accounts
managed by Invesco Trimark), on material non-public information or communicating
material non-public information to others in violation of the law. The
communicating or passing on of this type of information is sometimes known as
"tipping" and trading on such information is "insider trading".
4.4 PERSONAL TRADING
Personal securities transactions of all Employees of Invesco Trimark are subject
to restrictions and preclearance, as discussed above. Personal securities
transactions of independent directors of Invesco Trimark's corporate funds and
members of the Invesco Trimark Fund Advisory Boards are not subject to the
pre-clearance or reporting requirements, except with respect to trading in the
securities of Invesco or shares of any closed-end investment company or
investment trust on which such independent director may serve in a director or
trustee capacity.
4.5 SHORT TERM TRADING IN MUTUAL FUNDS AND SEG FUNDS
Employees are prohibited from engaging in excessive short-term trading in any
investment fund or similar investment vehicle (including segregated funds and
variable annuity products) for which Invesco Trimark is the manager or
investment advisor or in which an Invesco Trimark fund is an ingredient, in the
case of fund-of-fund products. Determination of behaviour constituting
"excessive short-term trading" will be as set out in Policy D-4, Market Timing.
4.6 PERSONAL BORROWING AND LENDING
Except with the prior written approval of the Invesco Trimark Compliance
department, employees may not borrow from or lend personal funds or other
personal property to any customer of Invesco Trimark or third party vendor who
has a business relationship or potential business relationship with Invesco
Trimark. This prohibition does not operate to prohibit employees borrowing from
recognized financial institutions such as banks, trust companies and credit card
companies with whom Invesco Trimark does or may do business.
4.7 OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
Employees may not undertake or engage in a business activity that is in
competition or in conflict with Invesco Trimark's business unless they have
received the written consent of the employee's manager and the approval of the
Invesco Trimark Compliance department. For this purpose, "undertaking or
engaging
3
in a business activity" includes any direct or indirect involvement with an
enterprise for which the employee may receive financial compensation or return.
A business will be deemed to be in competition or conflict with Invesco Trimark
if the business offers or provides products or services of a type similar to
products or services offered by Invesco Trimark or Invesco. This prohibition
does not operate to prohibit employees from making personal investments in
public issuers that are in a similar business to Invesco Trimark or Invesco.
In addition, all Employees of Invesco Trimark are prohibited from serving as
directors/trustees of organizations (including charitable organizations) except
with the prior written approval of Invesco Trimark's President and Chief
Executive Officer. All such requests must be submitted to the Invesco Trimark
Compliance department for consideration prior to submission to Invesco Trimark's
President and Chief Executive Officer.
4.8 DUAL REGISTRATION
Employees who are registered with a securities regulatory authority as a
representative or officer of both Invesco Trimark Ltd. and Invesco Trimark
Dealer Inc. have duties and responsibilities equally to both registered
entities. Dually registered employees must allocate sufficient time to support
each entity and take into consideration the impact on both entities when making
policy decisions. Dually registered employees must disclose in writing to their
clients, at account opening and on an annual basis, the fact that the employee
is registered with both Invesco Trimark Ltd. and Invesco Trimark Dealer Inc. and
that there are policies and procedures in place to minimize the potential for
conflicts of interest resulting from the dual registration.
Employees licensed by any regulatory or professional body, are expected to
adhere to any requirements imposed by those entities. Except with the prior
written consent of the Chief Compliance Officer, no employee may be licensed or
registered with, or as a representative of, any entity other than Invesco
Trimark Ltd. and Invesco Trimark Dealer Inc. This includes but is not limited to
securities dealers, scholarship plan dealers, insurance agents, real estate
agents, mortgage brokers and other similar entities.
5. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACTIVITY
Employees, as private citizens, should feel free to exercise their rights and
duties in any political or civic process.
Invesco Trimark however, does not make political contributions nor does Invesco
Trimark participate in political activities, at any level of government. Invesco
Trimark does not make corporate donations to any political party or cause. For
example:
- no purchases of seats or tables at fundraising events
- no contributions to political parties or candidate campaigns (includes
local or municipal politics)
- no use of Invesco Trimark resources (e.g. photocopying, printing, use of
office space) in aid of political activity
No employee may make any such political contributions on behalf of Invesco
Trimark. Employees should be careful not to give the impression that personal
political views and beliefs are those of Invesco Trimark.
Any departure from the foregoing must receive the prior approval of the Invesco
Trimark Compliance department.
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6 LOCAL ADMINISTRATION
6.1 CODE OF ETHICS COMMITTEE
Administration of the Invesco Code, this Addendum, and related policies to
employees of Invesco Trimark is overseen by Invesco Trimark's Code of Ethics
Committee.
6.2 CODE OF ETHICS OFFICER
The Invesco Trimark Chief Compliance Officer is the Invesco Trimark designated
Code of Ethics Officer.
6.3 AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS
Any amendments or modifications to this Addendum are effective upon approval of
the Chief Compliance Officer and the Chief Executive Officer.
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D6. GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Policy Number: D-6 Effective Date: March 2006 Revision Date: March 2008
1. OVERVIEW
Invesco has in place the Invesco Gifts and Entertainment Policy which is
applicable to Invesco and its individual business units worldwide. This Invesco
Trimark Gifts and Entertainment Policy ("Policy") is intended to work with the
Invesco Policy and supplement it with local rules.
All Invesco Trimark employees, including temporary, part-time, contract, and
seasonal personnel, must refrain from conduct that could give rise to the
appearance of a conflict of interest. The provision or receipt of gifts or
entertainment can create, or can have the appearance of creating, conflicts of
interest.
Employees also need to take into consideration the firm's policy on corporate
expenses, which can be found on the North American Retail site on the intranet
under travel and entertainment guidelines, and the firm's policy on Sales
Practices, which can be found in the Invesco Trimark compliance manual under
section D-2.
2. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Policy, a GIFT is anything of value given or received
involving Invesco Trimark personnel, and a person or entity that has a direct or
indirect, existing or potential business relationship with Invesco Trimark (a
"Business Partner"). This Policy also applies to gifts given by Invesco Trimark
to family members of a Business Partner and gifts received from a Business
Partner by a family member of an employee of Invesco Trimark. Business Partners
specifically include broker dealers and financial advisors. Gifts may include,
but are not limited to, personal items, air miles, services, office accessories,
electronic equipment (e.g., iPods, MP3s, etc.), tickets (e.g., theatre,
concerts, sporting events, etc.) and sporting equipment (e.g., golf clubs,
tennis rackets, etc.). This Policy also applies where there is an activity or
event associated with a charity and sponsorship and a business partner is
invited to participate. For purposes of this Policy, gifts do not include
promotional items of nominal value (approximately $20 - e.g., golf balls, pens,
etc.) that display the logo of Invesco Trimark or its Invesco business units, or
of its Business Partners.
ENTERTAINMENT involves attendance at activities, including but not limited to
meals, sporting events, the theatre, parties or receptions, and similar
functions. Entertainment requires the presence of both Invesco Trimark personnel
and Business Partner personnel; unless personnel from both entities attend, the
activity constitutes a gift. The value of entertainment includes the cost of the
activity itself (for example, the cost of tickets or a meal), as well as the
cost of any related activities or services provided (such as prizes).
The value of entertainment does not include the cost of overhead (such as rent
or equipment rentals).
3. THRESHOLDS
Employees are prohibited from giving or receiving gifts with a value of more
than $250. The maximum total value of gifts received by, or given to, a business
partner is $250 annually.
Entertainment should not exceed $400 per business partner per event. The maximum
total value of entertainment per business partner is $1,200 annually.
4. FREQUENCY
Gifts and entertainment cannot be so extensive or so frequent as to cause a
reasonable person to question whether the provision of the items or activity
improperly influences the employee or Business Partner.
5. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
Employees are prohibited from providing or receiving any gift or entertainment
that is conditioned upon Invesco Trimark doing business with the entity or
person involved.
Employees are prohibited from soliciting gifts and entertainment. Employees are
to immediately advise the Invesco Trimark Compliance department if a Business
Partner solicits the employee for gifts and entertainment other than a
charitable donation or request for sponsorship.
Except with the prior approval of the Invesco Trimark Compliance department,
employees cannot pay for, or accept, any travel and/or accommodation to or from
a Business Partner.
With respect to approved co-operative marketing practices, such as sales
communications and investor seminars, where Invesco Trimark pays a portion of
the cost, Invesco Trimark cannot provide gifts, other than nominal valued
promotional items, to the dealer's clients. Nominal speaker gifts would be co-op
eligible at approved dealer-sponsored events for financial advisors.
6. EXCEPTIONS - PRIOR APPROVAL
Any exceptions to the established entertainment thresholds require prior
approval from a sub-committee of the Invesco Risk Management Committee. Requests
for exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis. Exception requests
need to be submitted through the Invesco Trimark Compliance Department and would
be placed before the sub-committee by the Invesco Global Compliance Director.
Evidence of any prior approvals given must be maintained for audit purposes for
a seven year period.
7. REPORTING/RECORD KEEPING
Each department is responsible for keeping a record of all gifts and
entertainment given or received. Minimum required information includes: date,
employee name(s), business partner firm name, business partner representative
name(s), description of gift or entertainment, approximate dollar value, and
required approval where applicable. Promotional items of nominal value
(approximately $20) and department breakfasts or lunches do not need to be
recorded. Where the value of the activity or item is not readily known, the
employee should record the estimated cost.
8. REVIEW AND MONITORING
This Policy shall be overseen and administered by Invesco Trimark's Code of
Ethics Committee, which has responsibility for the overall scope, application,
and enforcement of this Policy. Invesco Trimark's Code of Ethics Committee shall
receive the reports and recommendations of the Invesco Trimark Compliance
department and of management from time to time and periodically update or revise
this Policy as may be desirable.
Each department head is expected to review the gifts and entertainment log on a
regular basis in order to identify any concerns or trends. Any concerns or
issues are to be brought to the attention of the Invesco Trimark Compliance
department.
The Invesco Trimark Compliance department will conduct a quarterly review of the
gifts and entertainment log. A summary of such review, together with other
relevant observations and recommendations, shall be reported to the Invesco
Trimark Code of Ethics Committee.
Evidence of reviews must be maintained for a minimum of seven years.
================================================================================
D7. AIM TRIMARK PERSONAL TRADING POLICY
Policy Number: D-7 Effective Date: October 2006 Revision Date: March 2007
================================================================================
1. PURPOSE AND APPLICATION
The AIM Trimark Personal Trading Policy applies to all officers, directors and
employees of AIM Trimark Investments, including temporary, part-time, contract,
and seasonal personnel (collectively referred to as "Employee"). For purposes of
this Policy, the terms "clients" and "client accounts" always refers to the
investment funds that AIM Trimark manages or sub-advises or other accounts in
respect of which AIM Trimark has been engaged to provide money management
services.
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure the fair treatment of client accounts
through the highest standard of integrity and ethical business conduct by
Employees. The Policy is designed to ensure, among other things, that the
personal securities transactions of all Employees are conducted in accordance
with the following general principles:
- A duty at all times to place the interests of client accounts first.
- The requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted
in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest
or the appearance of a conflict of interest.
- That Employees should not take otherwise inappropriate advantage of
their positions.
Employees must not use any non-public information about client accounts for
their direct or indirect personal benefit or in a manner that would not be in
the best interests of client accounts. Employees also must not use their
position to obtain special treatment or investment opportunities not generally
available to client accounts or the public.
The personal trading requirements pertaining to pre-clearance, reporting and
investment restrictions contained in this Policy apply to both Employees and
their Covered Accounts.
AIM Trimark recognizes that certain relationships with non-employees may, from
time to time, present particular risks that inappropriate trading could occur.
Those risks may be present, for example, through certain arrangements with
consultants or independent contractors who have entered into long-term services
arrangements with AIM Trimark pursuant to which they are expected to have access
to non-public information in connection with those arrangements (such
information may relate to AIM Trimark or some outside source, and may be
obtained from AIM Trimark or some outside source). Accordingly, as part of the
process for engaging the services of consultants or other independent
contractors, the AIM Trimark Chief Compliance Officer shall take such
steps as may be reasonably determined to be necessary or appropriate. Those
steps may or may not include requiring a non-employee to agree to be bound by
these procedures as if he or she were an Employee.
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 EMPLOYEE
For the purposes of this Policy the term Employee includes all officers,
directors and employees of AIM Trimark Investments including temporary,
part-time, contract, and seasonal personnel
2.2 COVERED ACCOUNTS
A Covered Account is defined for purposes of this Policy as any account:
- In which an Employee has a direct or indirect financial interest;
- Over which such Employee has direct or indirect control over the
purchase or sale of securities; or
- In which securities are held for an Employee's direct or indirect
benefit.
Such Covered Accounts may include, but are not limited to, accounts of a spouse,
minor child, relative, friend or personal business associate.
3. PRE-CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
3.1 SUBMITTING THE REQUEST TO TRADE
Except where noted below, an Employee must receive the prior approval using the
automated review system (Star Compliance) or from the AIM Trimark Compliance
department in order to engage in a personal securities transaction. The Star
Compliance system will review the trade request to determine whether or not the
proposed transaction gives rise to an actual or potential conflict of interest
with activity in a client account in the same security. Upon completion of the
review process, the Employee will receive a time stamped response indicating
whether the trade is authorized or denied.
Pre-clearance will not be given if there has been a transaction by a subject
client account in the same, or equivalent, security within seven (7) calendar
days of the proposed personal securities transaction (the "7-Day Rule"). An
equivalent security means a security that (1) is convertible into another
security or (2) gives its holder the right to purchase another security of the
same issuer. For example, a bond or preferred stock may be convertible into
another security of the same issuer, or an option or warrant may give the holder
the right to purchase stock of the same issuer. ADR and EDR shares are
considered equivalent to their corresponding foreign shares.
The trade approval process involves the following steps:
- A trade must be entered into the Star Compliance system.
- The Star Compliance system will confirm that there is no activity
currently on the trading desk for the security involved in the
proposed personal transaction and check the portfolio accounting
system to verify that there have been no transactions for the
requested security within seven calendar days.
- The Star Compliance system will provide an automated response on a
timely basis for all pre-approval requests indicating whether the
transaction has been approved or denied.
3.2 EXECUTING APPROVED TRANSACTIONS
Except as may be authorized by the Chief Compliance Officer or designate in the
case of certain securities or classes of securities, all authorized personal
securities transactions must be executed by the next business day. If the trade
is not executed within this time period, a new pre-clearance request must be
submitted.
Employees will be requested to reverse any trades processed without the required
pre-approval. Any costs or losses associated with the reversal are the
responsibility of the Employee.
3.3 EXCEPTIONS TO PRE-CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Employees may trade in the following types of securities without regard to the
pre-clearance procedures:
- Open-end mutual funds, open-end unit investment trusts and pooled
trust funds (whether or not managed or distributed by an AMVESCAP
Company).
- Variable annuities, variable life products, segregated funds, and
other similar unit-based insurance products issued by insurance
companies and insurance company separate accounts.
- Securities issued or guaranteed by the Government of Canada, or the
government of any province in Canada.
- Securities issued or guaranteed by the Governments of the United
States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, France and Italy.
- Guaranteed Investment certificates, bank certificates of deposit other
deposits with financial institutions, bankers acceptances, commercial
paper and high quality short-term instruments, including repurchase
agreements.
- Short-term debt securities maturing in less than 91 days from their
date of issue.
- Physical commodities or securities relating to those commodities.
- Other securities or classes of securities as the Committee may from
time to time designate.
Employee accounts excluded from the pre-clearance requirement are the following:
- Employee share purchase plans except for the sale of the securities.
- Employee stock option purchase plans except for the sale of the
securities.
- Accounts capable of holding only deposits or GIC's issued by a
financial institution and/or mutual funds.
- Fully-managed discretionary accounts subject to the conditions in 3.4
below.
3.4 MANAGED ACCOUNTS
To qualify as a fully-managed discretionary account, the account must be fully
"discretionary", without any influence by the Employee over individual
transactions. This means that full investment discretion has been granted to an
investment manager or trustee and that neither the Employee nor Covered Account
person participates in the investment decisions or is informed in advance of
transactions in the account. Pre-clearance is not required for transactions in a
Covered Account in which an Employee is not exercising power over investment
discretion including a managed account, provided that:
- The account is the subject of a written contract providing for the
delegation by the Employee of substantially all investment discretion
to another party.
- The Employee has provided the AIM Trimark Compliance department with a
copy of such written agreement.
- The Employee certifies in writing that he or she has not discussed,
and will not discuss, potential investment decisions with the party to
whom investment discretion has been delegated.
- The Employee otherwise complies with the annual reporting requirement
contained herein, and also provides or makes provision for the
delivery to the AIM Trimark Compliance department of periodic
statements of discretionary account holdings.
- The foregoing exception from the pre-clearance requirement does not
apply to transactions by a delegated discretionary account in shares
of AMVESCAP. All employees are required to notify parties to whom they
have delegated investment discretion that such discretion may not be
exercised to purchase shares of AMVESCAP and that any sales of
AMVESCAP shares by a Covered Account that is the subject of delegated
investment discretion are subject to the pre-clearance and reporting
requirements.
- Discretionary managed accounts for which this exemption is available
would not include ones where the accountholder has given a power of
attorney (POA) to another person such as a broker for occasional
discretionary trading. Discretionary accounts would include blind
trusts.
4. OPTIONS TRADING
In the case of personal securities transactions involving the purchase or sale
of an option on an equity security, the Star Compliance system will determine
whether to authorize the transaction by matching the pre-clearance request
against activity in client accounts in both the option and the underlying
security. This determination will not be made, and pre-clearance will not be
given, if there has been a client account transaction in either the option or
the underlying security within 7 calendar days of the proposed personal
securities transaction. Pre-clearance is required for both the opening and
closing transaction.
It is the responsibility of the employee to be aware of the additional risks
that can result from engaging in certain transactions. For example, if an
opening options transaction is approved, the closing options transaction may not
be approved or may be delayed in certain cases due to actual or apparent
conflicts of interest or competing obligations that arise after the time the
employee's opening transaction was approved. An employee is prohibited from
purchasing or selling options on shares of AMVESCAP.
5. SHORT SALES
Short sales of securities are permissible subject to the following conditions:
- No short sales on AMVESCAP
- No short sales on securities where there has been a trade in the same
security within the last 7 days in one of the client accounts
- Employees are prohibited from short-term trading; therefore, the
Employee is restricted from buying back the position within 60 days.
- Portfolio managers are prohibited from short selling a security if the
client account the Portfolio Manager manages are long the security.
- If a Portfolio Manager is selling a stock there should generally be no
"short selling" allowed until that position is completely sold. This
provision includes the situation where the Portfolio Manager stops
selling the security for a short period, for example to let the market
absorb what has been sold, and then resumes selling the position. If
other client accounts hold the same security, the AIM Trimark
Compliance department will review the other client accounts to
determine if the other client accounts are active in the security or
are going to be active.
6. RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN ACTIVITIES
In order to avoid even the appearance of conduct that might be deemed contrary
to a client's best interests, Employees are subject to the following additional
restrictions and prohibitions relating to certain investment activities and
related conduct as set out herein.
6.1 PROHIBITION AGAINST TRADING IN SECURITIES ON "RESTRICTED LISTS"
It is recognized that there may be occasions when AMVESCAP, an AMVESCAP Company,
or an Employee who is a key executive of AMVESCAP or an AMVESCAP Company, may
have a special relationship with an issuer of securities. In such occasions the
Board of Directors of AMVESCAP or the Code of Ethics Committee may decide to
place the securities of such issuer on a "restricted list", to be maintained by
the Chief Compliance Officer. Employees are prohibited from engaging in any
personal securities transactions in a security on a "restricted list".
6.2 PROHIBITION AGAINST SHORT-TERM TRADING ACTIVITIES
Employees are prohibited from profiting from a trade in an "opposite
transaction" in the same, or equivalent, security within 60 days of its purchase
or sale. This short-term trading prohibition may be waived by the AIM Trimark
Compliance department in certain instances including where an employee wishes to
limit his or her losses on a security with rapidly depreciating market value.
Such circumstances must be disclosed at the time pre-clearance is requested.
6.3 PROHIBITION AGAINST PURCHASES IN INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS
Employees generally are prohibited from purchasing securities in IPOs. Employees
who are not investment personnel and whose proposed IPO trade is through
discretionary accounts may acquire shares in an IPO. Investment personnel are
prohibited from purchases in Initial Public Offerings, even if the proposed IPO
trade would be through a discretionary account, unless the person has obtained
pre-clearance by the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Investment Officer.
6.4 RESTRICTED SECURITIES ISSUED BY PUBLIC COMPANIES
Generally, Employees are discouraged from investing in restricted securities of
public companies including special warrant deals. Restricted securities are
securities acquired in an unregistered, private sale from an issuer. An Employee
may purchase such securities, however, if such purchase has been pre-cleared by
the AIM Trimark Compliance
department following a determination that the proposed transaction does not
present any actual or potential conflict of interest.
6.5 RESTRICTIONS ON PRIVATE PLACEMENTS (INCLUDING HEDGE FUNDS)
An Employee may not purchase or sell any security (e.g., stock, bond or limited
partnership interest) obtained through a private placement (including the
purchase or sale of an interest in a so-called "hedge fund") unless such
transaction has been pre-cleared by the AIM Trimark Compliance department
following a determination that the proposed transaction does not (i) present any
actual or potential conflict of interest, (ii) that the issuer is a "private
issuer" under securities legislation and (iii) the Employee has no reason to
believe that the issuer or a related subsidiary company (whether or not such
securities are of the same class as the securities held by such Employee) will
make a public offering of its securities within the next twelve months. The AIM
Trimark Compliance department will also review the request with the Chief
Investment Officer before granting pre-clearance. The AIM Trimark Compliance
department will maintain a record of the approval and the rationale supporting
the purchase of the Private Placement. If pre-clearance is provided, the
security will then be added to the restricted list. Further, Employees who have
been authorized to acquire securities in a private placement must disclose such
investment when he/she plays a part in any client account's subsequent
consideration of an investment in the issuer. In such circumstances, the client
account's decision to purchase securities of the issuer is subject to an
independent review by investment personnel with no personal interest in the
issuer.
6.6 INVESTMENT CLUBS
An Employee is prohibited from participating in an investment club unless such
participation has been approved by the AIM Trimark Compliance department
following a determination that the following conditions have been satisfied:
- The Employee's participation does not create any actual or potential
conflict of interest.
- The Employee does not control investment decision-making for the
investment club.
- The Employee has made satisfactory arrangements to ensure that
duplicate trade confirmations of investment club activity and
quarterly statements of investment club holdings are provided to the
AIM Trimark Compliance department by brokers acting on behalf of the
investment club.
If participation in an investment club has been approved, all future trades will
be subject to pre-clearance.
6.7 TRADING IN AMVESCAP
Employees are prohibited from trading in AMVESCAP during the "Close Periods".
Details of the "Close Periods" are circulated to all employees by way of the
internal e-
mail system and can also be found via the attached link:
http://atlas.amvescap.com/ags/amv_groupservices/sec_closed.html
A "Close Period" is defined by the rules as the period of 60 days prior to the
announcement of the year end results and the period of 30 days prior to the
announcement of the interim and quarterly results. The close period may be
shorter depending on when the results are announced but cannot start until the
end of the relevant reporting period.
Short term trading (i.e. buying and selling within a 60 day period) in AMVESCAP,
where the intention is to make a quick profit, is prohibited.
7. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
7.1 INITIAL REPORTS
Within 10 days of becoming an Employee, each Employee, using the Star Compliance
system, must submit a statement containing the following information: (i) a
complete list of all of his or her Covered Accounts (including the name of the
broker, dealer or bank with which the Employee maintained the Account); (ii) a
list of each Reportable Security (whether held through a Covered Account, in
certificate form, or otherwise) in which he or she has direct or indirect
beneficial ownership (e.g., that he or she owns); and (iii) the date the
Employee submits the report. The statement must be current as of a date no more
than 45 days prior to the date of becoming an Employee.
7.2 REPORTS OF TRADE CONFIRMATIONS AND QUARTERLY REPORTS
Within 10 calendar days of settlement of each personal securities transaction
involving a Reportable Security, whether the transactions had to be pre-cleared
or not, the Employee engaging in the transaction must file or cause to be filed
with the AIM Trimark Compliance department a duplicate copy of the broker/dealer
confirmation, or such other confirmations as are available, for such
transaction. In addition, except to the extent that such report would duplicate
information contained in such confirmations, within 30 calendar days after the
end of each calendar quarter, the Employee must submit a statement: (i) with
respect to each personal securities transaction during the quarter in a
Reportable Security in which the Employee had any direct or indirect beneficial
ownership; (ii) with respect to any Covered Account established during the
quarter, the name of the broker, dealer or bank with which the account was
established, the date the account was established, and (iii) the date that the
statement is submitted by the Employee.
Notwithstanding the reporting requirements set forth in the previous paragraph,
transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan need not be
reported in the quarterly statement (nor in trade confirmations in lieu of the
quarterly statement). An "automatic investment plan" means any program in which
regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from)
investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation.
An automatic investment plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.
7.3 ANNUAL REPORTS
By January 30 of each year, each Employee must file with the AIM Trimark
Compliance department an annual account statement as of December 31 of each
year, (i) all Covered Accounts of such Employee (including the name of the
broker, dealer or bank with which the Employee maintained the account) (ii) each
Reportable Security (whether held through a Covered Account, in certificate
form, or otherwise) in which he or she has direct or indirect beneficial
ownership; and (iii) the date the Employee submits the account statements.
Employees are encouraged to request their broker or dealer to automatically send
the AIM Trimark Compliance department copies of trade confirmations and monthly
account statements. By doing so, the Employee does not have to make arrangements
every time to meet the ongoing quarterly and annual reporting requirements.
The AIM Trimark Compliance department will review all reports submitted and
report any irregularity to the Code of Ethics Committee.
7.4 REPORTABLE SECURITY
For purposes of this Policy, the term "Reportable Security" means any security
except the following:
- Unit investment trusts (i.e., variable insurance contracts funded by
insurance company separate accounts organized as unit investment
trusts) invested exclusively in open-end U.S. mutual funds that are
not managed or distributed by AIM Trimark or any AMVESCAP Company.
- Open-end U.S. mutual funds that are not managed or distributed by AIM
Trimark or any AMVESCAP Company.
- Open-end Canadian mutual funds that are not managed or distributed by
AIM Trimark.
- Securities issued or guaranteed by (i.e., securities that are the
direct obligations of) the government of the United States.
- Money market funds.
- Money market instruments. a money market instrument is a debt
instrument that has a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and
(i) is rated in one of the two highest ratings categories by a
statistical rating organization that is nationally recognized in the
United States or a rating organization not affiliated with AIM Trimark
and of comparable status in Canada or (ii) if not rated, is determined
by AIM Trimark in good faith to be of equivalent quality such that it
presents a comparable (or better) degree of safety of principal. For
example, a short-term debt instrument with a rating of AA or AAA by
Moody's Investors Service or AA or AAA
by Standard & Poor's Corporation meets this definition of money market
instrument. Typical examples of money market instruments include
bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper
and repurchase agreements.
8. INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Except as otherwise provided in the special procedures for independent directors
of US Funds, personal securities transactions of independent directors of AIM
Trimark or of AIM Trimark's corporate funds and members of the Fund's Advisory
Boards are not subject to either the pre-clearance or reporting requirements set
forth in this Policy, except with respect to personal securities transactions in
the shares of AMVESCAP or shares of any closed-end investment company or
investment trust served by such independent director in a director or trustee
capacity.
8.1 FOR PURPOSES OF THIS EXCEPTION THE TERM "INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR" MEANS
a) any director of AIM Trimark's corporate funds or members of the AIM
Trimark Fund Advisory Board
i) who is neither an officer nor employee of AMVESCAP or of any
AMVESCAP Company, or
ii) who is not otherwise "connected with" AMVESCAP or any AMVESCAP
Company within the meaning of the London Stock Exchange Yellow
Book; and
b) any director of AIM Trimark who
i) is neither an officer nor employee of AMVESCAP or of any AMVESCAP
Company,
ii) is not otherwise "connected with" AMVESCAP or any AMVESCAP
Company within the meaning of the London Stock Exchange Yellow
Book,
iii) is not an interested person of a US Fund under Section 2(a)(19)
of the Investment Company Act (1940) and would otherwise be
required to submit a pre-clearance request or make a report
solely by reason of being an AIM director and
iv) does not regularly obtain information concerning the investment
recommendations or decisions made by AIM Trimark on behalf of the
US Funds.
8.2 SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS OF US FUNDS
While an "independent director" of AIM Trimark is not deemed to be an "Employee"
and consequently is not subject to most of the procedures specified in this
Policy with respect
to securities transactions, independent directors of AIM Trimark are subject to
all of the following provisions. For purposes of this Policy, a "US Fund" is an
investment fund whose activities are governed by the laws of the United States.
- An independent director is expected to adhere to the insider trading
requirements.
- An independent director is expected to avoid engaging in any of the
following actions:
- Employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a US Fund.
- Make any untrue statement of a material fact to directors,
officers or agents of a US Fund or with respect to the securities
or investment operations of a US Fund, or omit to state a
material fact necessary in order to make such statements in light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
- Engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates
or would operate as a fraud or deceit on a US Fund.
- Engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a US Fund.
- Prior to engaging in a personal securities transaction in a security
(other than in a security excluded from pre-clearance), if an
independent director knows, or in the ordinary course of fulfilling
his or her official duties as an independent director to AIM Trimark,
should have known, that during the 15-day period immediately before
the date of his or her prospective transaction in the security, (i) a
US Fund purchased or sold the security or (ii) a US Fund or its
adviser or sub-adviser considered purchasing or selling the security,
he or she is required to do the following: not purchase or sell such
security until the day next following the completion by the Fund of
its transaction, unless the director has submitted a pre-clearance
request and the AIM Trimark Compliance department reasonably
determines that, in view of the nature of the security and the market
for the security, the director's transaction is not likely to affect
the price paid for or received by the Fund. Absent such a finding, if
such a transaction nonetheless is placed, the transaction is
considered prohibited and any profits related thereto must be
disgorged (to the Fund or an appropriate charity).
- If an independent director knows, or in the ordinary course of
fulfilling his or her official duties as an independent director to
AIM Trimark should have known, that during the 15-day period
immediately before or after the date of the director's transaction in
a security (other than those excluded from reporting), (i) a US Fund
purchased or sold the security or (ii) a US Fund or its adviser or
sub-adviser considered purchasing or selling the
security, he or she is required, whether or not he or she has
pre-cleared the transaction, to follow the reporting requirements as
if he or she were an Employee.
9. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
By signing off on the AMVESCAP Code of Conduct and the AIM Trimark Addendum to
the Code on an annual basis, Employees are also confirming adherence to this
Policy.
10. OVERSIGHT
This Policy shall be overseen and administered by AIM Trimark's Code of Ethics
Committee, while administration of this Policy is the responsibility of the
Chief Compliance Officer.
10.1 CODE OF ETHICS COMMITTEE
This Policy shall be overseen and administered by AIM Trimark's Code of Ethics
Committee, which has responsibility for the overall scope, application, and
enforcement of this Policy. AIM Trimark's Code of Ethics Committee shall receive
the reports and recommendations of the AIM Trimark Compliance department from
time to time and periodically update or revise this Policy as may be desirable.
Members of the Code of Ethics Committee include:
- President and Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Investment Officer
- Executive Vice President, Sales
- General Counsel
- Senior Vice President, Investment Operations and Analytics
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Assistant Vice President, Operations Compliance
- Such other members as the President and CEO may designate
The Committee meets no less frequently than annually to review the Chief
Compliance Officer's report and the provisions of the AMVESCAP Code of Conduct
and this Policy. The Chief Compliance Officer calls other meetings of the
Committee when she or he believes that a possible violation of the Code or these
Procedures has occurred or that the Committee should meet for other purposes,
such as to consider changes to the AIM Trimark Addendum to the AMVESCAP Code of
Conduct or to this Policy. A majority of
the members of the Committee will constitute a quorum, provided that the
President and Chief Executive Officer are present in order to have a quorum. A
majority of the members present at a meeting constitutes the vote required for
any action taken by the Committee. Special meetings of the Committee may be
called by any member of the Committee to discuss matters that are deemed to
warrant immediate attention.
10.2 AIM TRIMARK COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT
The AIM Trimark Compliance department administers all aspects of the Policy
including informing new Employees of the requirements, reviewing pre-approval
requests, monitoring personal trading activity, monitoring client account
activity in the same security of an approved trade for the following seven (7)
calendar days to determine whether the appearance of a conflict is present,
following up on reporting requirements, and record keeping.
The Chief Compliance Officer or designate will provide a written report, at
least annually to the Committee summarizing:
- Compliance with the Policy for the period under review.
- Violations of the Policy for the period under review.
- Sanctions imposed under the Policy by AIM Trimark during the period
under review.
- Whether AIM Trimark's external investment advisors have confirmed that
they have complied with the basic principles set out in this Policy in
providing investment advisory services to the funds during the period
under review.
- Changes in procedures recommended for the Policy.
- Any other information requested by the Committee.
EX-99.P7
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EX-99.P7
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INVESCO CONTINENTAL EUROPE
CODE OF ETHICS
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This revised Code of Ethics ('the Code') regarding ethical behaviour and
conflicts of interest applies to all employees of all entities of Invesco
Continental Europe ("Invesco"). It covers the following topics:
- Prohibitions related to material, non-public information
- Personal securities investing
- Service as a director and other business opportunities and
- Gifts and Entertainment Policy.
This Code also imposes on employees certain restrictions and reporting
obligations which are specified below. Adherence to this Code, once adopted,
both letter and spirit, is a fundamental and absolute condition of employment
with Invesco.
It is appreciated that no Code of Ethics can address every circumstance that may
give rise to a conflict, a potential conflict or an appearance of a conflict of
interest. Every employee should be alert to any actual, potential or appearance
of a conflict of interest with Invesco's clients and to conduct himself or
herself with good judgment. Failure to exercise good judgment, as well as
violations of this Code, may result in the imposition of sanctions on the
employee, including suspension or dismissal.
1 STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1.1 As a fiduciary, INVESCO owes an undivided duty of loyalty to its clients.
It is Invesco's policy that all employees conduct themselves so as to avoid
not only actual conflicts of interest with Invesco clients, but also that
they refrain from conduct which could give rise to the appearance of a
conflict of interest that may compromise the trust our clients have placed
in us.
1.2 The Code is designed to ensure, among other things, that the personal
securities transactions of all employees are conducted in accordance with
the following general principles:
1.2.1 A duty at all times to place the interests of Invesco's clients
first and foremost;
1.2.2 The requirement that all personal securities transactions be
conducted in a manner consistent with this Code and national
legal & regulatory requirements and in such a manner as to avoid
any actual, potential or appearance of a conflict of interest or
any abuse of an employee's position of trust and responsibility;
and
1.2.3 The requirement that employees should not take inappropriate
advantage of their positions.
1.3 Invesco's policy is to avoid conflicts of interest and, where they
unavoidably occur, to resolve them in a manner that clearly places our
clients' interests first.
1.4 No employee should have ownership in or other interest in or employment by
any outside concern which does business with Invesco Ltd. This does not
apply to stock or other investments in a publicly held company, provided
that the stock and other investments do not, in the aggregate, exceed 5% of
the outstanding ownership interests of such company. Invesco Ltd may,
following a review of the relevant facts, permit ownership interests which
exceed these amounts if management or the Board of Directors, as
appropriate, concludes that such ownership interests will not adversely
affect Invesco Ltd's business interests or the judgment of the affected
staff. (Please see the Invesco Ltd Code of Conduct).
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2 MATERIAL, NONPUBLIC INFORMATION
2.1 Restriction on Trading or Recommending Trading
Each employee is reminded that it constitutes a violation of law and/or
Market Abuse regulations for any person to trade in or recommend trading in
the securities of a company while in possession of material, non-public
information concerning that company, or to disclose such information to any
person not entitled to receive it if there is reason to believe that such
information will be used in connection with a trade in the securities of
that company. Violations of law and regulations may give rise to civil as
well as criminal liability, including the imposition of monetary penalties
or prison sentences upon the individuals involved. Persons who receive
material, non-public information also may be held liable if they trade or
if they do not trade but pass along such information to others who will
most likely trade on such information.
2.2 What is material, non-public information?
'Material information' is any information about a company which, if
disclosed, is likely to affect the market price of the company's securities
or to be considered important by an average investor in deciding whether to
purchase or sell those securities. Examples of information which should be
presumed to be "material" are matters such as dividend increases or
decreases, earnings estimates by the company, changes in the company's
previously released earnings estimates, significant new products or
discoveries, major litigation by or against the company, liquidity or
solvency problems, extraordinary management developments, significant
merger or acquisition proposals, or similar major events which would be
viewed as having materially altered the "total mix" of information
available regarding the company or the market for any of its securities.
2.3 'Non-public information'
Non-public information - often referred to as 'inside information' - is
information that has not yet been publicly disclosed. Information about a
company is considered to be non-public information if it is received under
circumstances which indicate that it is not yet in general circulation and
that such information may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to the
company or its insiders, or that the recipient knows to have been furnished
by someone in breach of a fiduciary obligation. Courts have held that
fiduciary relationships exist between a company and another party in a
broad variety of situations involving a relationship between a company and
its lawyers, investment bankers, financial printers, employees, technical
advisors and others.
2.4 Information should not be considered to have been publicly disclosed until
a reasonable time after it has been made public (for example, by a press
release). Someone with access to inside information may not "beat the
market" by trading simultaneously with, or immediately after, the official
release of material information.
2.5 The responsibility of ensuring that the proposed transaction does not
constitute insider dealing or a conflict with the interests of a client
remains with the relevant employee and obtaining pre-clearance to enter
into a transaction under Section 3.3 below does not absolve that
responsibility.
2.6 Invesco is in a unique position, being privy to market research and rumours
and being privy also to information about its clients which may be public
companies. Invesco employees must be aware and vigilant to ensure that they
cannot be accused of being a party of any 'insider dealing' or market abuse
situations.
2.7 In particular, the following investment activities must not be entered into
without carefully ensuring that there are no implications of insider
trading:
2.7.1 Trading in shares for a client in any other client of Invesco
which is quoted on a recognised stock exchange.
2.7.2 Trading in shares for a client in a quoted company where
Invesco:
i) obtains information in any official capacity which may
be price sensitive and has not been made available to
the general public.
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ii) obtains any other information which can be
substantiated in connection with a quoted company which
is also both price sensitive and has not been made
available to the general public.
2.7.3 Manipulation of the market through the release of information to
regular market users which is false or misleading about a
company.
2.7.4 Release of information about a company that would have the
effect of distorting the market in such a way to be considered
market abuse.
2.8 Reporting Requirement
Whenever an employee believes that he or she may have come into possession
of material or non-public information about a public company, he or she
personally must immediately notify the Compliance Department and should not
discuss such information with anyone else including Invesco employees and
should not engage in transactions for himself or others, including Invesco
clients.
2.9 Upon receipt of such information the Compliance Department will include the
company name on a 'Black list' or 'Restricted list' of which no
transactions may be entered into. This list will be advised to the Equity
dealing desk and no discussion will be entered into.
2.10 Confidentiality
No information regarding the affairs of any client of Invesco may be passed
to anyone outside Invesco unless specifically requested by law, regulation
or court order. In any event, the Compliance and Legal Department must be
consulted prior to furnishing such information.
2.11 Sanctions
Any employee who knowingly trades or recommends trading while in possession
of material, non-public information may be subject to civil and criminal
penalties, as well as to immediate suspension and/or dismissal from
Invesco.
3 PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES, PRE-CLEARANCE AND PRE-NOTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Transactions covered by this Code
All transactions by employees in investments made for Covered Accounts are
subject to the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions,
pre-notification and reporting requirements described below, unless
otherwise indicated. For a listing of the employee and other accounts
subject to these restrictions and requirements ("Covered Accounts"), see
Appendix A.
3.2 Exempt Investments
Transactions in the following investments ("Exempt Investments") are not
subject to the trading restrictions or other requirements of this Code and
need not be pre-cleared, pre-notified or reported:
3.2.1 Registered UNAFFILIATED (e.g. Schroders) open ended Collective
Investment Schemes [CIS] including; mutual funds, open-ended
investment companies/ICVCs or unit trusts - but not closed-end
funds, e.g. Investment Trusts; and
3.2.2 Securities which are direct obligations of an OECD country (e.g.
US Treasury Bills).
3.3 Pre-Clearance
3.3.1 Prior to entering an order for a Securities Transaction in a
Covered Account, the employee must complete a Trade
Authorisation Form (available on the Compliance intranet site)
and submit the completed form electronically to the UK Equity
Dealers by e-mail.
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The Trade Authorisation Form requires employees to provide
certain information and to make certain representations in
connection with the specific securities transaction(s).
3.3.2 If satisfactory, then the Form will be authorised by Compliance
and confirmation returned by e-mail to the individual, who will
then be at liberty to deal through his or her broker within the
designated timescales.
3.3.3 No order for a Securities Transaction for which pre-clearance
authorisation is sought may be placed prior to the receipt of
authorisation from Compliance. The authorisation and date and
time of the authorisation must be reflected on the Trade
Authorisation Form. The original of the completed form will be
kept as part of Invesco's books and records. Further, the
employee is requested to send a copy of the transaction note to
UK Compliance in order to be matched to the Trade Authorisation
Form.
Please be advised that it is the employee's responsibility to
ensure that a transaction note is sent to the UK Compliance
Department to be matched against the Permission to Deal Form.
Any mismatches will be reported to the local Compliance Officer.
3.3.4 If an employee receives permission to trade a security or
instrument, the trade must be executed by the close of business
on the next business day, unless the local Compliance Officer's
authorisation to extend this period has been obtained.
Permission may be granted to place "Stop loss" and limit orders
but only in cases where express clearance for this type of
transaction has been granted by Compliance.
3.3.5 For any transaction to buy or sell Invesco Ltd ordinary shares
pre clearance needs only to be sought from Compliance. The trade
authorisation form which should be completed in the way detailed
above and sent to *UK- Compliance Personal Share Dealing.
3.4 Pre-Notification
3.4.1 Transactions to buy or sell Venture Capital Trust ordinary
securities or to buy, sell, switch or transfer holdings in
Invesco Ltd ordinary shares, Invesco funds or investment
products or other affiliated schemes are subject to
pre-notification directly to the Compliance Department
regardless of whether the order is placed directly or through a
broker/adviser. The employee must complete the relevant sections
of the Trade Authorisation Form which can be found on the
Compliance intranet site and send it by e-mail to the UK Equity
Dealers as described in Section 3.3.1. Transactions are subject
to the 60 day holding period requirements.
3.4.2 It will be necessary to send copies of contract notes to the
Compliance Department. This must be done within 7 days of the
transaction.
3.5 Transactions that do not need to be pre-cleared but must be reported.
The pre-clearance requirements (and the trading restrictions on personal
investing described below) do not apply to the following transactions:
3.5.1 Discretionary Accounts
Transactions effected in any Covered Account over which the
employee has no direct or indirect influence or control (a
"Discretionary Account"). An employee shall be deemed to have
"no direct or indirect influence or control" over an account
only if all of the following conditions are met:
i) investment discretion for such account has been
delegated in writing to an independent fiduciary and
such investment
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discretion is not shared with the employee, or
decisions for the account are made by a family member
or significant other and not by, or in connection with,
the employee;
ii) the employee (and, where applicable, the family member
or significant other) certifies in writing that he or
she has not and will not discuss any potential
investment decisions with such independent fiduciary or
household member; and
iii) the Compliance Department has determined that the
account satisfies the foregoing requirements.
3.5.2 Governmental Issues
Investments in the debt obligations of Federal agencies or of
state and municipal governments or agencies, (e.g. Essex Council
Electricity Bond).
3.5.3 Non-Volitional Trades
Transactions which are non-volitional on the part of the
employee (such as the receipt of securities pursuant to a stock
dividend or merger).
3.5.4 Automatic Transactions
Purchases of the stock of a company pursuant to an automatic
dividend reinvestment plan or an employee stock purchase plan
sponsored by such company.
3.5.5 Rights Offerings
Receipt or exercise of rights issued by a company on a pro rata
basis to all holders of a class of security. Employees must,
however, pre-clear transactions for the acquisition of such
rights from a third party or the disposition of such rights.
3.5.6 Interests in Securities comprising part of a broad-based,
publicly traded market basket or index of stocks, e.g. S & P 500
Index, FTSE 100, DAX.
3.5.7 Non-Executive Director's transactions
Transactions in securities, except for Invesco Ltd shares and/or
UK Investment Trusts managed by Invesco, by non-executive
Directors.
3.5.8 Note that all of the transactions described in paragraphs 3.5.1.
to 3.5.7 while not subject to pre-clearance are nevertheless
subject to all of the reporting requirements set forth below in
paragraph 7.3.
4 TRADE RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTING
4.1 All transactions in Covered Accounts which are subject to the pre-clearance
requirements specified in this Code are also subject to the following
trading restrictions:
4.1.1 Blackout Restrictions
Transactions in Covered Accounts generally will not be permitted
during a specific period before and after a client account
trades in the same security or instrument.
4.1.2 Blackout Periods
An employee may not buy or sell, or permit any Covered Account
to buy or sell, a security or any instrument:
i) within THREE business days before or after the day on
which any client account trades in the same security or
instrument or in a security convertible into or
exchangeable for such security or instrument (including
options) on transactions other than those covered under
the paragraph below, or
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ii) within TWO business days before or after the day on
which a pro rata "strip" trade, which includes such
security, is made for the purpose of rebalancing client
accounts.
4.1.3 Exemptions from Blackout Periods
Blackout periods will no longer apply to equity transactions in
"main index" constituents, i.e. FTSE 100, Dow Jones, etc,
subject to a cost and proceeds limit of 35.000 EUR per
transaction. Normal blackout conditions will apply to
transactions outside of these criteria. If in any doubt please
consult your local Compliance Officer. On a case by case basis
and at the discretion of the Compliance Officer in consultation
with the Chief Investment Officer, this limit may be relaxed.
4.1.4 Trades effected by Invesco for the account of an index fund it
manages in the ordinary course of such fund's investment
activity will not trigger the blackout period. However, the
addition or removal of a security from an index, thereby
triggering an index fund trade, would cause employee trades in
such security to be blacked-out for the seven prior and
subsequent calendar days, as described above.
4.1.5 In the event there is a trade in a client account in the same
security or instrument within a blackout period, the employee
may be required to close out the position and to disgorge any
profit to a charitable organisation chosen by the local Board of
Directors; provided, however, that if an employee has obtained
pre-clearance for a transaction and a subsequent client trade
occurs within the blackout period, the Chief Executive Officer
in consultation with the Compliance Officer, upon a
demonstration of hardship or extraordinary circumstances, may
determine to review the application of the disgorgement policy
to such transaction and may select to impose alternative
restrictions on the employee's position. The disgorgement of
profits will only apply if the total profit exceeds 150 EUR
within the blackout period.
4.1.6 INVESCO LTD SHARES
Pre-clearance is also required to buy or sell Invesco Ltd
Shares. Permission will not be given during a' closed period'
i.e., two months before the half year and year end results, one
month before the first and third quarters results, are
announced.
A "closed period" is defined by the rules as the period of two
months prior to the announcement of the year end results and the
period of one month prior to the announcement of the interim and
quarterly results. The closed period may be shorter depending on
when the results are announced but cannot start until the end of
the relevant reporting period.
Full details of the Invesco Ltd stock transaction Pre-Clearance
Guide and restrictions for all employees of Invesco Ltd can be
found on the Compliance intranet site.
4.1.7 INVESCO INVESTMENT TRUSTS
Staff dealing in Invesco Investment Trusts will also be subject
to closed periods as dictated by each of the Trusts.
4.1.8 UK ICVCS, THE OFFSHORE GLOBAL PRODUCT RANGE (GPR)
and other affiliated schemes are subject to the Short Term
Trading restrictions (60 day rule - see 4.1.9). The preferential
rate of sales commission allowed to staff will be withdrawn in
circumstances where it is apparent that the employee has traded
on a short term basis in those shares/units i.e. where previous
transactions by that person have resulted in the short term
holding of those investments. Shares/Units of UK ICVCs, the GPR
and affiliated schemes will not be accepted for redemption if
the funds themselves are closed for redemption due to the
effects of subsequent market or currency movements.
4.1.9 Short Term Trading Profits
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It is Invesco's policy to restrict the ability of employees to
benefit from short-term trading in securities and instruments.
Employees must disgorge profits made on the sale by an employee
of any security or instrument held less than 60 days and will
not be permitted to purchase any security or instrument that
has been sold by such employee within the prior 60 days.
Employees are required to disgorge profits made on the sale in
a Covered Account within the 60 days period. Exceptions may be
granted by the Compliance Department on a case by case basis.
This policy applies to trading in all types of securities and
instruments, except where in a particular case the local Chief
Executive Officer in consultation with the Compliance Officer
has made a specific finding of hardship and it can be
demonstrated that no potential abuse or conflict is presented
(for example, when an employee's request to sell a security
purchased within 60 days prior to the request is prompted by a
major corporate or market event, such as a tender offer, and
the security was not held in client accounts). To clarify this
also applies to non affiliated mutual funds.
4.1.10 Initial Public Offerings
No employee may purchase or permit any Covered Account to
purchase a security offered pursuant to an initial public
offering, wherever such offering is made except in a Venture
Capital Trust. However, in certain circumstances an employee
may be permitted to buy an IPO for example where the public
offering is made by a Government of where the employee is
resident and different amounts of the offering are specified
for different investor types e.g. private and institutional,
the local Compliance Officer may allow such purchases after
consultation with the local Chief Executive Officer or his
designee.
4.1.11 Privately-Issued Securities
Employees may not purchase or permit a Covered Account to
purchase or acquire any privately-issued securities, other than
in exceptional cases specifically approved by the local Chief
Executive Officer (e.g., where such investment is part of a
family-owned and operated business venture that would not be
expected to involve an investment opportunity of interest to
any Invesco client). Requests for exceptions should be made in
the first instance to the local Compliance Officer.
4.1.12 Private Investment Funds
Employees, however, may invest in interests in private
investment funds (i.e., hedge funds) that are established to
invest predominantly in public securities and instruments,
subject to the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions
and reporting requirements contained in this Code. Employees
may also invest in residential co-operatives and private
recreational clubs (such as sports clubs, country clubs,
luncheon clubs and the like) for their personal use; such
investments are not subject to the pre-clearance procedures,
trading restrictions and reporting requirements unless the
employee's investing is part of a business conducted by the
employee. Such ownership should be reported to the Compliance
Officer.
4.1.13 Short Sales
An employee may not sell short a security unless this is
specifically related to personal taxation issues. Requests for
exceptions should be made to the local Compliance Officer.
4.1.14 Financial Spread Betting
Employees may not enter into Financial Spread betting
arrangements. The potential problematical issues to both the
employee and Invesco that could arise if the market were to
move in the wrong direction are considered unacceptable and
therefore prohibited.
4.1.15 Futures
Employees may not write, sell or buy exchange-traded futures,
synthetic futures, swaps and similar non-exchange traded
instruments.
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4.1.16 Exceptions
The Chief Executive Officer or his designee in consultation
with the Compliance Officer may in rare instances grant
exceptions from these trading restrictions upon written
request. Employees must demonstrate hardship or extraordinary
circumstances. Any exceptions granted will be reported to the
local Board of Directors at least annually. Additionally if a
local Board or its designee wish to impose additional
restrictions these should be communicated to the staff.
5 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES, CONFIDENTIALITY AND OUTSIDE DIRECTORSHIPS
5.1 Monitoring the use of the name of Invesco
To be able to fully monitor the appearance of the name of Invesco, any
employee's activities on behalf of Invesco such as the participation in an
industry body or an external consulting group need to be pre-cleared to the
local Compliance Officer and the local CEO.
5.2 Avoiding conflicts of interests
In order to reduce potential conflicts of interest arising from the
participation of employees on the boards of directors of public, private,
non-profit and other enterprises, all employees are subject to the
following restrictions and guidelines:
5.2.1 An employee may not serve as a director of a public company
without the approval of the local Chief Executive Officer after
consultation with the local Compliance Officer.
5.2.2 An employee may serve on the board of directors or participate
as an adviser or otherwise, or advisers of a private company
only if:
(i) client assets have been invested in such company and
having a seat on the board would be considered
beneficial to our clients interest; and
(ii) service on such board has been approved in writing by
the local Chief Executive Officer. The employee must
resign from such board of directors as soon as the
company contemplates going public, except where the
local Chief Executive Officer in consultation with the
Compliance Officer has determined that an employee may
remain on a board. In any event, an employee shall not
accept any compensation for serving as a director (or
in a similar capacity) of such company; any
compensation offered shall either be refused or, if
unable to be refused, distributed pro rata to the
relevant client accounts.
5.2.3 An employee must receive prior written permission from the Chief
Executive Officer or his designee before serving as a director,
trustee or member of an advisory board of either:
(i) any non-profit or charitable institution; or
(ii) a private family-owned and operated business.
5.2.4 An employee may serve as an officer or director of a residential
co-operative, but must receive prior written permission from the
local Chief Executive Officer and the local Compliance
Department before serving as a director if, in the course of
such service, he or she gives advice with respect to the
management of the co-operative's funds.
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5.2.5 If an employee serving on the board of directors or advisers of
any entity comes into possession of material, non-public
information through such service, he or she must immediately
notify the local Compliance Officer.
5.2.6 An Invesco employee shall not take personal advantage of any
economic opportunity properly belonging to an Invesco Client or
to Invesco itself. Such opportunities could arise, for example,
from confidential information belonging to a client or the offer
of a directorship. Employees must not disclose information
relating to a client's intentions, activities or portfolios
except:
i) to fellow employees, or other agents of the client, who
need to know it to discharge their duties; or
ii) to the client itself.
5.2.7 Employees may not cause or attempt to cause any Client to
purchase, sell or hold any Security in a manner calculated to
create any personal benefit to the employee or Invesco.
5.2.8 If an employee or immediate family member stands to materially
benefit from an investment decision for an Advisory Client that
the employee is recommending or participating in, the employee
must disclose that interest to persons with authority to make
investment decisions and to the local Compliance Officer. Based
on the information given, a decision will be made on whether or
not to restrict the employee's participation in causing a client
to purchase or sell a Security in which the employee has an
interest.
5.2.9 An employee must disclose to those persons with authority to
make investment decisions for a Client (or to the Compliance
Officer if the employee in question is a person with authority
to make investment decisions for the Client), any Beneficial
Interest that the employee (or immediate family) has in that
Security or an Equivalent Security, or in the issuer thereof,
where the decision could create a material benefit to the
employee (or immediate family) or the appearance of impropriety.
The person to whom the employee reports the interest, in
consultation with the Compliance Officer, must determine whether
or not the employee will be restricted in making investment
decisions.
6 CLIENT INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES OWNED BY INVESCO EMPLOYEES
6.1 General principles
In addition to the specific prohibitions on certain personal securities
transactions as set forth herein, all employees are prohibited from:
6.1.1 Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any prospect
or client;
6.1.2 Making any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to
state to a client or a prospective client, a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
6.1.3 Engaging in any act, practice or course of business which
operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any prospect
or client;
6.1.4 Engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to any
prospect or client; or
6.1.5 Revealing to any other person (except in the normal course of
his or her duties on behalf of a client) any information
regarding securities transactions by any client or the
consideration of any client or Invesco of any securities
transactions.
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7 REPORTS
7.1 IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES, RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS
CONTAINED IN THIS CODE, EACH EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO FILE THE FOLLOWING
PERIODIC REPORTS:
7.2 Initial Certification and Schedules. Within 10 business days of commencing
employment at Invesco, each new employee shall submit to the Compliance
Department:
7.2.1 a signed Initial Certification of Compliance with the Invesco
Code and
7.2.2 schedules listing
(i) all Covered Accounts and
(ii) directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit,
non-profit and other enterprises.
7.3 Confirmations and Monthly Statements
Each employee shall cause to be provided to the Compliance Department where
an outside broker undertakes the transaction:
7.3.1 Duplicate copies of confirmations of all transactions in each
Covered Account or
7.3.2 Not later than 10 days after the end of each month, monthly
statements (if any are regularly prepared) for each Covered
Account.
7.4 Annual Certification
Each employee shall provide, or cause to be provided, to the Compliance
Department, not later than 10 days after the end of each annual period, a
signed annual Certification of Compliance with the Invesco Code containing:
7.4.1 To the extent not included in the foregoing monthly statements,
a schedule listing:
i) all Covered Accounts and any other transactions not
included in the monthly statements; and
ii) directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit,
non-profit and other enterprises.
iii) A copy of an annual statement of the custody account.
7.4.2 A schedule listing directorships (or similar positions) of
for-profit, non-profit and other enterprises;
7.4.3 With respect to Discretionary Accounts, if any, certifications
that such employee does not discuss any investment decisions
with the person making investment decisions; and
7.4.4 With respect to any non-public security owned by such employee,
a statement indicating whether the issuer has changed its name
or publicly issued securities during such calendar year.
7.5 Exempt Investments
Confirmations and periodic reports need not be provided with respect to
Exempt Investments, (see 3.2).
7.6 Disclaimer of Beneficial Ownership
Any report required under this Code may contain a statement that such
report is not to be construed as an admission by the person making the
report that he or she has any direct and indirect beneficial ownership of
the security to which the report relates.
7.7 Annual Review
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The Director of European Compliance in consultation with the local
Compliance Officers will review the Code as necessary, in light of legal
and business developments and experience in implementing the Code, and will
prepare a report to the relevant management committee that:
7.7.1 summarizes existing procedures concerning personal investing and
any changes in the procedures made during the past year,
7.7.2 identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action
during the past year, and
7.7.3 identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or
procedures based on the experience under the Code, evolving
industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or
regulations.
8 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
In order to make sure that every employee is fully aware of the current
rules and guidelines as well as changes in the local regulatory
environment, he has to participate in compliance and anti money laundering
training at least once a year. Several of these trainings will be provided
in the local offices by the Compliance Officer and the AML Officer.
9 GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
In order to minimize any conflict, potential conflict or appearance of
conflict of interest, employees are subject to the restrictions and
guidelines with respect to gifts made to or received from, and
entertainment with, a person that does business with or provides services
to Invesco, that may do business or is being solicited to do business with
Invesco or that is associated with an organisation that does or seeks to do
business with Invesco (a "Business Associate"). The restrictions and
guidelines can be found in the "Gifts and Entertainment Policy", which is
available in the Compliance section of the Intranet.
10 MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Interpretation
The provisions of this Code will be interpreted by the local Compliance
Officer, as applicable. Questions of interpretation should be directed in
the first instance to the local Compliance Officer or his/her designee or,
if necessary, with the Compliance Officer of another Invesco entity. The
interpretation of the local Compliance Officer is final.
10.2 Sanctions
If advised of a violation of this Code by an employee, the local Chief
Executive Officer (or, in the case of the local Chief Executive Officer,
the local Board of Directors) may impose such sanctions as are deemed
appropriate. Any violations of this Code and sanctions therefore will be
reported to the local Board of Directors at least annually.
10.3 Effective Date
This revised Code shall become effective as of 1 MARCH, 2008.
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Specific Provisions for EMPLOYEES OF INVESCO REAL ESTATE GMBH and EMPLOYEES
ASSOCIATED WITH REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS undertaken by Invesco:
11 GUIDELINES FOR COMPLIANCE IN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS
11.1 The purpose of this section is to ensure all personal real estate
transactions of employees are conducted
- to place the interests of Invesco's clients first,
- to avoid any actual, potential or appearance of a conflict
of interest,
- to avoid any abuse of an employee's position of trust and
responsibility and
- to avoid the possibility that employees would take
inappropriate advantage of their positions.
11.2 The requirements in these sections are an addition to rather than a
substitute of all other requirements made in the Code of Ethics.
RESTRICTIONS
Any employee who:
- knowingly invests in real estate or recommends investments
in real estate while in possession of material, non-public
information,
- informs somebody (outside of Invesco or the client) about a
real estate investment or about a client using information
he has received through his employment with Invesco
may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, as well as to
immediate suspension and/or dismissal from Invesco.
These restrictions also apply to investments undertaken by third
parties on the employee's account or by the employee for another
person.
DEFINITION
'Material information' is any information about a real estate
investment which, if disclosed, is likely to affect the market price
of a real estate investment. Examples of information which should be
presumed to be "material" are matters such as income from property,
pollution of the premises, earnings estimates of a real estate project
development plans or changes of such estimates, or forthcoming
transformation of land into building land prior to public planning.
'Non-public information' is information that is not provided by
publicly available sources. Information about a real estate investment
is considered to be non-public if it is received under circumstances
which indicate that such information may be attributable, directly or
indirectly, to any party involved in the real estate project or its
insiders, or that the recipient knows to have been furnished by
someone in breach of a fiduciary duty. An example of non-public
information related to real estate investments is the desire or need
of a client to sell a real estate investment.
In particular, the following activities must not be entered into
without carefully ensuring that there are no implications of insider
trading and no appearance of a conflict of interest:
1. Personally investing in real estate for a client when another
client or a business partner of Invesco is involved in setting up
and selling the investment. I.e. as an intermediary or a
financier.
2. Entering into a private real estate transaction when any cost or
fees brought forth by it are other than at arm's length.
3. Taking personal advantage of any economic opportunity properly
belonging to an Invesco Client or to Invesco itself.
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4. Investing in real estate for a client where Invesco has access to
information which may be price sensitive.
5. Manipulation of the market through the release of information to
regular market users which is false or misleading about a company
or a real estate investment.
6. Release of any information (except in the normal course of his or
her duties as an employee of Invesco) about a client's
considerations of a real estate investment.
7. Personally engaging in real estate investments and thereby using
information received through the employment with Invesco.
PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES, PRE-CLEARANCE AND PRE-NOTIFICATION
Prior to engaging in any private real estate transaction the employee
must fully disclose the transaction to the local compliance officer
along with details of any non-public information held by the employee.
Further detail may be requested by Compliance including an independent
valuation or confirmation of purchase price.
It will only be permitted if it is not contrary to the interests of
Invesco or the clients of Invesco. In the event that such an
engagement was entered into before the employee has joined Invesco and
it is a commercial investment (not inhabited by the employee or family
members), it must be disclosed upon employment.
Disclosure of the transaction is also required if the employee acts as
an authorised agent or if the transaction is undertaken by a third
party for the account of the employee.
Compliance will without delay inform the employee about the decision.
If the permission for a particular investment is given, a time limit
of one year applies to the actual engagement in this specific
investment.
EXEMPTIONS
If investment discretion for an investment has been delegated in
writing to an independent fiduciary and such investment discretion is
not shared with the employee, or decisions for the account are made by
a family member or significant other and not by, or in connection
with, the employee.
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APPENDIX A
PAGE 1 OF 2
PROCEDURES TO DEAL FOR INVESCO EUROPE
1 The procedures to deal are as follows:
A: Obtain the Pre-Clearance Trade Authorisation Form from the "forms"
section of the Compliance Intranet site.
B: Complete Trade Authorisation Form noting:
i) permission sought to either buy or sell;
ii) the amount in shares or currency;
iii) is the transaction an Invesco ICVC/ISA/PEP or affiliated scheme
- yes or no - if yes, then you will have to submit your
pre-clearance form to *UK- Compliance Personal Share Dealing
e-mail group - if no, then pre-clearance is not required;
iv) type of security;
v) name of company or other;
vi) date of request to deal;
vii) name of beneficial owner; and
viii) address of beneficial owner.
Then complete each of the questions in connection with the transaction
you require completed - "yes" or "no" answers will be required.
C: For Venture Capital Trust ordinary securities or for Invesco
ICVC/PEP/ISA/Mutual Fund Trades, you should now only complete section
Two. Once you have answered both questions, the pre-clearance form
must be submitted to the e-mail *UK- COMPLIANCE PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
- Compliance will review the prospective transaction and revert to you
by e-mail. Once you have received this confirmation e-mail you are
free to deal. However, the trade must be completed by the end of the
next business day from the date of confirmation.
If you wish to sell/buy INVESCO shares you should complete Section two
as noted above.
D: For Equity, Bond or Warrant deals, obtain pre-clearance to deal from
the UK Investment Dealers by submitting the completed pre-clearance
form by e-mail to - *UK- INVEST. DEALERS.
E: Once the UK Investment Dealers have authorised the pre-clearance form,
they will send the form on by e-mail to the Compliance Department for
additional authorisation. UK Investment Dealers will send the form by
e-mail to *UK- COMPLIANCE PERSONAL SHARE DEALING.
Once Compliance have completed their checks, they will authorise the
pre-clearance form and send back to the originator. The originator
then has until close of business the day after pre-clearance is
granted to deal. IF DEALING IS NOT COMPLETED IN THIS TIME FRAME, THEN
ADDITIONAL PRE-CLEARANCE MUST BE SOUGHT VIA THE SAME PROCESS.
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APPENDIX A
PAGE 2 OF 2
F: Once authority has been granted from the UK Investment Dealers and
Compliance, the originator must also send a copy of the completed form
to Elaine Coleman in Henley Compliance, who will enter the authority
in the Personal Share Dealing Register.
G: A copy of the contract note must also be sent to Compliance.
NB PERMISSION TO DEAL WILL NOT BE GRANTED RETROSPECTIVELY. DEALS
UNDERTAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE COMPLIANCE
OFFICER'S ATTENTION, BY A REVIEW OF THE PERSONAL SHARE DEALING
REGISTER, FOR DISCUSSION WITH THE PERSON CONCERNED.
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EX-99.P8
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h66495aexv99wp8.txt
EX-99.P8
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Invesco Ltd.
CODE OF CONDUCT
INTRODUCTION
Our company's Mission "Helping People Worldwide Build Their Financial Security"
is a logical beginning point for our Code of Conduct. To help guide us in
achieving our Mission, Invesco has developed the following set of Principles:
- We are passionate about our clients' success
- We earn trust by acting with integrity
- People are the foundation of our success
- Working together, we achieve more
- We believe in the continuous pursuit of performance excellence
This Code of Conduct ("Code of Conduct" or "Code") has been created to assist us
in accomplishing our Mission. It contains a number of policies and standards
which, when taken together, are designed to help define the essence of the
conduct of an Invesco representative. These policies and standards are also
intended to provide guidance to Invesco personnel in fulfilling their
obligations to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations ("applicable
laws"). This Code of Conduct applies to all officers and other employees of
Invesco and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Covered Persons").
Our Principles also help define the Invesco culture. In practice, this means
that our clients' interests must always come first, that Covered Persons should
treat each other with respect and consideration, and that Invesco should
participate as a responsible corporate citizen in every community in which it
operates. This commitment is a vital part of our achieving our principal
responsibility as a publicly-held company: producing a fair return on our
shareholders' capital.
This Code of Conduct contains broad and general principles that supplement the
specific policies, procedures and training within each business unit of Invesco.
Page 1 of 22
YOUR RESPONSIBLITIES
One person's misconduct can damage our entire company's hard-earned reputation
and compromise the public's trust in the company. Every Covered Person should
therefore become familiar with this Code and abide strictly by its provisions.
In brief:
- It is your responsibility at all times to comply with the law and
behave in an ethical manner.
- This Code cannot anticipate every possible situation or cover every
topic in detail. The company has established special policies to
address specific subjects and will update this Code and those specific
policies from time-to-time. If you are unclear about a situation, stop
and ask for guidance before taking action.
- Failure to obey laws and regulations violates this Code and may expose
both you and the company to criminal or civil sanctions. Any violation
of this Code or other company policies may result in disciplinary
action, up to and including termination of employment. The company may
also seek civil remedies from you and even refer criminal misconduct
to law enforcement agencies.
- You are responsible for reporting possible violations of this Code to
the company (see below).
- If you have a question about a topic covered in this Code or a concern
regarding any conduct, please speak with your supervisor or with an
appropriate member of the Legal and Compliance Department.
- If you are aware of a violation and are uncomfortable speaking with
any of these people or wish to remain anonymous, you may call the
toll-free Invesco Compliance Reporting Line (the "Compliance Reporting
Line"). If you are calling from a U.S. or Canadian location dial
1-866-297-3627. For calls from all other locations, dial an
international operator and request a collect call to 1-704-943-1136.
When asked for your name use "Invesco." (See further details below.)
- If you are an attorney or an executive officer of the company, you may
have additional reporting or other obligations under specific rules
applicable to you, such as the POLICY FOR REPORTING BY ATTORNEYS
EMPLOYED BY INVESCO LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, and you should also
comply with such rules.
Page 2 of 22
STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Invesco operates in a highly-regulated and complex environment. There are
numerous layers of overlapping, and occasionally conflicting, laws, customs and
local practices. This Code of Conduct was designed to provide all of us who are
part of Invesco with a clear statement of our firm's ethical and cultural
standards.
We operate in major countries and securities markets throughout the world.
Generally, we serve our clients as fiduciaries.
Fiduciary businesses are generally held to a higher standard of conduct than
other businesses, and as such there are special obligations that apply. The
following key duties and principles govern our conduct as fiduciaries:
- Best interests of clients - As fiduciaries, we have a duty to act with
reasonable care, skill and caution in the best interests of our
clients, and to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Global fiduciary standards - Invesco seeks to maintain the same high
fiduciary standards throughout the world, even though those standards
may not be legally required, or even recognized, in some countries.
- Compliance with applicable laws - We have a duty to comply with
applicable laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate, and to
comply with the terms of our agreements with our clients.
- Client confidentiality - We must maintain the confidentiality of
information relating to the client, and comply with the data
protection requirements imposed by many jurisdictions.
- Information - Clients must be provided with timely and accurate
information regarding their accounts.
- Segregation and protection of assets - Processes must be established
for the proper maintenance, control and protection of client assets.
Fiduciary assets must be segregated from Invesco assets and property.
- Delegation of duties - Fiduciary duties should be delegated only when
the client consents and where permitted by applicable law. Reasonable
care, skill and caution must be exercised in the selection of agents
and review of their performance.
Page 3 of 22
- Client guidelines - Invesco is responsible for making investment
decisions on behalf of clients that are consistent with the
prospectus, contract, or other controlling document relating to the
client's account.
- Relations with regulators - We seek relationships with regulators that
are open and responsive in nature.
1. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
Invesco strives to ensure that all activity by or on behalf of Invesco is in
compliance with applicable laws. Many of these applicable laws are specifically
described in this Code of Conduct and in other Invesco policies and procedures.
In the conduct of our business, all Covered Persons are required to comply with
all applicable laws.
2. Fair and Honest Dealing
Covered Persons shall deal fairly and honestly with Invesco's shareholders,
customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. Covered Persons shall behave in
an ethical manner and shall not take unfair advantage of anyone through
manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of
material facts, or any other unfair dealing practice.
3. Conflicts of Interest
Invesco and its Covered Persons must adhere to the highest standards of honest
and ethical conduct. These include, but are not limited to, sensitivity to the
existence of a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.
In the course of business, conflicts of interest can arise between the company
and its clients, including investment funds, or between the interests of the
company and its Covered Persons. A conflict of interest exists when a Covered
Person's personal interest interferes, or appears to interfere, in any way with
the interests of Invesco or its clients, or when a Covered Person otherwise
takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her
company work objectively and effectively. For example, a conflict of interest
would arise if a Covered Person, or a member of his or her family, receives
improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position with Invesco.
All Covered Persons owe a duty of undivided and unqualified loyalty to Invesco
and may not use their positions improperly to profit personally or to assist
others in profiting at the expense of the company. All Covered Persons are
therefore expected and required to regulate their activities so as to avoid
conflicts of interest. In addition, Covered Persons shall promptly communicate
to the applicable member of the Legal and Compliance Department any material
transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a
conflict of interest so that the company and the Covered Person may take steps
to minimize the conflict.
Page 4 of 22
Covered Persons shall not take for personal use (or for use by a family member)
any business opportunity learned of during the course of serving Invesco, using
Invesco property or as a result of such individual's position with Invesco. If
an employee or officer learns of a business opportunity that is within Invesco's
existing or proposed lines of business, the employee or officer should inform
his or her supervisor, the Legal and Compliance Department, or the Board of
Directors, as appropriate, of the business opportunity and refrain from
personally pursuing the matter until such time as Invesco decides to forego the
business opportunity. At no time may any employee or officer utilize any Invesco
property, information or position to generate personal gain or engage or
participate in any business that directly competes with Invesco.
While not all-inclusive, the following examples of outside financial interests
will serve to illustrate some of the types of activities that might cause
conflicts of interest:
- Ownership or other interest in or employment by any outside concern which
does business with Invesco. This does not apply to stock or other
investments in a publicly-held company, provided that the stock and other
investments do not, in the aggregate, exceed 5% of the outstanding
ownership interests of such company. Invesco may, following a review of the
relevant facts, permit ownership interests which exceed these amounts if
management or the Board of Directors, as appropriate, concludes that such
ownership interests will not adversely affect Invesco's business interests
or the judgment of the affected Covered Person.
- Conducting business, not on behalf of Invesco, with any Invesco vendor,
supplier, contractor, agency, or any of their directors, officers or
employees.
- Representation of Invesco by a Covered Person in any transaction in which
he or she, or a family member, has a substantial personal interest.
- Disclosure or use of confidential, special or inside information of or
about Invesco, particularly for personal profit or advantage of the Covered
Person or a family member of such person.
- Competition with Invesco by a Covered Person, directly or indirectly, in
the purchase, sale or ownership of property or services or business
investment opportunities.
Sections 4, 5 and 6 describe in more detail additional areas where conflicts can
arise and are of particular sensitivity. These areas include outside activities,
personal share dealing, and the use of material non-public information.
All Covered Persons must follow the procedures in place within their respective
divisions and business units and must also be sensitive to the types of
situations that can give rise to such conflicts or apparent conflicts.
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4. Outside Activities and Compensation
No Covered Person shall perform work or render services for any competitor of
Invesco or for any organization with which Invesco does business, or which seeks
to do business with Invesco, outside of the normal course of his or her
employment with Invesco, without the prior written approval of the company. Nor
shall any such person be a director, officer, or consultant of such an
organization, or permit his or her name to be used in any fashion that would
tend to indicate a business connection with such organization, without such
approval. Outside organizations can include public or private corporations,
partnerships, charitable foundations and other not-for-profit institutions. With
the above approval, Covered Persons may receive compensation for such
activities.
Service with organizations outside of Invesco can, however, raise serious
regulatory issues, including conflicts of interest and access to material
non-public information.
As an outside board member or officer, a Covered Person may come into possession
of material non-public information about the outside company or other public
companies. It is critical that a proper information barrier be in place between
Invesco and the outside organization, and that the Covered Person does not
communicate such information to other Covered Persons in violation of the
information barrier.
Similarly, Invesco may have a business relationship with the outside
organization or may seek a relationship in the future. In those circumstances,
the Covered Person must not be involved in any way in the business relationship
between Invesco and the outside organization.
Invesco retains the right to prohibit membership by Covered Persons on any board
of directors/trustees or as an officer of an outside organization where such
membership might conflict with the best interests of the company. Approval will
be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to proper resolution of potential
conflicts of interest. Outside activities will be approved only if these issues
can be satisfactorily resolved.
5. Personal Share Dealing
Purchasing and selling securities in a Covered Person's own account, or accounts
over which the Covered Person has access or control, particularly in securities
owned by client accounts, can give rise to potential conflicts of interest. As
fiduciaries, we are held to the highest standards of conduct. Improperly gaining
advance knowledge of portfolio transactions, or conducting securities
transactions based upon information obtained at Invesco, can be a violation of
those standards.
Every Covered Person must also comply with the specific personal trading rules
in effect for the Covered Person's business unit. The Board of Directors of the
company
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has adopted an Insider Trading Policy ("Insider Trading Policy") that
specifically governs transactions in Invesco securities, including special
pre-clearance obligations and trading blackout periods for defined personnel.
6. Information Barriers and Material Non-Public Information
In the conduct of our business, Covered Persons may come into possession of
material non-public information. This information could concern an issuer, a
client, a portfolio, the market for a particular security, or Invesco itself.
All Covered Persons are prohibited from using such information in ways that
violate the law, including for personal gain. Non-public information must be
kept confidential, which may include keeping it confidential from other Covered
Persons. The purchase or sale of Invesco's securities or the securities of other
publicly-traded companies while aware of material nonpublic information about
such company, or the disclosure of material nonpublic information to others who
then trade in such company's securities, is prohibited by this Code of Conduct
and by United States and other jurisdictions' securities laws. Invesco's Insider
Trading Policy also applies to all Covered Persons. With regard to Invesco
securities, the Insider Trading Policy, among other provisions, prohibits
directors, officers, and other Covered Persons who are deemed to have access to
material, non-public information relating to the company from trading during
specified Blackout Periods (as defined therein). All Covered Persons should
review the Invesco Insider Trading Policy carefully and follow the policies and
procedures described therein. The failure of a Covered Person to comply with the
company's Insider Trading Policy may subject him or her to company-imposed
sanctions, up to and including termination for cause, whether or not the failure
to comply results in a violation of law. You should seek the advice of the
applicable business unit Legal and Compliance Department on any questions
regarding this subject and the company's Insider Trading Policy.
7. Anti-Bribery and Dealings with Governmental Officials
Special care must be taken when dealing with government customers. Activities
that might be appropriate when working with private sector customers may be
improper and even illegal when dealing with government employees, or when
providing goods and services to another customer who, in turn, will deliver the
company's product to a government end user. Many of the countries in which
Invesco conducts its business prohibit the improper influencing of governmental
officials or other persons by the payment of bribes, gifts, political
contributions, lavish hospitality or by other means. Our policy requires
adherence to those restrictions.
Do not directly or indirectly promise, offer or make payment in money or
anything of value to anyone, including a government official, agent or employee
of a government, political party, labor organization or business entity or a
candidate of a political party, or their families, with the intent to induce
favorable business treatment or to improperly affect business or government
decisions. This policy prohibits actions intended either to influence a specific
decision or merely to enhance future relationships. In general, all
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travel and entertainment that Covered Persons provide to governmental officials
must be pre-approved within the appropriate business unit. If approved, a
written confirmation that such expenses do not violate local law must be
obtained from an appropriate third party (e.g., the business unit's legal
counsel or the government official's supervisor).
Covered Persons shall comply with applicable laws governing political campaign
finance and lobbying activities and shall not engage in any conduct that is
intended to avoid the application of such laws to activities undertaken on
Invesco's behalf. In addition, appropriate executive officers shall monitor
compliance with lobbyist registration and disclosure requirements by all
individuals who act on behalf of Invesco.
These prohibitions extend to any consultants or agents we may retain on behalf
of Invesco.
8. Anti-Discrimination and Harassment
Invesco is committed to providing a work environment that is free of
discrimination and harassment. Such conduct, whether overt or subtle, is
demeaning, may be illegal, and undermines the integrity of the employment
relationship.
Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors, pressure to engage in a sexual relationship as a condition of employment
or promotion, or conduct which creates a hostile or offensive work environment.
Discrimination can take many forms including actions, words, jokes, or comments
based upon an individual's race, citizenship, ethnicity, color, religion, sex,
veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital
status or other legally protected characteristic. Any Covered Person who engages
in harassment or discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to
and including termination of employment.
9. Anti-Money Laundering
In the global marketplace, the attempted use of financial institutions and
instruments to launder money is a significant problem that has resulted in the
passage of strict laws in many countries. Money laundering is the attempt to
disguise money derived from or intended to finance illegal activity including
drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, fraud, and many other crimes.
Money launderers go to great lengths to hide the sources of their funds. Among
the most common stratagems are placing cash in legitimate financial
institutions, layering between numerous financial institutions, and integrating
the laundered proceeds back into the economy as apparently legitimate funds.
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All Covered Persons must be vigilant in the fight against money laundering, and
must not allow Invesco to be used for money laundering. Each business unit has
developed an anti-money laundering program that is consistent with Invesco's
policy. Each Covered Person must comply with the applicable program.
10. Antitrust
The laws of many countries are designed to protect consumers from illegal
competitive actions such as price fixing and dividing markets. It is Invesco's
policy and practice to compete based on the merits of our products and services.
In order to further that policy, Covered Persons must not fix or control prices
with competitors, divide up territories or markets, limit the production or sale
of products, boycott certain suppliers or customers, unfairly control or
restrict trade in any way, restrict a competitor's marketing practices, or
disparage a competitor. Covered Persons must never discuss products, pricing or
markets with competitors with the intent to fix prices or divide markets.
11. Data Privacy
Data privacy, as it relates both to our clients and our employees, has become a
major political and legal issue in many jurisdictions in which we do business. A
variety of laws in each of those jurisdictions governs the collection, storage,
dissemination, transfer, use, access to and confidentiality of personal
information and patient health information. These laws can work to limit
transfers of such data across borders and even among affiliated entities within
Invesco. Invesco and its Covered Persons will comply with all provisions of
these laws that relate to its business, including the privacy, security and
electronic transmission of financial, health and other personal information. The
company expects its Covered Persons to keep all such data confidential and to
protect, use and disclose information in the conduct of our business only in
compliance with these laws. The company will consider and may release personal
information to third parties to comply with law or to protect the rights,
property or safety of Invesco and its customers. In accordance with Invesco
policies, each business unit has developed required disclosures and data
security procedures applicable to that business unit. All Covered Persons must
comply with the applicable procedures.
With respect to Invesco Covered Persons, all salary, benefit, medical and other
personal information relating to Covered Persons shall generally be treated as
confidential. Personnel files, payroll information, disciplinary matters, and
similar information are to be maintained in a manner designed to protect
confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws. All Covered Persons shall
exercise due care to prevent the release or sharing of such information beyond
those persons who may need such information to fulfill their job functions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all personnel information belongs solely to
Invesco and may be reviewed or used by the company as needed to conduct its
business.
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12. Communications with the Media, Analysts and Shareholders
Invesco has a long-standing policy of co-operating with the news media and the
financial community. This policy is intended to enhance respect for the company,
provide accurate information, and achieve our business goals.
Invesco employs media relations professionals who are responsible for handling
all contacts with the news media. Invesco's Communications and Public Affairs
Department is responsible for formulating and directing our media relations
policy worldwide. Other Invesco employees may not speak to or disseminate
information to the news media unless such contact has been requested and
arranged by or coordinated with an Invesco media relations professional in
accordance with the company's media relations policy. Any contact from the news
media should be referred promptly and without comment to an Invesco media
relations professional. If you do not know the appropriate media relations
professional for your unit, you can refer the contact to the Invesco
Communications and Public Affairs Department.
Many countries have detailed rules with regard to the dissemination of
information about public companies. In particular, a public company must have
procedures for controlling the release of information that may have a material
impact on its share price. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer are responsible for Invesco's relationships with the financial
community, including the release of price sensitive information. Other Invesco
employees may not speak to or disseminate information regarding the company to
the financial community (including analysts, investors, shareholders, Company
lenders, and rating agencies) unless such contact has been requested and
arranged by the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the
Investor Relations Group within the Finance Department.
13. Electronic Communications
The use of electronic mail, the Internet and other technology assets is an
important part of our work at Invesco. Used improperly, this technology presents
legal and business risks for the company and for individual employees. There are
also important privacy issues associated with the use of technology, and related
regulations are evolving.
In accordance with Invesco's Electronic Communications policies, all Covered
Persons are required to use information technology for proper business purposes
and in a manner that does not compromise the confidentiality of sensitive or
proprietary information. All communications with the public, clients, prospects
and fellow employees must be conducted with dignity, integrity, and competence
and in an ethical and professional manner.
We must not use information technology to: transmit or store materials which are
obscene, pornographic, or otherwise offensive; engage in criminal activity;
obtain
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unauthorized access to data or files; commit copyright violations; install
personal software without permission; or make Internet statements, without
permission, that suggest that the user is speaking on behalf of Invesco or its
affiliates.
14. Gifts and Relationships with Customers and Suppliers
Invesco seeks to do business with clients and suppliers on a fair and equitable
basis. We may not accept or provide gifts of other than nominal value, or lavish
entertainment, or other valuable benefits or special favors to or from customers
or suppliers. We must observe any limits imposed by our business unit's
policies, local laws, or regulations with respect to the acceptance or provision
of gifts and entertainment.
15. International Issues
If you conduct business for Invesco outside of the U.S., in addition to being
familiar with the local laws of the other countries involved, be sure you are
familiar with the following U.S. laws and regulations. Violations of these laws
can result in substantial fines, imprisonment and severe restrictions on the
company's ability to do business.
FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT
The United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar laws in many
other countries have a variety of provisions that regulate business in other
countries and with foreign citizens. In essence, these laws make it a crime to
promise or give anything of value to a foreign official or political party in
order to obtain or keep business or obtain any improper advantage. It is also
illegal to make payments to agents, sales representatives or other third parties
if you have reason to believe your gift will be used illegally. Seek advice from
the appropriate member of the Legal and Compliance Department for interpretation
of the FCPA or similar laws if you are involved in any business dealings that
involve foreign countries.
ANTI-BOYCOTT LAWS
From time to time, various countries may impose restrictions upon the ability of
businesses in their jurisdiction to engage in commerce with designated
individuals, countries or companies. These laws are commonly referred to as
boycotts or trade embargoes. It may be against the law to cooperate in any
boycotts between foreign countries not sanctioned by the laws of the place where
your office is located. All requests for boycott support or boycott-related
information must be reported to your supervisor and the member of the Legal and
Compliance Department with responsibility for your office.
Similarly, many countries contribute the names of criminal or terrorist
organizations or individuals to a common database and require financial
institutions to screen customer
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lists against the database as part of their "Know Your Customer" obligations. We
must be aware of, and where appropriate, adhere to any such restrictions.
EMBARGO SANCTIONS
The United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control
prohibits U.S. companies and their foreign subsidiaries from doing business with
certain countries and agencies and certain individuals. The laws of other
countries may have similar types of prohibitions. The regulations vary depending
on the country and the type of transaction and often change as countries'
foreign policies change. If you are aware of any sensitive political issues with
a country in which Invesco is doing or considering doing business, seek advice
from the appropriate member of the Legal and Compliance Department.
16. Political Activities and Lobbying
Covered Persons are encouraged to vote in elections for which they are eligible,
and to make contributions supporting candidates or parties of their choice.
Covered Persons are also encouraged to express their views on government,
legislation and other matters of local or national interest.
Many jurisdictions have imposed severe and complex restrictions on the ability
of individuals and companies to make political contributions. You should assume
that Invesco and its Covered Persons are generally prohibited from certain types
of political activities, and you must be familiar with the rules in effect for
your business unit. No Covered Person may, under any circumstances, use company
funds to make political contributions without the prior written approval of a
member of the Legal and Compliance Department, nor may you represent your
personal political views as being those of the company.
17. Retention of Books and Records
Invesco corporate records are important assets. Corporate records include
essentially everything you produce as a Covered Person, regardless of its
format. A corporate record may be in the form of paper, computer tapes,
microfilm, e-mail, or voice mail. It may be something as obvious as a memorandum
or a contract or something not as obvious, such as a desk calendar, an
appointment book, or an expense record.
Invesco is required by law to maintain certain types of corporate records,
usually for a specified period of time. Failure to retain such documents for
such minimum periods could subject Invesco to penalties and fines, cause the
loss of rights, obstruct justice, place Invesco in contempt of court, or place
Invesco at a serious disadvantage in litigation. However, storage of voluminous
records over time is costly. Therefore, Invesco has established controls to
assure retention for required periods and timely destruction of retrievable
records, such as paper copies and records on computers,
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electronic systems, microfiche, and microfilm. Even if a document is retained
for the legally required period, liability could still result if a document is
destroyed before its scheduled destruction date.
Invesco and its affiliates are subject to the regulatory requirements of
numerous countries and regulatory agencies. Virtually all of them have specific
requirements concerning the creation, maintenance and storage of business
records. Invesco expects all Covered Persons to become familiar with and fully
comply with the records retention/destruction schedule for the departments and
office locations for which they work. If you believe documents should be
retained beyond the applicable retention period, consult with the Legal and
Compliance Department.
18. Sales and Marketing Materials
Invesco is committed to building sustained, open, and honest relationships with
our customers, and to complying with all relevant regulatory requirements. This
requires that all marketing and sales-related materials be prepared under
standards approved by the Legal and Compliance Department and, prior to use,
reviewed and approved by the appropriate supervisor within a business unit.
Covered materials include requests for proposals, client presentations,
performance summaries, advertisements, and published market commentaries.
19. Substance Abuse
Invesco is committed to providing a safe and healthy work place for all
employees. The use, possession, sale, transfer, purchase, or being "under the
influence" of drugs at any time while on company premises or on company business
is prohibited. The term "drug" includes alcoholic beverages (other than in
connection with entertainment events, or in other appropriate settings),
prescriptions not authorized by your doctor, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine,
heroin and other illegal substances.
20. Confidential Information
Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of
use to competitors, or harmful to the company or its customers, if disclosed.
All information (in any form, including electronic information) that is created
or used in support of company business activities is the property of Invesco.
This company information is a valuable asset and Covered Persons are expected to
protect it from unauthorized disclosure. This includes Invesco customer,
supplier, business partner and employee data. United States (federal and state)
and other jurisdictions' laws may restrict the use of such information and
impose penalties for impermissible use or disclosure.
Covered Persons must maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to
them by the company or its customers, vendors or consultants except when
disclosure is properly authorized by the company or legally mandated. Covered
Persons shall take
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all reasonable efforts to safeguard such confidential information that is in
their possession against inadvertent disclosure and shall comply with any
non-disclosure obligations imposed on Invesco in its agreements with third
parties.
Information pertaining to Invesco's competitive position or business strategies,
and information relating to negotiations with Covered Persons or third parties,
should be protected and shared only with Covered Persons having a need to know
such information in order to perform their job responsibilities.
21. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
All Covered Persons shall strive to preserve and protect the company's assets
and resources and to promote their efficient use. The standards set forth below
are intended to guide Covered Persons by articulating Invesco's expectations as
they relate to activities or behaviors that may affect the company's assets.
Personal Use of Corporate Assets
Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on Invesco's profitability.
Covered Persons are not to convert assets of the company to personal use.
Company property should be used for the company's legitimate business purposes
and the business of the company shall be conducted in a manner designed to
further Invesco's interest rather than the personal interest of an individual
Covered Person. Covered Persons are prohibited from the unauthorized use or
taking of Invesco's equipment, supplies, materials or services. Prior to
engaging in any activity on company time which will result in remuneration to
the Covered Person or the use of Invesco's equipment, supplies, materials or
services for personal or non-work related purposes, officers and other Covered
Persons shall obtain the approval of the supervisor of the appropriate business
unit.
Use of Company Software
Covered Persons use software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, data
management, and many other applications. Software products purchased by the
company are covered by some form of licensing agreement that describes the
terms, conditions and allowed uses. It is the company's policy to respect
copyright laws and observe the terms and conditions of any license agreements.
Copyright laws in the United States and other countries impose civil and
criminal penalties for illegal reproductions and use of licensed software. You
must be aware of the restrictions on the use of software and abide by those
restrictions. Invesco business equipment may not be used to reproduce commercial
software. In addition, you may not use personal software on company equipment
without prior written approval.
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Computer Resources/E-mail
The company's computer resources, which include the electronic mail system,
belong to Invesco and not to the Covered Person. They are not intended to be
used for amusement, solicitation, or other non-business purposes. While it is
recognized that Covered Persons will occasionally use the system for personal
communications, it is expected that such uses will be kept to a minimum and that
Covered Persons will be responsible and professional in their use of e-mail. The
use of the computer systems to make or forward derogatory or offensive remarks
about other people or groups is prohibited. E-mail messages should be treated as
any other written business communication.
22. Invesco Intellectual Property
Employees and officers must carefully maintain and manage the intellectual
property rights of Invesco, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade
secrets, to preserve and protect their value. Information, ideas and
intellectual property assets of Invesco are important to the company's success.
Invesco's name, logo, trademarks, inventions, processes and innovations are
intellectual property assets and their protection is vital to the success of the
company's business. The company's and any of its subsidiaries' names, logos and
other trademarks and service marks are to be used only for authorized company
business and never in connection with personal or other activities unless
appropriately approved and in accordance with company policy. In addition, our
Covered Persons must respect the intellectual property rights of third parties.
Violation of these rights can subject both you and the company to substantial
liability, including criminal penalties.
Any work product produced in the course of performing your job shall be deemed
to be a "work made for hire" and shall belong to Invesco and is to be used only
for the benefit of Invesco. This includes such items as marketing plans, product
development plans, computer programs, software, hardware and similar materials.
You must share any innovations or inventions you create with your supervisor so
that the company can take steps to protect these valuable assets.
23. Integrity and Accuracy of Financial Records
The preparation and maintenance of accurate books, records and accounts is
required by law and essential to the proper discharge of financial, legal and
reporting obligations. All Covered Persons are prohibited from directly or
indirectly falsifying or causing to be false or misleading any financial or
accounting book, record or account. In addition, all financial data must be
completely and accurately recorded in compliance with applicable law and
Invesco's accounting policies and procedures. A Covered Person may violate this
section by acting or by failing to act when he or she becomes aware of a
violation or potential violation of this section.
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24. Disclosure in Reports and Documents.
Filings and Public Materials. As a public company, it is important that the
company's filings with the SEC and other U.S. federal, state, domestic and
international regulatory agencies are full, fair, accurate, timely and
understandable. The company also makes many other filings with the SEC and other
U.S. and international regulatory agencies on behalf of the funds that its
subsidiaries and affiliates manage. Further, the company prepares mutual fund
account statements, client investment performance information, prospectuses and
advertising materials that are sent out to its mutual fund shareholders and
clients.
Disclosure and Reporting Policy. The company's policy is to comply with all
applicable disclosure, financial reporting and accounting regulations applicable
to the company. The company maintains the highest commitment to its disclosure
and reporting requirements, and expects and requires all Covered Persons to
record information accurately and truthfully in the books and records of the
company.
Information for Filings. Depending on his or her position with the company, a
Covered Person may be called upon to provide necessary information to assure
that the company's public reports and regulatory filings are full, fair,
accurate, timely and understandable. The company expects all Covered Persons to
be diligent in providing accurate information to the inquiries that are made
related to the company's public disclosure requirements.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting. Covered Persons are required to cooperate and comply with the
company's disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over
financial reporting so that the company's reports and documents filed with the
SEC and other U.S. federal, state, domestic and international regulatory
agencies comply in all material respects with applicable laws and provide full,
fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure.
25. Improper Influence on the Conduct of Audits
Every Covered Person must deal fairly and honestly with outside accountants
performing audits, reviews or examinations of Invesco's and its subsidiaries'
financial statements. To that end, no Covered Person of Invesco may make or
cause to be made a materially false or misleading statement (or omit facts
necessary to make the statements made not misleading) in connection with an
audit, review or examination of financial statements by independent accountants
or the preparation of any document or report required to be filed with a
governmental or regulatory authority. Covered Persons of Invesco also are
prohibited from coercing, manipulating, misleading or fraudulently inducing any
independent public or certified public accountant engaged in the performance or
review of financial statements that are required to be filed with a
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governmental or regulatory authority if he or she knows or should have known
that his or her actions could result in making those financial statements
materially misleading.
26. Standards for Invesco's Financial Officers
Invesco's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting
Officer (the "Financial Officers") are required to take all reasonable steps to
provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosures in the
reports and documents that Invesco files with or submits to the SEC and other
regulatory bodies and in other public communications made by Invesco. In the
event that a Financial Officer learns that any such report, document or
communication does not meet this standard and such deviation is material, then
the Financial Officers are required to review and investigate such deviation,
advise the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
regarding the deviation and, where necessary, revise the relevant report,
document or communication.
Although a particular accounting treatment for one or more of Invesco's
operations may be permitted under applicable accounting standards, the Financial
Officers may not authorize or permit the use of such an accounting treatment if
the effect is to distort or conceal Invesco's true financial condition. The
accounting standards and treatments utilized by Invesco must, in all instances,
be determined on an objective and uniform basis and without reference to a
single transaction or series of transactions and their impact on Invesco's
financial results for a particular time period. Any new or novel accounting
treatment or standard that is to be utilized in the preparation of Invesco's
financial statements must be discussed with Invesco's Audit Committee and its
independent auditors.
27. Policy and Procedures on Reporting Potential Material Violations
Invesco strives to ensure that all activity by or on behalf of Invesco is in
compliance with applicable laws. Invesco and its employees must adhere to the
highest standards of honest and ethical conduct. Employees of Invesco and its
subsidiaries are affirmatively required to report possible violations of the
Invesco Code of Conduct, laws or regulations.
If you are a Covered Person with complaints or concerns regarding:
(i) violations of this Code of Conduct or the rules mentioned herein;
(ii) violations of laws or regulations generally involving Invesco; or
(iii) questionable accounting matters, internal accounting controls,
auditing matters, breaches of fiduciary duty or violations of United
States or foreign securities laws or rules (collectively "Accounting
Matters"), including:
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- fraud or deliberate error in the preparation, evaluation, review
or audit of any financial statement of Invesco;
- fraud or deliberate error in the recording and maintaining of
financial records of Invesco;
- deficiencies in or non-compliance with Invesco's internal
accounting controls;
- misrepresentation or false statements to or by a senior officer
or accountant regarding a matter contained in the financial
records, financial reports or audit reports of Invesco;
- deviation from full and fair reporting of Invesco's financial
condition; or
- fraudulent or criminal activities engaged in by officers,
directors or employees of Invesco;
you may report your concerns in any of three ways:
YOU CAN SPEAK WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR. We encourage you to first contact your
immediate supervisor, who is in turn responsible for informing Invesco's
Compliance Reporting Line (described below) of any concerns raised.
YOU CAN SPEAK DIRECTLY WITH THE LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE OR HUMAN RESOURCES
DEPARTMENTS. If you prefer not to discuss a concern with your own supervisor,
you may instead contact the Legal and Compliance or Human Resources Departments
directly.
YOU CAN CALL OUR COMPLIANCE REPORTING LINE. You may also call the Invesco
Compliance Reporting Line. If you are calling from a U.S. or Canadian location,
dial 1-866-297-3627. For calls from all other locations, dial an international
operator and request a collect call to 1-704-943-1136. When asked for your name
use "Invesco." You can use the Compliance Reporting Line to report possible
violations or to check on the status of a previously filed report. You can also
report to the Compliance Reporting Line if you believe that a report previously
made to company management, your supervisor, other management personnel or the
Legal and Compliance or Human Resources Departments has not been addressed.
The Compliance Reporting Line is administered by an outside vendor. The
telephone operators for the Compliance Reporting Line have been trained to
receive your call. The Compliance Reporting Line is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. All calls will be answered by a live person. Calls are not
recorded and are not able to be traced. You have the option to remain anonymous.
If you remain anonymous, you will be given a numeric code so that you may call
back and ask for follow up. You will be guided through the call and prompted by
appropriate questions from the operator. You will be given a date on which you
can call back and receive a follow up report. Once the call is completed, a
report will be generated and sent to the appropriate departments within
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Invesco based on the subject matter of your call. You are urged to call back for
follow up, because in the event more information is required, this will be an
opportunity for you to provide those details.
If you report a possible violation, regardless of the method that you use to
make the report, it is important that you provide as much detail as possible,
including names, dates, times, locations and the specific conduct in question.
Only with sufficient specific information can Invesco adequately investigate the
reported action.
Your submission of information will be treated in a confidential manner to the
extent reasonably possible. Please note, however, that if an investigation by
Invesco of the activities you have reported takes place, it may be impossible
for Invesco to maintain the confidentiality of the fact of the report or the
information reported.
Complaints relating to Accounting Matters will be reviewed under Audit Committee
direction and oversight by such persons as the Audit Committee determines to be
appropriate. All other matters will be reviewed under the direction and
oversight of the appropriate departments within Invesco, usually also including
the Legal and Compliance Department. Prompt and appropriate corrective action
will be taken when and as warranted in the judgment of the Audit Committee or
other reviewing department.
Invesco will not permit retribution, harassment, or intimidation of any employee
who in good faith reports a possible violation. Along with the three reporting
methods described above, this also includes, but is not limited to an employee
who discloses information to a government or law enforcement agency, or any
other national, state or provincial securities regulatory authority where the
employee has reasonable cause to believe that the information discloses a
violation or possible violation of federal or state law or regulation. Invesco
policy also prevents any employee from being subject to disciplinary or
retaliatory action by Invesco or any of its employees or agents as a result of
the employee's good faith.
However, employees who file reports or provide evidence which they know to be
false or without a reasonable belief in the truth and accuracy of such
information may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of
their employment.
28. Disclosure; Amendments
To the extent required by law, the company shall publicly (e.g., in its Annual
Report on Form 10-K and/or on its website) disclose this Code of Conduct and its
application to all of the company's Covered Persons.
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This Code may only be amended by Invesco's Board of Directors or a duly
authorized committee thereof. To the extent required by law, amendments to the
Code of Conduct shall be disclosed publicly. As set forth in the company's
filings with the SEC, the company has elected to disclose certain amendments to
the Code that affect, and any waivers of the Code granted to, Financial Officers
on the company's Web site.
29. Waivers of the Code.
a. Waivers for Executive Officers. Any change in or waiver of this Code
for executive officers (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, "Executive Officers") of the company may be made
only by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof in the manner
described in Section 29(d) below, and any such waiver (including any
implicit waiver) shall be promptly disclosed to shareholders as
required by the corporate governance listing standards of the New York
Stock Exchange and other applicable laws.
b. Waivers for Other Covered Persons. Any requests for waivers of this
Code for Covered Persons other than Executive Officers of the company
may be made to the Legal and Compliance Department in the manner
described in Section 29(e) below.
c. Definition of Waiver. For the purposes of the Code, the term "waiver"
shall mean a material departure from a provision of the Code. An
"implicit waiver" shall mean the failure of the company to take action
within a reasonable period of time regarding a material departure from
a provision of the Code that has been made known to an Executive
Officer.
d. Manner for Requesting Executive Officer Waivers.
i. Request and Criteria. If an Executive Officer wishes to request a
waiver of this Code, the Executive Officer may submit to the
Global Compliance Director or the Legal and Compliance Department
a written request for a waiver of the Code only if he/she can
demonstrate that such a waiver:
A. is necessary to alleviate undue hardship or in view of
unforeseen circumstances or is otherwise appropriate under
all the relevant facts and circumstances;
B. will not be inconsistent with the purposes and objectives of
the Code;
C. will not adversely affect the interests of clients of the
company or the interests of the company; and
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D. will not result in a transaction or conduct that would
violate provisions of applicable laws or regulations.
ii. Discretionary Waiver and Response. The Legal and Compliance
Department will forward the waiver request to the Board of
Directors or a committee thereof for consideration. Any decision
to grant a waiver from the Code shall be at the sole and absolute
discretion of the Board of Directors or committee thereof, as
appropriate. The Company Secretary will advise the Legal and
Compliance Department in writing of the Board of Director's
decision regarding the waiver, including the grounds for granting
or denying the waiver request. The Legal and Compliance
Department shall promptly advise the Executive Officer in writing
of the Board of Director's decision.
e. Manner for Requesting Other Covered Person Waivers.
i. Request and Criteria. If a Covered Person who is a non-Executive
Officer wishes to request a waiver of this Code, such Covered
Person may submit to the Legal and Compliance Department a
written request for a waiver of the Code only if he/she can
demonstrate that such a waiver would satisfy the same criteria
set forth in Section 29(d).
ii. Discretionary Waiver and Response. The Legal and Compliance
Department shall forward the waiver request to the General
Counsel of the company for consideration. The decision to grant a
waiver shall be at the sole and absolute discretion of the
General Counsel of the company. The General Counsel will advise
the Legal and Compliance Department in writing of his/her
decision regarding the waiver, including the grounds for granting
or denying the waiver request. The Legal and Compliance
Department shall promptly advise the Covered Person in writing of
the General Counsel's decision.
30. Internal Use. This Code is intended solely for the internal use by the
company and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of the company, as
to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion.
CONCLUSION
As Covered Persons, each of us is obligated to read and understand this Code of
Conduct and our relevant business unit's policies and procedures. No code of
conduct, however, can address every situation for which guidance may be
necessary. If you are unclear about a situation, stop and ask for guidance
before taking action. All Covered Persons are expected to abide by both the
letter and spirit of this Code. Covered
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Persons are also expected to perform their work with honesty and integrity in
any areas not specifically addressed by the Code. Invesco will investigate
reported violations of the Code and, if violations are found, may take
disciplinary action, if appropriate, against the individuals involved, and may
make reports, if appropriate, to civil, criminal or regulatory authorities.
Nothing in this Code restricts the company from taking any disciplinary action
on any matters pertaining to the conduct of a Covered Person, whether or not
expressly set forth in the Code. Any questions regarding the scope or
interpretation of this Code should be referred to the appropriate Compliance or
Legal officer.
Revised: November 2008
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COVER
30
filename30.txt
[INVESCO AIM LOGO APPEARS HERE]
--Servicemark--
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77046-1173
713-626-1919
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.
April 30, 2009
VIA EDGAR
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20549
Re: AIM Equity Funds
CIK No. 0000105377
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of AIM Equity Funds (the "Fund"), attached herewith for filing
pursuant to the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and rule
485(a)(2) promulgated thereunder, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, is the electronic version of Post Effective Amendment No. 94 (the
"Amendment") to the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A. This amendment
is being filed in order to include a new fund, AIM Disciplined Equity Fund.
Please send copies of all correspondence with respect to the Amendment to the
undersigned or contact me at (713) 214-5770.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Melanie Ringold
Melanie Ringold
Counsel