N-CSR 1 dncsr.htm NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II Natixis Funds Trust II
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-00242

Natixis Funds Trust II

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

399 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Natixis Distributors, L.P.

399 Boylston Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 449-2810

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2009

 

 

 


Table of Contents
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

The Registrant’s annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is as follows:


Table of Contents

LOGO

EQUITY FUNDS

ANNUAL REPORT

December 31, 2009

 

CGM Advisor Targeted Equity Fund

Capital Growth Management Limited Partnership

Hansberger International Fund

Hansberger Global Investors, Inc.

Harris Associates Large Cap Value Fund

Harris Associates L.P.

Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund

Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P.

Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund

Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P.

Natixis U.S. Diversified Portfolio

BlackRock Investment Management, LLC

Harris Associates L.P.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

 

 

LOGO

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Management Discussion and Performance page 1

 

Portfolio of Investments page 19

 

Financial Statements page 33


Table of Contents

CGM ADVISOR TARGETED EQUITY FUND

PORTFOLIO PROFILE

 

Objective:

Seeks long-term growth of capital through investments in equity securities of companies whose earnings are expected to grow at a faster rate than the overall U.S. economy

 

 

Strategy:

Generally invests in a focused portfolio of common stocks of large-cap companies

 

 

Inception Date:

November 27, 1968

 

 

Manager:

G. Kenneth Heebner

 

 

Symbols:

Class A    NEFGX
Class B    NEBGX
Class C    NEGCX
Class Y    NEGYX

 

 

What You Should Know:

The fund invests in a small number of securities, which may result in greater volatility than more diversified funds. Growth stocks can be more sensitive to market movements because their prices are based in part on future expectations. The fund may invest in foreign securities that involve risks not associated with domestic securities.

 

Management Discussion

 

 

Stocks fell to 12-year lows by early March and then rallied on growing signs of recovery, staging Wall Street’s biggest comeback since the Great Depression.

 

With a shift in focus from defensive stocks to economically sensitive issues midway through the period, CGM Advisor Targeted Equity Fund posted healthy returns. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the fund returned 25.19% based on the net asset value of Class A shares, with $0.05 per share in reinvested dividends. The fund lagged its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which returned 26.46%, and the average fund in Morningstar’s Large Growth category, which returned 35.68% for the same period.

 

HOW WAS THE FUND POSITIONED?

The fund began 2009 fully invested. More than half of the stocks in the portfolio were companies with limited exposure to economic cycles, reflecting our concerns over the deepening global recession and its negative impact on corporate earnings.

 

As the year progressed and we became increasingly confident about an economic rebound, we shifted the fund’s assets away from defensive issues and put greater emphasis on companies poised to benefit from a recovery in the U.S. and global economies. Purchases included Ford, Vale, FedEx, United Parcel Service (UPS) and Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold.

 

Ford has weathered the financial crisis better than most of its competitors. Although the company has suffered along with the rest of the automobile industry, we expect the firm to emerge with substantial profits in 2011 and 2012. Vale, one of the world’s largest iron ore producers, is benefiting from higher prices for metals as the global economy expands and demand for iron ore (particularly from China) increases.

 

Package delivery and shipping giants FedEx and UPS are benefiting from the withdrawal of DHL from the industry in the U.S. We believe these firms, along with low-cost copper producer, Freeport-McMoRan, are well-positioned to participate in the global economic recovery we see ahead.

 

WHAT TYPES OF STOCKS WERE THE BEST PERFORMERS?

The fund’s exposure to economically sensitive issues helped strengthen performance for the period. Top contributors, Itau Unibanco and Banco Bradesco, are two of Brazil’s largest banks. Both banks benefited from expectations of improving earnings in 2010 as the Brazilian Central Bank reduced interest rates to stimulate the economy, and investors anticipated loan growth and reduced loan losses in an expanding Brazilian economy.

 

Goldman Sachs, a full-service global investment banking and securities firm, contributed to the fund’s performance as well. The company avoided problems with toxic mortgage securities, and entered 2009 poised to gain market share and higher margins after the market turn in March. The firm has also seen its stock price rise as the investment banking industry went through a period of consolidation. A number of major firms have gone out of business while others have been impaired by financial constraints. We continue to hold all three bank positions.

 

WHICH STOCKS PROVED DISAPPOINTING?

Investments in State Street, Apollo Group and UnitedHealth Group underperformed. State Street, the world’s top provider of investment services and asset management to institutional investors, witnessed a drop in its stock price because of exposure to complex derivatives. Despite strong earnings performance, Apollo Group, a leading for-profit education company, also experienced stock-price declines due to concerns over adverse regulatory actions. Major health management specialist, UnitedHealth Group, also struggled as worries over the impact of congressional healthcare legislation caused the stock price to retreat. We sold all three issues.

 

WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK?

All of the key economic indicators point to a global recovery in 2010. With its current emphasis on economically sensitive issues, we believe the fund is well-positioned to benefit from an expanding global economy in the coming year.

 

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Table of Contents

CGM ADVISOR TARGETED EQUITY FUND

Investment Results through December 31, 2009

 

 

PERFORMANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

The charts comparing the fund’s performance to an index provide a general sense of how it performed. The fund’s total return for the period shown below appears with and without sales charges and includes fund expenses and fees. An index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike a fund, the index is unmanaged and does not have expenses that affect the results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Investors would incur transaction costs and other expenses if they purchased the securities necessary to match the index.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Class A Shares

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns — December 31, 2009

 

       
     1 YEAR      5 YEARS      10 YEARS  

CLASS A (Inception 11/27/68)

         

Net Asset Value1

  25.19    4.96    1.68

With Maximum Sales Charge2

  17.96       3.73       1.08   
   

CLASS B (Inception 2/28/97)

         

Net Asset Value1

  24.42       4.21       0.92   

With CDSC3

  19.42       3.87       0.92   
   

CLASS C (Inception 9/1/98)

         

Net Asset Value1

  24.42       4.21       0.92   

With CDSC3

  23.42       4.21       0.92   
   

CLASS Y (Inception 6/30/99)

         

Net Asset Value1

  25.75       5.27       2.05   
   
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE   1 YEAR      5 YEARS      10 YEARS  

S&P 500 Index4

  26.46    0.42    -0.95

Morningstar Large Growth Fund Avg. 5

  35.68       1.21       -2.11   

 

All returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Periods of less than one year are not annualized. Share price and return will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. All results include reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current returns may be higher or lower than those noted. For performance current to the most recent month-end, visit www.funds.natixis.com. Class Y shares are only available to certain investors, as outlined in the prospectus.

The table and graph do not reflect taxes shareholders might owe on any fund distributions or when they redeem their shares.

 

PORTFOLIO FACTS

 

    % of Net Assets as of
FUND COMPOSITION   12/31/09    12/31/08

Common Stocks

  95.5    93.3

Short-Term Investments and Other

  4.5    6.7
    % of Net Assets as of
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS   12/31/09    12/31/08

Itau Unibanco Holding SA, ADR

  9.0   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

  8.6    4.6

Banco Bradesco SA, Sponsored ADR

  8.1    4.0

Ford Motor Co.

  7.7   

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

  6.4   

FedEx Corp.

  6.0   

Vale SA, Sponsored ADR

  6.0   

Baidu, Inc., Sponsored ADR

  5.8   

International Business Machines Corp.

  5.4    4.1

Philip Morris International, Inc.

  5.2    5.3
    % of Net Assets as of
FIVE LARGEST INDUSTRIES   12/31/09    12/31/08

Commercial Banks

  17.1    8.8

Metals & Mining

  12.3   

Air Freight & Logistics

  11.1   

Computers & Peripherals

  9.7    5.7

Capital Markets

  8.6    9.1

 

Portfolio holdings and asset allocations will vary.

EXPENSE RATIOS AS STATED IN THE MOST RECENT PROSPECTUS

 

Share Class   Gross Expense Ratio     Net Expense Ratio  

A

  1.20   1.20

B

  1.95      1.95   

C

  1.95      1.95   

Y

  0.85      0.85   

 

 

NOTES TO CHARTS

1

Does not include a sales charge.

2

Includes the maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

3

Performance for Class B shares assumes a maximum 5.00% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) applied when you sell shares, which declines annually between years 1-6 according to the following schedule: 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 0%. Class C share performance assumes a 1.00% CDSC applied when you sell shares within one year of purchase.

4

S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of U.S. common stocks.

5

Morningstar Large Growth Fund Average is the average performance without sales charges of funds with similar investment objectives, as calculated by Morningstar, Inc.

 

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Table of Contents

HANSBERGER INTERNATIONAL FUND

PORTFOLIO PROFILE

 

Objective:

Seeks long-term growth of capital

 

 

Strategy:

Invests in common stocks of small-, mid- and large-cap companies located outside the United States. Assets are invested across developed and emerging markets

 

 

Inception Date:

December 29, 1995

 

 

Managers:

Growth:

Trevor Graham

Barry A. Lockhart

Patrick H. Tan

Thomas R.H. Tibbles

Value:

Ronald Holt

Lauretta Reeves

 

 

Symbols:

Class A    NEFDX
Class B    NEDBX
Class C    NEDCX

 

 

What You Should Know:

Foreign securities involve risks not associated with domestic securities, such as currency fluctuations, differing political and economic conditions and different accounting standards. Growth stocks can be more sensitive to market movements because their prices are based in part on future expectations. Value stocks may fall out of favor and underperform the overall market during any given period.

 

Management Discussion

 

 

 

After a difficult start to the year, international markets – particularly emerging market countries – recovered strongly, significantly outperforming the U.S. market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, which returned 26.46% for the year ended December 31, 2009. The rally in international equity markets was powered by hopes of a global economic recovery and relief that the worst-case scenario had not occurred. For the year as a whole, all sectors represented in the Hansberger International Fund’s benchmark and all major and emerging stock markets posted positive returns.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009 the fund provided a total return of 45.82%, based on the net asset value of Class A shares with $0.01 per share in reinvested dividends. For the same period, the fund’s benchmarks, the MSCI EAFE Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA, returned 32.46% and 42.14%, respectively, expressed in U.S. dollars. The average performance of the fund’s Morningstar peer group, the Foreign Large Blend category, was 31.24%. Neither the fund nor its benchmarks include U.S. stocks, and the Morningstar category has only limited exposure to domestic equities.

 

Two teams of Hansberger’s international equity specialists manage the fund. One team focuses on value and the other seeks growth potential. The growth portfolio fared better than the value portfolio during 2009.

 

WHICH SECTORS WORKED BEST FOR THE VALUE TEAM?

The sectors that had been hardest hit in 2008 were the value team’s best groups in 2009. Materials made the largest contribution to returns, as commodity prices increased substantially. Mining giants Vale and BHP Billiton were among the largest gainers. Energy stocks recovered too as oil prices bounced back. One of the main beneficiaries was Subsea 7, a leading player in the oil and gas development industry. Financial stocks also fared well; two bank stocks, Standard Chartered and Credit Suisse Group, were the strongest gainers.

 

The portfolio was held back by its emphasis on healthcare, which underperformed as investors shifted away from defensive sectors that had performed well during the bear market in 2008. Two of the weaker performers were pharmaceutical companies, Shionogi and Novartis.

 

WHICH SECTORS WERE MOST BENEFICIAL FOR THE GROWTH TEAM?

Rebounding from the March low, the growth portfolio enjoyed strong performance in 2009. One of the key contributors was the materials sector, where top holdings included mining group Vedanta Resources, headquartered in the U.K. The stock almost quadrupled in value during the year, while the stock price of Australian miner Rio Tinto more than doubled. Information technology was another source of excellent performance, with Tencent Holdings of China and Autonomy Corp. of the U.K. being the main contributors. The energy sector benefited from the recovery in oil prices, led by Brazilian oil producer Petrobras and Canadian energy and mining company, Cameco. The portfolio’s holdings in industrials underperformed in 2009; China Communications Construction was the main detractor.

 

WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY?

While the pace of economic growth has slowed dramatically, we believe the long-term outlook for many economies – especially emerging market countries – is still strongly positive. We remain optimistic on China, where companies continue to benefit from massive infrastructure spending and government stimulus. Brazil and India are also growing faster than the developed world and can benefit from domestic growth even if exports have slowed.

 

While we are no longer seeing the massive disconnect between fundamentals and valuations that was evident at the beginning of 2009, we continue to believe the market is mispricing quality and that highly differentiated growth prospects are not being reflected in market multiples. We think that maintaining a well diversified portfolio of high-quality international stocks should prove beneficial as investors return to equities and risk aversion subsides. In our opinion, many of the names that will recover first are the high-quality, liquid, large-cap companies that we hold in our international portfolios.

 

 

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Table of Contents

HANSBERGER INTERNATIONAL FUND

Investment Results through December 31, 2009

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

The charts comparing the fund’s performance to an index provide a general sense of how it performed. The fund’s total return for the period shown below appears with and without sales charges and includes fund expenses and fees. An index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike a fund, the index is unmanaged and does not have expenses that affect the results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Investors would incur transaction costs and other expenses if they purchased the securities necessary to match the index.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Class A Shares7

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns — December 31, 20097

 

       
     1 YEAR      5 YEARS      10 YEARS  

CLASS A (Inception 12/29/95)

         

Net Asset Value1

  45.82    5.07    3.05

With Maximum Sales Charge2

  37.48       3.84       2.45   
   

CLASS B (Inception 12/29/95)

         

Net Asset Value1

  44.67       4.30       2.29   

With CDSC3

  39.67       3.99       2.29   
   

CLASS C (Inception 12/29/95)

         

Net Asset Value1

  44.64       4.28       2.28   

With CDSC3

  43.64       4.28       2.28   
   
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE   1 YEAR      5 YEARS      10 YEARS  

MSCI EAFE Index4

  32.46    4.02    1.58

MSCI ACWI ex USA5

  42.14       6.30       3.12   

Morningstar Foreign Large Blend Fund Avg.6

  31.24       3.58       0.62   

 

All results represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Periods of less than one year are not annualized. Share price and return will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. All results include reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current returns may be higher or lower than those shown. For performance current to the most recent month-end, visit www.funds.natixis.com.

The table and graph do not reflect taxes shareholders might owe on any fund distributions or when they redeem their shares.

 

PORTFOLIO FACTS

 

 

    % of Net Assets as of
FUND COMPOSITION   12/31/09    12/31/08

Common Stocks

  97.8    99.2

Preferred Stocks

  0.6    1.1

Exchange Traded Funds

  1.3   

Bonds and Notes

     0.1

Short-Term Investments and Other

  0.3    -0.4
    % of Net Assets as of
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS   12/31/09    12/31/08

BNP Paribas

  1.7    0.6

AXA SA

  1.7    1.1

Nestle SA, (Registered)

  1.6    2.2

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA

  1.5    1.7

Infosys Technologies Ltd., Sponsored ADR

  1.5    1.7

ABB Ltd., (Registered)

  1.5    0.6

Roche Holding AG

  1.5    2.5

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

  1.4    1.4

Standard Chartered PLC

  1.4    1.1

Adidas AG

  1.3    1.1
    % of Net Assets as of
FIVE LARGEST COUNTRIES   12/31/09    12/31/08

United Kingdom

  14.4    13.0

Japan

  11.1    17.2

France

  10.4    10.5

China

  10.1    7.3

Switzerland

  8.3    10.4

 

Portfolio holdings and asset allocations will vary.

 

EXPENSE RATIOS AS STATED IN THE MOST RECENT PROSPECTUS

 

Share Class   Gross Expense Ratio   Net Expense Ratio

A

  1.49%   1.49%

B

  2.23   2.23

C

  2.24   2.24

 

NOTES TO CHARTS

1

Does not include a sales charge.

2

Includes the maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

3

Performance for Class B shares assumes a maximum 5.00% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) applied when you sell shares, which declines annually between years 1-6 according to the following schedule: 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 0%. Class C share performance assumes a 1.00% CDSC applied when you sell shares within one year of purchase.

4

Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe Australasia and Far East Index (MSCI EAFE Index) is an unmanaged index designed to measure developed market equity performance, excluding the United States and Canada.

5

Morgan Stanley Capital International All Countries World Index ex USA (MSCI ACWI ex USA) is an unmanaged index designed to measure equity market performance in developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States.

6

Morningstar Foreign Large Blend Fund Average is the average performance without sales charges of funds with similar investment objectives, as calculated by Morningstar, Inc.

7

Fund performance has been increased by expense reductions/reimbursements, without which performance would have been lower.

 

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HARRIS ASSOCIATES LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

PORTFOLIO PROFILE

 

Objective:

Seeks opportunities for long-term capital growth and income

 

 

Strategy:

Invests primarily in common stock of large- and mid-cap companies in any industry

 

 

Inception Date:

May 6, 1931

 

 

Managers:

Edward S. Loeb

Michael J. Mangan

Diane L. Mustain

 

 

Symbols:

Class A    NEFOX
Class B    NEGBX
Class C    NECOX
Class Y    NEOYX

 

 

What You Should Know:

Value stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall market during any given period.

 

Management Discussion

 

 

Optimism surged back into the stock market early in March, setting off a stunning rally that ran for most of the rest of the year. As often happens, highly speculative, financially weak stocks were early leaders, but large cap stocks caught up as investors shifted their focus to stronger businesses with robust finances, such as those we favor.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, Class A shares of Harris Associates Large Cap Value Fund returned 44.03% at net asset value, assuming $0.05 per share in dividends reinvested during the period. These results were well ahead of the fund’s benchmark and its Morningstar peer group. The Russell 1000 Value Index returned 19.69% for the 12-month period, while the average return on the funds in Morningstar’s Large Blend category was 28.17%.

 

WHICH STOCKS OR SECTORS AIDED PERFORMANCE?

The fund’s sector exposures result from individual stock selection. Given our belief that the government’s rescue measures would keep the financial system intact, we took advantage of what looked like exceptional values among beaten-down financial issues. The resulting relatively large position in these stocks made financials the portfolio’s strongest group when prices rebounded. Along the way, we sold Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, both longstanding holdings, and added JPMorgan Chase. This stock appealed to us because of its overall strength and diverse product line. JPMorgan shed its bailout obligations early and we trimmed the fund’s stake at favorable prices, leaving the fund with a relatively small financial sector by year end. Mutual fund manager Franklin Resources, which was never threatened by the credit crisis, also rose thanks to recovering revenue streams and earnings power.

 

Consumer discretionary issues snapped back smartly as the economic recovery began to take shape. Cruise company Carnival and hotel operators Marriott and Starwood enjoyed sharp recoveries. All three are backed by strong balance sheets, and we felt that their shares had reached unjustifiably low valuations at the time we invested in them. In energy, our purchases of Apache and Williams Cos. also benefited results as demand rose and oil prices followed. We added heavy equipment maker Caterpillar after it successfully refinanced the debt of some subsidiaries. The equipment business is cyclical and shares had fallen due to near-term concerns. However, Caterpillar has been profitable throughout the downturn and improving earnings expectations boosted its shares. Chipmaker Intel led all portfolio holdings, thanks to its market dominance and unexpectedly strong gross margins and profitability.

 

WHICH STOCKS DETRACTED?

There were few disappointments in the portfolio. We eliminated Capital One Financial because of its heavy reliance on credit cards while household budgets remained under pressure. We invested the proceeds in JPMorgan Chase. We also dropped Dell from the fund as the company struggled to engineer a successful turnaround. During the year, we sold disappointing performers like Tyco Electronics, a major manufacturer of precision electronics, and Fortune Brands, a leader in distilled spirits.

 

WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK?

We remain optimistic about the equity markets, in part because of the high degree of skepticism that remains in the wake of the market’s steep climb. We think retail and institutional investors are too focused on the bear markets they see in the rearview mirror, which is keeping them in risk-avoidance mode. That mindset fosters an environment potentially favorable for stocks as more investors move back into the market. We think the economic recovery is spotty but real, although unemployment will remain high. As always, our focus is on cash flows and other intrinsic fundamentals of the businesses we invest in, and their opportunities domestically and in foreign markets. Our recipe for investing is to be opportunistic, especially when the majority is moving the other way.

 

 

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Table of Contents

HARRIS ASSOCIATES LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

Investment Results through December 31, 2009

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

The charts comparing the fund’s performance to an index provide a general sense of how it performed. The fund’s total return for the period shown below appears with and without sales charges and includes fund expenses and fees. An index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike a fund, the index is unmanaged and does not have expenses that affect the results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Investors would incur transaction costs and other expenses if they purchased the securities necessary to match the index.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Class A Shares6

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns — December 31, 20096

 

       
     1 YEAR      5 YEARS      10 YEARS  

CLASS A (Inception 5/6/31)

         

Net Asset Value1

  44.03    -0.65    -1.38

With Maximum Sales Charge2

  35.68       -1.82       -1.97   
   

CLASS B (Inception 9/13/93)

         

Net Asset Value1

  42.88       -1.41       -2.13   

With CDSC3

  37.88       -1.80       -2.13   
   

CLASS C (Inception 5/1/95)

         

Net Asset Value1

  42.91       -1.41       -2.13   

With CDSC3

  41.91       -1.41       -2.13   
   

CLASS Y (Inception 11/18/98)

         

Net Asset Value1

  44.39       -0.33       -0.98   
   
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE   1 YEAR      5 YEARS      10 YEARS  

Russell 1000 Value Index4

  19.69    -0.25    2.47

Morningstar Large Blend Fund Avg. 5

  28.17       0.46       0.01   

 

All returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Periods of less than one year are not annualized. Share price and return will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. All results include reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current returns may be higher or lower than those shown. For performance current to the most recent month-end, visit www.funds.natixis.com. Class Y shares are only available to certain investors, as outlined in the prospectus.

The table and graph do not reflect taxes shareholders might owe on any fund distributions or when they redeem their shares.

 

PORTFOLIO FACTS

 

    % of Net Assets as of
FUND COMPOSITION   12/31/09    12/31/08

Common Stocks

  91.8    94.6

Short-Term Investments and Other

  8.2    5.4
    % of Net Assets as of
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS   12/31/09    12/31/08

Intel Corp.

  6.0    6.3

Hewlett-Packard Co.

  5.7    5.9

Carnival Corp.

  4.9    5.6

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

  3.7    4.2

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

  3.6    3.7

Williams Cos., Inc.

  3.4    1.7

Caterpillar, Inc.

  3.3   

Franklin Resources, Inc.

  3.2    2.8

Omnicom Group, Inc.

  3.2    2.3

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

  3.1    1.0
    % of Net Assets as of
FIVE LARGEST INDUSTRIES   12/31/09    12/31/08

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

  10.7    9.6

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

  9.9    8.2

Media

  7.6    9.2

Capital Markets

  6.9    13.9

Machinery

  6.4    1.0

 

Portfolio holdings and asset allocations will vary.

 

EXPENSE RATIOS AS STATED IN THE MOST RECENT PROSPECTUS

 

Share Class   Gross Expense Ratio7   Net Expense Ratio8

A

  1.28%   1.28%

B

  2.04   2.04

C

  2.03   2.03

Y

  0.84   0.84

 

 

 

NOTES TO CHARTS

1

Does not include a sales charge.

2

Includes the maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

3

Performance for Class B shares assumes a maximum 5.00% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) applied when you sell shares, which declines annually between years 1-6 according to the following schedule: 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 0%. Class C share performance assumes a 1.00% CDSC applied when you sell shares within one year of purchase.

4

Russell 1000 Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

5

Morningstar Large Blend Fund Average is the average performance without sales charges of funds with similar investment objectives, as calculated by Morningstar, Inc.

6

Fund performance has been increased by expense reductions/reimbursements, without which performance would have been lower.

7

Before reductions and reimbursements.

8

After reductions and reimbursements. Expense reductions are contractual and are set to expire on 4/30/10.

 

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Table of Contents

VAUGHAN NELSON SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

PORTFOLIO PROFILE

 

Objective:

Seeks capital appreciation

 

 

Strategy:

Invests in small-cap companies with a focus on absolute return, using a bottom-up value-oriented investment process.

 

 

Inception Date:

December 31, 1996

 

 

Managers:

Chris D. Wallis

Scott J. Weber

 

 

Symbols:

Class A    NEFJX
Class B    NEJBX

Class C

Class Y

   NEJCX

NEJYX

 

 

What You Should Know:

Investing in small-cap stocks carries special risk, including narrower markets, limited financial and management resources, less liquidity and greater volatility than large company stocks. Value stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall market during any given period.

 

* Effective July 31, 2009, the Fund was closed to new investors.

 

Management Discussion

 

 

Growing confidence in the stability of the financial system helped fuel a broad market rally that began in March. Cyclical sectors led the rebound, rewarding the fund’s increased focus on companies with the potential to prosper in an improving business environment.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund’s total return was 28.30% based on the net asset value of Class A shares, with $0.04 per share in reinvested dividends. For the same 12 months, the Russell 2000 Value Index, the fund’s benchmark, returned 20.58%, while the average performance of the funds in Morningstar’s Small Blend category was 31.80%.

 

WHICH STRATEGIES OR HOLDINGS HAD FAVORABLE IMPACTS ON PERFORMANCE?

Successful stock selection was the chief driver of the fund’s results; sector weightings provided added momentum. In energy, Concho Resources, an exploration and production company active in the Persian Basin, benefited from increased reserves and rising oil prices. Bucyrus International, which provides equipment, parts and services to the mining industry, moved higher as rising commodity prices boosted mining activity. Menswear maker Phillips-Van Heusen added to results as consumer discretionary spending appeared to touch bottom. Phillips also benefited from growth in the clothing lines that the company licenses from Calvin Klein, which carry higher margins than the company’s base business.

 

Since last spring, we have been increasing the portfolio’s cyclical emphasis, reducing weightings in consumer staples, healthcare and other defensive sectors. Meanwhile, we have been expanding holdings in consumer discretionary, technology and energy – areas more likely to benefit from an economic recovery. We have long been wary of financial services, a sector that is prominent in the benchmark. The fund’s underweight stance in this weak sector, as well as superior stock performance among smaller regional banks owned, was the largest contributor to relative performance. Performance also benefited from our limited exposure to utilities, another underperforming sector.

 

WHAT WERE THE PERIOD’S MAIN DISAPPOINTMENTS?

The fund trailed significantly in the consumer discretionary sector where, as often happens, lower-quality, poorly financed companies that fall well short of our investment criteria led the initial stages of the market’s rebound.

 

Early in the year, we eliminated several weak healthcare companies because we were concerned about possible cuts in government reimbursement programs and we believed that assets could be redeployed in more promising areas. Among detractors we sold were LHC Group, which provides nursing services, HealthSpring, a managed care provider, and Amsurg, which operates outpatient surgery facilities. We also sold bottle maker Owens-llinois whose shares declined as margins came under pressure from declining volumes. We eliminated Sonic, a leading chain of drive-in restaurants, whose credit profile was threatened by the weak economy. United Bankshares was hurt by deterioration among the loans on its books, leading us to sell this position as well.

 

WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK?

Although questions remain about the recovery’s sustainability, economic activity has clearly rebounded from the depths of the credit crisis. Against that background, we are increasingly comfortable with the greater degree of cyclicality we have created in the portfolio. We de-emphasized credit-sensitive areas while the economy was shrinking. But by now, many such companies have written off or sold troubled assets and are better positioned for the period ahead. Along those lines, we continue to seek opportunities in consumer and technology stocks and in companies we believe will benefit from the brightening credit environment.

 

7


Table of Contents

VAUGHAN NELSON SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

Investment Results through December 31, 2009

 

 

PERFORMANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

The charts comparing the fund’s performance to an index provide a general sense of how it performed. The fund’s total return for the period shown below appears with and without sales charges and includes fund expenses and fees. An index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike a fund, the index is unmanaged and does not have expenses that affect the results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Investors would incur transaction costs and other expenses if they purchased the securities necessary to match the index.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Class A Shares6

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns — December 31, 20096

 

         
     1 YEAR     5 YEARS     10 YEARS     SINCE
INCEPTION
 

CLASS A (Inception 12/31/96)

         

Net Asset Value1

  28.30   6.85   1.75     

With Maximum Sales Charge2

  20.94      5.59      1.15        
   

CLASS B (Inception 12/31/96)

         

Net Asset Value1

  27.28      6.06      0.99        

With CDSC3

  22.28      5.74      0.99        
   

CLASS C (Inception 12/31/96)

         

Net Asset Value1

  27.35      6.06      0.99        

With CDSC3

  26.35      6.06      0.99        
   

CLASS Y (Inception 8/31/06)

         

Net Asset Value1

  28.61                5.31   
   
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE   1 YEAR     5 YEARS     10 YEARS     SINCE
CLASS Y
INCEPTION
7
 

Russell 2000 Value Index4

  20.58   -0.01   8.27   -4.72

Morningstar Small Blend Fund Avg. 5

  31.80      0.47      5.85      -3.01   

 

All results represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Periods of less than one year are not annualized. Share price and return will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. All results include reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current returns may be higher or lower than those shown. For performance current to the most recent month-end, visit www.funds.natixis.com. Class Y shares are only available to certain investors, as outlined in the prospectus.

The table and graph do not reflect taxes shareholders might owe on any fund distributions or when they redeem their shares.

 

PORTFOLIO FACTS

 

 

    % of Net Assets as of
FUND COMPOSITION   12/31/09    12/31/08

Common Stocks

  97.4    88.7

Exchange Traded Funds

     4.6

Short-Term Investments and Other

  2.6    6.7
    % of Net Assets as of
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS   12/31/09    12/31/08

Sybase, Inc.

  2.8    2.2

Waste Connections, Inc.

  2.7    2.2

HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.

  2.2    2.5

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)

  2.1   

Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc., Class A

  2.0    2.3

Patterson Cos., Inc.

  1.9    1.7

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

  1.9    1.6

Syniverse Holdings, Inc.

  1.8    1.4

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

  1.8    1.4

Nice Systems Ltd., Sponsored ADR

  1.8    1.3
    % of Net Assets as of
FIVE LARGEST INDUSTRIES   12/31/09    12/31/08

Machinery

  8.5    3.9

Insurance

  7.6    7.4

Software

  6.8    5.6

Commercial Banks

  4.9    5.4

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

  4.7    2.8

 

Portfolio holdings and asset allocations will vary.

 

EXPENSE RATIOS AS STATED IN THE MOST RECENT PROSPECTUS

 

Share Class   Gross Expense Ratio8     Net Expense Ratio9  

A

  1.53   1.47

B

  2.28      2.22   

C

  2.28      2.22   

Y

  1.23      1.22   

 

NOTES TO CHARTS

1

Does not include a sales charge.

2

Includes the maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

3

Performance for Class B shares assumes a maximum 5.00% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) applied when you sell shares, which declines annually between years 1-6 according to the following schedule: 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 0%. Class C share performance assumes a 1.00% CDSC applied when you sell shares within one year of purchase.

4

Russell 2000 Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

5

Morningstar Small Blend Fund Average is the average performance without sales charges of funds with similar investment objectives, as calculated by Morningstar, Inc.

6

Fund performance has been increased by expense reductions/reimbursements, without which performance would have been lower.

7

The since-inception comparative performance figures shown are calculated from 9/1/06.

8

Before reductions and reimbursements.

9

After reductions and reimbursements. Expense reductions are contractual and are set to expire 4/30/10.

 

8


Table of Contents

VAUGHAN NELSON VALUE OPPORTUNITY FUND

PORTFOLIO PROFILE

 

Objective:

Seeks long-term capital appreciation

 

 

Strategy:

Invests in medium capitalization companies with a focus on absolute return, using a bottom-up, value-oriented investment process

 

 

Inception Date:

October 31, 2008

 

 

Managers:

Dennis G. Alff

Chris D. Wallis

Scott J. Weber

 

 

Symbols:

Class A    VNVAX

Class C

Class Y

   VNVCX

VNVYX

 

 

What You Should Know:

Value stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall market during any given period.

 

Management Discussion

 

 

Lifting economic clouds propelled markets upward last spring as investors shook off fears of a financial collapse. The improving business outlook boosted stocks in economically sensitive sectors, an area of increasing focus for the fund. In addition, midcap stocks were favorably positioned over this period.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund’s total return was 30.98% based on the net asset value of Class A shares and $0.04 per share in dividends and $0.07 per share in short-term capital gains reinvested during the period. The fund’s benchmark, Russell Midcap Value Index, returned 34.21%, while the average performance of the funds in Morningstar’s Mid-Cap Blend category was 37.39%.

 

WHICH STRATEGIES OR HOLDINGS AIDED PERFORMANCE?

Our increasing tilt toward more cyclical sectors was an important factor in the fund’s return. We reduced weightings in consumer staples, healthcare and other defensive sectors, while expanding holdings in areas we believed were more likely to benefit from any economic recovery, including consumer discretionary, technology and energy. Our strategy was rewarded as investor confidence in the business outlook improved.

 

Stock selection among financial issues was another positive. As the results of the government’s stress tests of banks became known, we took a more favorable view of the financial sector. We capitalized on low valuations by buying beaten-down companies like Bermuda-based XL Capital. This property and casualty insurer’s stock portfolio appears well-positioned to benefit from stronger equity markets, boosting XL’s book value and its shares. We added Fifth Third Bancorp and Discover Financial Services when their shares appeared oversold. Subsequent price recoveries in both companies added to relative performance. Menswear maker Phillips-Van Heusen added to results as consumer discretionary spending appeared to touch bottom. Phillips benefited from growth in the clothing lines that the company licenses from Calvin Klein, which carry higher margins than the company’s base business.

 

The fund’s energy holdings rode rising oil and gas prices and outperformed those in the benchmark. Shares of printing company R. R. Donnelley rebounded from depressed levels as demand for financial printing, a key business line, recovered. In technology, Amdocs, which provides software for communications companies, rose sharply. The portfolio’s underweight stake in utilities aided comparative results as money left defensive sectors in pursuit of greater returns.

 

WHAT CAUSED THE FUND TO LAG ITS BENCHMARK?

Results in the consumer discretionary sector trailed the benchmark because lower-quality issues that fall short of our investment standards led the initial stages of the rally. Disappointing sales caused shares of supermarket chain Kroger to stagnate; we sold this position in order to invest in more cyclical opportunities. Pactiv, a manufacturer of plastic packaging and consumer products, lagged as higher pension costs pressured earnings. We also sold W. R. Berkley, a property/casualty insurer, as loss ratios began to climb.

 

WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK?

Although questions remain about the recovery’s sustainability, economic activity has clearly rebounded from the depths of the credit crisis. When the government made clear that the financial system would get the help it needed, banks were able to raise capital and the credit markets sputtered back to life. This momentum led to a positive reading for the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in the third quarter. Against that background, we are increasingly comfortable with the portfolio’s greater degree of cyclicality. We de-emphasized credit-sensitive areas while the economy was shrinking. But by now, many such companies have written off or sold troubled assets and we think they are better positioned for the period ahead. Along those lines, we continue to seek opportunities in consumer and technology stocks and in companies that might benefit from the brightening credit environment.

 

9


Table of Contents

VAUGHAN NELSON VALUE OPPORTUNITY FUND

Investment Results through December 31, 2009

 

 

PERFORMANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

The charts comparing the fund’s performance to an index provide a general sense of how it performed. The fund’s total return for the period shown below appears with and without sales charges and includes fund expenses and fees. An index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike a fund, the index is unmanaged and does not have expenses that affect the results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Investors would incur transaction costs and other expenses if they purchased the securities necessary to match the index.

 

Growth of $10,000 Investment in Class A Shares6

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns — December 31, 20096

 

     
     1 YEAR     SINCE INCEPTION  

CLASS A (Inception 10/31/08)

     

Net Asset Value1

  30.98   21.95

With Maximum Sales Charge2

  23.39      15.92   
   

CLASS C (Inception 10/31/08)

     

Net Asset Value1

  30.01      21.02   

With CDSC3

  29.01      21.02   
   

CLASS Y (Inception 10/31/08)

     

Net Asset Value1

  31.37      22.28   
   
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE   1 YEAR     SINCE INCEPTION7  

Russell Midcap Value Index4

  34.21   22.33

Morningstar Mid-Cap Blend Fund Avg.5

  37.39      24.62   

 

All results represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Periods of less than one year are not annualized. Share price and return will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. All results include reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current returns may be higher or lower than those shown. For performance current to the most recent month-end, visit www.funds.natixis.com. Class Y shares are only available to certain investors, as outlined in the prospectus.

The table does not reflect taxes shareholders might owe on any fund distributions or when they redeem their shares.

 

PORTFOLIO FACTS

 

    % of Net Assets as of
FUND COMPOSITION   12/31/09    12/31/08

Common Stocks

  94.8    94.3

Exchange Traded Funds

     4.5

Short-Term Investments and Other

  5.2    1.2
    % of Net Assets as of
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS   12/31/09    12/31/08

Owens-Illinois, Inc.

  3.0    3.9

XL Capital Ltd., Class A

  2.7   

Nuance Communications, Inc.

  2.5    2.0

Celanese Corp., Series A

  2.3   

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

  2.2    3.4

Seagate Technology

  2.2   

Zimmer Holdings, Inc.

  2.2    2.1

Fifth Third Bancorp

  1.9   

Amdocs Ltd.

  1.9    1.6

Cabot Corp.

  1.9   
    % of Net Assets as of
FIVE LARGEST INDUSTRIES   12/31/09    12/31/08

Insurance

  7.6    13.5

Chemicals

  6.8    3.2

REITs

  5.2    3.4

Capital Markets

  5.1    4.7

Commercial Services & Supplies

  4.9    3.1

 

Portfolio holdings and asset allocations will vary.

 

EXPENSE RATIOS AS STATED IN THE MOST RECENT PROSPECTUS

 

Share Class   Gross Expense Ratio8     Net Expense Ratio9  

A

  14.72   1.41

C

  15.47      2.16   

Y

  14.36      1.16   

 

 

NOTES TO CHARTS

1

Does not include a sales charge.

2

Includes the maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

3

Performance for Class C shares assumes a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) applied when you sell shares within one year of purchase.

4

Russell Midcap Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell Midcap Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

5

Morningstar Mid-Cap Blend Fund Average is the average performance without sales charges of funds with similar investment objectives, as calculated by Morningstar, Inc.

6

Fund performance has been increased by expense reductions/reimbursements, without which performance would have been lower.

7

The since-inception comparative performance figures shown are calculated from 11/1/08.

8

Before reductions and reimbursements.

9

After reductions and reimbursements. Expense reductions are contractual and are set to expire 4/30/10.

 

10


Table of Contents

NATIXIS U.S. DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO

PORTFOLIO PROFILE

 

Objective:

Seeks long-term growth of capital

 

 

Strategy:

Features growth and value investments through a diversified portfolio of complementary equity investment disciplines provided by specialized money managers

 

 

Inception Date:

July 7, 1994

 

 

Subadvisors:

BlackRock Investment Management, LLC

Harris Associates L.P.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

 

 

Symbols:

Class A    NEFSX
Class B    NESBX
Class C    NECCX
Class Y    NESYX

 

 

What You Should Know:

Growth stocks can be more sensitive to market movements because their values are based on future expectations. Value stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall market. Small-cap stocks carry special risks, including narrower markets, limited financial and management resources, less liquidity and greater volatility than large-cap stocks.

 

Management Discussion

 

 

Rebounding from negative sentiment carried over from 2008, stock prices soared in early March 2009 and continued to rise throughout the year. Most of the major U.S. stock indexes ended 2009 on the plus side in double digits. It was a tumultuous year and it capped an equally tumultuous decade.

 

Each of this fund’s four segments is managed individually using distinct investment styles. This provides shareholders with exposure to a wide spectrum of stocks and strategies. BlackRock seeks long-term growth of capital in companies of any size, with an emphasis on those with capitalizations greater than $2 billion. The segment managed by Harris Associates invests primarily in common stocks of large- and mid-cap companies that the manager believes are trading at a substantial discount to their “true business value.” Loomis Sayles manages two segments. One invests in mid-cap growth stocks and the other focuses on small-cap value stocks.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, Class A shares of Natixis U.S. Diversified Portfolio returned 36.41% at net asset value. For the same period the S&P 500 Index returned 26.46% and the S&P MidCap 400 Index returned 37.38%. The Wilshire 4500 Index returned 38.86% and the average return of the funds in Morningstar’s Large Growth category was 35.68%.

 

HOW DID BLACKROCK’S PORTFOLIO RESPOND TO CHANGING MARKETS?

Information technology made the greatest relative contribution to performance. Semiconductor company PMC-Sierra surged higher during the year as the industry experienced a sharp cyclical rebound, as did Broadcom Corp., which supplies integrated circuits. Software producers Salesforce.com and Check Point Software Technologies, as well as Apple and Google also performed well. Other positive holdings included Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold and Amazon.com. BlackRock’s portfolio was held back by its overweight in biotechnology relative to the benchmark. Stock selection across several industries also proved disappointing. For example, the portfolio included Genzyme, which detracted from performance as this major biotech giant experienced manufacturing problems. BlackRock sold the stock. The portfolio was also underweight in IBM – one of the largest holdings in the benchmark – which delivered stellar results.

 

DID THE BEAR MARKET IN 2008 HELP HARRIS ASSOCIATES FIND VALUES?

As the rally off the lows set in March got underway, Harris Associates’ unwavering pursuit of value gave them opportunities to enhance the portfolio. Their focus remained on higher-quality businesses selling at little or no premium to their peers. Holdings in the financial, healthcare and energy sectors provided the greatest contribution to performance. Individual stock selection worked well for the most part. Intel, JPMorgan Chase and Franklin Resources were the best performers during the period. Intel reported strong results for 2009 and Harris Associates anticipates further progress in 2010. JPMorgan benefited from a general uptrend in financial stocks and Harris Associates believes the company’s management team is outstanding. They also believe Franklin is well positioned for future growth. Detractors during the past 12 months included Capital One Financial, which reported a larger-than-expected loss. The stock was sold in the first quarter. FedEx also proved disappointing; the stock price was volatile, but Harris Associates believes the company’s labor cost advantage and increasing market share will help the business thrive as the economy improves. However, they sold Fortune Brands in the second quarter of 2009 because they believed the stock offered lower potential reward than other consumer-oriented equities.

 

11


Table of Contents

NATIXIS U.S. DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO

Management Discussion

 

 

HOW DID LOOMIS SAYLES MID CAP GROWTH RESPOND TO MARKET CHANGES IN 2009?

In hindsight, during the days that followed the bear market in January and February, Loomis Sayles stayed too long with defensive stocks like healthcare and discount retailers that had been good relative performers during the market downturn. Given their focus on higher quality growth stocks, Loomis Sayles missed some of the rebound when the market turned in favor of generally lower price, lower quality stocks. Fourth-quarter performance was strong as stock prices continued to gain ground and Loomis Sayles maintained its emphasis on energy and materials. Some of the best performers were exposed to natural resources, including Teck Resources and Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold (two mining companies); Bucyrus (which makes mining equipment); Flowserve (supplies fluid motion and control products to energy and resources companies worldwide); as well as Walter Energy (metallurgical coal) and Concho Resources (an independent oil and gas producer). Discount travel specialist priceline.com was another top performer. Flowserve was sold. The segment’s biggest disappointments were T. Rowe Price Group, a leading asset manager that declined as its earnings estimates fell; Intrepid Potash, which declined along with prices of the commodity; and L-3 Communications Holdings, which provides communications products, aviation systems and logistics services to the U.S. military. L-3 was not renewed on a major program, which cut sharply into earnings. The stock was sold. In general, the portfolio went from an underweight to an overweight in technology and energy, and from an overweight to an underweight in financials.

 

WHAT ABOUT LOOMIS SAYLES SMALL CAP VALUE?

Small cap stocks led the market rally that began on March 9 and continued through the end of the year. Many of these stocks had been among the hardest hit during the market downturn in 2008 and early 2009. The portfolio emphasized fundamentally strong companies with solid business franchises and highly visible cash-flow prospects. These businesses were particularly strong during the rally early in the year, although high-quality, small-caps were less prominent in the explosive rally in the second and third quarters. Stock selection was strongest in the financial services sector, notably Broadridge Financial Solutions, a leading global outsourcer of services to the financial industry. This was the portfolio’s largest holding early in the year, and the stock’s strong performance prompted Loomis Sayles to take some profits. Clearwater Paper came into the portfolio late in 2008. It benefitted from a decline in fiber and energy prices and substantial government monetary credits for utilizing its plant byproducts in energy generation. Forestar Group, which owns real estate and mineral interests, advanced sharply during the year as the company sold some real estate holdings and opportunistically repurchased debt and common stock. Disappointments included SLM Corp., a leading provider of student loans, which lost a major part of its business when the federal government announced plans to make loans directly to college students. Delta Air Lines looked attractive following its merger with NWA Corp, but persistently high fuel prices and weak economic growth for most of 2009 hurt the stock. Loomis Sayles sold both positions. In general, the portfolio entered 2009 very conservatively positioned, but began shifting to a less defensive stance in the first and second quarters. The largest reduction was in financial services, where insurance companies and credit-sensitive holdings were sold early in the year.

 

 

12


Table of Contents

NATIXIS U.S. DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO

Investment Results through December 31, 2009

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

The charts comparing the fund’s performance to an index provide a general sense of how it performed. The fund’s total return for the period shown below appears with and without sales charges and includes fund expenses and fees. An index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike a fund, the index is unmanaged and does not have expenses that affect the results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Investors would incur transaction costs and other expenses if they purchased the securities necessary to match the index.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Class A Shares8

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns — December 31, 20098

 

       
     1 YEAR      5 YEARS      10 YEARS  

CLASS A (Inception 7/7/94)

         

Net Asset Value1

  36.41    2.60    0.09

With Maximum Sales Charge2

  28.61       1.40       -0.50   
   

CLASS B (Inception 7/7/94)

         

Net Asset Value1

  35.33       1.84       -0.66   

With CDSC3

  30.33       1.46       -0.66   
   

CLASS C (Inception 7/7/94)

         

Net Asset Value1

  35.41       1.82       -0.67   

With CDSC3

  34.41       1.82       -0.67   
   

CLASS Y (Inception 11/15/94)

         

Net Asset Value1

  36.71       2.94       0.53   
   
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE   1 YEAR      5 YEARS      10 YEARS  

S&P 500 Index4

  26.46    0.42    -0.95

Wilshire 4500 Index5

  38.86       2.52       1.91   

S&P MidCap 400 Index6

  37.38       3.27       6.36   

Morningstar Large Growth Fund Avg. 7

  35.68       1.21       -2.11   

 

All returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Periods of less than one year are not annualized. Share price and return will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. All results include reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current returns may be higher or lower than those shown. For performance current to the most recent month-end, visit www.funds.natixis.com. Class Y shares are only available to certain investors, as outlined in the prospectus.

The table and graph do not reflect taxes shareholders might owe on any fund distributions or when they redeem their shares.

 

PORTFOLIO FACTS

 

 

    % of Net Assets as of
FUND COMPOSITION   12/31/09      12/31/08

Common Stocks

  96.8       97.7

Call Options Written

  (0.0   

Short-Term Investments and Other

  3.2       2.3
    % of Net Assets as of
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS   12/31/09      12/31/08

Hewlett-Packard Co.

  2.3       1.5

Intel Corp.

  1.9       2.1

Carnival Corp.

  1.5       1.5

Microsoft Corp.

  1.4       0.4

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

  1.3       1.1

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

  1.1       1.1

Williams Cos., Inc.

  1.0       0.4

Caterpillar, Inc.

  1.0      

Franklin Resources, Inc.

  1.0       0.7

Omnicom Group, Inc.

  1.0       0.6
    % of Net Assets as of
FIVE LARGEST INDUSTRIES   12/31/09      12/31/08

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

  6.9       4.0

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

  5.9       4.0

Machinery

  4.9       1.7

Computers & Peripherals

  4.8       4.1

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

  4.0       3.7

 

Portfolio holdings and asset allocations will vary.

EXPENSE RATIOS AS STATED IN THE MOST RECENT PROSPECTUS

 

Share Class   Gross Expense Ratio9     Net Expense Ratio10  

A

  1.43   1.40

B

  2.19      2.15   

C

  2.18      2.15   

Y

  1.23      1.15   

 

 

NOTES TO CHARTS

1

Does not include a sales charge.

2

Includes the maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

3

Performance for Class B shares assumes a maximum 5.00% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) applied when you sell shares, which declines annually between years 1-6 according to the following schedule: 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 0%. Class C share performance assumes a 1.00% CDSC applied when you sell shares within one year of purchase.

4

S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of U.S. common stocks.

5

Wilshire 4500 Index is an unmanaged index of 4,500 mid- and small-sized companies.

6

S&P MidCap 400 Index is an unmanaged index of U.S. mid-sized companies.

7

Morningstar Large Growth Fund Average is the average performance without sales charges of funds with similar investment objectives, as calculated by Morningstar, Inc.

8

Fund performance has been increased by expense reductions/reimbursements, without which performance would have been lower.

9

Before reductions and reimbursements.

10

After reductions and reimbursements. Expense reductions are contractual and are set to expire on 4/30/10.

 

13


Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio managers as of the dates indicated. The managers’ views are subject to change at any time without notice based on changes in market or other conditions. References to specific securities or industries should not be regarded as investment advice. Because the funds are actively managed, there is no assurance that they will continue to invest in the securities or industries mentioned.

 

For more complete information on any Natixis Fund, contact your financial professional or call Natixis Funds and ask for a free prospectus, which contains more complete information, including charges and other ongoing expenses. Investors should consider a fund’s objective, risks and expenses carefully before investing. This and other fund information can be found in the prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling Natixis Funds at 800-225-5478; on the funds’ website at www.funds.natixis.com; and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2009 is available from the funds’ website and the SEC’s website.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULES

The funds file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

NOT FDIC INSURED   MAY LOSE VALUE   NO BANK GUARANTEE

 

14


Table of Contents

UNDERSTANDING FUND EXPENSES

 

As a mutual fund shareholder, you incur different costs: transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchases and certain exchange fees and ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution fees (12b-1 fees), and other fund expenses. In addition, each fund assesses a minimum balance fee of $20 on an annual basis for accounts that fall below the required minimum to establish an account. Certain exemptions may apply. These costs are described in more detail in the funds’ prospectus. The examples below are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the funds and help you compare these with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The first line in the table of each class of fund shares shows the actual account values and actual fund expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in the fund from July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. To estimate the expenses you paid over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60) and multiply the result by the number in the Expenses Paid During Period column as shown below for your class.

 

The second line in the table of each class of fund shares provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the fund’s actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid on your investment for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown reflect ongoing costs only, and do not include any transaction costs, such as sales charges or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line in the table of each fund is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative costs of owning different funds. If transaction costs were included, total costs would be higher.

CGM ADVISOR TARGETED EQUITY FUND     

BEGINNING ACCOUNT VALUE

7/1/2009

    

ENDING ACCOUNT VALUE

12/31/2009

    

EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD*

7/1/2009 – 12/31/2009

CLASS A

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,245.40      $6.85

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,019.11      $6.16

CLASS B

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,242.40      $11.08

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,015.32      $9.96

CLASS C

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,242.40      $11.08

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,015.32      $9.96

CLASS Y

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,248.00      $5.38

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,020.42      $4.84

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio: 1.21%, 1.96%, 1.96% and 0.95% for Class A, B, C and Y, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the half-year period).

 

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Table of Contents

UNDERSTANDING FUND EXPENSES (continued)

 

 

HANSBERGER INTERNATIONAL FUND      BEGINNING ACCOUNT VALUE
7/1/2009
     ENDING ACCOUNT VALUE
12/31/2009
     EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD*
7/1/2009 – 12/31/2009

CLASS A

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,238.40      $9.37

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,016.84      $8.44

CLASS B

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,234.30      $13.57

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,013.06      $12.23

CLASS C

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,234.00      $13.57

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,013.06      $12.23

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio: 1.66%, 2.41% and 2.41% for Class A, B and C, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the half-year period)

 

HARRIS ASSOCIATES LARGE CAP VALUE FUND      BEGINNING ACCOUNT VALUE
7/1/2009
     ENDING ACCOUNT VALUE
12/31/2009
     EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD*
7/1/2009 – 12/31/2009

CLASS A

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,282.80      $7.48

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,018.65      $6.61

CLASS B

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,277.40      $11.77

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,014.87      $10.41

CLASS C

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,277.20      $11.77

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,014.87      $10.41

CLASS Y

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,284.00      $6.04

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,019.91      $5.35

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (after fee reduction/reimbursement): 1.30%, 2.05%, 2.05% and 1.05% for Class A, B, C and Y, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the half-year period).

 

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Table of Contents

UNDERSTANDING FUND EXPENSES (continued)

 

VAUGHAN NELSON SMALL CAP VALUE FUND      BEGINNING ACCOUNT VALUE
7/1/2009
     ENDING ACCOUNT VALUE
12/31/2009
     EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD*
7/1/2009 – 12/31/2009

CLASS A

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,245.80      $8.21

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,017.90      $7.37

CLASS B

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,241.30      $12.43

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,014.12      $11.17

CLASS C

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,241.20      $12.43

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,014.12      $11.17

CLASS Y

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,247.40      $6.74

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,019.21      $6.06

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (after fee reduction/reimbursement): 1.45%, 2.20%, 2.20% and 1.19% for Class A, B, C and Y, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the half-year period).

 

VAUGHAN NELSON VALUE OPPORTUNITY FUND      BEGINNING ACCOUNT VALUE
7/1/2009
     ENDING ACCOUNT VALUE
12/31/2009
     EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD*
7/1/2009 – 12/31/2009

CLASS A

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,239.80      $7.90

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,018.15      $7.12

CLASS C

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,234.20      $12.11

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,014.37      $10.92

CLASS Y

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,241.10      $6.50

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,019.41      $5.85

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (after fee reduction/reimbursement): 1.40%, 2.15% and 1.15%, for Class A, C and Y respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the half-year period).

 

 

17


Table of Contents

UNDERSTANDING FUND EXPENSES (continued)

 

NATIXIS U.S. DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO      BEGINNING ACCOUNT VALUE
7/1/2009
     ENDING ACCOUNT VALUE
12/31/2009
     EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD*
7/1/2009 – 12/31/2009

CLASS A

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,256.40      $7.96

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,018.15      $7.12

CLASS B

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,251.70      $12.20

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,014.37      $10.92

CLASS C

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,251.60      $12.20

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,014.37      $10.92

CLASS Y

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,257.50      $6.54

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,019.41      $5.85

 

* Expenses are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio (after fee reduction/reimbursement): 1.40%, 2.15%, 2.15% and 1.15% for Class A, B, C and Y, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the half-year period).

 

18


Table of Contents

CGM ADVISOR TARGETED EQUITY FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
  Common Stocks — 95.5% of Net Assets   
   Air Freight & Logistics — 11.1%   
  750,000    FedEx Corp.    $ 62,587,500
  925,000    United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B      53,067,250
         
        115,654,750
         
   Automobiles — 7.7%   
  8,000,000    Ford Motor Co.(b)      80,000,000
         
   Capital Markets — 8.6%   
  535,000    Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)      90,329,400
         
   Commercial Banks — 17.1%   
  3,880,800    Banco Bradesco SA, Sponsored ADR      84,873,097
  4,126,705    Itau Unibanco Holding SA, ADR      94,253,942
         
        179,127,039
         
   Computers & Peripherals — 9.7%   
  880,000    Hewlett-Packard Co.      45,328,800
  430,000    International Business Machines Corp.      56,287,000
         
        101,615,800
         
   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 4.7%   
  1,798,110    Marriott International, Inc., Class A      48,998,497
         
   Internet & Catalog Retail — 4.8%   
  230,000    Priceline.com, Inc.(b)      50,255,000
         
   Internet Software & Services — 5.8%   
  148,000    Baidu, Inc., Sponsored ADR(b)      60,862,040
         
   Metals & Mining — 12.3%   
  830,000    Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.(b)      66,640,700
  2,150,000    Vale SA, Sponsored ADR      62,414,500
         
        129,055,200
         
   Pharmaceuticals — 4.6%   
  900,000    Abbott Laboratories      48,591,000
         
   Software — 2.6%   
  1,100,000    Oracle Corp.      26,994,000
         
   Specialty Retail — 1.3%   
  335,600    Best Buy Co., Inc.      13,242,776
         
   Tobacco — 5.2%   
  1,130,000    Philip Morris International, Inc.      54,454,700
         
   Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost $743,841,215)      999,180,202
         
     
Principal
Amount
           
  Short-Term Investments — 0.8%   
$ 8,365,000   

American Express Credit Corp., Commercial Paper,

0.030%, 1/04/2010 (Identified Cost $8,365,000)

     8,365,000
         
   Total Investments — 96.3% (Identified Cost $752,206,215)(a)      1,007,545,202
   Other assets less liabilities—3.7%      38,781,076
         
   Net Assets — 100.0%    $ 1,046,326,278
         
     
(†)    See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.   
(a)    Federal Tax Information:   
   At December 31, 2009, the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on a cost of $756,329,402 for federal income tax purposes was as follows:   
     
   Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost    $ 252,884,255   
   Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value      (1,668,455
           
   Net unrealized appreciation    $ 251,215,800   
           
     
(b)    Non-income producing security.   
     
ADR    An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. The values of ADRs are significantly influenced by trading on exchanges not located in the United States.   

 

Industry Summary at December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

 

Commercial Banks    17.1
Metals & Mining    12.3   
Air Freight & Logistics    11.1   
Computers & Peripherals    9.7   
Capital Markets    8.6   
Automobiles    7.7   
Internet Software & Services    5.8   
Tobacco    5.2   
Internet & Catalog Retail    4.8   
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure    4.7   
Pharmaceuticals    4.6   
Software    2.6   
Other Investments, less than 2% each    1.3   
Short-Term Investments    0.8   
      
Total Investments    96.3   
Other assets less liabilities    3.7   
      
Net Assets    100.0
      

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

19


Table of Contents

HANSBERGER INTERNATIONAL FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
Common Stocks — 97.8% of Net Assets   
   Australia — 4.6%   
25,589    BHP Billiton Ltd.    $ 979,207
201,246    BlueScope Steel Ltd.      554,509
14,607    Commonwealth Bank of Australia      713,142
26,352    CSL Ltd.      766,302
16,374    Rio Tinto Ltd.      1,093,044
36,888    Westpac Banking Corp.      833,255
         
        4,939,459
         
   Belgium — 0.6%   
11,497    Anheuser-Busch InBev NV      595,167
         
   Brazil — 5.0%   
46,224    Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais, Sponsored ADR      834,805
39,590    Itau Unibanco Holding SA, ADR      904,236
15,036    Petroleo Brasileiro SA, ADR      716,916
14,963    Petroleo Brasileiro SA, Sponsored ADR      634,282
35,257    Vale SA, Sponsored ADR      1,023,511
47,494    Vale SA, Sponsored Preference ADR      1,178,801
         
        5,292,551
         
   Canada — 4.6%   
19,337    Bank of Nova Scotia      910,042
37,104    Cameco Corp.      1,193,636
14,020    IGM Financial, Inc.      568,522
44,841    Manulife Financial Corp.      822,384
13,836    Shoppers Drug Mart Corp.      600,748
21,233    Suncor Energy, Inc.      749,737
         
        4,845,069
         
   Chile — 0.5%   
14,349    Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, Sponsored ADR      539,092
         
   China — 10.1%   
538,000    Agile Property Holdings Ltd.      782,335
1,182,000    China Communications Construction Co. Ltd., Class H      1,123,098
848,000    China Construction Bank Corp., Class H      724,315
243,000    China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H      632,261
181,500    China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Class H      881,056
1,179,200    China State Construction International Holdings Ltd.      494,381
1,312,410    Denway Motors Ltd.      830,774
1,633,000    Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H      1,344,879
7,386    New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc., Sponsored ADR(b)      558,455
446,000    PetroChina Co. Ltd., Class H      530,226
67,000    Ping An Insurance (Group) Co. of China Ltd., Class H      582,576
52,700    Tencent Holdings Ltd.      1,141,133
147,600    Weichai Power Co. Ltd., Class H      1,184,723
         
        10,810,212
         
   Denmark — 1.6%   
16,890    Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B      1,078,286
10,870    Vestas Wind Systems A/S(b)      661,796
         
        1,740,082
         
   France — 10.4%   
22,339    ArcelorMittal      1,021,032
75,749    AXA SA      1,778,509
22,986    BNP Paribas      1,823,205
9,804    Carrefour SA      470,266
17,909    Electricite de France      1,064,391
12,976    GDF Suez      562,133
16,089    Groupe Danone      986,286
8,318    Iliad SA      994,035
6,516    PPR      782,149
16,211    Total SA      1,041,232
8,367    Total SA, Sponsored ADR      535,823
         
        11,059,061
         
Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
   Germany — 5.4%   
25,739    Adidas AG    $ 1,394,164
5,822    Bayer AG      465,897
8,821    Deutsche Boerse AG      730,464
17,363    SAP AG      827,749
11,881    SAP AG, Sponsored ADR      556,149
9,512    Siemens AG, (Registered)      872,925
5,256    Wacker Chemie AG      914,260
         
        5,761,608
         
   Hong Kong — 2.1%   
118,352    Esprit Holdings Ltd.      785,226
147,000    Hang Lung Properties Ltd.      576,292
206,000    Li & Fung Ltd.      847,732
         
        2,209,250
         
   India — 2.3%   
6,542    HDFC Bank Ltd., ADR      850,983
28,588    Infosys Technologies Ltd., Sponsored ADR      1,580,059
         
        2,431,042
         
   Israel — 0.6%   
10,825    Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sponsored ADR      608,149
         
   Italy — 1.8%   
33,844    ENI SpA      861,864
28,861    Saipem SpA      996,006
         
        1,857,870
         
   Japan — 11.1%   
71,000    Bank of Yokohama (The) Ltd.      323,722
12,400    Canon, Inc.      527,477
8,100    FANUC Ltd.      754,936
4,200    Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.      789,345
719    Jupiter Telecommunications Co. Ltd.      711,468
33,000    NGK Insulators Ltd.      721,690
2,400    Nintendo Co. Ltd.      573,208
71,700    Nomura Holdings, Inc.      533,209
16,600    Seven & I Holdings Co. Ltd.      338,946
27,100    Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.      1,530,021
35,500    Shionogi & Co. Ltd.      769,687
194    Sony Financial Holdings, Inc.      504,871
42,600    Sumitomo Corp.      433,785
96,000    Sumitomo Trust & Banking Co. Ltd.      471,363
30,200    THK Co. Ltd.      537,042
27,700    Toyota Motor Corp.      1,167,859
16,890    Yamada Denki Co. Ltd.      1,139,427
         
        11,828,056
         
   Korea — 2.4%   
14,742    KB Financial Group, Inc., ADR(b)      749,631
1,389    Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.      952,478
2,488    Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., GDR, (Registered), 144A      870,800
         
        2,572,909
         
   Luxembourg — 0.8%   
11,092    Millicom International Cellular SA      818,257
         
   Mexico — 1.4%   
16,993    America Movil SAB de CV, Series L, ADR      798,331
15,662    Wal-Mart de Mexico SA de CV, Series V, Sponsored ADR      704,007
         
        1,502,338
         
   Norway — 0.6%   
41,216    Subsea 7, Inc.(b)      682,470
         

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

20


Table of Contents

HANSBERGER INTERNATIONAL FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
   Portugal — 0.6%   
52,656    Portugal Telecom SGPS SA, (Registered)    $ 642,514
         
   Russia — 2.4%   
49,314    Gazprom, Sponsored ADR      1,257,507
9,876    LUKOIL, Sponsored ADR      565,895
53,564    MMC Norilsk Nickel, ADR(b)      768,643
         
        2,592,045
         
   Singapore — 0.7%   
67,000    DBS Group Holdings Ltd.      728,355
         
   South Africa — 0.5%   
32,815    MTN Group Ltd.      522,295
         
   Spain — 3.4%   
95,680    Banco Santander Central Hispano SA      1,581,080
33,560    Gamesa Corp., Tecnologica SA      565,396
8,280    Industria de Diseno Textil SA (Inditex)      517,107
32,491    Telefonica SA      909,392
         
        3,572,975
         
   Sweden — 0.9%   
39,962    Atlas Copco AB, Class A      587,436
35,470    Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B      326,538
         
        913,974
         
   Switzerland — 8.3%   
81,760    ABB Ltd., (Registered)      1,575,459
27,909    Credit Suisse Group, (Registered)      1,382,649
32,940    Logitech International SA, (Registered)(b)      563,274
4,841    Lonza Group AG, (Registered)      341,092
34,311    Nestle SA, (Registered)      1,665,236
20,838    Novartis AG, (Registered)      1,137,947
9,132    Roche Holding AG      1,561,689
2,033    Syngenta AG, (Registered)      574,135
         
        8,801,481
         
   Taiwan — 0.7%   
371,927    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.      749,609
         
   United Kingdom — 14.4%   
288,945    ARM Holdings PLC      825,066
49,302    Autonomy Corp. PLC(b)      1,197,271
145,865    Barclays PLC      642,749
34,034    BG Group PLC      614,528
41,210    BHP Billiton PLC      1,313,775
66,029    British Sky Broadcasting PLC      596,428
738,404    DSG International PLC(b)      432,776
58,612    Eurasian Natural Resources Corp.      858,523
62,368    HSBC Holdings PLC      709,432
149,804    ICAP PLC      1,033,206
162,656    Man Group PLC      802,766
94,822    Prudential PLC      970,624
60,123    Smith & Nephew PLC      618,450
58,450    Standard Chartered PLC      1,475,624
185,703    Tesco PLC      1,281,126
31,419    Vedanta Resources PLC      1,314,128
278,010    Vodafone Group PLC      643,792
         
        15,330,264
         
   Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost $92,711,987)      103,946,154
         
Shares    Description    Value (†)  
     
  Preferred Stocks — 0.6%   
   Germany — 0.6%   
  10,891    Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Identified Cost $393,360)    $ 571,920   
           
  Exchange Traded Funds — 1.3%   
   United States — 1.3%   
  18,914    iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund      1,045,944   
  1,022    iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index      42,413   
  7,516    Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF      308,156   
           
   Total Exchange Traded Funds (Identified Cost $1,412,087)      1,396,513   
           
     
Principal
Amount
             
  Short-Term Investments — 0.5%   
$ 548,548   

Tri-Party Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 12/31/2009 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $548,548 on 1/04/2010, collateralized by $560,000 Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.000% due 5/12/2014 valued at $563,500 including accrued interest (Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements)

(Identified Cost $548,548)

     548,548   
           
   Total Investments — 100.2% (Identified Cost $95,065,982)(a)      106,463,135   
   Other assets less liabilities —(0.2)%      (167,424
           
   Net Assets — 100.0%    $ 106,295,711   
           
     
  (†)    See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.   
  (a)   

Federal Tax Information:

At December 31, 2009, the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on a cost of $97,675,475 for federal income tax purposes was as follows:

  
   Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost    $ 14,949,361   
   Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value      (6,161,701
           
   Net unrealized appreciation    $ 8,787,660   
           
     
  (b)    Non-income producing security.   
     
  144A    Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2009, the value of this security amounted to $870,800 or 0.8% of net assets.   
  ADR/GDR    An American Depositary Receipt or Global Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. The values of ADRs and GDRs are significantly influenced by trading on exchanges not located in the United States.   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

21


Table of Contents

HANSBERGER INTERNATIONAL FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Industry Summary at December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

 

Commercial Banks    14.5
Metals & Mining    9.5   
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    9.0   
Pharmaceuticals    5.3   
Insurance    4.4   
Capital Markets    4.1   
Machinery    3.6   
Specialty Retail    3.4   
Chemicals    3.3   
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    3.2   
Food & Staples Retailing    3.2   
Software    3.0   
Electrical Equipment    2.6   
Wireless Telecommunication Services    2.6   
Food Products    2.5   
Diversified Telecommunication Services    2.4   
Other Investments, less than 2% each    23.1   
Short-Term Investments    0.5   
      
Total Investments    100.2   
Other assets less liabilities    (0.2
      
Net Assets    100.0
      

 

Currency Exposure at December 31, 2009 as Percentage of Net Assets (Unaudited)

 

Euro    21.6
United States Dollar    21.0   
British Pound    13.8   
Hong Kong Dollar    12.4   
Japanese Yen    11.1   
Swiss Franc    7.8   
Australian Dollar    4.6   
Canadian Dollar    2.0   
Other, less than 2% each    5.9   
      
Total Investments    100.2   
Other assets less liabilities    (0.2
      
Net Assets    100.0
      

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

22


Table of Contents

HARRIS ASSOCIATES LARGE CAP VALUE FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
Common Stocks — 91.8% of Net Assets   
   Aerospace & Defense — 3.9%   
75,600    Boeing Co. (The)    $ 4,092,228
18,000    General Dynamics Corp.      1,227,060
         
        5,319,288
         
   Air Freight & Logistics — 0.8%   
12,200    FedEx Corp.      1,018,090
         
   Capital Markets — 6.9%   
179,000    Bank of New York Mellon Corp.      5,006,630
41,500    Franklin Resources, Inc.      4,372,025
         
        9,378,655
         
   Chemicals — 1.4%   
22,500    Monsanto Co.      1,839,375
         
   Computers & Peripherals — 5.7%   
149,500    Hewlett-Packard Co.      7,700,745
         
   Consumer Finance — 4.0%   
63,800    American Express Co.      2,585,176
197,050    Discover Financial Services      2,898,605
         
        5,483,781
         
   Diversified Financial Services — 4.7%   
4,500    CME Group, Inc., Class A      1,511,775
117,500    JPMorgan Chase & Co.      4,896,225
         
        6,408,000
         
   Electrical Equipment — 1.5%   
42,500    Rockwell Automation, Inc.      1,996,650
         
   Energy Equipment & Service — 1.2%   
38,000    National-Oilwell Varco, Inc.      1,675,420
         
   Food & Staples Retailing — 5.5%   
147,000    Kroger Co. (The)      3,017,910
152,000    Safeway, Inc.      3,236,080
34,500    Walgreen Co.      1,266,840
         
        7,520,830
         
   Food Products — 1.3%   
25,500    General Mills, Inc.      1,805,655
         
   Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 3.9%   
55,500    Baxter International, Inc.      3,256,740
47,000    Medtronic, Inc.      2,067,060
         
        5,323,800
         
   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 10.7%   
211,500    Carnival Corp.(b)      6,702,435
146,000    Marriott International, Inc., Class A      3,978,500
21,000    McDonald’s Corp.      1,311,240
69,600    Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.      2,545,272
         
        14,537,447
         
   Household Products — 1.0%   
17,000    Colgate-Palmolive Co.      1,396,550
         
   Machinery — 6.4%   
79,000    Caterpillar, Inc.      4,502,210
88,000    Illinois Tool Works, Inc.      4,223,120
         
        8,725,330
         
   Media — 7.6%   
168,900    Comcast Corp., Special Class A      2,704,089
Shares    Description    Value (†)  
     
   Media — continued   
  110,700    Omnicom Group, Inc.    $ 4,333,905   
  102,000    Walt Disney Co. (The)      3,289,500   
           
        10,327,494   
           
   Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 6.1%   
  36,000    Apache Corp.      3,714,120   
  217,000    Williams Cos., Inc.      4,574,360   
           
        8,288,480   
           
   Pharmaceuticals — 2.0%   
  24,500    Abbott Laboratories      1,322,755   
  21,500    Johnson & Johnson      1,384,815   
           
        2,707,570   
           
   Road & Rail — 2.5%   
  53,000    Union Pacific Corp.      3,386,700   
           
   Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 9.9%   
  272,000    Applied Materials, Inc.      3,791,680   
  400,600    Intel Corp.      8,172,240   
  54,000    Texas Instruments, Inc.      1,407,240   
           
        13,371,160   
           
   Software — 1.7%   
  74,500    Microsoft Corp.      2,271,505   
           
   Specialty Retail — 2.4%   
  81,400    Best Buy Co., Inc.      3,212,044   
           
   Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.7%   
  14,500    NIKE, Inc., Class B      958,015   
           
   Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost $131,472,487)      124,652,584   
           
     
Principal
Amount
             
  Short-Term Investments — 8.4%   
$ 11,478,360    Tri-Party Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 12/31/2009 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $11,478,360 on 1/04/2010, collateralized by $11,640,000 Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.000% due 5/12/2014 valued at $11,712,750 including accrued interest (Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements) (Identified Cost $11,478,360)      11,478,360   
           
   Total Investments — 100.2% (Identified Cost $142,950,847)(a)      136,130,944   
   Other assets less liabilities — (0.2)%      (298,404
           
   Net Assets — 100.0%    $ 135,832,540   
           
     
  (†)    See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.   
  (a)   

Federal Tax Information:

At December 31, 2009, the net unrealized depreciation on investments based on a cost of $144,230,459 for federal income tax purposes was as follows:

  
   Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost    $ 711,665   
   Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value      (8,811,180
           
   Net unrealized depreciation    $ (8,099,515
           
     
  (b)    Non-income producing security.   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

23


Table of Contents

HARRIS ASSOCIATES LARGE CAP VALUE FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Industry Summary at December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure    10.7
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    9.9   
Media    7.6   
Capital Markets    6.9   
Machinery    6.4   
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    6.1   
Computers & Peripherals    5.7   
Food & Staples Retailing    5.5   
Diversified Financial Services    4.7   
Consumer Finance    4.0   
Health Care Equipment & Supplies    3.9   
Aerospace & Defense    3.9   
Road & Rail    2.5   
Specialty Retail    2.4   
Pharmaceuticals    2.0   
Other Investments, less than 2% each    9.6   
Short-Term Investments    8.4   
      
Total Investments    100.2   
Other assets less liabilities    (0.2
      
Net Assets    100.0
      

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

24


Table of Contents

VAUGHAN NELSON SMALL CAP VALUE FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
Common Stocks — 97.4% of Net Assets   
   Aerospace & Defense — 1.5%   
331,125    Hexcel Corp.(b)    $ 4,298,003
104,100    TransDigm Group, Inc.      4,943,709
         
        9,241,712
         
   Auto Components — 1.0%   
143,200    Autoliv, Inc.      6,209,152
         
   Capital Markets — 4.3%   
746,925    Apollo Investment Corp.      7,118,195
240,975    Ares Capital Corp.      3,000,139
3,138,250    E*TRADE Financial Corp.(b)      5,491,937
382,325    Fifth Street Finance Corp.      4,106,171
928,400    MF Global Ltd.(b)      6,452,380
         
        26,168,822
         
   Chemicals — 4.5%   
201,750    Airgas, Inc.      9,603,300
245,325    Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The), Class A      9,643,726
302,600    Sensient Technologies Corp.      7,958,380
         
        27,205,406
         
   Commercial Banks — 4.9%   
337,625    BancorpSouth, Inc.      7,920,682
237,475    Danvers Bancorp, Inc.      3,084,800
357,455    FirstMerit Corp.      7,199,144
277,300    Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.      11,222,331
         
        29,426,957
         
   Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.7%   
493,652    Waste Connections, Inc.(b)      16,458,358
         
   Computers & Peripherals — 1.4%   
442,150    QLogic Corp.(b)      8,343,371
         
   Consumer Finance — 1.2%   
321,825    First Cash Financial Services, Inc.(b)      7,141,297
         
   Containers & Packaging — 1.7%   
447,075    Packaging Corp. of America      10,287,196
         
   Diversified Consumer Services — 1.3%   
510,225    Regis Corp.      7,944,203
         
   Electrical Equipment — 3.4%   
102,100    A.O. Smith Corp.      4,430,119
239,525    General Cable Corp.(b)      7,046,826
570,375    GrafTech International Ltd.(b)      8,869,331
         
        20,346,276
         
   Energy Equipment & Services — 3.8%   
823,325    Key Energy Services, Inc.(b)      7,237,027
201,775    Oil States International, Inc.(b)      7,927,740
147,250    Unit Corp.(b)      6,258,125
1,109,342    Vantage Drilling Co.(b)      1,786,040
         
        23,208,932
         
   Food & Staples Retailing — 1.3%   
245,150    BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.(b)      8,018,857
         
   Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.3%   
181,125    Teleflex, Inc.      9,760,826
102,050    West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.      4,000,360
         
        13,761,186
         
   Health Care Providers & Services — 3.6%   
169,450    MEDNAX, Inc.(b)      10,185,639
Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
   Health Care Providers & Services — continued   
407,000    Patterson Cos., Inc.(b)    $ 11,387,860
         
        21,573,499
         
   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.3%   
272,350    International Speedway Corp., Class A      7,748,358
         
   Insurance — 7.6%   
227,025    Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.      5,777,786
332,450    Assured Guaranty Ltd.      7,234,112
1,098,675    Conseco, Inc.(b)      5,493,375
285,675    Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)      12,692,540
468,337    HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.      13,099,386
57,909    Validus Holdings Ltd.      1,560,069
         
        45,857,268
         
   IT Services — 2.0%   
178,975    CACI International, Inc., Class A(b)      8,742,929
188,625    SRA International, Inc., Class A(b)      3,602,737
         
        12,345,666
         
   Machinery — 8.5%   
513,625    Actuant Corp., Class A      9,517,471
109,325    Bucyrus International, Inc.      6,162,650
189,150    Kaydon Corp.      6,764,004
206,375    Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.      11,032,807
68,675    Lindsay Corp.      2,736,699
75,225    Nordson Corp.      4,602,266
260,450    Robbins & Myers, Inc.      6,125,784
57,925    Valmont Industries, Inc.      4,544,216
         
        51,485,897
         
   Media — 2.5%   
190,125    John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Class A      7,962,435
491,075    Regal Entertainment Group, Class A      7,091,123
         
        15,053,558
         
   Metals & Mining — 2.4%   
682,475    Thompson Creek Metals Co., Inc.(b)      7,998,607
87,975    Walter Energy, Inc.      6,625,397
         
        14,624,004
         
   Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 3.6%   
195,750    Arena Resources, Inc.(b)      8,440,740
191,950    Concho Resources, Inc.(b)      8,618,555
330,850    GMX Resources, Inc.(b)      4,545,879
         
        21,605,174
         
   Paper & Forest Products — 0.4%   
378,950    Louisiana-Pacific Corp.(b)      2,645,071
         
   Professional Services — 2.0%   
253,800    Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc., Class A      12,060,576
         
   Real Estate Management & Development — 1.1%   
109,425    Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.      6,609,270
         
   REITs — 3.3%   
1,618,975    Chimera Investment Corp.      6,281,623
454,275    DiamondRock Hospitality Co.      3,847,709
189,600    LaSalle Hotel Properties      4,025,208
771,400    MFA Financial, Inc.      5,669,790
         
        19,824,330
         
   Road & Rail — 1.0%   
154,525    Landstar System, Inc.      5,990,934
         

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

25


Table of Contents

VAUGHAN NELSON SMALL CAP VALUE FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)  
     
   Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.6%   
  478,575    Skyworks Solutions, Inc.(b)    $ 6,790,979   
  990,025    TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.(b)      5,940,150   
  248,050    Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.(b)      8,900,034   
           
        21,631,163   
           
   Software — 6.8%   
  321,265    MICROS Systems, Inc.(b)      9,968,853   
  350,125    Nice Systems Ltd., Sponsored ADR(b)      10,867,880   
  394,100    Sybase, Inc.(b)      17,103,940   
  179,850    Tyler Technologies, Inc.(b)      3,580,813   
           
        41,521,486   
           
   Specialty Retail — 3.0%   
  318,790    Aaron Rents, Inc.      8,840,047   
  211,550    Gymboree Corp. (The)(b)      9,200,309   
           
        18,040,356   
           
   Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 4.7%   
  408,175    Hanesbrands, Inc.(b)      9,841,099   
  260,325    Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.      10,590,021   
  296,025    Wolverine World Wide, Inc.      8,057,801   
           
        28,488,921   
           
   Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 2.9%   
  391,506    Northwest Bancshares, Inc.      4,431,851   
  77,650    Territorial Bancorp, Inc.(b)      1,401,583   
  148,250    United Financial Bancorp, Inc.      1,943,557   
  514,475    Washington Federal, Inc.      9,949,946   
           
        17,726,937   
           
   Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.8%   
  634,550    Syniverse Holdings, Inc.(b)      11,091,934   
           
  

Total Common Stocks

(Identified Cost $482,372,545)

     589,686,127   
           
Principal
Amount
             
  Short-Term Investments — 2.1%   
$ 12,928,908    Tri-Party Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 12/31/2009 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $12,928,908 on 1/04/2010, collateralized by $13,110,000 Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.000%, due 5/12/2014 valued at $13,191,938 including accrued interest (Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements) (Identified Cost $12,928,908)      12,928,908   
           
  

Total Investments — 99.5%

(Identified Cost $495,301,453)(a)

     602,615,035   
   Other assets less liabilities—0.5%      3,117,418   
           
   Net Assets — 100.0%    $ 605,732,453   
           
     
  (†)    See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.   
  (a)   

Federal Tax Information:

At December 31, 2009, the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on a cost of $500,753,582 for federal income tax purposes was as follows:

  
   Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost    $ 105,781,961   
   Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value      (3,920,508
           
   Net unrealized appreciation    $ 101,861,453   
           
(b)    Non-income producing security.   
     
ADR    An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. The values of ADRs are significantly influenced by trading on exchanges not located in the United States.   
REITs    Real Estate Investment Trusts   

 

Industry Summary at December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

 

Machinery    8.5
Insurance    7.6   
Software    6.8   
Commercial Banks    4.9   
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods    4.7   
Chemicals    4.5   
Capital Markets    4.3   
Energy Equipment & Services    3.8   
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    3.6   
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    3.6   
Health Care Providers & Services    3.6   
Electrical Equipment    3.4   
REITs    3.3   
Specialty Retail    3.0   
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance    2.9   
Commercial Services & Supplies    2.7   
Media    2.5   
Metals & Mining    2.4   
Health Care Equipment & Supplies    2.3   
IT Services    2.0   
Professional Services    2.0   
Other Investments, less than 2% each    15.0   
Short-Term Investments    2.1   
      
Total Investments    99.5   
Other assets less liabilities    0.5   
      
Net Assets    100.0
      

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

26


Table of Contents

VAUGHAN NELSON VALUE OPPORTUNITY FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
Common Stocks — 94.8% of Net Assets   
   Aerospace & Defense — 1.1%   
1,600    Alliant Techsystems, Inc.(b)    $ 141,232
         
   Capital Markets — 5.1%   
24,275    Apollo Investment Corp.      231,341
30,625    MF Global Ltd.(b)      212,844
10,125    TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.(b)      196,222
         
        640,407
         
   Chemicals — 6.8%   
3,375    Albemarle Corp.      122,749
9,175    Cabot Corp.      240,660
8,850    Celanese Corp., Series A      284,085
925    Cytec Industries, Inc.      33,688
3,225    FMC Corp.      179,826
         
        861,008
         
   Commercial Banks — 3.2%   
25,150    Fifth Third Bancorp      245,212
3,925    Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.      158,845
         
        404,057
         
   Commercial Services & Supplies — 4.9%   
6,425    Avery Dennison Corp.      234,448
9,675    R. R. Donnelley & Sons Co.      215,462
5,075    Waste Connections, Inc.(b)      169,201
         
        619,111
         
   Communications Equipment — 1.7%   
8,275    CommScope, Inc.(b)      219,536
         
   Computers & Peripherals — 2.7%   
3,675    QLogic Corp.(b)      69,347
15,200    Seagate Technology      276,488
         
        345,835
         
   Consumer Finance — 1.6%   
13,625    Discover Financial Services      200,424
         
   Containers & Packaging — 3.8%   
11,325    Owens-Illinois, Inc.(b)      372,253
4,577    Pactiv Corp.(b)      110,489
         
        482,742
         
   Diversified Consumer Services — 0.7%   
4,025    H&R Block, Inc.      91,046
         
   Electrical Equipment — 0.8%   
3,400    General Cable Corp.(b)      100,028
         
   Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 2.0%   
26,500    Flextronics International Ltd.(b)      193,715
2,900    Molex, Inc.      62,495
         
        256,210
         
   Energy Equipment & Services — 2.2%   
3,800    Dresser-Rand Group, Inc.(b)      120,118
6,725    Superior Energy Services, Inc.(b)      163,350
         
        283,468
         
   Food Products — 2.6%   
5,175    ConAgra Foods, Inc.      119,284
3,475    Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.(b)      207,492
         
        326,776
         

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
   Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 3.8%   
1,125    Becton, Dickinson and Co.    $ 88,717
825    C.R. Bard, Inc.      64,268
1,000    Teleflex, Inc.      53,890
4,600    Zimmer Holdings, Inc.(b)      271,906
         
        478,781
         
   Health Care Providers & Services — 1.8%   
3,825    DaVita, Inc.(b)      224,681
         
   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.0%   
4,175    Darden Restaurants, Inc.      146,417
22,586    Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc., Class A      105,929
         
        252,346
         
   Household Durables — 1.5%   
6,300    Jarden Corp.      194,733
         
   Household Products — 1.3%   
2,650    Energizer Holdings, Inc.(b)      162,392
         
   Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders — 0.9%   
10,525    Calpine Corp.(b)      115,775
         
   Industrial Conglomerates — 0.6%   
3,000    McDermott International, Inc.(b)      72,030
         
   Insurance — 7.6%   
3,200    ACE Ltd.(b)      161,280
2,750    Assured Guaranty Ltd.      59,840
2,850    Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.      135,802
3,281    Validus Holdings Ltd.      88,398
6,975    Willis Group Holdings Ltd.      184,000
18,375    XL Capital Ltd., Class A      336,814
         
        966,134
         
   IT Services — 1.9%   
8,450    Amdocs Ltd.(b)      241,079
         
   Leisure Equipment & Products — 1.0%   
5,975    Mattel, Inc.      119,381
         
   Life Sciences Tools & Services — 2.2%   
825    Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(b)      86,617
4,050    Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.(b)      193,144
         
        279,761
         
   Machinery — 2.9%   
10,000    Actuant Corp., Class A      185,300
1,450    Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.      77,517
1,875    SPX Corp.      102,562
         
        365,379
         
   Marine — 0.5%   
1,725    Kirby Corp.(b)      60,082
         
   Media — 1.7%   
5,350    Omnicom Group, Inc.      209,453
         
   Metals & Mining — 0.9%   
9,375    Thompson Creek Metals Co., Inc.(b)      109,875
         
   Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 4.7%   
8,850    Petrohawk Energy Corp.(b)      212,311
3,725    Range Resources Corp.      185,691
21,150    SandRidge Energy, Inc.(b)      199,445
         
        597,447
         
   Paper & Forest Products — 0.9%   
2,550    Weyerhaeuser Co.      110,007
         

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

27


Table of Contents

VAUGHAN NELSON VALUE OPPORTUNITY FUND — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)  
     
   REITs — 5.2%   
  16,200    Annaly Capital Management, Inc.    $ 281,070   
  7,500    DiamondRock Hospitality Co.      63,525   
  10,548    Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.(b)      123,095   
  8,675    LaSalle Hotel Properties      184,170   
           
        651,860   
           
   Road & Rail — 0.5%   
  1,225    CSX Corp.      59,400   
           
   Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.3%   
  1,050    Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.(b)      37,674   
           
   Software — 3.9%   
  5,850    Nice Systems Ltd., Sponsored ADR(b)      181,584   
  20,275    Nuance Communications, Inc.(b)      315,073   
           
        496,657   
           
   Specialty Retail — 3.7%   
  3,375    Best Buy Co., Inc.      133,178   
  9,075    GameStop Corp., Class A(b)      199,105   
  3,225    Gymboree Corp. (The)(b)      140,255   
           
        472,538   
           
   Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 2.3%   
  3,400    Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.      138,312   
  2,100    VF Corp.      153,804   
           
        292,116   
           
   Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 1.9%   
  9,900    New York Community Bancorp, Inc.      143,649   
  5,450    People’s United Financial, Inc.      91,015   
           
        234,664   
           
   Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.6%   
  11,700    Syniverse Holdings, Inc.(b)      204,516   
           
   Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost $11,378,408)      11,980,641   
           
     
Principal
Amount
             
  Short-Term Investments — 4.1%   
$ 522,628    Tri-Party Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 12/31/2009 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $522,628 on 1/04/2010, collateralized by $515,000 Federal Home Loan Bank, 4.375% due 9/17/2010 valued at $535,755 including accrued interest (Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements) (Identified Cost $522,628)      522,628   
           
  

Total Investments — 98.9%

(Identified Cost $11,901,036)(a)

     12,503,269   
   Other assets less liabilities—1.1%      136,977   
           
   Net Assets — 100.0%    $ 12,640,246   
           
     
  (†)    See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.   
  (a)   

Federal Tax Information:

At December 31, 2009, the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on a cost of $11,913,463 for federal income tax purposes was as follows:

  
   Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost    $ 727,043   
   Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value      (137,237
           
   Net unrealized appreciation    $ 589,806   
           
(b)    Non-income producing security.   
     
ADR    An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. The values of ADRs are significantly influenced by trading on exchanges not located in the United States.   
REITs    Real Estate Investment Trusts   

 

Industry Summary at December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

 

Insurance    7.6
Chemicals    6.8   
REITs    5.2   
Capital Markets    5.1   
Commercial Services & Supplies    4.9   
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    4.7   
Software    3.9   
Containers & Packaging    3.8   
Health Care Equipment & Supplies    3.8   
Specialty Retail    3.7   
Commercial Banks    3.2   
Machinery    2.9   
Computers & Peripherals    2.7   
Food Products    2.6   
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods    2.3   
Energy Equipment & Services    2.2   
Life Sciences Tools & Services    2.2   
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components    2.0   
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure    2.0   
Other Investments, less than 2% each    23.2   
Short-Term Investments    4.1   
      
Total Investments    98.9   
Other assets less liabilities    1.1   
      
Net Assets    100.0
      

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

28


Table of Contents

NATIXIS U.S. DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
Common Stocks — 96.8% of Net Assets   
   Aerospace & Defense — 2.0%   
60,200    Boeing Co. (The)    $ 3,258,626
14,600    General Dynamics Corp.      995,282
67,871    GeoEye, Inc.(b)      1,892,243
9,639    Precision Castparts Corp.      1,063,664
         
        7,209,815
         
   Air Freight & Logistics — 0.8%   
11,700    C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.      687,141
10,000    FedEx Corp.      834,500
22,000    United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B      1,262,140
         
        2,783,781
         
   Airlines — 0.3%   
105,350    Delta Air Lines, Inc.(b)      1,198,883
         
   Beverages — 0.5%   
29,450    Coca-Cola Co. (The)      1,678,650
         
   Biotechnology — 1.1%   
22,008    Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(b)      1,074,430
22,050    Amgen, Inc.(b)      1,247,368
23,846    Human Genome Sciences, Inc.(b)      729,688
18,135    Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(b)      777,085
         
        3,828,571
         
   Building Products — 0.3%   
28,674    Armstrong World Industries, Inc.(b)      1,116,279
         
   Capital Markets — 3.6%   
15,170    Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(b)      1,021,699
143,500    Bank of New York Mellon Corp.      4,013,695
33,100    Franklin Resources, Inc.      3,487,085
30,348    Legg Mason, Inc.      915,296
23,850    Morgan Stanley      705,960
64,558    Raymond James Financial, Inc.      1,534,544
21,136    T Rowe Price Group, Inc.      1,125,492
         
        12,803,771
         
   Chemicals — 1.0%   
11,500    Ecolab, Inc.      512,670
22,179    Intrepid Potash, Inc.(b)      646,962
18,400    Monsanto Co.      1,504,200
41,430    Quaker Chemical Corp.      855,115
         
        3,518,947
         
   Commercial Banks — 0.9%   
33,334    Commerce Bancshares, Inc.      1,290,693
83,616    First Horizon National Corp.(b)      1,120,459
34,100    Wells Fargo & Co.      920,359
         
        3,331,511
         
   Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.3%   
12,242    Brink’s Co. (The)      297,971
41,433    Rollins, Inc.      798,828
         
        1,096,799
         
   Communications Equipment — 2.6%   
103,467    Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.(b)      789,453
55,050    Cisco Systems, Inc.(b)      1,317,897
51,261    CommScope, Inc.(b)      1,359,955
23,325    Comtech Telecommunications Corp.(b)      817,541
33,336    F5 Networks, Inc.(b)      1,766,141
54,850    Palm, Inc.(b)      550,694
51,350    QUALCOMM, Inc.      2,375,451
         
        8,977,132
         
Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
   Computers & Peripherals — 4.8%   
15,000    Apple, Inc.(b)    $ 3,162,900
33,800    EMC Corp.(b)      590,486
159,050    Hewlett-Packard Co.      8,192,665
77,470    NetApp, Inc.(b)      2,664,193
35,550    Seagate Technology      646,655
49,598    Teradata Corp.(b)      1,558,865
         
        16,815,764
         
   Construction & Engineering — 0.3%   
9,975    Michael Baker Corp.(b)      412,965
26,261    Orion Marine Group, Inc.(b)      553,057
         
        966,022
         
   Consumer Finance — 1.3%   
51,300    American Express Co.      2,078,676
157,950    Discover Financial Services      2,323,445
         
        4,402,121
         
   Diversified Consumer Services — 0.2%   
9,915    New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc., Sponsored ADR(b)      749,673
         
   Diversified Financial Services — 2.2%   
5,000    CME Group, Inc.      1,679,750
108,800    JPMorgan Chase & Co.      4,533,696
92,953    PHH Corp.(b)      1,497,473
         
        7,710,919
         
   Electric Utilities — 0.3%   
37,607    DPL, Inc.      1,037,953
         
   Electrical Equipment — 0.5%   
34,700    Rockwell Automation, Inc.      1,630,206
         
   Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.5%   
35,808    Amphenol Corp., Class A      1,653,613
         
   Energy Equipment & Services — 1.4%   
21,880    Dril-Quip, Inc.(b)      1,235,783
67,451    Nabors Industries Ltd.(b)      1,476,502
30,400    National-Oilwell Varco, Inc.      1,340,336
6,300    Schlumberger Ltd.      410,067
7,050    Transocean Ltd.(b)      583,740
         
        5,046,428
         
   Food & Staples Retailing — 2.3%   
117,400    Kroger Co. (The)      2,410,222
122,100    Safeway, Inc.      2,599,509
29,126    Spartan Stores, Inc.      416,211
33,000    Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.      1,763,850
27,700    Walgreen Co.      1,017,144
         
        8,206,936
         
   Food Products — 1.7%   
38,722    Corn Products International, Inc.      1,131,844
20,400    General Mills, Inc.      1,444,524
20,567    Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.(b)      1,675,593
30,434    J.M. Smucker Co. (The)      1,879,300
         
        6,131,261
         
   Gas Utilities — 1.9%   
18,814    Oneok, Inc.      838,540
65,279    Questar Corp.      2,713,648
129,512    UGI Corp.      3,132,895
         
        6,685,083
         

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

29


Table of Contents

NATIXIS U.S. DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
   Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 4.0%   
44,600    Baxter International, Inc.    $ 2,617,128
50,736    CareFusion Corp.(b)      1,268,907
35,828    DENTSPLY International, Inc.      1,260,071
25,687    Haemonetics Corp.(b)      1,416,638
42,281    Hospira, Inc.(b)      2,156,331
3,997    Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(b)      1,212,370
37,900    Medtronic, Inc.      1,666,842
23,291    Teleflex, Inc.      1,255,152
19,900    Zimmer Holdings, Inc.(b)      1,176,289
         
        14,029,728
         
   Health Care Providers & Services — 1.8%   
30,993    Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc.(b)      1,130,315
20,797    CorVel Corp.(b)      697,531
14,250    Express Scripts, Inc.(b)      1,231,912
26,066    HMS Holdings Corp.(b)      1,269,154
16,750    Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(b)      1,070,492
12,660    MEDNAX, Inc.(b)      760,993
5,850    WellPoint, Inc.(b)      340,997
         
        6,501,394
         
   Health Care Technology — 0.5%   
21,018    Cerner Corp.(b)      1,732,724
         
   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 5.9%   
169,000    Carnival Corp.(b)      5,355,610
49,968    CEC Entertainment, Inc.(b)      1,594,979
18,970    Ctrip.com International Ltd., ADR(b)      1,363,184
106,438    Interval Leisure Group, Inc.(b)      1,327,282
23,300    Las Vegas Sands Corp.(b)      348,102
116,766    Marriott International, Inc., Class A      3,181,874
17,000    McDonald’s Corp.      1,061,480
179,919    O’Charleys, Inc.(b)      1,178,469
21,922    Penn National Gaming, Inc.(b)      595,840
31,950    Starbucks Corp.(b)      736,767
73,000    Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.      2,669,610
65,094    Wyndham Worldwide Corp.      1,312,946
         
        20,726,143
         
   Household Durables — 0.9%   
34,284    Gafisa SA, ADR      1,109,430
102,312    Leggett & Platt, Inc.      2,087,165
         
        3,196,595
         
   Household Products — 1.0%   
8,468    Church & Dwight Co., Inc.      511,891
14,000    Colgate-Palmolive Co.      1,150,100
33,050    Procter & Gamble Co.      2,003,821
         
        3,665,812
         
   Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders — 0.1%   
11,924    NRG Energy, Inc.(b)      281,526
         
   Industrial Conglomerates — 0.4%   
18,000    3M Co.      1,488,060
         
   Insurance — 0.6%   
6,672    Fidelity National Financial, Inc., Class A      89,805
17,550    MetLife, Inc.      620,392
57,198    W.R. Berkley Corp.      1,409,359
         
        2,119,556
         
   Internet & Catalog Retail — 1.7%   
11,800    Amazon.com, Inc.(b)      1,587,336
71,497    HSN, Inc.(b)      1,443,524
Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
   Internet & Catalog Retail — continued   
11,180    Priceline.com, Inc.(b)(c)    $ 2,442,830
42,076    Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc.(b)      514,169
         
        5,987,859
         
   Internet Software & Services — 3.7%   
41,884    Akamai Technologies, Inc.(b)      1,060,922
52,991    AOL, Inc.(b)      1,233,630
4,581    Baidu, Inc., Sponsored ADR(b)      1,883,845
5,300    Google, Inc., Class A(b)      3,285,894
36,241    GSI Commerce, Inc.(b)      920,159
20,839    IAC/InterActiveCorp(b)      426,783
19,178    MercadoLibre, Inc.(b)      994,763
59,998    Rackspace Hosting, Inc.(b)      1,250,958
23,132    Sina Corp.(b)      1,045,104
18,416    VistaPrint NV(b)      1,043,450
         
        13,145,508
         
   IT Services — 2.8%   
21,381    Alliance Data Systems Corp.(b)      1,380,999
102,849    Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.      2,320,273
37,677    Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A(b)      1,706,768
52,455    Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.      1,229,545
40,771    Lender Processing Services, Inc.      1,657,749
44,302    Wright Express Corp.(b)      1,411,462
         
        9,706,796
         
   Life Sciences Tools & Services — 1.4%   
8,000    Covance, Inc.(b)      436,560
44,804    Life Technologies Corp.(b)      2,340,113
13,487    Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(b)      1,416,000
26,706    Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.      625,989
         
        4,818,662
         
   Machinery — 4.9%   
79,633    Actuant Corp., Class A      1,475,599
28,664    Bucyrus International, Inc.      1,615,790
63,100    Caterpillar, Inc.      3,596,069
37,269    Cummins, Inc.      1,709,156
22,600    Danaher Corp.      1,699,520
70,600    Illinois Tool Works, Inc.      3,388,094
75,950    John Bean Technologies Corp.      1,291,909
37,377    Kadant, Inc.(b)      596,537
9,235    Middleby Corp. (The)(b)      452,700
24,700    PACCAR, Inc.      895,869
12,058    SPX Corp.      659,573
         
        17,380,816
         
   Marine — 0.2%   
24,958    Kirby Corp.(b)      869,287
         
   Media — 3.6%   
56,700    CBS Corp., Class B      796,635
69,250    Comcast Corp., Class A      1,167,555
134,300    Comcast Corp., Special Class A      2,150,143
34,949    Discovery Communications, Inc., Class A(b)      1,071,886
117,275    E.W. Scripps Co. (The), Class A(b)      816,234
45,399    Focus Media Holding Ltd., ADR(b)      719,574
88,500    Omnicom Group, Inc.      3,464,775
81,700    Walt Disney Co. (The)      2,634,825
         
        12,821,627
         
   Metals & Mining — 2.8%   
4,650    Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.      251,100
27,279    Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.(b)      2,190,231

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

30


Table of Contents

NATIXIS U.S. DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
   Metals & Mining — continued   
51,072    Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.    $ 2,207,332
46,280    Teck Resources Ltd., Class B(b)      1,618,411
31,789    United States Steel Corp.      1,752,210
26,273    Walter Energy, Inc.      1,978,620
         
        9,997,904
         
   Multi Utilities — 0.1%   
21,684    MDU Resources Group, Inc.      511,742
         
   Multiline Retail — 1.1%   
58,034    Big Lots, Inc.(b)      1,681,825
26,200    J.C. Penney Co., Inc.      697,182
26,800    Kohl’s Corp.(b)      1,445,324
         
        3,824,331
         
   Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 4.0%   
10,000    Anadarko Petroleum Corp.      624,200
29,000    Apache Corp.      2,991,930
39,633    Cloud Peak Energy, Inc(b)      577,056
33,285    Concho Resources, Inc.(b)      1,494,496
37,073    Delek US Holdings, Inc.      252,467
6,500    EOG Resources, Inc.      632,450
69,211    EXCO Resources, Inc.      1,469,350
61,556    Penn Virginia Corp.      1,310,527
41,650    Petrohawk Energy Corp.(b)      999,184
173,300    Williams Cos., Inc.      3,653,164
         
        14,004,824
         
   Paper & Forest Products — 0.7%   
14,995    Clearwater Paper Corp.(b)      824,275
43,195    International Paper Co.      1,156,762
11,814    Weyerhaeuser Co.      509,656
         
        2,490,693
         
   Personal Products — 1.3%   
14,065    Alberto-Culver Co.      411,964
23,600    Avon Products, Inc.      743,400
45,820    Mead Johnson Nutrition Co., Class A      2,002,334
29,605    NBTY, Inc.(b)      1,289,002
         
        4,446,700
         
   Pharmaceuticals — 2.3%   
50,450    Abbott Laboratories      2,723,796
17,500    Johnson & Johnson      1,127,175
54,981    Perrigo Co.      2,190,443
79,600    Pfizer, Inc.      1,447,924
12,250    Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sponsored ADR      688,205
         
        8,177,543
         
   Professional Services — 0.8%   
167,915    CBIZ, Inc.(b)      1,292,945
9,250    Manpower, Inc.      504,865
32,796    Verisk Analytics, Inc., Class A(b)      993,063
         
        2,790,873
         
   Real Estate Management & Development — 0.6%   
93,536    Forestar Group, Inc.(b)      2,055,921
         
   REITs — 1.2%   
143,998    Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp.      1,007,986
235,662    Chimera Investment Corp.      914,369
68,832    Potlatch Corp.      2,194,364
         
        4,116,719
         
Shares    Description    Value (†)
     
   Road & Rail — 1.0%   
63,226    Celadon Group, Inc.(b)    $ 686,002
42,500    Union Pacific Corp.      2,715,750
         
        3,401,752
         
   Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 6.9%   
217,600    Applied Materials, Inc.      3,033,344
21,650    Broadcom Corp., Class A(b)      680,893
30,047    Cree, Inc.(b)      1,693,749
321,300    Intel Corp.      6,554,520
54,037    Lam Research Corp.(b)      2,118,791
272,126    LSI Corp.(b)      1,635,477
66,850    Micron Technology, Inc.(b)      705,936
100,968    NVIDIA Corp.(b)      1,886,082
199,026    ON Semiconductor Corp.(b)      1,753,419
48,800    PMC-Sierra, Inc.(b)      422,608
43,400    Texas Instruments, Inc.      1,131,004
78,791    Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.(b)      2,827,021
         
        24,442,844
         
   Software — 3.7%   
28,300    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(b)      958,804
18,893    Concur Technologies, Inc.(b)      807,676
30,066    McAfee, Inc.(b)      1,219,777
42,459    MICROS Systems, Inc.(b)      1,317,503
157,400    Microsoft Corp.      4,799,126
39,521    Salesforce.com, Inc.(b)      2,915,464
24,186    VMware, Inc., Class A(b)      1,025,003
         
        13,043,353
         
   Specialty Retail — 2.9%   
65,300    Best Buy Co., Inc.      2,576,738
21,600    CarMax, Inc.(b)      523,800
33,293    Guess?, Inc.      1,408,294
22,600    Home Depot, Inc.      653,818
25,047    J. Crew Group, Inc.(b)      1,120,603
215,921    Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.(b)      1,651,796
83,027    Sonic Automotive, Inc., Class A(b)      862,650
39,136    Urban Outfitters, Inc.(b)      1,369,368
         
        10,167,067
         
   Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.1%   
52,202    Fossil, Inc.(b)      1,751,899
39,261    Lululemon Athletica, Inc.(b)      1,181,756
11,700    NIKE, Inc., Class B      773,019
         
        3,706,674
         
   Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.5%   
95,946    People’s United Financial, Inc.      1,602,298
         
   Tobacco — 0.3%   
18,750    Philip Morris International, Inc.      903,563
         
   Water Utilities — 0.8%   
118,409    American Water Works Co., Inc.      2,653,546
         
   Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.4%   
37,528    Crown Castle International Corp.(b)      1,465,093
         
   Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost $278,053,647)      340,855,651
         

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

31


Table of Contents

NATIXIS U.S. DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO — PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Principal
Amount
   Description    Value (†)  
     
  Short-Term Investments — 3.3%   
$ 11,713,636    Tri-Party Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 12/31/2009 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $11,713,636 on 1/04/2010, collateralized by $11,880,000 Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.000% due 5/12/2014 valued at $11,954,250 including accrued interest, (Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements) (Identified Cost $11,713,636)    $ 11,713,636   
           
     
  

Total Investments — 100.1%

(Identified Cost $289,767,283)(a)

     352,569,287   
   Other assets less liabilities — (0.1)%      (412,714
           
   Net Assets — 100.0%    $ 352,156,573   
           
Contracts              
  Call Options Written — (0.0%)   
  34   

Priceline.com, Inc. expiring

January 16, 2010 at 230

(Premiums Received $16,898)

   $ (5,695
           
     
  (†)    See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.   
  (a)   

Federal Tax Information:

At December 31, 2009, the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on a cost of $293,396,501 for federal income tax purposes was as follows:

  
   Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost    $ 65,803,512   
   Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value      (6,630,726
           
   Net unrealized appreciation    $ 59,172,786   
           
  (b)    Non-income producing security.   
  (c)    All or a portion of this security is held as collateral for outstanding call options.   
     
  ADR    An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. The values of ADRs are significantly influenced by trading on exchanges not located in the United States.     
  REITs    Real Estate Investment Trusts   

 

Industry Summary at December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    6.9
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure    5.9   
Machinery    4.9   
Computers & Peripherals    4.8   
Health Care Equipment & Supplies    4.0   
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    4.0   
Internet Software & Services    3.7   
Software    3.7   
Media    3.6   
Capital Markets    3.6   
Specialty Retail    2.9   
Metals & Mining    2.8   
IT Services    2.8   
Communications Equipment    2.6   
Food & Staples Retailing    2.3   
Pharmaceuticals    2.3   
Diversified Financial Services    2.2   
Aerospace & Defense    2.0   
Other Investments, less than 2% each    31.8   
Short-Term Investments    3.3   
      
Total Investments    100.1   
Other assets less liabilities (including call options written)    (0.1
      
Net Assets    100.0
      

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

32


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2009

 

     CGM Advisor
Targeted Equity Fund
    Hansberger
International Fund
    Harris Associates
Large Cap Value
Fund
 
                        

ASSETS

      

Investments at cost

   $ 752,206,215      $ 95,065,982      $ 142,950,847   

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     255,338,987        11,397,153        (6,819,903
                        

Investments at value

     1,007,545,202        106,463,135        136,130,944   

Cash

     4,216               124,500   

Receivable for Fund shares sold

     38,819,572        50,967        26,949   

Receivable for securities sold

     977,275        81,901          

Receivable from investment advisor (Note 6)

                   921   

Dividends and interest receivable

     1,889,143        96,699        181,946   

Tax reclaims receivable

            43,764          
                        

TOTAL ASSETS

     1,049,235,408        106,736,466        136,465,260   
                        

LIABILITIES

      

Options written, at value (premiums received $0, $0, $0, $0, $0 and $16,898) (Note 2)

                     

Payable for securities purchased

            86,018          

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

     1,442,942        49,691        122,998   

Management fees payable (Note 6)

     585,711        71,742        80,753   

Deferred Trustees’ fees (Note 6)

     608,336        112,053        317,397   

Administrative fees payable (Note 6)

     45,171        6,132        6,776   

Other accounts payable and accrued expenses

     226,970        115,119        104,796   
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     2,909,130        440,755        632,720   
                        

NET ASSETS

   $ 1,046,326,278      $ 106,295,711      $ 135,832,540   
                        

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

      

Paid-in capital

   $ 1,065,136,568      $ 116,203,494      $ 187,909,975   

Distributions in excess of net investment income/Accumulated net investment (loss)

     (583,320     (172,342     (175,584

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments, options written and foreign currency transactions

     (273,565,957     (21,137,231     (45,081,948

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, options written and foreign currency translations

     255,338,987        11,401,790        (6,819,903
                        

NET ASSETS

   $ 1,046,326,278      $ 106,295,711      $ 135,832,540   
                        

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE:

      

Class A shares:

      

Net assets

   $ 693,385,557      $ 83,182,899      $ 113,309,486   
                        

Shares of beneficial interest

     72,647,715        5,252,549        9,010,223   
                        

Net asset value and redemption price per share

   $ 9.54      $ 15.84      $ 12.58   
                        

Offering price per share (100/94.25 of net asset value) (Note 1)

   $ 10.12      $ 16.81      $ 13.35   
                        

Class B shares: (redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge) (Note 1)

      

Net assets

   $ 12,401,222      $ 9,156,835      $ 7,864,496   
                        

Shares of beneficial interest

     1,440,549        648,625        674,953   
                        

Net asset value and offering price per share

   $ 8.61      $ 14.12      $ 11.65   
                        

Class C shares: (redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge) (Note 1)

      

Net assets

   $ 75,098,228      $ 13,955,977      $ 7,208,475   
                        

Shares of beneficial interest

     8,765,770        994,762        620,733   
                        

Net asset value and offering price per share

   $ 8.57      $ 14.03      $ 11.61   
                        

Class Y shares:

      

Net assets

   $ 265,441,271      $      $ 7,450,083   
                        

Shares of beneficial interest

     27,151,146               573,401   
                        

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

   $ 9.78      $      $ 12.99   
                        

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

33


Table of Contents

 

Vaughan Nelson
Small Cap
Value Fund
    Vaughan Nelson
Value Opportunity
Fund
    Natixis U.S.
Diversified Portfolio
 
               
   
$ 495,301,453      $ 11,901,036      $ 289,767,283   
  107,313,582        602,233        62,802,004   
                     
  602,615,035        12,503,269        352,569,287   
         45        184,504   
  802,965        473,892        19,354   
  3,123,880               737,469   
         21,966          
  1,302,623        28,701        372,884   
                5,258   
                     
  607,844,503        13,027,873        353,888,756   
                     
   
                5,695   
  446,554        323,513        491,937   
  933,847        5,000        407,188   
  471,170        7,713        278,800   
  118,319        8,946        352,300   
  26,326        466        16,084   
  115,834        41,989        180,179   
                     
  2,112,050        387,627        1,732,183   
                     
$ 605,732,453      $ 12,640,246      $ 352,156,573   
                     
   
$ 500,550,443      $ 11,991,778      $ 368,849,690   
  (118,321     (6,384     (352,300
  (2,013,251     52,619        (79,154,024
  107,313,582        602,233        62,813,207   
                     
$ 605,732,453      $ 12,640,246      $ 352,156,573   
                     
   
   
$ 322,961,178      $ 3,644,722      $ 280,845,595   
                     
  14,475,955        292,527        13,582,499   
                     
$ 22.31      $ 12.46      $ 20.68   
                     
$ 23.67      $ 13.22      $ 21.94   
                     
   
   
$ 10,630,281      $      $ 37,405,675   
                     
  529,930               2,095,398   
                     
$ 20.06      $      $ 17.85   
                     
   
   
$ 39,237,812      $ 369,603      $ 28,580,273   
                     
  1,954,991        29,833        1,600,257   
                     
$ 20.07      $ 12.39      $ 17.86   
                     
   
$ 232,903,182      $ 8,625,921      $ 5,325,030   
                     
  10,364,863        690,750        239,108   
                     
$ 22.47      $ 12.49      $ 22.27   
                     

 

34


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

 

     CGM Advisor
Targeted Equity Fund
    Hansberger
International Fund
    Harris Associates
Large Cap Value
Fund
 
                        

INVESTMENT INCOME

      

Dividends

   $ 17,393,815      $ 2,313,122      $ 2,091,398

Interest

     21,141        6,993          

Less net foreign taxes withheld

     (891,370     (219,506       
                        
     16,523,586        2,100,609        2,091,398   
                        

Expenses

      

Management fees (Note 6)

     6,278,879        699,333        801,253   

Service fees - Class A (Note 6)

     1,622,811        168,356        235,057   

Service and distribution fees - Class B (Note 6)

     122,150        86,645        76,137   

Service and distribution fees - Class C (Note 6)

     646,657        114,098        62,182   

Trustees’ fees and expenses (Note 6)

     150,046        34,486        76,107   

Administrative fees (Note 6)

     456,211        43,587        57,146   

Custodian fees and expenses

     36,926        98,663        23,760   

Transfer agent fees and expenses (Notes 6 and 7)

     1,136,001        231,349        302,544   

Audit and tax services fees

     48,712        54,991        43,005   

Legal fees

     23,022        2,092        2,710   

Shareholder reporting expenses

     294,397        23,379        34,555   

Registration fees

     109,346        38,476        68,078   

Fee/expense recovery (Note 6)

                     

Federal excise taxes

                     

Miscellaneous expenses

     47,111        30,308        11,258   
                        

Total expenses

     10,972,269        1,625,763        1,793,792   

Less fee reduction and/or expense reimbursement (Note 6)

                   (218,554
                        

Net expenses

     10,972,269        1,625,763        1,575,238   
                        

Net investment income (loss)

     5,551,317        474,846        516,160   
                        

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, OPTIONS WRITTEN AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

      

Net realized gain (loss) on:

      

Investments

     (131,349,648     (14,884,974     (6,269,463

Options written

                     

Foreign currency transactions

            (22,926       

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

      

Investments

     340,263,229        46,122,771        48,393,988   

Options written

                     

Foreign currency translations

            3,411          
                        

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments, options written and foreign currency transactions

     208,913,581        31,218,282        42,124,525   
                        

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 214,464,898      $ 31,693,128      $ 42,640,685   
                        

 

* Includes a non-recurring dividend of $124,500 and $796,365 for Harris Associates Large Cap Value Fund and Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

35


Table of Contents

 

Vaughan Nelson
Small Cap

Value Fund
    Vaughan Nelson
Value Opportunity
Fund
    Natixis U.S.
Diversified Portfolio
 
               
   
$ 8,020,215   $ 75,645      $ 4,171,814   
                  
                (13,819
                     
  8,020,215        75,645        4,157,995   
                     
   
  4,147,115        29,113        2,773,640   
  660,710        2,145        604,952   
  103,343               364,558   
  311,580        1,235        249,151   
  40,890        12,523        87,087   
  229,215        84,132        153,922   
  37,453        27,665        41,336   
  826,857        2,076        744,817   
  41,149        39,722        59,517   
  10,858               8,353   
  153,247        2,682        72,913   
  99,114        40,196        69,287   
  3,358                 
         15          
  24,549        5,813        25,166   
                     
  6,689,438        247,317        5,254,699   
  (112,856     (202,087     (490,433
                     
  6,576,582        45,230        4,764,266   
                     
  1,443,633        30,415        (606,271
                     
   
   
   
  24,060,952        128,499        (41,569,059
                32,474   
                  
   
  121,362,923        630,349        138,831,232   
                11,203   
                  
                     
  145,423,875        758,848        97,305,850   
                     
$ 146,867,508      $ 789,263      $ 96,699,579   
                     

 

36


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     CGM Advisor Targeted Equity Fund     Hansberger International Fund     Harris Associates Large Cap Value Fund  
     Year Ended
December 31, 2009
    Year Ended
December 31, 2008
    Year Ended
December 31, 2009
    Year Ended
December 31, 2008
    Year Ended
December 31, 2009
    Year Ended
December 31, 2008
 
                                                

FROM OPERATIONS:

            

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 5,551,317      $ 7,035,894      $ 474,846      $ 1,765,959      $ 516,160      $ 1,582,727   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments, options written and foreign currency transactions

     (131,349,648     (136,074,566     (14,907,900     (4,234,378     (6,269,463     (1,298,191

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, options written and foreign currency translations

     340,263,229        (295,484,467     46,126,182        (79,370,956     48,393,988        (80,262,754
                                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     214,464,898        (424,523,139     31,693,128        (81,839,375     42,640,685        (79,978,218
                                                

FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

            

Net investment income

            

Class A

     (3,442,148     (6,133,829     (56,901     (919,413     (440,347     (1,288,357

Class B

            (2,292            (60,823     (5,383     (10,681

Class C

     (24,644     (192,376            (63,896     (4,285     (20,757

Class Y

     (2,130,058     (454,082                   (42,386     (120,564

Net realized capital gain

            

Class A

            (28,890,996            (3,711,536              

Class B

            (1,056,919            (751,480              

Class C

            (1,410,865            (806,003              

Class Y

            (858,144                            

Distributions from paid-in capital

            

Class A

                          (518,560              

Class B

                          (50,417              

Class C

                          (90,663              
                                                

Total distributions

     (5,596,850     (38,999,503     (56,901     (6,972,791     (492,401     (1,440,359
                                                

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 13)

     (76,443,252     480,972,479        (6,383,119     (15,168,231     (12,340,877     (36,406,022
                                                

Redemption fees

            

Class A

            13,396               590                 

Class B

            466               126                 

Class C

            544               119                 

Class Y

            393                               
                                                

Total redemption fees

            14,799               835                 
                                                

Increase from regulatory settlements (Note 8)

                   613,370               8,806          
                                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     132,424,796        17,464,636        25,866,478        (103,979,562     29,816,213        (117,824,599

NET ASSETS

            

Beginning of the year

     913,901,482        896,436,846        80,429,233        184,408,795        106,016,327        223,840,926   
                                                

End of the year

   $ 1,046,326,278      $ 913,901,482      $ 106,295,711      $ 80,429,233      $ 135,832,540      $ 106,016,327   
                                                

DISTRIBUTIONS IN EXCESS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME/ACCUMULATED NET INVESTMENT (LOSS)

   $ (583,320   $ (537,787   $ (172,342   $ (1,012,129   $ (175,584   $ (199,343
                                                

 

(a) From commencement of operations on October 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

37


Table of Contents

 

Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund     Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund     Natixis U.S. Diversified Portfolio  
Year Ended
December 31, 2009
    Year Ended
December 31, 2008
    Year Ended
December 31, 2009
    Period Ended
December 31, 2008(a)
    Year Ended
December 31, 2009
    Year Ended
December 31, 2008
 
                                             
         
$ 1,443,633      $ 57,969      $ 30,415      $ 2,208      $ (606,271   $ (493,172
         
         
  24,060,952        (25,891,396     128,499        (7,409     (41,536,585     (36,639,757
         
         
         
  121,362,923        (26,217,431     630,349        (28,116     138,842,435        (180,753,728
                                             
         
  146,867,508        (52,050,858     789,263        (33,317     96,699,579        (217,886,657
                                             
         
         
         
  (570,459            (9,290     (41              
                                       
                (7     (83              
  (994,314            (27,753     (2,545              
         
         (132,974     (19,482                   (6,529,055
         (28,303                          (1,841,998
         (29,715     (1,919                   (822,792
         (7,146     (47,246                   (205,525
         
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                             
  (1,564,773     (198,138     (105,697     (2,669            (9,399,370
                                             
         
         
  183,337,945        177,538,979        10,938,928        1,053,738        (43,650,516     (63,750,494
                                             
         
         444                               
         89                               
         88                               
         19                               
                                             
         640                               
                                             
         
                                       
                                             
  328,640,680        125,290,623        11,622,494        1,017,752        53,049,063        (291,036,521
         
  277,091,773        151,801,150        1,017,752               299,107,510        590,144,031   
                                             
$ 605,732,453      $ 277,091,773      $ 12,640,246      $ 1,017,752      $ 352,156,573      $ 299,107,510   
                                             
         
         
         
$ (118,321   $ (71,114   $ (6,384   $ (73   $ (352,300   $ (309,678
                                             

 

38


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

 

          Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:     Less Distributions:  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of
the period
   Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)(b)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gain (loss)
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income(b)
    Distributions
from net
realized
capital gains
    Total
distributions(b)
 
               

CGM ADVISOR TARGETED EQUITY FUND

               

Class A

               

12/31/2009

   $ 7.66    $ 0.05      $ 1.88      $ 1.93      $ (0.05   $      $ (0.05

12/31/2008

     13.01      0.09        (4.94     (4.85     (0.06     (0.44     (0.50

12/31/2007

     10.70      0.05        3.54        3.59        (0.13     (1.15     (1.28

12/31/2006

     10.22      0.08        0.78        0.86        (0.07     (0.31     (0.38

12/31/2005

     9.05      0.07        1.12        1.19        (0.02            (0.02

Class B

               

12/31/2009

     6.92      (0.01     1.70        1.69                        

12/31/2008

     11.81      (0.00     (4.45     (4.45     (0.00     (0.44     (0.44

12/31/2007

     9.84      (0.04     3.24        3.20        (0.08     (1.15     (1.23

12/31/2006

     9.48      0.00        0.74        0.74        (0.07     (0.31     (0.38

12/31/2005

     8.45      0.00        1.04        1.04        (0.01            (0.01

Class C

               

12/31/2009

     6.89      (0.01     1.69        1.68        (0.00            (0.00

12/31/2008

     11.79      0.02        (4.46     (4.44     (0.02     (0.44     (0.46

12/31/2007

     9.84      (0.03     3.22        3.19        (0.09     (1.15     (1.24

12/31/2006

     9.48      0.00        0.74        0.74        (0.07     (0.31     (0.38

12/31/2005

     8.45      0.00        1.04        1.04        (0.01            (0.01

Class Y

               

12/31/2009

     7.84      0.06        1.96        2.02        (0.08            (0.08

12/31/2008

     13.32      0.13        (5.09     (4.96     (0.08     (0.44     (0.52

12/31/2007

     10.93      0.09        3.61        3.70        (0.16     (1.15     (1.31

12/31/2006

     10.42      0.11        0.82        0.93        (0.11     (0.31     (0.42

12/31/2005

     9.23      0.10        1.14        1.24        (0.05            (0.05

 

(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share, if applicable.
(c) Had certain expenses not been reduced during the period, if applicable, total returns would have been lower.
(d) A sales charge for Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C shares are not reflected in total return calculations. Periods less than one year, if applicable, are not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

39


Table of Contents

 

                    Ratios to Average Net Assets:      
Redemption
fees(b)
    Net asset
value, end
of the
period
  Total
return
(%)(c)(d)
    Net
assets,
end of the
period
(000’s)
  Net
expenses
(%)(e)(f)
  Gross
expenses
(%)(f)
  Net
investment
income
(loss)
(%)(f)
    Portfolio
turnover
rate (%)
             
             
             
$      $ 9.54   25.19      $ 693,386   1.19   1.19   0.69      170
  0.00 (g)      7.66   (38.36     796,146   1.10   1.10   0.83      211
  0.00        13.01   34.42        826,867   1.17   1.17   0.45      179
  0.00        10.70   8.52        679,897   1.16   1.16   0.76      171
  0.00        10.22   13.19        694,121   1.28   1.28   0.78      196
             
         8.61   24.42        12,401   1.94   1.94   (0.11   170
  0.00 (g)      6.92   (38.90     13,971   1.85   1.85   (0.03   211
  0.00        11.81   33.41        32,297   1.92   1.92   (0.34   179
  0.00        9.84   7.83        43,032   1.91   1.91   0.02      171
  0.00        9.48   12.35        53,005   2.03   2.03   0.03      196
             
         8.57   24.42        75,098   1.95   1.95   (0.14   170
  0.00 (g)      6.89   (38.85     59,544   1.85   1.85   0.17      211
  0.00        11.79   33.47        19,753   1.93   1.93   (0.24   179
  0.00        9.84   7.72        8,688   1.90   1.90   0.04      171
  0.00        9.48   12.35        5,133   2.04   2.04   0.03      196
             
         9.78   25.75        265,441   0.94   0.94   0.64      170
  0.00 (g)      7.84   (38.28     44,240   0.85   0.85   1.21      211
  0.00        13.32   34.75        17,520   0.90   0.90   0.74      179
  0.00        10.93   8.99        11,714   0.87   0.87   1.05      171
  0.00        10.42   13.41        11,181   1.07   1.07   0.99      196

 

(e) The investment adviser and/or administrator agreed to reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses and/or reduce its fee during the period. Without this reimbursement/fee reduction, if applicable, expenses would have been higher.
(f) Computed on an annualized basis for periods less than one year, if applicable.
(g) Effective June 2, 2008, redemption fees were eliminated.

 

40


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

 

          Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:     Less Distributions:  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of
the period
   Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)(b)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gain (loss)
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
capital gains
    Distributions
from paid-in
capital
    Total
distributions
 
                 

HANSBERGER INTERNATIONAL FUND

                 

Class A

                 

12/31/2009

   $ 10.88    $ 0.09      $ 4.79      $ 4.88      $ (0.01   $      $      $ (0.01

12/31/2008

     22.17      0.26        (10.63     (10.37     (0.15     (0.68     (0.09     (0.92

12/31/2007

     21.50      0.18        3.29        3.47        (0.40     (2.40            (2.80

12/31/2006

     19.88      0.16        4.51        4.67        (0.35     (2.70            (3.05

12/31/2005

     17.12      0.11        2.65        2.76                               

Class B

                 

12/31/2009

     9.76      0.00        4.27        4.27                               

12/31/2008

     19.88      0.12        (9.48     (9.36     (0.03     (0.68     (0.05     (0.76

12/31/2007

     19.51      0.01        2.98        2.99        (0.22     (2.40            (2.62

12/31/2006

     18.27      0.01        4.11        4.12        (0.18     (2.70            (2.88

12/31/2005

     15.85      0.00        2.42        2.42                               

Class C

                 

12/31/2009

     9.70      (0.00     4.24        4.24                               

12/31/2008

     19.81      0.11        (9.43     (9.32     (0.03     (0.68     (0.08     (0.79

12/31/2007

     19.48      0.01        2.97        2.98        (0.25     (2.40            (2.65

12/31/2006

     18.28      0.00        4.11        4.11        (0.21     (2.70            (2.91

12/31/2005

     15.86      (0.02     2.44        2.42                               

HARRIS ASSOCIATES LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

                 

Class A

                 

12/31/2009

   $ 8.77    $ 0.05 (h)    $ 3.81      $ 3.86      $ (0.05   $      $      $ (0.05

12/31/2008

     14.97      0.13        (6.20     (6.07     (0.13                   (0.13

12/31/2007

     15.49      0.05        (0.48 )(i)      (0.43     (0.09                   (0.09

12/31/2006

     13.33      0.06        2.13        2.19        (0.03                   (0.03

12/31/2005

     13.37      0.05        (0.08     (0.03     (0.01                   (0.01

Class B

                 

12/31/2009

     8.16      (0.02 )(h)      3.52        3.50        (0.01                   (0.01

12/31/2008

     13.84      0.03        (5.70     (5.67     (0.01                   (0.01

12/31/2007

     14.39      (0.06     (0.45 )(i)      (0.51     (0.04                   (0.04

12/31/2006

     12.48      (0.04     1.98        1.94        (0.03                   (0.03

12/31/2005

     12.62      (0.04     (0.09     (0.13     (0.01                   (0.01

Class C

                 

12/31/2009

     8.13      (0.02 )(h)      3.51        3.49        (0.01                   (0.01

12/31/2008

     13.82      0.03        (5.69     (5.66     (0.03                   (0.03

12/31/2007

     14.37      (0.06     (0.45 )(i)      (0.51     (0.04                   (0.04

12/31/2006

     12.46      (0.04     1.98        1.94        (0.03                   (0.03

12/31/2005

     12.60      (0.04     (0.09     (0.13     (0.01                   (0.01

Class Y

                 

12/31/2009

     9.05      0.08 (h)      3.93        4.01        (0.07                   (0.07

12/31/2008

     15.47      0.19        (6.42     (6.23     (0.19                   (0.19

12/31/2007

     16.01      0.12        (0.51 )(i)      (0.39     (0.15                   (0.15

12/31/2006

     13.72      0.12        2.20        2.32        (0.03                   (0.03

12/31/2005

     13.74      0.09        (0.10     (0.01     (0.01                   (0.01

 

(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share, if applicable.
(c) A sales charge for Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C shares are not reflected in total return calculations. Periods less than one year, if applicable, are not annualized.
(d) Had certain expenses not been reduced during the period, if applicable, total returns would have been lower.
(e) The investment adviser and/or administrator agreed to reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses and/or reduce its fees during the period. Without this reimbursement/fee reduction, if applicable, expenses would have been higher.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

41


Table of Contents

 

                        Ratios to Average Net Assets:      
Increase from
Regulatory
Settlements(b)
  Redemption
fees(b)
    Net asset
value,
end of
the period
  Total
return
(%)(c)(d)
    Net assets,
end of the
period (000’s)
  Net
expenses
(%)(e)(f)
    Gross
expenses
(%)(f)
    Net investment
income (loss)
(%)(f)
    Portfolio
turnover
rate (%)
               
               
               
$ 0.09   $      $ 15.84   45.82      $ 83,183   1.69      1.69      0.71      46
      0.00 (g)      10.88   (47.63     60,091   1.49      1.49      1.48      47
      0.00        22.17   16.38        128,224   1.45      1.45      0.79      47
      0.00        21.50   24.08        112,814   1.49      1.49      0.75      49
      0.00        19.88   16.12        89,663   1.81      1.81      0.62      45
               
  0.09            14.12   44.67        9,157   2.44      2.44      0.01      46
      0.00 (g)      9.76   (48.03     9,328   2.23      2.23      0.72      47
      0.00        19.88   15.63        29,770   2.20      2.20      0.06      47
      0.00        19.51   23.15        33,016   2.25      2.25      0.03      49
      0.00        18.27   15.27        33,388   2.55      2.55      (0.02   45
               
  0.09            14.03   44.64        13,956   2.44      2.44      (0.03   46
      0.00 (g)      9.70   (48.00     11,010   2.24      2.24      0.73      47
      0.00        19.81   15.54        26,414   2.20      2.20      0.04      47
      0.00        19.48   23.14        23,541   2.25      2.25      0.01      49
      0.00        18.28   15.26        19,388   2.56      2.56      (0.11   45
               
               
$ 0.00   $      $ 12.58   44.03      $ 113,309   1.30      1.50      0.53      131
             8.77   (40.45     85,761   1.28      1.28      1.04      38
             14.97   (2.94     172,468   1.28 (j)(k)    1.28 (j)    0.35      30
             15.49   16.50        195,714   1.30      1.30      0.44      23
             13.33   (0.19     188,763   1.30      1.46      0.40      39
               
  0.00            11.65   42.88        7,864   2.05      2.25      (0.22   131
             8.16   (40.87     8,191   2.03      2.04      0.25      38
             13.84   (3.68     23,916   2.04 (j)(k)    2.04 (j)    (0.44   30
             14.39   15.61        42,894   2.05      2.07      (0.33   23
             12.48   (0.99     59,035   2.05      2.21      (0.35   39
               
  0.00            11.61   42.91        7,208   2.05      2.25      (0.22   131
             8.13   (40.90     6,222   2.03      2.03      0.26      38
             13.82   (3.69     15,616   2.04 (j)(k)    2.04 (j)    (0.41   30
             14.37   15.64        18,089   2.05      2.06      (0.32   23
             12.46   (0.99     20,308   2.05      2.21      (0.35   39
               
  0.00            12.99   44.39        7,450   1.05      1.12      0.77      131
             9.05   (40.18     5,842   0.84      0.84      1.47      38
             15.47   (2.59     11,840   0.91 (k)    0.91      0.72      30
             16.01   16.97        14,057   0.91 (j)    0.91 (j)    0.82      23
             13.72   (0.04     14,226   1.05      1.09      0.65      39

 

(f) Computed on an annualized basis for periods less than one year, if applicable.
(g) Effective June 2, 2008, redemption fees were eliminated.
(h) Includes a non-recurring dividend of $0.01 per share.
(i) Includes a litigation payment of $0.02 per share.
(j) Includes fee/expense recovery of 0.00%, 0.02%, 0.01% and 0.04% for Class A, B, C and Y, respectively.
(k) Effect of voluntary waiver of expenses by adviser was less than 0.005%.

 

42


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

 

          Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:     Less Distributions:  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of the
period
   Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
    Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income(b)
    Distributions
from net
realized
capital gains
    Total
distributions
 
               

VAUGHAN NELSON SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

               

Class A

               

12/31/2009

   $ 17.42    $ 0.05 (g)    $ 4.88      $ 4.93      $ (0.04   $      $ (0.04

12/31/2008

     22.11      0.03        (4.69     (4.66            (0.03     (0.03

12/31/2007

     20.90      (0.02     1.23        1.21                        

12/31/2006

     17.69      (0.05     3.26        3.21                        

12/31/2005

     16.07      (0.08     1.70        1.62                        

Class B

               

12/31/2009

     15.76      (0.09 )(g)      4.39        4.30                        

12/31/2008

     20.15      (0.14     (4.22     (4.36            (0.03     (0.03

12/31/2007

     19.19      (0.17     1.13        0.96                        

12/31/2006

     16.36      (0.20     3.03        2.83                        

12/31/2005

     14.97      (0.19     1.58        1.39                        

Class C

               

12/31/2009

     15.76      (0.08 )(g)      4.39        4.31                        

12/31/2008

     20.16      (0.13     (4.24     (4.37            (0.03     (0.03

12/31/2007

     19.19      (0.17     1.14        0.97                        

12/31/2006

     16.37      (0.19     3.01        2.82                        

12/31/2005

     14.98      (0.19     1.58        1.39                        

Class Y

               

12/31/2009

     17.55      0.12 (g)      4.90        5.02        (0.10            (0.10

12/31/2008

     22.20      0.12        (4.74     (4.62            (0.03     (0.03

12/31/2007

     20.91      0.04        1.25        1.29                        

12/31/2006(j)

     19.02      0.02        1.87        1.89                        

VAUGHAN NELSON VALUE OPPORTUNITY FUND

               

Class A

               

12/31/2009

   $ 9.60    $ 0.09      $ 2.88      $ 2.97      $ (0.04   $ (0.07   $ (0.11

12/31/2008(l)

     10.00      0.03        (0.41     (0.38     (0.02            (0.02

Class C

               

12/31/2009

     9.59      (0.02     2.89        2.87        (0.00     (0.07     (0.07

12/31/2008(l)

     10.00      0.02        (0.41     (0.39     (0.02            (0.02

Class Y

               

12/31/2009

     9.60      0.10        2.90        3.00        (0.04     (0.07     (0.11

12/31/2008(l)

     10.00      0.03        (0.40     (0.37     (0.03            (0.03

 

(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share, if applicable.
(c) A sales charge for Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C shares are not reflected in total return calculations. Periods less than one year, if applicable, are not annualized.
(d) Had certain expenses not been reduced during the period, if applicable, total returns would have been lower.
(e) The investment adviser and/or administrator agreed to reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses and/or reduce its fee during the period. Without this reimbursement/fee reduction, if applicable, expenses would have been higher.
(f) Computed on an annualized basis for periods less than one year, if applicable.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

43


Table of Contents

 

                    Ratios to Average Net Assets:      
Redemption
fees(b)
    Net asset
value, end
of the
period
  Total
return
(%)(c)(d)
    Net
assets,
end of the
period
(000’s)
  Net
expenses
(%)(e)(f)
    Gross
expenses
(%)(f)
    Net
investment
income
(loss)
(%)(f)
    Portfolio
turnover
rate (%)
             
             
             
$      $ 22.31   28.30      $ 322,961   1.45      1.49      0.27      102
  0.00 (h)      17.42   (21.11     171,875   1.45      1.51      0.13      124
  0.00        22.11   5.84        103,719   1.49      1.57      (0.11   78
  0.00        20.90   18.09        85,285   1.59      1.59      (0.28   88
  0.00        17.69   10.08        58,963   1.92      1.92      (0.47   80
             
         20.06   27.28        10,630   2.20      2.24      (0.56   102
  0.00 (h)      15.76   (21.67     11,788   2.20      2.26      (0.78   124
  0.00        20.15   5.06        25,076   2.24      2.31      (0.84   78
  0.00        19.19   17.24        32,606   2.37      2.37      (1.10   88
  0.00        16.36   9.28        38,732   2.66      2.66      (1.24   80
             
         20.07   27.35        39,238   2.20      2.24      (0.48   102
  0.00 (h)      15.76   (21.71     21,861   2.20      2.26      (0.68   124
  0.00        20.16   5.05        21,765   2.24      2.32      (0.85   78
  0.00        19.19   17.23        18,186   2.35      2.35      (1.04   88
  0.00        16.37   9.28        13,667   2.67      2.67      (1.23   80
             
         22.47   28.61        232,903   1.18 (i)    1.18 (i)    0.60      102
  0.00 (h)      17.55   (20.81     71,568   1.20      1.21      0.65      124
  0.00        22.20   6.12        1,241   1.19 (k)    1.19 (k)    0.17      78
  0.00        20.91   9.94        427   1.35      1.90      0.35      88
             
             
$      $ 12.46   30.98      $ 3,645   1.40      5.24      0.79      45
         9.60   (3.75     16   1.40      39.61      1.92      12
             
         12.39   30.01        370   2.15      8.54      (0.14   45
         9.59   (3.90     41   2.15      40.36      1.62      12
             
         12.49   31.37        8,626   1.15      7.22      0.90      45
         9.60   (3.74     960   1.15      38.91      1.41      12

 

(g) Includes a non-recurring dividend of $0.03 per share.
(h) Effective June 2, 2008, redemption fees were eliminated.
(i) Includes fee/expense recovery of less than 0.01%.
(j) From commencement of Class operations on August 31, 2006 through December 31, 2006.
(k) Includes fee/expense recovery of 0.04%.
(l) For the period October 31, 2008 (inception) through December 31, 2008.

 

44


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

 

          Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:     Less Distributions:  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of the
period
   Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gain (loss)
    Total from
investment
operations
    Distributions
from net
realized
capital gains
    Total
distributions
 
             

NATIXIS U.S. DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO

             

Class A

             

12/31/2009

   $ 15.16    $ (0.01   $ 5.53      $ 5.52      $      $   

12/31/2008

     25.76      0.02 (f)      (10.20     (10.18     (0.42     (0.42

12/31/2007

     22.94      (0.06     3.19        3.13        (0.31     (0.31

12/31/2006

     20.17      0.04        2.73        2.77                 

12/31/2005

     18.75      (0.11     1.53        1.42                 

Class B

             

12/31/2009

     13.19      (0.12     4.78        4.66                 

12/31/2008

     22.63      (0.13 )(f)      (8.89     (9.02     (0.42     (0.42

12/31/2007

     20.33      (0.22     2.83        2.61        (0.31     (0.31

12/31/2006

     18.01      (0.11     2.43        2.32                 

12/31/2005

     16.87      (0.22     1.36        1.14                 

Class C

             

12/31/2009

     13.19      (0.12     4.79        4.67                 

12/31/2008

     22.65      (0.13 )(f)      (8.91     (9.04     (0.42     (0.42

12/31/2007

     20.36      (0.22     2.82        2.60        (0.31     (0.31

12/31/2006

     18.03      (0.11     2.44        2.33                 

12/31/2005

     16.89      (0.22     1.36        1.14                 

Class Y

             

12/31/2009

     16.29      0.04        5.94        5.98                 

12/31/2008

     27.58      0.07 (f)      (10.94     (10.87     (0.42     (0.42

12/31/2007

     24.45      0.03        3.41        3.44        (0.31     (0.31

12/31/2006

     21.41      0.14        2.90        3.04                 

12/31/2005

     19.82      (0.03     1.62        1.59                 

 

(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Had certain expenses not been reduced during the period, if applicable, total returns would have been lower.
(c) A sales charge for Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C shares are not reflected in total return calculations. Periods less than one year, if applicable, are not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

45


Table of Contents

 

              Ratios to Average Net Assets:      
Net asset
value, end
of
the period
  Total
return
(%)(b)(c)
    Net assets,
end of
the period
(000’s)
  Net
expenses
(%)(d)(e)
  Gross
expenses
(%)(d)
  Net investment
income (loss)
(%)(d)
    Portfolio
turnover
rate (%)
           
           
           
           
$ 20.68   36.41      $ 280,846   1.40   1.56   (0.05   115
  15.16   (40.05     228,549   1.43   1.43   0.08      110
  25.76   13.69        407,228   1.47   1.47   (0.24   82
  22.94   13.68        393,430   1.46   1.46   0.17      83
  20.17   7.57        386,084   1.73   1.73   (0.57   97
           
  17.85   35.33        37,406   2.15   2.31   (0.80   115
  13.19   (40.47     40,868   2.18   2.19   (0.70   110
  22.63   12.83        119,028   2.21   2.21   (1.00   82
  20.33   12.88        147,819   2.22   2.22   (0.60   83
  18.01   6.76        174,745   2.48   2.48   (1.32   97
           
  17.86   35.41        28,580   2.15   2.31   (0.80   115
  13.19   (40.53     24,079   2.18   2.18   (0.68   110
  22.65   12.82        47,239   2.22   2.22   (0.99   82
  20.36   12.87        46,064   2.22   2.22   (0.59   83
  18.03   6.75        48,262   2.48   2.48   (1.32   97
           
  22.27   36.71        5,325   1.15   1.22   0.20      115
  16.29   (39.89     5,611   1.17   1.23   0.31      110
  27.58   14.02        16,649   1.12   1.12   0.10      82
  24.45   14.20        21,155   1.03   1.03   0.60      83
  21.41   8.02        20,445   1.32   1.32   (0.16   97

 

(d) Computed on an annualized basis for periods less than one year, if applicable.
(e) The investment adviser and/or administrator agreed to reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses and/or reduce its fee during the period. Without this reimbursement/fee reduction, if applicable, expenses would have been higher.
(f) Includes a non-recurring dividend of $0.02 per share.

 

46


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2009

 

1.  Organization.  Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II (the “Trusts” and each a “Trust”) are each organized as a Massachusetts business trust. Each Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. Each Declaration of Trust permits the Board of Trustees to authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of the Trust in multiple series. The financial statements for certain funds of the Trusts are presented in separate reports. The following funds (individually, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) are included in this report:

 

Natixis Funds Trust I:

CGM Advisor Targeted Equity Fund (the “Targeted Equity Fund”)

Hansberger International Fund (the “International Fund”)

Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund (the “Small Cap Value Fund”)

Natixis U.S. Diversified Portfolio (the “U.S. Diversified Portfolio”)

 

Natixis Funds Trust II:

Harris Associates Large Cap Value Fund (the “Large Cap Value Fund”)

Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund (the “Value Opportunity Fund”)

 

Each Fund offers Class A and Class C shares. Targeted Equity Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Large Cap Value Fund, Value Opportunity Fund and U.S. Diversified Portfolio also offer Class Y shares. Effective October 12, 2007, Class B shares are no longer offered. Existing Class B shareholders may continue to reinvest dividends into Class B shares and exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares of other Natixis Funds subject to existing exchange privileges as described in the Prospectus.

 

Effective July 31, 2009, the Small Cap Value Fund was closed to new investors.

 

Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%. Class B shares do not pay a front-end sales charge, but pay higher Rule 12b-1 fees than Class A shares for eight years (at which point they automatically convert to Class A shares), and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if those shares are redeemed within six years of purchase. Class C shares do not pay a front-end sales charge, do not convert to any other class of shares and pay higher ongoing Rule 12b-1 fees than Class A shares and may be subject to a CDSC of 1.00% if those shares are redeemed within one year. Class Y shares do not pay a front-end sales charge, a CDSC or Rule 12b-1 fees. Class Y shares are generally intended for institutional investors with a minimum initial investment of $100,000, though some categories of investors are exempted from the minimum investment amount as outlined in the Funds’ Prospectuses.

 

Most expenses of the Trusts can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are generally apportioned based on the relative net assets of each of the Funds in the Trusts. Expenses of a Fund are borne pro rata by the holders of each class of shares, except that each class bears expenses unique to that class (including Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees applicable to such class). In addition, each class votes as a class only with respect to its own Rule 12b-1 Plan. Shares of each class would receive their pro rata share of the net assets of a Fund if the Fund were liquidated. The Trustees approve separate dividends from net investment income on each class of shares.

 

2.  Significant Accounting Policies.  The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by each Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The Funds’ financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require the use of management estimates that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management has evaluated the events and transactions that have occurred through February 22, 2010, the date the financial statements were issued, and noted no items requiring recognition in the financial statements or additional disclosures in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

a.  Valuation.  Equity securities, including shares of closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds, for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value, as reported by pricing services recommended by the investment adviser and the subadvisers and approved by the Board of Trustees. Such pricing services generally use the security’s last sale price on the exchange or market where the security is primarily traded or, if there is no reported sale during the day, the closing bid price. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Global Market and NASDAQ Capital Market are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”), or if lacking a NOCP, at the most recent bid quotation on the applicable NASDAQ Market. Debt securities (other than short-term obligations purchased with an original or remaining maturity of sixty days or less) are generally valued on the basis of evaluated bids furnished to the Funds by a pricing service recommended by the investment adviser and the subadvisers and approved by the Board of Trustees, which service determines valuations for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using market information, transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities which are generally recognized by institutional traders. Broker-dealer bid quotations may also be used to value debt and equity securities where a pricing service does not price a security or where a pricing service does not provide a reliable price for the security. In instances where broker-dealer bid quotations are not available, certain securities held by the Funds may be valued on the basis of a price provided by a principal market maker. Forward foreign currency contracts are valued utilizing interpolated prices determined from information provided by an independent pricing service. Short-term obligations purchased with an original or remaining maturity of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Domestic exchange-traded single equity option contracts are valued at the mean of the National Best Bid and Offer quotations. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ investment adviser or subadviser using consistently applied procedures under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees. Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued at their net asset value each day.

 

47


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

Certain Funds may hold securities traded in foreign markets. Foreign securities are valued at the market price in the foreign market. However, if events occurring after the close of the foreign market (but before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange) are believed to materially affect the value of those securities, such securities are fair valued pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. When fair valuing securities, the Funds may, among other things, use modeling tools or other processes that may take into account factors such as securities market activity and/or significant events that occur after the close of the foreign market and before the Funds calculate their net asset values. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 77% of the market value of the investments for the International Fund was fair valued pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

 

b.  Security Transactions and Related Investment Income.  Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Dividend income is recorded on ex-dividend date, or in the case of certain foreign securities, as soon as a Fund is notified, and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Interest income is increased by the accretion of discount and decreased by the amortization of premium. Distributions received from investments in securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments or as a realized gain, respectively. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from the Funds’ investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are reported to the Funds after the end of the fiscal year; accordingly, the Funds estimate these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported to the Funds after the end of the fiscal year. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distribution information available. Investment income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld when applicable. In determining net gain or loss on securities sold, the cost of securities has been determined on an identified cost basis. Investment income, non-class-specific expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated on a pro rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Fund.

 

c.  Foreign Currency Translation.  The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. The value of securities, currencies and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

Since the values of investment securities are presented at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, it is not practical to isolate that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates from fluctuations which arise due to changes in market prices of investment securities. Such changes are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

 

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, at the end of the fiscal period, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

Each Fund may use foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign-denominated investments. Losses may arise from changes in the value of the foreign currency or if the counterparties do not perform under the contracts’ terms.

 

d.  Forward Foreign Currency Contracts.  The International Fund and the U.S. Diversified Portfolio may enter into forward foreign currency contracts. Contracts to buy generally are used to acquire exposure to foreign currencies, while contracts to sell generally are used to hedge a Fund’s investments against currency fluctuation. Also, a contract to buy or sell can offset a previous contract. These contracts involve market risk in excess of the unrealized gain or loss reflected in the Funds’ Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The U.S. dollar value of the currencies a Fund has committed to buy or sell represents the aggregate exposure to each currency a Fund has acquired or hedged through currency contracts outstanding at period end. Gains or losses are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized until settlement date. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. At December 31, 2009, there were no open forward foreign currency contracts.

 

e.  Option Contracts.  Certain Funds may enter into option contracts. When a Fund purchases an option, it pays a premium and the option is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect current value. Premiums paid for purchasing options which expire are treated as realized losses. Premiums paid for purchasing options which are exercised or closed are added to the cost or deducted from the proceeds on the underlying instrument to determine the realized gain or loss. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium paid.

 

When a Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the net premium received (the premium less commission) is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current value until the option expires or a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. When a written option expires on its stipulated expiration date or a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, the difference between the net premium received and any amount paid at expiration or on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including commission, is treated as a realized gain or, if the net premium received is less than the amount paid, as a realized loss. A Fund, as writer of a written option, bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the market value of the instrument underlying the written option.

 

Exchange-traded options have standardized contracts and are settled through a clearing house with fulfillment guaranteed by the credit of the exchange. Therefore, counterparty credit risks to the Fund are limited. Over-the-counter options are subject to the risk that the counterparty is unable or unwilling to meet its obligations under the option. The Funds are not party to any over-the-counter options at December 31, 2009.

 

48


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

f.  Federal and Foreign Income Taxes.  Each Trust treats each Fund as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund intends to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute to its shareholders substantially all of its net investment income and any net realized capital gains at least annually. Management has performed an analysis of each Fund’s tax positions for the open tax years as of December 31, 2009 and has concluded that no provisions for income tax are required. The Funds’ federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years, where applicable, remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Management is not aware of any events that are reasonably possible to occur in the next twelve months that would result in the amounts of any unrecognized tax benefits significantly increasing or decreasing for the Funds. However, management’s conclusions regarding tax positions taken may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, new tax laws and accounting regulations and interpretations thereof.

 

A Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income and gains on investments that are accrued based upon the Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and regulations that exist in the countries in which the Fund invests. Foreign governments may also impose taxes or other payments on investments with respect to foreign securities. Such taxes are accrued as applicable.

 

g.  Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders.  Dividends and distributions are recorded on ex-dividend date. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gain distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Permanent differences are primarily due to differing treatments for book and tax purposes for items such as net operating losses, distribution redesignations, return of capital & capital gain distributions from REITs, foreign currency transactions, non-deductible expenses, gains realized from passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), expiring capital loss carryforwards and regulatory settlements. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions, net investment income, and net realized gains will result in reclassifications to capital accounts. Temporary differences between book and tax distributable earnings are primarily due to deferred Trustees’ fees, securities lending collateral gain/loss adjustments, straddle loss deferrals, wash sales, return of capital distributions from REITs and PFIC unrealized gains. Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are considered to be distributed from ordinary income for tax purposes.

 

The tax characterization of distributions is determined on an annual basis. The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was as follows:

 

      2009 Distributions Paid From:     

Fund

  

Ordinary

Income

  

Long-Term

Capital Gains

  

Total

    

Targeted Equity Fund

   $ 5,596,850    $    $ 5,596,850   

International Fund

     56,901           56,901   

Large Cap Value Fund

     492,401           492,401   

Small Cap Value Fund

     1,564,773           1,564,773   

Value Opportunity Fund

     105,697           105,697   

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

                 
     2008 Distributions Paid From:

Fund

  

Ordinary

Income

  

Long-Term

Capital Gains

  

Return of

Capital

  

Total

Targeted Equity Fund

   $ 36,994,172    $ 2,005,331    $    $ 38,999,503

International Fund

     1,855,140      4,458,011      659,640      6,972,791

Large Cap Value Fund

     1,440,359                1,440,359

Small Cap Value Fund

     530      197,608           198,138

Value Opportunity Fund

     2,669                2,669

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

          9,399,370           9,399,370

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

Differences between these amounts and those reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets, if any, are primarily attributable to different book and tax treatment for short-term capital gains.

 

As of December 31, 2009, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

      Targeted
Equity Fund
    International
Fund
    Large Cap
Value Fund
    Small Cap
Value Fund
   Value
Opportunity
Fund
   U.S.
Diversified
Portfolio
 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 25,015      $ 243,335      $ 141,811      $ 3,438,881    $ 51,391    $   

Undistributed long-term capital gains

                               16,217        
                                              

Total undistributed earnings

     25,015        243,335        141,811        3,438,881      67,608        

Capital loss carryforward:

              

Expires December 31, 2010

                   (24,633,843 )*                  

Expires December 31, 2011

                   (9,965,466                 

Expires December 31, 2016

     (81,851,673                             (11,926,148

Expires December 31, 2017

     (187,561,344     (18,831,362     (9,203,027               (62,968,578
                                              

Total capital loss carryforward

     (269,413,017     (18,831,362     (43,802,336               (74,894,726

Deferred net capital losses (post-October 2009)

     (29,753                             (335,580

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     251,215,800        8,792,297        (8,099,515     101,861,453      589,806      58,889,489   
                                              

Total accumulated earnings (losses)

   $ (18,201,955   $ (9,795,730   $ (51,760,040   $ 105,300,334    $ 657,414    $ (16,340,817
                                              

Capital loss carryforward utilized in the current year

   $      $      $      $ 636,489    $    $   
                                              

 

* Some of the Large Cap Value Fund carryforward losses expiring in 2010 were obtained in the Fund’s merger with the Nvest Balanced Fund on June 7, 2003. The losses obtained in this merger are subject to limitations. The Fund also had carryforward losses expire in the current year in the amount of $25,407,834.

 

h.  Repurchase Agreements.  It is each Fund’s policy that the market value of the collateral for repurchase agreements be at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price, including interest. The repurchase agreements are tri-party arrangements whereby the collateral is held in a segregated account for the benefit of the Fund and on behalf of the counterparty. Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the counterparty including possible delays or restrictions upon a Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities.

 

i.  Securities Lending.  The Funds have entered into an agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street Bank”), as agent of the Funds, to lend securities to certain designated borrowers. The loans are collateralized with cash or securities in an amount equal to at least 105% or 102% of the market value (including accrued interest) of the loaned international or domestic securities, respectively, when the loan is initiated. Thereafter, the value of the collateral must remain at least 102% of the market value (including accrued interest) of loaned securities for U.S. equities and U.S. corporate debt; at least 105% of the market value (including accrued interest) of loaned securities for non-U.S. equities; and at least 100% of the market value (including accrued interest) of loaned securities for U.S. government securities, sovereign debt issued by non-U.S. governments and non-U.S. corporate debt. In the event that the market value of the collateral falls below the required percentages described above, the borrower will deliver additional collateral on the next business day. As with other extensions of credit, the Funds may bear the risk of loss with respect to the investment of the collateral. The Funds invest cash collateral in short-term investments, a portion of the income from which is remitted to the borrowers and the remainder allocated between the Funds and State Street Bank as lending agent.

 

As of December 31, 2009, there were no securities on loan.

 

j.  Indemnifications.  Under the Trusts’ organizational documents, their officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

3.  Fair Value Measurements.  In accordance with accounting standards related to fair value measurements and disclosures, the Funds have categorized the inputs utilized in determining the value of each Fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

 

   

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2 – prices determined using other significant inputs that are observable either directly, or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data (which could include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.);

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

   

Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs for situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable such as when there is little or no market activity for an asset or liability (unobservable inputs reflect each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of assets or liabilities and would be based on the best information available).

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of December 31, 2009, at value:

 

Targeted Equity Fund

 

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Description

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 999,180,202      $      $      $ 999,180,202

Short-Term Investments

              8,365,000               8,365,000
                                   

Total

     $ 999,180,202      $ 8,365,000      $      $ 1,007,545,202
                                   
(a) Major categories of the Fund’s investments are included in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

International Fund

 

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Description

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Common Stocks

                   

Australia

     $      $ 4,939,459      $      $ 4,939,459

Belgium

              595,167               595,167

Brazil

       5,292,551                      5,292,551

Canada

       4,845,069                      4,845,069

Chile

       539,092                      539,092

China

       558,455        10,251,757               10,810,212

Denmark

              1,740,082               1,740,082

France

       535,823        10,523,238               11,059,061

Germany

       556,149        5,205,459               5,761,608

Hong Kong

              2,209,250               2,209,250

India

       2,431,042                      2,431,042

Israel

       608,149                      608,149

Italy

              1,857,870               1,857,870

Japan

              11,828,056               11,828,056

Korea

       1,620,431        952,478               2,572,909

Luxembourg

       818,257                      818,257

Mexico

       1,502,338                      1,502,338

Norway

              682,470               682,470

Portugal

              642,514               642,514

Russia

       2,592,045                      2,592,045

Singapore

              728,355               728,355

South Africa

              522,295               522,295

Spain

              3,572,975               3,572,975

Sweden

              913,974               913,974

Switzerland

       563,274        8,238,207               8,801,481

Taiwan

              749,609               749,609

United Kingdom

              15,330,264               15,330,264
                                   

Total Common Stocks

       22,462,675        81,483,479               103,946,154
                                   

Preferred Stocks

              571,920               571,920

Exchange Traded Funds

       1,396,513                      1,396,513

Short-Term Investments

              548,548               548,548
                                   

Total

     $ 23,859,188      $ 82,603,947      $      $ 106,463,135
                                   

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

Large Cap Value Fund

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Description

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 124,652,584      $      $      $ 124,652,584

Short-Term Investments

              11,478,360               11,478,360
                                   

Total

     $ 124,652,584      $ 11,478,360      $      $ 136,130,944
                                   
(a) Major categories of the Fund’s investments are included in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

Small Cap Value Fund

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Description

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 589,686,127      $      $      $ 589,686,127

Short-Term Investments

              12,928,908               12,928,908
                                   

Total

     $ 589,686,127      $ 12,928,908      $      $ 602,615,035
                                   
(a) Major categories of the Fund’s investments are included in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

Value Opportunity Fund

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Description

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 11,980,641      $      $      $ 11,980,641

Short-Term Investments

              522,628               522,628
                                   

Total

     $ 11,980,641      $ 522,628      $      $ 12,503,269
                                   
(a) Major categories of the Fund’s investments are included in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Description

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 340,855,651      $      $      $ 340,855,651

Short-Term Investments

              11,713,636               11,713,636
                                   

Total

     $ 340,855,651      $ 11,713,636      $      $ 352,569,287
                                   
(a) Major categories of the Portfolio’s investments are included in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

Liability Valuation Inputs

 

Description

    

Level 1

      

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

 

Call Options Written

     $ (5,695      $      $      $ (5,695
                                       

 

4.  Derivatives.  Effective January 1, 2009, the Funds adopted accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities which require enhanced disclosures. Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Funds currently use include options contracts.

 

The U.S. Diversified Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is subject to the risk of unpredictable declines in the value of individual equity securities and periods of below-average performance in individual securities or in the equity market as a whole. The Portfolio may use option contracts to hedge against a decline in value of an equity security that it owns. The Portfolio may also write options to offset the cost of option contracts used for hedging purposes.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

The following is a summary of derivative instruments for the U.S. Diversified Portfolio as of December 31, 2009:

 

Liability Derivatives

  

Options Written

Equity contracts

   $(5,695)

Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location

   Options written, at value

 

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

Realized Gain (Loss)

  

Purchased Options

  

Options Written

Equity contracts

   $(757,405)    $32,474

Statements of Operations Location

   Included in Net realized gain (loss) on investments    Net realized gain (loss) on options written

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

  

Options Written

Equity contracts

   $11,203

Statements of Operations Location

   Net change in unrealized appreciation /depreciation on options written

 

The following is a summary of U.S. Diversified Portfolio’s purchased option activity:

 

Contracts

  

Number of
Contracts

   

Premiums

 

Outstanding at 12/31/2008

        $   

Options purchased

   4,914        1,864,404   

Options terminated in closing sale transactions

   (4,797     (1,797,948

Options expired

   (117     (66,456

Options exercised

            
              

Outstanding at 12/31/2009

        $   
              

 

The following is a summary of U.S. Diversified Portfolio’s written option activity:

 

Contracts

  

Number of
Contracts

   

Premiums

 

Outstanding at 12/31/2008

        $   

Options written

   15,632        1,980,124   

Options terminated in closing purchase transactions

   (15,598     (1,963,226

Options expired

            

Options exercised

            
              

Outstanding at 12/31/2009

   34      $ 16,898   
              

 

5.  Purchases and Sales of Securities.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:

 

Fund

   Purchases      Sales

Targeted Equity Fund

   $ 1,505,556,549      $ 1,566,267,605

International Fund

     39,689,275        45,697,298

Large Cap Value Fund

     138,804,896        156,535,487

Small Cap Value Fund

     628,394,006        442,557,458

Value Opportunity Fund

     11,896,331        1,680,479

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

     341,496,511        390,494,500

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

6.  Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates.

 

a.  Management Fees.  Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. (“Natixis Advisors”) serves as investment adviser to each Fund except the Targeted Equity Fund. Capital Growth Management Limited Partnership (“CGM”) is the investment adviser to the Targeted Equity Fund. Under the terms of the management agreements, each Fund pays a management fee at the following annual rates, calculated daily and payable monthly, based on each Fund’s average daily net assets:

 

      Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets

Fund

  

First

$200 million

  

Next

$300 million

  

Next

$500 million

  

Next

$1 billion

  

Over

$2 billion

Targeted Equity Fund

   0.75%    0.70%    0.65%    0.65%    0.60%

International Fund

   0.80%    0.75%    0.75%    0.75%    0.75%

Large Cap Value Fund

   0.70%    0.65%    0.60%    0.60%    0.60%

Small Cap Value Fund

   0.90%    0.90%    0.90%    0.90%    0.90%

Value Opportunity Fund

   0.80%    0.80%    0.80%    0.80%    0.80%

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

   0.90%    0.90%    0.90%    0.80%    0.80%

 

Natixis Advisors has entered into subadvisory agreements for each Fund as listed below.

 

International Fund

  

Hansberger Global Investors, Inc. (“Hansberger”)

Large Cap Value Fund

  

Harris Associates L.P. (“Harris”)

Small Cap Value Fund

  

Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. (“Vaughan Nelson”)

Value Opportunity Fund

  

Vaughan Nelson

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

  

Harris

  

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. (“Loomis Sayles”)

  

BlackRock Investment Management LLC (“BlackRock”)

 

Payments to Natixis Advisors are reduced by the amount of payments to the subadvisers.

 

Natixis Advisors has given binding undertakings to certain Funds to reduce management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses to limit the Funds’ operating expenses, exclusive of acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expense, taxes and extraordinary expenses. These undertakings are in effect until April 30, 2010 and will be reevaluated on an annual basis. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the expense limits as a percentage of average daily net assets under the expense limitation agreements were as follows:

 

        Expense limit as a Percentage of Average
Daily Net Assets
 

Fund

    

Class A

    

Class B

    

Class C

    

Class Y

 

Large Cap Value Fund

     1.30    2.05    2.05    1.05

Small Cap Value Fund

     1.45    2.20    2.20    1.20

Value Opportunity Fund

     1.40          2.15    1.15

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

     1.40    2.15    2.15    1.15

 

Natixis Advisors shall be permitted to recover expenses it has borne under the expense limitation agreements (whether through reduction of its management fees or otherwise) on a class by class basis in later periods to the extent the expenses of a class fall below a class’ expense limits, provided, however, that a class is not obligated to pay such reduced fees/expenses more than one year after the end of the fiscal year in which the fees/expenses were reduced.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the management fees and reduction of management fees for each Fund were as follows:

 

Fund

   Gross
Management
Fees
   Reductions
of
Management

Fees1
   Net
Management

Fees
     Percentage of
Average Daily
Net Assets
 
             

Gross

    

Net

 

Targeted Equity Fund

   $ 6,278,879    $    $ 6,278,879      0.69    0.69

International Fund

     699,333           699,333      0.80    0.80

Large Cap Value Fund

     801,253      49,256      751,997      0.70    0.66

Small Cap Value Fund

     4,147,115           4,147,115      0.90    0.90

Value Opportunity Fund

     29,113      29,113           0.80      

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

     2,773,640      101,119      2,672,521      0.90    0.87

 

1 Management fee reductions are subject to possible recovery until December 31, 2010.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, class-specific expenses have been reimbursed as follows:

 

        Reimbursement2

Fund

    

Class A

    

Class B

    

Class C

    

Class Y

    

Total

                        

Large Cap Value Fund

     $ 145,310      $ 12,320      $ 9,787      $ 1,881      $ 169,298

Small Cap Value Fund

       97,517        3,888        11,451               112,856

Value Opportunity Fund

       285               80        621        986

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

       307,698        48,031        31,771        1,814        389,314

 

In addition, the investment adviser reimbursed non-class-specific expenses of the Value Opportunity Fund in the amount of $171,988 for the year ended December 31, 2009.2

 

2 Expense reimbursements are subject to possible recovery until December 31, 2010.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, expense reimbursements related to the prior fiscal year were recovered as follows:

 

        Recovered Expenses

Fund

    

Class A

    

Class B

    

Class C

    

Class Y

    

Total

Small Cap Value Fund

     $      $      $      $ 3,358      $ 3,358

 

Certain officers and directors of Natixis Advisors and its affiliates are also officers or Trustees of the Funds. Natixis Advisors, CGM, Hansberger, Harris, Loomis Sayles and Vaughan Nelson are subsidiaries of Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P. (“Natixis US”), which is part of Natixis Global Asset Management, an international asset management group based in Paris, France.

 

b.  Administrative Fees.  Natixis Advisors provides certain administrative services for the Funds and contracts with State Street Bank to serve as sub-administrator. Natixis Advisors is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis US. Pursuant to an agreement among Natixis Funds Trust I, Natixis Funds Trust II, Natixis Funds Trust III, Natixis Funds Trust IV, Natixis Cash Management Trust, Gateway Trust (“Natixis Funds Trusts”), Loomis Sayles Funds I, Loomis Sayles Funds II (“Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts”), Hansberger International Series and Natixis Advisors, each Fund pays Natixis Advisors monthly its pro rata portion of fees equal to an annual rate of 0.0575% of the first $15 billion of the average daily net assets of the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and the Hansberger International Series, 0.0500% of the next $15 billion, 0.0425% of the next $30 billion and 0.0375% of such assets in excess of $60 billion, subject to an annual aggregate minimum fee for the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and the Hansberger International Series of $10 million, which is reevaluated on an annual basis. New funds are subject to a fee for the first twelve months of operations of $75,000 plus $12,500 per class and an additional $75,000 if managed by multiple subadvisers. For the period from January 1, 2009 to October 31, 2009, the Value Opportunity Fund was subject to the new fund fee.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, each Fund paid the following for administrative fees to Natixis Advisors:

 

Fund

   Administrative
Fees

Targeted Equity Fund

   $ 456,211

International Fund

     43,587

Large Cap Value Fund

     57,146

Small Cap Value Fund

     229,215

Value Opportunity Fund

     84,132

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

     153,922

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

c.  Service and Distribution Fees.  Natixis Distributors, L.P. (“Natixis Distributors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis US, has entered into a distribution agreement with the Trusts. Pursuant to this agreement, Natixis Distributors serves as principal underwriter of the funds of the Trusts.

 

Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Trusts have adopted a Service Plan relating to each Fund’s Class A shares (the “Class A Plans”) and a Distribution and Service Plan relating to each Fund’s Class B, if applicable, and Class C shares (the “Class B and Class C Plans”).

 

Under the Class A Plans, each Fund pays Natixis Distributors a monthly service fee at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class A shares, as reimbursement for expenses incurred by Natixis Distributors in providing personal services to investors in Class A shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.

 

Under the Class B, if applicable, and Class C Plans, each Fund pays Natixis Distributors a monthly service fee at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class B and Class C shares, as compensation for services provided and expenses incurred by Natixis Distributors in providing personal services to investors in Class B and Class C shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.

 

Also under the Class B, if applicable, and Class C Plans, each Fund pays Natixis Distributors a monthly distribution fee at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class B and Class C shares, as compensation for services provided and expenses incurred by Natixis Distributors in connection with the marketing or sale of Class B and Class C shares.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Funds paid the following service and distribution fees:

 

        Service Fee      Distribution Fee

Fund

    

Class A

    

Class B

    

Class C

    

Class B

    

Class C

                        

Targeted Equity Fund

     $ 1,622,811      $ 30,537      $ 161,664      $ 91,613      $ 484,993

International Fund

       168,356        21,661        28,524        64,984        85,574

Large Cap Value Fund

       235,057        19,034        15,546        57,103        46,636

Small Cap Value Fund

       660,710        25,836        77,895        77,507        233,685

Value Opportunity Fund

       2,145               309               926

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

       604,952        91,140        62,288        273,418        186,863

 

d.  Sub-Transfer Agent Fees.  Natixis Distributors has entered into agreements with financial intermediaries to provide certain recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing those services. Certain services would be provided by the Funds if the shares of those customers were registered directly with the Funds’ transfer agent. Accordingly, the Funds agreed to pay a portion of the intermediary fees attributable to shares of the Fund held by the intermediaries (which generally are a percentage of the value of shares held) not exceeding what the Funds would have paid their transfer agent had each customer’s shares been registered directly with the transfer agent instead of held through the intermediaries. Natixis Distributors pays the remainder of the fees.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Funds paid the following sub-transfer agent fees, which are reflected in transfer agent fees and expenses in the Statements of Operations:

 

Fund

  

Sub-Transfer
Agent Fees

Targeted Equity Fund

   $ 528,279

International Fund

     42,855

Large Cap Value Fund

     41,966

Small Cap Value Fund

     496,491

Value Opportunity Fund

     1,477

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

     112,207

 

56


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

e.  Commissions.  The Funds have been informed that commissions (including CDSCs) on Fund shares retained by Natixis Distributors during the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

Fund

  

Commissions

Targeted Equity Fund

   $ 598,325

International Fund

     54,099

Large Cap Value Fund

     47,608

Small Cap Value Fund

     211,076

Value Opportunity Fund

     7,216

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

     207,818

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, brokerage commissions for portfolio transactions paid to affiliated broker/dealers by the U.S. Diversified Portfolio were $9,859.

 

f.  Trustees Fees and Expenses.  The Funds do not pay any compensation directly to their officers or Trustees who are directors, officers or employees of Natixis Advisors, Natixis Distributors, Natixis US or their affiliates. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the Chairperson of the Board received a retainer fee at the annual rate of $200,000. The Chairperson did not receive any meeting attendance fees for Board of Trustees meetings or committee meetings that she attended. Each Independent Trustee (other than the Chairperson) received, in the aggregate, a retainer fee at the annual rate of $65,000. Each Independent Trustee also received a meeting attendance fee of $7,500 for each meeting of the Board of Trustees that he or she attended in person and $3,750 for each meeting of the Board of Trustees that he or she attended telephonically. In addition, each committee chairman received an additional retainer fee at an annual rate of $10,000. Each Contract Review and Governance Committee member was compensated $5,000 for each Committee meeting that he or she attended in person and $2,500 for each meeting that he or she attended telephonically. Each Audit Committee member was compensated $6,250 for each Committee meeting that he or she attended in person and $3,125 for each meeting that he or she attended telephonically.

 

Effective January 1, 2010, the Chairperson of the Board receives a retainer fee at the annual rate of $250,000. The Chairperson does not receive any meeting attendance fees for Board of Trustees meetings or committee meetings that she attends. Each Independent Trustee (other than the Chairperson) receives, in the aggregate, a retainer fee at the annual rate of $80,000. Each Independent Trustee also receives a meeting attendance fee of $10,000 for each meeting of the Board of Trustees that he or she attends in person and $5,000 for each meeting of the Board of Trustees that he or she attends telephonically. In addition, each committee chairman receives an additional retainer fee at an annual rate of $15,000. Each Contract Review and Governance Committee member is compensated $6,000 for each Committee meeting that he or she attends in person and $3,000 for each meeting that he or she attends telephonically. Each Audit Committee member is compensated $7,500 for each Committee meeting that he or she attends in person and $3,750 for each meeting that he or she attends telephonically. Each member of the ad hoc Committee on Alternative Investments will receive a one-time fee of $10,000. The ad hoc Committee on Alternative Investments is not a standing committee. These fees are allocated among the funds in the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and Hansberger International Series based on a formula that takes into account, among other factors, the relative net assets of each fund. Trustees are reimbursed for travel expenses in connection with attendance at meetings.

 

A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Funds until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts, on the normal payment dates, in certain funds of the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and Hansberger International Series as designated by the participating Trustees. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are allocated pro rata among the funds in the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts, and Hansberger International Series, and are normally reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statements of Operations. The portions of the accrued obligations allocated to the Funds under the Plan are reflected as Deferred Trustees’ fees in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

g.  Payments by Affiliates.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, Loomis Sayles reimbursed the U.S. Diversified Portfolio $11,550 for losses incurred in connection with a trading error.

 

7.  Class-Specific Expenses

 

For the period from January 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009, the Fund paid the following class-specific transfer agent fees and expenses (including sub-transfer agent fees):

 

      Transfer Agent Fees and Expenses

Fund

  

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class C

  

Class Y

Targeted Equity Fund

   $ 679,114    $ 12,692    $ 65,384    $ 118,607

International Fund

     135,284      18,458      23,377     

Large Cap Value Fund

     203,885      17,330      13,754      6,177

Small Cap Value Fund

     431,406      17,769      49,991      144,585

Value Opportunity Fund

     285           80      621

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

     456,518      71,806      47,174      4,930

 

Effective October 1, 2009, transfer agent fees and expenses are allocated on a pro rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Funds.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

8.  Regulatory Settlements.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, the International Fund and Large Cap Value Fund received payments of $613,370 and $8,806, respectively, relating to a regulatory settlement the Funds participated in during the year. The Securities and Exchange Commission settled an enforcement action against Bear Stearns charging Bear Stearns with securities fraud for facilitating unlawful late trading and deceptive market timing of mutual funds by its customers and customers of its introducing brokers. The payments have been included in “Increase from Regulatory Settlements” on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

9.  Line of Credit.  Each Fund, together with certain other funds of Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and the Hansberger International Series, participates in a $200,000,000 committed unsecured line of credit provided by State Street Bank, with an individual limit of $125,000,000 for each fund that participates in the line of credit. Interest is charged to each participating fund based on its borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds rate or overnight LIBOR, plus 0.75%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.125% per annum, payable at the end of each calendar quarter, is accrued and apportioned among the participating funds based on their average daily unused portion of the line of credit.

 

Prior to March 11, 2009, each Fund, together with certain other funds of Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and Hansberger International Series, participated in a $200,000,000 committed unsecured line of credit provided by State Street Bank, with an individual limit of $125,000,000 for each fund that participated in the line of credit. Interest was charged to each participating fund based on its borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.09% per annum, payable at the end of each calendar quarter, was accrued and apportioned among the participating funds based on their average daily unused portion of the line of credit.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Funds had no borrowings under these agreements.

 

10.  Brokerage Commission Recapture.  Each Fund has entered into agreements with certain brokers whereby the brokers will rebate a portion of brokerage commissions. All amounts rebated by the brokers are returned to the Funds under such agreements and are included in realized gains on investments in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2009, amounts rebated under these agreements were as follows:

 

Fund

   Rebates

Targeted Equity Fund

   $ 570,455

International Fund

     7,410

Large Cap Value Fund

     11,094

Small Cap Value Fund

     93,953

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

     74,147

 

11.  Concentration of Risk.  Each Fund may purchase investments of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies and securities of the U.S. government. These risks include revaluation of currencies and the risk of expropriation. Moreover, the markets for securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid and the price of such securities may be more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies and the U.S. government.

 

12.  Concentration of Ownership.  From time to time, the Funds may have a concentration of several shareholders holding a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities of these shareholders could have material impacts on the Funds. At December 31, 2009, one shareholder individually owned more than 5% of the Small Cap Value Fund’s total outstanding shares, representing 6.79% of the Fund’s net assets and three shareholders, including Natixis US, individually owned more than 5% of the Value Opportunity Fund’s total outstanding shares, representing 22.08% of the Fund’s net assets. Natixis US owned shares equating to 9.99% of Value Opportunity Fund’s net assets.

 

58


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

13.  Capital Shares.  Each Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value. Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

   Year Ended
December 31, 2009
        Year Ended
December 31, 2008
    

Targeted Equity Fund

   Shares        Amount       Shares        Amount   
         
Class A          

Issued from the sale of shares

   18,532,079      $ 148,049,113       55,490,745      $ 517,404,637   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   335,999        3,222,227       2,910,640        31,249,485   

Redeemed

   (50,204,318     (374,589,222    (17,951,803     (174,709,000
                             

Net change

   (31,336,240   $ (223,317,882    40,449,582      $ 373,945,122   
                             
Class B          

Issued from the sale of shares

   45,025      $ 305,649       143,426      $ 1,418,763   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

                96,866        1,000,641   

Redeemed

   (623,545     (4,417,340    (955,848     (9,400,428
                             

Net change

   (578,520   $ (4,111,691    (715,556   $ (6,981,024
                             
Class C          

Issued from the sale of shares

   2,873,972      $ 20,208,835       8,205,733      $ 79,419,493   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   1,791        15,423       111,128        1,084,172   

Redeemed

   (2,754,130     (19,801,078    (1,347,914     (11,050,172
                             

Net change

   121,633      $ 423,180       6,968,947      $ 69,453,493   
                             
Class Y          

Issued from the sale of shares

   34,268,943      $ 265,786,478       5,749,964      $ 58,767,140   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   36,234        355,815       112,867        1,154,835   

Redeemed

   (12,796,087     (115,579,152    (1,536,310     (15,367,087
                             

Net change

   21,509,090      $ 150,563,141       4,326,521      $ 44,554,888   
                             

Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

   (10,284,037   $ (76,443,252    51,029,494      $ 480,972,479   
                             

 

   Year Ended
December 31, 2009
        Year Ended
December 31, 2008
    

International Fund

   Shares        Amount       Shares        Amount   
         
Class A          

Issued from the sale of shares

   814,057      $ 11,422,735       981,700      $ 18,940,104   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   3,394        53,003       345,275        4,818,828   

Redeemed

   (1,090,297     (13,377,887    (1,586,221     (27,268,780
                             

Net change

   (272,846   $ (1,902,149    (259,246   $ (3,509,848
                             
Class B          

Issued from the sale of shares

   30,044      $ 349,812       52,461      $ 886,564   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

                59,291        820,177   

Redeemed

   (337,051     (3,628,763    (653,714     (10,658,356
                             

Net change

   (307,007   $ (3,278,951    (541,962   $ (8,951,615
                             
Class C          

Issued from the sale of shares

   142,702      $ 1,676,028       152,539      $ 2,358,934   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

                56,042        742,520   

Redeemed

   (283,079     (2,878,047    (406,749     (5,808,222
                             

Net change

   (140,377   $ (1,202,019    (198,168   $ (2,706,768
                             

Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

   (720,230   $ (6,383,119    (999,376   $ (15,168,231
                             

 

59


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

13.  Capital Shares (continued).

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2009          Year Ended December 31, 2008      

Large Cap Value Fund

   Shares        Amount       Shares        Amount   
         
Class A          

Issued from the sale of shares

   623,676      $ 6,353,749       582,760      $ 7,394,713   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   31,832        375,612       123,874        1,080,365   

Redeemed

   (1,427,850     (13,903,194    (2,448,049     (30,614,764
                             

Net change

   (772,342   $ (7,173,833    (1,741,415   $ (22,139,686
                             
Class B          

Issued from the sale of shares

   32,413      $ 261,331       25,208      $ 284,969   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   614        5,027       1,311        11,144   

Redeemed

   (362,222     (3,281,480    (750,483     (8,800,532
                             

Net change

   (329,195   $ (3,015,122    (723,964   $ (8,504,419
                             
Class C          

Issued from the sale of shares

   65,110      $ 686,066       86,750      $ 959,743   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   250        2,040       1,102        9,068   

Redeemed

   (210,113     (1,879,456    (452,490     (5,130,494
                             

Net change

   (144,753   $ (1,191,350    (364,638   $ (4,161,683
                             
Class Y          

Issued from the sale of shares

   156,901      $ 1,620,029       42,540      $ 536,117   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   3,026        37,260       13,093        117,751   

Redeemed

   (231,953     (2,617,861    (175,485     (2,254,102
                             

Net change

   (72,026   $ (960,572    (119,852   $ (1,600,234
                             

Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

   (1,318,316   $ (12,340,877    (2,949,869   $ (36,406,022
                             
   Year Ended December 31, 2009          Year Ended December 31, 2008      

Small Cap Value Fund

   Shares        Amount       Shares        Amount   
         
Class A          

Issued from the sale of shares

   13,418,177      $ 227,959,553       7,762,440      $ 149,885,313   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   17,598        385,045       5,945        120,326   

Redeemed

   (8,824,221     (161,488,021    (2,595,028     (48,898,219
                             

Net change

   4,611,554      $ 66,856,577       5,173,357      $ 101,107,420   
                             
Class B          

Issued from the sale of shares

   27,360      $ 440,020       38,931      $ 709,105   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

                1,463        26,922   

Redeemed

   (245,583     (3,963,943    (536,777     (9,931,890
                             

Net change

   (218,223   $ (3,523,923    (496,383   $ (9,195,863
                             
Class C          

Issued from the sale of shares

   1,072,330      $ 17,045,402       620,823      $ 11,187,345   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

                1,187        21,844   

Redeemed

   (504,071     (8,535,298    (314,966     (5,628,923
                             

Net change

   568,259      $ 8,510,104       307,044      $ 5,580,266   
                             
Class Y          

Issued from the sale of shares

   8,388,651      $ 151,130,799       5,267,072      $ 105,221,767   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   36,429        795,531       257        5,216   

Redeemed

   (2,138,814     (40,431,143    (1,244,655     (25,179,827
                             

Net change

   6,286,266      $ 111,495,187       4,022,674      $ 80,047,156   
                             

Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

   11,247,856      $ 183,337,945       9,006,692      $ 177,538,979   
                             

 

60


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

13.  Capital Shares (continued).

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2009          Period Ended

December 31, 2008*

Value Opportunity Fund

   Shares        Amount       Shares      Amount
          
Class A           

Issued from the sale of shares

   301,420      $ 3,594,480       1,707    $ 15,232

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   2,267        27,711       4      41

Redeemed

   (12,871     (155,426        
                          

Net change

   290,816      $ 3,466,765       1,711    $ 15,273
                          
Class C           

Issued from the sale of shares

   26,838      $ 319,636       4,255    $ 37,836

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   159        1,926       9      83

Redeemed

   (1,428     (17,122        
                          

Net change

   25,569      $ 304,440       4,264    $ 37,919
                          
Class Y           

Issued from the sale of shares

   589,511      $ 7,153,109       99,800    $ 998,001

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   4,238        51,875       275      2,545

Redeemed

   (3,074     (37,261        
                          

Net change

   590,675      $ 7,167,723       100,075    $ 1,000,546
                          

Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

   907,060      $ 10,938,928       106,050    $ 1,053,738
                          

 

* From commencement of operations on October 31, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

 

   Year Ended

December 31, 2009

  

  

   Year Ended

December 31, 2008

  

  

U.S. Diversified Portfolio

   Shares        Amount       Shares        Amount   
         
Class A          

Issued from the sale of shares

   954,429      $ 15,643,678       1,828,584      $ 39,280,183   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

                280,392        6,293,312   

Redeemed

   (2,447,076     (40,145,823    (2,839,898     (57,914,421
                             

Net change

   (1,492,647   $ (24,502,145    (730,922   $ (12,340,926
                             
Class B          

Issued from the sale of shares

   46,129      $ 679,074       84,290      $ 1,619,357   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

                90,527        1,776,753   

Redeemed

   (1,050,033     (14,851,816    (2,335,059     (44,358,057
                             

Net change

   (1,003,904   $ (14,172,742    (2,160,242   $ (40,961,947
                             
Class C          

Issued from the sale of shares

   82,914      $ 1,237,018       138,686      $ 2,389,673   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

                34,838        684,060   

Redeemed

   (307,653     (4,431,727    (433,915     (7,693,846
                             

Net change

   (224,739   $ (3,194,709    (260,391   $ (4,620,113
                             
Class Y          

Issued from the sale of shares

   68,960      $ 1,240,211       174,882      $ 4,424,739   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

                8,514        204,991   

Redeemed

   (174,356     (3,021,131    (442,660     (10,457,238
                             

Net change

   (105,396   $ (1,780,920    (259,264   $ (5,827,508
                             

Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

   (2,826,686   $ (43,650,516    (3,410,819   $ (63,750,494
                             

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Trustees of Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II and Shareholders of CGM Advisor Targeted Equity Fund, Hansberger International Fund, Natixis U.S. Diversified Portfolio, Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund, Harris Associates Large Cap Value Fund and Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund:

 

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the CGM Advisor Targeted Equity Fund, Hansberger International Fund, Natixis U.S. Diversified Portfolio and Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund, each a series of Natixis Funds Trust I; the Harris Associates Large Cap Value Fund and the Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund, each a series of Natixis Funds Trust II (collectively, the “Funds”), at December 31, 2009, and the results of each of their operations, the changes in each of their net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Funds’ management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2009 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, MA

February 22, 2010

 

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2009 U.S. TAX DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION TO SHAREHOLDERS (Unaudited)

 

Corporate Dividends Received Deduction.  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, a percentage of dividends distributed by the Funds listed below qualify for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. These percentages are as follows:

 

Fund

   Qualifying
Percentage
 

Targeted Equity Fund

   100.00

Large Cap Value Fund

   100.00

Small Cap Value Fund

   100.00

Value Opportunity Fund

   23.66

 

Qualified Dividend Income.  A percentage of dividends distributed by the Funds during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 are considered qualified dividend income, and are eligible for reduced tax rates. These lower rates range from 0% to 15% depending on an individual’s tax bracket. These percentages are noted below:

 

Fund

   Qualifying
Percentage
 

Targeted Equity Fund

   100.00

International Fund

   100.00

Large Cap Value Fund

   100.00

Small Cap Value Fund

   100.00

Value Opportunity Fund

   30.19

 

Foreign Tax Credit.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, the International Fund intends to pass through a foreign tax credit of $200,432 and has derived gross income from sources within foreign countries of $2,297,250.

 

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Table of Contents

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION

 

The tables below provide certain information regarding the Trustees and officers of Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II (the “Trusts”). Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons below is 399 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. The Trusts’ Statements of Additional Information include additional information about the Trustees of the Trusts and are available by calling Natixis Funds at 800-225-5478.

 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with the
Trust(s), Length of Time
Served and Term of Office*

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years**

  

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen***

and Other Directorships Held

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES        

Graham T. Allison, Jr.

(1940)

 

Trustee

Since 1984 for Natixis Funds Trust I (including its predecessors) and since 1995 for Natixis Funds Trust II

Contract Review and Governance Committee Member

   Douglas Dillon Professor and Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University   

39

Director, Taubman Centers, Inc. (real estate investment trust)

Edward A. Benjamin

(1938)

 

Trustee

Since 2003 for Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II

Chairman of the Contract Review and Governance Committee

   Retired   

39

None

Daniel M. Cain

(1945)

 

Trustee

Since 1996 for Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II

Chairman of the Audit Committee

   Chairman (formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer) of Cain Brothers & Company, Incorporated (investment banking)   

39

Director, Sheridan Healthcare Inc. (physician practice management)

Kenneth A. Drucker

(1945)

 

Trustee

Since 2008 for Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II

Audit Committee Member

   Formerly, Treasurer, Sequa Corp. (manufacturing)   

39

None

Wendell J. Knox****

(1948)

 

Trustee

Since 2009 for Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II

Contract Review and Governance Committee

Member

   Director (formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer) of Abt Associates Inc. (research and consulting)   

39

Director, Eastern Bank (commercial bank); Director, The Hanover Insurance Group (property and casualty insurance)

 

64


Table of Contents

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION

 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with the
Trust(s), Length of Time
Served and Term of Office*

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years**

  

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen***

and Other Directorships Held

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

continued

       

Sandra O. Moose

(1942)

 

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees since
November 2005

Trustee since 1982 for Natixis Funds Trust I (including its predecessors) and since 1993 for Natixis Funds Trust II

Ex officio member of the Audit Committee and Contract Review and Governance Committee

   President, Strategic Advisory Services (management consulting); formerly, Senior Vice President and Director, The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. (management consulting)   

39

Director, Verizon Communications; Director, AES Corporation (international power company)

Erik R. Sirri*****

(1958)

 

Trustee

Since 2009 for Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II

Contract Review and Governance Committee

Member

   Professor of finance at Babson College; formerly, Director of the Division of Trading and Markets at the Securities and Exchange Commission   

39

None

Peter J. Smail*****

(1952)

 

Trustee

Since 2009 for Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II

Contract Review and Governance Committee

Member

   Retired; formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pyramis Global Advisors (investment management)   

39

None

Cynthia L. Walker

(1956)

 

Trustee

Since 2005 for Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II

Audit Committee Member

   Deputy Dean for Finance and Administration, Yale University School of Medicine; formerly, Executive Dean for Administration, Harvard Medical School; and formerly, Dean for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Harvard Medical School   

39

None

INTERESTED TRUSTEES        

Robert J. Blanding1

(1947)

555 California Street

San Francisco, CA 94104

 

Trustee

Since 2003 for Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II

   President, Chairman, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.   

39

None

 

65


Table of Contents

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION

 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with the
Trust(s), Length of Time
Served and Term of Office*

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years**

  

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen***

and Other Directorships Held

INTERESTED TRUSTEES

continued

       

John T. Hailer2

(1960)

 

Trustee

Since 2000 for Natixis Funds Trust I and Natixis Funds Trust II

   President and Chief Executive Officer-U.S. and Asia, Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P.; formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Natixis Distribution Corporation, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P., Natixis Distributors, L.P. and Natixis Global Associates, Inc.   

39

None

 

* Each Trustee serves until retirement, resignation or removal from the Board of Trustees. The current retirement age is 72. The position of Chairperson of the Board of Trustees is appointed for a two-year term. Ms. Moose was appointed to serve an additional two-year term as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees on November 20, 2009.

 

** Each person listed above, except as noted, holds the same position(s) with the Natixis Funds Trust I, Natixis Funds Trust II, Natixis Funds Trust III, Natixis Funds Trust IV, Gateway Trust and the Natixis Cash Management Trust (collectively, the “Natixis Funds Trusts”), Loomis Sayles Funds I and Loomis Sayles Funds II (collectively, the “Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts”), and Hansberger International Series. Previous positions during the past five years with Natixis Distributors, L.P. (the “Distributor”), Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. (“Natixis Advisors”), or Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. (“Loomis Sayles”) are omitted if not materially different from a Trustee’s or officer’s current position with such entity.

 

*** The Trustees of the Trusts serve as trustees of a fund complex that includes all series of the Natixis Funds Trusts, the Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and Hansberger International Series (collectively, the “Fund Complex”).

 

**** Mr. Knox was appointed as trustee effective July 1, 2009.

 

***** Mr. Sirri and Mr. Smail were appointed as trustees effective December 1, 2009.

 

1

Mr. Blanding is deemed an “interested person” of the Trusts because he holds the following positions with an affiliated person of the Trusts: President, Chairman, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Loomis Sayles.

 

2

Mr. Hailer is deemed an “interested person” of the Trusts because he holds the following positions with an affiliated person of the Trusts: President and Chief Executive Officer-U.S. and Asia, Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P.

 

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TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION

 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with the
Trusts

  

Term of Office* and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation During
Past 5 Years**

OFFICERS OF THE TRUSTS        

Coleen Downs Dinneen

(1960)

  Secretary, Clerk and Chief Legal Officer    Since September 2004    Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Clerk (formerly, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk), Natixis Distribution Corporation, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and Natixis Distributors, L.P.

David Giunta

(1965)

  President and Chief Executive Officer    Since March 2008    President and Chief Executive Officer, Natixis Distribution Corporation, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and Natixis Distributors, L.P.; formerly, President, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund; and formerly, Senior Vice President, Fidelity Brokerage Company

Russell L. Kane

(1969)

  Chief Compliance Officer, Assistant Secretary and Anti-Money Laundering Officer    Chief Compliance Officer since May 2006; Assistant Secretary since June 2004; and Anti-Money Laundering Officer since April 2007    Chief Compliance Officer for Mutual Funds, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk, Natixis Distribution Corporation, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and Natixis Distributors, L.P.

Michael C. Kardok

(1959)

  Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer    Since October 2004    Senior Vice President, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and Natixis Distributors, L.P.

 

* Each officer of the Trusts serves for an indefinite term in accordance with the Trusts’ current By-laws until the date his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until he or she sooner dies, retires, is removed or becomes disqualified.

 

** Each person listed above, except as noted, holds the same position(s) with the Fund Complex. Previous positions during the past five years with the Distributor, Natixis Advisors or Loomis Sayles are omitted if not materially different from a Trustee’s or officer’s current position with such entity.

 

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LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

December 31, 2009

 

ASG Diversifying Strategies Fund

AlphaSimplex Group, LLC

 

ASG Global Alternatives Fund

AlphaSimplex Group, LLC

LOGO

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Management Discussion and  Performance page 1

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments page 9

 

Consolidated Financial Statements page 13


Table of Contents

ASG DIVERSIFYING STRATEGIES FUND

PORTFOLIO PROFILE

 

Objective:

Pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation while maintaining a low or negative correlation over time with the returns of major equity indices.

 

 

Strategy:

Seeks to generate positive absolute returns over time rather than track the performance of any particular index by using multiple quantitative investment models and strategies.

 

 

Inception Date:

August 3, 2009

 

 

Managers:

Andrew Lo

Jeremiah Chafkin

AlphaSimplex Group, LLC (Adviser)

 

Robert Rickard

Reich & Tang Asset Management, LLC (Subadviser)

 

 

Symbols:

Class A:    DSFAX
Class C:    DSFCX
Class Y:    DSFYX

 

 

What you should know:

Derivatives, primarily futures and forward contracts, generally have implied leverage (a small amount of money to make an investment of greater value). Because of this, the fund’s extensive use of derivatives may magnify any gains or losses on those investments as well as risk to the fund. The fund can invest in foreign securities and the value of the fund shares can be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates, and political and economic developments.

 

Management Discussion

 

 

 

Commodity prices reached new highs and global equity markets continued to rally during the last few months of 2009. However, the last quarter was somewhat choppy for many markets as investors began to reduce holdings after six months of solid performance that began in March.

 

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM DURING ITS FIRST MONTHS OF OPERATION?

From August 3, 2009 – the inception of the fund – through December 31, 2009, Class A shares of ASG Diversifying Strategies Fund provided a total return of 7.26% at net asset value, including $0.10 per share in dividends and $0.44 per share in capital gains reinvested during the period. The fund’s return was significantly ahead of the 0.12% return on 3-month LIBOR (the London Interbank Offered Rate) for the same period. The fund also outperformed the HFRI Fund of Funds Composite Index which returned 4.06% during that period. The multiple absolute return-oriented strategies the fund uses – in particular its trend-following strategy – helped it outperform HFRI Fund of Funds Composite Index. In addition, the fund’s realized correlation in daily returns with the S&P 500 Index was about 20%, which is in line with its objective of low to negative correlation with major equity markets.

 

HOW DID THE FUND ACHIEVE THESE RETURNS?

The fund is an actively managed, global, multi-asset class portfolio of long and short positions. We use a combination of multiple absolute return-oriented investment models, actively adjusting weights in response to market conditions. During the months since its inception, we added several models to the fund, including two currency strategies, a relative-value equity strategy, and a shorter-term trend model. The fund’s positive performance during the period was influenced most strongly by the three models, described below.

 

·  

The trend model contributed about half of the fund’s gains, and fared particularly well from August to October. It benefited from fairly broad-based equity rallies, falling short-term interest rates, and a weakening U.S. dollar throughout the summer and the fall.

 

·  

Gains in the hedge fund consensus beta model were largely driven by commodities and currencies. The commodities sector was a strong contributor during October, when crude oil and base metals rallied. Currencies performed well in September and November, as the U.S. dollar weakened. However, the fund gave up some of these gains in December as the U.S. dollar strengthened, in particular against the euro and the Japanese yen.

 

·  

Performance of the relative value fixed-income model was driven by successful trading during the month of August, although these gains were partially offset by losses in October.

 

The short-term portion of the portfolio contributed modestly to performance, adding 0.15% to return, slightly better than the return on 30-day LIBOR. When the fund launched in August, the Fed funds rate was close to zero, and remained in the 0.00% to 0.25% range throughout the period, providing minimal opportunities for incremental returns from cash management.

 

Due to the overall upward trend in global equity markets since August, the equity hedging mechanism used to manage the fund’s correlation with equity markets acted as a drag on returns during the period. However, as equity markets weakened in October, the hedging mechanism contributed more than half of that month’s gains.

 

WHAT DO YOU SEE AHEAD?

The outlook for the global economy remains challenging. Many emerging market economies and those with fewer headwinds from debt are rebounding more forcefully than those hit hard by the financial crisis or burdened by large fiscal deficits. The growing dispersion in performance between economies may lead to varied responses as policy makers begin to withdraw, or contemplate withdrawal, of emergency stimulus measures. As nations tend to their own needs on the monetary and fiscal fronts, this may create opportunities for relative value strategies across countries in bonds, currencies, and equities.

 

1


Table of Contents

ASG DIVERSIFYING STRATEGIES FUND

Investment Results through December 31, 2009

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

The table comparing the fund’s performance to an index provides a general sense of how it performed. The fund’s total return for the period shown below appears with and without sales charges and includes fund expenses and fees. An index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike a fund, an index is unmanaged and does not have expenses that affect the results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Investors would incur transaction costs and other expenses if they purchased the securities necessary to match the index.

 

Total Returns — December 31, 20095

 

   
        SINCE INCEPTION  

CLASS A (Inception 8/3/09)

      

Net Asset Value1

     7.26

With Maximum Sales Charge2

     1.09   
   

CLASS C (Inception 8/3/09)

      

Net Asset Value1

     6.90   

With CDSC3

     5.90   
   

CLASS Y (Inception 8/3/09)

      

Net Asset Value1

     7.29   
   
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE      SINCE INCEPTION4  

3-Month LIBOR

     0.12

HFRI Fund of Funds Composite Index

     4.06   

Morningstar Long-Short Fund Avg.

     4.49   

 

All returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Periods of less than one year are not annualized. Share price and return will vary and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current returns may be higher or lower than those shown. For performance current to the most recent month-end, visit www.funds.natixis.com. All results include reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Class Y shares are only available to certain investors, as outlined in the prospectus.

The table does not reflect taxes shareholders might owe on any fund distributions or when they redeem their shares.

 

PORTFOLIO FACTS

 

    % of Net Assets
as of
 
FUND COMPOSITION   12/31/09  

Certificates of Deposit

  49.8   

Commercial Paper

  23.7   

Time Deposits

  8.4   

Bank Notes

  0.7   

Futures Contracts

  0.1   

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  (0.3

Other Assets less Liabilities

  17.6   

 

EXPENSE RATIOS AS STATED IN THE MOST RECENT PROSPECTUS

Share Class   Gross Expense Ratio6   Net Expense Ratio7

A

 

3.52%

 

1.74%

C

 

4.27%

 

2.49%

Y

 

3.19%

 

1.49%

 

NOTES TO CHARTS

See page 5 for a description of indexes.

1

Does not include a sales charge.

2

Includes the maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

3

Performance for Class C shares assumes a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) applied when you sell shares within one year of purchase.

4

The since-inception comparative performance figures shown are calculated from 8/1/09.

5

Fund performance has been increased by expense reductions and reimbursements, without which performance would have been lower.

6

Before reductions and reimbursements.

7

After reductions and reimbursements. Expense reductions are contractual and are set to expire on 4/30/11.

 

2


Table of Contents

ASG GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES FUND

PORTFOLIO PROFILE

 

Objective:

Seeks capital appreciation consistent with the return and risk characteristics of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds.

 

 

Strategy:

Seeks to achieve long and short exposure to global equity, bond, currency, and commodity markets through a wide range of derivative instruments and direct investments.

 

 

Inception Date:

September 30, 2008

 

 

Managers:

Andrew Lo

Jeremiah Chafkin

AlphaSimplex Group, LLC (Adviser)

 

Robert Rickard

Reich & Tang Asset Management, LLC (Subadviser)

 

 

Symbols:

Class A:    GAFAX
Class C:    GAFCX
Class Y:    GAFYX

 

 

What you should know:

Derivatives, primarily futures and forward contracts, generally have implied leverage (a small amount of money to make an investment of greater value). Because of this, the fund’s extensive use of derivatives may magnify any gains or losses on those investments as well as risk to the fund. The fund can invest in foreign securities and the value of the fund shares can be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates, and political and economic developments.

 

Management Discussion

 

 

After bottoming in the first quarter of 2009, commodities and equities staged strong rallies through year end. Hedge funds involved in trading distressed assets, fixed-income spread products, credit and emerging markets, and equities were the clear winners in 2009 over traditional macro and systematic funds.

 

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM?

For the year ended December 31, 2009, Class A shares of ASG Global Alternatives Fund provided a total return of 8.95% at net asset value, including $0.12 per share in dividends and $0.05 per share in capital gains reinvested during the period. The fund lagged its benchmark, HFRI Fund of Funds Composite Index, which returned 11.15% for the same period. This difference is consistent with expectations given the fund’s active risk controls and emphasis on highly liquid assets. In particular, limits on risk-taking constrained the fund’s gains relative to the index, and the rebounding prices of illiquid assets benefited the index.

 

WHAT WAS BEHIND THE FUND’S PERFORMANCE?

More than half of the fund’s returns were due to long exposures in base metals, energy, and gold. Copper was the most significant contributor, followed by zinc and crude oil. The remarkable rise in global stock indices was the second-most important driver of performance. The fund maintained a long equity exposure throughout the year, and after hitting their low in March, global stock markets rose progressively higher. The fund’s long exposures to 90-day Eurodollar futures also made a modest profit as short-term rates fell in 2009.

 

The short-term portion of the portfolio contributed 0.67% to the fund’s return, slightly better than 30-day LIBOR. The Fed funds rate languished between 0.00% and 0.25% throughout the second half of the year.

 

The fund maintained a short U.S. dollar posture throughout the year. As a result, it made money from foreign exchange in the middle of the year and lost money at the beginning and end of the year. Overall, these exposures netted a small loss by December 31, 2009. In the fixed-income area, the price of highly rated sovereign debt generally fell, and the fund’s long exposures to sovereign debt resulted in a modest loss as investors returned to risky assets in 2009.

 

HOW DID YOU ADJUST THE PORTFOLIO TO CHANGES IN THE MARKETS?

We adjusted the fund’s market exposures on a daily basis in response to changes in market volatility estimates, which allowed fund volatility to stay closer to its 8% target. Market volatility was high at the start of 2009, so the risk controls dictated lower market exposures for the fund. As the year went on, volatility declined, so we increased the fund’s market exposures.

 

The portfolio began 2009 with very small exposures to stocks and commodities, but increased its allocation to these asset classes each quarter as market volatility declined. By year end, these exposures had more than quadrupled.

 

WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK?

The outlook for the global economy remains challenging. Many emerging market economies and those with fewer headwinds from debt are rebounding more forcefully than those hit hard by the financial crisis or burdened by large fiscal deficits. The growing dispersion in performance among world economies may lead to varied responses by country as policy makers begin to withdraw, or contemplate withdrawal, of emergency stimulus measures.

 

In the coming year, we believe performance will most likely be affected by the pace of economic recovery or relapse in 2010, as well as by other developments, such as the rise or fall of the U.S. dollar and China’s continuing appetite for commodities.

 

3


Table of Contents

ASG GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES FUND

Investment Results through December 31, 2009

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

The charts comparing the fund’s performance to an index provide a general sense of how it performed. The fund’s total return for the period shown below appears with and without sales charges and includes fund expenses and fees. An index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike a fund, an index is unmanaged and does not have expenses that affect the results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Investors would incur transaction costs and other expenses if they purchased the securities necessary to match the index.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Class A Shares5

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Returns — December 31, 20095

 

     
     1 YEAR      SINCE INCEPTION  

CLASS A (Inception 9/30/08)

      

Net Asset Value1

  8.95    4.74

With Maximum Sales Charge2

  2.70       -0.09   
   

CLASS C (Inception 9/30/08)

      

Net Asset Value1

  8.09       3.95   

With CDSC3

  7.09       3.95   
   

CLASS Y (Inception 9/30/08)

      

Net Asset Value1

  9.10       4.97   
   
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE   1 YEAR      SINCE INCEPTION4  

HFRI Fund of Funds Composite Index

  11.15    -0.02

Morningstar Long-Short Fund Avg.

  10.46       1.52   

 

All returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Periods of less than one year are not annualized. Share price and return will vary and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current returns may be higher or lower than those shown. For performance current to the most recent month-end, visit www.funds.natixis.com. All results include reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Class Y shares are only available to certain investors, as outlined in the prospectus.

The table does not reflect taxes shareholders might owe on any fund distributions or when they redeem their shares.

 

PORTFOLIO FACTS

 

    % of Net Assets as of
FUND COMPOSITION   12/31/09      12/31/08

Certificates of Deposit

  57.8       51.6

Commercial Paper

  17.8       36.7

Time Deposits

  10.5       7.3

Bank Notes

  2.5      

Medium Term Notes

  0.4      

Futures Contracts

  0.6       0.5

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  (0.7   

Other Assets less Liabilities

  11.1       3.9

EXPENSE RATIOS AS STATED IN THE MOST RECENT PROSPECTUS

Share Class   Gross Expense Ratio6   Net Expense Ratio7

A

  5.11%   1.64%

C

  5.86     2.39  

Y

  2.57     1.39  

 

NOTES TO CHARTS

See page 5 for a description of indexes.

1

Does not include a sales charge.

2

Includes the maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

3

Performance for Class C shares assumes a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) applied when you sell shares within one year of purchase.

4

The since-inception comparative performance figures shown are calculated from 10/1/08.

5

Fund performance has been increased by expense reductions and reimbursements, without which performance would have been lower.

6

Before reductions and reimbursements.

7

After reductions and reimbursements. Expense reductions are contractual and are set to expire on 4/30/10.

 

4


Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio managers as of the dates indicated. The managers’ views are subject to change at any time without notice based on changes in market or other conditions. References to specific securities or industries should not be regarded as investment advice. Because the funds are actively managed, there is no assurance that they will continue to invest in the securities or industries mentioned.

 

For more complete information on any Natixis Fund, contact your financial professional or call Natixis Funds and ask for a free prospectus, which contains more complete information including charges and other ongoing expenses. Investors should consider a fund’s objective, risks and expenses carefully before investing. This and other fund information can be found in the prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

 

INDEX/AVERAGE DESCRIPTIONS

3-month LIBOR, or the London Interbank Offered Rate, represents the average rate a leading bank, for a given currency (in this case U.S. dollars), can obtain unsecured funding, and is representative of short-term interest rates.

 

HFRI Fund of Funds Composite Index is an unmanaged, equally-weighted hedge fund index including over 800 domestic and offshore funds of funds. Funds included within the index have either at least $50 million in assets under management or have been actively trading for at least twelve (12) months. Performance information is submitted by the funds of funds to the index provider, which does not audit the information submitted. The index is rebalanced monthly. Performance data is net of all fees charged by the hedge funds. Index returns are calculated three times each month and are subject to periodic recalculation by Hedge Fund Research, Inc. The funds do not expect to update the index returns provided if subsequent recalculations cause such returns to change. In addition, because of these recalculations, the HFRI Index returns reported by the funds may differ from the index returns for the same period published by others.

 

Morningstar Long-Short Fund Average is the average performance without sales charges of funds with similar investment objectives, as calculated by Morningstar, Inc.

 

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling Natixis Funds at 800-225-5478; on the funds’ website at www.funds.natixis.com; and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the ASG Global Alternatives Fund voted proxies during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2009 is available on the Funds’ website and the SEC’s website.

 

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULES

The funds file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

NOT FDIC INSURED   MAY LOSE VALUE   NO BANK GUARANTEE

 

5


Table of Contents

UNDERSTANDING FUND EXPENSES

 

As a mutual fund shareholder, you incur different costs: transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchases, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and certain exchange fees, and ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service fees (12b-1 fees), and other fund expenses. In addition, each fund assesses a minimum balance fee of $20 on an annual basis for accounts that fall below the required minimum to establish an account. Certain exemptions may apply. These costs are described in more detail in the funds’ prospectus. The examples below are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs of investing in the funds and help you compare these with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The first line in the table of each Class of fund shares shows the actual account values and actual fund expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in the fund from July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. To estimate the expenses you paid over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60) and multiply the result by the number in the Expenses Paid During Period column as shown below for your Class.

 

The second line in the table of each Class of fund shares provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the fund’s actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid on your investment for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown reflect ongoing costs only, and do not include any transaction costs, such as sales charges or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line in the table of each fund is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative costs of owning different funds. If transaction costs were included, total costs would be higher.

 

ASG DIVERSIFYING STRATEGIES FUND      BEGINNING ACCOUNT VALUE
7/1/2009
1
     ENDING ACCOUNT VALUE
12/31/2009
     EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD
7/1/2009
1 – 12/31/2009
 

CLASS A

                      

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,072.60      $7.28 1 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,016.59      $8.69

CLASS C

                      

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,069.00      $10.50 1 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,012.75      $12.53

CLASS Y

                      

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,072.90      $6.26 1 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,017.80      $7.48
* Hypothetical expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (after fee reduction/reimbursement), including expenses of the Subsidiary (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements): 1.71%, 2.47% and 1.47% for Class A, C and Y, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent half-year (184), divided by 365 (to reflect the half-year period).
1

Fund commenced operations on August 3, 2009. Actual expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (after fee reduction/reimbursement), including expenses of the Subsidiary (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements): 1.71%, 2.47% and 1.47% for Class A, C and Y, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal period (150), divided by 365 (to reflect the partial period).

 

ASG GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES FUND      BEGINNING ACCOUNT VALUE
7/1/2009
     ENDING ACCOUNT VALUE
12/31/2009
     EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD*
7/1/2009 – 12/31/2009

CLASS A

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,057.80      $8.35

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,017.09      $8.19

CLASS C

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,052.60      $12.16

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,013.36      $11.93

CLASS Y

                    

Actual

     $1,000.00      $1,059.30      $7.06

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00      $1,018.35      $6.92

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (after fee reduction/reimbursement), including expenses of the Subsidiary (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements): 1.61%, 2.35% and 1.36% for Class A, C and Y, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the half-year period).

 

6


Table of Contents

BOARD APPROVAL OF THE INITIAL ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS FOR

ASG DIVERSIFYING STRATEGIES FUND

 

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) requires that both the full Board of Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), voting separately, initially approve for a two-year term any new investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements for a registered investment company, including a newly formed fund such as the ASG Diversifying Strategies Fund (the “Fund”). The Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the proposed investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements (collectively, the “Agreements”) for the Fund at an in-person meeting held on June 4, 2009. Prior to their approval of the Agreements, the Trustees had participated in a number of meetings and conference calls during which the proposed strategies to be used in managing the Fund, the risks of those strategies, and the experience of the Fund’s adviser, AlphaSimplex Group, LLC (“ASG”), in implementing these strategies were discussed.

 

In connection with this review, Fund management and other representatives of ASG and the Fund’s subadviser, Reich & Tang Asset Management, LLC (together with ASG, the “Advisers”), distributed to the Trustees materials including, among other items, (i) information on the proposed advisory and sub-advisory fees and other expenses to be charged to the Fund, including information comparing the Fund’s expenses to those of peer groups of funds and information about the proposed expense cap, (ii) the Fund’s investment objective and strategies, (iii) the size, education and experience of the Advisers’ investment staff and the investment strategies proposed to be used in managing the Fund, (iv) proposed arrangements for the distribution of the Fund’s shares, (v) the procedures proposed to be employed to determine the value of the Fund’s assets, (vi) the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions, policies on personal securities transactions and other compliance policies, (vii) information about the Advisers’ performance, and (viii) the general economic outlook with particular emphasis on the mutual fund industry. The Trustees also considered the fact that they oversee other funds advised or sub-advised by the Advisers as well as information about the Advisers they had received in connection with their oversight of those other funds. Because the Fund is newly formed and had not commenced operations at the time of the Trustees’ review, certain information, including data relating to Fund performance, was not available, and therefore could not be distributed to the Trustees. Throughout the process, the Trustees were afforded the opportunity to ask questions of, and request additional materials from, the Advisers.

 

In considering whether to initially approve the Agreements, the Board of Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor as determinative. Matters considered by the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, in connection with their approval of the Agreements included the following:

 

The nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided to the Fund under the Agreements. The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Advisers and their respective affiliates to the Fund, and the resources to be dedicated to the Fund by the Advisers and their respective affiliates. The Trustees considered their experience with other funds advised or sub-advised by the Advisers, as well as the fact that both Advisers are affiliates of Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P. (“Natixis US”). In this regard, the Trustees considered not only the advisory services proposed to be provided by the Advisers to the Fund, but also the monitoring and oversight services proposed to be provided to the Fund, as well as the administrative services proposed to be provided by Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. (“Natixis Advisors”) and its affiliates to the Fund.

 

After reviewing these and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the Agreements, that the scope of the services to be provided to the Fund under the Agreements seemed consistent with the Fund’s operational requirements, and that the Advisers had the capabilities, resources and personnel necessary to provide the advisory services that would be required by the Fund. The Trustees determined that the nature, extent and quality of services proposed to be provided under the Agreements supported approval of the Agreements.

 

Investment performance of the Fund and the Advisers. Because the Fund had not yet commenced operations, performance information for the Fund was not considered, although the Board considered the performance of other funds and accounts managed by the Advisers. Based on this and other information, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the Agreements, that the Advisers’ performance record was sufficient to support approval of the Agreements.

 

The costs of the services to be provided by the Advisers and their affiliates from their respective relationships with the Fund. Although the Fund had not yet commenced operations at the time of the Trustees’ review of the Agreements, the Trustees reviewed information comparing the proposed advisory and sub-advisory fees and estimated total expenses of the Fund’s share classes with the fees and expenses of comparable share classes of comparable funds identified by the Advisers. In evaluating the fees charged to comparable accounts, the Trustees considered, among other things, management’s representations about the differences between managing

 

7


Table of Contents

BOARD APPROVAL OF THE INITIAL ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS FOR

ASG DIVERSIFYING STRATEGIES FUND

 

mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts, including the additional resources required to effectively manage mutual fund assets. In evaluating the Fund’s proposed advisory fees, the Trustees also took into account the demands, complexity and quality of the investment management of the Fund. The Trustees also noted that the Fund would have an expense cap in place. In addition, the Trustees considered information regarding the administrative and distribution fees to be paid by the Fund to the Advisers’ affiliates.

 

Because the Fund had not yet commenced operations, historical profitability information with respect to the Fund was not considered. However, the Trustees noted the information provided in court cases in which adviser profitability was an issue and the estimated expense level of the Fund.

 

After reviewing these and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the Agreements, that the advisory fees proposed to be charged to the Fund were fair and reasonable, and supported the approval of the Agreements.

 

Economies of scale. The Trustees considered the extent to which the Advisers may realize economies of scale or other efficiencies in managing the Fund, and whether those economies could be shared with the Fund through breakpoints in the advisory fees or other means. The Trustees noted that the Fund was subject to an expense cap. After reviewing these and related factors, the Trustees considered, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the Agreements, that the extent to which economies of scale might be shared with the Fund supported the approval of the Agreements.

 

The Trustees also considered other factors, including but not limited to the compliance-related resources the Advisers and their respective affiliates would provide to the Fund and the potential so-called “fallout benefits” to the Advisers, such as the engagement of affiliates of the Advisers to provide distribution and administrative services to the Fund, the benefits to Natixis US, Natixis Advisors and ASG of being able to offer “alternative” products in the Natixis family of funds, and the benefits of research made available to the Advisers by reason of brokerage commissions (if any) generated by the Fund’s securities transactions. The Trustees also considered the fact that Natixis Advisors’ parent company would benefit from the retention of affiliated advisers. The Trustees considered the possible conflicts of interest associated with these fallout and other benefits, and the reporting, disclosure and other processes in place to disclose and monitor such possible conflicts of interest.

 

Based on their evaluation of all factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, and assisted by the advice of independent counsel, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the Agreements should be approved.

 

8


Table of Contents

ASG DIVERSIFYING STRATEGIES FUND — CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Principal
Amount
   Description    Value (†)
     
  Certificates of Deposit — 49.8% of Net Assets   
$ 500,000   

Bank of Montreal,

0.180%, 1/08/2010

   $ 500,002
  150,000   

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC,

0.220%, 1/11/2010

     150,001
  350,000   

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce,

0.140%, 1/21/2010

     350,000
  450,000   

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC,

0.250%, 1/22/2010

     450,008
  150,000   

Dexia Credit Local SA NY,

0.350%, 1/25/2010

     150,014
  450,000   

Svenska Handelsbanken NY,

0.420%, 1/29/2010(b)

     450,073
  400,000   

CALYON North America, Inc.,

0.650%, 2/01/2010(b)

     400,160
  200,000   

Bayerische Hypo-Und Vereinsbank,

0.270%, 2/08/2010

     200,006
  150,000   

Societe Generale,

0.240%, 2/10/2010

     150,002
  900,000   

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken NY,

0.350%, 2/12/2010

     900,111
  300,000   

Standard Chartered PLC,

0.280%, 2/17/2010

     300,016
  450,000   

Dexia Credit Local SA NY,

0.380%, 2/19/2010(b)

     450,087
  650,000   

Bayerische Hypo-Und Vereinsbank,

0.250%, 2/22/2010

     650,010
  900,000   

Credit Industriel et Commercial,

0.250%, 2/26/2010

     899,986
  150,000   

Banco Bilbao de Vizcaya,

0.275%, 2/26/2010

     150,008
  300,000   

Svenska Handelsbanken NY,

0.200%, 3/01/2010

     299,965
  350,000   

Rabobank Nederland,

0.190%, 3/02/2010

     349,976
  200,000   

Nordea Bank,

0.200%, 3/02/2010

     199,976
  400,000   

Banco Bilbao de Vizcaya,

0.275%, 3/02/2010(b)

     400,003
  500,000   

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce,

0.230%, 3/04/2010(b)

     499,965
  900,000   

Kredietbank,

0.255%, 3/10/2010

     899,974
  900,000   

Landesbank Hessen Thueringen Girozentrale,

0.300%, 3/11/2010

     900,052
  200,000   

Societe Generale,

0.220%, 3/15/2010

     199,984
  50,000   

Banco Bilbao de Vizcaya,

0.905%, 3/19/2010

     50,069
  300,000   

Standard Chartered PLC,

0.450%, 5/13/2010

     300,110
  600,000   

Westpac Bank,

0.250%, 5/24/2010

     600,072
  400,000   

Bank of Nova Scotia,

0.905%, 6/28/2010

     401,219
         
   Total Certificates of Deposit (Identified Cost $11,251,124)      11,251,849
         

 

Principal
Amount
   Description    Value (†)
     
  Commercial Paper — 23.7%   
   Banking — 15.7%   
$ 350,000   

CALYON North America, Inc.,

0.160%, 1/04/2010(c)

   $ 349,995
  400,000   

Rabobank USA Financial Corp.,

0.370%, 1/14/2010(c)

     399,984
  450,000   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia,

0.200%, 1/28/2010(b)(c)

     449,965
  450,000   

Societe Generale North America,

0.250%, 2/02/2010(b)(c)

     449,921
  300,000   

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC,

0.200%, 3/19/2010(c)

     299,849
  450,000   

Nordea North America, Inc.,

0.270%, 3/23/2010(b)(c)

     449,790
  400,000   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia,

0.220%, 4/12/2010(c)

     399,807
  450,000   

Bank of America Corp.,

0.310%, 5/19/2010(c)

     449,493
  300,000   

ICICI Bank Ltd., (Credit Support: Bank of America),

0.550%, 6/24/2010(c)

     299,166
         
        3,547,970
         
   Distribution/Wholesale — 3.1%   
  200,000   

Louis Dreyfus Corp., (Credit Support: Barclays Bank),

0.350%, 1/21/2010(c)

     199,961
  500,000   

Louis Dreyfus Corp., (Credit Support: Barclays Bank),

0.410%, 1/21/2010(b)(c)

     499,957
         
        699,918
         
   Education — 4.9%   
  500,000   

Johns Hopkins University (The), Series C,

0.200%, 1/12/2010(b)

     500,000
  450,000   

Tennessee State School Bond Authority,

0.300%, 1/13/2010

     450,000
  150,000   

Tennessee State School Bond Authority,

0.250%, 2/17/2010

     150,000
         
        1,100,000
         
   Total Commercial Paper (Identified Cost $5,347,641)      5,347,888
         
  Time Deposits — 8.4%   
  950,000   

Citibank,

0.050%, 1/04/2010

     950,000
  950,000   

National Bank of Canada,

0.060%, 1/04/2010

     950,000
         
   Total Time Deposits (Identified Cost $1,900,000)      1,900,000
         
  Bank Notes — 0.7%   
  150,000   

Bank of America,

0.240%, 3/17/2010

(Identified Cost $150,000)

     150,015
         
     
   Total Investments — 82.6%   
   (Identified Cost $18,648,765)(a)      18,649,752
   Other assets less liabilities — 17.4%      3,917,076
         
   Net Assets — 100.0%    $ 22,566,828
         

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

9


Table of Contents

ASG DIVERSIFYING STRATEGIES FUND — CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

(†)    See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.   
(a)   

Federal Tax Information:

At December 31, 2009, the net unrealized appreciation on short term investments based on a cost of $18,648,765 for federal income tax purposes was as follows:

  
  

Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments

in which there is an excess of value over tax cost

   $ 1,233   
  

Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments

in which there is an excess of tax cost over value

     (246
           
   Net unrealized appreciation    $ 987   
           
     
   Only short-term obligations purchased with an original or remaining maturity of more than 60 days are valued at other than amortized cost.
  
(b)    All or a portion of this security is held as collateral for open futures and forward foreign currency contracts.
(c)    Interest rate represents discount rate at time of purchase; not a coupon rate.

 

At December 31, 2009, the Fund had the following open forward foreign currency contracts:

 

Contract

to

Buy/Sell(1)

  

Delivery

Date

   Currency    Units    Notional
Value
  

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Buy    3/17/2010    Australian Dollar    1,200,000    $ 1,070,001    $ (17,878
Sell    3/17/2010    Australian Dollar    700,000      624,167      5,547   
Buy    3/17/2010    British Pound    750,000      1,210,865      (7,246
Sell    3/17/2010    British Pound    437,500      706,338      4,320   
Buy    3/17/2010    Canadian Dollar    1,200,000      1,147,377      8,954   
Buy    3/17/2010    Canadian Dollar    200,000      191,229      (529
Sell    3/17/2010    Canadian Dollar    500,000      478,074      (4,309
Buy    3/17/2010    Euro    2,125,000      3,045,954      (75,450
Sell    3/17/2010    Euro    1,375,000      1,970,911      29,121   
Buy    3/17/2010    Japanese Yen    50,000,000      537,050      (30,014
Sell    3/17/2010    Japanese Yen    50,000,000      537,050      19,917   
Buy    3/17/2010    New Zealand Dollar    400,000      288,969      (179
Buy    3/17/2010    New Zealand Dollar    800,000      577,938      6,666   
Sell    3/17/2010    New Zealand Dollar    1,000,000      722,422      (10,947
Buy    3/17/2010    Norwegian Krone    2,000,000      344,310      647   
Buy    3/17/2010    Norwegian Krone    2,000,000      344,310      (1,559
Sell    3/17/2010    Norwegian Krone    2,000,000      344,310      (1,208
Buy    3/17/2010    Swedish Krona    2,000,000      279,646      (2,494
Sell    3/17/2010    Swedish Krona    2,000,000      279,646      (584
Sell    3/17/2010    Swiss Franc    375,000      362,675      1,360   
Sell    3/17/2010    Swiss Franc    250,000      241,783      (2,696
                    
Total                $ (78,561
                    

 

(1)

Counterparty is UBS.

 

At December 31, 2009, open futures contracts purchased were as follows:

 

Financial

Futures

  

Expiration

Date

   Contracts    Notional
Value
   Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
EURIBOR    6/14/2010    8    $ 2,834,845    $ 717   
Euro Dollar    6/14/2010    58      14,401,400      (7,250
German Euro BOBL    3/8/2010    1      165,804      (1,219
S&P TSE 60    3/18/2010    3      396,309      7,772   
Sterling    6/16/2010    9      1,798,930      (182
UK Long Gilt    3/29/2010    7      1,294,018      (14,472
5 Year U.S. Treasury Note    3/31/2010    1      114,383      (180
10 Year Australia Government Bond    3/15/2010    7      640,126      2,386   
10 Year Canada Government Bond    3/22/2010    2      225,348      (899
10 Year U.S. Treasury Note    3/22/2010    14      1,616,344      (31,672
                 
Total             $ (44,999
                 

 

Open futures contracts purchased (continued):

 

Commodity

Futures(2)

   Expiration
Date
   Contracts    Notional
Value
   Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Aluminum    3/17/2010    3    $ 166,950    $ (3,881
Brent Crude Oil    1/14/2010    3      233,790      15,810   
Copper    3/17/2010    2      368,600      24,500   
Corn    3/12/2010    1      20,725      363   
Cotton    3/9/2010    1      37,800      940   
Gas Oil    1/12/2010    1      63,550      1,600   
Gold    2/24/2010    3      328,860      (19,120
Heating Oil    1/29/2010    1      88,855      8,009   
Light Sweet Crude Oil    1/20/2010    3      238,080      20,100   
Natural Gas    1/27/2010    2      111,440      (2,760
Nickel    3/17/2010    3      333,306      15,972   
Soybean Meal    3/12/2010    1      30,610      360   
Soybean Oil    3/12/2010    1      24,468      1,230   
Zinc    3/17/2010    8      511,400      47,250   
                 
Total             $ 110,373   
                 

 

At December 31, 2009, open futures contracts sold were as follows:

 

Financial

Futures

   Expiration
Date
   Contracts    Notional
Value
   Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
ASX SPI 200    3/18/2010    1    $ 109,564    $ (898
Dax    3/19/2010    1      213,581      (3,279
FTSE 100    3/19/2010    6      519,594      (3,222
S&P 500 E Mini    3/19/2010    7      388,745      (683
TOPIX    3/12/2010    4      388,468      (5,154
10 Year Japan Government Bond    3/11/2010    4      5,999,893      7,516   
                 
Total             $ (5,720
                 

Commodity

Futures(2)

   Expiration
Date
   Contracts    Notional
Value
   Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Nickel    3/17/2010    2    $ 222,204    $ (13,740
Zinc    3/17/2010    4      255,700      (22,175
                 
Total             $ (35,915
                 

 

(2)

Commodity futures are held by ASG Diversifying Strategies Cayman Fund Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Industry Summary at December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

 

Banking (including Certificates of Deposit, Time Deposits and Bank Notes)    74.6
Education    4.9   
Distribution/Wholesale    3.1   
      
Total Investments    82.6   
Other assets less liabilities (including open forward foreign currency and futures contracts)    17.4   
      
Net Assets    100.0
      

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

10


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ASG GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES FUND — CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Principal
Amount
   Description    Value (†)
     
  Certificates of Deposit — 57.8% of Net Assets   
$ 1,600,000   

Societe Generale,

0.260%, 1/06/2010

   $ 1,600,011
  6,700,000   

Bank of Montreal,

0.180%, 1/08/2010

     6,700,026
  1,000,000   

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC,

0.220%, 1/11/2010

     1,000,006
  400,000   

Rabobank Nederland,

0.490%, 1/15/2010

     400,058
  2,500,000   

Nordea Bank,

0.210%, 1/19/2010

     2,499,988
  3,100,000   

Svenska Handelsbanken NY,

0.210%, 1/19/2010

     3,099,985
  1,000,000   

Rabobank Nederland,

0.220%, 1/19/2010

     1,000,026
  600,000   

Rabobank Nederland,

0.270%, 1/19/2010

     600,032
  8,000,000   

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce,

0.140%, 1/21/2010

     8,000,000
  1,600,000   

Banco Bilbao de Vizcaya,

0.315%, 1/21/2010

     1,600,088
  600,000   

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC,

0.250%, 1/22/2010

     600,011
  1,100,000   

Royal Bank of Scotland,

0.470%, 1/22/2010

     1,100,168
  2,400,000   

Dexia Credit Local SA NY,

0.350%, 1/25/2010

     2,400,216
  2,100,000   

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC,

0.640%, 1/27/2010

     2,100,662
  1,900,000   

Svenska Handelsbanken NY,

0.420%, 1/29/2010

     1,900,306
  2,800,000   

CALYON North America, Inc.,

0.650%, 2/01/2010(b)

     2,801,117
  1,000,000   

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce,

0.250%, 2/02/2010

     1,000,009
  4,700,000   

Bayerische Hypo-Und Vereinsbank,

0.270%, 2/08/2010

     4,700,150
  1,000,000   

Societe Generale,

0.240%, 2/10/2010

     1,000,011
  8,800,000   

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken NY,

0.350%, 2/12/2010

     8,801,112
  6,800,000   

Standard Chartered PLC,

0.280%, 2/17/2010

     6,800,360
  4,200,000   

Dexia Credit Local SA NY,

0.380%, 2/19/2010

     4,200,815
  4,400,000   

Landesbank Hessen Thueringen Girozentrale,

0.410%, 2/19/2010

     4,401,038
  4,400,000   

Bayerische Hypo-Und Vereinsbank,

0.250%, 2/22/2010

     4,400,066
  8,400,000   

Credit Industriel et Commercial,

0.250%, 2/26/2010

     8,399,909
  700,000   

Banco Bilbao de Vizcaya,

0.275%, 2/26/2010

     700,039
  2,100,000   

Svenska Handelsbanken NY,

0.200%, 3/01/2010

     2,099,754
  3,000,000   

Rabobank Nederland,

0.190%, 3/02/2010

     2,999,796
  1,900,000   

Nordea Bank,

0.200%, 3/02/2010

     1,899,774
  1,000,000   

Svenska Handelsbanken NY,

0.250%, 3/02/2010

     999,966

 

Principal
Amount
   Description    Value (†)
     
  Certificates of Deposit — continued   
$ 1,600,000   

Banco Bilbao de Vizcaya,

0.275%, 3/02/2010(b)

   $ 1,600,013
  2,000,000   

Bank of Nova Scotia,

0.330%, 3/02/2010(b)

     2,000,406
  9,000,000   

Kredietbank,

0.255%, 3/10/2010

     8,999,739
  2,200,000   

Rabobank Nederland,

0.200%, 3/11/2010

     2,199,872
  4,500,000   

Landesbank Hessen Thueringen Girozentrale,

0.300%, 3/11/2010

     4,500,261
  1,500,000   

Societe Generale,

0.220%, 3/15/2010

     1,499,877
  4,525,000   

Banco Bilbao de Vizcaya,

0.905%, 3/19/2010

     4,531,208
  400,000   

Nordea Bank,

0.420%, 3/22/2010

     400,134
  900,000   

CALYON North America, Inc.,

0.350%, 4/15/2010

     900,157
  2,000,000   

Bank of Nova Scotia,

1.100%, 5/11/2010

     2,006,242
  7,000,000   

Westpac Bank,

0.250%, 5/24/2010

     7,000,840
         
   Total Certificates of Deposit (Identified Cost $125,439,376)      125,444,248
         
  Commercial Paper — 17.8%   
   Banking — 12.1%   
  550,000   

CALYON North America, Inc.,

0.160%, 1/04/2010(c)

     549,993
  1,500,000   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia,

0.200%, 1/28/2010(c)

     1,499,883
  2,200,000   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia,

0.240%, 2/02/2010(c)

     2,199,787
  2,400,000   

Societe Generale North America,

0.250%, 2/02/2010(b)(c)

     2,399,578
  1,500,000   

Societe Generale North America,

0.250%, 2/10/2010(c)

     1,499,664
  1,000,000   

Rabobank USA Financial Co.,

0.250%, 3/10/2010(c)

     999,713
  400,000   

Bank of Nova Scotia,

0.310%, 3/10/2010(c)

     399,885
  500,000   

Bank of Nova Scotia,

0.330%, 3/11/2010(b)(c)

     499,854
  5,000,000   

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC,

0.200%, 3/19/2010(c)

     4,997,485
  3,100,000   

Nordea North America, Inc.,

0.270%, 3/23/2010(b)(c)

     3,098,552
  4,200,000   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia,

0.220%, 4/12/2010(c)

     4,197,976
  1,000,000   

ICICI Bank Ltd., (Credit Support: Bank of America),

0.880%, 4/14/2010(b)(c)

     998,634
  500,000   

Bank of America Corp.,

0.310%, 5/19/2010(c)

     499,436
  2,300,000   

ICICI Bank Ltd., (Credit Support: Bank of America),

0.550%, 6/24/2010(b)(c)

     2,293,604
         
        26,134,044
         
   Distribution/Wholesale — 2.5%   
  5,400,000   

Louis Dreyfus Corp., (Credit Support: Barclays Bank),

0.410%, 1/21/2010(b)(c)

     5,399,530
         

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ASG GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES FUND — CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2009

 

Principal
Amount
   Description    Value (†)  
     
   Education — 3.2%   
$ 3,500,000   

Tennessee State School Bond Authority,

0.300%, 1/13/2010(b)

   $ 3,500,000   
  3,500,000   

Tennessee State School Bond Authority,

0.250%, 2/17/2010

     3,500,000   
           
        7,000,000   
           
   Total Commercial Paper (Identified Cost $38,530,255)      38,533,574   
           
  Time Deposits — 10.5%   
  4,800,000   

BNP Paribas,

0.020%, 1/04/2010

     4,800,000   
  9,000,000   

Citibank,

0.050%, 1/04/2010

     9,000,000   
  9,000,000   

National Bank of Canada,

0.060%, 1/04/2010

     9,000,000   
           
   Total Time Deposits (Identified Cost $22,800,000)      22,800,000   
           
  Bank Notes — 2.5%   
  5,500,000   

Bank of America,

0.240%, 3/17/2010(b)

(Identified Cost $5,500,000)

     5,500,534   
           
  Medium Term Notes — 0.4%   
   Cosmetics & Personal Care — 0.4%   
  900,000   

Procter & Gamble International Funding,

0.285%, 5/07/2010(b)(d)

(Identified Cost $900,000)

     899,592   
           
   Total Investments — 89.0%   
   (Identified Cost $193,169,631)(a)      193,177,948   
   Other assets less liabilities — 11.0%      23,940,564   
           
   Net Assets — 100.0%    $ 217,118,512   
           
     
  (†)    See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.   
  (a)   

Federal Tax Information:

At December 31, 2009, the net unrealized appreciation on short term investments based on a cost of $193,169,631 for federal income tax purposes was as follows:

  
   Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost    $ 11,098   
   Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value      (2,781
           
   Net unrealized appreciation    $ 8,317   
           
     
   Only short-term obligations purchased with an original or remaining maturity of more than 60 days are valued at other than amortized cost.   
     
  (b)    All or a portion of this security is held as collateral for open futures and forward foreign currency contracts.   
  (c)    Interest rate represents discount rate at time of purchase; not a coupon rate.   
  (d)    Floating rate note. Rate shown is as of December 31, 2009.   

 

At December 31, 2009, the Fund had the following open forward foreign currency contracts:

 

Contract

to

Buy/Sell(1)

  

Delivery

Date

   Currency    Units    Notional
Value
  

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Buy    3/17/2010    British Pound    375, 000    $ 605,433    $ 1,505   
Buy    3/17/2010    British Pound    4,250,000      6,861,571      (41,058
Buy    3/17/2010    Canadian Dollar    9,600,000      9,179,013      79,770   
Buy    3/17/2010    Euro    1,000,000      1,433,390      3,567   
Buy    3/17/2010    Euro    20,500,000      29,384,494      (720,645
Buy    3/17/2010    Japanese Yen    1,312,500,000      14,097,566      (735,942

Contract

to

Buy/Sell(1)

  

Delivery

Date

   Currency    Units    Notional
Value
  

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Sell    3/17/2010    Japanese Yen    25,000,000    $ 268,525    $ 10,317   
Buy    3/17/2010    Swedish Krona    20,000,000      2,796,456      (16,424
Buy    3/17/2010    Swiss Franc    4,375,000      4,231,208      (25,557
Buy    3/17/2010    Swiss Franc    375,000      362,675      432   
                    
Total                $ (1,444,035
                    

 

(1)

Counterparty is UBS.

 

At December 31, 2009, open futures contracts purchased were as follows:

 

Financial

Futures

   Expiration
Date
   Contracts    Notional
Value
  

Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
Dax    3/19/2010    44    $ 9,397,565    $ 127,443   
Euro Dollar    6/14/2010    1,297      322,045,100      (166,313
FTSE 100    3/19/2010    110      9,525,890      195,011   
S&P 500 E Mini    3/19/2010    174      9,663,090      145,568   
TOPIX    3/12/2010    96      9,323,240      118,269   
UK Long Gilt    3/29/2010    85      15,713,079      (418,256
10 Year Japan Government Bond    3/11/2010    9      13,499,758      (5,369
10 Year U.S. Treasury Note    3/22/2010    193      22,282,453      (614,859
                 
Total             $ (618,506
                 

Commodity

Futures(2)

   Expiration
Date
   Contracts    Notional
Value
   Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Brent Crude Oil    1/14/2010    49    $ 3,818,570    $ 250,600   
Copper    3/17/2010    52      9,583,600      643,475   
Gas Oil    1/12/2010    24      1,525,200      38,400   
Gold    2/24/2010    80      8,769,600      (484,550
Heating Oil    1/29/2010    26      2,310,235      208,244   
Light Sweet Crude Oil    1/20/2010    64      5,079,040      428,800   
Natural Gas    1/27/2010    49      2,730,280      (67,620
Nickel    3/17/2010    17      1,888,734      196,758   
Zinc    3/17/2010    119      7,607,075      706,388   
                 
Total             $ 1,920,495   
                 

 

At December 31, 2009, open futures contracts sold were as follows:

 

 

Financial

Futures

   Expiration
Date
   Contracts    Notional
Value
   Unrealized
Appreciation
 
German Euro Bund    3/8/2010    5    $ 868,660    $ 9,175   

Commodity

Futures(2)

   Expiration
Date
   Contracts    Notional
Value
   Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Aluminum    3/17/2010    8    $ 445,200    $ (1,400

 

(2)

Commodity futures are held by ASG Global Alternatives Cayman Fund Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Industry Summary at December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

 

Banking (including Certificates of Deposit, Time Deposits and Bank Notes)    82.9
Education    3.2   
Distribution/Wholesale    2.5   
Cosmetics & Personal Care    0.4   
      
Total Investments    89.0   
Other assets less liabilities (including open forward foreign currency and futures contracts)    11.0   
      
Net Assets    100.0
      

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2009

 

     Diversifying
Strategies Fund
    Global
Alternatives Fund
 
                

ASSETS

    

Investments at cost

   $ 18,648,765      $ 193,169,631   

Net unrealized appreciation

     987        8,317   
                

Investments at value

     18,649,752        193,177,948   

Cash

     1,586,300        9,401,443   

Due from brokers (including variation margin on futures contracts) (Note 2)

     799,766        12,736,590   

Foreign currency due from broker at value

     52,462          

Receivable for Fund shares sold

     1,666,250        3,611,697   

Receivable from investment advisor (Note 6)

     52,157        7,425   

Interest receivable

     7,779        100,444   

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts (Note 2)

     76,532        95,591   

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts (Note 2)

     154,525        3,068,131   
                

TOTAL ASSETS

     23,045,523        222,199,269   
                

LIABILITIES

    

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

     6,323        338,396   

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts (Note 2)

     155,093        1,539,626   

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts (Note 2)

     130,786        1,758,367   

Foreign currency due to broker at value

            71,049   

Dividends payable

     64,944        1,060,666   

Management fees payable (Note 6)

     21,879        194,230   

Deferred Trustees’ fees (Note 6)

     3,029        10,145   

Administrative fees payable (Note 6)

     24,757        18,058   

Other accounts payable and accrued expenses

     71,884        90,220   
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     478,695        5,080,757   
                

NET ASSETS

   $ 22,566,828      $ 217,118,512   
                

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

    

Paid-in capital

   $ 22,888,385      $ 216,257,269   

Accumulated net investment (loss)

     (3,733     (9,843

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency transactions

     (263,870     994,445   

Net unrealized depreciation on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency translations

     (53,954     (123,359
                

NET ASSETS

   $ 22,566,828      $ 217,118,512   
                

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE:

    

Class A shares:

    

Net assets

   $ 2,887,001      $ 82,160,061   
                

Shares of beneficial interest

     283,351        7,907,532   
                

Net asset value and redemption price per share

   $ 10.19      $ 10.39   
                

Offering price per share (100/94.25 of net asset value) (Note 1)

   $ 10.81      $ 11.02   
                

Class C shares: (redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge) (Note 1)

    

Net assets

   $ 130,982      $ 22,367,324   
                

Shares of beneficial interest

     12,895        2,164,305   
                

Net asset value and offering price per share

   $ 10.16      $ 10.33   
                

Class Y shares:

    

Net assets

   $ 19,548,845      $ 112,591,127   
                

Shares of beneficial interest

     1,918,323        10,813,384   
                

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

   $ 10.19      $ 10.41   
                

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

 

     Diversifying
Strategies Fund (a)
    Global
Alternatives Fund
 
                

INVESTMENT INCOME

    

Interest

   $ 15,418      $ 262,940   
                

Expenses

    

Management fees (Note 6)

     78,931        759,800   

Service fees - Class A (Note 6)

     833        46,472   

Service and distribution fees - Class C (Note 6)

     112        39,684   

Trustees’ and directors’ fees and expenses (Note 6)

     9,776        25,388   

Administrative fees (Note 6)

     96,412        203,545   

Custodian fees and expenses

     17,302        41,714   

Transfer agent fees and expenses (Notes 6 and 7)

     915        38,700   

Audit and tax services fees

     68,994        70,539   

Legal fees

     27,263        1,140   

Shareholder reporting expenses

     501        33,833   

Registration fees

     5,264        54,207   

Interest expense (Note 9)

     1,101        6,185   

Miscellaneous expenses

     14,609        9,158   
                

Total expenses

     322,013        1,330,365   

Less fee reduction and/or expense reimbursement (Note 6)

     (228,406     (346,082
                

Net expenses

     93,607        984,283   
                

Net investment loss

     (78,189     (721,343
                

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

    

Net realized gain on:

    

Investments

     131        1,035   

Futures contracts

     562,216        5,424,762   

Foreign currency transactions

     374,482        418,985   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

    

Investments

     987        (10,689

Futures contracts

     23,740        1,197,434   

Foreign currency translations

     (78,681     (1,447,363
                

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency transactions

     882,875        5,584,164   
                

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 804,686      $ 4,862,821   
                

 

 

 

(a) From commencement of operations on August 3, 2009 through December 31, 2009.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Diversifying
Strategies Fund
    Global Alternatives Fund  
     Period Ended
December 31,
2009 (a)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2009
    Period Ended
December 31,
2008 (b)
 
                        

FROM OPERATIONS:

      

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (78,189   $ (721,343   $ 97,490   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency transactions

     936,829        5,844,782        (894,213

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency translations

     (53,954     (260,618     137,259   
                        

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     804,686        4,862,821        (659,464
                        

FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

      

Net investment income

      

Class A

     (24,740     (851,729     (21

Class C

     (1,059     (205,899     (1

Class Y

     (173,245     (1,254,138     (99,492

Net realized capital gain

      

Class A

     (118,746     (363,497       

Class C

     (5,435     (99,464       

Class Y

     (804,546     (496,990       
                        

Total distributions

     (1,127,771     (3,271,717     (99,514
                        

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 11)

     22,889,913        190,998,420        25,287,966   
                        

Net increase in net assets

     22,566,828        192,589,524        24,528,988   

NET ASSETS

      

Beginning of the year

            24,528,988          
                        

End of the year

   $ 22,566,828      $ 217,118,512      $ 24,528,988   
                        

ACCUMULATED NET INVESTMENT (LOSS)/UNDISTRIBUTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME

   $ (3,733   $ (9,843   $ 26,075   
                        

 

 

 

(a) From commencement of operations on August 3, 2009 through December 31, 2009.
(b) From commencement of operations on September 30, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

15


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This Page Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

 

 

16


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

 

          Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:     Less Distributions:  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of
the period
   Net
investment
income
(loss) (a)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gain (loss)
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from
net investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
capital gains
    Total
distributions
 
               

ASG DIVERSIFYING STRATEGIES FUND

               

Class A

               

12/31/2009(g)

   $ 10.00    $ (0.07   $ 0.80      $ 0.73      $ (0.10   $ (0.44   $ (0.54

Class C

               

12/31/2009(g)

     10.00      (0.10     0.79        0.69        (0.09     (0.44     (0.53

Class Y

               

12/31/2009(g)

     10.00      (0.05     0.78        0.73        (0.10     (0.44     (0.54

ASG GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES FUND

               

Class A

               

12/31/2009

   $ 9.69    $ (0.14   $ 1.01      $ 0.87      $ (0.12   $ (0.05   $ (0.17

12/31/2008(h)

     10.00      0.03        (0.30     (0.27     (0.04            (0.04

Class C

               

12/31/2009

     9.70      (0.22     1.01        0.79        (0.11     (0.05     (0.16

12/31/2008(h)

     10.00      0.02        (0.31     (0.29     (0.01            (0.01

Class Y*

               

12/31/2009

     9.70      (0.09     0.98        0.89        (0.13     (0.05     (0.18

12/31/2008(h)

     10.00      0.04        (0.30     (0.26     (0.04            (0.04

 

 

 

* Prior to December 1, 2008, the Fund offered Institutional Class shares. On December 1, 2008, Institutional Class shares were redesignated as Class Y shares.
(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) A sales charge for Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares are not reflected in total return calculations. Periods less than one year, if applicable, are not annualized.
(c) Had certain expenses not been reduced during the period total returns would have been lower.
(d) The investment adviser and/or administrator agreed to reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses and/or reduce its fee during the period. Without this reimbursement/fee reduction expenses would have been higher.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

17


Table of Contents

 

                Ratios to Average Net Assets:      
Net asset
value,
end of
the period
   Total
return
(%) (b)(c)
    Net assets,
end of
the period
(000’s)
   Net
expenses,
excluding
interest
expense
(%) (d)(e)
   Gross
expenses,
excluding
interest
expense
(%) (e)
   Net
expenses,
including
interest
expense
(%) (d)(e)
   Gross
expenses,
including
interest
expense
(%) (e)
   Net investment
income (loss)
(%) (e)
    Portfolio
turnover
rate (%) (f)
                     
                     
                     
$ 10.19    7.26      $ 2,887    1.70    4.87    1.71    4.88    (1.48  
                     
  10.16    6.90        131    2.45    5.75    2.47    5.76    (2.23  
                     
  10.19    7.29        19,549    1.45    5.09    1.47    5.11    (1.22  
                     
                     
$ 10.39    8.95      $ 82,160    1.60    1.92    1.61    1.92    (1.33  
  9.69    (2.73     6    1.60    61.52    1.62    61.54    1.36     
                     
  10.33    8.09        22,367    2.35    2.64    2.36    2.65    (2.08  
  9.70    (2.88     1    2.35    62.35    2.39    62.38    0.62     
                     
  10.41    9.10        112,591    1.35    1.98    1.36    2.00    (0.90  
  9.70    (2.60     24,523    1.35    4.43    1.39    4.46    1.59     

 

 

 

(e) Computed on an annualized basis for periods less than one year.
(f) Due to the short-term nature of the portfolio of investments there is no portfolio turnover calculation.
(g) For the period August 3, 2009 (inception) through December 31, 2009.
(h) For the period September 30, 2008 (inception) through December 31, 2008.

 

 

 

18


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2009

 

1.  Organization.  Natixis Funds Trust II (the “Trust”) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end investment management company. The Declaration of Trust permits the Board of Trustees to authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of the Trust in multiple series. The financial statements for certain funds of the Trust are presented in separate reports. The following funds’ consolidated financial statements (individually, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) are included in this report:

 

ASG Diversifying Strategies Fund (the “Diversifying Strategies Fund”)

ASG Global Alternatives Fund (the “Global Alternatives Fund”)

 

The Diversifying Strategies Fund commenced operations on August 3, 2009 via contribution by Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P. (“Natixis US”) of $12 million.

 

The Global Alternatives Fund commenced operations on September 30, 2008 via contribution by Natixis US of $25 million.

 

Each Fund offers Class A, Class C and Class Y shares. Prior to December 1, 2008, the Global Alternatives Fund offered Institutional Class shares. On December 1, 2008, Institutional Class shares were redesignated as Class Y shares of the Global Alternatives Fund. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%. Class C shares do not pay a front-end sales charge, however Class C pays higher ongoing Rule 12b-1 fees than Class A shares and may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% if Class C shares are redeemed within one year. Class Y shares do not pay a front-end sales charge, a CDSC or Rule 12b-1 fees. Class Y shares are generally intended for institutional investors with a minimum initial investment of $100,000, though some categories of investors are exempted from the minimum investment amount as outlined in the Funds’ prospectus.

 

Most expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are generally apportioned based on the relative net assets of each of the Funds in the Trust. Expenses of a Fund are borne pro rata by the holders of each class of shares, except that each class bears expenses unique to that class (including Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees). In addition, each class votes as a class only with respect to its own Rule 12b-1 Plan. Shares of each class would receive their pro rata share of the net assets of a Fund if the Fund were liquidated. The Trustees approve separate dividends from net investment income on each class of shares.

 

The Diversifying Strategies Fund and Global Alternatives Fund each invests in commodity-related derivatives through investment in the ASG Diversifying Strategies Cayman Fund Ltd. and ASG Global Alternatives Cayman Fund Ltd., respectively, each is a wholly-owned subsidiary (individually, a “Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Subsidiaries”). A subscription agreement was entered into between Diversifying Strategies Fund and its Subsidiary on August 3, 2009 (the commencement date of the Subsidiary), with the intent that the Fund will remain the sole shareholder and primary beneficiary of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary is governed by a separate Board of Directors that is independent of the Funds’ Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2009, the value of the Diversifying Strategies Fund’s investment in its Subsidiary was $1,759,356, representing 7.8% of net assets of the Fund. A subscription agreement was entered into between Global Alternatives Fund and its Subsidiary on January 29, 2009 (the commencement date of the Subsidiary), with the intent that the Fund will remain the sole shareholder and primary beneficiary of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary is governed by a separate Board of Directors that is independent of the Funds’ Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2009, the value of the Global Alternatives Fund’s investment in its Subsidiary was $15,302,441, representing 7.0% of net assets of the Fund.

 

2.  Significant Accounting Policies.  The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by each Fund in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. The Funds’ consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require the use of management estimates that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management has evaluated the events and transactions that have occurred through February 22, 2010, the date the financial statements were issued, and noted no items requiring recognition in the financial statements or additional disclosure in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

a.  Consolidation.  The financial statements have been consolidated and include all accounts of the Funds and the Subsidiaries. Accordingly, all inter-fund transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

b.  Valuation.  Short-term obligations purchased with an original or remaining maturity of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Debt securities (other than short-term obligations purchased with an original or remaining maturity of sixty days or less) are generally valued on the basis of evaluated bids furnished to the Funds by a pricing service recommended by the sub-adviser and approved by the Board of Trustees, which service determines valuations for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using market information, transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities which are generally recognized by institutional traders. Broker-dealer bid quotations may also be used to value debt securities where a pricing service does not price a security or where a pricing service does not provide a reliable price for the security. In instances where broker-dealer bid quotations are not available, certain securities held by the Funds may be valued on the basis of a price provided by a principal market maker. Futures contracts are valued at their most recent settlement price. Forward foreign currency contracts are valued utilizing interpolated prices determined from information provided by an independent pricing service. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ investment adviser or subadviser using consistently applied procedures under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees.

 

19


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

The Funds may hold securities traded in foreign markets. Foreign securities are valued at the market price in the foreign market. However, if events occurring after the close of the foreign market (but before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange) are believed to materially affect the value of those securities, such securities are fair valued pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. When fair valuing securities, the Funds may, among other things, use modeling tools or other processes that may take into account factors such as securities market activity and/or significant events that occur after the close of the foreign market and before the Funds calculate their net asset values.

 

c.  Security Transactions and Related Investment Income.  Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Interest income is increased by the accretion of discount and decreased by the amortization of premium. Investment income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld when applicable. In determining net gain or loss on securities sold, the cost of securities has been determined on an identified cost basis. Investment income, non-class specific expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated on a pro rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Fund.

 

d.  Foreign Currency Translation.  The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. The value of securities, currencies and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

Since the values of investment securities are presented at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, it is not practical to isolate that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates from fluctuations which arise due to changes in market prices of investment securities. Such changes are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

 

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, at the end of the fiscal period, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

Each Fund may use foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign-denominated investments. Losses may arise from changes in the value of the foreign currency or if the counterparties do not perform under the contracts’ terms.

 

e.  Forward Foreign Currency Contracts.  Each Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts to gain exposure to foreign currencies and may also use forward foreign currency contracts for hedging purposes in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates. A contract to buy or sell can offset a previous contract. These contracts involve market risk in excess of the unrealized gain or loss reflected in the Funds’ Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The U.S. dollar value of the currencies a Fund has committed to buy or sell represents the aggregate exposure to each currency the Fund has acquired or hedged through currency contracts outstanding at period end. Gains or losses are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized until settlement date. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

f.  Futures Contracts.  The Funds and the Subsidiaries may enter into futures contracts. Futures contracts are agreements between two parties to buy and sell a particular security or commodity or group or index of securities, commodities, currencies or other assets for a specified price on a specified future date.

 

When a Fund or a Subsidiary enters into a futures contract, it is required to deposit with (or for the benefit of) its broker as “initial margin” an amount of cash, foreign currency, or short-term high-quality securities. This initial margin, if any, is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as part of “Due from brokers”. As the value of the contract changes, the value of the futures contract position increases or declines. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin”, are made or received by a Fund or a Subsidiary, depending on the price fluctuations in the fair value of the contract and the value of the collateral held. The aggregate principal amounts of the contracts are not recorded in the financial statements. Fluctuations in the value of the contracts are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until the contracts are closed, when they are recorded as realized gains (losses). Realized gain or loss on a futures position is equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed, minus brokerage commissions. When a Fund or a Subsidiary enters into a futures contract certain risks may arise such as illiquidity in the futures market, which may limit a Fund’s or a Subsidiary’s ability to close out a futures contract prior to settlement date, and unanticipated movements in the value of securities, commodities or interest rates.

 

Futures contracts are exchange-traded. Exchange-traded futures are standardized contracts and are settled through a clearing house with fulfillment guaranteed by the credit of the exchange. Therefore, counterparty credit risks to the Funds and the Subsidiaries are limited.

 

g.  Due from Brokers.  Transactions and positions in futures and forwards are primarily maintained, cleared and held by registered U.S. broker/dealers pursuant to customer agreements between the Funds or the Subsidiaries and the broker/dealers. Due from brokers’ balances in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities represent cash, foreign currency, and any initial and/or variation margin applicable to open futures and forward foreign currency contracts. In certain circumstances the Funds’ or the Subsidiaries’ use of cash and foreign currency held at brokers is restricted by regulation or broker mandated limits.

 

20


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

h.  Federal and Foreign Income Taxes.  The Trust treats each Fund as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund intends to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute to its shareholders substantially all of its net investment income and any net realized capital gains at least annually. Management has performed an analysis of each Fund’s tax positions for the open tax years as of December 31, 2009 and has concluded that no provisions for income tax are required. The Global Alternatives Fund’s federal tax return for the prior fiscal year remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Management is not aware of any events that are reasonably possible to occur in the next twelve months that would result in the amounts of any unrecognized tax benefits significantly increasing or decreasing for the Funds. However, management’s conclusions regarding tax positions taken may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, new tax laws and accounting regulations and interpretations thereof.

 

Each Subsidiary is classified as a controlled foreign corporation under the Internal Revenue Code. As a U.S. shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation, each Fund will include in its taxable income its share of each Subsidiary’s current earnings and profits. Any deficit generated by either Subsidiary will be disregarded for purposes of computing the Funds’ taxable income in the current period and also disregarded for all future periods.

 

A Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income and gains on investments that are accrued based upon the Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and regulations that exist in the countries in which the Fund invests. Foreign governments may also impose taxes or other payments on investments with respect to foreign securities. Such taxes are accrued as applicable.

 

i.  Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders.  Dividends and distributions are recorded on ex-dividend date. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gain distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Permanent differences are primarily due to differing treatments for book and tax purposes for items such as net realized gains on commodity futures, disallowance of start up expenses, dividend redesignations, distributions in excess of earnings, foreign currency transactions and excise tax payments. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions, net investment income, and net realized gains will result in reclassifications to capital accounts. Temporary differences between book and tax distributable earnings are primarily due to deferred Trustees’ fees, post-October capital loss deferrals, unrealized appreciation/depreciation on futures commissions, futures contracts mark to market and forward contracts mark to market. Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are considered to be distributed from ordinary income for tax purposes.

 

The tax characterization of distributions is determined on an annual basis. The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was as follows:

 

      2009 Distributions Paid From:     

Fund

  

Ordinary

Income

  

Long-Term

Capital Gains

  

Total

Diversifying Strategies Fund

   $ 771,542    $ 356,229    $ 1,127,771

Global Alternatives Fund

     2,697,103      574,614      3,271,717
     2008 Distributions Paid From:     

Fund

  

Ordinary

Income

  

Long-Term

Capital Gains

  

Total

Global Alternatives Fund

   $ 99,514    $    $ 99,514

 

Differences between these amounts and those reported in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets, if any, are primarily attributable to different book and tax treatment for short-term capital gains.

 

As of December 31, 2009, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

     

Diversifying
Strategies
Fund

   

Global
Alternatives

Fund

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $      $ 302   
                

Total undistributed earnings

            302   
                

Deferred net capital losses (post- October 2009)

     (355,846     (703,795

Unrealized appreciation

     37,317        1,574,881   
                

Total accumulated earnings (losses)

     (318,529     871,388   
                

Capital loss carryforward utilized in the current year

   $      $ 783,520   
                

 

21


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

j.  Repurchase Agreements.  It is the Fund’s policy that the market value of the collateral for repurchase agreements be at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price, including interest. The repurchase agreements are tri-party arrangements whereby the collateral is held in a segregated account for the benefit of the Fund and on behalf of the counterparty. Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the counterparty including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities.

 

k.  Indemnifications.  Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

3.  Fair Value Measurements.  In accordance with accounting standards related to fair value measurements and disclosures, the Funds have categorized the inputs utilized in determining the value of each Fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

 

   

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2 — prices determined using other significant inputs that are observable either directly, or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data (which could include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.);

 

   

Level 3 — prices determined using significant unobservable inputs for situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable such as when there is little or no market activity for an asset or liability (unobservable inputs reflect each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of assets or liabilities and would be based on the best information available).

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of December 31, 2009, at value:

 

Diversifying Strategies Fund

 

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Description(a)

   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Investments in Securities

   $    $ 18,649,752    $    $ 18,649,752

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts (unrealized appreciation)

          76,532           76,532

Futures Contracts (unrealized appreciation)

     154,525                154,525
                           

Total

   $ 154,525    $ 18,726,284    $    $ 18,880,809
                           

 

Liability Valuation Inputs

 

Description(a)

   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3    Total  

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts (unrealized depreciation)

   $      $ (155,093   $    $ (155,093

Futures Contracts (unrealized depreciation)

     (130,786                 (130,786
                               

Total

   $ (130,786   $ (155,093   $    $ (285,879
                               

 

(a) Major categories of the Fund’s investments, forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts are included in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

22


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

Global Alternatives Fund

 

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Description(a)

   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total
           

Investments in Securities

   $    $ 193,177,948    $    $ 193,177,948

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts (unrealized appreciation)

          95,591           95,591

Futures Contracts (unrealized appreciation)

     3,068,131                3,068,131
                           

Total

   $ 3,068,131    $ 193,273,539    $    $ 196,341,670
                           

 

Liability Valuation Inputs

 

Description(a)

   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3    Total  
         

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts (unrealized depreciation)

   $      $ (1,539,626   $    $ (1,539,626

Futures Contracts (unrealized depreciation)

     (1,758,367                 (1,758,367
                               

Total

   $ (1,758,367   $ (1,539,626   $    $ (3,297,993
                               

 

(a) Major categories of the Fund’s investments, forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts are included in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

4.  Derivatives.  Effective January 1, 2009 and August 3, 2009, Global Alternatives Fund and Diversifying Strategies Fund, respectively, adopted accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities which require enhanced disclosures. Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Funds currently use include forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

The Funds seek to generate positive absolute returns over time rather than track the performance of any particular index. The Funds use multiple quantitative investment models and strategies, each of which has an absolute return objective and may involve a broad range of market exposures. These market exposures, which are expected to change over time, may include exposures to the returns of equity and fixed income securities, currencies and commodities. Under normal market conditions, the Funds will make extensive use of a variety of derivative instruments, in particular futures and forward contracts, to capture the exposures suggested by their absolute return strategies while also adding value through volatility management and correlation management.

 

Each Fund is party to an agreement with a counterparty that governs transactions in forward foreign currency contracts. These agreements contain contingent features that allow the counterparty to terminate open contracts early if the net asset value of a Fund declines beyond a certain threshold. If such contingent features were to be triggered, the counterparty could request immediate settlement of open contracts at current fair value.

 

The following is a summary of derivative instruments for Diversifying Strategies Fund as of December 31, 2009:

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Forwards

 

Futures

Foreign exchange contracts

  $ 76,532   $

Equity contracts

        7,772

Interest rate contracts

        10,619

Commodity contracts

        136,134

 

Consolidated Statements of

Assets and Liabilities Location

  Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts   Unrealized appreciation on
futures contracts

 

Liability Derivatives

 

Forwards

   

Futures

 

Foreign exchange contracts

  $ (155,093   $   

Equity contracts

           (13,237

Interest rate contracts

           (55,873

Commodity contracts

           (61,676

 

Consolidated Statements of

Assets and Liabilities Location

  Unrealized depreciation on
forward foreign currency contracts
  Unrealized depreciation on
futures contracts

 

23


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

Transactions in derivative instruments during the period from August 3, 2009 to December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

Realized Gain (Loss)

 

Forwards

 

Futures

 

Foreign exchange contracts

  $ 367,316   $   

Equity contracts

        (62,594

Interest rate contracts

        386,386   

Commodity contracts

        238,424   

 

Consolidated Statements

of Operations Location

  Net realized gain (loss) on
foreign currency transactions
  Net realized gain (loss) on
futures contracts

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

Forwards

   

Futures

 

Foreign exchange contracts

  $ (78,561   $   

Equity contracts

           (5,464

Interest rate contracts

           (45,254

Commodity contracts

           74,458   

 

Consolidated Statements of

Operations Location

  Net change in unrealized
appreciation/(depreciation) on
foreign currency translations
  Net change in unrealized
appreciation/(depreciation) on
futures contracts

 

The following is a summary of derivative instruments for Global Alternatives Fund as of December 31, 2009:

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Forwards

 

Futures

Foreign exchange contracts

  $ 95,591   $

Equity contracts

        586,291

Interest rate contracts

        9,175

Commodity contracts

        2,472,665

 

Consolidated Statements of

Assets and Liabilities Location

  Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts   Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

 

Liability Derivatives

 

Forwards

   

Futures

 

Foreign exchange contracts

  $ (1,539,626   $   

Equity contracts

             

Interest rate contracts

           (1,204,797

Commodity contracts

           (553,570

 

Consolidated Statements of

Assets and Liabilities Location

  Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts   Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

 

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

Realized Gain (Loss)

 

Forwards

 

Futures

Foreign exchange contracts

  $ 416,351   $

Equity contracts

        1,793,826

Interest rate contracts

        1,010,198

Commodity contracts

        2,620,738

 

Consolidated Statements of

Operations Location

  Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions   Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

24


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

Forwards

   

Futures

 

Foreign exchange contracts

  $ (1,444,035   $   

Equity contracts

           523,636   

Interest rate contracts

           (1,245,297

Commodity contracts

           1,919,095   

 

Consolidated Statements of

Operations Location

  Net change in unrealized
appreciation/(depreciation) on foreign currency translations
  Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts

 

Volume of derivative activity for Diversifying Strategies Fund and Global Alternatives Fund, based on month-end notional amounts outstanding during the period, for the period August 3, 2009 to December 31, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2009, respectively, were as follows:

 

Diversifying Strategies Fund

  

Percentage of
Net Assets
Forwards

   

Percentage of

Net Assets

Futures

 

Average Notional Amount Outstanding

   48.69   480.48

Highest Notional Amount Outstanding

   73.74   723.00

Lowest Notional Amount Outstanding

   17.63   147.06

Notional Amount Outstanding as of December 31, 2009

   17.63   147.06

Global Alternatives Fund

  

Forwards

   

Futures

 

Average Notional Amount Outstanding

   28.97   168.33

Highest Notional Amount Outstanding

   41.76   243.97

Lowest Notional Amount Outstanding

   12.52   66.04

Notional Amount Outstanding as of December 31, 2009

   31.63   210.06

 

Notional amounts outstanding are at absolute value and are determined, when applicable, by netting notional amounts of contracts to buy and sell the same underlying instrument.

 

5.  Purchases and Sales of Securities.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, purchases and proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term obligations were as follows:

 

Fund

  

Purchases

  

Maturities/Sales

Diversifying Strategies Fund

   $ 239,274,936    $ 220,629,395

Global Alternatives Fund

     1,909,887,822      1,740,203,143

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term securities.

 

6.  Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates.

 

a.  Management Fees.  AlphaSimplex Group, LLC (“AlphaSimplex”), which is a subsidiary of Natixis US, serves as investment adviser to each Fund. Under the terms of the management agreements, each Fund pays a management fee at the following annual rates, calculated daily and payable monthly, based on each Fund’s average daily net assets, less the net asset value of each Subsidiary:

 

Fund

  

Percentage of Average Daily
Net Assets

 

Diversifying Strategies Fund

   1.25

Global Alternatives Fund

   1.15

 

AlphaSimplex also serves as investment adviser to the Subsidiaries. The ASG Diversifying Strategies Cayman Fund Ltd. pays AlphaSimplex a management fee at the annual rate of 1.25% of its average daily net assets. The ASG Global Alternatives Cayman Fund Ltd. pays AlphaSimplex a management fee at the annual rate of 1.15% of its average daily net assets.

 

AlphaSimplex has entered into a subadvisory agreement with Reich & Tang Asset Management, LLC (“Reich & Tang”) on behalf of each Fund. Payments to AlphaSimplex are reduced by the amount of payments to Reich & Tang.

 

25


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

AlphaSimplex has given binding undertakings to the Funds to reduce management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses, including expenses of each Subsidiary, to limit the Funds’ operating expenses, exclusive of acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expense, taxes and extraordinary expenses. These undertakings are in effect until April 30, 2010 for Global Alternatives Fund and April 30, 2011 for Diversifying Strategies Fund and will be reevaluated on an annual basis. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the expense limits as a percentage of average daily net assets under the expense limitation agreements were as follows:

 

        Expense Limit as a Percentage of
Average Daily Net Assets
 

Fund

    

Class A

    

Class C

    

Class Y

 

Diversifying Strategies Fund

     1.70    2.45    1.45

Global Alternatives Fund

     1.60    2.35    1.35

 

AlphaSimplex shall be permitted to recover expenses it has borne under the expense limitation agreements (whether through reduction of its management fees or otherwise) on a class by class basis in later periods to the extent the expenses of a class fall below a class’ expense limits, provided, however, that a class is not obligated to pay such reduced fees/expenses more than one year after the end of the fiscal year in which the fees/expenses were reduced.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the management fees and reduction of management fees for each Fund were as follows:

 

Fund

   Gross
Management
Fee
   Reduction of
Management
Fee
1
   Net
Management
Fee
   Percentage of
Average
Daily Net Assets
 
           

Gross

   

Net

 

Diversifying Strategies Fund

   $ 78,931    $ 78,931    $    1.25   0.00

Global Alternatives Fund

     759,800      336,283      423,517    1.15   0.64

 

1 Management fee reductions are subject to possible recovery until December 31, 2010.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, class-specific expenses have been reimbursed as follows:

 

        Reimbursement2

Fund

    

Class A

    

Class C

    

Class Y

    

Total

Diversifying Strategies Fund

     $ 7      $ 1      $ 59      $ 67

Global Alternatives Fund

       6,643        1,103        2,053        9,799

 

In addition, the investment adviser reimbursed non-class-specific expenses of the Diversifying Strategies Fund in the amount of $149,408 for the period ended December 31, 2009.2

 

2 Expense reimbursements are subject to possible recovery until December 31, 2010.

 

No expenses were recovered during the year ended December 31, 2009 under the terms of the expense limitation agreement.

 

b.  Administrative Fees.  Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. (“Natixis Advisors”) provides certain administrative services for the Funds and contracts with State Street Bank to serve as sub-administrator. Natixis Advisors is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis US. Pursuant to an agreement among Natixis Funds Trust I, Natixis Funds Trust II, Natixis Funds Trust III, Natixis Funds Trust IV, Natixis Cash Management Trust, Gateway Trust (“Natixis Funds Trusts”), Loomis Sayles Funds I, Loomis Sayles Funds II (“Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts”), Hansberger International Series and Natixis Advisors, each Fund pays Natixis Advisors monthly its pro rata portion of fees equal to an annual rate of 0.0575% of the first $15 billion of the average daily net assets of the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and the Hansberger International Series, 0.0500% of the next $15 billion, 0.0425% of the next $30 billion and 0.0375% of such assets in excess of $60 billion, subject to an annual aggregate minimum fee for the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and the Hansberger International Series of $10 million, which is reevaluated on an annual basis. New funds are subject to a fee for the first twelve months of operations of $75,000 plus $12,500 per class and an additional $75,000 if managed by multiple subadvisers. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Diversifying Strategies Fund was subject to the new fund fee. For the period from January 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009, the Global Alternatives Fund was subject to the new fund fee.

 

Natixis Advisors also provides certain administrative services to each Subsidiary for which each Subsidiary pays Natixis Advisors fees equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets of each Subsidiary. Payments by the Funds are reduced by the amount of payments to Natixis Advisors by each Subsidiary. In addition, Natixis Advisors and each Subsidiary contract with State Street Bank to serve as sub-administrator.

 

26


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, each Fund paid the following for administrative fees to Natixis Advisors:

 

Fund

   Administrative
Fees

Diversifying Strategies Fund

   $ 72,438

Global Alternatives Fund

     150,182

 

c.  Service and Distribution Fees.  Natixis Distributors, L.P. (“Natixis Distributors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis US, has entered into a distribution agreement with the Trust. Pursuant to this agreement, Natixis Distributors serves as principal underwriter of each Fund.

 

Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Trust has adopted a Service Plan relating to each Fund’s Class A shares (the “Class A Plans”) and a Distribution and Service Plan relating to each Fund’s Class C shares (the “Class C Plans”).

 

Under the Class A Plans, each Fund pays Natixis Distributors a monthly service fee at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class A shares, as reimbursement for expenses incurred by Natixis Distributors in providing personal services to investors in Class A shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.

 

Under the Class C Plans, each Fund pays Natixis Distributors a monthly service fee at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class C shares, as compensation for services provided and expenses incurred by Natixis Distributors in providing personal services to investors in Class C shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.

 

Also under the Class C Plans, each Fund pays Natixis Distributors a monthly distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class C shares, as compensation for services provided and expenses incurred by Natixis Distributors in connection with the marketing or sale of Class C shares.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Funds paid the following service and distribution fees:

 

        Service Fee      Distribution Fee
              

Fund

    

Class A

    

Class C

    

Class C

Diversifying Strategies Fund

     $ 833      $ 28      $ 84

Global Alternatives Fund

       46,472        9,921        29,763

 

d.  Sub-Transfer Agent Fees.  Natixis Distributors has entered into agreements with financial intermediaries to provide certain recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing those services. Certain services would be provided by the Funds if the shares of those customers were registered directly with the Funds’ transfer agent. Accordingly, the Funds agreed to pay a portion of the intermediary fees attributable to shares of the Fund held by the intermediaries (which generally are a percentage of the value of shares held) not exceeding what the Funds would have paid their transfer agent had each customer’s shares been registered directly with the transfer agent instead of held through the intermediaries. Natixis Distributors pays the remainder of the fees.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Funds paid the following sub-transfer agent fees, which are reflected in transfer agent fees and expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent
Fees

Diversifying Strategies Fund

   $ 125

Global Alternatives Fund

     27,409

 

e.  Commissions.  The Funds have been informed that commissions (including CDSCs) on Fund shares retained by Natixis Distributors during the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

Fund

   Commissions

Diversifying Strategies Fund

   $ 12,147

Global Alternatives Fund

     290,072

 

27


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

f.  Trustees Fees and Expenses.  The Funds do not pay any compensation directly to their officers or Trustees who are directors, officers or employees of Natixis Advisors, Natixis Distributors, Natixis US or their affiliates. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Chairperson of the Board received a retainer fee at the annual rate of $200,000. The Chairperson did not receive any meeting attendance fees for Board of Trustees meetings or committee meetings that she attended. Each Independent Trustee (other than the Chairperson) received, in the aggregate, a retainer fee at the annual rate of $65,000. Each Independent Trustee also received a meeting attendance fee of $7,500 for each meeting of the Board of Trustees that he or she attended in person and $3,750 for each meeting of the Board of Trustees that he or she attended telephonically. In addition, each committee chairman received an additional retainer fee at an annual rate of $10,000. Each Contract Review and Governance Committee member was compensated $5,000 for each Committee meeting that he or she attended in person and $2,500 for each meeting that he or she attended telephonically. Each Audit Committee member was compensated $6,250 for each Committee meeting that he or she attended in person and $3,125 for each meeting that he or she attended telephonically.

 

Effective January 1, 2010, the Chairperson of the Board receives a retainer fee at the annual rate of $250,000. The Chairperson does not receive any meeting attendance fees for Board of Trustees meetings or committee meetings that she attends. Each Independent Trustee (other than the Chairperson) receives, in the aggregate, a retainer fee at the annual rate of $80,000. Each Independent Trustee also receives a meeting attendance fee of $10,000 for each meeting of the Board of Trustees that he or she attends in person and $5,000 for each meeting of the Board of Trustees that he or she attends telephonically. In addition, each committee chairman receives an additional retainer fee at an annual rate of $15,000. Each Contract Review and Governance Committee member is compensated $6,000 for each Committee meeting that he or she attends in person and $3,000 for each meeting that he or she attends telephonically. Each Audit Committee member is compensated $7,500 for each Committee meeting that he or she attends in person and $3,750 for each meeting that he or she attends telephonically. Each member of the ad hoc Committee on Alternative Investments will receive a one-time fee of $10,000. The ad hoc Committee on Alternative Investments is not a standing committee. These fees are allocated among the funds in the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and Hansberger International Series based on a formula that takes into account, among other factors, the relative net assets of each fund. Trustees are reimbursed for travel expenses in connection with attendance at meetings.

 

A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Funds until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts, on the normal payment dates, in certain funds of the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and Hansberger International Series as designated by the participating Trustees. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are allocated pro rata among the funds in the Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts, and Hansberger International Series, and are normally reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The portions of the accrued obligations allocated to the Funds under the Plan are reflected as Deferred Trustees’ fees on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

7.  Class-Specific Expenses.

 

For the period from August 3, 2009 to September 30, 2009 and January 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009, the Diversifying Strategies Fund and Global Alternatives Fund, respectively, paid the following class-specific transfer agent fees and expenses (including sub-transfer agent fees):

 

        Transfer Agent
Fees and Expenses

Fund

    

Class A

    

Class C

    

Class Y

Diversifying Strategies Fund

     $ 7      $ 1      $ 59

Global Alternatives Fund

       6,644        1,103        2,053

 

Effective October 1, 2009, transfer agent fees and expenses are allocated on a pro rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Fund.

 

8.  Line of Credit.  Each Fund, together with certain other funds of Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and the Hansberger International Series, participates in a $200,000,000 committed unsecured line of credit provided by State Street Bank, with an individual limit of $125,000,000 for each fund that participates in the line of credit. Interest is charged to each participating fund based on its borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds rate or overnight LIBOR, plus 0.75%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.125% per annum, payable at the end of each calendar quarter, is accrued and apportioned among the participating funds based on their average daily unused portion of the line of credit.

 

Prior to March 11, 2009, each Fund, together with certain other funds of Natixis Funds Trusts, Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and Hansberger International Series, participated in a $200,000,000 committed unsecured line of credit provided by State Street Bank, with an individual limit of $125,000,000 for each fund that participated in the line of credit. Interest was charged to each participating fund based on its borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.09% per annum, payable at the end of each calendar quarter, was accrued and apportioned among the participating funds based on their average daily unused portion of the line of credit.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Funds had no borrowings under these agreements.

 

28


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

9.  Interest Expense.  Each Fund is charged interest expense on cash and foreign currency overdrafts, if any, for accounts held at the brokers. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Funds incurred the following in interest expense:

 

Fund

   Interest Expense

Diversifying Strategies Fund

   $ 1,101

Global Alternatives Fund

     6,185

 

10.  Concentration of Ownership.  From time to time, the Funds may have a concentration of several shareholders holding a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities of these shareholders could have material impacts on the Funds. At December 31, 2009, Natixis US owned shares equating to 54.19% and 7.48% of Diversifying Strategies Fund’s and Global Alternatives Fund’s net assets, respectively. Activity of this shareholder could have a material impact to the Fund.

 

11.  Capital Shares.  Each Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value. Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

   Period Ended
December 31, 2009*
    

Diversifying Strategies Fund

   Shares        Amount   
    
Class A     

Issued from the sale of shares

   275,175      $ 2,988,629   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   13,465        137,208   

Redeemed

   (5,289     (56,424
              

Net change

   283,351      $ 3,069,413   
              
Class C     

Issued from the sale of shares

   12,256      $ 131,708   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   639        6,494   

Redeemed

            
              

Net change

   12,895      $ 138,202   
              
Class Y     

Issued from the sale of shares

   1,870,950      $ 19,221,874   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   90,199        919,124   

Redeemed

   (42,826     (458,700
              

Net change

   1,918,323      $ 19,682,298   
              

Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

   2,214,569      $ 22,889,913   
              

 

* From commencement of operations on August 3, 2009 through December 31, 2009.

 

   Year Ended

December 31, 2009

  

  

   Period Ended December 31, 2008**      

Global Alternatives Fund

   Shares        Amount       Shares        Amount   
         
Class A          

Issued from the sale of shares

   8,049,151      $ 83,594,129       687      $ 6,664   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   100,163        1,040,672       2        21   

Redeemed

   (242,351     (2,527,671    (120     (1,163
                             

Net change

   7,906,963      $ 82,107,130       569      $ 5,522   
                             
Class C          

Issued from the sale of shares

   2,181,898      $ 22,642,073       100      $ 1,000   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   16,139        166,706       (a)      1   

Redeemed

   (33,832     (351,167             
                             

Net change

   2,164,205      $ 22,457,612       100      $ 1,001   
                             
Class Y          

Issued from the sale of shares

   9,656,549      $ 100,827,613       2,518,764      $ 25,181,951   

Issued in connection with the reinvestment of distributions

   96,520        1,002,799       10,289        99,492   

Redeemed

   (1,468,738     (15,396,734             
                             

Net change

   8,284,331      $ 86,433,678       2,529,053      $ 25,281,443   
                             

Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

   18,355,499      $ 190,998,420       2,529,722      $ 25,287,966   
                             

 

** From commencement of operations on September 30, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

 

(a) Amount rounds to less than one share.

 

29


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2009

 

12.  Concentration of Risk.  Each Fund may purchase investments of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies and securities of the U.S. government. These risks include revaluation of currencies and the risk of expropriation. Moreover, the markets for securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid and the price of such securities may be more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies and the U.S. government.

 

30


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Trustees of Natixis Funds Trust II and Shareholders of ASG Diversifying Strategies Fund and ASG Global Alternatives Fund:

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated portfolios of investments, and the related consolidated statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the ASG Diversifying Strategies Fund and ASG Global Alternatives Fund, each a series of Natixis Funds Trust II (collectively, the “Funds”), at December 31, 2009, and the results of each of their operations, the changes in each of their net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Funds’ management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2009 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 22, 2010

 

31


Table of Contents

2009 U.S. TAX DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION TO SHAREHOLDERS (unaudited)

 

Capital Gains Distributions.  Pursuant to Internal Revenue Section 852(b), the following Funds paid distributions, which have been designated as capital gains distributions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, unless subsequently determined to be different.

 

Fund

   Amount

Diversifying Strategies

   $ 356,229

Global Alternatives

     574,614

 

32


Table of Contents

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION

 

The tables below provide certain information regarding the Trustees and officers of Natixis Funds Trust II (the “Trust”). Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons below is 399 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. The Trust’s Statements of Additional Information include additional information about the Trustees of the Trust and are available by calling Natixis Funds at 800-225-5478.

 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Length of Time
Served and Term of Office*

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years**

  

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen***

and Other Directorships Held

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES        

Graham T. Allison, Jr.

(1940)

 

Trustee

Since 1995

Contract Review and Governance Committee Member

   Douglas Dillon Professor and Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University   

39

Director, Taubman Centers, Inc. (real estate investment trust)

Edward A. Benjamin

(1938)

 

Trustee

Since 2003

Chairman of the Contract Review and Governance Committee

   Retired   

39

None

Daniel M. Cain

(1945)

 

Trustee

Since 1996

Chairman of the Audit Committee

   Chairman (formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer) of Cain Brothers & Company, Incorporated (investment banking)   

39

Director, Sheridan Healthcare Inc. (physician practice management)

Kenneth A. Drucker

(1945)

 

Trustee

Since 2008

Audit Committee Member

   Formerly, Treasurer, Sequa Corp. (manufacturing)   

39

None

Wendell J. Knox****

(1948)

 

Trustee

Since 2009

Contract Review and Governance Committee

Member

   Director (formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer) of Abt Associates Inc. (research and consulting)   

39

Director, Eastern Bank (commercial bank); Director, The Hanover Insurance Group (property and casualty insurance)

Sandra O. Moose

(1942)

 

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees since November 2005

Trustee

Since 1993

Ex officio member of the Audit Committee and Contract Review and Governance Committee

   President, Strategic Advisory Services (management consulting); formerly, Senior Vice President and Director, The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. (management consulting)   

39

Director, Verizon Communications; Director, AES Corporation (international power company)

Erik R. Sirri*****

(1958)

 

Trustee

Since 2009

Contract Review and Governance Committee

Member

   Professor of finance at Babson College; formerly, Director of the Division of Trading and Markets at the Securities and Exchange Commission   

39

None

 

33


Table of Contents

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION

 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Length of Time
Served and Term of Office*

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years**

  

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen***

and Other Directorships Held

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

continued

       

Peter J. Smail*****

(1952)

 

Trustee

Since 2009

Contract Review and Governance Committee

Member

   Retired; formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pyramis Global Advisors (investment management)   

39

None

Cynthia L. Walker

(1956)

 

Trustee

Since 2005

Audit Committee Member

   Deputy Dean for Finance and Administration, Yale University School of Medicine; formerly, Executive Dean for Administration, Harvard Medical School; and formerly, Dean for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Harvard Medical School   

39

None

INTERESTED TRUSTEES        

Robert J. Blanding1

(1947)

555 California Street

San Francisco, CA 94104

 

Trustee

Since 2003

   President, Chairman, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.   

39

None

John T. Hailer2

(1960)

 

Trustee

Since 2000

   President and Chief Executive Officer-U.S. and Asia, Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P.; formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Natixis Distribution Corporation, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P., Natixis Distributors, L.P. and Natixis Global Associates, Inc.   

39

None

 

* Each Trustee serves until retirement, resignation or removal from the Board of Trustees. The current retirement age is 72. The position of Chairperson of the Board of Trustees is appointed for a two-year term. Ms. Moose was appointed to serve an additional two-year term as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees on November 20, 2009.

 

** Each person listed above, except as noted, holds the same position(s) with the Natixis Funds Trust I, Natixis Funds Trust II, Natixis Funds Trust III, Natixis Funds Trust IV, Gateway Trust and the Natixis Cash Management Trust (collectively, the “Natixis Funds Trusts”), Loomis Sayles Funds I and Loomis Sayles Funds II (collectively, the “Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts”), and Hansberger International Series. Previous positions during the past five years with Natixis Distributors, L.P. (the “Distributor”), Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. (“Natixis Advisors”), or Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. (“Loomis Sayles”) are omitted if not materially different from a Trustee’s or officer’s current position with such entity.

 

*** The Trustees of the Trust serve as trustees of a fund complex that includes all series of the Natixis Funds Trusts, the Loomis Sayles Funds Trusts and Hansberger International Series (collectively, the “Fund Complex”).

 

**** Mr. Knox was appointed as trustee effective July 1, 2009.

 

***** Mr. Sirri and Mr. Smail were appointed as trustees effective December 1, 2009.

 

34


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TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION

 

1

Mr. Blanding is deemed an “interested person” of the Trust because he holds the following positions with an affiliated person of the Trust: President, Chairman, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Loomis Sayles.

 

2

Mr. Hailer is deemed an “interested person” of the Trust because he holds the following positions with an affiliated person of the Trust: President and Chief Executive Officer-U.S. and Asia, Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P.

 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with
the Trust

  

Term of Office* and
Length of Time Served

  

Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years**

OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

Coleen Downs Dinneen

(1960)

  Secretary, Clerk and Chief Legal Officer    Since September 2004    Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Clerk (formerly, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk), Natixis Distribution Corporation, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and Natixis Distributors, L.P.

David Giunta

(1965)

  President and Chief Executive Officer    Since March 2008    President and Chief Executive Officer, Natixis Distribution Corporation, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and Natixis Distributors, L.P.; formerly, President, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund; and formerly, Senior Vice President, Fidelity Brokerage Company

Russell L. Kane

(1969)

  Chief Compliance Officer, Assistant Secretary and Anti-Money Laundering Officer    Chief Compliance Officer since May 2006; Assistant Secretary since June 2004; and Anti-Money Laundering Officer since April 2007    Chief Compliance Officer for Mutual Funds, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk, Natixis Distribution Corporation, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and Natixis Distributors, L.P.

Michael C. Kardok

(1959)

  Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer    Since October 2004    Senior Vice President, Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and Natixis Distributors, L.P.

 

* Each officer of the Trust serves for an indefinite term in accordance with the Trust’s current By-laws until the date his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until he or she sooner dies, retires, is removed or becomes disqualified.

 

** Each person listed above, except as noted, holds the same position(s) with the Fund Complex previous positions during the past five years with the Distributor, Natixis Advisors or Loomis Sayles are omitted if not materially different from a Trustee’s or officer’s current position with such entity.

 

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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and persons performing similar functions.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The Board of Trustees of the Registrant has established an audit committee. Ms. Cynthia L. Walker, Mr. Daniel M. Cain and Mr. Kenneth A.Drucker are members of the audit committee and have been designated as “audit committee financial experts” by the Board of Trustees. Each of these individuals is also an Independent Trustee of the Registrant.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Fees billed by the Principal Accountant for services rendered to the Registrant.

The table below sets forth fees billed by the principal accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, for the past two fiscal years for professional services rendered in connection with a) the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements and services provided in connection with regulatory filings; b) audit-related services (including services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant’s financial statements but not reported under “Audit Fees”); c) tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning and d) all other fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the Registrant, other than the services provided as reported as a part of (a) through (c) of this Item.

 

     Audit fees    Audit-related fees1    Tax fees2    All other fees3
     2008    2009    2008    2009    2008    2009    2008    2009

Natixis Funds Trust II

   $ 145,308    $ 141,600    $ 191    $ 1,052    $ 31,366    $ 34,654    $ 2,500    $  —  

 

1. Audit-related fees consist of:

2008 - performance of agreed-upon procedures related to the Registrant’s deferred compensation plan.

2009 - performance of agreed-upon procedures related to the Registrant’s deferred compensation plan, review of Form N-14 and issuance of consent related to reorganization of Delafield Select Fund and consulting services with respect to regulatory matters.

 

2. Tax fees consist of:

2008 - review of year-end shareholder reporting and the Registrant’s tax returns.

2009 - review of the Registrant’s tax returns and consulting services with respect to new deferred compensation tax rules, tax treatment of the ASG Global Alternatives Fund’s wholly-owned subsidiary and the reorganization of the Delafield Select Fund.

 

3. All other fees consist of:

2008 - discussions with respect to new funds.

Aggregate fees billed to the Registrant for non-audit services during 2008 and 2009 were $34,057 and $35,706, respectively.

Fees billed by the Principal Accountant for services rendered to the Adviser and Control Affiliates.

The following table sets forth fees billed by the Registrant’s principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. (“Control Affiliates”) that provide ongoing services to the Registrant, for engagements that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant for the last two fiscal years.

 

     Audit-related fees    Tax fees    All other fees
     2008    2009    2008    2009    2008    2009

Control Affiliates

   $ 12,000    $ 12,000    $  —      $  —      $  —      $  —  


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The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by the Registrant’s principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. and Control Affiliates that provide ongoing services to the Registrant, for the last two fiscal years, including the fees disclosed in the table above.

 

     Aggregate Non-Audit Fees
     2008    2009

Control Affiliates

   $ 124,077    $ 62,410

None of the audit-related, tax and other services provided by the Registrant’s principal accountant were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.

Audit Committee Pre Approval Policies.

Annually, the Registrant’s Audit Committee reviews the audit, audit-related, tax and other non-audit services together with the projected fees, for services proposed to be rendered to the Trust and/or other entities for which pre-approval is required during the upcoming year. Any subsequent revisions to already pre-approved services or fees (including fee increases) and requests for pre-approval of new services would be presented for consideration quarterly as needed.

If, in the opinion of management, a proposed engagement by the Registrant’s independent accountants needs to commence before the next regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting, any member of the Audit Committee who is an independent Board member is authorized to pre-approve the engagement, but only for engagements to provide audit, audit related and tax services. This approval is subject to review of the full Audit Committee at its next quarterly meeting. All other engagements require the approval of all the members of the Audit Committee.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

Included as part of the Report to Shareholders filed as Item 1 herewith.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders.

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

The Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, based upon such officers’ evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report.

There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s last fiscal quarter of the period covered by the report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


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Item 12. Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1) Code of Ethics required by Item 2 hereof, filed herewith as Exhibit (a)(1).

 

  (a)(2) Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)], filed herewith as Exhibits (a)(2)(1)and (a)(2)(2), respectively.

 

  (a)(3) Not applicable.

 

  (b) Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 filed herewith as Exhibit (b).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Natixis Funds Trust II
By:   /S/    DAVID L. GIUNTA        
Name:   David L. Giunta
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:   February 22, 2010

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:   /S/    DAVID L. GIUNTA        
Name:   David L. Giunta
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:   February 22, 2010
By:   /S/    MICHAEL C. KARDOK        
Name:   Michael C. Kardok
Title:   Treasurer
Date:   February 22, 2010