485APOS 1 d237566d485apos.htm GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST Goldman Sachs Trust

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 24, 2016

1933 Act Registration No. 33-17619

1940 Act Registration No. 811-05349

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

   THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933    x
   Pre-Effective Amendment No.    ¨
   Post-Effective Amendment No. 577    x
   and/or   
   REGISTRATION STATEMENT   
   UNDER   
   THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940    x
   Amendment No. 578    x

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

 

 

GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (312) 655-4400

 

 

Copies to:

 

CAROLINE L. KRAUS, ESQ.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

200 West Street

New York, New York 10282

 

STEPHEN H. BIER, ESQ.

Dechert LLP

1095 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10036

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)  

 

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of the registration statement

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

 

¨ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
x 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

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

Title of Securities Being Registered:

Class A Shares and Preferred Shares of the Goldman Sachs Short-Term Conservative Income Fund.

 

 

 


The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Preliminary Prospectus dated August 24, 2016

Subject to Completion

 

Prospectus

 

GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT-TERM CONSERVATIVE INCOME FUND

 

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[            ], 2016

 

¢   Goldman Sachs Short-Term Conservative Income Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Limited Maturity Obligations Fund)

 

  n   Class A Shares: [        ]
  n   Institutional Shares: GPPIX
  n   Administration Shares: GPPAX
  n   Preferred Shares: [        ]

 

THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN THE FUND.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Goldman Sachs Short-Term Conservative Income Fund – Summary        1   
Investment Management Approach        7   
Risks of the Fund        11   
Service Providers        16   
Distributions        20   
Shareholder Guide        21   

How to Buy Shares

     21     

How to Sell Shares

     28     
Taxation        34   
Appendix A
Additional Information on the Fund
       36   
Appendix B
Financial Highlights
       44   


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Goldman Sachs Short-Term Conservative Income Fund—Summary

Investment Objective

The Goldman Sachs Short-Term Conservative Income Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Limited Maturity Obligations Fund) (the “Fund”) seeks to generate current income and secondarily maintain an emphasis on preservation of capital and liquidity.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A Shares if you and your family invest in the future, at least $500,000 in Goldman Sachs Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Shareholder Guide—Common Questions Applicable to the Purchase of Class A Shares” beginning on page [    ] of this Prospectus and “Other Information Regarding Maximum Sales Charge, Purchases, Redemptions, Exchanges and Dividends” beginning on page B-[    ] of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

     Class A     Institutional     Administration     Preferred  

Shareholder Fees

       
(Fees paid directly from your investment):        

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

    1.50%        None        None        None   

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds)

    None        None        None        None   

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends

    None        None        None        None   

Redemption Fees

    None        None        None        None   

Exchange Fees

    None        None        None        None   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

       
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):        

Management Fees

    0.25%        0.25%        0.25%        0.25%   

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

    0.25%        None        None        None   

Other Expenses1

    2.03%        1.85%        2.19%        2.04%   

Administration Fees

    Non     Non     0.25     0.10

Other Expenses

    2.03     1.85     1.94     1.94

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

    2.53%        2.10%        2.44%        2.29%   

Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation2

    (2.00)%        (1.94)%        (2.03)%        (2.03)%   

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation

    0.53%        0.16%        0.41%        0.26%   

 

1  The Fund’s “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares and Administration Shares have been restated to reflect expenses expected to be incurred during the current fiscal year. The “Other Expenses” for Class A Shares and Preferred Shares have been estimated to reflect expenses expected to be incurred during the first fiscal year.
2  The Investment Adviser has agreed to (i) waive a portion of its management fee in order to achieve an effective net management fee rate of 0.15% as an annual percentage rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets and (ii) reduce or limit “Other Expenses” (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, transfer agency fees and expenses, administration fees, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, shareholder meeting, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses) to 0.004% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Additionally, Goldman Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”), the Fund’s transfer agent, has agreed to waive a portion of its transfer agency fee (a component of “Other Expenses”) equal to 0.03% as an annual percentage rate of the average daily net assets attributable to Institutional, Administration and Preferred Shares of the Fund. These arrangements will remain in effect through at least [    ], 2017 and prior to such date the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangements without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Expense Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Class A Shares, Institutional Shares, Administration Shares and/or Preferred Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Class A Shares, Institutional Shares, Administration Shares and/or Preferred Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that the Example incorporates the fee waiver and expense limitation

 

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arrangements for only the first year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

Class A Shares

     $[    ]         $[    ]         $[    ]         $[    ]   

Institutional Shares

     $  17         $470         $950         $2,277   

Administration Shares

     $  42         $566         $1,117         $2,621   

Preferred Shares

     $[    ]         $[    ]         $[    ]         $[    ]   
           

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs when it buys and sells securities or instruments (i.e., “turns over” its portfolio). A high rate of portfolio turnover may result in increased transaction costs, which must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders, and is also likely to result in higher short-term capital gains for taxable shareholders. These costs are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, but are reflected in the Fund’s performance. The Fund’s portfolio turnover for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 was 39% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Strategy

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in a broad range of high quality, U.S. dollar-denominated money market and other fixed income instruments, including obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises (“U.S. Government Securities”), obligations of U.S. banks, corporate notes, commercial paper and other short-term obligations of U.S. companies, states, municipalities and other entities, fixed and floating rate asset-backed securities and repurchase agreements. The Fund may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign banks, companies and governments or their agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund will not invest in mortgage-backed securities or derivatives.

In pursuing the Fund’s investment objective, the Investment Adviser will seek to enhance the Fund’s return by identifying those high quality, U.S. dollar-denominated money market and other fixed income instruments that are within the maturity guidelines discussed below and that the Investment Adviser believes offer attractive yields relative to other similar securities, consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity.

The Fund will concentrate its investments in the financial services group of industries. Therefore, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities issued by companies in the financial services group of industries and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations. The Fund may, however, invest less than 25% of its total assets in this group of industries as a temporary defensive position.

The Fund’s benchmarks are the Barclays Short-Term Government/Corporate Index and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3-6 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index.

Credit Quality Guidelines

The Fund will invest at least 85% of its total assets in securities (or the issuers of such securities) that are rated, at the time of purchase, in the highest short-term credit rating category by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) (A-1, P-1, or F1 by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”), respectively), or, if such securities only maintain long term ratings or are unrated, determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality at the time of purchase. The remainder of the Fund’s investments will carry a minimum short-term credit rating of A-2, P-2, or F2 by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch, respectively, at the time of purchase, or, if such securities only maintain long term ratings or are unrated, determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality at the time of purchase. The Fund may also rely on the credit quality of a guarantee or demand feature in determining the credit quality of a security supported by the guarantee or demand feature.

Maturity Guidelines

Except for floating rate and variable rate securities, the Fund will invest in securities that have remaining maturities of two years or less at the time of purchase, with limited exceptions where a security has maturity shortening features (e.g., demand features). Floating rate and variable rate securities must have remaining maturities of three years or less at the time of purchase, with limited exceptions where a security has maturity shortening features (e.g., demand features). The Fund will maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity (“WAM”) that does not exceed approximately nine months and a dollar-weighted average portfolio life (“WAL”) that does not exceed approximately one year.

 

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THE FUND IS NOT A MONEY MARKET FUND AND DOES NOT ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE.

Investment Philosophy

The Fund is managed to seek to generate current income and secondarily maintain an emphasis on preservation of capital and liquidity. The Investment Adviser follows a conservative, risk-managed investment process.

Global fixed income markets are constantly evolving and are highly diverse—with a large number of countries, currencies, sectors, issuers and securities. We believe that inefficiencies in these complex markets cause bond prices to diverge from their fair value. To capitalize on these inefficiencies and generate consistent risk-adjusted performance, we believe it is critical to:

¢   Thoughtfully combine diversified sources of return by employing multiple strategies
¢   Take a global perspective to uncover relative value opportunities
¢   Employ focused specialist teams to identify short-term mispricings and incorporate long-term views
¢   Emphasize a risk-aware approach as we view risk management as both an offensive and defensive tool
¢   Build a strong team of skilled investors who excel on behalf of our clients

Principal Risks of the Fund

Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other government agency. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Investments in the Fund involve substantial risks which prospective investors should consider carefully before investing.

n   Asset-Backed and Receivables-Backed Securities Risk.  The Fund may invest in asset-backed and receivables-backed securities whose principal and interest payments are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal property. Asset-backed securities are subject to certain additional risks, including “extension risk” (i.e., in periods of rising interest rates, issuers may pay principal later than expected) and “prepayment risk” (i.e., in periods of declining interest rates, issuers may pay principal more quickly than expected, causing the Fund to reinvest proceeds at lower prevailing interest rates). These risks are generally greater for longer-term asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are subject to various other risks, including the risk that private insurers fail to meet their obligations, the risk of unexpectedly high rates of default on the assets backing the securities and the risks associated with the nature and servicing of the assets backing the securities. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
n   Credit/Default Risk.  An issuer or guarantor of fixed income securities or instruments held by the Fund, or a bank or other financial institution that has entered into a repurchase agreement with the Fund, may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal or default on any other obligation. Additionally, the credit quality of securities may deteriorate rapidly, which may impair the Fund’s liquidity and cause significant deterioration in net asset value (“NAV”).
n   Financial Services Sector Risk.  An adverse development in the financial services sector, including U.S. and foreign banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies, finance companies (e.g., automobile finance) and related asset-backed securities, may affect the value of the Fund’s investments more than if the Fund were not invested to such a degree in this sector. Companies in the financial services sector may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, fiscal, regulatory and monetary policy and general economic cycles.
n   Floating and Variable Rate Obligations Risk.  For floating and variable rate obligations, there may be a lag between an actual change in the underlying interest rate benchmark and the reset time for an interest payment of such an obligation, which could harm or benefit the Fund, depending on the interest rate environment or other circumstances. In a rising interest rate environment, for example, a floating or variable rate obligation that does not reset immediately would prevent the Fund from taking full advantage of rising interest rates in a timely manner. However, in a declining interest rate environment, the Fund may benefit from a lag due to an obligation’s interest rate payment not being immediately impacted by a decline in interest rates.

Certain floating and variable rate obligations have an interest rate floor feature, which prevents the interest rate payable by the security from dropping below a specified level as compared to a reference interest rate (the “reference rate”), such as LIBOR. Such a floor protects the Fund from losses resulting from a decrease in the reference rate below the specified level. However, if the reference rate is below the floor, there will be a lag between a rise in the reference rate and a rise in the interest rate payable by the obligation, and the Fund may not benefit from increasing interest rates for a significant amount of time.

n   Foreign Risk.  Foreign securities may be subject to risk of loss because of more or less foreign government regulation, less public information and less economic, political and social stability in the countries in which the Fund invests. Loss may also result from the imposition of exchange controls, sanctions, confiscations and other government restrictions by the United States and other governments, or from problems in registration, settlement or custody. In addition, the Fund will be subject to the risk that an issuer of non-U.S. sovereign debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest when due.

 

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n   Industry Concentration Risk.  The Fund concentrates its investments in the financial services group of industries, which has historically experienced substantial price volatility. This concentration subjects the Fund to greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business, political, environmental or other developments than if its investments were diversified across different industries.
n   Interest Rate Risk.  When interest rates increase, fixed income securities or instruments held by the Fund will generally decline in value. Long-term fixed income securities or instruments will normally have more price volatility because of this risk than short-term fixed income securities or instruments. The risks associated with increasing interest rates are heightened given that interest rates are near historic lows, but may be expected to increase in the future with unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments.
n   Large Shareholder Transactions Risk.  The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. These transactions may also accelerate the realization of taxable income to shareholders if such sales of investments resulted in gains, and may also increase transaction costs. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio.
n   Liquidity Risk.  The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. Illiquid investments may be more difficult to value. Liquidity risk may also refer to the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. To meet redemption requests, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed income securities or the lack of an active market. The potential for liquidity risk may be magnified by a rising interest rate environment or other circumstances where investor redemptions from fixed income mutual funds may be higher than normal, potentially causing increased supply in the market due to selling activity.
n   Market Risk.  The market value of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies, particular sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions throughout the world due to increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets.
n   Municipal Securities Risk.  Municipal securities are subject to credit/default risk, interest rate risk and certain additional risks. The Fund may be more sensitive to adverse economic, business or political developments if it invests a substantial portion of its assets in the bonds of similar projects (such as those relating to education, health care, housing, transportation, and utilities), industrial development bonds, or in particular types of municipal securities (such as general obligation bonds, private activity bonds and moral obligation bonds). Generally, municipalities continue to experience difficulties in the current economic and political environment.
n   NAV Risk.  The net asset value of the Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
n   U.S. Government Securities Risk.  The U.S. government may not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. Government Securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federal Home Loan Banks are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that issuers of U.S. Government Securities will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing: (a) changes in the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of the Fund’s Class A, Institutional, Administration and Preferred Shares compare to those of certain broad-based securities market indices. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3-6 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index shows how the Fund’s performance compares to short-term Treasury bills of about 90 to 180-day maturity. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost at www.gsamfunds.com/performance or by calling the appropriate phone number on the back cover of this Prospectus.

 

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Performance reflects applicable fee waivers and/or expense limitations in effect during the periods shown.

 

TOTAL RETURN    CALENDAR YEAR (INSTITUTIONAL)
 

The total return for Institutional Shares for the three-month period ended June 30, 2016 was 0.53%

 

Best Quarter

Q3 ‘15              +0.12%

 

Worst Quarter

Q4 ‘15              –0.08%

 

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  AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN     

 

For the period ended December 31, 2015    1 Year      Since
Inception
 

Class A Shares (Inception [                ], 2016)*

     [    ]%         [    ]%   

Returns Before Taxes

     [    ]%         [    ]%   

Institutional Shares (Inception 2/28/14)

     

Returns Before Taxes

     0.40%         0.36%   

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

     0.18%         0.18%   

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares

     0.23%         0.19%   

Administration Shares (Inception 2/28/14)

     

Returns Before Taxes

     0.15%         0.12%   

Barclays Short-Term Government/Corporate Index

     0.26%         0.21%   

Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3-6 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

     0.12%         0.10%   

Preferred Shares (Inception [                    ], 2016)*

     [    ]%         [    ]%   

 

* Class A Shares and Preferred Shares commenced operations on [                    ], 2016. Prior to that date, the performance of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares is that of the Institutional Shares. Performance has been adjusted for the Class A and Preferred Shares to reflect the fees of these share classes.

The after-tax returns are for Institutional Shares only. The after-tax returns for Class A, Administration, and Preferred Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Portfolio Management

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. is the investment adviser for the Fund (the “Investment Adviser” or “GSAM”).

Portfolio Managers:  Dave Fishman, Managing Director, Co-Head of Liquidity Solutions, has managed the Fund since 2014; and John Olivo, Managing Director, Global Head of Short Duration, has managed the Fund since 2016.

Buying and Selling Fund Shares

The minimum initial investment for Class A Shares is, generally, $1,000. The minimum initial investment for Institutional Shares is, generally, $1,000,000 for individual or certain institutional investors, alone or in combination with other assets under the management of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates. There is no minimum for initial purchases of Administration Shares or Preferred Shares. Those share classes with a minimum initial investment requirement do not impose it on certain employee benefit plans, and Institutional Shares do not impose it on certain investment advisers investing on behalf of other accounts.

The minimum subsequent investment for Class A shareholders is $50, except for certain employee benefit plans, for which there is no minimum. There is no minimum subsequent investment for Institutional Shares. The Fund does not impose minimum purchase requirements for initial or subsequent investments in Administration or Preferred Shares, although an Authorized Institution (as defined below) may impose such minimums and/or establish other requirements such as a minimum account balance.

 

 

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You may purchase and redeem (sell) shares of the Fund on any business day through certain banks, trust companies, brokers, dealers, investment advisers and other financial institutions (“Authorized Institutions”).

Tax Information

The Fund’s distributions are taxable, and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Investments through tax-deferred arrangements may become taxable upon withdrawal from such arrangements.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase the Fund through an Authorized Institution, the Fund and/or its related companies may pay the Authorized Institution for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Authorized Institution and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your Authorized Institution’s website for more information.

 

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Investment Management Approach

 

  INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE     

The Fund seeks to generate current income and secondarily maintain an emphasis on preservation of capital and liquidity.

The Fund’s investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ notice.

 

  PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES     

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in a broad range of high quality, U.S. dollar-denominated money market and other fixed income instruments, including U.S. Government Securities, obligations of U.S. banks, corporate notes, commercial paper and other short-term obligations of U.S. companies, states, municipalities and other entities, fixed and floating rate asset-backed securities and repurchase agreements. The Fund may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign banks, companies and governments or their agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund will not invest in mortgage-backed securities or derivatives.

In pursuing the Fund’s investment objective, the Investment Adviser will seek to enhance the Fund’s return by identifying those high grade, U.S. dollar-denominated money market and other fixed income instruments that are within the maturity guidelines discussed below and that the Investment Adviser believes offer attractive yields relative to other similar securities, consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term securities that pay a fixed, variable, or floating interest rate.

The Fund will concentrate its investments in the financial services group of industries. Therefore, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities issued by companies in the financial services group of industries and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations. The Fund may, however, invest less than 25% of its total assets in this group of industries as a temporary defensive position.

The Fund’s benchmarks are the Barclays Short-Term Government/Corporate Index and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3-6 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index. The Barclays Short-Term Government/Corporate Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of government and corporate securities with less than one year remaining to maturity. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3-6 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index measures total return on cash, including price and interest income, based on short-term government Treasury Bills of about 90- to 180-day maturity. The Index is unmanaged, does not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested in directly.

Credit Quality Guidelines

The Fund will invest at least 85% of its total assets in securities (or the issuers of such securities) that are rated, at the time of purchase, in the highest short-term credit rating category by at least one NRSRO (A-1, P-1, or F1 by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch, respectively), or, if such securities only maintain long term ratings or are unrated, determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality at the time of purchase. The remainder of the Fund’s investments will carry a minimum short-term credit rating of A-2, P-2, or F2 by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch, respectively, at the time of purchase, or, if such securities only maintain long term ratings or are unrated, determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality at the time of purchase. In addition, the Fund may rely on the credit quality of a guarantee or demand feature in determining the credit quality of a security supported by the guarantee or demand feature.

Maturity Guidelines

Except for floating rate and variable rate securities, the Fund will invest in securities that have remaining maturities of two years or less at the time of purchase, with limited exceptions where a security has maturity shortening features (e.g., demand features). Floating rate and variable rate securities must have remaining maturities of three years or less at the time of purchase, with limited exceptions where a security has maturity shortening features (e.g., demand features). The maturity of a security is generally the period remaining until the principal amount must unconditionally be paid, or in the case of a security called for redemption, the date on which the redemption payment must be made. For example, certain floating rate and variable rate securities may have remaining maturities exceeding three years if such securities provide for the Fund to recover the principal amount through a demand feature in three years or less.

 

 

7


The Fund will maintain a WAM that does not exceed approximately nine months and a WAL that does not exceed approximately one year. The Fund’s WAM is an average of the effective maturities of all portfolio securities, weighted by each security’s percentage of market value. The Fund’s WAL is an average of the final maturities (or where applicable the date of demand) of all portfolio securities, weighted by each security’s percentage of market value. A security’s effective maturity represents the next interest rate reset date, demand date or prerefunded date. The Fund’s WAM and WAL are constantly revisited and adjusted as market conditions change. An overall strategy is developed by the Investment Adviser based on insights gained from weekly meetings with both Goldman Sachs economists and economists from outside the firm.

The Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, political or other conditions. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s, P-2 by Moody’s, or having a comparable credit rating by another NRSRO (or if unrated, determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality), certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, repurchase agreements, non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year, certain exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) and other investment companies and cash items. Cash items are not income-generating and, as a result, the Fund’s current yield may be adversely affected during periods when such positions are held. Cash positions may also subject the Fund to additional risks and costs, such as increased exposure to the custodian bank holding the assets and any fees imposed for large cash balances. When the Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.

THE FUND IS NOT A MONEY MARKET FUND AND DOES NOT ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE.

Investment Philosophy

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund. GSAM is referred to in this Prospectus as the “Investment Adviser.”

The Fund is managed to seek to generate current income and secondarily maintain an emphasis on preservation of capital and liquidity. The Investment Adviser follows a conservative, risk-managed investment process.

Global fixed income markets are constantly evolving and are highly diverse—with a large number of countries, currencies, sectors, issuers and securities. We believe that inefficiencies in these complex markets cause bond prices to diverge from their fair value. To capitalize on these inefficiencies and generate consistent risk-adjusted performance, we believe it is critical to:

  ¢   Thoughtfully combine diversified sources of return by employing multiple strategies
  ¢   Take a global perspective to uncover relative value opportunities
  ¢   Employ focused specialist teams to identify short-term mispricings and incorporate long-term views
  ¢   Emphasize a risk-aware approach as we view risk management as both an offensive and defensive tool
  ¢   Build a strong team of skilled investors who excel on behalf of our clients

GSAM Fixed Income implements this overall philosophy through an investment process that is aimed at seeking to generate current income and secondarily maintain an emphasis on preservation of capital and liquidity by utilizing a diverse set of investment strategies and revolves around four key elements:

1. Developing a risk budget—Lead portfolio managers (the “Portfolio Team”) are responsible for the overall results of the Fund. They set the strategic direction of the Fund by establishing a “risk budget.” The “risk budget” for the Fund is the range the portfolio managers will allow the Fund to deviate from its benchmark with respect to overall risk, in this Fund primarily through sector allocations, securities selection and, to a lesser extent, duration. Following careful analysis of risk and return objectives, they allocate the overall risk budget to each component strategy in an effort to optimize potential return and secondarily maintain an emphasis on preservation of capital and liquidity.

2. Generating investment views and strategies—Our Top-down and Bottom-up Strategy Teams (collectively, “Strategy Teams”) generate investment ideas within their areas of specialization. The Top-down Strategy Teams are responsible for Cross-Sector, Duration, Country, and Currency decisions and are deliberately small to ensure creativity and expedite decision-making and execution. Concurrently, Bottom-up Strategy Teams, comprised of sector specialists, formulate sub-sector allocation and security selection decisions. The Fund will only utilize Strategy Teams consistent with the Fund’s investment policies.

3. Constructing the portfolios—The Portfolio and Strategy Teams construct the Fund’s portfolio through a collaborative process in which the Portfolio Team oversees the overall portfolio while the Strategy Teams actively manage the securities and strategies

 

8


INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

 

within their areas of specialization. This process enables the Portfolio Team to build a diversified portfolio consisting of the ideas of the individual Strategy Teams, consistent with the Fund’s overall risk and return objectives.

4. Dynamic adjustments based on market conditions—As market conditions change, the volatility and attractiveness of sectors and strategies can change as well. To optimize the Fund’s risk/return potential within its risk budget, the Portfolio Team dynamically adjusts the mix of top-down and bottom-up strategies in the Fund’s portfolio, consistent with the Fund’s investment policies. At the same time, the Strategy Teams adjust their strategies and security selections in an effort to optimize performance within their specialty areas.

Additional Fund Characteristics and Restrictions

 

  ¢   Portfolio Diversification:  Diversification can help the Fund reduce the risks of investing. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase in the securities of any single issuer except that the Fund may invest up to 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer for up to three business days. These limitations do not apply to cash, certain repurchase agreements, U.S. Government Securities or securities of certain other investment companies. In addition, securities subject to certain unconditional guarantees are subject to different diversification requirements.
  ¢   Portfolio Liquidity:  The Fund must maintain a sufficient degree of liquidity necessary to meet reasonably foreseeable redemption requests. In addition, the Fund will hold at least 10% of its total assets in “weekly liquid assets” (consisting of cash, direct obligations of the U.S. Government, agency discount notes with remaining maturities of 60 days or less and securities that will mature or are subject to a demand feature that is exercisable and payable within five business days). The Fund may not acquire an illiquid security if, after the purchase, more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets would consist of illiquid assets.

Determination of whether an investment is an eligible investment in which the Fund may invest will be made at the time of purchase. If an investment becomes no longer an eligible investment, because of, among other things, a rating downgrade or other action, the Investment Adviser shall not be obligated to dispose of such investment but may do so if, in its judgment, it is prudent to do so in light of the investment objectives of the Fund. Additional information about the Fund’s investment restrictions is located in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

References in this Prospectus to a benchmark are for informational purposes only, and unless otherwise noted are not an indication of how the Fund is managed.

 

  ADDITIONAL FEES AND EXPENSES INFORMATION  

Differences in the “Expense Limitation” ratio across the share classes are the result of the effect of mathematical rounding on the daily accrual of expense reimbursement, particularly, in respect to small share classes.

Note that differences in the “Other Expenses” ratios across the Fund’s share classes are the result of, among other things, contractual differences in transfer agency fees and/or the effect of mathematical rounding on the daily accrual of certain expenses, particularly, in respect to small share classes.

 

  OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND SECURITIES     

Although the Fund’s principal investment strategies are described in the Fund’s Summary—Principal Strategy section of this Prospectus, the following table identifies some of the investment techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Numbers in the table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult the Fund’s annual/semi-annual report (when available). For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A.

The Fund publishes on its website (http://www.gsamfunds.com) complete portfolio holdings for the Fund as of the end of each fiscal quarter subject to a thirty day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. The Fund also publishes its holdings on a weekly basis, with no lag required between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. This weekly holdings information will be available on the website until the next publish date. In addition, a description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s SAI.

 

9


Investment Policies Matrix

 

10   Percent of total assets (italic type)
10   Percent of net assets (roman type)
  No specific percentage limitation on usage;
limited only by the objectives and strategies of the Fund

 

                          
     Short-Term
Conservative
Income Fund

American, European, and Global Depositary Receipts

  ¡

Asset-Backed and Receivables-Backed Securities (including covered bonds)

  ¡

Bank Obligations

  ¡

Commercial Paper

  ¡

Custodial Receipts

  ¡

Floating and Variable Rate Obligations

  ¡

Foreign Securities1

  ¡

Illiquid Investments*

  10

Investment Company Securities (including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”))2

  10

Municipal Securities

  ¡

Private Activity Bonds

  ¡

Repurchase Agreements

  ¡

Short-Term Obligations of Corporations and Other Entities

  ¡

Securities rated A-1, P-1 or F13

  85+

Securities rated A-2, P-2 or F23

  15

Temporary Investments

  ¡

Treasury Inflation Protected Securities

  ¡

U.S. Government Securities

  ¡

U.S. Treasury Obligations4

  ¡

When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments

  ¡
 

 

* Illiquid investments are any investments which cannot be disposed of in seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the price at which the Fund values the instrument.
1  The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign banks, companies and governments or their agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises.
2  This percentage limitation does not apply to the Fund’s investments in investment companies (including ETFs) where a higher percentage limitation is permitted under the terms of an SEC exemptive order or SEC exemptive rule.
3 The Fund may invest in unrated securities if the Investment Adviser determines that the securities are of comparable credit quality at the time of purchase. In addition, the Fund may rely on the credit quality of a guarantee or demand feature in determining the credit quality of a security supported by the guarantee or demand feature.
4  Issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.

 

10


 

Risks of the Fund

 

Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency. The principal risks of the Fund are discussed in the Summary section of this Prospectus. The following section provides additional information on the risks that apply to the Fund, which may result in a loss of your investment. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Risk Category
ü   Principal
  Additional Risk

 

                                                   
     Short-Term
Conservative
Income Fund

Asset-Backed and Receivables-Backed Securities

  ü

Call/Prepayment

 

Credit/Default

  ü

Extension

 

Financial Services Sector

  ü

Floating and Variable Rate Obligations

  ü

Foreign

  ü

Industry Concentration

  ü

Interest Rate

  ü

Large Shareholder Transactions

  ü

Liquidity

  ü

Management

 

Market

  ü

Municipal Securities

  ü

NAV

  ü

Regulatory (Volcker Rule)

 

Sovereign Default

 

Economic

 

Political

 

Repayment

 

U.S. Government Securities

  ü
 

 

¢   Asset-Backed and Receivables-Backed Securities Risk—The Fund may invest in asset-backed and receivables-backed securities whose principal and interest payments are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal property. Asset-backed securities are subject to certain additional risks. Generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed rate asset-backed securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, if the Fund holds asset-backed securities, it may exhibit additional volatility. This is known as extension risk. In addition, adjustable and fixed rate asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their principals sooner than expected. This can reduce the returns of the Fund because the Fund may have to reinvest that money at the lower prevailing interest rates. These risks are generally greater for longer-term asset-backed securities.

The Fund’s investments in asset-backed securities are also subject to risks associated with the nature of the assets and the servicing of those assets. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.

¢   Call/Prepayment Risk—An issuer could exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as an asset-backed security) earlier than expected. This may happen when there is a decline in interest rates, when credit spreads change, or when an issuer’s credit quality improves. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial investment and will also suffer from having to reinvest in lower-yielding securities. This risk is generally greater for long-term obligations.
¢  

Credit/Default Risk—An issuer or guarantor of fixed income securities or instruments held by the Fund, or a bank or other financial institution that has entered into a repurchase agreement with the Fund, may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay

 

11


 

 

principal or default on any other obligation. Even if such an entity does not default on a payment, an instrument’s value may decline if the market believes that the entity has become less able or willing to make timely payments. The credit quality of the Fund’s portfolio securities or instruments may meet the Fund’s credit quality requirements at the time of purchase but then deteriorate thereafter, and such deterioration can occur rapidly. In certain instances, the downgrading or default of a single holding or guarantor of the Fund’s holding may impair the Fund’s liquidity and have the potential to cause significant deterioration in NAV. These risks are more pronounced in connection with the Fund’s investments in non-investment grade fixed income securities.

¢   Extension Risk—An issuer could exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as an asset-backed security) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease, and the Fund will also suffer from the inability to reinvest in higher yielding securities. This risk is generally greater for long-term obligations.
¢   Financial Services Sector Risk—An adverse development in the financial services sector, including U.S. and foreign banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies, finance companies (e.g., automobile finance) and related asset-backed securities, may affect the value of the Fund’s investments more than if the Fund were not invested to such a degree in this sector. Companies in the financial services sector may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, fiscal, regulatory and monetary policy and general economic cycles. For example, deteriorating economic and business conditions can disproportionately impact companies in the financial services sector due to increased defaults on payments by borrowers. Moreover, political and regulatory changes can affect the operations and financial results of companies in the financial services sector, potentially imposing additional costs and expenses or restricting the types of business activities of these companies.
¢   Floating and Variable Rate Obligations Risk—Floating rate and variable rate obligations are debt instruments issued by companies or other entities with interest rates that reset periodically (typically, daily, monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually) in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate is based. For floating and variable rate obligations, there may be a lag between an actual change in the underlying interest rate benchmark and the reset time for an interest payment of such an obligation, which could harm or benefit the Fund, depending on the interest rate environment or other circumstances. In a rising interest rate environment, for example, a floating or variable rate obligation that does not reset immediately would prevent the Fund from taking full advantage of rising interest rates in a timely manner. However, in a declining interest rate environment, the Fund may benefit from a lag due to an obligation’s interest rate payment not being immediately impacted by a decline in interest rates.

Certain floating and variable rate obligations have an interest rate floor feature, which prevents the interest rate payable by the security from dropping below a specified level as compared to a reference interest rate (the “reference rate”), such as LIBOR. Such a floor protects the Fund from losses resulting from a decrease in the reference rate below the specified level. However, if the reference rate is below the floor, there will be a lag between a rise in the reference rate and a rise in the interest rate payable by the obligation, and the Fund may not benefit from increasing interest rates for a significant amount of time.

¢   Foreign Risk—When the Fund invests in foreign securities, it may be subject to risks of loss not typically associated with domestic issuers. Loss may result because of more or less foreign government regulation, less public information, less liquidity, greater volatility and less economic, political and social stability in the countries in which the Fund invests. Loss may also result from, among other things, deteriorating economic and business conditions in other countries, including the United States, regional and global conflicts, the imposition of exchange controls, sanctions, foreign taxes, confiscations, expropriation and other government restrictions by the United States and other governments, higher transaction costs, difficulty enforcing contractual obligations or from problems in registration, settlement or custody. Foreign risks will normally be greatest when the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in emerging countries.
¢   Industry Concentration Risk—The Fund concentrate its investments in the financial services group of industries, which has historically experienced substantial price volatility. Concentrating Fund investments in a limited number of issuers conducting business in the same industry or group of industries will subject the Fund to a greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business, political, environmental or other developments than if its investments were diversified across different industries.
¢   Interest Rate Risk—When interest rates increase, securities or instruments held by the Fund (which may include inflation protected securities) will generally decline in value. Long-term fixed income securities or instruments will normally have more price volatility because of this risk than short-term fixed income securities or instruments. A wide variety of market factors can cause interest rates to rise, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation and changes in general economic conditions. The risks associated with increasing interest rates are heightened given that interest rates are near historic lows, but may be expected to increase in the future with unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments.
¢  

Large Shareholder Transactions Risk—The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders, such as other funds, institutional investors (including those trading by use of non-discretionary mathematical formulas), financial intermediaries

 

12


RISKS OF THE FUND

 

  (who may make investment decisions on behalf of underlying clients and/or include the Fund in their investment model), individuals, accounts and Goldman Sachs affiliates, purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. These transactions may also accelerate the realization of taxable income to shareholders if such sales of investments resulted in gains, and may also increase transaction costs. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio.
¢   Liquidity Risk—The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. While the Fund endeavors to maintain a high level of liquidity in its portfolio, the liquidity of portfolio securities can deteriorate rapidly due to credit events affecting issuers or guarantors, such as a credit rating downgrade, or due to general market conditions and a lack of willing buyers. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, the Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the security or instrument at all. An inability to sell one or more portfolio positions can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value.

To the extent that the traditional dealer counterparties that engage in fixed income trading do not maintain inventories of bonds (which provide an important indication of their ability to “make markets”) that keep pace with the growth of the bond markets over time, relatively low levels of dealer inventories could lead to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets. Additionally, market participants other than the Fund may attempt to sell fixed income holdings at the same time as the Fund, which could cause downward pricing pressure and contribute to illiquidity.

Liquidity risk may also refer to the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests or other reasons. While the Fund reserves the right to meet redemption requests through in-kind distributions, the Fund may instead choose to raise cash to meet redemption requests through sales of portfolio securities or permissible borrowings. If the Fund is forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions, such sales may adversely affect the Fund’s NAV.

Certain shareholders, including clients or affiliates of the Investment Adviser and/or other funds managed by the Investment Adviser, may from time to time own or control a significant percentage of the Fund’s shares. These shareholders may include, for example, institutional investors, funds of funds, discretionary advisory clients, and other shareholders whose buy-sell decisions are controlled by a single decision maker. Redemptions by these shareholders of their shares of the Fund, or a high volume of redemption requests generally, may further increase the Fund’s liquidity risk and may impact the Fund’s NAV.

¢   Management Risk—A strategy used by the Investment Adviser may fail to produce the intended results.
¢   Market Risk—The market value of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies, particular sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions throughout the world. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. The Fund’s investments may be overweighted from time to time in one or more sectors or countries, which will increase the Fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those sectors or countries.

Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. In addition, governmental and quasi-governmental organizations have taken a number of unprecedented actions designed to support the markets. Such conditions, events and actions may result in greater market risk.

¢   Municipal Securities Risk—Municipal securities are subject to call/prepayment risk, credit/default risk, extension risk and certain additional risks. The Fund may be more sensitive to adverse economic, business or political developments if it invests a substantial portion of its assets in the debt securities of similar projects (such as those relating to education, health care, housing, transportation, and utilities), industrial development bonds, or in particular types of municipal securities (such as general obligation bonds, private activity bonds and moral obligation bonds). Specific risks are associated with different types of municipal securities. With respect to general obligation bonds, the full faith, credit and taxing power of the municipality that issues a general obligation bond secures payment of interest and repayment of principal. Timely payments depend on the issuer’s credit quality, ability to raise tax revenues and ability to maintain an adequate tax base. Certain of the municipalities in which the Fund invests may experience significant financial difficulties, which may lead to bankruptcy or default.

With respect to revenue bonds, payments of interest and principal are made only from the revenues generated by a particular facility, class of facilities or the proceeds of a special tax, or other revenue source, and depends on the money earned by that

 

13


source. Private activity bonds are issued by municipalities and other public authorities to finance development of industrial facilities for use by a private enterprise. The private enterprise pays the principal and interest on the bond, and the issuer does not pledge its full faith, credit and taxing power for repayment. If the private enterprise defaults on its payments, the Fund may not receive any income or get its money back from the investment. Moral obligation bonds are generally issued by special purpose public authorities of a state or municipality. If the issuer is unable to meet its obligations, repayment of these bonds becomes a moral commitment, but not a legal obligation, of the state or municipality. Municipal notes are shorter term municipal debt obligations. They may provide interim financing in anticipation of, and are secured by, tax collection, bond sales or revenue receipts. If there is a shortfall in the anticipated proceeds, the notes may not be fully repaid and the Fund may lose money. In a municipal lease obligation, the issuer agrees to make payments when due on the lease obligation. The issuer will generally appropriate municipal funds for that purpose, but is not obligated to do so. Although the issuer does not pledge its unlimited taxing power for payment of the lease obligation, the lease obligation is secured by the leased property. However, if the issuer does not fulfill its payment obligation it may be difficult to sell the property and the proceeds of a sale may not cover the Fund’s loss.

In addition, third party credit quality or liquidity enhancements are frequently a characteristic of the structure of municipal securities purchased by the Fund. Problems encountered by such third parties (such as municipal security insurers or banks issuing a liquidity enhancement facility), including credit rating downgrades or changes in the market’s perception of creditworthiness, may negatively impact a municipal security even though the related municipal issuer is not experiencing problems.

¢   NAV Risk—The net asset value of the Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
¢   Regulatory Risk (Volcker Rule)—Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules issued thereunder (also known as the “Volcker Rule”) prohibit banking entities, such as The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (“Goldman”) and its affiliates, including the Investment Adviser, from engaging in certain trading activities involving their own capital (also known as “proprietary trading”). These prohibitions may include certain restrictions on the extent to which Goldman and/or its affiliates may own shares of the Fund. If Goldman or its affiliates own 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund longer than three years from the Fund’s launch date, the Fund may be subject to these proprietary trading restrictions, which include restrictions on the ability to purchase and sell securities on a short term basis. As of the date of this Prospectus, Goldman and/or its affiliates own more than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Reducing the seed capital in the Fund to address these trading restrictions may prevent the Fund from pursuing its investment objective, may restrict the Fund’s activities and may prevent the Fund from retaining enough capital to engage in certain investment strategies, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. In addition, if Goldman or its affiliates reduce their interest in the Fund, the Fund may be subject to transaction costs, losses and adverse tax consequences and may be forced to liquidate prematurely, among other things.
¢   Sovereign Default Risk—The issuer of the non-U.S. sovereign debt held by the Fund or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest when due. This may result from political or social factors, the general economic environment of a country or levels of foreign debt or foreign currency exchange rates.
  ¢   Economic Risk—The risks associated with the general economic environment of a country. These can encompass, among other things, low quality and growth rate of Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”), high inflation or deflation, high government deficits as a percentage of GDP, weak financial sector, overvalued exchange rate, and high current account deficits as a percentage of GDP.
  ¢   Political Risk—The risks associated with the general political and social environment of a country. These factors may include among other things government instability, poor socioeconomic conditions, corruption, lack of law and order, lack of democratic accountability, poor quality of the bureaucracy, internal and external conflict, and religious and ethnic tensions. High political risk can impede the economic welfare of a country.
  ¢   Repayment Risk—A country may be unable to pay its external debt obligations in the immediate future. Repayment risk factors may include but are not limited to high foreign debt as a percentage of GDP, high foreign debt service as a percentage of exports, low foreign exchange reserves as a percentage of short-term debt or exports, and an unsustainable exchange rate structure.
¢  

U.S. Government Securities Risk—The U.S. government may not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. Government Securities issued by those agencies, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises, including those issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks, are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that issuers of U.S. Government Securities will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been operating under conservatorship, with the Federal Housing Finance Administration (“FHFA”) acting as their conservator, since September 2008. The entities are dependent upon the continued support of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and FHFA in order to continue their business operations. These factors, among others, could affect the future status and role of Fannie Mae and

 

14


RISKS OF THE FUND

 

  Freddie Mac and the value of the securities and the securities which they guarantee. Additionally, the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market values of their securities, which may fluctuate.

More information about the Fund’s portfolio securities and investment techniques, and their associated risks, is provided in Appendix A. You should consider the investment risks discussed in this section and in Appendix A. Both are important to your investment choice.

 

15


 

 

Service Providers

 

  INVESTMENT ADVISER     

 

Investment Adviser   Fund

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”)

 

Short-Term Conservative Income

200 West Street

 

New York, New York 10282

   
 

GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) since 1990 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and an affiliate of Goldman Sachs. Founded in 1869, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a publicly-held financial holding company and a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. As of March 31, 2016, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under supervision of approximately $1.11 trillion.

The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Fund’s portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Fund and places purchase and sale orders for the Fund’s portfolio transactions in U.S. and foreign markets. As permitted by applicable law, these orders may be directed to any executing brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants or other counterparties, including Goldman Sachs and its affiliates. While the Investment Adviser is ultimately responsible for the management of the Fund, it is able to draw upon the research and expertise of its asset management affiliates for portfolio decisions and management with respect to certain portfolio securities. In addition, the Investment Adviser has access to the research and certain proprietary technical models developed by Goldman Sachs (subject to legal, internal, regulatory and Chinese Wall restrictions), and will apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in determining the appropriate allocations among categories of issuers and types of securities.

The Investment Adviser also performs the following additional services for the Fund (to the extent not performed by others pursuant to agreements with the Fund):

  ¢   Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Fund
  ¢   Provides personnel to perform necessary executive, administrative and clerical services to the Fund
  ¢   Arranges for the preparation of all required tax returns, reports to shareholders, prospectuses and statements of additional information and other reports filed with the SEC and other regulatory authorities
  ¢   Maintains the records of the Fund
  ¢   Provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services

An investment in the Fund may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel, and errors caused by third-party service providers or trading counterparties. The use of certain investment strategies that involve manual or additional processing, such as over-the-counter derivatives, increases these risks. Although the Fund attempts to minimize such failures through controls and oversight, it is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

From time to time, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates may invest “seed” capital in the Fund. These investments are generally intended to enable the Fund to commence investment operations and achieve sufficient scale. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates may hedge the exposure of the seed capital invested in the Fund by, among other things, taking an offsetting position in the benchmark of the Fund.

 

16


SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

 

  MANAGEMENT FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES     

As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rates listed below (as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets):

 

                                                                               
Fund   Contractual Management
Fee Annual Rate
    Actual Rate For the
Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2016
 

Short-Term Conservative Income

    0.25%        0.18% * 
   

 

* The Investment Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee in order to achieve an effective net management fee rate of 0.15% as an annual percentage rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Prior to February 11, 2016, the Investment Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s management fee in order to achieve an effective management fee rate of 0.18%. This arrangement will remain in effect through at least [        ], 2017, and prior to such date, the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees. This management fee waiver may be modified or terminated by the Investment Adviser at its discretion and without shareholder approval after such date, although the Investment Adviser does not presently intend to do so.

In addition to the management fee waiver described above, the Investment Adviser may waive an additional portion of its management fee from time to time, and may discontinue or modify any such waivers in the future, consistent with the terms of any fee waiver arrangements in place.

The Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce or limit the Fund’s “Other Expenses” (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, transfer agency fees and expenses, administration fees, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, shareholder meeting, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses) to 0.004% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through at least [        ], 2017, and prior to such date, the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees. The arrangement may be modified or terminated by the Investment Adviser at its discretion and without shareholder approval after such date, although the Investment Adviser does not presently intend to do so. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” may be further reduced by any custody and transfer agency fee credits received by the Fund.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Management Agreement for the Fund is available in the Fund’s semi-annual report for the period ended September 30, 2015. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Management Agreement for the Fund in 2016 will be available in the Fund’s semi-annual report for the period ended September 30, 2016.

 

  FUND MANAGERS     

Liquidity Solutions Team

The individuals jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are listed below. The Fund’s portfolio managers’ individual responsibilities may differ and may include, among other things, security selection, asset allocation, risk budgeting and general oversight of the management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Name and Title   Fund Responsibility   Years
Primarily
Responsible
  Five Year Employment History

Dave Fishman

Managing Director,

Head of Liquidity Solutions

 

Portfolio Manager—

Short-Term Conservative Income

  Since
2014
  Mr. Fishman is the Head of Liquidity Solutions. Mr. Fishman joined the Investment Adviser in 1997 after working at Bankers Trust as a Portfolio Manager.

John Olivo

Managing Director,

Global Head of Short Duration

 

Portfolio Manager—

Short-Term Conservative Income

  Since
2016
  Mr. Olivo is the global head of short duration fixed income strategies. In this role, Mr. Olivo is responsible for portfolio management of several of GSAM’s short duration funds as well as portfolio construction and oversight for investment mandates on behalf of central banks, balance sheet clients, and financial institutions. Previously, he was a member of the short-term taxable portfolio management team and co-managed the U.S. Government money market funds. Mr. Olivo also managed the separate account money market business. Mr. Olivo is a member of the Investment Strategy Committee. He joined GSAM in 1995 as a portfolio trading assistant and was responsible for the daily compliance of all of the taxable money market funds.
     

For information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund, see the SAI.

 

17


 

  DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT     

Goldman Sachs, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of the Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, also serves as the Fund’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) and, as such, performs various shareholder servicing functions.

For its transfer agency services, Goldman Sachs is entitled to receive a transfer agency fee equal, on an annualized basis, to 0.13% of average daily net assets with respect to Class A Shares and 0.04% of average daily net assets with respect to the Institutional, Administration and Preferred Shares. Goldman Sachs has agreed to waive a portion of its transfer agency fee (a component of “Other Expenses”) equal to 0.03% as an annual percentage rate of the average daily net assets attributable to Institutional, Administration and Preferred Shares of the Fund through at least [    ], 2017, and prior to such date, Goldman Sachs may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

From time to time, Goldman Sachs or any of its affiliates may purchase and hold shares of the Fund. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates reserve the right to redeem at any time some or all of the shares acquired for their own accounts.

 

  ACTIVITIES OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY GOLDMAN SACHS     

The involvement of the Investment Adviser, Goldman Sachs and their affiliates in the management of, or their interest in, other accounts and other activities of Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with respect to the Fund or limit the Fund’s investment activities. Goldman Sachs is a worldwide, full service investment banking, broker dealer, asset management and financial services organization and a major participant in global financial markets that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals. As such, it acts as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, financier, adviser, market maker, trader, prime broker, lender, agent and principal. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs advises clients in all markets and transactions and purchases, sells, holds and recommends a broad array of investments, including securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps, indices, baskets and other financial instruments and products for its own account or for the accounts of its customers and has other direct and indirect interests in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equities, bank loans and other markets in which the Fund may directly and indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Fund will have multiple business relationships with and will invest in, engage in transactions with, make voting decisions with respect to, or obtain services from entities for which Goldman Sachs performs or seeks to perform investment banking or other services. The Investment Adviser and/or certain of its affiliates are the managers of the Goldman Sachs Funds. The Investment Adviser and its affiliates earn fees from this and other relationships with the Fund. Although those fees are generally based on asset levels, the fees are not directly contingent on Fund performance, and Goldman Sachs would still receive significant compensation from the Fund even if shareholders lose money. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds which have investment objectives similar to those of the Fund and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Fund. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will not have any obligation to make available any information regarding their proprietary activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by them, for the benefit of the management of the Fund. The results of the Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates, and other accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that the Fund could sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and other accounts achieve significant profits on their trading for proprietary or other accounts. In addition, the Fund may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, the Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or Goldman Sachs-advised clients may, individually or in the aggregate, adversely impact the Fund. Transactions by one or more Goldman Sachs-advised clients or the Investment Adviser may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of the Fund. The Fund’s activities may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, and/or their internal policies designed to comply with such restrictions. As a global financial services firm, Goldman Sachs also provides a wide range of investment banking and financial services to issuers of securities and investors in securities. Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and others associated with it may create markets or specialize in, have positions in and effect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Fund, and may also perform or seek to perform investment banking and financial services for those issuers. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates may have business relationships with and purchase or distribute or sell services or products from or to distributors, consultants or

 

18


SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

others who recommend the Fund or who engage in transactions with or for the Fund. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the SAI.

The Fund may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Fund’s portfolio investment transactions, in accordance with applicable law.

 

19


 

Distributions

 

The Fund pays distributions from its investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains. You may choose to have distributions paid in:

  ¢   Cash
  ¢   Additional shares of the same class of the Fund
  ¢   Shares of the same or an equivalent class of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Special restrictions may apply. See the SAI.

You may indicate your election on your account application. Any changes may be submitted in writing, or via telephone, in some instances, to the Transfer Agent (either directly or through your Authorized Institution) at any time before the record date for a particular distribution. If you do not indicate any choice, your distributions will be reinvested automatically in the Fund. If cash distributions are elected with respect to the Fund’s monthly net investment income, then cash distributions must also be elected with respect to the net short-term capital gains component, if any, of the Fund’s annual distributions.

The election to reinvest distributions in additional shares will not affect the tax treatment of such distributions, which will be treated as received by you and then used to purchase the shares.

Distributions from net investment income and distributions from net capital gains, if any, are declared and paid as follows:

 

                                                                                                                                                                       
     Investment
Income Dividends
   Capital Gains
Distributions
Fund    Declared      Paid    Declared and Paid

Short-Term Conservative Income

   Daily      Monthly    Annually
          

In addition to the net investment income dividends declared daily and paid monthly, the Fund may also earn additional net investment income throughout the year. Any additional net investment income will be distributed annually as a declared event and paid to shareholders of record for such events.

From time to time a portion of the Fund’s distributions may constitute a return of capital for tax purposes, and/or may include amounts in excess of the Fund’s net investment income for the period calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

When you purchase shares of the Fund, part of the NAV per share may be represented by undistributed income and/or realized gains that have previously been earned by the Fund. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such shares from such income and/or realized gains may be taxable to you even if the NAV of the shares is, as a result of the distributions, reduced below the cost of such shares and the distributions (or portions thereof) represent a return of a portion of the purchase price.

 

20


 

 

Shareholder Guide

 

The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Fund’s shares.

 

  HOW TO BUY SHARES     

Shares Offering

Shares of the Fund are continuously offered through the Distributor. Certain Authorized Institutions designated by the Fund may be authorized to accept, on behalf of the Fund, purchase and exchange orders and redemption requests placed by or on behalf of their customers, and if approved by the Fund, may designate other financial intermediaries to accept such orders.

The Fund and the Distributor will have the sole right to accept orders to purchase shares and reserve the right to reject any order in whole or in part.

How Can I Purchase Shares Of The Fund?

You may purchase shares of the Fund through certain Authorized Institutions. In order to make an initial investment in the Fund you must furnish to your Authorized Institution the information in the account application.

The decision as to which class to purchase depends on the amount you invest, the intended length of the investment and your personal situation. You should contact your Authorized Institution to discuss which share class option is right for you.

Note: Authorized Institutions may receive different compensation for selling different share classes.

To open an account, contact your Authorized Institution. Customers of certain Authorized Institutions will normally give their purchase instructions to the Authorized Institution, and the Authorized Institution will, in turn, place purchase orders with Goldman Sachs. Authorized Institutions will set times by which purchase orders and payments must be received by them from their customers.

For purchases by check, the Fund will not accept checks drawn on foreign banks, third party checks, temporary checks, or cash or cash equivalents; e.g., cashier’s checks, official bank checks, money orders, travelers cheques or credit card checks. In limited situations involving the transfer of retirement assets, the Fund may accept cashier’s checks or official bank checks.

What Is My Minimum Investment In The Fund?

For each of your accounts investing in Class A Shares, the following investment minimums must be met:

 

                                                                                                                                                           
     Initial   Additional*

Regular Accounts

  $1,000   $50

Employee Benefit Plans

  No Minimum   No Minimum

Uniform Gift/Transfer to Minors Accounts (UGMA/UTMA)

  $250   $50

Individual Retirement Accounts and Coverdell ESAs

  $250   $50

Automatic Investment Plan Accounts

  $250   $50
   

 

* No minimum additional investment requirements are imposed with respect to investors trading through Authorized Institutions who aggregate shares in omnibus or similar accounts (e.g., employee benefit plan accounts, wrap program accounts or traditional brokerage house accounts).

For Institutional Shares, the minimum initial investment is $1,000,000 for individual or Institutional Investors, alone or in combination with other assets under the management of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, except that no initial minimum will be imposed on (i) Section 401(k), 403(b), 457, profit sharing, money purchase pension, tax-sheltered annuity, defined benefit pension, nonqualified deferred compensation plans and non-qualified pension plans or other employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) or SIMPLE plans that are sponsored by one or more employers (including governmental or church employers) or employee organizations (“Employee Benefit Plans”) that hold their Institutional Shares through plan-level or omnibus accounts; or (ii) investment advisers investing for accounts for which they receive asset-based fees where the investment adviser or its Authorized Institution purchases Institutional Shares through an omnibus account. For this purpose, “Institutional Investors” shall include “wrap” account sponsors (provided they have an agreement covering the arrangement with the Distributor), corporations, qualified non-profit organizations, charitable trusts, foundations and endowments, state, county, city or any instrumentality,

 

21


department, authority or agency thereof, and banks, trust companies or other depository institutions investing for their own account or on behalf of their clients.

There are no minimum purchase or account (minimum) requirements with respect to Administration Shares or Preferred Shares. An Authorized Institution may, however, impose a minimum amount for initial and additional investments in Administration Shares or Preferred Shares, and may establish other requirements such as a minimum account balance. An Authorized Institution may redeem shares held by non-complying accounts and may impose a charge for any special services. No minimum amount is required for additional investments in Institutional, Administration or Preferred Shares.

The minimum investment requirement for Class A and Institutional Shares may be waived for (i) Goldman Sachs, its affiliates (including Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”)) or their respective Trustees, officers, partners, directors or employees (including retired employees and former partners), as well as certain individuals related to such investors, including spouses or domestic partners, minor children including those of their domestic partners, other family members residing in the same household, and/or financial dependents, provided that all of the above are designated as such with an Authorized Institution or the Fund’s Transfer Agent; (ii) advisory clients of Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management and accounts for which The Goldman Sachs Trust Company, N.A. acts in a fiduciary capacity (i.e., as agent or trustee); (iii) certain mutual fund “wrap” programs at the discretion of the Trust’s officers; and (iv) other investors at the discretion of the Trust’s officers. No minimum amount is required for additional investments in such accounts.

What Should I Know When I Purchase Shares Through An Authorized Institution?

If shares of the Fund are held in an account maintained and serviced by your Authorized Institution, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to your account will be performed by your Authorized Institution, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of your transactions, you should contact your Authorized Institution to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning your account or to obtain information about your account. The transfer of shares from an account with one Authorized Institution to an account with another Authorized Institution involves special procedures and may require you to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from your Authorized Institution. If your Authorized Institution’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated, and you do not transfer your account to another Authorized Institution, the Trust reserves the right to redeem your shares. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account or tax liability resulting from a redemption.

Certain Authorized Institutions may be authorized to accept, on behalf of the Trust, purchase, redemption and exchange orders placed by or on behalf of their customers, and if approved by the Trust, to designate other financial intermediaries to accept such orders. In these cases:

  ¢   The Fund will be deemed to have received an order for purchase, redemption or exchange of Fund shares when the order is accepted in proper form by the Transfer Agent or an Authorized Institution on a business day, and the order will be priced at the Fund’s current NAV per share next determined after such acceptance. For shareholders that place trades directly with the Fund’s Transfer Agent, proper form generally means that specific trade details and customer identifying information must be received by the Transfer Agent at the time an order is submitted. Authorized Institutions of the Fund may have different requirements regarding what constitutes proper form for trade instructions. Please contact the Authorized Institution for more information.
  ¢   Authorized Institutions are responsible for transmitting accepted orders to the Funds within the time period agreed upon by them.

You should contact your Authorized Institution to learn whether it is authorized to accept orders for the Trust. Authorized Institutions that invest in shares on behalf of their customers may charge fees directly to their customer accounts in connection with their investments. You should contact your Authorized Institution for information regarding such charges, as these fees, if any, may affect the return such customers realize with respect to their investments.

The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments or provide services to Authorized Institutions to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of shares of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds. These payments are made out of the Investment Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/or their affiliates’ own assets, and are not an additional charge to the Fund. The payments are in addition to the administration fees described in this Prospectus. Such payments are intended to compensate Authorized Institutions for, among other things: marketing shares of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may consist of payments relating to the Fund’s inclusion on preferred or recommended fund lists or in certain sales programs sponsored by the Authorized Institutions; access to the Authorized Institutions’ registered representatives or salespersons, including at conferences and other meetings; assistance in training and education of personnel; marketing support; and/or other specified services intended

 

22


SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

 

to assist in the distribution and marketing of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds. The payments may also, to the extent permitted by applicable regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions. The payments by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, which are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Funds, may also compensate Authorized Institutions for sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, administrative and/or shareholder processing services. These additional payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the Authorized Institutions. In addition, certain Authorized Institutions may have access to certain services from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, including research reports and economic analysis, and portfolio analysis tools. In certain cases, the Authorized Institution may not pay for these services. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments and services.

The payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates and the services provided by an Authorized Institution may differ for different Authorized Institutions. The presence of these payments, receipt of these services and the basis on which an Authorized Institution compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular Authorized Institution, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend a Fund based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should contact your Authorized Institution for more information about the payments it receives and any potential conflicts of interest.

What Else Should I Know About Share Purchases?

The Trust reserves the right to:

  ¢   Refuse to open an account or require an Authorized Institution to refuse to open an account if you fail to (i) provide a Social Security Number or other taxpayer identification number; or (ii) certify that such number is correct (if required to do so under applicable law).
  ¢   Reject or restrict any purchase or exchange order by a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers) for any reason in its discretion. Without limiting the foregoing, the Trust may reject or restrict purchase and exchange orders by a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers) when a pattern of frequent purchases, sales or exchanges of shares of the Fund is evident, or if purchases, sales or exchanges are, or a subsequent redemption might be, of a size that would disrupt the management of the Fund.
  ¢   Close the Fund to new investors from time to time and reopen the Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.
  ¢   Provide for, modify or waive the minimum investment requirements.
  ¢   Modify the manner in which shares are offered.

In accordance with the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees, the Trust discourages frequent purchases and redemptions of shares of certain Goldman Sachs Funds and does not permit market timing or other excessive trading practices. Excessive, short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm fund performance and result in dilution in the value of fund shares held by longer-term shareholders. However, the Board has not adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares in light of the nature and high quality of the Fund’s investments, and shareholders and investors may engage in frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares. This may result in additional costs for the Fund. Although the Fund has no limit on purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares, the Fund may, in its discretion, restrict, reject or cancel any purchases that, in the Investment Adviser’s opinion, may be disruptive to the management of the Fund or otherwise not in the Fund’s interests. The Fund reserves the right at any time to restrict purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares or impose conditions that are more restrictive on excessive trading than those stated in this Prospectus.

Shares of the Fund are only registered for sale in the United States and certain of its territories. Generally, shares of the Fund will only be offered or sold to “U.S. persons” and offerings or other solicitation activities will be conducted within the United States, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”).

The Fund may allow you to purchase shares with securities instead of cash if consistent with the Fund’s investment policies and operations and if approved by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and Goldman Sachs reserve the right to reject or restrict purchase or exchange requests from any investor. The Trust and Goldman Sachs will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase or exchange orders.

 

23


 

Please be advised that abandoned or unclaimed property laws for certain states (to which your account may be subject) require financial organizations to transfer (escheat) unclaimed property (including shares of the Fund) to the appropriate state if no activity occurs in an account for a period of time specified by state law.

Customer Identification Program.  Federal law requires the Fund to obtain, verify and record identifying information for certain investors, which will be reviewed solely for customer identification purposes, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), Social Security Number or taxpayer identification number or other information for each investor who opens an account directly with the Fund. Applications without the required information may not be accepted by the Fund. Throughout the life of your account, the Fund may request updated identifying information in accordance with its Customer Identification Program. After accepting an application, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its Customer Identification Program, the Fund reserves the right to: (i) place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; (ii) refuse an investment in the Fund; or (iii) involuntarily redeem an investor’s shares and close an account in the event that the Fund is unable to verify an investor’s identity or is unable to obtain all required information. The Fund and its agents will not be responsible for any loss or tax liability in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares pursuant to the Customer Identification Program.

How Are Shares Priced?

The price you pay when you buy shares is the Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class after the Fund receives your order in proper form. The price you receive when you sell shares is the Fund’s next determined NAV for a share class after the Fund receives your order in proper form. Each class calculates its NAV as follows:

 

NAV =  

(Value of Assets of the Class)

– (Liabilities of the Class)

  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Class

The Fund’s investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value on the basis of quotations furnished by a pricing service or provided by securities dealers. If accurate quotations are not readily available, if the Fund’s fund accounting agent is unable for other reasons to facilitate pricing of individual securities or calculate the Fund’s NAV, or if the Investment Adviser believes that such quotations do not accurately reflect fair value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may be determined in good faith based on yield equivalents, a pricing matrix or other sources, under valuation procedures established by the Board of Trustees. The pricing services may use valuation models or matrix pricing, which considers yield or price with respect to comparable bonds, quotations from bond dealers or by reference to other securities that are considered comparable in such characteristics as rating, interest rate and maturity date, to determine current value. Thus, such pricing may be based on subjective judgments and it is possible that the prices resulting from such valuation procedures may differ materially from the value realized on a sale. Cases where there is no clear indication of the value of the Fund’s investments include, among others, situations where a security or other asset or liability does not have a price source or a price is unavailable.

In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) determine to make an adjustment to the previous closing prices of either domestic or foreign securities in light of significant events, to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities at the time of determining the Fund’s NAV. Significant events that could affect a large number of securities in a particular market may include, but are not limited to: situations relating to one or more single issuers in a market sector; significant fluctuations in U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or unscheduled market closings; equipment failures; natural or man made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; governmental actions or other developments; as well as the same or similar events which may affect specific issuers or the securities markets even though not tied directly to the securities markets. Other significant events that could relate to a single issuer may include, but are not limited to: corporate actions such as reorganizations, mergers and buy-outs; corporate announcements, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; ratings downgrades; bankruptcies; and trading suspensions. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be followed to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund’s NAV.

One effect of using an independent fair value service and fair valuation may be to reduce stale pricing arbitrage opportunities presented by the pricing of Fund shares. However, it involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be different from those used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

Investments in other open-end registered investment companies (if any), excluding investments in ETFs, are valued based on the NAV of those open-end registered investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses).

 

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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

 

Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:

  ¢   NAV per share of each share class is generally calculated by the Fund’s fund accounting agent on each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) or such other times as the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ market may officially close. This occurs after the determination, if any, of the income to be declared as a dividend.
  ¢   Fund shares will generally not be priced on any day the New York Stock Exchange is closed, although Fund shares may be priced on such days if the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) recommends that the bond markets remain open for all or part of the day.
  ¢   On any business day when the SIFMA recommends that the bond markets close early, the Fund reserves the right to close at or prior to the SIFMA recommended closing time. If the Fund does so, it will cease granting same business day credit for purchase and redemption orders received after the Fund’s closing time and credit will be given on the next business day.
  ¢   The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase (including dividend reinvestments), redemption and exchange transactions that were processed at a NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV, as adjusted.
  ¢   The Trust reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC.

Consistent with industry practice, investment transactions not settling on the same day are recorded and factored into the Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1). The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.

Note: The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange and/or the bond markets are stopped at a time other than their regularly scheduled closing times. In the event the New York Stock Exchange and/or the bond markets do not open for business, the Trust may, but is not required to, open the Fund for purchase, redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire payment system is open. To learn whether the Fund is open for business during this situation, please call the appropriate phone number located on the back cover of this Prospectus.

Foreign securities may trade in their local markets on days the Fund is closed. As a result, if the Fund holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. Therefore, the Fund is subject to certain operational risks associated with reliance on third party service providers and data sources. NAV calculation may be impacted by operational risks arising from factors such as failures in systems and technology. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund’s NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures.

When Will Shares Be Issued And Dividends Begin To Be Accrued?

Net investment income dividends that are declared daily and paid monthly will begin to be accrued as follows:

  ¢   Shares Purchased by Federal Funds Wire:
  ¢   If a purchase order is received in proper form before the Fund closes, shares will generally be issued and dividends will generally begin to accrue on the purchased shares on the later of (i) the business day after payment is received, or (ii) the day that the federal funds wire is received by The Northern Trust Company. Failure to provide payment on settlement date may result in a delay in accrual.
  ¢   If a purchase order is placed through an authorized institution that settles through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (the “NSCC”), the purchase order will begin accruing dividends on the NSCC settlement date.
  ¢   Shares Purchased by Check:
  ¢   If a purchase order is received in proper form before the Fund closes, shares will generally be issued and dividends will generally begin to accrue on the purchased shares no later than two business days after payment is received.
  ¢   Other dividends or distributions will be distributed annually as a declared event and paid to shareholders of record on the record date for such events.

 

25


 

  COMMON QUESTIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE OF CLASS A SHARES     

What Is The Offering Price Of Class A Shares?

The offering price of Class A Shares of the Fund is the next determined NAV per share plus an initial sales charge paid to Goldman Sachs at the time of purchase of shares.  The sales charge varies depending upon the amount you purchase. In some cases, described below, the initial sales charge may be eliminated altogether, and the offering price will be the NAV per share. The current sales charges and commissions paid to Authorized Institutions for Class A Shares of the Fund are as follows:

 

Amount of Purchase

(including sales charge, if any)

 

Sales Charge as

Percentage of

Offering Price

   

Sales Charge

as Percentage

of Net Amount

Invested

   

Maximum Dealer

Allowance as

Percentage of

Offering Price*

 

Less than $500,000

    1.50     [    ]     [    ]

$500,000 or more

    0.00 **      0.00 **        *** 
     
    * Dealer’s allowance may be changed periodically. During special promotions, the entire sales charge may be reallowed to Authorized Institutions. Authorized Institutions to whom substantially the entire sales charge is reallowed may be deemed to be “underwriters” under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”).
  ** No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase of Class A Shares of $500,000 or more, but a CDSC of 0.50% may be imposed in the event of certain redemptions within 9 months. For more information about Class A Shares’ CDSCs, please see “What Else Do I Need to Know About Class A Shares’ CDSC?” below.
*** The Distributor may pay a one-time commission to Authorized Institutions who initiate or are responsible for purchases of $500,000 or more of shares of the Fund equal to 0.50% of the amount under $3 million and 0.25% thereafter. In instances where an Authorized Institution (including Goldman Sachs’ Private Wealth Management Unit) agrees to waive its receipt of the one-time commission described above, the CDSC on Class A Shares, generally, will be waived. The Distributor may also pay, with respect to all or a portion of the amount purchased, a commission in accordance with the foregoing schedules to Authorized Institutions who initiate or are responsible for purchases by Employee Benefit Plans investing in the Fund which satisfy the criteria set forth below in “When Are Class A Shares Not Subject to A Sales Load?” or $500,000 or more by certain “wrap” accounts. Purchases by such plans will be made at NAV with no initial sales charge, but if shares are redeemed within 9 months, a CDSC of 0.50% may be imposed upon the plan, the plan sponsor or the third-party administrator. In addition, Authorized Institutions will remit to the Distributor such payments received in connection with “wrap” accounts in the event that shares are redeemed within 9 months.

You should note that the actual sales charge that appears in your mutual fund transaction confirmation may differ slightly from the rate disclosed above in this Prospectus due to rounding calculations.

As indicated in the preceding chart, and as discussed further below and in the section titled “How Can The Sales Charge On Class A Shares Be Reduced?”, you may, under certain circumstances, be entitled to pay reduced sales charges on your purchases of Class A Shares or have those charges waived entirely. To take advantage of these discounts, your Authorized Institution must notify the Fund’s Transfer Agent at the time of your purchase order that a discount may apply to your current purchases. You may also be required to provide appropriate documentation to receive these discounts, including:

 

  (i) Information or records regarding shares of the Fund or other Goldman Sachs Funds held in all accounts (e.g., retirement accounts) of the shareholder at all Authorized Institutions; or

 

  (ii) Information or records regarding shares of the Fund or other Goldman Sachs Funds held at any Authorized Institution by related parties of the shareholder, such as members of the same family or household.

What Else Do I Need To Know About Class A Shares’ CDSC?

Purchases of $500,000 or more of Class A Shares will be made at NAV with no initial sales charge. However, if you redeem shares within 9 months after the beginning of the month in which the purchase was made, a CDSC of 0.50% may be imposed. The CDSC may not be imposed if your Authorized Institution agrees with the Distributor to return all or an applicable prorated portion of its commission to the Distributor. The CDSC is waived on redemptions in certain circumstances. See “In What Situations May The CDSC On Class A Shares Be Waived Or Reduced?” below.

When Are Class A Shares Not Subject To A Sales Load?

Class A Shares of the Fund may be sold at NAV without payment of any sales charge to the following individuals and entities:

  ¢   Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or their respective officers, partners, directors or employees (including retired employees and former partners), any partnership of which Goldman Sachs is a general partner, any Trustee or officer of the Trust and designated family members of any of these individuals;
  ¢   Qualified employee benefit plans of Goldman Sachs;
  ¢   Trustees or directors of investment companies for which Goldman Sachs or an affiliate acts as sponsor;

 

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  ¢   Any employee or registered representative of any Authorized Institution (or such Authorized Institutions’ affiliates and subsidiaries) or their respective spouses or domestic partners, children and parents;
  ¢   Banks, trust companies or other types of depository institutions;
  ¢   Any state, county or city, or any instrumentality, department, authority or agency thereof, which is prohibited by applicable investment laws from paying a sales charge or commission in connection with the purchase of shares of the Fund;
  ¢   Employee Benefit Plans, other than Employee Benefit Plans that purchase Class A Shares through brokerage relationships in which sales charges are customarily imposed. Under such circumstances, Plans will be assessed sales charges as described further in “Shareholder Guide—Common Questions Applicable to the Purchase of Class A Shares;”
  ¢   Investors who purchase Class A Shares through an omnibus account sponsored by an Authorized Institution that has an agreement with the Distributor covering such investors to offer Class A Shares without charging an initial sales charge;
  ¢   Insurance company separate accounts that make the Fund available as an underlying investment in certain group annuity contracts;
  ¢   “Wrap” accounts for the benefit of clients of broker-dealers, financial institutions or financial planners, provided they have entered into an agreement with GSAM specifying aggregate minimums and certain operating policies and standards;
  ¢   Investment advisers investing for accounts for which they receive asset-based fees;
  ¢   Accounts over which GSAM or its advisory affiliates have investment discretion;
  ¢   Shareholders who roll over distributions from any tax-qualified Employee Benefit Plan or tax-sheltered annuity to an IRA which invests in the Goldman Sachs Funds if the tax-qualified Employee Benefit Plan or tax-sheltered annuity receives administrative services provided by certain third party administrators that have entered into a special service arrangement with Goldman Sachs relating to such plan or annuity;
  ¢   State sponsored 529 college savings plans;
  ¢   Investors that purchase Class A Shares through the GS Retirement Plan Plus and Goldman Sachs 401(k) Programs; or
  ¢   Former shareholders of certain funds who (i) received shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund in connection with a reorganization of an acquired fund into a Goldman Sachs Fund, (ii) had previously qualified for purchases of Class A Shares of the acquired funds without the imposition of a sales load under the guidelines of the applicable acquired fund family, and (iii) as of August 24, 2012 held their Goldman Sachs Fund shares directly with the Goldman Sachs Funds’ Transfer Agent, as long as they continue to hold the shares directly at the Transfer Agent.

You must certify eligibility for any of the above exemptions on your account application and notify your Authorized Institution and the Fund if you no longer are eligible for the exemption.

The Fund will grant you an exemption subject to confirmation of your eligibility by your Authorized Institution. You may be charged a fee by your Authorized Institution.

How Can The Sales Charge On Class A Shares Be Reduced?

  ¢   Right of Accumulation:  When buying Class A Shares in Goldman Sachs Funds, your current aggregate investment determines the initial sales load you pay. You may qualify for reduced sales charges when the current market value of holdings across Class A Shares, plus new purchases, reaches $500,000 or more. Class A Shares of any of the Goldman Sachs Funds may be combined under the Right of Accumulation. If the Fund’s Transfer Agent is properly notified, the “Amount of Purchase” in the chart in the section “What Is The Offering Price of Class A Shares?” will be deemed to include all Class A Shares of the Goldman Sachs Funds that were held at the time of purchase by any of the following persons: (i) you, your spouse or domestic partner, your parents and your children; and (ii) any trustee, guardian or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account. This includes, for example, any Class A Shares held at an Authorized Institution other than the one handling your current purchase. For purposes of applying the Right of Accumulation, shares of the Fund and any other Goldman Sachs Funds purchased by an existing client of Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management or GS Ayco Holding LLC will be combined with Class A and other assets held by all other Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management accounts or accounts of GS Ayco Holding LLC, respectively. In addition, under some circumstances, Class A of the Fund and Class A Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased by partners, directors, officers or employees of certain organizations may be combined for the purpose of determining whether a purchase will qualify for the Right of Accumulation and, if qualifying, the applicable sales charge level. To qualify for a reduced sales load, you or your Authorized Institution must notify the Fund’s Transfer Agent at the time of investment that a quantity discount is applicable. If you do not notify your Authorized Institution at the time of your current purchase or a future purchase that you qualify for a quantity discount, you may not receive the benefit of a reduced sales charge that might otherwise apply. Use of this option is subject to a check of appropriate records.

 

27


 

In some circumstances, other Class A Shares may be aggregated with your current purchase under the Right of Accumulation as described in the SAI. For purposes of determining the “Amount of Purchase,” all Class A Shares currently held will be valued at their current market value.

  ¢   Statement of Intention: You may obtain a reduced sales charge by means of a written Statement of Intention which expresses your non-binding commitment to invest (not counting reinvestments of dividends and distributions) in the aggregate $500,000 or more within a period of 13 months in Class A Shares of one or more of the Goldman Sachs Funds. Any investments you make during the period will receive the discounted sales load based on the full amount of your investment commitment. Purchases made during the previous 90 days may be included; however, capital appreciation does not apply toward these combined purchases. If the investment commitment of the Statement of Intention is not met prior to the expiration of the 13-month period, the entire amount will be subject to the higher applicable sales charge unless the failure to meet the investment commitment is due to the death of the investor. By selecting the Statement of Intention, you authorize the Transfer Agent to escrow and redeem Class A Shares in your account to pay this additional charge if the Statement of Intention is not met. You must, however, inform the Transfer Agent (either directly or through your Authorized Institution) that the Statement of Intention is in effect each time shares are purchased. Each purchase will be made at the public offering price applicable to a single transaction of the dollar amount specified on the Statement of Intention. The SAI has more information about the Statement of Intention, which you should read carefully.

 

  COMMON QUESTIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE OF CLASS A SHARES     

What Else Do I Need To Know About The CDSC On Class A Shares?

  ¢   The CDSC is based on the lesser of the NAV of the shares at the time of redemption or the original offering price (which is the original NAV).
  ¢   No CDSC is charged on shares acquired from reinvested dividends or capital gains distributions.
  ¢   No CDSC is charged on the per share appreciation of your account over the initial purchase price.
  ¢   When counting the number of months since a purchase of Class A Shares was made, all purchases made during a month will be combined and considered to have been made on the first day of that month.
  ¢   To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell shares, the Fund will first sell any shares in your account that do not carry a CDSC and then the shares in your account that have been held the longest.

In What Situations May The CDSC On Class A Shares Be Waived Or Reduced?

The CDSC on Class A Shares that are subject to a CDSC may be waived or reduced if the redemption relates to:

  ¢   Mandatory retirement distributions or loans to participants or beneficiaries from Employee Benefit Plans;
  ¢   Hardship withdrawals by a participant or beneficiary in an Employee Benefit Plan;
  ¢   The separation from service by a participant or beneficiary in an Employee Benefit Plan;
  ¢   Excess contributions distributed from an Employee Benefit Plan;
  ¢   Distributions from a qualified Employee Benefit Plan invested in the Goldman Sachs Funds which are being rolled over to an IRA in the same share class of a Goldman Sachs Fund;
  ¢   The death or disability (as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) of a shareholder, participant or beneficiary in an Employee Benefit Plan;
  ¢   Satisfying the minimum distribution requirements of the Code;
  ¢   Establishing “substantially equal periodic payments” as described under Section 72(t)(2) of the Code;
  ¢   Redemption proceeds which are to be reinvested in accounts or non-registered products over which GSAM or its advisory affiliates have investment discretion;
  ¢   A systematic withdrawal plan. The Fund reserve the right to limit such redemptions, on an annual basis, to 10% of the value of your Class A Shares;
  ¢   Redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares held through an Employee Benefit Plan using the Fund as part of a qualified default investment alternative or “QDIA”; or
  ¢   Other redemptions, at the discretion of the Trust’s officers, relating to shares purchased through Employee Benefit Plans.

 

  HOW TO SELL SHARES     

How Can I Sell Shares Of The Fund?

Generally, Shares may be sold (redeemed) only through your Authorized Institution. Customers of an Authorized Institution will normally give their redemption instructions to the Authorized Institution, and the Authorized Institution will, in turn, place

 

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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

 

redemption orders with the Fund. Redemptions may be requested by electronic trading platform (through your Authorized Institution), in writing or by telephone (unless the Authorized Institution opts out of the telephone redemption privilege on the account application). The Fund will generally redeem its Shares upon request on any business day the Fund is open at the NAV next determined after receipt of such request in proper form, subject to any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”). You should contact your Authorized Institution to discuss redemptions and redemption proceeds. Certain Authorized Institutions are authorized to accept redemption requests on behalf of the Fund as described under “How To Buy Shares—Shares Offering.” The Fund may transfer redemption proceeds to an account with your Authorized Institution. In the alternative, your Authorized Institution may request that redemption proceeds be sent to you by check or wire (if the wire instructions are designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent).

Generally, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or address other than that designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent must be in writing and signed by an authorized person with a Medallion signature guarantee. The written request may be confirmed by telephone with both the requesting party and the designated bank to verify instructions. Other restrictions may apply in these situations.

When Do I Need A Medallion Signature Guarantee To Redeem Shares?

A Medallion signature guarantee may be required if:

  ¢   A request is made in writing to redeem Class A Shares in amount over $50,000 via check;
  ¢   You would like the redemption proceeds sent to an address that is not your address of record; or
  ¢   You would like the redemption proceeds sent to a domestic bank account that is not designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent.

A Medallion signature guarantee must be obtained from a bank, brokerage firm or other financial intermediary that is a member of an approved Medallion Guarantee Program or that is otherwise approved by the Trust. A notary public cannot provide a Medallion signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be required.

What Do I Need To Know About Telephone Redemption Requests?

The Trust, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent will not be liable for any loss or tax liability you may incur in the event that the Trust accepts unauthorized telephone redemption requests that the Trust reasonably believes to be genuine. The Trust may accept telephone redemption instructions from any person identifying himself or herself as the owner of an account or the owner’s registered representative where the owner has not declined in writing to use this service. Thus, you risk possible losses if a telephone redemption is not authorized by you.

In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption and exchange requests by telephone, Goldman Sachs and Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) each employ reasonable procedures specified by the Trust to confirm that such instructions are genuine. If reasonable procedures are not employed, the Trust may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. The following general policies are currently in effect:

  ¢   Telephone requests are recorded.
  ¢   Proceeds of telephone redemption requests will be sent to your address of record or authorized account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent (unless you provide written instructions and a Medallion signature guarantee indicating another address or account).
  ¢   For the 30-day period following a change of address, telephone redemptions will only be filled by a wire transfer to the authorized account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent (see immediately preceding bullet point). In order to receive the redemption by check during this time period, the redemption request must be in the form of a written, Medallion signature guaranteed letter.
  ¢   The telephone redemption option does not apply to Shares held in an account maintained and serviced by your Authorized Institution. If your Shares are held in an account with an Authorized Institution, you should contact your registered representative of record, who may make telephone redemptions on your behalf.
  ¢   The telephone redemption option may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.

 

  ¢   The Fund may allow redemptions via check up to $50,000 in Class A Shares requested via telephone.

Note: It may be difficult to make telephone redemptions in times of unusual economic or market conditions.

How Are Redemption Proceeds Paid?

By Wire:  You may arrange for your redemption proceeds to be paid as federal funds to an account with your Authorized Institution or to a domestic bank account designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent. In addition, redemption proceeds

 

29


may be transmitted through an electronic trading platform to an account with your Authorized Institution. The following general policies govern wiring redemption proceeds:

  ¢   Redemption proceeds will normally be paid in federal funds, between one and three business days following receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request. In certain circumstances, however (such as unusual market conditions or in cases of very large redemptions or excessive trading), it may take up to seven days to pay redemption proceeds.
  ¢   Redemption requests may only be postponed or suspended for longer than seven days as permitted under Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) if (i) the New York Stock Exchange is closed for trading or trading is restricted; (ii) an emergency exists which makes the disposal of securities owned by the Fund or the fair determination of the value of the Fund’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or (iii) the SEC, by order or regulation, permits the suspension of the right of redemption.
  ¢   If you are selling shares you recently paid for by check or purchased by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”), the Fund will pay you when your check or ACH has cleared, which may take up to 15 days.
  ¢   If the Federal Reserve Bank is closed on the day that the redemption proceeds would ordinarily be wired, wiring the redemption proceeds may be delayed until the Federal Reserve Bank reopens.
  ¢   To change the bank wiring instructions designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent, you must send written instructions signed by an authorized person designated in the current records of the Transfer Agent. A Medallion signature guarantee may be required if you are requesting a redemption in conjunction with the change.
  ¢   None of the Trust, the Investment Adviser or Goldman Sachs assumes any responsibility for the performance of your bank or any other financial intermediary in the transfer process. If a problem with such performance arises, you should deal directly with your bank or such financial intermediary.

By Check:  You may elect to receive your redemption proceeds by check. Redemption proceeds paid by check will normally be mailed to the address of record within three business days of receipt of a properly executed redemption request except in certain circumstances (such as those set forth above with respect to wire transfer redemption requests). If you are selling shares you recently paid for by check or ACH, the Fund will pay you when your check or ACH has cleared, which may take up to 15 days.

What Else Do I Need To Know About Redemptions?

The following generally applies to redemption requests:

  ¢   Shares of the Fund continue to earn dividends up to, but not including, the date of settlement.
  ¢   Additional documentation may be required when deemed appropriate by the Transfer Agent. A redemption request will not be in proper form until such additional documentation has been received.
  ¢   Authorized Institutions are responsible for the timely transmittal of redemption requests by their customers to the Transfer Agent. In order to facilitate the timely transmittal of redemption requests, Authorized Institutions may set times by which they must receive redemption requests. Authorized Institutions may also require additional documentation from you.

The Trust reserves the right to:

  ¢   Redeem your shares in the event your Authorized Institution’s relationship with Goldman Sachs is terminated, and you do not transfer your account to another Authorized Institution with a relationship with Goldman Sachs or in the event that the Fund is no longer an option in your Employee Benefit Plan or no longer available through an account established under a fee-based program that is sponsored and maintained by an Authorized Institution that is approved by Goldman Sachs (“Eligible Fee-Based Program”).
  ¢   Redeem your shares if your account balance is below the required Fund minimum. The Fund will not redeem your shares on this basis if the value of your account falls below the minimum account balance solely as a result of market conditions. The Fund will give you 60 days prior written notice to allow you to purchase sufficient additional shares of the Fund in order to avoid such redemption. Different rules may apply to investors who have established brokerage accounts with Goldman Sachs in accordance with the terms and conditions of their account agreements.
  ¢   Subject to applicable law, redeem your shares in other circumstances determined by the Board of Trustees to be in the best interest of the Trust.
  ¢   Pay redemptions by a distribution in-kind of securities (instead of cash). If you receive redemption proceeds in-kind, you should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of those securities. In addition, if you receive redemption proceeds in-kind, you will be subject to market gains or losses upon the disposition of those securities.
  ¢  

Reinvest any amounts (e.g., dividends, distributions or redemption proceeds) which you have elected to receive by check should your check remain uncashed for more than 180 days. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks. Your check will be reinvested in your account at the NAV on the day of the reinvestment. When reinvested, those

 

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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

 

  amounts are subject to the risk of loss like any Fund investment. If you elect to receive distributions in cash and a check remains uncashed for more than 180 days, your cash election may be changed automatically to reinvest and your future dividend and capital gains distributions will be reinvested in the Fund at the NAV as of the date of payment of the distribution. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts, accounts with a non-U.S. address or closed accounts. Your participation in a systematic withdrawal program may be terminated if a check remains uncashed.
  ¢   Charge an additional fee in the event a redemption is made via wire transfer.

None of the Trust, the Investment Adviser or Goldman Sachs will be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account or tax liability resulting from an involuntary redemption.

Can I Reinvest Redemption Proceeds In The Same Or Another Goldman Sachs Fund?

You may redeem shares of the Fund and reinvest a portion or all of the redemption proceeds in the same share class of another Goldman Sachs Fund at NAV. To be eligible for this privilege, you must have held the shares you want to redeem for at least 30 days and you must reinvest the share proceeds within 90 days after you redeem. You should obtain and read the applicable prospectuses before investing in any other Goldman Sachs Fund.

You may reinvest redemption proceeds as follows:

  ¢   If you pay a CDSC upon redemption of Class A Shares and then reinvest in Class A Shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund as described above, your account will be credited with the amount of the CDSC you paid. The reinvested shares will, however, continue to be subject to a CDSC. The holding period of the shares acquired through reinvestment will include the holding period of the redeemed shares for purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon a subsequent redemption.
  ¢   The reinvestment privilege may be exercised at any time in connection with transactions in which the proceeds are reinvested at NAV in a tax-sheltered Employee Benefit Plan. In other cases, the reinvestment privilege may be exercised once per year upon receipt of a written request.
  ¢   You may be subject to tax as a result of a redemption. You should consult your tax adviser concerning the tax consequences of a redemption and reinvestment.

Can I Exchange My Investment From One Goldman Sachs Fund To Another Goldman Sachs Fund?

You may exchange shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund at NAV without the imposition of an initial sales charge or CDSC, if applicable, at the time of exchange for certain shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund. Redemption (including by exchange) of certain Goldman Sachs Funds offered in other prospectuses may, however, be subject to a redemption fee for shares that are held for either 30 or 60 days or less, subject to certain exceptions as described in those Goldman Sachs Funds’ prospectuses. The exchange privilege may be materially modified or withdrawn at any time upon 60 days written notice. You should contact your Authorized Institution to arrange for exchanges of shares of the Fund for shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund.

You should keep in mind the following factors when making or considering an exchange:

  ¢   You should obtain and carefully read the prospectus of the Goldman Sachs Fund you are acquiring before making an exchange. You should be aware that not all Goldman Sachs Funds may offer all share classes.
  ¢   Currently, the Fund does not impose any charge for exchanges, although the Fund may impose a charge in the future.
  ¢   The exchanged shares of the new Goldman Sachs Fund may later be exchanged for shares of the same class of the original Fund held at the next determined NAV without the imposition of a CDSC (but subject to any applicable redemption fee). However, if additional shares of the new Goldman Sachs Fund were purchased after the initial exchange, and that Fund’s shares do not impose a sales charge or CDSC, then the applicable sales charge or CDSC of the original Fund’s shares will be imposed upon the exchange of those shares.
  ¢   Eligible investors may exchange certain classes of shares for another class of shares of the same Fund. For further information, contact your Authorized Institution.
  ¢   All exchanges which represent an initial investment in a Goldman Sachs Fund must satisfy the minimum initial investment requirement of that Fund. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Trust. Exchanges into a Fund need not meet the traditional minimum investment requirements for that Fund if the entire balance of the original Fund account is exchanged.
  ¢   Exchanges are available only in states where exchanges may be legally made.
  ¢   It may be difficult to make telephone exchanges in times of unusual economic or market conditions.
  ¢   Goldman Sachs and BFDS may use reasonable procedures described under “What Do I Need To Know About Telephone Redemption Requests?” in an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent telephone exchange requests.
  ¢   Normally, a telephone exchange will be made only to an identically registered account.

 

31


 

  ¢   Exchanges into Goldman Sachs Funds or certain share classes of Goldman Sachs Funds that are closed to new investors may be restricted.
  ¢   Exchanges into the Fund from another Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to any redemption fee imposed by the other Goldman Sachs Fund.

For federal income tax purposes, an exchange from one Goldman Sachs Fund to another is treated as a redemption of the shares surrendered in the exchange, on which you may be subject to tax, followed by a purchase of shares received in the exchange. Exchanges within Employee Benefit Plan accounts will not result in capital gains or loss for federal or state income tax purposes. You should consult your tax adviser concerning the tax consequences of an exchange.

 

  SHAREHOLDER SERVICES     

Can I Arrange To Have Automatic Investments Made On A Regular Basis?

You may be able to make automatic investments in Class A Shares through your bank via ACH transfer or via bank draft each month. The minimum dollar amount for this service is $250 for the initial investment and $50 per month for additional investments. Forms for this option are available online at www.gsamfunds.com and from your Authorized Institution, or you may check the appropriate box on the account application.

Can My Distributions From The Fund Be Invested In Other Goldman Sachs Funds?

You may elect to cross-reinvest distributions paid by a Goldman Sachs Fund in shares of the same class of other Goldman Sachs Funds.

  ¢   Shares will be purchased at NAV.
  ¢   You may elect cross-reinvestment into an identically registered account or a similarly registered account provided that at least one name on the account is registered identically.
  ¢   You cannot make cross-reinvestments into a Goldman Sachs Fund unless that Fund’s minimum initial investment requirement is met.
  ¢   You should obtain and read the prospectus of the Goldman Sachs Fund into which distributions are invested.

Can I Arrange To Have Automatic Exchanges Made On A Regular Basis?

You may elect to exchange automatically a specified dollar amount of Class A of the Fund for shares of the same class of other Goldman Sachs Funds.

  ¢   Shares will be purchased at NAV if a sales charge had been imposed on the initial purchase.
  ¢   You may elect to exchange into an identically registered account or a similarly registered account provided that at least one name on the account is registered identically.
  ¢   Shares subject to a CDSC acquired under this program may be subject to a CDSC at the time of redemption from the Goldman Sachs Fund into which the exchange is made depending upon the date and value of your original purchase.
  ¢   Automatic exchanges are made monthly on the 15th day of each month or the first business day thereafter.
  ¢   Minimum dollar amount: $50 per month.
  ¢   You cannot make automatic exchanges into a Goldman Sachs Fund unless that Fund’s minimum initial investment requirement is met.
  ¢   You should obtain and read the prospectus of the Goldman Sachs Fund into which automatic exchanges are made.
  ¢   An exchange is considered a redemption and a purchase and therefore may be a taxable transaction.

Can I Have Systematic Withdrawals Made On A Regular Basis?

You may redeem from your Class A Share account systematically via check or ACH transfer in any amount of $50 or more.

  ¢   It is normally undesirable to maintain a systematic withdrawal plan at the same time that you are purchasing additional Class A Shares because of the sales charges that are imposed on certain purchases of Class A Shares and because of the CDSCs that are imposed on certain redemptions of Class A Shares.
  ¢   Checks are normally mailed within two business days after your selected systematic withdrawal date of either the 15th or 25th of the month. ACH payments may take up to three business days to post to your account after your selected systematic withdrawal date between, and including, the 3rd and 26th of the month.
  ¢   Each systematic withdrawal is a redemption and therefore may be a taxable transaction.
  ¢   The CDSC applicable to Class A Shares redeemed under the systematic withdrawal plan may be waived. The Fund reserves the right to limit such redemptions, on an annual basis, to 10% of the value of your Class A Shares.

 

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What Types Of Reports Will I Be Sent Regarding My Investment?

Authorized Institutions are responsible for providing any communication from the Fund to shareholders, including but not limited to, prospectuses, prospectus supplements, proxy materials and notices regarding the source of dividend payments under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act. They may charge additional fees not described in this Prospectus to their customers for such services.

You will be provided with a printed confirmation of each transaction in your account and a monthly account statement. If your account is held through your Authorized Institution, you will receive this information from your Authorized Institution.

You will also receive an annual shareholder report containing audited financial statements and a semi-annual shareholder report. If you have consented to the delivery of a single copy of shareholder reports, prospectuses and other information to all shareholders who share the same mailing address with your account, you may revoke your consent at any time by contacting your Authorized Institution or Goldman Sachs Funds at the appropriate phone number or address found on the back cover of this Prospectus. The Fund will begin sending individual copies to you within 30 days after receipt of your revocation. If your account is held through an Authorized Institution, please contact the Authorized Institution to revoke your consent.

 

  DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE FEES     

What Are The Distribution And/Or Service Fees Paid By The Fund’s Class A Shares?

The Trust has adopted a distribution and service plan (a “Plan”) under which Class A Shares bear distribution and/or service fees paid to Goldman Sachs, some of which Goldman Sachs may pay to Authorized Institutions. Authorized Institutions seek distribution and/or servicing fee revenues to, among other things, offset the cost of servicing small and medium sized plan investors and providing information about the Fund. If the fees received by Goldman Sachs pursuant to the Plan exceed its expenses, Goldman Sachs may realize a profit from this arrangement. Goldman Sachs generally receives and pays the distribution and service fees on a quarterly basis.

Under the Plan, Goldman Sachs is entitled to a monthly fee from the Fund for distribution services equal, on an annual basis, to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributed to Class A Shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time, these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of such charges.

The distribution fees are subject to the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act, and may be used (among other things) for:

  ¢   Compensation paid to and expenses incurred by Authorized Institutions, Goldman Sachs and their respective officers, employees and sales representatives;
  ¢   Commissions paid to Authorized Institutions;
  ¢   Allocable overhead;
  ¢   Telephone and travel expenses;
  ¢   Interest and other costs associated with the financing of such compensation and expenses;
  ¢   Printing of prospectuses for prospective shareholders;
  ¢   Preparation and distribution of sales literature or advertising of any type; and
  ¢   All other expenses incurred in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares.

Goldman Sachs normally begins accruing the annual 0.25% distribution fee for the Class A Shares as ongoing commissions to Authorized Institutions, immediately. Goldman Sachs generally pays the distribution fee on a quarterly basis.

 

  ADMINISTRATION SHARES ADMINISTRATION PLAN     

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has adopted an Administration Plan for Administration Shares and Preferred Shares, pursuant to which Goldman Sachs and certain Authorized Institutions are entitled to receive payments for their services from the Trust.

These payments are equal to 0.25% (annualized) for shareholder administration services of the average daily net assets of the Administration Shares of the Fund and 0.10% (annualized) for shareholder administration services of the average daily net assets of the Preferred Shares of the Fund that are attributable to or held in the name of Goldman Sachs or an Authorized Institution for its customers.

 

33


 

Taxation

 

As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Fund will be taxed. The tax information below is provided as general information. More tax information is available in the SAI. You should consult your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of your investment in the Fund. Except as otherwise noted, the tax information provided assumes that you are a U.S. citizen or resident.

Unless your investment is through an Employee Benefit Plan or other tax-advantaged account, you should carefully consider the possible tax consequences of Fund distributions and the sale of your Fund shares.

 

  DISTRIBUTIONS     

The Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income. Distributions you receive from the Fund are generally subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes. This is true whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash. For federal tax purposes, the Fund’s distributions attributable to net investment income and short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income, while distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares.

Under current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the maximum individual rate applicable to long-term capital gains is generally either 15% or 20%, depending on whether the individual’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts. The preferential rate described above also applies to certain qualifying dividend income, but Fund distributions will not qualify for that favorable treatment and also will not qualify for the corporate dividends received deduction because the Fund will be earning interest income rather than dividend income.

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.

Although distributions are generally treated as taxable to you in the year they are paid, distributions declared in December but paid in January will be taxable as if they were paid in December. The Fund character and tax status of all distributions will be available to shareholders after the close of each calendar year.

If you buy shares of the Fund before it makes a distribution, the distribution will be taxable to you even though it may actually be a return of a portion of your investment. This is known as “buying into a dividend.”

To the extent that Fund distributions are attributable to interest on certain federal obligations or interest on obligations of your state of residence or its municipalities or authorities, they will in most cases be exempt from state and local income taxes.

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. In general, the Fund may deduct these taxes in computing its taxable income.

 

  SALES AND EXCHANGES     

Your sale of Fund shares is a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes, and may also be subject to state and local taxes. For tax purposes, the exchange of your Fund shares for shares of a different Goldman Sachs Fund is the same as a sale. When you sell your shares, you will generally recognize a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between your adjusted tax basis in the shares and the amount received. Generally, this capital gain or loss will be long-term or short-term depending on whether your holding period for the shares exceeds one year, except that any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a sale, exchange or redemption of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of (such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund). If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

34


TAXATION

 

 

  OTHER INFORMATION     

When you open your account, you should provide your social security or tax identification number on your account application. By law, the Fund must withhold 28% of your taxable distributions and any redemption proceeds if you do not provide your correct Taxpayer Identification Number, or certify that it is correct, or if the Internal Revenue Service instructs the Fund to do so.

The Fund is required to report to you and the IRS annually on Form 1099-B not only the gross proceeds of Fund shares you sell or redeem but also, for shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012, their cost basis. Cost basis will be calculated using the Fund’s default method of average cost, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different methodology. If you would like to use the average cost method of calculation, no action is required. To elect an alternative method, you should contact Goldman Sachs Funds at the address or phone number on the back cover of this Prospectus. If your account is held with an Authorized Institution, contact your representative with respect to reporting of cost basis and available elections for your account.

You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal income tax returns.

Non-U.S. investors will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax and may be subject to estate tax with respect to their Fund shares. Under a provision recently made permanent by Congress, non-U.S. investors generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding on certain distributions of interest income and/or short-term capital gains that are designated by the Fund. It is expected that the Fund will generally make designations of short-term gains, to the extent permitted, but the Fund does not intend to make designations of any distributions attributable to interest income. Therefore, all distributions of interest income will be subject to withholding when paid to non-U.S. investors.

The Fund is required to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on payments of dividends and (effective January 1, 2019) redemption proceeds and certain capital gain dividends made to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive new reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S-owned foreign investment accounts. Shareholders may be requested to provide additional information to the Fund to enable the Fund to determine whether withholding is required.

 

35


 

 

Appendix A

Additional Information on the Fund

 

This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Fund, including their associated risks. Additional information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI describes certain fundamental policies and investment restrictions that cannot be changed without shareholder approval. You should note, however, that all investment policies not specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. If there is a change in the Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs. The Fund may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.

A rising interest rate environment could cause the value of the Fund’s fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. Additionally, decreases in the value of fixed income securities could lead to increased shareholder redemptions, which could impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The risks associated with increasing interest rates are heightened given that interest rates are near historic lows, but may be expected to increase in the future with unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments.

The Investment Adviser will not consider the portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for the Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders, and is also likely to result in higher short-term capital gains taxable to certain shareholders. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the dollar amount of sales or purchases of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of the Fund’s portfolio securities, excluding securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less. See “Financial Highlights” in Appendix B for a statement of the Fund’s historical portfolio turnover rates.

The Fund has credit rating requirements for the securities it buys, which are applied at the time of purchase. For the purpose of determining compliance with any credit rating requirement, the Fund assigns a security, at the time of purchase, the highest rating by an NRSRO if the security is rated by more than one NRSRO. For this purpose, the Fund relies only on the ratings of the following NRSROs: Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch. Unrated securities may be purchased by the Fund if they are determined by the Investment Adviser to be of a credit quality consistent with the Fund’s credit rating requirements at the time of purchase. If a security satisfies the Fund’s credit rating requirement at the time of purchase and is subsequently downgraded below a minimum rating requirement, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such security. If a downgrade occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider what action, including the sale of such security, is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

U.S. Treasury Obligations and U.S. Government Securities.  The Fund may invest in U.S. Treasury Obligations, which include, among other things, the separately traded principal and interest components of securities guaranteed or issued by the U.S. Treasury if such components are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities program (“STRIPS”). U.S. Treasury Obligations may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.

The Fund may also invest in other U.S. Government Securities. Unlike U.S. Treasury Obligations, U.S. Government Securities can be supported by either (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)); (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) only the credit of the issuer.

U.S. Government Securities are deemed to include (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities; and (ii) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies that are so guaranteed. Certain of these participations may be regarded as illiquid. U.S. Government Securities also include zero coupon bonds.

The Fund may also invest in U.S. Treasury Obligations and certain U.S. Government Securities, the interest from which is generally exempt from state income taxation. Securities generally eligible for this exemption include those issued by the U.S. Treasury and certain agencies, authorities or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks and Tennessee Valley Authority.

 

36


APPENDIX A

 

U.S. Government Securities have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will be able or willing to repay the principal or interest when due or provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law.

Bank Obligations.  The Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. or foreign banks. Bank obligations, including without limitation, time deposits, bankers’ acceptances and certificates of deposit, may be general obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing branch by the terms of the specific obligations or by government regulations. Banks are subject to extensive but different governmental regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans which may be made and interest rates which may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon the availability and cost of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers play an important part in the operation of this industry.

If the Fund invests more than 25% of its total assets in bank obligations (whether foreign or domestic), it may be especially affected by favorable and adverse developments in or related to the banking industry. The activities of U.S. and most foreign banks are subject to comprehensive regulations which, in the case of U.S. regulations, have undergone substantial changes in the past decade. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of domestic and foreign banks. Significant developments in the U.S. banking industry have included increased competition from other types of financial institutions, increased acquisition activity and geographic expansion. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the real estate markets. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

Commercial Paper.  The Fund may invest in commercial paper, including variable amount master demand notes and asset-backed commercial paper. Commercial paper normally represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies, corporations, finance companies and other issuers. The commercial paper that may be purchased by the Fund consists of direct U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of domestic or foreign issuers. Asset-backed commercial paper is issued by a special purpose entity that is organized to issue the commercial paper and to purchase trade receivables or other financial assets. The credit quality of asset-backed commercial paper depends primarily on the quality of these assets and the level of any additional credit support.

Corporate Debt Obligations.  The Fund may invest in corporate debt obligations. Corporate debt obligations include bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper and other obligations of corporations to pay interest and repay principal. The Fund may also invest in other short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations, non-U.S. corporations or other entities.

Short-Term Obligations of Corporations or Other Entities.  The Fund may invest in other short-term obligations, including master demand notes and short-term funding agreements payable in U.S. dollars and issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations, foreign corporations or other entities. A master demand note permits the investment of varying amounts by the Fund under an agreement between the Fund and an issuer. The principal amount of a master demand note may be increased from time to time by the parties (subject to specified maximums) or decreased by the Fund or the issuer. A funding agreement is a contract between an issuer and a purchaser that obligates the issuer to pay a guaranteed rate of interest on a principal sum deposited by the purchaser. Funding agreements will also guarantee a stream of payments over time. A funding agreement has a fixed maturity date and may have either a fixed rate or variable interest rate that is based on an index and guaranteed for a set time period. Because there is normally no secondary market for these investments, funding agreements purchased by a Fund may be regarded as illiquid.

Repurchase Agreements.  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties approved by the Investment Adviser pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Repurchase agreements are similar to collateralized loans, but are structured as a purchase of securities by the Fund, subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase the securities at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The difference between the original purchase price and the repurchase price is normally based on prevailing short-term interest rates. Under a repurchase agreement, the seller is required to furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of the seller’s repurchase obligation. The collateral may consist of any type of security (government or corporate) of any or no credit rating. Repurchase agreements involving obligations other than U.S. Government Securities may be subject to additional risks.

If the seller under a repurchase agreement defaults, the Fund could suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund are less than the repurchase price and the Fund’s cost associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings concerning

 

37


the seller, the Fund could suffer additional losses if the collateral held by the Fund is subject to a court “stay” that prevents the Fund from promptly selling the collateral. If this occurs, the Fund will bear the risk that the value of the collateral will decline below the repurchase price. Furthermore, the Fund could experience a loss if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.

In evaluating whether to enter into a repurchase agreement, the Investment Adviser will carefully consider the creditworthiness of the seller. Distributions of the income from repurchase agreements will be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders. In addition, the Fund, together with other registered investment companies having advisory agreements with the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.

Asset-Backed and Receivables-Backed Securities.  The Fund may invest in asset-backed and receivables-backed securities whose principal and interest payments are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal property. Asset-backed and receivables-backed securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying loans. During periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying asset-backed and receivables-backed securities can be expected to accelerate. Accordingly, the Fund’s ability to maintain positions in such securities will be affected by reductions in the principal amount of such securities resulting from prepayments, and its ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to generally prevailing interest rates at that time. In addition, securities that are backed by credit card, automobile and similar types of receivables generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable in quality to mortgage assets. Some asset-backed securities have only a subordinated claim or security interest in collateral. If the issuer of an asset-backed security defaults on its payment obligation, there is the possibility that, in some cases, the Fund will be unable to possess and sell the underlying collateral and that the Fund’s recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on the securities. In the event of a default, the Fund may suffer a loss if it cannot sell collateral quickly and receive the amount it is owed. There is no guarantee that private guarantors, or insurers of an asset-backed security, if any, will meet their obligations. The value of some asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Asset-backed securities may also be subject to increased volatility and may become illiquid and more difficult to value even when there is no default or threat of default due to market conditions impacting asset-backed securities more generally.

Foreign Government Obligations and Foreign Risks.  The Fund may invest in foreign government obligations. Foreign government obligations in which the Fund may invest are U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by a foreign government. Investments by the Fund in foreign securities, whether issued by a foreign government, bank, corporation or other issuer, may present a greater degree of risk than investments in securities of domestic issuers because of less publicly-available financial and other information, more or less securities regulation, potential imposition of foreign withholding and other taxes, war, expropriation or other adverse governmental actions. Foreign banks and their foreign branches are not regulated by U.S. banking authorities, and generally are not bound by the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. banks. The legal remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies available in the United States. In addition, changes in the exchange rate of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar (e.g., weakening of the currency against the U.S. dollar) may adversely affect the ability of a foreign issuer to pay interest and repay principal on an obligation.

Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund’s foreign holdings or exposures.

Certain foreign investments may become less liquid in response to social, political or market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets.

Municipal Obligations.  The Fund may invest in municipal obligations. Municipal obligations are issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities, and the District of Columbia. Municipal obligations in which a Fund may invest include fixed rate notes and similar debt instruments; variable and floating rate demand instruments; tax-exempt commercial paper; municipal bonds; and unrated notes, paper or other

 

38


APPENDIX A

 

instruments. Municipal obligations are generally subject to those risks associated with debt securities generally. In addition, the Fund may be more sensitive to adverse economic, business or political developments if it invests a substantial portion of its assets in the debt securities of similar projects (such as those relating to education, health care, housing, transportation, and utilities), industrial development bonds, or in particular types of municipal obligations (such as general obligation bonds, private activity bonds and moral obligation bonds).

The Fund may invest in municipal obligations issued by municipalities, including U.S. territories, commonwealths and possessions, that may be, or may become, subject to significant financial difficulties. Factors contributing to such difficulties may include: lower property tax collections as a result of lower home values, lower sales tax revenue as a result of reduced consumer spending, lower income tax revenue as a result of higher unemployment rates, and budgetary constraints of local, state and federal governments upon which issuers of municipal obligations may be relying for funding. Such obligations may be considered below investment grade or may be subject to future credit downgrades due to concerns over potential default, insolvency or bankruptcy on the part of their issuers or any credit support provider. During the recent economic downturn, several municipalities have, in fact, filed for bankruptcy protection or have indicated that they may seek bankruptcy protection in the future. A credit downgrade or other adverse news about an issuer or any credit support provider could impact the market value and liquidity of the securities and consequently could negatively affect the performance of the Fund.

Municipal Notes and Bonds.  Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes (“TANs”), revenue anticipation notes (“RANs”), bond anticipation notes (“BANs”), tax and revenue anticipation notes (“TRANs”) and construction loan notes. Municipal bonds include general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality and are considered the safest type of municipal obligation. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility such as the tolls from a government-owned toll bridge. Revenue bonds also include lease rental revenue bonds which are issued by a state or local authority for capital projects and are secured by annual lease payments from the state or locality sufficient to cover debt service on the authority’s obligations. Municipal bonds may be issued in a variety of forms, including commercial paper, tender option bonds and variable and floating rate securities.

Tender Option Bonds.  A tender option bond is a municipal obligation (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate higher than prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rates. The bond is typically issued in conjunction with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which the institution grants the security holder the option, at periodic intervals, to tender its securities to the institution. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the bond’s fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. An institution will normally not be obligated to accept tendered bonds in the event of certain defaults or a significant downgrading in the credit rating assigned to the issuer of the bond. The tender option will be taken into account in determining the maturity of the tender option bonds and the Fund’s average portfolio maturity and average portfolio life. There is a risk that the Fund will not be considered the owner of a tender option bond for federal income tax purposes, and thus will not be entitled to treat such interest as exempt from federal income tax. Certain tender option bonds may be illiquid or may become illiquid as a result of a credit rating downgrade, a payment default or a disqualification from tax-exempt status.

Revenue Anticipation Warrants.  Revenue Anticipation Warrants (“RAWs”) are issued in anticipation of the issuer’s receipt of revenues and present the risk that such revenues will be insufficient to satisfy the issuer’s payment obligations. The entire amount of principal and interest on RAWs is due at maturity. RAWs, including those with a maturity of more than two years, may also be repackaged as instruments which include a demand feature that permits the holder to sell the RAWs to a bank or other financial institution at a purchase price equal to par plus accrued interest on each interest rate reset date.

Industrial Development Bonds.  The Fund may invest in industrial development bonds (private activity bonds). Industrial development bonds are a specific type of revenue bond backed by the credit and security of a private user and therefore have more potential risk.

Other Municipal Obligation Policies.  The Fund may invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in municipal obligations which are related in such a way that an economic, business or political development or change affecting one municipal obligation would also affect the other municipal obligation. For example, the Fund may invest all of its assets in (i) municipal obligations the interest of which is paid solely from revenues from similar projects such as hospitals, electric utility systems, multi-family housing, nursing homes, commercial facilities (including hotels), steel companies or life care facilities; (ii) municipal obligations whose

 

39


issuers are in the same state; or (ii) industrial development obligations (except where the nongovernmental entities supplying the revenues from which such bonds or obligations are to be paid are in the same industry). The Fund’s investments in these municipal obligations will subject the Fund, to a greater extent, to the risks of adverse economic, business or political developments affecting the particular state, industry or other area of investment.

Municipal obligations may also include municipal leases, certificates of participation and “moral obligation” bonds. A municipal lease is an obligation issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment or facilities. Certificates of participation represent interests in municipal leases or other instruments, such as installment contracts. Moral obligation bonds are supported by the moral commitment but not the legal obligation of a state or municipality. Municipal leases, certificates of participation and moral obligation bonds present the risk that the state or municipality involved will not appropriate the monies to meet scheduled payments under these instruments.

Municipal obligations may be backed by letters of credit or other forms of credit enhancement issued by domestic banks or foreign banks which have a branch, agency or subsidiary in the United States or by other financial institutions such as insurance companies which may issue insurance policies with respect to municipal obligations. The credit quality of these banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions could, therefore, cause a loss to the Fund that invests in municipal obligations. The insurance companies’ exposure to securities involving sub-prime mortgages may cause insurer rating downgrade or insolvency, which may affect the prices and liquidity of municipal obligations insured by the insurance company. Letters of credit and other obligations of foreign banks and financial institutions may involve risks in addition to those of domestic obligations because of less publicly available financial and other information, less securities regulation, potential imposition of foreign withholding and other taxes, war, expropriation or other adverse governmental actions. Foreign banks and their foreign branches are not regulated by U.S. banking authorities and generally are not bound by the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. banks.

In order to enhance the liquidity, stability or quality of a municipal obligation, the Fund may acquire the right to sell the obligation to another party at a guaranteed price and date.

In purchasing municipal obligations, the Fund intends to rely on opinions of bond counsel or counsel to the issuers for each issue as to the excludability of interest on such obligations from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Fund will not undertake independent investigations concerning the tax-exempt status of such obligations, nor does it guarantee or represent that bond counsels’ opinions are correct. Bond counsels’ opinions will generally be based in part upon covenants by the issuers and related parties regarding continuing compliance with federal tax requirements. Tax laws contain numerous and complex requirements that must be satisfied on a continuing basis in order for bonds to be and remain tax-exempt. If the issuer of a bond or a user of a bond-financed facility fails to comply with such requirements at any time, interest on the bond could become taxable, retroactive to the date the obligation was issued.

Custodial Receipts.  The Fund may invest in custodial receipts (including tender option bonds, see above for more information) representing interests in U.S. Government Securities, municipal obligations or other debt instruments held by a custodian or trustee. Custodial receipts evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on notes or bonds issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities, political subdivisions or authorities, or by a state or local governmental body or authority, or by other types of issuers. For certain securities law purposes, custodial receipts are not considered obligations of the underlying issuers. In addition, if for tax purposes the Fund is not considered to be the owner of the underlying securities held in the custodial account, the Fund may suffer adverse tax consequences. As a holder of custodial receipts, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account.

Other Investment Companies.  The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including ETFs, subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on the Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond these statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the ETFs and the investing funds. The Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.

The use of ETFs is intended to help the Fund match the total return of the particular market segments or indices represented by those ETFs, although that may not be the result. Most ETFs are passively managed investment companies whose shares are purchased and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market

 

40


APPENDIX A

 

segment or index. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. In addition, an ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective. The price of an ETF can fluctuate, and a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. Moreover, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or a discount to their NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of an ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged.

Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, the Fund may invest in certain other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.

The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies, in addition to the fees and expenses regularly borne by the Fund. Although the Fund does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, the Fund is authorized to invest substantially all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof that has substantially the same investment objective, policies and fundamental restrictions as the Fund.

Floating and Variable Rate Obligations.  The Fund may purchase various floating and variable rate obligations, including tender option bonds. The value of these obligations is generally more stable than that of a fixed rate obligation in response to changes in interest rate levels. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may consider the maturity of a variable or floating rate obligation to be shorter than its ultimate stated maturity. The issuers or financial intermediaries providing demand features may support their ability to purchase the obligations by obtaining credit with liquidity supports. These may include lines of credit, which are conditional commitments to lend, and letters of credit, which will ordinarily be irrevocable, both of which may be issued by domestic banks or foreign banks. The Fund may purchase variable or floating rate obligations from the issuers or may purchase certificates of participation, a type of floating or variable rate obligation, which are interests in a pool of debt obligations held by a bank or other financial institution.

Floating and variable rate obligations may be transferable among financial institutions, but may not have the liquidity of conventional debt securities and are often subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Floating and variable rate obligations are not currently listed on any securities exchange or automatic quotation system. As a result, no active market may exist for some floating and variable rate obligations. To the extent a secondary market exists for other floating and variable rate obligations, such market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads, and extended trade settlement periods. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market for floating and variable rate obligations may have an adverse effect on the value of such obligations and may make it more difficult to value the obligations for purposes of calculating their respective net asset value.

For floating and variable rate obligations, there may be a lag between an actual change in the underlying interest rate benchmark and the reset time for an interest payment of such an obligation, which could harm or benefit the Fund, depending on the interest rate environment or other circumstances. In a rising interest rate environment, for example, a floating or variable rate obligation that does not reset immediately would prevent the Fund from taking full advantage of rising interest rates in a timely manner. However, in a declining interest rate environment, the Fund may benefit from a lag due to an obligation’s interest rate payment not being immediately impacted by a decline in interest rates.

Certain floating and variable rate obligations have an interest rate floor feature, which prevents the interest rate payable by the security from dropping below a specified level as compared to a reference interest rate (the “reference rate”), such as LIBOR. Such a floor protects the Fund from losses resulting from a decrease in the reference rate below the specified level. However, if the reference rate is below the floor, there will be a lag between a rise in the reference rate and a rise in the interest rate payable by the obligation, and the Fund may not benefit from increasing interest rates for a significant amount of time.

When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. The Fund may purchase when-issued securities and make contracts to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. When-issued securities are securities that have been authorized, but not yet issued. When-issued securities are purchased in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price or yield to a Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. A forward commitment involves entering into a contract to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond the customary settlement period.

The purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines before the settlement date. Conversely, the sale of securities on a forward commitment basis involves the risk

 

41


that the value of the securities sold may increase before the settlement date. Although the Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities for its portfolio, the Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate. When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis or entering into a forward commitment, a Fund must identify on its books liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures, to “cover” its obligations.

Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets (measured at the time of purchase) in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the value ascribed to them by the Fund). Illiquid securities include:

  ¢   Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  ¢   Certain municipal leases and participation interests
  ¢   Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  ¢   Certain restricted securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid because it is so-called “4(2) commercial paper” or is otherwise eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

Investing in restricted securities may decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. Securities purchased by the Fund that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, market events, economic conditions or investor perception.

In cases where no clear indication of the value of the Fund’s portfolio instruments is available, the portfolio instruments will be valued at their fair value according to the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These cases include, among others, situations where a security or other asset or liability does not have a price source, or the secondary markets on which an investment has previously been traded is no longer viable, due to its lack of liquidity. For more information on fair valuation, please see “How To Buy Shares—How Are Shares Priced?”

Borrowings.  The Fund can borrow money from banks and other financial institutions in amounts not exceeding one-third of the Fund’s total assets (including the amount borrowed). The Fund generally may not make additional investments if borrowings exceed 5% of its net assets.

Downgraded Securities.  After its purchase, a portfolio security may be assigned a lower rating or cease to be rated, which may affect the market value and liquidity of the security. If this occurs, a Fund may continue to hold the security if the Investment Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

42


[This page intentionally left blank]


 

Appendix B

Financial Highlights

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the last five years (or less if the Fund has been in operation for less than five years). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). Because Class A Shares and Preferred Shares of the Fund have not yet commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, financial highlights for those share classes are not available. The information has been audited by [                                        ], whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s most recent annual report (available upon request).

 

          Income from
investment operations
    Distributions
to shareholders
 
    Year - Share Class   Net asset
value,
beginning
of year
    Net
investment
income(a)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gain
    Total from
investment
operations
    From net
investment
income
    From net
realized
gains
    Total
distributions
 
  FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED MARCH 31,   
  2016 - Institutional   $ 10.00      $ 0.06      $ (d)    $ 0.06      $ (0.06   $ (e)    $ (0.06
  2016 - Administration     10.00        0.04        (d)      0.04        (0.04     (e)      (0.04
  2015 - Institutional     10.00        0.03        0.01        0.04        (0.04            (0.04
  2015 - Administration     10.00        0.01        (d)      0.01        (0.01            (0.01
  2014 - Institutional (Commenced February 28, 2014)     10.00        (d)      (d)                             
  2014 - Administration (Commenced February 28, 2014)     10.00        (d)      (d)                             

 

  (a) Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
  (b) Assumes investment at the NAV at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of the investment at the NAV at the end of the period and no sales or redemption charges. Total returns would be reduced if a sales or redemption charge was taken into account. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.
  (c) The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
  (d) Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
  (e) Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
  (f) Annualized.

 

 

44


APPENDIX B

 

 

    Net asset
value, end
of year
       

Total

return(b)

       

Net assets,
end of

year
(in 000s)

       

Ratio of

net expenses

to average

net assets

        Ratio of
total expenses
to average
net assets
       

Ratio of

net investment

income (loss)

to average

net assets

        Portfolio
turnover
rate(c)
 
                         
  $ 10.00          0.61     $ 15,082          0.19       2.10       0.63       39
    10.00            0.37            25            0.43            2.44            0.35            39   
    10.00          0.36          100,009          0.19          4.62          0.35          40   
    10.00            0.10            25            0.42            4.87            0.12            40   
    10.00                   9,976          0.19 (f)        4.30 (f)        0.10 (f)          
    10.00                       25            0.44 (f)          4.55 (f)          (0.15 )(f)            

 

 

45


 

 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund Prospectus

 

  FOR MORE INFORMATION     

Annual/Semi-Annual Report

Additional information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund’s annual reports, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year.

Statement of Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund and its policies is also available in the Fund’s SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).

The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports (when available) and the SAI are available free upon request by calling Goldman Sachs at 1-800-621-2550. You can also access and download the annual and semi-annual reports and the SAI at the Fund’s website: http://www.gsamfunds.com/summaries.

From time to time, certain announcements and other information regarding the Fund may be found at www.gsamfunds.com/announcements-ind for individual investors or www.gsamfunds.com/announcements for advisers.

To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

 

   Institutional, Administration & Preferred    Class A

¢      By telephone:

   1-800-621-2550    1-800-526-7384

¢      By mail:

  

Goldman Sachs Funds

P.O. Box 06050

Chicago, Illinois 60606

  

Goldman Sachs Funds

P.O. Box 21974

Kansas City, MO 64121

¢      On the Internet:

   SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov   

You may review and obtain copies of Fund documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520 or by electronic request to: publicinfo@sec.gov. Information on the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

[            ]

  

The Fund’s investment company registration number is 811-05349.

GSAM® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

  LOGO


The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DATED AUGUST 24, 2016

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

PART B

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DATED [    ], 2016

 

FUND

   Class A Shares      Institutional Shares      Administration Shares      Preferred Shares  

GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT-TERM CONSERVATIVE INCOME FUND

     [    ]         GPPIX         GPPAX         [    ]   

(a series of Goldman Sachs Trust)

Goldman Sachs Trust

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) is not a prospectus. This SAI describes the above-referenced series of Goldman Sachs Trust. This SAI should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the Goldman Sachs Short-Term Conservative Income Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Limited Maturity Obligations Fund) (the “Fund”), dated [             ], 2016, as it may be further amended and/or supplemented from time to time (the “Prospectus”). The Prospectus may be obtained without charge from Goldman, Sachs & Co. by calling the telephone numbers or writing to one of the addresses listed below, or from institutions (“Authorized Institutions”) acting on behalf of their customers.

The audited financial statements and related report of [        ], independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, contained in the Fund’s 2016 Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference in the section “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.” No other portions of the Fund’s Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The Fund’s Annual Report may be obtained upon request and without charge by calling Goldman, Sachs & Co. toll free at 1-800-526-7384 (for Class A Shareholders) or 1-800-621-2550 (for Institutional, Administration and Preferred Shareholders).

GSAM® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INTRODUCTION

     B-1   

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

     B-1   

DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES AND PRACTICES

     B-1   

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     B-11   

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     B-13   

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

     B-26   

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

     B-32   

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

     B-39   

SHARES OF THE TRUST

     B-41   

NET ASSET VALUE

     B-44   

TAXATION

     B-45   

PROXY VOTING

     B-51   

PAYMENTS TO INTERMEDIARIES

     B-52   

OTHER INFORMATION

     B-57   

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     B-59   

ADMINISTRATION PLANS

     B-59   

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN

     B-60   

OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS, EXCHANGES AND DIVIDENDS

     B-61   

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

     B-64   

APPENDIX A DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

     1-A   

APPENDIX B GSAM PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES SUMMARY

     1-B   

APPENDIX C STATEMENT OF INTENTION

     1-C   

The date of this SAI is [    ], 2016.

 

-i-


GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.

Investment Adviser

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

Distributor

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

Transfer Agent

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Toll free (in U.S.) : 800-526-7384 (for Class A Shareholders) or 800-621-2550 (for Institutional, Administration and Preferred Shareholders).

 


INTRODUCTION

Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end, management investment company. The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and was established by a Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997. The Trust is a successor to a Massachusetts business trust that was combined with the Trust on April 30, 1997. The following series of the Trust is described in this SAI: Goldman Sachs Short-Term Conservative Income Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Limited Maturity Obligations Fund) (the “Fund”). The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”).

The Trustees of the Trust have authority under the Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares into separate series and to classify and reclassify any series or portfolio of shares into one or more classes without further action by shareholders. Pursuant thereto, the Trustees have created the Fund and other series. Additional series may be added in the future from time to time. The Fund currently offers four classes of shares: Class A, Institutional, Administration and Preferred Shares.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”), an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”), serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. GSAM is sometimes referred to herein as an “Investment Adviser.” In addition, Goldman Sachs serves as the Fund’s distributor and transfer agent. The Fund’s custodian is State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”).

The following information relates to and supplements the description of the Fund’s investment objectives and policies contained in the Prospectus. See the Prospectus for a more complete description of the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. Investing in the Fund entails certain risks and there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its objective. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the same meaning as in the Prospectus.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

All investment objectives and investment policies not specifically designated as fundamental may be changed without shareholder approval. Additional information about the Fund, its policies, and the investment instruments it may hold is provided below.

The Fund’s share price will fluctuate with market and economic conditions, so that an investment in the Fund may be worth more or less when redeemed than when purchased. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program.

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice of eligibility claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) and therefore is not subject to registration or regulation as a CPO under the CEA.

The Fund is designed for investors who seek to generate current income while maintaining an emphasis on preservation of capital and liquidity.

DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES AND PRACTICES

Asset-Backed and Receivables-Backed Securities

The Fund may invest in asset-backed and receivables-backed securities. Asset-backed and receivables-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment sale contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements, corporate receivables and other categories of receivables. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose vehicles. Payments or distributions of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution or other credit enhancements may be present. The value of the Fund’s investments in asset-backed and receivables-backed securities may be adversely affected by prepayment of the underlying obligations. In addition, the risk of prepayment may cause the value of these investments to be more volatile than a Fund’s other investments.

Through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations, various types of assets, including automobile loans, computer leases, trade receivables and credit card receivables, are being securitized in pass-through structures similar to the mortgage pass-through structures. Consistent with its investment objective and policies, the Fund may invest in these and other types of asset-backed securities that may be developed. This SAI may be amended or supplemented as necessary to reflect the intention of the Fund to invest in asset-backed securities with characteristics that are materially different from the securities described above. However, the Fund will generally not invest in an asset-backed security if the income received with respect to its investment constitutes rental income or other income not treated as qualifying income under the 90% test described in “TAXATION” below.

 

B-1


As set forth below, several types of asset-backed and receivables-backed securities are offered to investors, including for example, Certificates for Automobile Receivables (“CARS”) and interests in pools of credit card receivables. CARS represent undivided fractional interests in a trust (“CAR Trust”) whose assets consist of a pool of motor vehicle retail installment sales contracts and security interests in the vehicles securing the contracts. Payments of principal and interest on CARS are passed through monthly to certificate holders, and are guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trustee or originator of the CAR Trust. An investor’s return on CARS may be affected by early prepayment of principal on the underlying vehicle sales contracts. If the letter of credit is exhausted, the CAR Trust may be prevented from realizing the full amount due on a sales contract because of state law requirements and restrictions relating to foreclosure sales of vehicles and the obtaining of deficiency judgments following such sales or because of depreciation, damage or loss of a vehicle, the application of federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, or other factors. As a result, certificate holders may experience delays in payments or losses if the letter of credit is exhausted.

Asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. Primarily, these securities may not have the benefit of any security interest in the related assets. Credit card receivables are generally unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. There is the possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities.

Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, the securities may contain elements of credit support which fall into two categories: (i) liquidity protection, and (ii) protection against losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor or servicer. Liquidity protection refers to the provision of advances, generally by the entity administering the pool of assets, the provision of a reserve fund, or a combination thereof to ensure, subject to certain limitations, that scheduled payments on the underlying pool are made in a timely fashion. Protection against losses resulting from default ensures ultimate payment of the obligations on at least a portion of the assets in the pool. This protection may be provided through guarantees, policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties, through various means of structuring the transactions or through a combination of such approaches. The degree of credit support provided for each issue is generally based on historical information reflecting the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets.

Delinquency or loss in excess of that anticipated or failure of the credit support could adversely affect the value of or return on an investment in such a security. The availability of asset-backed securities may be affected by legislative or regulatory developments. It is possible that such developments could require the Fund to dispose of any then-existing holdings of such securities.

To the extent consistent with its investment objectives and policies, the Fund may invest in new types of asset-backed securities that may be developed in the future.

Bank and Corporate Obligations

The Fund may invest in commercial paper, which may include variable rate demand obligations and asset-backed commercial paper. Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies, corporations, and finance companies. The commercial paper purchased by the Fund consists of direct U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of domestic or foreign issuers. Bank obligations in which the Fund may invest include certificates of deposit, unsecured bank promissory notes, bankers’ acceptances, fixed time deposits and other debt obligations. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return.

Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are “accepted” by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity. Fixed time deposits are bank obligations payable at a stated maturity date and bearing interest at a fixed rate.

Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. There are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a fixed time deposit to a third party, although there is no market for such deposits. Bank notes and bankers’ acceptances rank junior to domestic deposit liabilities of the bank and pari passu with other senior, unsecured obligations of the bank. Bank notes are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other insurer. Deposit notes are insured by the FDIC to the extent of $250,000 per depositor per bank.

 

 

B-2


The activities of U.S. banks and most foreign banks are subject to comprehensive regulations which, in the case of U.S. regulations, have undergone substantial changes in the past decade. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of domestic and foreign banks. Significant developments in the U.S. banking industry have included increased competition from other types of financial institutions, increased acquisition activity and geographic expansion.

Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the market for real estate. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

The Fund may invest in other short-term obligations, including short-term funding agreements payable in U.S. dollars and issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations, foreign corporations or other entities. A funding agreement is a contract between an issuer and a purchaser that obligates the issuer to pay a guaranteed rate of interest on a principal sum deposited by the purchaser. Funding agreements will also guarantee a stream of payments over time. A funding agreement has a fixed maturity date and may have either a fixed or variable interest rate that is based on an index and guaranteed for a set time period. Because there is generally no secondary market for these investments, funding agreements purchased by the Fund may be regarded as illiquid.

Covered Bonds

Covered bonds are debt instruments, issued by a financial institution and secured by a segregated pool of financial assets (the “cover pool”), typically comprised of mortgages or, in certain cases, public-sector loans. The cover pool, typically maintained by an issuing financial institution, is designed to pay covered bondholders in the event that there is a default on the payment obligations of a covered bond. To the extent the cover pool assets are insufficient to repay principal and/or interest, covered bondholders also have a senior, unsecured claim against the issuing financial institution. Covered bonds differ from other debt instruments, including asset-backed securities, in that covered bondholders have claims against both the cover pool and the issuing financial institution.

Custodial Receipts

The Fund may also acquire U.S. Government Securities, municipal obligations or other debt instruments in the form of custodial receipts that evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain U.S. Government Securities, municipal obligations or other debt instruments. Such securities are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners. These custodial receipts are known by various names, including “Treasury Receipts,” “Treasury Investors Growth Receipts” (“TIGRs”), and “Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities” (“CATS”). Although custodial receipts involving U.S. Government Securities are not considered U.S. Government securities for purposes of certain securities laws, the securities underlying such receipts are issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities.

Foreign Investments

The Fund may invest in certificates of deposit, commercial paper, unsecured bank promissory notes, bankers’ acceptances, fixed time deposits and other debt obligations issued or guaranteed by major foreign banks which have more than $1 billion in total assets at the time of purchase, U.S. branches of such foreign banks (Yankee obligations), foreign branches of such foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks. The Fund is restricted to purchasing U.S. dollar-denominated securities, but is not otherwise precluded from purchasing securities of foreign issuers.

Investments in foreign securities and bank obligations may involve considerations different from investments in domestic securities due to limited publicly available information; non-uniform accounting standards; the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes; the possible adoption of foreign governmental restrictions affecting the payment of principal and interest; expropriation; or other adverse political or economic developments. In addition, it may be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a foreign issuer or a foreign branch of a domestic bank and the legal remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies available in the United States.

 

B-3


Investing in Europe. While the Fund may invest only in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations, the prices of certain of the Fund’s holdings may nevertheless be sensitive to changes in value of the euro and the underlying events that affect its value. The euro requires participation of multiple sovereign states forming the Euro zone and is therefore sensitive to the credit, general economic and political position of each such state, including each state’s actual and intended ongoing engagement with and/or support for the other sovereign states then forming the European Union, in particular those within the Euro zone. Changes in these factors might materially adversely impact the value of securities that the Fund has invested in.

Forward Commitments and When-Issued Securities

The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis and enter into forward commitments. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date beyond the customary settlement time. The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges, but may be traded over-the-counter.

The Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after entering into it. The Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses in connection with these transactions; distributions from any net capital gains would be taxable to its shareholders. For purposes of determining the Fund’s average dollar weighted maturity, the maturity of when-issued or forward commitment securities for fixed-rate obligations will be calculated from the commitment date.

When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund will identify on its books cash or liquid assets having a value at least equal to the amount of the Fund’s purchase commitments. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into off-setting contracts for the forward sale of securities. These procedures are designed to ensure that the Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.

Municipal Obligations

The Fund may invest in municipal obligations. Municipal obligations are issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities and the District of Columbia to obtain funds for various public purposes. The interest on most of these obligations is generally exempt from regular federal income tax. Two principal classifications of municipal obligations are “notes” and “bonds.” The Fund may invest in municipal obligations when yields on such securities are attractive compared to those of other taxable investments.

Notes. Municipal notes are generally used to provide for short-term capital needs and generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, construction loan notes, tax-exempt commercial paper and certain receipts for municipal obligations.

Tax anticipation notes are sold to finance working capital needs of municipalities. They are generally payable from specific tax revenues expected to be received at a future date. They are frequently general obligations of the issuer, secured by the taxing power for payment of principal and interest. Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types of revenue such as federal or state aid. Tax anticipation notes and revenue anticipation notes are generally issued in anticipation of various seasonal revenues such as income, sales, use, and business taxes. Bond anticipation notes are sold to provide interim financing in anticipation of long-term financing in the market. In most cases, these monies provide for the repayment of the notes. Tax-exempt commercial paper consists of short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by a state or local government or an authority or agency thereof. The Fund may also acquire securities in the form of custodial receipts which evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain state and local governmental and authority obligations when, in the opinion of bond counsel, if any, interest payments with respect to such custodial receipts are excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes. Such obligations are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the holders of the receipts. These custodial receipts are known by various names, including “Municipal Receipts” (“MRs”) and “Municipal Certificates of Accrual on Tax-Exempt Securities” (“MCATS”). There are a number of other types of notes issued for different purposes and secured differently from those described above.

Bonds. Municipal bonds, which generally meet longer term capital needs and have maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal classifications, “general obligation” bonds and “revenue” bonds.

 

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

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

The Fund may also invest in private activity bonds. Private activity bonds (a term that includes certain types of bonds the proceeds of which are used to a specified extent for the benefit of persons other than governmental units), although nominally issued by municipal authorities, are generally not secured by the taxing power of the municipality but are secured by the revenues of the authority derived from payments by the industrial user.

Municipal bonds with a series of maturity dates are called serial bonds. The serial bonds that the Fund may purchase are limited to short-term serial bonds—those with original or remaining maturities of two years or less (or three years or less with respect to floating rate or variable rate securities). The Fund may purchase long-term bonds provided that have a remaining maturity of two years or less (or three years or less with respect to floating rate or variable rate securities), or, in the case of bonds called for redemption, the date on which the redemption payment must be made is within two years or three years, as applicable. The Fund may also purchase long-term bonds (sometimes referred to as “Put Bonds”), which are subject to the Fund’s commitment to put the bond back to the issuer at par at a designated time within two years (or three years with respect to floating rate or variable rate securities), and the issuer’s commitment to so purchase the bond at such price and time.

The Fund may invest in municipal leases, certificates of participation and “moral obligation” bonds. A municipal lease is an obligation issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment or facilities.

Certificates of participation represent interests in municipal leases or other instruments, such as installment contracts. Moral obligations bonds are supported by the moral commitment but not the legal obligation of a state or municipality. In particular, these instruments permit governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. If, however, the governmental issuer does not periodically appropriate money to enable it to meet its payment obligations under these instruments, it cannot be legally compelled to do so. If a default occurs, it is likely that the Fund would be unable to obtain another acceptable source of payment. Some municipal leases, certificates of participation and moral obligation bonds may be illiquid.

The Fund may also invest in tender option bonds. A tender option bond is a municipal obligation (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax-exempt rates. The bond is typically issued in conjunction with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which such institution grants the security holder the option, at periodic intervals, to tender its securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the bond’s fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that would cause the bond, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax- exempt rate. However, an institution will not be obligated to accept tendered bonds in the event of certain defaults by, or a significant downgrading in the credit rating assigned to, the issuer of the bond.

The tender option will be taken into consideration in determining the maturity of tender option bonds and the average portfolio maturity and the average portfolio life of the Fund. The liquidity of a tender option bond is a function of the credit quality of both the bond issuer and the financial institution providing liquidity. Consequently, tender option bonds are deemed to be liquid unless, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, the credit quality of the bond issuer and the financial institution is deemed, in light of the relevant Fund’s credit quality requirements, to be inadequate.

 

 

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In addition to general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and serial bonds, there are a variety of hybrid and special types of municipal obligations as well as numerous differences in the security of municipal obligations both within and between the two principal classifications above.

The Fund may purchase municipal instruments that are backed by letters of credit issued by foreign banks that have a branch, agency or subsidiary in the United States. Such letters of credit, like other obligations of foreign banks, may involve credit risks in addition to those of domestic obligations, including risks relating to future political and economic developments, nationalization, foreign governmental restrictions such as exchange controls and difficulties in obtaining or enforcing a judgment against a foreign bank (including branches).

For the purpose of investment restrictions of the Fund, the identification of the “issuer” of municipal obligations that are not general obligation bonds is made by the Investment Adviser on the basis of the characteristics of the obligations as described above, the most significant of which is the source of funds for the payment of principal of and interest on such obligations.

An entire issue of municipal obligations may be purchased by one or a small number of institutional investors such the Fund. Thus, the issue may not be said to be publicly offered. Unlike securities which must be registered under the 1933 Act prior to offer and sale, municipal obligations that are not publicly offered may nevertheless be readily marketable. A secondary market may exist for municipal obligations that were not publicly offered initially.

Municipal obligations purchased for the Fund may be subject to the Fund’s policy on holdings of illiquid securities. The Investment Adviser determines whether a municipal obligation is liquid based on whether it may be sold in a reasonable time consistent with the customs of the municipal markets (usually seven days) at a price (or interest rate) which accurately reflects its value. The Investment Adviser believes that the quality standards applicable to the Fund’s investments enhance liquidity. In addition, stand-by commitments and demand obligations also enhance liquidity.

Yields on municipal obligations depend on a variety of factors, including money market conditions, municipal bond market conditions, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the quality of the issue. High quality municipal obligations tend to have a lower yield than lower rated obligations. Municipal obligations are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, which may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or municipalities to levy taxes. There is also the possibility that as a result of litigation or other conditions the power or ability of any one or more issuers to pay when due principal of and interest on its or their municipal obligations may be materially affected.

Pooled Investment Vehicles

The Fund may invest in securities of pooled investment vehicles, including other investment companies. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by pooled investment vehicles in which it invests, in addition to the management fees (and other expenses) paid by the Fund. The Fund’s investments in other investment companies are subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Act, including in certain circumstances a prohibition on the Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of all investment companies. Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, the Fund may invest in investment companies and money market funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor. However, to the extent that the Fund invests in a money market fund for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates acts as investment adviser, the management fees payable by the Fund to the Investment Adviser will, to the extent required by the SEC, be reduced by an amount equal to the Fund’s proportionate share of the management fees paid by such money market fund to its investment adviser. Although the Fund does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, the Fund is authorized to invest substantially all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof that has substantially the same investment policies and fundamental restrictions as the Fund. Additionally, to the extent that the Fund serves as an “underlying fund” to another Goldman Sachs Fund, the Fund may invest a percentage of its assets in other investment companies only if those instruments are consistent with applicable law and/or exemptive relief obtained from the SEC.

 

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Repurchase Agreements

The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties approved by the Investment Adviser pursuant to procedures by the Board of Trustees that furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of their repurchase obligation. The collateral may consist of any type of security in which a fund is eligible to invest directly. Repurchase agreements involving obligations other than U.S. Government Securities may be subject to additional risks. A repurchase agreement is similar to a collateralized loan, but involves an arrangement under which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) purchases securities subject to the seller’s agreement, at the time of sale, to repurchase the securities at a specified time and price. These securities may include securities that could not be held by the Fund without the seller’s repurchase commitment. Repurchase agreements involving obligations other than U.S. Government Securities (such as commercial paper, corporate bonds, mortgage loans, auction rate securities and equity securities) may be subject to special risks and may not have the benefit of certain protections in the event of a counterparty’s insolvency. Custody of the securities will be maintained by the Fund’s custodian or subcustodian for the duration of the agreement. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Fund together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund is unrelated to the interest rate, if any, on the securities subject to the repurchase agreement. The seller of a repurchase agreement will agree that the value of the purchased securities will at all times equal or exceed the repurchase price during the term of the repurchase agreement.

For purposes of the Act, and generally, for tax purposes, a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from the Fund to the seller of the security. It is not clear whether for other purposes a court would consider the securities purchased by the Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a loan by the Fund to the seller.

In the event of commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the security before repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the security. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and the Fund has not perfected a security interest in the security, the Fund may be required to return the security to the seller’s estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction. To minimize this risk, the Fund utilizes custodians and subcustodians that the Investment Adviser believes follow customary securities industry practice with respect to repurchase agreements, and the Investment Adviser analyzes the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the securities. But because of the legal uncertainties, this risk, like others associated with repurchase agreements, cannot be eliminated.

Apart from the risks associated with bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the security. However, if the market value of the securities subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest), the Fund will direct the seller of the securities to deliver additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement equals or exceeds the repurchase price.

The Fund may not invest in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days if, as a result thereof, more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in such investments and other securities which are not readily marketable. Certain repurchase agreements which mature in more than seven days can be liquidated before the nominal fixed term on seven days or less notice. Such repurchase agreements will be regarded as liquid instruments.

In addition, pursuant to exemptive relief granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Fund, together with other registered investment companies having advisory agreements with the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.

Restricted and Other Illiquid Securities

The Fund may purchase securities that are not registered (“restricted securities”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), including restricted securities that can be offered and sold to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. However, the Fund will not invest more than 10% of the value of its total assets (measured at the time of purchase) in securities which are illiquid, which includes fixed time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days that cannot be traded on a secondary market and certain restricted securities. The Board of Trustees has adopted guidelines under which the Investment Adviser determines and monitors the liquidity of restricted securities subject to the oversight of the Trustees. Restricted securities (including securities issued under Rule 144A and commercial paper issued under Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act) which are

 

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determined to be liquid will not be deemed to be illiquid investments for purposes of the foregoing restriction. Since it is not possible to predict with assurance that the market for restricted securities will continue to be liquid, the Investment Adviser will monitor the Fund’s investments in these securities, focusing on such important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and availability of information. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities.

Standby Commitments

In order to enhance the liquidity, stability or quality of municipal obligations, the Fund may acquire the right to sell a security to another party at a guaranteed price and date. Such a right to resell may be referred to as a put, demand feature or “standby commitment,” depending on its characteristics. The aggregate price which the Fund pays for securities with standby commitments may be higher than the price which otherwise would be paid for the securities. Standby commitments may not be available or may not be available on satisfactory terms.

Standby commitments may involve letters of credit issued by domestic or foreign banks supporting the other party’s ability to purchase the security from the Fund. The right to sell may be exercisable on demand or at specified intervals, and may form part of a security or be acquired separately by the Fund.

Management of the Trust understands that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued a favorable revenue ruling to the effect that, under specified circumstances, a regulated investment company will be the owner of tax-exempt municipal obligations acquired subject to a put option. Such rulings do not, however, serve as precedent for other taxpayers, are applicable only to the taxpayer requesting the ruling and have, on occasion, been reversed by the IRS. The IRS has subsequently announced that it will not ordinarily issue advance ruling letters as to the identity of the true owner of property in cases involving the sale of securities or participation interests therein if the purchaser has the right to cause the security, or the participation interest therein, to be purchased by either the seller or a third party. There is no assurance that standby commitments will be available to the Fund, nor has the Fund assumed that such commitments will continue to be available under all market conditions.

Temporary Investments

Due to adverse market conditions or the prevailing interest rate environment, or when the Investment Adviser believes there is an insufficient supply of appropriate money market or other fixed income instruments in which to invest, the Fund may hold uninvested cash in lieu of such instruments. Cash assets are not income-generating and, as a result, the Fund’s current yield may be adversely affected during periods when such positions are held. Cash positions may also subject the Fund to additional risks and costs, such as increased exposure to the creditworthiness of the custodian bank holding the assets and any fees imposed for large cash balances.

When the Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments (or are uninvested), the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.

U.S. Government Securities

The Fund may invest in government securities, which are obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises (“U.S. Government Securities”). Some U.S. Government Securities (such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance) are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Others, such as obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, are supported either by (i) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury Department (the “Treasury”), (ii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer or (iii) only the credit of the issuer. The U.S. Government is under no legal obligation, in general, to purchase the obligations of its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to the U.S. Government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises in the future, and the U.S. Government may be unable to pay debts when due.

U.S. Government Securities are deemed to include (to the extent consistent with the Act): (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises; and (ii) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies that are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The secondary market for certain of these participations is extremely limited. In the absence of a suitable secondary market, such participations are regarded as illiquid.

 

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Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities (“STRIPS”). The Fund may invest in separately traded principal and interest components of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. The principal and interest components of selected securities are traded independently under the STRIPS program. Under the STRIPS program, the principal and interest components are individually numbered and separately issued by the U.S. Treasury at the request of depository financial institutions, which then trade the component parts independently.

Certain Additional Information with Respect to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The volatility and disruption that impacted the capital and credit markets during late 2008 and into 2009 have led to increased market concerns about the ability of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) to withstand future credit losses associated with securities held in their investment portfolios, and on which they provide guarantees, without the direct support of the federal government. On September 6, 2008, both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were placed under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”). Under the plan of conservatorship, the FHFA has assumed control of, and generally has the power to direct, the operations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and is empowered to exercise all powers collectively held by their respective shareholders, directors and officers, including the power to (1) take over the assets of and operate Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with all the powers of the shareholders, the directors, and the officers of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and conduct all business of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (2) collect all obligations and money due to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (3) perform all functions of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which are consistent with the conservator’s appointment; (4) preserve and conserve the assets and property of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; and (5) contract for assistance in fulfilling any function, activity, action or duty of the conservator. In addition, in connection with the actions taken by the FHFA, the U.S. Treasury Department (the “Treasury”) entered into certain preferred stock purchase agreements with each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which established the Treasury as the holder of a new class of senior preferred stock in each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which stock was issued in connection with financial contributions from the Treasury to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

The conditions attached to the financial contribution made by the Treasury to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and the issuance of this senior preferred stock placed significant restrictions on the activities of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae must obtain the consent of the Treasury to, among other things, (i) make any payment to purchase or redeem its capital stock or pay any dividend other than in respect of the senior preferred stock issued to the Treasury, (ii) issue capital stock of any kind, (iii) terminate the conservatorship of the FHFA except in connection with a receivership, or (iv) increase its debt beyond certain specified levels. In addition, significant restrictions were placed on the maximum size of each of Freddie Mac’s and Fannie Mae’s respective portfolios of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, and the purchase agreements entered into by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae provide that the maximum size of their portfolios of these assets must decrease by a specified percentage each year. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the NYSE minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days.

The future status and role of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Freddie Mac’s and Fannie Mae’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the Treasury, market responses to developments at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.

Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. The Fund may invest in Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”), which are U.S. Government Securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. The interest rate on TIPS is fixed at issuance, but over the life of the bond this interest may be paid on an increasing or decreasing principal value that has been adjusted for inflation. Although repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity is guaranteed, the market value of TIPS is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate.

The values of TIPS generally fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates, which are in turn tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in the value of TIPS. In contrast, if nominal interest rates were to increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in the value of TIPS. If inflation is lower than expected during the period the Fund holds TIPS, the Fund may earn less on the TIPS than on a conventional bond. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in the currency exchange rates), investors in TIPS may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bonds’ inflation measure. There can be no assurance that the inflation index for TIPS will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services.

 

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Any increase in principal value of TIPS caused by an increase in the consumer price index is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though the Fund holding TIPS will not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, the Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements as a regulated investment company.

If the Fund invests in TIPS, it will be required to treat as original issue discount any increase in the principal amount of the securities that occurs during the course of its taxable year. If the Fund purchases such inflation protected securities that are issued in stripped form either as stripped bonds or coupons, it will be treated as if it had purchased a newly issued debt instrument having original issue discount.

Because the Fund is required to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including accrued original issue discount), the Fund’s investment in either zero coupon bonds or TIPS may require the Fund to distribute to shareholders an amount greater than the total cash income it actually receives. Accordingly, in order to make the required distributions, the Fund may be required to borrow or liquidate securities.

Variable Rate and Floating Rate Obligations

The interest rates payable on certain fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate obligation has an interest rate which is adjusted at predesignated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate is based. Variable and floating rate obligations are less effective than fixed rate instruments at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons.

The Fund may purchase variable and floating rate demand instruments that are municipal obligations or other debt securities issued by corporations and other non-governmental issuers that possess a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula. These instruments permit the Fund to demand payment of the principal balance plus unpaid accrued interest upon a specified number of days’ notice to the issuer or its agent. The demand feature may be backed by a bank letter of credit or guarantee, or the credit enhancement issued with respect to such instrument.

The terms of the variable or floating rate demand instruments that the Fund may purchase provide that interest rates are adjustable at intervals ranging from daily to up to three years, and the adjustments are based upon current market levels, the prime rate of a bank or other appropriate interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective instruments. Some of these instruments are payable on demand on a daily basis or on not more than seven days’ notice. Others, such as instruments with quarterly or semi-annual interest rate adjustments, may be put back to the issuer on designated days, usually on not more than thirty days’ notice. Still others are automatically called by the issuer unless the Fund instructs otherwise. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, may exercise the demand (i) upon a default under the terms of the debt security; (ii) as needed to provide liquidity to the Fund; (iii) to maintain the respective quality standards of the Fund’s investment portfolio; or (iv) to attain a more optimal portfolio structure. The Fund will determine the variable or floating rate demand instruments that it will purchase in accordance with procedures approved by the Trustees to minimize credit risks. To be eligible for purchase by the Fund, a variable or floating rate demand instrument which is unrated must have high quality characteristics similar to other obligations in which the Fund may invest. The Investment Adviser may determine that an unrated variable or floating rate demand instrument meets the Fund’s quality criteria by reason of being backed by a letter of credit, guarantee, or demand feature issued by an entity that meets the quality criteria for the Fund. Thus, either the credit of the issuer of the obligation or the provider of the credit support or both will meet the quality standards of the Fund.

As stated in the Prospectus and this SAI, the Fund may consider the maturity of a long-term variable or floating rate demand instrument to be shorter than its ultimate stated maturity under specified conditions. The Fund will also consider the liquidity of the market for variable and floating rate instruments, and in the event that such instruments are illiquid, the Fund’s investments in such instruments will be subject to the limitation on illiquid investments.

The Fund may invest in variable or floating rate participation interests in municipal obligations held by financial institutions (usually commercial banks). Such participation interests provide the Fund with a specific undivided interest (up to 100%) in the underlying obligation and the right to demand payment of its proportional interest in the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest from the financial institution upon a specific number of days’ notice. In addition, the participation interest may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee from the institution. The financial institution usually is entitled to a fee for servicing the obligation and providing the letter of credit.

 

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Variable Rate Demand Obligations

The Fund may purchase variable rate demand obligations. These obligations permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as lender, and the borrower. Variable rate demand obligations are not generally transferable and are not ordinarily rated. The Fund may invest in them only if the Investment Adviser believes that the notes are of comparable credit quality to the other obligations in which the Fund may invest.

Special Note Regarding Market Events

Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

The instability in the financial markets led the U.S. Government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state, and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self -regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the Fund itself, the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s portfolio holdings.

Special Note Regarding Operational and Cyber Security Risks

An investment in the Fund may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel, and errors caused by third-party service providers or trading counterparties. The use of certain investment strategies that involve manual or additional processing, such as over-the-counter derivatives, increases these risks. Although the Fund attempts to minimize such failures through controls and oversight, it is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

The Fund is also susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks. In general, cyber-attacks result from deliberate attacks, but other events may have effects similar to those caused by cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks include, among others, stealing or corrupting confidential information and other data that is maintained online or digitally for financial gain, denial-of-service attacks on websites causing operational disruption, and the unauthorized release of confidential information and other data. Cyber-attacks affecting the Fund or its investment adviser, sub-adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediary or other third-party service provider may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders. These cyber-attacks have the ability to cause significant disruptions and impact business operations; to result in financial losses; to prevent shareholders from transacting business; to interfere with the Fund’s calculation of net asset value (“NAV”) and to lead to violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs and/or additional compliance costs. Similar to operational risk in general, the Fund and its service providers, including GSAM, have instituted risk management systems designed to minimize the risks associated with cyber security. However, there is a risk that these systems will not succeed (or that any remediation efforts will not be successful), especially because the Fund does not directly control the risk management systems of the service providers to the Fund, its trading counterparties or the issuers in which the Fund may invest. Moreover, there is a risk that cyber-attacks will not be detected.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The investment restrictions set forth below have been adopted by the Trust as fundamental policies that cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Fund. The investment objective of the Fund and all other investment policies or practices of the Fund are considered by the Trust not to be fundamental and accordingly may be changed without shareholder approval. As defined in the Act, “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund means the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares of the Fund.

 

B-11


For the purposes of the following limitations (except for the asset coverage requirement with respect to borrowings, which is subject to different requirements under the Act), any limitation which involves a maximum percentage shall not be considered violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or encumbrance of securities or assets of, or borrowings by, the Fund. With respect to the Fund’s fundamental investment restrictions on borrowings, below, in the event that asset coverage (as defined in the Act) at any time falls below 300%, the Fund, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations, will reduce the amount of its borrowings to the extent required so that the asset coverage of such borrowings will be at least 300%.

Fundamental Investment Restrictions

As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:

 

  (1) Invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry (excluding the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities); provided that during normal market conditions, the Fund will invest more than 25% of its total assets in the financial services group of industries;

 

  (2) Borrow money, except (a) the Fund, to the extent permitted by applicable law, may borrow from banks (as defined in the Act), other affiliated investment companies and other persons or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) (investments in reverse repurchase agreements would not be subject to this percentage limitation if they are “covered” in accordance with the Act); (b) the Fund may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes; (c) the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities; (d) the Fund may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law; and (e) the Fund may engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls which are accounted for as financings;

The following interpretation applies to, but is not part of, this fundamental policy: In determining whether a particular investment in portfolio instruments or participation in portfolio transactions is subject to this borrowing policy, the accounting treatment of such instrument or participation shall be considered, but shall not by itself be determinative. Whether a particular instrument or transaction constitutes a borrowing shall be determined by the Board, after consideration of all of the relevant circumstances.

 

  (3) Make loans, except through (a) the purchase of debt obligations in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies; (b) repurchase agreements with banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions; and (c) loans of securities as permitted by applicable law;

 

  (4) Underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the sale of portfolio securities by the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriting;

 

  (5) Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, although the Fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, securities of real estate investment trusts and mortgage-related securities and may hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities;

 

  (6) Invest in physical commodities, except that the Fund may invest in currency and financial instruments and contracts in accordance with its investment objective and policies, including without limitation, structured notes, futures contracts, swaps, options on commodities, currencies, swaps and futures, ETFs, investment pools and other instruments, regardless of whether such instrument is considered to be a commodity;

 

  (7) Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate applicable law; and

 

  (8) Make any investment inconsistent with the Fund’s classification as a diversified company under the Act.

 

B-12


The Fund may, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment restriction or policy, invest some or all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof with substantially the same fundamental investment restrictions and policies as the Fund. For purposes of the Fund’s industry concentration policy, the Investment Adviser may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and instrument and may assign an industry classification consistent with those characteristics. The Investment Adviser may, but need not, consider industry classifications provided by third parties, and the classifications applied to Fund investments will be informed by applicable law.

Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions

In addition to the fundamental policies mentioned above, the Trustees have adopted the following non-fundamental policies which can be changed or amended by action of the Trustees without approval of shareholders. Again, for purposes of the following limitations, any limitation which involves a maximum percentage shall not be considered violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition of securities by the Fund.

The Fund may not:

 

  (1) Invest more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets in illiquid investments, including illiquid repurchase agreements with a notice or demand period of more than seven days, securities which are not readily marketable and restricted securities not eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act;

 

  (2) Purchase additional securities if the Fund’s borrowings (excluding covered mortgage dollar rolls and such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities) exceed 5% of its net assets; and

 

  (3) Make short sales of securities, except short sales against-the-box.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The Trust’s Leadership Structure

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), subject to the laws of the State of Delaware and the Trust’s Declaration of Trust. The Trustees are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and reviewing the actions of the Trust’s service providers. The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise the Fund’s daily business operations. Trustees who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in the Act are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” Trustees who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust are referred to as “Interested Trustees.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Trustees and two Interested Trustees. The Board has selected an Independent Trustee to act as Chairman, whose duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and acting as a focal point to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of the Chairman’s duties, the Chairman will consult with the other Independent Trustees and the Fund’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least six times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. In addition, the Independent Trustees meet at least annually to review, among other things, investment management agreements, distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or service plans and related agreements, transfer agency agreements and certain other agreements providing for the compensation of Goldman Sachs and/or its affiliates by the Fund, and to consider such other matters as they deem appropriate.

The Board has established five standing committees – Audit, Governance and Nominating, Compliance, Valuation and Contract Review Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Trustees to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “STANDING BOARD COMMITTEES,” below.

 

B-13


The Trustees have determined that the Trust’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Trustees to effectively perform their oversight responsibilities.

Trustees of the Trust

Information pertaining to the Trustees of the Trust as of [            ], 2016 is set forth below.

Independent Trustees

 

Name, Address and            

Age1

  

Position(s)

Held with the

Trust

  

Term of

Office and

Length of

Time Served2

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee3
  

Other Directorships Held by

Trustee4

Ashok N. Bakhru Age: [74]    Chairman of the Board of Trustees    Since 1996 (Trustee since 1991)   

Mr. Bakhru is retired. He was formerly Director, Apollo Investment Corporation (a business development company) (2008–2013); President, ABN Associates (a management and financial consulting firm) (1994–1996 and 1998–2012); Trustee, Scholarship America (1998–2005); Trustee, Institute for Higher Education Policy (2003–2008); Director, Private Equity Investors–III and IV (1998–2007), and Equity-Linked Investors II (April 2002–2007).

 

Chairman of the Board of Trustees—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.; Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

   [142]    None

Kathryn A. Cassidy

Age: [62]

   Trustee    Since 2015   

Ms. Cassidy is retired. Formerly, she was Advisor to the Chairman (May 2014–December 2014); and Senior Vice President and Treasurer (2008–2014), General Electric Company & General Electric Capital Corporation (technology and financial services companies).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

   [107]    None

 

B-14


Name, Address and            

Age1

  

Position(s)

Held with the

Trust

  

Term of

Office and

Length of

Time Served2

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee3
  

Other Directorships Held by

Trustee4

Diana M. Daniels

Age: [67]

   Trustee    Since 2007   

Ms. Daniels is retired. Formerly, she was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, The Washington Post Company (1991–2006). Ms. Daniels is a Trustee Emeritus and serves as a Presidential Councillor of Cornell University (2013–Present); Member, Advisory Board, Psychology Without Borders (international humanitarian aid organization) (2007–Present), and former Member of the Legal Advisory Board, New York Stock Exchange (2003–2006) and of the Corporate Advisory Board, Standish Mellon Management Advisors (2006–2007).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

   [107]    None

Herbert J. Markley

Age: [66]

   Trustee    Since 2013   

Mr. Markley is retired. Formerly, he was Executive Vice President, Deere & Company (an agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer) (2007–2009); and President, Agricultural Division, Deere & Company (2001–2007). Previously, Mr. Markley served as an Advisory Board Member of Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (June 2013 – October 2013).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

   [107]    None

 

B-15


Name, Address and            

Age1

  

Position(s)

Held with the

Trust

  

Term of

Office and

Length of

Time Served2

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee3
  

Other Directorships Held by

Trustee4

Jessica Palmer

Age: [67]

   Trustee    Since 2007   

Ms. Palmer is retired. She is Director, Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture (2011–Present); and was formerly a Consultant, Citigroup Human Resources Department (2007–2008); Managing Director, Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking (previously, Salomon Smith Barney/Salomon Brothers) (1984–2006). Ms. Palmer was a Member of the Board of Trustees of Indian Mountain School (private elementary and secondary school) (2004–2009).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

   [107]    None

Roy W. Templin

Age: [56]

   Trustee    Since 2013   

Mr. Templin is retired. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors, Con-Way Incorporated (2014–Present); and was formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Whirlpool Corporation (an appliance manufacturer and marketer) (2004–2012). Previously, Mr. Templin served as an Advisory Board Member of Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (June 2013 – October 2013).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

   [107]    Con-Way Incorporated (a transportation, logistics and supply-chain management services company)

Gregory G. Weaver

Age: [65]

   Trustee    Since 2015   

Mr. Weaver is retired. He is Director, Verizon Communications Inc. (2015–Present); and was formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte & Touche LLP (a professional services firm) (2001–2005 and 2012–2014); and Member of the Board of Directors, Deloitte & Touche LLP (2006–2012).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

   [107]    Verizon Communications Inc.

 

B-16


Interested Trustees

 

Name, Address and            

Age1

  

Position(s)

Held with the

Trust

  

Term of

Office and

Length of

Time Served2

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee3
  

Other Directorships Held by

Trustee4

James A. McNamara*

Age: [54]

   President and Trustee    Since 2007   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 1998–Present); Director of Institutional Fund Sales, GSAM (April 1998–December 2000); and Senior Vice President and Manager, Dreyfus Institutional Service Corporation (January 1993–April 1998).

 

President and Trustee—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

   [140]    None

Alan A. Shuch*

Age: [66]

   Trustee    Since 1990   

Advisory Director—GSAM (May 1999–Present); Consultant to GSAM (December 1994–May 1999); and Limited Partner, Goldman Sachs (December 1994–May 1999).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

   [107]    None

 

*  These persons are considered to be “Interested Trustees” because they hold positions with Goldman Sachs and own securities issued by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Each Interested Trustee holds comparable positions with certain other companies of which Goldman Sachs, GSAM or an affiliate thereof is the investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor.
1  Each Trustee may be contacted by writing to the Trustee, c/o Goldman Sachs, 200 West Street, New York, New York, 10282, Attn: Caroline Kraus.
2  Each Trustee holds office for an indefinite term until the earliest of: (a) the election of his or her successor; (b) the date the Trustee resigns or is removed by the Board of Trustees or shareholders, in accordance with the Trust’s Declaration of Trust; (c) December 31st of the year in which the Trustee turns 74 years of age, subject to waiver by a majority of the Trustees (in accordance with the current resolutions of the Board of Trustees, which may be changed by the Trustees without shareholder vote); or (d) the termination of the Trust.
3  The Goldman Sachs Fund Complex includes certain other companies listed above for each respective Trustee. As of [            ], 2016, Goldman Sachs Trust consisted of [93] portfolios ([all] of which offered shares to the public); Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust consisted of [14] portfolios; Goldman Sachs Trust II consisted of [16] portfolios ([fifteen] of which offered shares to the public); Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc., Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC, Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp., Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund, and Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund each consisted of one portfolio; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust consisted of [15] portfolios ([eight] of which offered shares to the public).

 

B-17


4  This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i.e., “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the Act.

The significance or relevance of a Trustee’s particular experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills is considered by the Board on an individual basis. Experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills common to all Trustees include the ability to critically review, evaluate and discuss information provided to them and to interact effectively with the other Trustees and with representatives of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, other service providers, legal counsel and the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, the capacity to address financial and legal issues and exercise reasonable business judgment, and a commitment to the representation of the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Governance and Nominating Committee’s charter contains certain other factors that are considered by the Governance and Nominating Committee in identifying and evaluating potential nominees to serve as Independent Trustees. Based on each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, considered individually and with respect to the experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills of other Trustees, the Board has concluded that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee. Below is a brief discussion of the experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills of each individual Trustee as of [            ], 2016 that led the Board to conclude that such individual should serve as a Trustee.

[Ashok N. Bakhru. Mr. Bakhru has served as a Trustee since 1991 and Chairman of the Board since 1996. Previously, Mr. Bakhru served as Director, Apollo Investment Corporation (a business development company) (2008–2013), and President of ABN Associates, a management and financial consulting firm, and was the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Coty Inc., a multinational cosmetics, fragrance and personal care company. In addition, Mr. Bakhru formerly held several senior management positions at Scott Paper Company, a major manufacturer of paper products, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bakhru also serves on the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council, the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute, and the Board of Directors of the Mutual Fund Directors Forum. He also serves on the Advisory Board of BoardIQ, an investment publication. In addition, Mr. Bakhru has served as Director of Equity-Linked Investments II and Private Equity Investors III and IV, which are private equity partnerships based in New York City. Mr. Bakhru was also a Director of Arkwright Mutual Insurance Company. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Bakhru is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Kathryn A. Cassidy. Ms. Cassidy became a Trustee in 2015. Previously, Ms. Cassidy held several senior management positions at General Electric Company (“GE”) and General Electric Capital Corporation (“GECapital”) and its subsidiaries, where she worked for 35 years, most recently as Advisor to the Chairman of GECapital and Senior Vice President and Treasurer of GE and GECapital. As Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Ms. Cassidy led capital markets and treasury matters of multiple initial public offerings. Ms. Cassidy was responsible for managing global treasury operations, including global funding, hedging, derivative accounting and execution, cash and liquidity management, cash operations and treasury services, and global regulatory compliance and reporting for liquidity, derivatives, market risk and counterparty credit risk. Ms. Cassidy also serves as a Director of buildOn, a not-for-profit organization. Based on the foregoing, Ms. Cassidy is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Diana M. Daniels. Ms. Daniels has served as Trustee since 2007. Ms. Daniels also serves as a Trustee Emeritus and Presidential Councillor of Cornell University. Ms. Daniels held several senior management positions at The Washington Post Company and its subsidiaries, where she worked for 29 years. While at The Washington Post Company, Ms. Daniels served as Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary to the Board of Directors and Secretary to the Audit Committee. Previously, Ms. Daniels served as Vice President and General Counsel of Newsweek, Inc. Ms. Daniels also serves on the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council of the Investment Company Institute. Ms. Daniels has also served as Vice Chair and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University and as a member of the Corporate Advisory Board of Standish Mellon Management Advisors and of the Legal Advisory Board of New York Stock Exchange. Ms. Daniels is also a member of the American Law Institute and of the Advisory Council of the Inter-American Press Association. Based on the foregoing, Ms. Daniels is experienced with legal, financial and investment matters.

Herbert J. (H.J.) Markley. Mr. Markley has served as a Trustee since 2013. Previously, Mr. Markley held several senior management positions at Deere & Company, where he worked for 35 years, including Executive Vice President of Worldwide Parts Service, Global Supply Management and Logistics, Enterprise Information Technology and Corporate Communications. Mr. Markley’s experience at Deere included managing manufacturing and engineering facilities, including the two largest manufacturing facilities and a joint venture with Hitachi. He later served as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Human Resources where he helped to lay the foundation for a new human resources system, and as a President of the Agricultural Division, Deere’s largest business unit. In addition to his work with Deere, Mr. Markley has served on the Boards of Directors of the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, the First National Bank of Dubuque, the University of Dubuque and the Iowa Public Television Foundation as well as the Board of Overseers of the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Markley is experienced with financial and investment matters.

 

 

B-18


Jessica Palmer. Ms. Palmer has served as Trustee since 2007. Ms. Palmer serves as a Director of Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture, a not-for-profit organization. Ms. Palmer worked at Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking (previously, Salomon Smith Barney/Salomon Brothers) for over 20 years, where she was a Managing Director. While at Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking, Ms. Palmer was Head of Global Risk Management, Chair of the Global Commitment Committee, Co-Chair of International Investment Banking (New York) and Head of Fixed Income Capital Markets. Ms. Palmer was also a member of the Management Committee and Risk Management Operating Committee of Citigroup, Inc. Prior to that, Ms. Palmer was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs in its international corporate finance department. Ms. Palmer was also Assistant Vice President of the International Division at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Ms. Palmer was also a member of the Board of Trustees of a private elementary and secondary school. Based on the foregoing, Ms. Palmer is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Roy W. Templin. Mr. Templin has served as a Trustee since 2013. Mr. Templin is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Con-Way Incorporated, a transportation, logistics and supply-chain management services company. Mr. Templin held a number of senior management positions at Whirlpool Corporation, an appliance manufacturer and marketer, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Corporate Controller there. At Whirlpool, Mr. Templin served on the Executive Committee and was responsible for all aspects of finance globally, including treasury, accounting, risk management, investor relations, internal auditing, tax and facilities. Prior to joining Whirlpool, Mr. Templin served in several roles at Kimball International, a furniture and electronic assemblies manufacturer, including Vice President of Finance and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Templin was also a Director of Corporate Finance for Cummins, Inc., a diesel engine manufacturer, a Director of Financial Development at NCR Corporation, a computer hardware and electronics company, and a member of the audit staff of Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP). Mr. Templin is a certified public accountant, a certified management accountant and a member of the Institute of Management Accountants Accounting Honor Society Advisory Board. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Templin is experienced with accounting, financial and investment matters.

Gregory G. Weaver. Mr. Weaver became a Trustee in 2015. Mr. Weaver also serves as a Director of Verizon Communications Inc. Previously, Mr. Weaver was a partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP for 30 years. He was the firm’s first chairman and chief executive officer from 2001–2005, and was elected to serve a second term (2012–2014). While serving as chairman at Deloitte & Touche LLP, Mr. Weaver led the audit and enterprise risk services practice, overseeing all operations, strategic positioning, audit quality, and talent matters. Mr. Weaver also served as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors for six years where he served on the Governance Committee and Partner Earnings and Benefits Committee and was chairman of the Elected Leaders Committee and Strategic Investment Committee. Mr. Weaver is also a Board member and Finance Committee chair of the National Council for Minorities in Engineering. Mr. Weaver has also served as President of the Council of Boy Scouts of America in Long Rivers, Connecticut, President of A Better Chance in Glastonbury, Connecticut, as a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council and as a board member of the Stan Ross Department of Accountancy, Baruch College. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Weaver is experienced with accounting, financial and investment matters.

James A. McNamara. Mr. McNamara has served as Trustee and President of the Trust since 2007 and has served as an officer of the Trust since 2001. Mr. McNamara is a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs. Mr. McNamara is currently head of Global Third Party Distribution at GSAM, where he was previously head of U.S. Third Party Distribution. Prior to that role, Mr. McNamara served as Director of Institutional Fund Sales. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Mr. McNamara was Vice President and Manager at Dreyfus Institutional Service Corporation. Based on the foregoing, Mr. McNamara is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Alan A. Shuch. Mr. Shuch has served as a Trustee since 1990. Mr. Shuch is an Advisory Director to Goldman Sachs. Mr. Shuch serves on the Board of Trustees of a number of Cayman funds managed by GSAM and previously served on the Board of Trustees of a number of Luxembourg and Dublin funds managed by GSAM. He serves on GSAM’s Valuation Committees. Prior to retiring as a general partner of Goldman Sachs in 1995, Mr. Shuch was president and chief operating officer of GSAM which he founded in 1988. Mr. Shuch joined the Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Division in 1976. He was instrumental in building Goldman Sachs’ Corporate Bond Department and served as co-head of the Global Fixed Income Sales and the High Yield Bond and Preferred Stock Departments. He headed the Portfolio Restructuring and Fixed Income Quantitative and Credit Research Departments. Mr. Shuch also served on a variety of firm-wide committees including the International Executive, New Product and Strategic Planning Committees and was a member of the Stone Street/Bridge Street Private Equity Board. Mr. Shuch also served on Wharton’s Graduate Executive Board. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Shuch is experienced with financial and investment matters.]

 

B-19


Officers of the Trust

Information pertaining to the officers of the Trust as of [             ], 2016 is set forth below.

 

Name, Age and Address

  

Position(s) Held

with the Trust

  

Term of Office and

Length of Time Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

James A. McNamara

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [54]

   Trustee and President    Since 2007   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 1998 – Present); Director of Institutional Fund Sales, GSAM (April 1998 – December 2000); and Senior Vice President and Manager, Dreyfus Institutional Service Corporation (January 1993 – April 1998).

 

President and Trustee—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

Scott M. McHugh

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [45]

   Treasurer, Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer    Since 2009 (Principal Financial Officer since 2013)   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (January 2016 – Present); Vice President, Goldman Sachs (February 2007 – December 2015); Assistant Treasurer of certain mutual funds administered by DWS Scudder (2005 – 2007); and Director (2005 – 2007), Vice President (2000 – 2005), and Assistant Vice President (1998 – 2000), Deutsche Asset Management or its predecessor (1998 – 2007).

 

Treasurer, Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

Gazala Khan

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [46]

   Chief Compliance Officer    Since 2009   

Vice President, GSAM Compliance (June 2009 – Present).

 

Chief Compliance Officer—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

Philip V. Giuca, Jr.

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: [54]

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 1997   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (January 2014 – Present); and Vice President, Goldman Sachs (May 1992 – December 2013).

 

Assistant Treasurer—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.; Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC; Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp.; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

Peter W. Fortner

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: [58]

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 2000   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (July 2000 – Present); and Principal Financial Officer, Commerce Bank Mutual Fund Complex (2008 – Present).

 

Assistant Treasurer—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

 

B-20


Name, Age and Address

  

Position(s) Held

with the Trust

  

Term of Office and

Length of Time Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Kenneth G. Curran

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: [52]

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 2001   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (November 1998 – Present); and Senior Tax Manager, KPMG Peat Marwick (accountants) (August 1995 – October 1998).

 

Assistant Treasurer—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.; Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC; Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp.; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

Robert McCormack

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: [43]

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 2015   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (December 2008 – Present); and Associate, Goldman Sachs (September 2005 – December 2008).

 

Assistant Treasurer—Goldman Sachs Trust (previously Vice President (2012 – 2015)); Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (previously Vice President (2012 – 2015)); Goldman Sachs Trust II (previously Vice President (2012 – 2015)); and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust (previously Vice President (2014 – 2015)).

Allison Fracchiolla

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: [33]

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 2014   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (January 2013 – Present); and Associate, Goldman Sachs (December 2008 – December 2012).

 

Assistant Treasurer—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

Joseph DiMaria

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: [48]

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 2016   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (November 2015 – Present) and Vice President – Mutual Fund Administration, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (May 2010 – October 2015).

 

Assistant Treasurer—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

Jesse Cole

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

Age: [53]

   Vice President    Since 1998   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 2006 – Present); Vice President, GSAM (June 1998 – Present); and Vice President, AIM Management Group, Inc. (investment adviser) (April 1996 – June 1998).

 

Vice President—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; and Goldman Sachs Trust II.

Miriam L. Cytryn

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [58]

   Vice President    Since 2008   

Vice President, GSAM (2008 – Present); Vice President of Divisional Management, Investment Management Division (2007 – 2008); Vice President and Chief of Staff, GSAM US Distribution (2003 – 2007); and Vice President of Employee Relations, Goldman Sachs (1996 – 2003).

 

Vice President—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; and Goldman Sachs Trust II.

 

B-21


Name, Age and Address

  

Position(s) Held

with the Trust

  

Term of Office and

Length of Time Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Kathryn Quirk

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [63]

   Vice President    Since 2013   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (September 2013 – Present); Vice President and Corporate Counsel, Prudential Insurance Company of America (September 2004 – December 2012); Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Asset Management, Prudential Insurance Company of America (September 2010 – December 2012); Co-Chief Legal Officer, Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (July 2008 – June 2012); Chief Legal Officer, Prudential Investments LLC (July 2005 – June 2012); and Chief Legal Officer, Prudential Mutual Funds (September 2004 – June 2012).

 

Vice President—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

 

Chief Compliance Officer—Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.; Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC; and Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp.

Lawrence J. Restieri

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [48]

   Vice President    Since 2013   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (2006 – Present).

 

Vice President—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

Rachel Schnoll

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [46]

   Vice President    Since 2013   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (2014 – Present); Vice President, Goldman Sachs (2003 – 2013); and Associate, Goldman Sachs (1999 – 2002).

 

Vice President—Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust.

Thomas J. Davis

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [53]

   Vice President    Since 2015   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (2008 – Present); and Analyst, Goldman Sachs (1990 – 2008).

 

Vice President—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

Caroline L. Kraus

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [39]

   Secretary    Since 2012   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (January 2016 – Present); Vice President, Goldman Sachs (August 2006 – December 2015); Associate General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (2012 – Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (August 2006 – December 2011); and Associate, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP (2002 – 2006).

 

Secretary—Goldman Sachs Trust (previously Assistant Secretary (2012)); Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (previously Assistant Secretary (2012)); Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.; Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC; Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp.; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

 

B-22


Name, Age and Address

  

Position(s) Held

with the Trust

  

Term of Office and

Length of Time Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

David A. Fishman

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [52]

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2001   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 2001 – Present); and Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1997 – December 2001).

 

Assistant Secretary—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; and Goldman Sachs Trust II.

Danny Burke

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [53]

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2001   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1987 – Present).

 

Assistant Secretary—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; and Goldman Sachs Trust II.

Patrick L. O’Callaghan

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [44]

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2009   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (2000 – Present); Associate, Goldman Sachs (1998 – 2000); and Analyst, Goldman Sachs (1995 – 1998).

 

Assistant Secretary—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; and Goldman Sachs Trust II.

Andrew Murphy

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [44]

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2010   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (April 2009 – Present); Associate General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (December 2010 – Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (April 2009 – December 2010); Attorney, Axiom Legal (2007 – 2009); and Vice President and Counsel, AllianceBernstein, L.P. (2001 – 2007).

 

Assistant Secretary—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.; Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC; Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp.; and Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

Robert Griffith

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [42]

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2011   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (August 2011 – Present); Associate General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (December 2014 – Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (August 2011 – December 2014); Vice President and Counsel, Nomura Holding America, Inc. (2010 – 2011); and Associate, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (2005 – 2010).

 

Assistant Secretary—Goldman Sachs Trust; Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust; Goldman Sachs Trust II; Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund; and Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund.

 

1  Officers hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Each officer holds comparable positions with certain other companies of which Goldman Sachs, GSAM or an affiliate thereof is the investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor.

Standing Board Committees

The Audit Committee oversees the audit process and provides assistance to the Board with respect to fund accounting, tax compliance and financial statement matters. In performing its responsibilities, the Audit Committee selects and recommends annually to the Board an independent registered public accounting firm to audit the books and records of the Trust for the ensuing year, and reviews with the firm the scope and results of each audit. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held six meetings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.

The Governance and Nominating Committee has been established to: (i) assist the Board in matters involving mutual fund governance, which includes making recommendations to the Board with respect to the effectiveness of the Board in carrying out its responsibilities in governing the Fund and overseeing its management; (ii) select and nominate candidates for appointment or election to serve as Independent Trustees; and (iii) advise the Board on ways to improve its effectiveness. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee held two meetings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. As stated above, each Trustee holds office for an indefinite term until the occurrence of certain

 

B-23


events. In filling Board vacancies, the Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Nominee recommendations should be submitted to the Trust at its mailing address stated in the Fund’s Prospectus and should be directed to the attention of the Goldman Sachs Trust Governance and Nominating Committee.

The Compliance Committee has been established for the purpose of overseeing the compliance processes: (i) of the Fund; and (ii) insofar as they relate to services provided to the Fund, of the Fund’s investment adviser, distributor, administrator (if any), and transfer agent, except that compliance processes relating to the accounting and financial reporting processes, and certain related matters, are overseen by the Audit Committee. In addition, the Compliance Committee provides assistance to the full Board with respect to compliance matters. The Compliance Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Compliance Committee.

The Valuation Committee is authorized to act for the Board in connection with the valuation of portfolio securities held by the Fund in accordance with the Trust’s Valuation Procedures. Messrs. McNamara and Shuch serve on the Valuation Committee, together with certain employees of GSAM who are not Trustees. The Valuation Committee met 12 times during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. The Valuation Committee reports periodically to the Board.

The Contract Review Committee has been established for the purpose of overseeing the processes of the Board for reviewing and monitoring performance under the Fund’s investment management, distribution, transfer agency, and certain other agreements with the Fund’s Investment Adviser and its affiliates. The Contract Review Committee is also responsible for overseeing the Board’s processes for considering and reviewing performance under the operation of the Fund’s distribution, service, shareholder administration and other plans, and any agreements related to the plans, whether or not such plans and agreements are adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. The Contract Review Committee also provides appropriate assistance to the Board in connection with the Board’s approval, oversight and review of the Fund’s other service providers including, without limitation, the Fund’s custodian/fund accounting agent, sub-transfer agents, professional (legal and accounting) firms and printing firms. The Contract Review Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Contract Review Committee.

Risk Oversight

The Board is responsible for the oversight of the activities of the Fund, including oversight of risk management. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Fund is the responsibility of GSAM or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk), subject to supervision by GSAM. The risks of the Fund include, but are not limited to, investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Each of GSAM and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management may differ from the Fund and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result, the Board recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate all of their occurrences or effects because some risks are simply beyond the control of the Fund or GSAM, its affiliates or other service providers.

The Board effectuates its oversight role primarily through regular and special meetings of the Board and Board committees. In certain cases, risk management issues are specifically addressed in presentations and discussions. For example, GSAM has an independent dedicated Market Risk Group that assists GSAM in managing investment risk. Representatives from the Market Risk Group regularly meet with the Board to discuss their analysis and methodologies. In addition, investment risk is discussed in the context of regular presentations to the Board on Fund strategy and performance. Other types of risk are addressed as part of presentations on related topics (e.g. compliance policies) or in the context of presentations focused specifically on one or more risks. The Board also receives reports from GSAM management on operational risks, reputational risks and counterparty risks relating to the Fund.

Board oversight of risk management is also performed by various Board committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with both the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and GSAM’s internal audit group to review risk controls in place that support the Fund as well as test results, and the Compliance Committee meets with the CCO and representatives of GSAM’s compliance group to review testing results of the Fund’s compliance policies and procedures and other compliance issues. Board oversight of risk is also performed as needed between meetings through communications between GSAM and the Board. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Fund’s investments or activities.

 

B-24


Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares

The following table shows the dollar range of shares beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Fund and other portfolios of the Goldman Sachs Fund Complex as of December 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

 

Name of Trustee

   Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Fund1
   Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in All Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen by Trustee

Ashok N. Bakhru

   None    Over $100,000

Kathryn A. Cassidy

   None    Over $100,000

Diana M. Daniels

   None    Over $100,000

Herbert J. Markley

   None    Over $100,000

James A. McNamara

   None    Over $100,000

Jessica Palmer

   None    Over $100,000

Alan A. Shuch

   None    Over $100,000

Roy W. Templin

   None    Over $100,000

Gregory G. Weaver

   None    None

 

1  Includes the value of shares beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Fund.

As of July 1, 2016, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of each class of the Fund.

Independent Trustee Ownership of Securities

The following table shows securities owned beneficially or of record, as of December 31, 2015, by any Trustee who is not an interested person of the Trust, or by any member of his or her immediate family, in (i) an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust; or (ii) a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust.

 

Trustee

 

Company

 

Title of Securities

  Value of Securities    

Percent of Class

Roy W. Templin

  The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.   2.375% Corporate Bonds due 1/22/2018   $ 5,000      Less than one percent

The foregoing securities were purchased during 2015, in error, by an investment adviser acting pursuant to discretionary authority. The transaction was subsequently cancelled by the adviser retroactively to the original date of purchase.

Board Compensation

Each Independent Trustee is compensated with a unitary annual fee for his or her services as a Trustee of the Trust and as a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee, Compliance Committee, Contract Review Committee, and Audit Committee. The Chairman and “audit committee financial expert” receive additional compensation for their services. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings. The Trust may also pay the reasonable incidental costs of a Trustee to attend training or other types of conferences relating to the investment company industry.

 

B-25


The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation of each Trustee of the Trust for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016:

Trustee Compensation

 

Name of Trustee

   Aggregate
Compensation
from the
Fund
     Pension or Retirement
Benefits Accrued
as Part of the
Trust’s Expenses
     Total Compensation
From Fund Complex
(including the  Fund)4
 

Ashok N. Bakhru1

   $ 3,331       $ 0       $ 885,800   

Kathryn A. Cassidy

     2,216         0         306,000   

Diana M. Daniels

     2,216         0         306,000   

Herbert J. Markley

     2,216         0         306,000   

James A. McNamara2

     —           —           —     

Jessica Palmer

     2,216         0         306,000   

Alan A. Shuch2

     —           —           —     

Roy W. Templin

     2,216         0         306,000   

Gregory G. Weaver3

     2,301         0         353,000   

 

1  Includes compensation as Board Chairman.
2  Messrs. McNamara and Shuch are Interested Trustees, and as such, receive no compensation from the Fund or the Goldman Sachs Fund Complex.
3  Includes compensation as “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
4  Represents fees paid to each Trustee during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 from the Goldman Sachs Fund Complex.

Miscellaneous

The Trust, its Investment Adviser and principal underwriter have adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the Act that permit personnel subject to their particular codes of ethics to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

As stated in the Fund’s Prospectus, GSAM, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, serves as the Investment Adviser to the Fund pursuant to a Management Agreement. GSAM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and an affiliate of Goldman Sachs. See “Service Providers” in the Fund’s Prospectus for a description of the Investment Adviser’s duties to the Fund.

Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a publicly-held financial holding company and a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Goldman Sachs is a leader in developing portfolio strategies and in many fields of investing and financing, participating in financial markets worldwide and serving individuals, institutions, corporations and governments. Goldman Sachs is also among the principal market sources for current and thorough information on companies, industrial sectors, markets, economies and currencies, and trades and makes markets in a wide range of equity and debt securities 24 hours a day. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in countries throughout the world. It has trading professionals throughout the United States, as well as in London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Seoul, Sao Paulo and other major financial centers around the world. The active participation of Goldman Sachs in the world’s financial markets enhances its ability to identify attractive investments. Goldman Sachs has agreed to permit the Fund to use the name “Goldman Sachs” or a derivative thereof as part of the Fund’s name for as long as the Fund’s Management Agreement (as described below) is in effect.

The Management Agreement provides that GSAM, in its capacity as Investment Adviser, may render similar services to others so long as the services under the Management Agreement are not impaired thereby. The Fund’s Management Agreement was approved by the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to such agreement or “interested persons” (as such term is defined in the Act) of any party thereto (the “non-interested Trustees”), on June 16, 2016 with respect to the Fund. A discussion regarding the Trustees’ basis for approving the Management Agreement for the Fund is available in the Fund’s annual report for the period ended March 31, 2016.

The Management Agreement will remain in effect until June 30, 2017 and will continue in effect with respect to the Fund from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, and (ii) the vote of a majority of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

B-26


The Management Agreement will terminate automatically if assigned (as defined in the Act). The Management Agreement is also terminable at any time without penalty by the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to the Investment Adviser and by the Investment Adviser on 60 days’ written notice to the Trust.

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Investment Adviser is entitled to receive the fees set forth below, payable monthly based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. Also included below is the actual management fee rates paid by the Fund (after reflection of any voluntary management fee waivers, as indicated) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016:

 

Fund

   Contractual Rate     Actual Rate for the Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2016
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

     0.25     0.18 %* 

 

* The Investment Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee payable by the Fund in order to achieve an effective net management fee rate of 0.15% as an annual percentage rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This waiver will remain in effect through [        ], 2017, and prior to such date the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees. Prior to February 11, 2016, the Investment Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its management fee in order to achieve an effective net management fee rate of 0.18% as an annual percentage rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, the amount of fees incurred by the Fund under the Management Agreement were:

 

Fund

   Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2016
     Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2015
     Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2014*
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund With fee waivers

   $ 19,970       $ 18,031       $ 1,430   

Without fee waivers

     28,595         25,043         1,986   

 

* The Fund commenced operations on February 28, 2014

Unless required to be performed by others pursuant to agreements with the Fund, the Investment Adviser also performs certain administrative services for the Fund under the Management Agreement. Such administrative services include, subject to the general supervision of the Trustees of the Trust, (i) providing supervision of all aspects of the Fund’s non-investment operations; (ii) providing the Fund with personnel to perform such executive, administrative and clerical services as are reasonably necessary to provide effective administration of the Fund; (iii) arranging for, at the Fund’s expense, the preparation of all of the Fund’s required tax returns, the preparation and submission of reports to existing shareholders, the periodic updating of the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information, and the preparation of reports filed with the SEC and other regulatory authorities; (iv) maintaining all of the Fund’s records; and (v) providing the Fund with adequate office space and all necessary office equipment and services.

 

B-27


Portfolio Managers – Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers

The following table discloses other accounts within each type of category listed below for which the portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for day to day portfolio management (unless otherwise noted, the information below is provided as of March 31, 2016).

For each portfolio manager listed below, the number of accounts managed is a reflection of accounts within the strategy they oversee or manage, as well as accounts which participate in the sector in which they manage. There are multiple portfolio managers involved with each account.

 

     Number of Accounts Managed and Total Assets by Account Type      Number of Accounts and Total Assets for Which Advisory Fee is
Performance Based
 
     Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
     Other Accounts      Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Name of Portfolio Manager

   Number of
Accounts
     Assets
Managed
     Number of
Accounts
     Assets
Managed
     Number of
Accounts
     Assets
Managed
     Number of
Accounts
     Assets
Managed
     Number of
Accounts
     Assets
Managed
     Number of
Accounts
     Assets
Managed
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

                                   

Dave Fishman

     20       $ 186,056         47       $ 102,670         267       $ 54,832                                         3       $ 2,353   

John Olivo

     20       $ 186,056         47       $ 102,670         267       $ 54,832                                         3       $ 2,353   

 

Assets are preliminary, in millions.

 

B-28


Conflicts of Interest. The Investment Adviser’s portfolio managers are often responsible for managing the Fund as well as other accounts, including proprietary accounts, separate accounts and other pooled investment vehicles, such as unregistered hedge funds. A portfolio manager may manage a separate account or other pooled investment vehicle which may have materially higher fee arrangements than the Fund and may also have a performance-based fee. The side-by-side management of these funds may raise potential conflicts of interest relating to cross trading, the allocation of investment opportunities and the aggregation and allocation of trades.

The Investment Adviser has a fiduciary responsibility to manage all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner. The Investment Adviser seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and aggregate and then allocate securities to client accounts in a fair and timely manner. To this end, the Investment Adviser has developed policies and procedures designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from side-by-side management. In addition, the Investment Adviser and the Fund have adopted policies limiting the circumstances under which cross-trades may be effected between the Fund and another client account. The Investment Adviser conducts periodic reviews of trades for consistency with these policies. For more information about conflicts of interests that may arise in connection with the portfolio managers’ management of the Fund’s investments and the investments of other accounts, see “POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST – Potential Conflicts Relating to the Allocation of Investment Opportunities Among the Fund and Other Goldman Sachs Accounts and Potential Conflicts Relating to Goldman Sachs’ and the Investment Adviser’s Proprietary Activities and Activities on Behalf of Other Accounts.”

Portfolio Managers — Compensation

Compensation for portfolio managers of the Investment Adviser is comprised of a base salary and discretionary variable compensation. The base salary is fixed from year to year. Year-end discretionary variable compensation is primarily a function of each portfolio manager’s individual performance and his or her contribution to overall team performance; the performance of the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs; the team’s net revenues for the past year which in part is derived from advisory fees, and for certain accounts, performance-based fees; and anticipated compensation levels among competitor firms. Portfolio managers may be rewarded, in part, for their delivery of investment performance, measured on a pre-tax basis, which is reasonably expected to meet or exceed the expectations of clients and fund shareholders in terms of: excess return over an applicable benchmark, peer group ranking, risk management and factors specific to certain funds such as yield or regional focus. Performance is judged over 1-3- and 5-year time horizons.

For compensation purposes, the benchmark for the Fund is the Barclays Short-Term Government/Corporate Index.

The discretionary variable compensation for portfolio managers is also significantly influenced by: (1) effective participation in team research discussions and process; and (2) management of risk in alignment with the targeted risk parameter and investment objective of the fund. Other factors may also be considered including: (1) general client/shareholder orientation and (2) teamwork and leadership. Portfolio managers may receive equity-based awards as part of their discretionary variable compensation.

Other Compensation—In addition to base salary and discretionary variable compensation, the Investment Adviser has a number of additional benefits in place including (1) a 401k program that enables employees to direct a percentage of their pretax salary and bonus income into a tax-qualified retirement plan; and (2) investment opportunity programs in which certain professionals may participate subject to certain eligibility requirements.

Portfolio Managers – Portfolio Managers’ Ownership of Securities in the Fund

The following table shows the portfolio managers’ ownership of shares of the Fund as of March 31, 2016:

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of Equity
Securities Beneficially
Owned by Portfolio
Manager

Dave Fishman

   None

John Olivo

   None

Distributor and Transfer Agent

Distributor. Goldman Sachs, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, serves as the exclusive distributor of shares of the Fund pursuant to a “best efforts” arrangement as provided by a distribution agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are offered and sold on a continuous basis by Goldman Sachs, acting as agent. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, after

 

B-29


the Fund’s Prospectus and periodic reports have been prepared, set in type and mailed to shareholders, Goldman Sachs will pay for the printing and distribution of copies thereof used in connection with the offering to prospective investors. Goldman Sachs will also pay for other supplementary sales literature and advertising costs.

Transfer Agent. Goldman Sachs, 71 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, serves as the Trust’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. Under its transfer agency agreement with the Trust, Goldman Sachs has undertaken with the Trust with respect to the Fund to: (i) record the issuance, transfer and redemption of shares; (ii) provide purchase and redemption confirmations and quarterly statements, as well as certain other statements; (iii) provide certain information to the Trust’s custodian and the relevant subcustodian in connection with redemptions; (iv) provide dividend crediting and certain disbursing agent services; (v) maintain shareholder accounts; (vi) provide certain state Blue Sky and other information; (vii) provide shareholders and certain regulatory authorities with tax-related information; (viii) respond to shareholder inquiries; and (ix) render certain other miscellaneous services. For its transfer agency and dividend disbursing agent services, Goldman Sachs is entitled to receive a fee equal, on an annualized basis, to 0.13% of average daily net assets with respect to the Fund’s Class A Shares and 0.04% of average daily net assets with respect to the Fund’s Institutional, Administration and Preferred Shares. Goldman Sachs may pay to certain intermediaries who perform transfer agent services to shareholders a networking or sub-transfer agent fee. These payments will be made from the transfer agency fees noted above and in the Fund’s Prospectus.

As compensation for the services rendered to the Trust by Goldman Sachs as transfer and dividend disbursing agent with respect to the Fund and the assumption by Goldman Sachs of the expenses related thereto, Goldman Sachs received fees for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 from the Fund and for each share class then in existence as follows under the fee schedule then in effect:

 

Fund

   Class A Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2016*
     Class A Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2015*
     Class A Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2014*
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

     —          —          —    

Fund

   Institutional Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2016
     Institutional Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2015
     Institutional Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2014**
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

   $ 1,141       $ 999       $ 79   

Fund

   Administration Shares
for the Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2016
     Administration Shares
for the Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2015
     Administration Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2014**
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

   $ 4       $ 4       $ 0   

Fund

   Preferred Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2016*
     Preferred Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2015*
     Preferred Shares
for Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2014*
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

     —          —          —    

 

* Class A Shares and Preferred Shares of the Fund commenced operations on [            ], 2016.
** The Fund commenced operations on February 28, 2014.

The foregoing distribution and transfer agency agreements each provide that Goldman Sachs may render similar services to others so long as the services each provides thereunder to the Fund are not impaired thereby. Each such agreement also provides that the Trust will indemnify Goldman Sachs against certain liabilities.

 

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Expenses

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is responsible for the payment of the Fund’s expenses. The expenses include, without limitation, the fees payable to the Investment Adviser, administration fees paid to Authorized Institutions, the fees and expenses of the Trust’s custodian and subcustodians, transfer agent fees and expenses, pricing services fees and expenses, brokerage fees and commissions, filing fees for the registration or qualification of the Trust’s shares under federal or state securities laws, expenses of the organization of the Trust, fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with membership in investment company organizations, including, but not limited to, the Investment Company Institute, taxes, interest, costs of liability insurance, fidelity bonds or indemnification, any costs, expenses or losses arising out of any liability of, or claim for damages or other relief asserted against, the Trust for violation of any law, legal, tax and auditing fees and expenses (including the cost of legal and certain accounting services rendered by employees of Goldman Sachs or its affiliates, with respect to the Trust), expenses of preparing and setting in type Prospectuses, SAIs, proxy material, reports and notices and the printing and distributing of the same to the Trust’s shareholders and regulatory authorities, shareholder expenses, any expenses assumed by the Fund pursuant to its distribution and service plans, compensation and expenses of its Independent Trustees, the fees and expenses of pricing services and extraordinary expenses, if any, incurred by the Trust. Except for fees and expenses under any service plan, account service plan, administration plan, shareholder administration plan or distribution and service plan applicable to a particular class and transfer agency fees and expenses, all Fund expenses are borne on a non-class specific basis.

Fees and expenses borne by the Fund relating to legal counsel, registering shares of the Fund, holding meetings and communicating with shareholders may include an allocable portion of the cost of maintaining an internal legal and compliance department. The Fund may also bear an allocable portion of the Investment Adviser’s costs of in performing certain accounting services not being provided by the Trust’s custodian.

The imposition of the Investment Adviser’s fees, as well as other operating expenses, will have the effect of reducing the total return to investors. From time to time, the Investment Adviser may waive receipt of its fees and/or assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have the effect of lowering the Fund’s overall expense ratio and increasing total return to investors at the time such amounts are waived or assumed, as the case may be.

As of July 29, 2016, the Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce or limit “Other Expenses” of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, transfer agency fees and expenses, administration share fees, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, shareholder meeting, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses) to 0.004% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through at least [        ], 2017.

Such reductions or limits are calculated monthly on a cumulative basis during the Fund’s fiscal year. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” may be further reduced by any custody and transfer agency fee credits received by the Fund. The Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement prior to [        ], 2017 without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Reimbursements

For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, “Other Expenses” of the Fund were reduced by the Investment Adviser in the following amounts under expense limitations that were then in effect:

 

Fund

   Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2016
     Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2015
     Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2014**
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund*

   $ 209,767       $ 435,864       $ 79,116   

 

* Class A Shares and Preferred Shares of the Fund commenced operations on [            ], 2016.
** The Fund commenced operations on February 28, 2014.

Custodian and Sub-Custodians

State Street, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, is the custodian of the Fund. State Street also maintains the Fund’s accounting records. State Street may appoint domestic and foreign sub-custodians and use depositories from time to time to hold certain securities and other instruments purchased by the Trust in foreign countries and to hold cash and currencies for the Fund.

 

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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

[            ], is the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. In addition to audit services, [            ] prepares the Fund’s federal and state tax returns and provides assistance on certain non-audit matters.

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

General Categories of Conflicts Associated with the Funds

Goldman Sachs (which, for purposes of this “Potential Conflicts of Interest” section, shall mean, collectively, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., the Investment Adviser and their affiliates, directors, partners, trustees, managers, members, officers and employees) is a worldwide, full-service investment banking, broker-dealer, asset management and financial services organization and a major participant in global financial markets. As such, Goldman Sachs provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs advises clients in all markets and transactions and purchases, sells, holds and recommends a broad array of investments for its own accounts and for the accounts of clients and of its personnel, through client accounts and the relationships and products it sponsors, manages and advises (such Goldman Sachs or other client accounts (including the Funds), relationships and products collectively, the “Accounts”). Goldman Sachs has direct and indirect interests in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equities, bank loan and other markets, and the securities and issuers, in which the Funds may directly and indirectly invest. As a result, Goldman Sachs’ activities and dealings may affect the Funds in ways that may disadvantage or restrict the Funds and/or benefit Goldman Sachs or other Accounts. For purposes of this “Potential Conflicts of Interest” section, “Funds” shall mean, collectively, the Funds and any of the other Goldman Sachs Funds.

The following are descriptions of certain conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest that may be associated with the financial or other interests that the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs may have in transactions effected by, with, and on behalf of the Funds. They are not, and are not intended to be, a complete enumeration or explanation of all of the potential conflicts of interest that may arise. Additional information about potential conflicts of interest regarding the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs is set forth in the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV, which prospective shareholders should review prior to purchasing Fund shares. A copy of Part 1 and Part 2A of the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV is available on the SEC’s website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).

The Sale of Fund Shares and the Allocation of Investment Opportunities

Sales Incentives and Related Conflicts Arising from Goldman Sachs’ Financial and Other Relationships with Intermediaries

Goldman Sachs and its personnel, including employees of the Investment Adviser, may have relationships (both involving and not involving the Funds, and including without limitation placement, brokerage, advisory and board relationships) with distributors, consultants and others who recommend, or engage in transactions with or for, the Funds. Such distributors, consultants and other parties may receive compensation from Goldman Sachs or the Funds in connection with such relationships. As a result of these relationships, distributors, consultants and other parties may have conflicts that create incentives for them to promote the Funds.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs and the Funds may make payments to authorized dealers and other financial intermediaries and to salespersons to promote the Funds. These payments may be made out of Goldman Sachs’ assets or amounts payable to Goldman Sachs. These payments may create an incentive for such persons to highlight, feature or recommend the Funds.

Allocation of Investment Opportunities Among the Funds and Other Accounts

The Investment Adviser may manage or advise multiple Accounts (including Accounts in which Goldman Sachs and its personnel have an interest) that have investment objectives that are similar to the Funds and that may seek to make investments or sell investments in the same securities or other instruments, sectors or strategies as the Funds. This creates potential conflicts, particularly in circumstances where the availability of such investment opportunities is limited (e.g., in local and emerging markets, high yield securities, fixed income securities, regulated industries, small capitalization, investments in MLPs in the oil and gas industry and initial public offerings/new issues) or where the liquidity of such investment opportunities is limited.

 

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The Investment Adviser does not receive performance-based compensation in respect of its investment management activities on behalf of the Funds, but may simultaneously manage Accounts for which the Investment Adviser receives greater fees or other compensation (including performance-based fees or allocations) than it receives in respect of the Funds. The simultaneous management of Accounts that pay greater fees or other compensation and the Funds creates a conflict of interest as the Investment Adviser may have an incentive to favor Accounts with the potential to receive greater fees. For instance, the Investment Adviser may be faced with a conflict of interest when allocating scarce investment opportunities given the possibly greater fees from Accounts that pay performance-based fees. To address these types of conflicts, the Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures under which it will allocate investment opportunities in a manner that it believes is consistent with its obligations as an investment adviser. However, the amount, timing, structuring or terms of an investment by the Funds may differ from, and performance may be lower than, the investments and performance of other Accounts.

To address these potential conflicts, the Investment Adviser has developed allocation policies and procedures that provide that Goldman Sachs personnel making portfolio decisions for Accounts will make purchase and sale decisions for, and allocate investment opportunities among, Accounts consistent with the Investment Adviser’s fiduciary obligations. These policies and procedures may result in the pro rata allocation (on a basis determined by the Investment Adviser) of limited opportunities across eligible Accounts managed by a particular portfolio management team, but in many other cases the allocations reflect numerous other factors as described below. Accounts managed by different portfolio management teams are generally viewed separately for allocation purposes, including for purposes of allocations of private equity or IPO/new issue opportunities. There will be cases where certain Accounts (including Accounts in which Goldman Sachs and Goldman Sachs personnel have an interest) receive an allocation of an investment opportunity when the Funds do not.

Allocation-related decisions for the Funds and other Accounts may be made by reference to one or more factors, including without limitation: the Account’s portfolio and its investment horizons, objectives, guidelines and restrictions (including legal and regulatory restrictions affecting certain Accounts or affecting holdings across Accounts); strategic fit and other portfolio management considerations, including different desired levels of exposure to certain strategies; the expected future capacity of the applicable Accounts; limits on the Investment Adviser’s brokerage discretion; cash and liquidity considerations; and the availability of other appropriate investment opportunities. Suitability considerations, reputational matters and other considerations may also be considered. The application of these considerations may cause differences in the performance of Accounts that have strategies similar to those of the Fund. In addition, in some cases the Investment Adviser may make investment recommendations to Accounts where the Accounts make investments independently of the Investment Adviser. In circumstances in which there is limited availability of an investment opportunity, if such Accounts invest in the investment opportunity at the same time as or prior to a Fund, the availability of the investment opportunity for the Fund will be reduced irrespective of the Investment Adviser’s policies regarding allocation of investments. Additional information about the Investment Adviser’s allocation policies is set forth in Item 6 (“PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT—Side-by-Side Management”) of the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV.

The Investment Adviser may, from time to time, develop and implement new trading strategies or seek to participate in new trading strategies and investment opportunities. These strategies and opportunities may not be employed in all Accounts or employed pro rata among Accounts where they are used, even if the strategy or opportunity is consistent with the objectives of such Accounts. Further, a trading strategy employed for a Fund that is similar to, or the same as that of, another Account may be implemented differently, sometimes to a material extent, depending on a variety of factors, including the portfolio managers involved in managing the trading strategy for the Account, and the time difference associated with the location of different portfolio management teams.

During periods of unusual market conditions, the Investment Adviser may deviate from its normal trade allocation practices. For example, this may occur with respect to the management of unlevered and/or long-only Accounts that are typically managed on a side-by-side basis with levered and/or long-short Accounts.

The Investment Adviser and the Funds may receive notice of, or offers to participate in, investment opportunities. The Investment Adviser in its sole discretion will determine whether a Fund will participate in any such investment opportunities and investors should not expect that the Fund will participate in any such investment opportunities. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing, the Funds may or may not receive, but in any event will have no rights with respect to, opportunities sourced by Goldman Sachs businesses and affiliates other than the Investment Adviser. Opportunities or any portion thereof that the Funds do not participate in may be offered to other Accounts, Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser), all or certain investors in the Funds, or such other persons or entities as determined by Goldman Sachs in its sole discretion, and the Funds will not receive any compensation related to such opportunities.

 

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Goldman Sachs’ Financial and Other Interests May Incentivize Goldman Sachs to Promote the Sale of Fund Shares

Goldman Sachs and its personnel have interests in promoting sales of Fund shares, and the compensation from such sales may be greater than the compensation relating to sales of interests in other Accounts. Therefore, Goldman Sachs and its personnel may have a financial interest in promoting Fund shares over interests in other Accounts.

Management of the Funds by the Investment Adviser

Potential Restrictions and Issues Relating to Information Held by Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs has established certain information barriers and other policies to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Goldman Sachs. As a result of information barriers, the Investment Adviser generally will not have access, or will have limited access, to information and personnel in other areas of Goldman Sachs, and generally will not be able to manage the Funds with the benefit of information held by such other areas. Such other areas, including without limitation, Goldman Sachs’ prime brokerage and administration businesses, will have broad access to detailed information that is not available to the Investment Adviser, including information in respect of markets and investments, which, if known to the Investment Adviser, might cause the Investment Adviser to seek to dispose of, retain or increase interests in investments held by the Funds or acquire certain positions on behalf of the Funds, or take other actions. Goldman Sachs will be under no obligation or fiduciary or other duty to make any such information available to the Investment Adviser or personnel of the Investment Adviser involved in decision-making for the Funds. There may be circumstances in which, as a result of information held by certain of the Investment Adviser’s portfolio management teams, the Investment Adviser limits an activity or transaction for a Fund, including if the team holding such information is not managing the Fund. In addition, Goldman Sachs will not have any obligation to make available any information regarding its trading activities, strategies or views, or the activities, strategies or views used for other Accounts, for the benefit of the Funds. Different portfolio management teams within the Investment Adviser may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to Accounts they advise in a manner that may be adverse to the Funds. Such teams may not share information with the Funds’ portfolio management teams, including as a result of certain information barriers and other policies, and will not have any obligation to do so.

Valuation of the Fund’s Investments

The Investment Adviser, while not the primary valuation agent of the Funds, performs certain valuation services related to securities and assets in the Funds. The Investment Adviser values securities and assets in the Funds according to its valuation policies. The Investment Adviser may value an identical asset differently than another division or unit within Goldman Sachs values the asset, including because such other division or unit has information regarding valuation techniques and models or other information that it does not share with the Investment Adviser. This is particularly the case in respect of difficult-to-value assets. The Investment Adviser may also value an identical asset differently in different Accounts (e.g., because different Accounts are subject to different valuation guidelines pursuant to their respective governing agreements, different third party vendors are hired to perform valuation functions for the Accounts or the Accounts are managed or advised by different portfolio management teams within the Investment Adviser). The Investment Adviser will face a conflict with respect to such valuations as they affect the Investment Adviser’s compensation.

Goldman Sachs’ and the Investment Adviser’s Activities on Behalf of Other Accounts

Goldman Sachs engages in various activities in the global financial markets. Goldman Sachs, acting in various capacities (including investment banker, market maker, lender, investor, broker, advisor and research provider), may take actions or advise on transactions in respect of Accounts (including the Funds) or companies or affiliated or unaffiliated investment funds in which one or more Funds have an interest that may have potential adverse effects on the Funds.

The Investment Adviser provides advisory services to the Funds. The Investment Adviser’s decisions and actions on behalf of the Funds may differ from those on behalf of other Accounts. Advice given to, or investment or voting decisions made for, one or more Accounts may compete with, affect, differ from, conflict with, or involve timing different from, advice given to or investment decisions made for the Funds.

Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser), the clients it advises, and its personnel have interests in and advise Accounts that have investment objectives or portfolios similar to or opposed to those of the Funds, and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities and other instruments as the Funds. Transactions by such Accounts may involve the same or related securities or other instruments as those in which the Funds invest, and may negatively affect the Funds or the prices or terms at which the Funds’ transactions may be effected. For example, Accounts may engage in a strategy while the

 

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Funds are undertaking the same or a differing strategy, any of which could directly or indirectly disadvantage the Funds. The Funds on one hand and Goldman Sachs or Accounts on the other hand may also vote differently on or take or refrain from taking different actions with respect to the same security, which may be disadvantageous to the Funds. Goldman Sachs or Accounts, on the one hand, and a Fund, on the other hand, may also invest in or extend credit to different classes of securities or different parts of the capital structure of the same issuer and as a result Goldman Sachs or Accounts may take actions that adversely affect the Fund. In addition, Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser) may advise Accounts with respect to different parts of the capital structure of the same issuer, or classes of securities that are subordinate or senior to securities, in which a Fund invests. As a result, Goldman Sachs may pursue or enforce rights or activities, or refrain from pursuing or enforcing rights or activities, on behalf of Accounts with respect to a particular issuer in which one or more Funds have invested. The Funds could sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and other Accounts achieve profits. The negative effects described above may be more pronounced in connection with transactions in, or the Funds’ use of, small capitalization, emerging market, distressed or less liquid strategies.

Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser) and its personnel may advise on transactions, make investment decisions or recommendations, provide differing investment views or have views with respect to research or valuations that are inconsistent with, or adverse to, the interests and activities of the Funds. Shareholders may be offered access to advisory services through several different Goldman Sachs advisory businesses (including Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the Investment Adviser). Different advisory businesses within Goldman Sachs manage Accounts according to different strategies and may also apply different criteria to the same or similar strategies and may have differing investment views in respect of an issuer or a security. Similarly, within the Investment Adviser, certain investment teams or portfolio managers may have differing or opposite investment views in respect of an issuer or a security, and the positions a Fund’s investment team or portfolio managers take in respect of the Fund may be inconsistent with, or adversely affected by, the interests and activities of the Accounts advised by other investment teams or portfolio managers of the Investment Adviser. Research, analyses or viewpoints may be available to clients or potential clients at different times. Goldman Sachs will not have any obligation to make available to the Funds any research or analysis prior to its public dissemination. The Investment Adviser is responsible for making investment decisions on behalf of the Funds and such investment decisions can differ from investment decisions or recommendations by Goldman Sachs on behalf of other Accounts. Goldman Sachs, on behalf of one or more Accounts and in accordance with its management of such Accounts, may implement an investment decision or strategy ahead of, or contemporaneously with, or behind similar investment decisions or strategies made for the Funds. The relative timing for the implementation of investment decisions or strategies for Accounts, on the one hand, and the Funds, on the other hand, may disadvantage the Funds. Certain factors, for example, market impact, liquidity constraints, or other circumstances, could result in the Funds receiving less favorable trading results or incurring increased costs associated with implementing such investment decisions or strategies, or being otherwise disadvantaged.

Subject to applicable law, the Investment Adviser may cause the Funds to invest in securities, bank loans or other obligations of companies affiliated with or advised by Goldman Sachs or in which Goldman Sachs or Accounts have an equity, debt or other interest, or to engage in investment transactions that may result in other Accounts being relieved of obligations or otherwise divested of investments, which may enhance the profitability of Goldman Sachs’ or other Accounts’ investment in and activities with respect to such companies.

When the Investment Adviser wishes to place an order for different types of Accounts (including the Funds) for which aggregation is not practicable, the Investment Adviser may use a trade sequencing and rotation policy to determine which type of Account is to be traded first. Under this policy, each portfolio management team may determine the length of its trade rotation period and the sequencing schedule for different categories of clients within this period provided that the trading periods and these sequencing schedules are designed to be fair and equitable over time. The portfolio management teams currently base their trading periods and rotation schedules on the relative amounts of assets managed for different client categories (e.g., unconstrained client accounts, “wrap program” accounts, etc.) and, as a result, the Funds may trade behind other Accounts. Within a given trading period, the sequencing schedule establishes when and how frequently a given client category will trade first in the order of rotation. The Investment Adviser may deviate from the predetermined sequencing schedule under certain circumstances, and the Investment Adviser’s trade sequencing and rotation policy may be amended, modified or supplemented at any time without prior notice to clients.

 

 

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Investments in Goldman Sachs Funds

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Funds may invest in money market and other funds sponsored, managed or advised by Goldman Sachs. In connection with any such investments, a Fund, to the extent permitted by the Act, will pay all advisory, administrative or Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to the investment, and fees to the Investment Adviser in its capacity as manager of the Funds will not be reduced thereby (i.e., there could be “double fees” involved in making any such investment because Goldman Sachs could receive fees with respect to both the management of the Funds and such money market fund). In such circumstances, as well as in all other circumstances in which Goldman Sachs receives any fees or other compensation in any form relating to the provision of services, no accounting or repayment to the Funds will be required.

Goldman Sachs May In-Source or Outsource

Subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs, including the Investment Adviser, may from time to time and without notice to investors in-source or outsource certain processes or functions in connection with a variety of services that it provides to the Funds in its administrative or other capacities. Such in-sourcing or outsourcing may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.

Distributions of Assets Other Than Cash

With respect to redemptions from the Funds, the Funds may, in certain circumstances, have discretion to decide whether to permit or limit redemptions and whether to make distributions in connection with redemptions in the form of securities or other assets, and in such case, the composition of such distributions. In making such decisions, the Investment Adviser may have a potentially conflicting division of loyalties and responsibilities with respect to redeeming investors and remaining investors.

Goldman Sachs May Act in a Capacity Other Than Investment Adviser to the Funds

Principal and Cross Transactions

When permitted by applicable law and the Investment Adviser’s policies, the Investment Adviser, acting on behalf of the Funds, may enter into transactions in securities and other instruments with or through Goldman Sachs or in Accounts managed by the Investment Adviser, and may cause the Funds to engage in transactions in which the Investment Adviser acts as principal on its own behalf (principal transactions), advises both sides of a transaction (cross transactions) and acts as broker for, and receives a commission from, the Funds on one side of a transaction and a brokerage account on the other side of the transaction (agency cross transactions). There may be potential conflicts of interest or regulatory issues relating to these transactions which could limit the Investment Adviser’s decision to engage in these transactions for the Funds. Goldman Sachs may have a potentially conflicting division of loyalties and responsibilities to the parties in such transactions, and has developed policies and procedures in relation to such transactions and conflicts. Cross transactions may disproportionately benefit some Accounts relative to other Accounts due to the relative amount of market savings obtained by the Accounts. Any principal, cross or agency cross transactions will be effected in accordance with fiduciary requirements and applicable law.

Goldman Sachs May Act in Multiple Commercial Capacities

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs may act as broker, dealer, agent, lender or advisor or in other commercial capacities for the Funds or issuers of securities held by the Funds. Goldman Sachs may be entitled to compensation in connection with the provision of such services, and the Funds will not be entitled to any such compensation. Goldman Sachs will have an interest in obtaining fees and other compensation in connection with such services that are favorable to Goldman Sachs, and in connection with providing such services may take commercial steps in its own interests, or may advise the parties to which it is providing services to take actions or engage in transactions, that negatively affect the Funds. For example, Goldman Sachs may advise a company to make changes to its capital structure the result of which would be a reduction in the value or priority of a security held by one or more Funds. Actions taken or advised to be taken by Goldman Sachs in connection with other types of transactions may also result in adverse consequences for the Funds. In addition, due to its access to and knowledge of funds, markets and securities based on its other businesses, Goldman Sachs may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to interests in investments of the kind held directly or indirectly by the Funds in a manner that may be adverse to the Funds. Goldman Sachs may also provide various services to the Funds or to issuers of securities in which the Funds invest, which may result in fees, compensation and remuneration as well as other benefits to Goldman Sachs, enhance Goldman Sachs’ relationships with various parties, facilitate additional business development and enable Goldman Sachs to obtain additional business and generate additional revenue.

 

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To the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser) may create, write, sell, issue, invest in or act as placement agent or distributor of derivative instruments related to the Funds, or with respect to underlying securities or assets of the Funds, or which may be otherwise based on or seek to replicate or hedge the performance of the Funds. Such derivative transactions, and any associated hedging activity, may differ from and be adverse to the interests of the Funds.

Goldman Sachs may make loans to shareholders or enter into similar transactions that are secured by a pledge of, or mortgage over, a shareholder’s Fund shares, which would provide Goldman Sachs with the right to redeem such Fund shares in the event that such shareholder defaults on its obligations. These transactions and related redemptions may be significant and may be made without notice to the shareholders.

Goldman Sachs may make loans to clients or enter into asset-based or other credit facilities or similar transactions with clients that are secured by a client’s assets or interests other than Fund shares. In connection with its rights as lender, Goldman Sachs may act to protect its own commercial interest and may take actions that adversely affect the borrower. The borrower’s actions may in turn adversely affect the Funds (e.g., if the borrower rapidly liquidates a large position in a security that is held by one or more Funds, the value of such security may decline and the value of the Funds may in turn decline in value or may be unable to liquidate their positions in such security at an advantageous price).

Code of Ethics and Personal Trading

Each of the Funds and Goldman Sachs, as each Fund’s Investment Adviser and distributor, has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) in compliance with Section 17(j) of the Act designed to provide that personnel of the Investment Adviser, and certain additional Goldman Sachs personnel who support the Investment Adviser, comply with applicable federal securities laws and place the interests of clients first in conducting personal securities transactions. The Code of Ethics imposes certain restrictions on securities transactions in the personal accounts of covered persons to help avoid conflicts of interest, including restrictions on the purchase and sale of publicly traded equity securities. Subject to the limitations of the Code of Ethics, covered persons may buy and sell securities or other investments for their personal accounts, including investments in the Funds, and may also take positions that are the same as, different from, or made at different times than, positions taken by the Funds. The Codes of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-942-8090. The Codes of Ethics are also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies may also be obtained after paying a duplicating fee by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102, or by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov. Additionally, all Goldman Sachs personnel, including personnel of the Investment Adviser, are subject to firm-wide policies and procedures regarding confidential and proprietary information, information barriers, private investments, outside business activities and personal trading.

Proxy Voting by the Investment Adviser

The Investment Adviser has implemented processes designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing proxy voting decisions that it makes on behalf of advisory clients, including the Funds, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with its fiduciary obligations to its clients. Notwithstanding such proxy voting processes, proxy voting decisions made by the Investment Adviser in respect of securities held by the Funds may benefit the interests of Goldman Sachs and/or Accounts other than the Funds. For a more detailed discussion of these policies and procedures, see the section of this SAI entitled “PROXY VOTING.”

Potential Limitations and Restrictions on Investment Opportunities and Activities of Goldman Sachs and the Funds

The Investment Adviser may restrict its investment decisions and activities on behalf of the Funds in various circumstances, including as a result of applicable regulatory requirements, information held by Goldman Sachs, Goldman Sachs’ internal policies and/or potential reputational risk in connection with Accounts (including the Funds). As a result, the Investment Adviser might not engage in transactions for one or more Funds in consideration of Goldman Sachs’ activities outside the Funds (e.g., the Investment Adviser may refrain from making investments for the Funds that would cause Goldman Sachs to exceed position limits or cause Goldman Sachs to have additional disclosure obligations and may limit purchases or sales of securities in respect of which Goldman Sachs is engaged in an underwriting or other distribution). The Investment Adviser may also reduce a Fund’s interest in an investment opportunity that has limited availability so that other Accounts that pursue similar investment strategies may be able to acquire an interest in the investment opportunity. In addition, the Investment Adviser is not permitted to obtain or use material non-public information in effecting purchases and sales in public securities transactions for the Funds. The Investment Adviser may also limit an

 

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activity or transaction engaged in by the Funds, including as a result of information held by Goldman Sachs (including information held by a portfolio management team in the Investment Adviser other than the teams managing the Funds), and may limit its exercise of rights on behalf of the Funds for reputational or other reasons, including where Goldman Sachs is providing (or may provide) advice or services to an entity involved in such activity or transaction, where Goldman Sachs or an Account is or may be engaged in the same or a related transaction to that being considered on behalf of the Funds, where Goldman Sachs or an Account has an interest in an entity involved in such activity or transaction, or where such activity or transaction or the exercise of such rights on behalf of or in respect of the Funds could affect Goldman Sachs, the Investment Adviser or their activities. The Investment Adviser may restrict its investment decisions and activities on behalf of one or more Funds and not on behalf of other Accounts.

In order to engage in certain transactions on behalf of a Fund, the Investment Adviser will be subject to (or cause the Fund to become subject to) the rules, terms and/or conditions of any venues through which it trades securities, derivatives or other instruments. This includes, but is not limited to, where the Investment Adviser and/or the Fund may be required to comply with the rules of certain exchanges, execution platforms, trading facilities, clearinghouses and other venues, or may be required to consent to the jurisdiction of any such venues. The rules, terms and/or conditions of any such venue may result in the Investment Adviser (and/or the Fund) being subject to, among other things, margin requirements, additional fees and other charges, disciplinary procedures, reporting and recordkeeping, position limits and other restrictions on trading, settlement risks and other related conditions on trading set out by such venues.

From time to time, a Fund, the Investment Adviser or its affiliates and/or their service providers or agents may be required, or may determine that it is advisable, to disclose certain information about the Fund, including, but not limited to, investments held by the Fund, and the names and percentage interest of beneficial owners thereof, to third parties, including local governmental authorities, regulatory organizations, taxing authorities, markets, exchanges, clearing facilities, custodians, brokers and trading counterparties of, or service providers to, the Investment Adviser or the Fund. The Investment Adviser generally expects to comply with such requests to disclose such information including through electronic delivery platforms; however, the Investment Adviser may determine to cause the sale of certain assets for the Fund rather than make certain required disclosures, and such sale may be at a time that is inopportune from a pricing standpoint.

Brokerage Transactions

The Investment Adviser may select broker-dealers (including affiliates of the Investment Adviser) that furnish the Investment Adviser, the Funds, their affiliates and other Goldman Sachs personnel with proprietary or third party brokerage and research services (collectively, “brokerage and research services”) that provide, in the Investment Adviser’s view, appropriate assistance to the Investment Adviser in the investment decision-making process. As a result, the Investment Adviser may pay for such brokerage and research services with “soft” or commission dollars.

Brokerage and research services may be used to service the Funds and any or all other Accounts, including Accounts that do not pay commissions to the broker-dealer relating to the brokerage and research service arrangements. As a result, brokerage and research services (including soft dollar benefits) may disproportionately benefit other Accounts relative to the Funds based on the relative amount of commissions paid by the Funds. The Investment Adviser does not attempt to allocate soft dollar benefits proportionately among clients or to track the benefits of brokerage and research services to the commissions associated with a particular Account or group of Accounts.

Aggregation of Trades by the Investment Adviser

The Investment Adviser follows policies and procedures pursuant to which it may combine or aggregate purchase or sale orders for the same security or other instrument for multiple Accounts (including Accounts in which Goldman Sachs has an interest) (sometimes referred to as “bunching”), so that the orders can be executed at the same time and block trade treatment of any such orders can be elected when available. The Investment Adviser aggregates orders when the Investment Adviser considers doing so appropriate and in the interests of its clients generally and may elect block trade treatment when available. In addition, under certain circumstances trades for the Funds may be aggregated with Accounts that contain Goldman Sachs assets.

When a bunched order or block trade is completely filled, the Investment Adviser generally will allocate the securities or other instruments purchased or the proceeds of any sale pro rata among the participating Accounts, based on the purchase or sale order. If an order is filled at several different prices, through multiple trades (whether at a particular broker-dealer or among multiple broker-dealers), generally all participating Accounts will receive the average price and pay the average commission, however, this may not always be the case (due to, e.g., odd lots, rounding, market practice or constraints applicable to particular Accounts).

 

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Although it may do so in certain circumstances, the Investment Adviser generally does not bunch or aggregate orders for different Funds, elect block trade treatment or net buy and sell orders for the same Fund, if portfolio management decisions relating to the orders are made by separate portfolio management teams, if bunching, aggregating, electing block trade treatment or netting is not appropriate or practicable from the Investment Adviser’s operational or other perspective, or if doing so would not be appropriate in light of applicable regulatory considerations. The Investment Adviser may be able to negotiate a better price and lower commission rate on aggregated trades than on trades for Funds that are not aggregated, and incur lower transaction costs on netted trades than trades that are not netted. Where transactions for a Fund are not aggregated with other orders, or not netted against orders for the Fund or other Accounts, the Fund may not benefit from a better price and lower commission rate or lower transaction cost. Aggregation and netting of trades may disproportionately benefit some Accounts relative to other Accounts, including a Fund, due to the relative amount of market savings obtained by the Accounts.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

The portfolio transactions for the Fund are generally effected at a net price without a broker’s commission (i.e., a dealer is dealing with the Fund as principal and receives compensation equal to the spread between the dealer’s cost for a given security and the resale price of such security). In certain foreign countries, debt securities are traded on exchanges at fixed commission rates. In connection with portfolio transactions, the Management Agreement provides that the Investment Adviser shall attempt to obtain the most favorable execution and net price available. The Management Agreement provides that, on occasions when the Investment Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of the Fund as well as its other customers (including any other fund or other investment company or advisory account for which an Investment Adviser or an affiliate acts as Investment Adviser), the Fund, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for such other customers in order to obtain the best net price and most favorable execution. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the applicable Investment Adviser in the manner it considers to be most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and such other customers. In some instances, this procedure may adversely affect the size and price of the position obtainable for the Fund. The Management Agreement permits the Investment Adviser, in its discretion, to purchase and sell portfolio securities to and from dealers who provide the Trust with brokerage or research services in which dealers may execute brokerage transactions at a higher cost to the Fund. Brokerage and research services furnished by firms through which the Fund effects its securities transactions may be used by the Investment Adviser in servicing other accounts and not all of these services may be used by the Investment Adviser in connection with the Fund generating the brokerage credits. Such research or other services may include research reports on companies, industries and securities; economic and financial data; financial publications; computer data bases; quotation equipment and services; and research-oriented computer hardware, software and other services. The fees received under the Management Agreement are not reduced by reason of the Investment Adviser receiving such brokerage and research services.

Such services are used by the Investment Adviser in connection with all of its investment activities, and some of such services obtained in connection with the execution of transactions for the Fund may be used in managing other investment accounts. Conversely, brokers furnishing such services may be selected for the execution of transactions of such other accounts, whose aggregate assets may be larger than those of the Fund, and the services furnished by such brokers may be used by the Investment Adviser in providing management services for the Trust. The Investment Adviser may also participate in so-called “commission sharing arrangements” and “client commission arrangements” under which the Investment Adviser may execute transactions through a broker-dealer and request that the broker-dealer allocate a portion of the commissions or commission credits to another firm that provides research to the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser excludes from use under these arrangements those products and services that are not fully eligible under applicable law and regulatory interpretations– even as to the portion that would be eligible if accounted for separately.

The research services received as part of commission sharing and client commission arrangements will comply with Section 28(e) and may be subject to different legal requirements in the jurisdictions in which the Investment Adviser does business. Participating in commission sharing and client commission arrangements may enable the Investment Adviser to consolidate payments for research through one or more channels using accumulated client commissions or credits from transactions executed through a particular broker-dealer to obtain research provided by other firms. Such arrangements also help to ensure the continued receipt of research services while facilitating best execution in the trading process. The Investment Adviser believes such research services are useful in its investment decision-making process by, among other things, ensuring access to a variety of high quality research, access to individual analysts and availability of resources that the Investment Adviser might not be provided access to absent such arrangements.

The Fund is prohibited, in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act, from compensating a broker or dealer for any promotion or sale of Fund shares by directing to such broker or dealer the Trust’s portfolio transactions or by making any payment to such broker or dealer received or to be received (which payment may include commissions, mark-ups or mark-downs or other fees) from the Trust’s

 

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portfolio transactions effected through another broker or dealer. However, the Fund may direct portfolio transactions to a broker or dealer that promotes or sells shares of the Trust if the Trust’s Board of Trustees approves policies and procedures designed to ensure that the selection of such brokers is not influenced by considerations about the sale of Trust shares. Accordingly, the Trustees (including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested Trustees) have approved policies permitting the Trust to direct portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer that promotes or sells shares of the Trust subject to the prohibitions that: i) all persons responsible for selecting such brokers or dealers (including but not limited to trading desk personnel and portfolio managers) may not take into account in connection with their selections the promotion or sale of shares issued by the Trust or any other registered investment company, and ii) the Trust, the Investment Adviser and Goldman, Sachs & Co. as the Trust’s distributor may not enter into any agreement or understanding where the Trust or the Investment Adviser direct, or are expected to direct, portfolio transactions or any payment to a broker or dealer in consideration for the promotion or sale of shares of the Trust or any other registered investment company.

The Fund may participate in a Fund commission recapture program. Under the program, participating broker-dealers rebate a percentage of commissions earned on the Fund portfolio transactions to the Fund from which they were generated. The rebated commissions are expected to be treated as realized capital gains of the Fund.

Subject to the above considerations, the Investment Adviser may use Goldman Sachs or an affiliate as a broker for the Fund. In order for Goldman Sachs or an affiliate, acting as agent, to effect securities or futures transactions for the Fund, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by Goldman Sachs or an affiliate must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities or futures contracts. Furthermore, the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to Goldman Sachs are consistent with the foregoing standard. Brokerage transactions with Goldman Sachs are also subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed upon Goldman Sachs by applicable law. The amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund may vary substantially from year to year because of differences in shareholder purchase and redemption activity, portfolio turnover rates and other factors.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Fund paid approximate brokerage commissions as follows:

 

     Total
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid1
     Total
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid to
Goldman
Sachs2
    Total Amount of
Transactions on
which
Commissions
Paid3
     Amount of
Transactions
Effected Through
Brokers
Providing
Research4
     Brokerage
Commissions
Paid to  Brokers
Providing
Research4
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

   $ 0       $ 0 (0%   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, the Fund paid approximate brokerage commissions as follows:

 

     Total
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid1
     Total
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid to
Goldman
Sachs2
    Total Amount of
Transactions on
which
Commissions

Paid3
     Amount of
Transactions
Effected Through

Brokers
Providing
Research4
     Brokerage
Commissions

Paid to Brokers
Providing
Research4
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

   $ 0       $ 0 (0% )   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

 

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For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, the Fund paid approximate brokerage commissions as follows:

 

     Total
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid1
     Total
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid to
Goldman
Sachs2
    Total Amount of
Transactions on
which
Commissions
Paid3
     Amount of
Transactions
Effected Through
Brokers
Providing
Research4
     Brokerage
Commissions
Paid to Brokers
Providing
Research4
 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

   $ 0       $ 0 (0%   $ 102,560,543       $ 0       $ 0   

 

1  The figures in the table report brokerage commissions from futures transactions.
2  Percentage of total commissions paid to Goldman Sachs from futures transactions.
3  Refers to notional value of futures contracts.
4  The information above reflects the full commission amounts paid to brokers that provide research to the Investment Adviser. Only a portion of such commissions pays for research and the remainder of such commissions is to compensate the broker for execution services, commitment of capital and other services related to the execution of brokerage transactions.

The Fund’s Investments in Regular Broker-Dealers

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Fund’s regular “broker-dealers” (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the Act) were: Bank of America Securities LLC, Credit Suisse First Boston Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and UBS PaineWebber Warburg Dillon Reed.

As of the same date, the Fund held the following amounts of securities of its regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the Act) or the parent entities of such broker-dealers ($ in thousands):

 

Fund

  

Broker/Dealer

  

Amount (000s)

 

Short-Term Conservative Income Fund

   Bank of America Securities LLC    $ 250   
   Credit Suisse First Boston Corp.      159   
   JPMorgan Chase & Co.      400   
   UBS PaineWebber Warburg Dillon Reed      500   

SHARES OF THE TRUST

The Fund is a series of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Delaware statutory trust established by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997. The Fund’s fiscal year end is March 31.

The Trustees have authority under the Trust’s Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares of beneficial interest in separate series, without further action by shareholders. The Trustees also have authority to classify and reclassify any series of shares into one or more classes of shares. As of [            ], 2016, the Trustees have authorized the issuance of four classes of shares of Short-Term Conservative Income Fund: Class A, Institutional, Administration and Preferred Shares. Additional series and classes may be added in the future.

Each Class A Share, Institutional Share, Administration Share and Preferred Share of the Fund represents a proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the applicable class of the Fund. All expenses of the Fund are borne at the same rate by each class of shares, except that fees under the Administration Plans are borne only by Administration Shares and Preferred Shares, fees under the Distribution and Services Plan are borne exclusively by Class A Shares, and transfer agency fees and expenses are borne at different rates by Class A Shares than Institutional Shares and Administration Shares or than Preferred Shares. The Trustees may determine in the future that it is appropriate to allocate other expenses differently among classes of shares and may do so to the extent consistent with the rules of the SEC and positions of the IRS. Each class of shares may have different minimum investment requirements and be entitled to different shareholder services. With limited exceptions, shares of a class may only be exchanged for shares of the same or an equivalent class of another series. See “Shareholder Guide” in the Prospectus and “OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS, EXCHANGES AND DIVIDENDS” below. In addition, the fees and expenses set forth below for each class may be subject to fee waivers or reimbursements, as discussed in the Fund’s Prospectus.

Class A Shares are sold, with an initial sales charge, through brokers and dealers who are members of FINRA and certain other financial service firms that have sales agreements with Goldman Sachs. Class A Shares of the Fund bear the cost of distribution (Rule 12b-1) fees at the aggregate rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such Class A Shares. With respect to Class A Shares,

 

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the Distributor at its discretion may use compensation for distribution services paid under the Distribution and Service Plan for personal and account maintenance services and expenses so long as such total compensation under the Distribution and Service Plan does not exceed the maximum cap on “service fees” imposed by the FINRA.

Institutional Shares may be purchased at NAV without a sales charge for accounts in the name of an investor or institution that is not compensated by the Fund for services provided to the institution’s customers.

Administration Shares and Preferred Shares may be purchased at NAV without a sales charge for accounts held in the name of an institution that provides certain account administration to its customers, including maintenance of account records and processing orders to purchase, redeem and exchange Administration and Preferred Shares. Administration Shares and Preferred Shares bear the cost of account administration fees at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such Administration Shares and at the annual rate of up to 0.10% of the average daily net assets of such Preferred Shares.

It is possible that an institution or its affiliate may offer different classes of shares (i.e., Class A, Institutional, Administration or Preferred Shares) to its customers and thus receive different compensation with respect to different classes of shares of the Fund. Dividends paid by the Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time on the same day and will be in the same amount, except for differences caused by the fact that the respective transfer agency and Plan fees relating to a particular class will be borne exclusively by that class. Similarly, the NAV per share may differ depending upon the class of shares purchased.

Certain aspects of the shares may be altered, after advance notice to shareholders, if it is deemed necessary in order to satisfy certain tax regulatory requirements.

When issued for the consideration described in the Fund’s Prospectus, shares are fully paid and non-assessable. The Trustees may, however, cause shareholders, or shareholders of a particular series or class, to pay certain custodian, transfer agency, servicing or similar charges by setting off the same against declared but unpaid dividends or by reducing share ownership (or by both means). In the event of liquidation of the Fund, shareholders of the Fund are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the applicable class of the Fund available for distribution to such shareholders. All shares are freely transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights. The Trustees may require Shareholders to redeem Shares for any reason under terms set by the Trustees.

In the interest of economy and convenience, the Trust does not issue certificates representing the Fund’s shares. Instead, the transfer agent maintains a record of each shareholder’s ownership. Each shareholder receives confirmation of purchase and redemption orders from the transfer agent. Fund shares and any dividends and distributions paid by the Fund are reflected in account statements from the transfer agent.

The Act requires that where more than one series of shares exists, each series must be preferred over all other series in respect of assets specifically allocated to such series. In addition, Rule 18f-2 under the Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of the Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each series affected by such matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a series shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless the interests of each series in the matter are substantially identical or the matter does not affect any interest of such series. However, Rule 18f-2 exempts the selection of independent public accountants, the approval of principal distribution contracts and the election of trustees from the separate voting requirements of Rule 18f-2.

The Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders and does not intend to hold such meetings. In the event that a meeting of shareholders is held, each share of the Trust will be entitled, as determined by the Trustees without the vote or consent of the shareholders, either to one vote for each share or to one vote for each dollar of NAV represented by such share on all matters presented to shareholders including the election of Trustees (this method of voting being referred to as “dollar based voting”). However, to the extent required by the Act or otherwise determined by the Trustees, series and classes of the Trust will vote separately from each other. Shareholders of the Trust do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of Trustees. Meetings of shareholders of the Trust, or any series or class thereof, may be called by the Trustees, certain officers or upon the written request of holders of 10% or more of the shares entitled to vote at such meetings. The Trustees will call a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees, if, at any time, less than a majority of Trustees holding office at the time were elected by shareholders. The shareholders of the Trust will have voting rights only with respect to the limited number of matters specified in the Declaration of Trust and such other matters as the Trustees may determine or may be required by law.

 

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The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification of Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust unless the recipient is adjudicated (i) to be liable by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office; or (ii) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such person’s actions were in the best interest of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust provides that, if any shareholder or former shareholder of any series is held personally liable solely by reason of being or having been a shareholder and not because of the shareholder’s acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or the shareholder’s heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives or general successors) shall be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The Trust, acting on behalf of any affected series, must, upon request by such shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against such shareholder for any act or obligation of the series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the series.

The Declaration of Trust permits the termination of the Trust or of any series or class of the Trust (i) by a majority of the affected shareholders at a meeting of shareholders of the Trust, series or class; or (ii) by a majority of the Trustees without shareholder approval if the Trustees determine, in their sole discretion, that such action is in the best interest of the Trust, such series, such class or their shareholders. The Trustees may consider such factors as they, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate in making such determination, including (i) the inability of the Trust or any series or class to maintain its assets at an appropriate size; (ii) changes in laws or regulations governing the Trust or series affecting assets of the type in which it invests; or (iii) economic developments or trends having a significant adverse impact on their business or operations of the Trust or series.

The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees, without shareholder approval, to cause the Trust, or any series thereof, to merge or consolidate with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or sell or exchange all or substantially all of the property belonging to the Trust or any series thereof. In addition, the Trustees, without shareholder approval, may adopt a master-feeder structure by investing all or a portion of the assets of a series of the Trust in the securities of another open-end investment company with substantially the same investment objective, restrictions and policies.

The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to amend the Declaration of Trust without a shareholder vote. However, shareholders of the Trust have the right to vote on any amendment (i) that would adversely affect the voting rights of shareholders; (ii) that is required by law to be approved by shareholders; (iii) that would amend the provisions of the Declaration of Trust regarding amendments and supplements thereto; or (iv) that the Trustees determine to submit to shareholders.

The Trustees may appoint separate Trustees with respect to one or more series or classes of the Trust’s shares (the “Series Trustees”). Series Trustees may, but are not required to, serve as Trustees of the Trust or any other series or class of the Trust. To the extent provided by the Trustees in the appointment of Series Trustees, the Series Trustees may have, to the exclusion of any other Trustees of the Trust, all the powers and authorities of Trustees under the Declaration of Trust with respect to such series or class, but may have no power or authority with respect to any other series or class.

Shareholder and Trustee Liability

Under Delaware law, the shareholders of the Fund are not generally subject to liability for the debts or obligations of the Trust. Similarly, Delaware law provides that a series of the Trust will not be liable for the debts or obligations of any other series of the Trust. However, no similar statutory or other authority limiting statutory trust shareholder liability exists in other states. As a result, to the extent that a Delaware statutory trust or a shareholder is subject to the jurisdiction of courts of such other states, the courts may not apply Delaware law and may thereby subject the Delaware statutory trust shareholders to liability. To guard against this risk, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of a series. Notice of such disclaimer will normally be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by a series of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification by the relevant series for all loss suffered by a shareholder as a result of an obligation of the series. The Declaration of Trust also provides that a series shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the series and satisfy any judgment thereon. In view of the above, the risk of personal liability of shareholders of a Delaware statutory trust is remote.

In addition to the requirements under Delaware law, the Declaration of Trust provides that shareholders of a series may bring a derivative action on behalf of the series only if the following conditions are met: (a) shareholders eligible to bring such derivative action under Delaware law who hold at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the series, or 10% of the outstanding shares of the class to which such action relates, shall join in the request for the Trustees to commence such action; and (b) the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim. The Trustees will be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits of the request and may require an undertaking by the shareholders making such request to reimburse the Fund for the expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action.

 

B-43


The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

NET ASSET VALUE

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Trustees of the Trust, the NAV per share of each class of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to each class of the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of that class. All securities are generally valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Trust reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

For the purpose of calculating the NAV of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures established by the Trustees. Portfolio securities, for which market quotations are readily available are valued via electronic feeds to the custodian bank containing dealer-supplied bid quotations or bid quotations from a recognized pricing service. Securities for which a pricing service either does not supply a quotation or supplies a quotation that is believed by the Investment Adviser to be inaccurate, will be valued based on bid-side broker quotations. Although not required, quotations from a pricing service or broker-dealer are typically verified via a second pricing source. However, second source pricing may not be available with respect to certain credit instruments in which the Fund invests. Securities for which the custodian bank is unable to obtain an external price as provided above or with respect to which the Investment Adviser believes an external price does not reflect accurate market values, will be valued by the Investment Adviser in good faith based on yield equivalents, a pricing matrix or other sources, under valuation procedures established by the Trustees. The pricing services may use valuation models or matrix pricing, which considers yield or price with respect to comparable bonds, quotations from bond dealers or by reference to other securities that are considered comparable in such characteristics as rating, interest rate and maturity date, to determine current value. Other securities are valued as follows: (i) overnight repurchase agreements will be valued at cost; (ii) term repurchase agreements (i.e., those whose maturity exceeds seven days) and swaps, caps, collars and floors will be valued at the average of the bid quotations obtained daily from at least one dealer; (iii) spot and forward foreign currency exchange contracts will be valued using a pricing service such as Reuters (if quotations are unavailable from a pricing service or, if the quotations by the Investment Adviser are believed to be inaccurate, the contracts will be valued by calculating the mean between the last bid and asked quotations supplied by at least one independent dealers in such contracts); (iv) exchange-traded options and futures contracts will be valued by the custodian bank at the last sale price on the exchange where such contracts and options are principally traded if accurate quotations are readily available; and (v) over-the-counter options will be valued by a broker identified by the portfolio manager/trader.

Other securities, including those for which a pricing service supplies no exchange quotation or a quotation that is believed by the portfolio manager/trader to be inaccurate, will be valued at fair value as stated in the valuation procedures which were approved by the Board of Trustees. Securities may also be valued at fair value in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees where the Fund’s fund accounting agent is unable for other reasons to facilitate pricing of individual securities or calculate the Fund’s NAV, or if the Investment Adviser believes that such quotations do not accurately reflect fair value. Fair values determined in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees may be based on subjective judgments and it is possible that the prices resulting from such valuation procedures may differ materially from the value realized on a sale.

Generally, trading in securities on European, Asian and Far Eastern securities exchanges and on over-the-counter markets in these regions is substantially completed at various times prior to the close of business on each Business Day in New York (i.e., a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading). In addition, European, Asian or Far Eastern securities trading generally or in a particular country or countries may not take place on all Business Days in New York. Furthermore, trading takes place in various foreign markets on days which are not Business Days in New York and days on which the Fund’s NAVs are not calculated. Such calculation does not take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the majority of the portfolio securities used in such calculation. The Funds’ investments are valued based on market quotations which may be furnished by a pricing service or

 

B-44


provided by securities dealers. If accurate market quotations are not readily available, or if the Investment Adviser believes that such quotations or prices do not accurately reflect fair value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may be determined based on yield equivalents, a pricing matrix or other sources, under valuation procedures established by the Trustees.

The Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) determine to make an adjustment to the previous closing prices of either domestic or foreign securities in light of significant events, to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities at the time of determining the Fund’s NAV. Significant events that could affect a large number of securities in a particular market may include, but are not limited to: situations relating to one or more single issuers in a market sector; significant fluctuations in U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or unscheduled market closings; equipment failures; natural or man-made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; governmental actions or other developments; as well as the same or similar events which may affect specific issuers or the securities markets even though not tied directly to the securities markets. Other significant events that could relate to a single issuer may include, but are not limited to: corporate actions such as reorganizations, mergers and buy-outs; corporate announcements, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; ratings downgrades; bankruptcies; and trading suspensions.

In general, fair value represents a good faith approximation of the current value of an asset and may be used when there is no public market or possibly no market at all for an asset. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures or by other investors. The fair value of an asset may not be the price at which that asset is ultimately sold.

The proceeds received by the Fund and each other series of the Trust from the issue or sale of its shares, and all net investment income, realized and unrealized gain and proceeds thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated to the Fund or particular series and constitute the underlying assets of the Fund or series. The underlying assets of the Fund will be segregated on the books of account, and will be charged with the liabilities in respect of the Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust. Expenses of the Trust with respect to the Fund and the other series of the Trust are generally allocated in proportion to the NAVs of the Fund or series except where allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. Therefore, the Fund is subject to certain operational risks associated with reliance on third party service providers and data sources. NAV calculation may be impacted by operational risks arising from factors such as failures in systems and technology. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund’s NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures.

Errors and Corrective Actions

The Investment Adviser will report to the Board of Trustees any material breaches of investment objective, policies or restrictions and any material errors in the calculation of the NAV of the Fund or the processing of purchases and redemptions. Depending on the nature and size of an error, corrective action may or may not be required. Corrective action may involve a prospective correction of the NAV only, correction of any erroneous NAV and compensation to the Fund, or correction of any erroneous NAV, compensation to the Fund and reprocessing of individual shareholder transactions. The Trust’s policies on errors and corrective action limit or restrict when corrective action will be taken or when compensation to the Fund or its shareholders will be paid, and not all mistakes will result in compensable errors. As a result, neither the Fund nor its shareholders who purchase or redeem shares during periods in which errors accrue or occur may be compensated in connection with the resolution of an error. Shareholders will generally not be notified of the occurrence of a compensable error or the resolution thereof absent unusual circumstances. As discussed in more detail under “NET ASSET VALUE,” the Fund’s portfolio securities may be priced based on quotations for those securities provided by pricing services. There can be no guarantee that a quotation provided by a pricing service will be accurate.

TAXATION

The following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income, and certain state and local, tax considerations affecting the Fund and their shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. This summary does not address special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as tax exempt entities, insurance companies and financial institutions. Each prospective shareholder is urged to consult his or her own tax adviser with respect to the specific federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund. The summary is based on the laws in effect on July 29, 2016, which are subject to change.

 

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General

The Fund is a separate taxable entity. The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to qualify for each taxable year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as such, the Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to shareholders. As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to federal income or excise tax on any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed to its shareholders in accordance with certain timing requirements of the Code.

There are certain tax requirements that the Fund must follow in order to avoid federal taxation. In its efforts to adhere to these requirements, the Fund may have to limit its investment activities in some types of instruments. Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code requires, among other things, that (i) the Fund derive at least 90% of its gross income (including tax exempt interest) for its taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks or securities, or foreign currencies, income from certain publicly traded partnerships or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies (the “90% gross income test”); and (ii) the Fund diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of its total (gross) assets is comprised of cash, cash items, U.S. Government Securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total (gross) assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government Securities and securities of other regulated investment companies) or two or more issuers controlled by the Fund and engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or in the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.

Future Treasury regulations could provide that qualifying income under the 90% gross income test will not include gains from foreign currency transactions that are not directly related to the principal business of the Fund in investing in stock or securities or options and futures with respect to stock or securities. Using foreign currency positions or entering into foreign currency options, futures and forward contracts for purposes other than hedging currency risk with respect to securities held by the Fund or anticipated to be acquired may not qualify as “directly related” under these tests.

As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders in any taxable year for which it distributes, in compliance with the Code’s timing and other requirements, an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of its “investment company taxable income” (which includes dividends, taxable interest, taxable original issue discount income, market discount income, income from securities lending, net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss, certain net realized foreign exchange gains, and any other taxable income other than “net capital gain” as defined below and is reduced by deductible expenses) plus 90% of the excess of its gross tax exempt interest income, if any, over certain disallowed deductions (“net tax exempt interest”). The Fund may retain for investment its “net capital gain” (which consists of the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss). However, if the Fund retains any investment company taxable income or net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained.

The Fund generally intends to distribute for each taxable year to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (if any), net capital gain and any net tax exempt interest. Exchange control or other foreign laws, regulations or practices may restrict repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors such as the Fund, and may therefore make it more difficult for the Fund to satisfy the distribution requirements described above, as well as the excise tax distribution requirements described below. However, the Fund generally expects to be able to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy such requirements from new investors, the sale of securities or other sources. If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, it will be taxed on all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain at corporate rates, without any deduction for dividends paid, its net tax exempt interest (if any) may be subject to the alternative minimum tax, and its distributions to shareholders will be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of its current and accumulated earnings and profits.

If the Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (1) if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of that undistributed amount, and (2) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds those liabilities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by the amount of any such undistributed net capital gain included in the shareholder’s gross income and decreased by the federal income tax paid by the Fund on that amount of net capital gain.

For federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards will generally be able to be carried forward indefinitely. These amounts are available to be carried forward to offset future capital gains to the extent permitted by the Code and applicable tax regulations. On March 31, 2016 the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

 

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In order to avoid a 4% federal excise tax, the Fund must generally distribute or be deemed to have distributed by December 31 of each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of its taxable ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for such year, 98.2% of the excess of its capital gains over its capital losses (generally computed on the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year) and 100% of any taxable ordinary income and the excess of capital gains over capital losses for the prior year that were not distributed during such year and on which the Fund did not pay federal income tax. The Fund anticipates that it will generally make timely distributions of income and capital gains in compliance with these requirements so that it will generally not be required to pay the excise tax.

Gains and losses on the sale, lapse, or other termination of options and futures contracts, options thereon and certain forward contracts (except certain foreign currency options, forward contracts and futures contracts) will generally be treated as capital gains and losses. Certain of the futures contracts, forward contracts and options held by the Fund will be required to be “marked-to-market” for federal income tax purposes, that is, treated as having been sold at their fair market value on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. These provisions may require the Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of cash. Any gain or loss recognized on actual or deemed sales of these futures contracts, forward contracts or options will (except for certain foreign currency options, forward contracts, and futures contracts) be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. As a result of certain hedging transactions entered into by the Fund, the Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures or forward contracts and options or underlying securities or foreign currencies to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by the Fund and the characterization of gains or losses as long-term or short-term may be changed. The tax provisions described above applicable to options, futures and forward contracts may affect the amount, timing, and character of the Fund’s distributions to shareholders. Certain tax elections may be available to the Fund to mitigate some of the unfavorable consequences described in this paragraph.

Section 988 of the Code contains special tax rules applicable to certain foreign currency transactions and instruments that may affect the amount, timing and character of income, gain or loss recognized by the Fund. Under these rules, foreign exchange gain or loss realized by the Fund with respect to foreign currencies and certain futures and options thereon, foreign currency-denominated debt instruments, foreign currency forward contracts, and foreign currency-denominated payables and receivables will generally be treated as ordinary income or loss, although in some cases elections may be available that would alter this treatment. If a net foreign exchange loss treated as ordinary loss under Section 988 of the Code were to exceed the Fund’s investment company taxable income (computed without regard to such loss) for a taxable year, the resulting loss would not be deductible by the Fund or its shareholders in future years. Net loss, if any, from certain foreign currency transactions or instruments could exceed net investment income otherwise calculated for accounting purposes with the result being either no dividends being paid or a portion of the Fund’s dividends being treated as a return of capital for tax purposes, nontaxable to the extent of a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares and, once such basis is exhausted, generally giving rise to capital gains.

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) from foreign securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. The Fund will not be eligible to elect to pass through foreign taxes to the shareholders but will be entitled to deduct such taxes in computing the amounts they are required to distribute.

If the Fund acquires stock (including, under proposed regulations, an option to acquire stock such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations (“passive foreign investment companies”) that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, rents, royalties or capital gain) or hold at least 50% of their assets in investments producing such passive income, the Fund could be subject to federal income tax and additional interest charges on “excess distributions” received from such companies or gain from the sale of such stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. Certain elections may, if available, ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such election would require the Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash. The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign investment companies to minimize its tax liability or maximize its return from these investments.

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures.

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

 

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Some debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, the Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

The Fund generally will be required to distribute dividends to shareholders representing discount on debt securities that is currently includable in income, even though cash representing such income may not have been received by the Fund. Additionally, “mark-to-market” gain from certain options, futures or forward contracts, as described above, will generally cause the Fund to realize income or gain prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities or contracts. In order to obtain cash to enable it to distribute this income or gain, maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income or excise taxes, the Fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities earlier than it might otherwise have done.

Investment in lower-rated securities may present special tax issues for the Fund to the extent actual or anticipated defaults may be more likely with respect to such securities. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount, or market discount; when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities; how payment received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income; and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Fund, if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to eliminate or minimize any adverse tax consequences.

The application of certain requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and the application of certain other tax rules may be unclear in some respects in connection with certain investment practices such as dollar rolls, or investments in certain derivatives, including interest rate swaps, floors, cap and collars, currency swaps, total return swaps, mortgage swaps, index swaps, forward contracts and structured notes. As a result, the Fund may therefore be required to limit its investments in such transactions and it is also possible that the IRS may not agree with the Fund’s tax treatment of such transactions. In addition, the tax treatment of derivatives, and certain other investments, may be affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations and guidance issued by the IRS that could affect the timing, character and amount of the Fund’s income and gains and distributions to shareholders.

Taxable U.S. Shareholders – Distributions

Distributions from investment company taxable income, whether reinvested in additional shares or paid in cash, as defined above, are generally taxable to shareholders who are subject to tax as ordinary income whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. However, under current law, distributions to noncorporate shareholders attributable to dividends received by the Fund from U.S. and certain foreign corporations will generally be taxed at the long-term capital gain rate (described below), as long as certain other requirements are met. For these lower rates to apply, the noncorporate shareholders must have owned their Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date. Distributions from the Fund generally will not qualify for taxation at the lower rate because the Fund generally will be earning interest rather than dividend income. Taxable distributions include distributions from the Fund, that are attributable to (i) taxable income, including but not limited to dividends, taxable bond interest, recognized market discount income, original issue discount income accrued with respect to taxable bonds, income from repurchase agreements, acquisition discount income accrued with respect to certain short-term obligations, income from securities lending, income from dollar rolls, income from interest rate, currency, total return swaps, options on swaps, caps, floors and collars, and a portion of the discount from certain stripped tax exempt obligations or their coupons; or (ii) capital gains from the sale of securities or other investments (including from the disposition of rights to when-issued securities prior to issuance) or from options, futures or certain forward contracts. Any portion of such taxable distributions that is attributable to the Fund’s net capital gain, as defined above, may be designated by the Fund as a “capital gain dividend,” taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain whether received in cash or additional shares and regardless of the length of time their shares of the Fund have been held. The maximum individual rate applicable to long-term capital gains is generally either 15% or 20%, depending on whether the individual’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts.

It is expected that distributions made by the Fund will ordinarily not qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations because qualifying distributions may be made only from the Fund’s dividend income that it receives from stock in U.S. domestic corporations. The Fund does not intend to purchase stock of domestic corporations other than in limited instances, distributions from which may in rare cases qualify as dividends for this purpose. The dividends-received deduction, if available, is reduced to the extent the shares with respect to which the dividends are received are treated as debt-financed under the federal income

 

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tax law and is eliminated if the shares are deemed to have been held for less than a minimum period, generally 46 days. Receipt of certain distributions qualifying for the deduction may result in reduction of the tax basis of the corporate shareholder’s shares and may give rise to or increase its liability for federal corporate alternative minimum tax.

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as computed for federal income tax purposes, will first reduce a shareholder’s basis in his or her shares and, after the shareholder’s basis is reduced to zero, will generally constitute capital gains to a shareholder who holds his or her shares as capital assets.

Shareholders receiving a distribution in the form of newly issued shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of cash that they would have received had they elected to receive cash and will have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount.

After the close of each calendar year, the Fund will inform shareholders of the federal income tax status of its dividends and distributions for such year, including the portion of such dividends, if any, that qualifies as capital gain.

All distributions, whether received in shares or in cash, as well as redemptions and exchanges, must be reported by each shareholder who is required to file a U.S. federal income tax return.

Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions, and certain prohibited transactions is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more information.

Taxable U.S. Shareholders – Sale of Shares

When a shareholder’s shares are sold, redeemed or otherwise disposed of in a transaction that is treated as a sale for tax purposes, the shareholder will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares and the cash, or fair market value of any property, received. (To aid in computing that tax basis, a shareholder should generally retain its account statements for the period that it holds shares.) If the shareholder holds the shares as a capital asset at the time of sale, the character of the gain or loss should be capital, and treated as long-term if the shareholder’s holding period is more than one year and short-term otherwise, subject to the rules below. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with reference to their particular circumstances to determine whether a redemption (including an exchange) or other disposition of Fund shares is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as is assumed in this discussion.

Certain special tax rules may apply to a shareholder’s capital gains or losses on Fund shares. If a shareholder receives a capital gain dividend with respect to shares and such shares have a tax holding period of six months or less at the time of a sale or redemption of such shares, then any loss the shareholder realizes on the sale or redemption will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of such capital gain dividend. All or a portion of any sales load paid upon the purchase of shares of the Fund will generally not be taken into account in determining gain or loss on the redemption or exchange of such shares within 90 days after their purchase to the extent the redemption proceeds are reinvested, or the exchange is effected, on or before January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the original stock is disposed of without payment of an additional sales load pursuant to the reinvestment or exchange privilege. The load not taken into account will be added to the tax basis of the newly acquired shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a sale or redemption of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

Medicare Tax

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.

 

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

The Fund will be required to report to the IRS all taxable distributions, as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt recipients, i.e., certain corporations and certain other investors distributions to which are exempt from the information reporting provisions of the Code. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Code and applicable Treasury regulations, all such reportable distributions and proceeds may be subject to backup withholding of federal income tax at the current specified rate of 28% in the case of exempt recipients that fail to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to withholding, non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) and with certain required certifications or if the IRS or a broker notifies the Fund that the number furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report interest or dividend income. The Fund may refuse to accept an application that does not contain any required taxpayer identification number or certification that the number provided is correct. If the backup withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. If a shareholder does not have a TIN, it should apply for one immediately by contacting the local office of the Social Security Administration or the IRS. Backup withholding could apply to payments relating to a shareholder’s account while it is awaiting receipt of a TIN. Special rules apply for certain entities. For example, for an account established under a Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minors Act, the TIN of the minor should be furnished. Investors should consult their tax advisers about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.

Non-U.S. Shareholders

The discussion above relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law as it applies to “U.S. persons” subject to tax under such law.

Distributions to shareholders who, as to the United States, are not “U.S. persons,” (i.e., are nonresident aliens, foreign corporations, fiduciaries of foreign trusts or estates or other non-U.S. investors) generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30% on distributions treated as ordinary income unless the tax is reduced or eliminated pursuant to a tax treaty or the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the shareholder; but distributions of net capital gain (the excess of any net long-term capital gains over any net short-term capital losses) including amounts retained by the Fund which are designated as undistributed capital gains, to such a non-U.S. shareholder will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax unless the distributions are effectively connected with the shareholder’s trade or business in the United States or, in the case of a shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, the shareholder is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met. Non-U.S. shareholders may also be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax on deemed income resulting from any election by the Fund to treat qualified foreign taxes it pays as passed through to shareholders (as described above), but they may not be able to claim a U.S. tax credit or deduction with respect to such taxes.

Under a provision recently made permanent by Congress, non-U.S. shareholders generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding on certain distributions of interest income and/or short-term capital gains that are designated by the Fund. It is expected that the Fund will generally make designations of short-term gains, to the extent permitted, but the Fund does not intend to make designations of any distributions attributable to interest income. Therefore, all distributions of interest income will be subject to withholding when paid to non-U.S. investors.

Any capital gain realized by a non-U.S. shareholder upon a sale or redemption of shares of the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax unless the gain is effectively connected with the shareholder’s trade or business in the U.S., or in the case of a shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, the shareholder is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met.

Non-U.S. persons who fail to furnish the Fund with the proper IRS Form W-8 (i.e., W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI, W-8IMY or W-8EXP), or an acceptable substitute, may be subject to backup withholding at a 28% rate on dividends (including capital gain dividends) and on the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges. Also, non-U.S. shareholders of a Fund may be subject to U.S. estate tax with respect to their Fund shares.

The Fund is required to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on payments of dividends and (effective January 1, 2019) redemption proceeds and certain capital gain dividends made to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive new reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. Shareholders may be requested to provide additional information to enable the Fund to determine whether withholding is required.

Each shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consult his or her tax adviser regarding the U.S. and non-U.S. tax consequences of ownership of shares of, and receipt of distributions from, the Fund.

 

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State and Local Taxes

The Fund may be subject to state or local taxes in certain jurisdictions in which the Fund may be deemed to be doing business. A state income (and possibly local income and/or intangible property) tax exemption is generally available to the extent (if any) the Fund’s distributions are derived from interest on (or, in the case of intangible property taxes, the value of its assets is attributable to) certain U.S. Government obligations and/or tax exempt municipal obligations issued by or on behalf of the particular state or a political subdivision thereof, provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such obligations and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. In addition, in those states or localities which have income tax laws, the treatment of the Fund and its shareholders under such laws may differ from their treatment under federal income tax laws, and investment in the Fund may have tax consequences for shareholders different from those of a direct investment in the Fund’s portfolio securities. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers concerning these matters.

PROXY VOTING

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has delegated the voting of portfolio securities to the Investment Adviser. For client accounts for which the Investment Adviser has voting discretion, the Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures (the “Proxy Voting Policy”) for the voting of proxies. Under the Proxy Voting Policy, the Investment Adviser’s guiding principles in performing proxy voting are to make decisions that favor proposals that in the Investment Adviser’s view tend to maximize a company’s shareholder value and are not influenced by conflicts of interest. To implement these guiding principles for investments in publicly-traded equities, the Investment Adviser has developed customized proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”) that it generally applies when voting on behalf of client accounts. Attached as Appendix B is a summary of the Guidelines. These Guidelines address a wide variety of individual topics, including, among other matters, shareholder voting rights, anti-takeover defenses, board structures, the election of directors, executive and director compensation, reorganizations, mergers, issues of corporate social responsibility and various shareholder proposals. The Guidelines embody the positions and factors the Investment Adviser generally considers important in casting proxy votes.

The Proxy Voting Policy, including the Guidelines, is reviewed periodically to ensure that it continues to be consistent with the Investment Adviser’s guiding principles.

The Investment Adviser has retained a third-party proxy voting service (“Proxy Service”), currently Institutional Shareholder Services, to assist in the implementation and administration of certain proxy voting-related functions including, without limitation, operational, recordkeeping and reporting services. The Proxy Service also prepares a written analysis and recommendation (a “Recommendation”) of each proxy vote that reflects the Proxy Service’s application of the Guidelines to particular proxy issues. While it is the Investment Adviser’s policy generally to follow the Guidelines and Recommendations from the Proxy Service, the Investment Adviser’s portfolio management teams (“Portfolio Management Teams”) may on certain proxy votes seek approval to diverge from the Guidelines or a Recommendation by following an “override” process. Such decisions are subject to a review and approval process, including a determination that the decision is not influenced by any conflict of interest. A Portfolio Management Team that receives approval through the override process to cast a proxy vote that diverges from the Guidelines and/or a Recommendation may vote differently than other Portfolio Management Teams that did not seek to override that vote. In forming their views on particular matters, the Portfolio Management Teams are also permitted to consider applicable regional rules and practices, including codes of conduct and other guides, regarding proxy voting, in addition to the Guidelines and Recommendations. The Investment Adviser may hire other service providers to replace or supplement the Proxy Service with respect to any of the services the Investment Adviser currently receives from the Proxy Service.

GSAM conducts periodic due diligence meetings with the Proxy Service which include, but are not limited to, a review of the Proxy Service’s general organizational structure, new developments with respect to research and technology, work flow improvements and internal due diligence with respect to conflicts of interest.

From time to time, the Investment Adviser may face regulatory, compliance, legal or logistical limits with respect to voting securities that it may purchase or hold for client accounts, which can affect the Investment Adviser’s ability to vote such proxies, as well as the desirability of voting such proxies. Among other limits, federal, state and foreign regulatory restrictions or company specific ownership limits, as well as legal matters related to consolidated groups, may restrict the total percentage of an issuer’s voting securities that the Investment Adviser can hold for clients and the nature of the Investment Adviser’s voting in such securities. The Investment Adviser’s ability to vote proxies may also be affected by, among other things: (i) late receipt of meeting notices; (ii) requirements to vote proxies in person: (iii) restrictions on a foreigner’s ability to exercise votes; (iv) potential difficulties in translating the proxy; (v) requirements to provide local agents with unrestricted powers of attorney to facilitate voting instructions; and (vi) requirements that investors who exercise their voting rights surrender the right to dispose of their holdings for some specified period in proximity to the shareholder meeting.

 

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The Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing its proxy voting decisions that the Investment Adviser makes on behalf of a client account. These policies and procedures include the Investment Adviser’s use of the Guidelines and Recommendations from the Proxy Service, the override approval process previously discussed, and the establishment of information barriers between the Investment Adviser and other businesses within The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Notwithstanding such proxy voting policies and procedures, actual proxy voting decisions of the Investment Adviser may have the effect of benefitting the interests of other clients or businesses of other divisions or units of Goldman Sachs and/or its affiliates.

Voting decisions with respect to fixed income securities and the securities of privately held issuers generally will be made by a Fund’s managers based on their assessment of the particular transactions or other matters at issue.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available on or through the Fund’s website at www.gsamfunds.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

PAYMENTS TO INTERMEDIARIES

The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments to Intermediaries from time to time to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of shares of the Fund. These payments (“Additional Payments”) are made out of the Investment Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/or their affiliates’ own assets (which may come directly or indirectly from fees paid by the Fund), are not an additional charge to the Fund or its shareholders, and do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of the Fund’s shares or the amount the Fund receives as proceeds from such purchases. Although paid by the Investment Advisor, Distributor, and/or their affiliates, the Additional Payments are in addition to the distribution and service fees paid by the Fund to the Intermediaries as described in the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, and are also in addition to the sales commissions payable to Intermediaries as set forth in the Prospectus. For purposes of this “Payments to Intermediaries” section, “Funds” shall mean, collectively, the Fund and any of the other Goldman Sachs Funds.

The Additional Payments are intended to compensate Intermediaries for, among other things: marketing shares of the Funds, which may consist of payments relating to funds included on preferred or recommended fund lists or in certain sales programs from time to time sponsored by the Intermediaries; “due diligence” examination and/or review of the Funds from time to time; access to the Intermediaries’ registered representatives or salespersons, including at conferences and other meetings; assistance in training and education of personnel; “finders” or “referral fees” for directing investors to the Funds; marketing support fees for providing assistance in promoting the sale of Fund shares (which may include promotions in communications with the Intermediaries’ customers, registered representatives and salespersons); and/or other specified services intended to assist in the distribution and marketing of the Funds. In addition, the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make Additional Payments (including through sub-transfer agency and networking agreements) for subaccounting, administrative and/or shareholder processing services that are in addition to the transfer agent, shareholder administration, servicing and processing fees paid by the Funds. These Additional Payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The Additional Payments may be a fixed dollar amount; may be based on the number of customer accounts maintained by an Intermediary; may be based on a percentage of the value of shares sold to, or held by, customers of the Intermediary involved; or may be calculated on another basis. The Additional Payments are negotiated with each Intermediary based on a range of factors, including but not limited to the Intermediary’s ability to attract and retain assets (including particular classes of Fund shares), target markets, customer relationships, quality of service and industry reputation. Although the individual components may be higher or lower and the total amount of Additional Payments made to any Intermediary in any given year will vary, the amount of these Additional Payments (excluding payments made through sub-transfer agency and networking agreements), on average, is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through an Intermediary.

These Additional Payments may be significant to certain Intermediaries, and may be an important factor in an Intermediary’s willingness to support the sale of the Funds through its distribution system.

The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may be motivated to make Additional Payments since they promote the sale of Fund shares to clients of Intermediaries and the retention of those investments by those clients. To the extent Intermediaries sell more shares of the Funds or retain shares of the Funds in their clients’ accounts, the Investment Adviser and Distributor benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid by the Funds with respect to those assets.

 

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In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain research and investment services from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates. Such research and investment services (“Additional Services”) may include research reports, economic analysis, portfolio analysis tools, business planning services, certain marketing and investor education materials and strategic asset allocation modeling. The Intermediary may not pay for these products or services. The cost of the Additional Services and the particular services provided may vary from Intermediary to Intermediary.

The Additional Payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates or the Additional Services received by an Intermediary may vary with respect to the type of fund (e.g., equity, fund, fixed income fund, specialty fund, asset allocation portfolio or money market fund) sold by the Intermediary. In addition, the Additional Payment arrangements may include breakpoints in compensation which provide that the percentage rate of compensation varies as the dollar value of the amount sold or invested through an Intermediary increases.

The presence of these Additional Payments or Additional Services, the varying fee structure and the basis on which an Intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular Intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend funds, including the Funds, or other investments based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. Additionally, if one mutual fund sponsor makes greater distribution payments than another, an Intermediary may have an incentive to recommend one fund complex over another. Similarly, if an Intermediary receives more distribution assistance for one share class versus another, that Intermediary may have an incentive to recommend that share class. Because Intermediaries may be paid varying amounts per class for sub-transfer agency and related recordkeeping services, the service requirements of which also may vary by class, this may create an additional incentive for financial firms and their financial advisors to favor one fund complex over another, or one fund class over another. You should consider whether such incentives exist when evaluating any recommendations from an Intermediary to purchase or sell Shares of the Fund and when considering which share class is most appropriate for you.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Investment Adviser, Distributor and their affiliates made Additional Payments out of their own assets to approximately 177 Intermediaries, totaling approximately $134.5 million (excluding payments made through sub-transfer agency and networking agreements and certain other types of payments described below), with respect to the Fund, Goldman Sachs Trust, all of the funds in an affiliated investment company, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and Goldman Sachs Trust II. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates had contractual arrangements to make Additional Payments to the Intermediaries listed below (or their affiliates or successors), among others. This list will change over time, and any additions, modifications or deletions thereto that have occurred since December 31, 2015 are not reflected. Additional Intermediaries may receive payments in 2016 and in future years. Certain arrangements are still being negotiated, and there is a possibility that payments will be made retroactively to Intermediaries not listed below.

ADP Broker-Dealer, Inc.

ADP, Inc.

Allstate Life Insurance Company

Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York

Amalga Trust Company

Amalgamated Bank of Chicago

American Enterprise Investment Services, Inc. (AEIS)

American National Trust and Investment Management Company dba Old National Trust Company (Oltrust & Co.)

American United Life Insurance Company

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Ascensus, Inc.

Associated Trust Company, N.A.

Associated Investment Services, Inc.

AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company

Banc of America Securities LLC

BancorpSouth

Bank Hapoalim B.M.

Bank of New York

Bankers Trust

 

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BB&T Capital Markets

BMO Harris Bank N.A.

BMO Nesbitt Burns

BOSC, Inc.

Branch Banking & Trust Company

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

Cetera Financial Group

C.M. Life Insurance Company

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc.

CME Shareholder Servicing LLC

Citibank N.A.

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

Citigroup Private Bank at Citibank N.A.

Citigroup Private Bank at Citibank N.A.

Citibank N.A.; Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Citizens Bank Wealth Management, N.A.

Comerica Bank

Comerica Securities, Inc.

Commerce Bank, N.A.

Commerce Trust Co.

Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company

Commonwealth Equity Services, Inc. dba Commonwealth Financial Network

Companion Life Insurance Company

Compass Bank

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Connecticut General Life Insurance Company

Daily Access Corporation

Dain Rauscher Inc.

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

Directed Account Plan Board of Directors

Dubuque Bank & Trust

E*Trade Clearing LLC

Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.

Farmers New World Life Insurance Company

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC

Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc.

Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Securities Inc.

First Clearing, LLC

First National Bank of Omaha

Forethought Life Insurance Company

Fulton Bank, N.A.

Fulton Financial Advisors, National Association

Genworth Financial Securities Corporation

Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company

Genworth Life Insurance Company of New York

Genworth Life Insurance Company

Great-West Financial Retirement Plan Services, LLC

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company

GWFS Equities, Inc.

 

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Harris Trust & Savings Bank

Hartford Life Insurance Company

Hewitt Associates LLC

Horace Mann Life Insurance Company

HSBC Bank USA

Hunt, Dupree & Rhine

ICMA RC-Services, LLC

ICMA Retirement Corporation

Institutional Cash Distributors (division of Merriman Curhan Ford & Co.)

Invesmart, Inc.

J.P. Morgan Clearing Corp.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Jefferson National Life Insurance Company

Jefferson Pilot Financial Insurance Company

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

JPMorgan Securities, Inc. (JPMSI)

Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company

LaSalle Bank, N.A.

Law Debenture Trust Company of New York

Lincoln Benefit Life Company

Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.

Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York

Lincoln Retirement Services Company, LLC

LPL Financial Corporation

M&T Bank

M&T Securities, Inc.

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company

MassMutual Retirement Services, LLC

McCready and Keene, Inc.

Mellon Bank, N.A.

Mercer HR Services, LLC

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated

Midland National Life Insurance Company

Minnesota Life Insurance Company

MML Distributors, LLC

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

MSCS Financial Services Division of Broadridge Business Process Outsourcing, LLC

National Financial Services LLC

National Security Life and Annuity Company

Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.

Newport Retirement Services, Inc.

NYLIFE Distributors Inc.

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Pershing LLC

PNC Bank, N.A.

PNC Capital Markets LLC

Principal Life Insurance Company

Protective Life Insurance Company

PruCo Life Insurance Company

PruCo Life Insurance Company of New Jersey

 

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Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company

Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

Raymond James Financial Services

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Regions Bank

Reliance Trust Company

RiverSource Life Insurance Company; RiverSource Life Insurance Co. of New York

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated

Scott & Stringfellow

Security Benefit Life Insurance Company

Security Distributors, Inc.

Signature Bank

Silicon Valley Bank

State Street Global Markets, LLC

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.)

Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York

SunGard Institutional Brokerage, Inc.

Sun Trust Bank

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc.

SVB Securities

Synovus Securities

T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc.

TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc.

Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America

The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc.

The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company

The Ohio National Life Insurance Company

The Prudential Insurance Company of America

The Travelers Insurance Company

The Travelers Life and Annuity Company

The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York

The Vanguard Group, Inc.

Transamerica Life Insurance Company; Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company

Transamerica Retirement Solutions Corporation

Treasury Curve, LLC

Trustmark National Bank

U.S. Bank National Association

U.S. Fiduciary Services, Inc.

UBS Financial Services Inc.

Union Bank, N.A.

United of Omaha Life Insurance Company

US Bank, N.A.

VALIC Retirement Services Company

Voya Institutional Plan Services, LLC

Voya Financial Partners, LLC

Voya Retirement Advisors, LLC

Voya Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company

Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC; First Clearing, LLC

Wells Fargo Investment, LLC

 

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Wells Fargo Bank , N.A

Wells Fargo Corporate Trust Services, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A.

Zions Bank

Your Authorized Institution or other Intermediary may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in the Prospectus. Shareholders should contact their Authorized Institution or other Intermediary for more information about the Additional Payments or Additional Services they receive and any potential conflicts of interest, as well as for information regarding any fees and/or commissions it charges. For additional questions, please contact Goldman Sachs Funds at 1-800-621-2550.

Not included on the list above are other subsidiaries of Goldman Sachs who may receive revenue from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates through intra-company compensation arrangements and for financial, distribution, administrative and operational services.

Furthermore, the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may, to the extent permitted by applicable regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to promote the sale of Fund shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions. The Investment Adviser, Distributor and their affiliates may also pay for the travel expenses, meals, lodging and entertainment of Intermediaries and their salespersons and guests in connection with educational, sales and promotional programs subject to applicable FINRA regulations. Other compensation may also be offered from time to time to the extent not prohibited by applicable federal or state laws or FINRA regulations. This compensation is not included in, and is made in addition to, the Additional Payments described above.

OTHER INFORMATION

Selective Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

The Board of Trustees of the Trust and the Investment Adviser have adopted a policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio securities is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts between the interests of shareholders and its service providers. The policy provides that neither the Fund nor its Investment Adviser, Distributor or any agent, or any employee thereof (“Fund Representative”) will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings information to any person other than in accordance with the policy. For purposes of the policy, “portfolio holdings information” means the Fund’s actual portfolio holdings, as well as nonpublic information about its trading strategies or pending transactions. Under the policy, neither the Fund nor any Fund Representative may solicit or accept any compensation or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information. A Fund Representative may provide portfolio holdings information to third parties if such information has been included in the Fund’s public filings with the SEC or is disclosed on the Fund’s publicly accessible website. Information posted on the Fund’s website may be separately provided to any person commencing the day after it is first published on the Fund’s website.

Portfolio holdings information that is not filed with the SEC or posted on the publicly available website may be provided to third parties only if the third party recipients are required to keep all portfolio holdings information confidential and are prohibited from trading on the information they receive. Disclosure to such third parties must be approved in advance by the Investment Adviser’s legal or compliance department. Disclosure to providers of auditing, custody and proxy voting services; rating and ranking organizations; lenders and other third-party service providers that may obtain access to such information in the performance of their contractual duties to the Fund will generally be permitted. However, information may be disclosed to other third parties (including, without limitation, individuals, institutional investors, and intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund), only upon approval by the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, who must first determine that the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for doing so. In general, each recipient of non-public portfolio holdings information must sign a confidentiality and non-trading agreement, although this requirement will not apply when the recipient is otherwise subject to a duty of confidentiality. In accordance with the policy, the identity of those recipients who receive non-public portfolio holdings information on an ongoing basis is as follows: the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, the Fund’s custodian, the Fund’s legal counsel—Dechert LLP, the Fund’s financial printer—RR Donnelley, and the Fund’s proxy voting service—ISS. In addition, the Fund may provide non-public portfolio holdings information to Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) to allow the Fund to be rated by it. These entities are obligated to keep such information confidential. Third party providers of custodial or accounting services to the Fund may release non-public portfolio holdings information of the Fund only with the permission of Fund Representatives. From time to time portfolio holdings information may be provided to broker-dealers, prime brokers, futures commission merchants or derivatives clearing merchants in connection with the Fund’s portfolio trading activities.

 

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The Fund currently intends to publish complete portfolio holdings on its website (http://www.gsamfunds.com) as of the end of each fiscal quarter, subject to a thirty calendar day lag. The Fund may publish on the website complete portfolio holdings information more frequently if it has a legitimate business purpose for doing so.

Under the policy, Fund Representatives will initially supply the Board of the Trustees with a list of third parties who receive portfolio holdings information pursuant to any ongoing arrangement. In addition, the Board is to receive information, on a quarterly basis, regarding any other disclosures of non-public portfolio holdings information that were permitted during the preceding quarter. In addition, the Board of Trustees is to approve at its meetings a list of Fund Representatives who are authorized to disclose portfolio holdings information under the policy. As of July 29, 2016, only certain officers of the Trust as well as certain senior members of the compliance and legal groups of the Investment Adviser have been approved by the Board of Trustees to authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings information.

Disclosure of Current NAV Per Share

The Fund’s current NAV per share is available through the Fund’s website at www.gsamfunds.com or by contacting the Fund at 1-800-621-2550.

Miscellaneous

The Fund will redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. The Fund, however, reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to pay redemptions by a distribution in-kind of securities (instead of cash) if (i) the redemption exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund at the time of redemption; or (ii) with respect to lesser redemption amounts, the redeeming shareholder requests in writing a distribution in-kind of securities instead of cash. The securities distributed in-kind would be readily marketable and would be valued for this purpose using the same method employed in calculating each Fund’s NAV per share. See “NET ASSET VALUE.” If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities received in the redemption. In addition, if you receive redemption proceeds in-kind, you will be subject to market gains or losses upon the disposition of those securities.

The right of a shareholder to redeem shares and the date of payment by the Fund may be suspended for more than seven days for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than the customary weekends or holidays, or when trading on such Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; or during any emergency, as determined by the SEC, as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or for such other period as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of shareholders of the Fund. (The Trust may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.)

As stated in the Prospectus, the Trust may authorize Authorized Institutions and other institutions that provide recordkeeping, reporting and processing services to their customers to accept on the Trust’s behalf purchase, redemption and exchange orders placed by or on behalf of their customers and, if approved by the Trust, to designate other intermediaries to accept such orders. These institutions may receive payments from the Trust or Goldman Sachs for their services. Certain Authorized Institutions or other institutions may enter into sub-transfer agency agreements with the Trust or Goldman Sachs with respect to their services.

In the interest of economy and convenience, the Trust does not issue certificates representing the Fund’s shares. Instead, the transfer agent maintains a record of each shareholder’s ownership. Each shareholder receives confirmation of purchase and redemption orders from the transfer agent. Fund shares and any dividends and distributions paid by the Fund are reflected in account statements from the transfer agent.

The Prospectus and this SAI do not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act with respect to the securities offered by the Prospectus. Certain portions of the Registration Statement have been omitted from the Prospectus and this SAI pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Registration Statement including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.

Statements contained in the Prospectus or in this SAI as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which the Prospectus and this SAI form a part, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.

 

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Large Trade Notifications

The transfer agent may from time to time receive notice that an Authorized Institution or other financial intermediary has received an order for a large trade in the Fund’s shares. The Fund may determine to enter into portfolio transactions in anticipation of that order, even though the order will not be processed until the following business day. This practice provides for a closer correlation between the time shareholders place trade orders and the time the Fund enters into portfolio transactions based on those orders, and permits the Fund to be more fully invested in investment securities, in the case of purchase orders, and to more orderly liquidate their investment positions, in the case of redemption orders. On the other hand, the Authorized Institution or other financial intermediary may not ultimately process the order. In this case, the Fund may be required to borrow assets to settle the portfolio transactions entered into in anticipation of that order, and would therefore incur borrowing costs. The Fund may also suffer investment losses on those portfolio transactions. Conversely, the Fund would benefit from any earnings and investment gains resulting from such portfolio transactions.

Line of Credit

The Fund participates in a $1,100,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility together with other funds of the Trust and registered investment companies having management agreements with GSAM or its affiliates. This facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or to allow for an orderly liquidation of securities to meet redemption requests. The interest rate on borrowings is based on the federal funds rate. The facility also requires a fee to be paid by the Fund based on the amount of the commitment that has not been utilized. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the facility.

Corporate Actions

From time to time, the issuer of a security held in the Fund’s portfolio may initiate a corporate action relating to that security. Corporate actions relating to equity securities may include, among others, an offer to purchase new shares, or to tender existing shares, of that security at a certain price. Corporate actions relating to debt securities may include, among others, an offer for early redemption of the debt security, or an offer to convert the debt security into stock. Certain corporate actions are voluntary, meaning that a Fund may only participate in the corporate action if it elects to do so in a timely fashion. Participation in certain corporate actions may enhance the value of a Fund’s investment portfolio.

In cases where the Fund or its Investment Adviser receives sufficient advance notice of a voluntary corporate action, the Investment Adviser will exercise its discretion, in good faith, to determine whether the Fund will participate in that corporate action. If the Fund or its Investment Adviser does not receive sufficient advance notice of a voluntary corporate action, the Fund may not be able to timely elect to participate in that corporate action. Participation or lack of participation in a voluntary corporate action may result in a negative impact on the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements and related report of [            ], independent registered public accounting firm, contained in the Fund’s Annual Report are hereby incorporated by reference. The audited financial statements in the Fund’s 2016 Annual Report have been incorporated by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. A copy of the 2016 Annual Report may be obtained upon request and without charge by writing Goldman, Sachs & Co., P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or by calling Goldman, Sachs & Co., at the telephone number on the back cover of the Fund’s Prospectus. No other portions of the Fund’s Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

ADMINISTRATION PLANS

(Administration Shares and Preferred Shares Only)

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has adopted administration plans with respect to its Administration Shares (the “Administration Shares Plan”) and Preferred Shares (the “Preferred Administration Plan” and together with the Administration Shares Plan, the “Administration Plans”) which authorizes it to compensate Authorized Institutions for providing certain account administration services to their customers who are beneficial owners of such shares.

Pursuant to the Administration Plans, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, enters into agreements with Authorized Institutions which purchase Administration Shares or Preferred Shares on behalf of their customers (“Service Agreements”). [Under such Service Agreements the Authorized Institutions may agree to perform some or all of the following services: (a) act, directly or through an agent, as the shareholder of record and nominee for customers; (b) maintain account records for customers who beneficially own

 

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Administration Shares or Preferred Shares of the Fund; (c) receive and transmit, or assist in receiving and transmitting, funds for purchases and redemptions; (d) process or assist in processing confirmations concerning customer orders to purchase, redeem and exchange Administration Shares, (e) facilitate the inclusion of the Fund in accounts, products or services offered to customers by or through service organizations, (f) provide facilities to answer questions and handle correspondence from customers regarding their accounts; and (g) issue, or assist in issuing, confirmations for transactions in shares by customers. In addition, with respect to Administration Shares, service organizations may agree to: (a) process, or assist in processing, dividend payments on behalf of customers, and (b) perform other related services which do no constitute “personal and account maintenance services” within the meaning of applicable FINRA rules.] As compensation for such services, the Fund will pay each Authorized Institution an account administration fee in an amount up to 0.25% (on an annualized basis) of the average daily net assets of the Administration Shares of the Fund and 0.10% (on an annualized basis) of the average daily net assets of the Preferred Shares of the Fund, attributable to or held in the name of such Authorized Institution.

Conflict of interest restrictions (including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended) may apply to an Authorized Institution’s receipt of compensation paid by a Fund in connection with the investment of fiduciary assets in Administration Shares of the Fund. Authorized Institutions, including banks regulated by the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and investment advisers and other money managers subject to the jurisdiction of the SEC, the Department of Labor or state securities commissions, are urged to consult their legal advisers before investing fiduciary assets in Administration Shares of the Fund. In addition, under some state securities laws, banks and other financial institutions purchasing Administration Shares on behalf of their customers may be required to register as dealers.

The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Administration Plans or the related Service Agreements, most recently voted to approve the Administration Plans and Service Agreements with respect to the Fund at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such Administration Plans and Service Agreements on June 16, 2016. The Administration Plans and Service Agreements will remain in effect until June 30, 2017 and will continue in effect thereafter only if such continuance is specifically approved annually by a vote of the Board of Trustees in the manner described above.

Unless approved by the Board of Trustees in the manner described above, the Administration Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for the services described therein and other material amendments of the Administration Plans may not be made. The Administration Plans may be terminated at any time by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Administration Plans or the related Service Agreements or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding Administration Shares or Preferred Shares. The Service Agreements may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by a vote of a majority of such Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Administration Shares or Preferred Shares of the Fund on not more than 60 days’ written notice to any other party to the Service Agreements. The Service Agreements will terminate automatically if assigned. So long as the Administration Plans are in effect, the selection and nomination of those Trustees who are not interested persons will be committed to the discretion of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust. The Board of Trustees has determined that, in its judgment, there is a reasonable likelihood that the Administration Plans will benefit the Fund and the holders of its Administration Shares and Preferred Shares.

For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, the Fund then in effect paid Goldman Sachs fees equal to $62, $62 and $0 respectively under the Administration Plans.

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN

(Class A Shares Only)

Distribution and Service Plan. As described in the Prospectus, the Trust has adopted, on behalf of Class A Shares of the Fund, a distribution and service plan (the “Plan”). See “Shareholder Guide – Distribution and Service Fees” in the Prospectus. The distribution fees payable under the Plan are subject to Rule 12b-1 under the Act and finance distribution and other services that are provided to investors in the Fund and enable the Fund to offer investors the choice of investing in Class A Shares when investing in the Fund. In addition, the distribution fees payable under the Plan may be used to assist the Fund in reaching and maintaining asset levels that are efficient for the Fund’s operations and investments.

The Plan was most recently approved on [            ], 2016 by a majority vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of approving the Plan.

 

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The compensation for distribution services payable under the Plan to Goldman Sachs may not exceed 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares of the Fund.

With respect to Class A Shares, the Distributor at its discretion may use compensation for distribution services paid under the Plan for personal and account maintenance services and expenses so long as such total compensation under the Plan does not exceed the maximum cap on “service fees” imposed by FINRA.

The Plan is a compensation plan which provides for the payment of a specified fee without regard to the expenses actually incurred by Goldman Sachs. If such fee exceeds Goldman Sachs’ expenses, Goldman Sachs may realize a profit from this arrangement. The distribution fees received by Goldman Sachs under the Plan and CDSCs (as applicable) on Class A Shares may be sold by Goldman Sachs as distributor to entities which provide financing for payments to Authorized Institutions in respect of sales of Class A Shares. To the extent such fees are not paid to such dealers, Goldman Sachs may retain such fees as compensation for its services and expenses of distributing the Fund’s Class A Shares.

Under the Plan, Goldman Sachs, as distributor of the Fund’s Class A Shares, will provide to the Trustees of the Trust for their review, and the Trustees of the Trust will review at least quarterly, a written report of the services provided and amounts expended by Goldman Sachs under the Plan and the purposes for which such services were performed and expenditures were made.

The Plan will remain in effect until [            ], 2017 and from year to year thereafter, provided that such continuance is approved annually by a majority vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of distribution compensation described therein without approval of a majority of the outstanding Class A Shares of the affected Fund and affected share class but may be amended without shareholder approval to increase materially the amount of non-distribution compensation. All material amendments of the Plan must also be approved by the Trustees of the Trust in the manner described above. The Plan may be terminated at any time without payment of any penalty by a vote of a majority of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the Class A Shares of the Fund and affected share class. If the Plan was terminated by the Trustees of the Trust and no successor plan was adopted, the Fund would cease to make payments to Goldman Sachs under the Plan and Goldman Sachs would be unable to recover the amount of any of its unreimbursed expenditures. So long as the Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust. The Trustees of the Trust have determined that in their judgment there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its Class A shareholders.

Class A Shares of the Fund commenced operations on [            ], 2016. No distribution and service fees were paid by the Fund and no expenses were incurred by Goldman Sachs during the last fiscal year.

OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS, EXCHANGES AND DIVIDENDS

(Class A Shares Only)

The following information supplements the information in the Fund’s Prospectus under the captions “Shareholder Guide” and “Distributions.” Please see the Prospectus for more complete information.

Other Purchase Information/Sales Charge Waivers

The sales charge waivers on the Fund’s shares described in “Shareholder Guide—Common Questions Applicable to the Purchase of Class A Shares” in the Prospectus are due to the nature of the investors involved and/or the reduced sales effort that is needed to obtain such investments.

If shares of a Fund are held in an account with an Authorized Institution, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the Authorized Institution, and not by the Fund and its transfer agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the Authorized Institution to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in an account with one Authorized Institution to an account with another Authorized Institution or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the Authorized Institution.

 

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Right of Accumulation - (Class A)

A Class A shareholder qualifies for cumulative quantity discounts if the current purchase price of the new investment plus the shareholder’s current holdings of existing Class A Shares (acquired by purchase or exchange) of the Fund and Class A Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund total the requisite amount for receiving a discount. For example, for certain Funds, if a shareholder owns shares with a current market value of $65,000 and purchases additional Class A Shares of the same Fund with a purchase price of $45,000, the sales charge for the $45,000 purchase would be 3.0% (the rate applicable to purchases of $100,000 or more for certain of the Funds). Class A Shares of the Fund and Class A Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased (i) by an individual, his spouse, his parents and his children; and (ii) by a trustee, guardian or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account, will be combined for the purpose of determining whether a purchase will qualify for such right of accumulation and, if qualifying, the applicable sales charge level. For purposes of applying the right of accumulation, shares of the Fund and any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased by an existing client of Goldman Sachs Wealth Management or GS Ayco Holding LLC will be combined with Class A Shares and other assets held by all other Goldman Sachs Wealth Management accounts or accounts of GS Ayco Holding LLC, respectively. In addition, Class A Shares of the Fund and Class A Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased by partners, directors, officers or employees of the same business organization or by groups of individuals represented by and investing on the recommendation of the same accounting firm, certain affinity groups or other similar organizations (collectively, “eligible persons”) may be combined for the purpose of determining whether a purchase will qualify for the right of accumulation and, if qualifying, the applicable sales charge level. This right of accumulation is subject to the following conditions: (i) the business organization’s or group’s or firm’s agreement to cooperate in the offering of the Funds’ shares to eligible persons; and (ii) notification to the Funds at the time of purchase that the investor is eligible for this right of accumulation. In addition, in connection with SIMPLE IRA accounts, cumulative quantity discounts are available on a per plan basis if (i) your employee has been assigned a cumulative discount number by Goldman Sachs; and (ii) your account, alone or in combination with the accounts of other plan participants also invested in Class A Shares of the Goldman Sachs Funds totals the requisite aggregate amount as described in the Prospectuses.

Statement of Intention - (Class A)

If a shareholder anticipates purchasing at least $500,000, not counting reinvestments of dividends and distributions, of Class A Shares of the Fund alone or in combination with Class A Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund within a 13-month period, the shareholder may purchase shares of the Fund at a reduced sales charge by submitting a Statement of Intention (the “Statement”). Shares purchased pursuant to a Statement will be eligible for the same sales charge discount that would have been available if all of the purchases had been made at the same time. The shareholder or his Authorized Institution must inform Goldman Sachs that the Statement is in effect each time shares are purchased. There is no obligation to purchase the full amount of shares indicated in the Statement. A shareholder may include the value of all Class A Shares on which a sales charge has previously been paid as an “accumulation credit” toward the completion of the Statement, but a price readjustment will be made only on Class A Shares purchased within ninety days before submitting the Statement. The Statement authorizes the transfer agent to hold in escrow a sufficient number of shares which can be redeemed to make up any difference in the sales charge on the amount actually invested. For purposes of satisfying the amount specified on the Statement, the gross amount of each investment, exclusive of any appreciation on shares previously purchased, will be taken into account.

The provisions applicable to the Statement, and the terms of the related escrow agreement, are set forth in Appendix C to this SAI.

Cross-Reinvestment of Distributions

Shareholders may receive distributions in additional shares of the same class of the Fund or they may elect to receive them in cash or shares of the same class of other Goldman Sachs Funds, or Service Shares of the Goldman Sachs Financial Square Prime Obligations Fund, if they hold Class A Shares of the Fund.

A Fund shareholder should obtain and read the prospectus relating to the other Goldman Sachs Fund and its shares and consider its investment objective, policies and applicable fees before electing cross-reinvestment into that Fund. The election to cross-reinvest distributions will not affect the tax treatment of such distributions, which will be treated as received by the shareholder and then used to purchase shares of the acquired fund. Such reinvestment of distributions in shares of other Goldman Sachs Funds is available only in states where such reinvestment may legally be made.

Automatic Exchange Program

A Fund shareholder may elect to exchange automatically a specified dollar amount of shares of the Fund for shares of the same class or an equivalent class of another Goldman Sachs Fund provided the minimum initial investment requirement has been satisfied. A Fund shareholder should obtain and read the prospectus relating to the other Goldman Sachs Fund and its shares and consider its investment objective, policies and applicable fees and expenses before electing an automatic exchange into that Goldman Sachs Fund.

 

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Exchanges from Collective Investment Trusts to Goldman Sachs Funds

The Investment Adviser manages a number of collective investment trusts that hold assets of 401(k) plans and other retirement plans (each, a “Collective Investment Trust”). An investor in a Collective Investment Trust (or an Intermediary acting on behalf of the investor) may elect to exchange some or all of the interests it holds in a Collective Investment Trust for shares of one or more of the Goldman Sachs Funds. Generally speaking, Rule 22c-1 under the Act requires a purchase order for shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund to be priced based on the current NAV of the Goldman Sachs Fund that is next calculated after receipt of the purchase order. A Goldman Sachs Fund will treat a purchase order component of an exchange from an investor in a Collective Investment Trust as being received in good order at the time it is communicated to an Intermediary or the transfer agent, if the amount of shares to be purchased is expressed as a percentage of the value of the investor’s interest in a designated Collective Investment Trust that it is contemporaneously redeeming (e.g., if the investor communicates a desire to exchange 100% of its interest in a Collective Investment Trust for shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund). The investor’s purchase price and the number of Goldman Sachs Fund shares it will acquire will therefore be calculated as of the pricing of the Collective Investment Trust on the day of the purchase order. Such an order will be deemed to be irrevocable as of the time the Goldman Sachs Fund’s NAV is next calculated after receipt of the purchase order. An investor should obtain and read the prospectus relating to any Goldman Sachs Fund and its shares and consider its investment objective, policies and applicable fees and expenses before electing an exchange into that Goldman Sachs Fund. For federal income tax purposes, an exchange of interests in a Collective Investment Trust for shares of a Goldman Sachs Fund may be subject to tax, and you should consult your tax adviser concerning the tax consequences of an exchange.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

A systematic withdrawal plan (the “Systematic Withdrawal Plan”) is available to shareholders of the Fund whose shares are worth at least $5,000. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly payments to the participating shareholder of any amount not less than $50.

Distributions on shares held under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan are reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the Fund at NAV. The transfer agent acts as agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount of the systematic withdrawal payment. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to initiate a fee of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon thirty days written notice to the shareholder. Withdrawal payments should not be considered to be dividends, yield or income. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed new purchases and reinvested distributions, the shareholder’s original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted. The maintenance of a withdrawal plan concurrently with purchases of additional Class A Shares would be disadvantageous because of the sales charge imposed on purchases of Class A Shares or the imposition of a CDSC on redemptions of Class A Shares. In addition, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and any gain or loss realized must be reported for federal and state income tax purposes. A shareholder should consult his or her own tax adviser with regard to the tax consequences of participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. For further information or to request a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, please write or call the transfer agent.

Offering Price of Class A Shares

Class A Shares of the Fund are sold at a maximum sales charge of 1.5%. Using the initial NAV per share and the maximum sales charge in effect as of [            ], 2016, the maximum offering price of the Fund’s Class A Shares would be $[            ].

The actual sales charge that is paid by an investor on the purchase of Class A Shares may differ slightly from the sales charge listed above or in a Fund’s Prospectus due to rounding in the calculations. For example, the sales charge disclosed above and in the Fund’s Prospectus is only shown to one decimal place (e.g., 1.5%). The actual sales charge that is paid by an investor will be rounded to two decimal places. As a result of such rounding in the calculations, the actual sales load paid by an investor may be somewhat greater (1.53%) or somewhat lesser (1.48%) than that listed above or in the Prospectus. Contact your financial advisor for further information.

 

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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

[As of [            ], 2016, the following shareholders were shown in the Trust’s records as owning more than 5% of any class of the Fund’s shares. Except as listed below, the Trust does not know of any other person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of the Fund’s shares:

[            ]

Except as listed above, the Trust does not know of any other person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of the Fund’s shares.]

 

B-64


APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

Short-Term Credit Ratings

A Standard & Poor’s short-term issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Standard & Poor’s for short-term issues:

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of “B-1”, “B-2”, and “B-3” may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the “B” category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“B-1” – A short-term obligation rated “B-1” is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

“B-2” – A short-term obligation rated “B-2” is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

“B-3” – A short-term obligation rated “B-3” is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks — Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign Currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.

 

1-A


Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

“F1” – Securities possess the highest credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

“F2” – Securities possess good credit quality. This designation indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

“F3” – Securities possess fair credit quality. This designation indicates that the capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non investment grade.

“B” – Securities possess speculative credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

“C” – Securities possess high default risk. Default is a real possibility. This designation indicates a capacity for meeting financial commitments which is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

“D” – Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

“NR” – This designation indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the associated issuer or issue.

“WD” – This designation indicates that the rating has been withdrawn and is no longer maintained by Fitch.

The following summarizes the ratings used by Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (“DBRS”) for commercial paper and short-term debt:

“R-1 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality, and indicates an entity possessing unquestioned ability to repay current liabilities as they fall due. Entities rated in this category normally maintain strong liquidity positions, conservative debt levels, and profitability that is both stable and above average. Companies achieving an “R-1 (high)” rating are normally leaders in structurally sound industry segments with proven track records, sustainable positive future results, and no substantial qualifying negative factors. Given the extremely tough definition DBRS has established for an “R-1 (high)”, few entities are strong enough to achieve this rating.

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality and, in most cases, ratings in this category differ from “R-1 (high)” credits by only a small degree. Given the extremely tough definition DBRS has established for the “R-1 (high)” category, entities rated “R-1 (middle)” are also considered strong credits, and typically exemplify above average strength in key areas of consideration for the timely repayment of short-term liabilities.

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of satisfactory credit quality. The overall strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt and profitability ratios are not normally as favorable as with higher rating categories, but these considerations are still respectable. Any qualifying negative factors that exist are considered manageable, and the entity is normally of sufficient size to have some influence in its industry.

 

2-A


“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The ability to repay obligations as they mature remains acceptable, although the overall strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt, and profitability ratios is not as strong as credits rated in the “R-1 (low)” category. Relative to the latter category, other shortcomings often include areas such as stability, financial flexibility, and the relative size and market position of the entity within its industry.

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. Relative to the “R-2 (high)” category, entities rated “R-2 (middle)” typically have some combination of higher volatility, weaker debt or liquidity positions, lower future cash flow capabilities, or are negatively impacted by a weaker industry. Ratings in this category would be more vulnerable to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality, typically having some combination of challenges that are not acceptable for an “R-2 (middle)” credit. However, “R-2 (low)” ratings still display a level of credit strength that allows for a higher rating than the “R-3” category, with this distinction often reflecting the issuer’s liquidity profile.

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality, one step up from being speculative. While not yet defined as speculative, the “R-3” category signifies that although repayment is still expected, the certainty of repayment could be impacted by a variety of possible adverse developments, many of which would be outside the issuer’s control. Entities in this area often have limited access to capital markets and may also have limitations in securing alternative sources of liquidity, particularly during periods of weak economic conditions.

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is speculative. “R-4” credits tend to have weak liquidity and debt ratios, and the future trend of these ratios is also unclear. Due to its speculative nature, companies with “R-4” ratings would normally have very limited access to alternative sources of liquidity. Earnings and cash flow would typically be very unstable, and the level of overall profitability of the entity is also likely to be low. The industry environment may be weak, and strong negative qualifying factors are also likely to be present.

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is highly speculative. There is a reasonably high level of uncertainty as to the ability of the entity to repay the obligations on a continuing basis in the future, especially in periods of economic recession or industry adversity. In some cases, short term debt rated “R-5” may have challenges that if not corrected, could lead to default.

“D” – A security rated “D” implies the issuer has either not met a scheduled payment or the issuer has made it clear that it will be missing such a payment in the near future. In some cases, DBRS may not assign a “D” rating under a bankruptcy announcement scenario, as allowances for grace periods may exist in the underlying legal documentation. Once assigned, the “D” rating will continue as long as the missed payment continues to be in arrears, and until such time as the rating is discontinued or reinstated by DBRS.

Long-Term Credit Ratings

The following summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poor’s for long-term issues:

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

 

3-A


“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB,” but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

“C” – A “C” rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the ‘C’ rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument’s terms.

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks — Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

4-A


“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch:

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that there is currently expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse changes in circumstances and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. For issuers and performing obligations, “B” ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for extremely high recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of “RR1” (outstanding).

“CCC” – For issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic conditions. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for average to superior levels of recovery. Differences in credit quality may be denoted by plus/minus distinctions. Such obligations typically would possess a Recovery Rating of “RR2” (superior), or “RR3” (good) or “RR4” (average).

“CC” – For issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with a Recovery Rating of “RR4” (average) or “RR5” (below average).

“C” – For issuers and performing obligations, default is imminent. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for below-average to poor recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of “RR6” (poor).

 

5-A


“RD” – Indicates an entity that has failed to make due payments (within the applicable grace period) on some but not all material financial obligations, but continues to honor other classes of obligations.

“D” – Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” category or to categories below “CCC”.

“NR” – Denotes that Fitch does not publicly rate the associated issue or issuer.

“WD” – Indicates that the rating has been withdrawn and is no longer maintained by Fitch.

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

“AAA” — Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality, with exceptionally strong protection for the timely repayment of principal and interest. Earnings are considered stable, the structure of the industry in which the entity operates is strong, and the outlook for future profitability is favorable. There are few qualifying factors present that would detract from the performance of the entity. The strength of liquidity and coverage ratios is unquestioned and the entity has established a credible track record of superior performance. Given the extremely high standard that DBRS has set for this category, few entities are able to achieve a “AAA” rating.

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality, and protection of interest and principal is considered high. In many cases they differ from long-term debt rated “AAA” only to a small degree. Given the extremely restrictive definition DBRS has for the “AAA” category, entities rated “AA” are also considered to be strong credits, typically exemplifying above-average strength in key areas of consideration and unlikely to be significantly affected by reasonably foreseeable events.

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of satisfactory credit quality. Protection of interest and principal is still substantial, but the degree of strength is less than that of “AA” rated entities. While “A” is a respectable rating, entities in this category are considered to be more susceptible to adverse economic conditions and have greater cyclical tendencies than higher-rated securities.

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. Protection of interest and principal is considered acceptable, but the entity is fairly susceptible to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions, or there may be other adverse conditions present which reduce the strength of the entity and its rated securities.

“BB” Long-term debt rated “BB” is defined to be speculative and non-investment grade, where the degree of protection afforded interest and principal is uncertain, particularly during periods of economic recession. Entities in the “BB” range typically have limited access to capital markets and additional liquidity support. In many cases, deficiencies in critical mass, diversification, and competitive strength are additional negative considerations.

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is considered highly speculative and there is a reasonably high level of uncertainty as to the ability of the entity to pay interest and principal on a continuing basis in the future, especially in periods of economic recession or industry adversity.

“CCC”, CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is very highly speculative and is in danger of default of interest and principal. The degree of adverse elements present is more severe than long-term debt rated “B.” Long-term debt rated below “B” often have features which, if not remedied, may lead to default. In practice, there is little difference between these three categories, with “CC” and “C” normally used for lower ranking debt of companies for which the senior debt is rated in the “CCC” to “B” range.

“D” A security rated “D” implies the issuer has either not met a scheduled payment of interest or principal or that the issuer has made it clear that it will miss such a payment in the near future. In some cases, DBRS may not assign a “D” rating under a bankruptcy announcement scenario, as allowances for grace periods may exist in the underlying legal documentation. Once assigned, the “D” rating will continue as long as the missed payment continues to be in arrears, and until such time as the rating is discontinued or reinstated by DBRS.

 

6-A


(“high”, “low”) – Each rating category is denoted by the subcategories “high” and “low”. The absence of either a “high” or “low” designation indicates the rating is in the “middle” of the category. The “AAA” and “D” categories do not utilize “high”, “middle”, and “low” as differential grades.

Municipal Note Ratings

A Standard & Poor’s U.S. municipal note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:

Amortization schedule-the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

Note rating symbols are as follows:

“SP-1” – The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service are given a plus (+) designation.

“SP-2” – The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

“SP-3” – The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

Moody’s uses three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade. These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) and are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3”. In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated “SG”, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for these short-term obligations:

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned; a long- or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” rating.

When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated “NR”, e.g., “Aaa/NR” or “NR/VMIG-1”.

VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue’s specific structural or credit features.

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

7-A


“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

Fitch uses the same ratings for municipal securities as described above for other short-term credit ratings.

About Credit Ratings

A Standard & Poor’s issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not as statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

DBRS credit ratings are not buy, hold or sell recommendations, but rather the result of qualitative and quantitative analysis focusing solely on the credit quality of the issuer and its underlying obligations.

 

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APPENDIX B

Effective: March 2016

GSAM PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the material GSAM Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), which form the substantive basis of GSAM’s Policy on Proxy Voting for Investment Advisory Clients (the “Policy”). As described in the main body of the Policy, one or more GSAM portfolio management teams may diverge from the Guidelines and a related Recommendation on any particular proxy vote or in connection with any individual investment decision in accordance with the Policy.

 

A.    U.S. proxy items:   
1.    Operational Items    page 1-B
2.    Board of Directors    page 2-B
3.    Executive Compensation    page 4-B
4.    Director Nominees and Proxy Access    page 6-B
5.    Shareholder Rights and Defenses    page 7-B
6.    Mergers and Corporate Restructurings    page 8-B
7.    State of Incorporation    page 8-B
8.    Capital Structure    page 8-B
9.    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Issues    page 8-B
B.    Non-U.S. proxy items:   
1.    Operational Items    page 10-B
2.    Board of Directors    page 11-B
3.    Compensation    page 13-B
4.    Board Structure    page 14-B
5.    Capital Structure    page 14-B
6.    Mergers and Corporate Restructurings & Other    page 16-B
7.    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Issues    page 16-B

U.S. Proxy Items

The following section is a summary of the Guidelines, which form the substantive basis of the Policy with respect to U.S. public equity investments.

 

1. Operational Items

Auditor Ratification

Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply within the last year:

 

    An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent;

 

    There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

 

    Poor accounting practices are identified that rise to a serious level of concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; or material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures; or

 

    Fees for non-audit services are excessive (generally over 50% or more of the audit fees).

 

1-B


Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit or limit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services or asking for audit firm rotation.

 

2. Board of Directors

The board of directors should promote the interests of shareholders by acting in an oversight and/or advisory role; the board should consist of a majority of independent directors and should be held accountable for actions and results related to their responsibilities.

When evaluating board composition, GSAM believes a diversity of ethnicity, gender and experience is an important consideration.

Classification of Directors

Where applicable, the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ Listing Standards definition is to be used to classify directors as insiders or affiliated outsiders. General definitions are as follows:

 

    Inside Director

 

    Employee of the company or one of its affiliates

 

    Among the five most highly paid individuals (excluding interim CEO)

 

    Listed as an officer as defined under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

    Current interim CEO

 

    Beneficial owner of more than 50 % of the company’s voting power (this may be aggregated if voting power is distributed among more than one member of a defined group)

 

    Affiliated Outside Director

 

    Board attestation that an outside director is not independent

 

    Former CEO or other executive of the company within the last 3 years

 

    Former CEO or other executive of an acquired company within the past three years

 

    Independent Outside Director

 

    No material connection to the company other than a board seat

Additionally, GSAM will consider compensation committee interlocking directors to be affiliated (defined as CEOs who sit on each other’s compensation committees).

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Vote on director nominees should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from individual directors who:

 

    Attend less than 75 % of the board and committee meetings without a disclosed valid excuse for each of the last two years;

 

    Sit on more than six public operating and/or holding company boards;

 

    Are CEOs of public companies who sit on the boards of more than two public companies besides their own—withhold only at their outside boards.

Other items considered for an AGAINST vote include specific concerns about the individual or the company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities, sanctions from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues related to improper business practice.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from Inside Directors and Affiliated Outside Directors (per the Classification of Directors above) in the case of operating and/or holding companies when:

 

    The Inside Director or Affiliated Outside Director serves on the Audit, Compensation, or Nominating Committees; and

 

2-B


    The company lacks an Audit, Compensation or Nominating Committee so that the full board functions as such committees and Insider Directors or Affiliated Outside Directors are participating in voting on matters that independent committees should be voting on.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from members of the appropriate committee for the following reasons (or independent chairman or lead director in cases of a classified board and members of appropriate committee are not up for reelection). Extreme cases may warrant a vote against the entire board.

 

    Material failures of governance, stewardship, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company;

 

    Egregious actions related to the director(s)’ service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company;

 

    At the previous board election, any director received more than 50 % withhold/against votes of the shares cast and the company has failed to address the underlying issue(s) that caused the high withhold/against vote (members of the Nominating or Governance Committees);

 

    The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of the majority of shares cast for the previous two consecutive years (a management proposal with other than a FOR recommendation by management will not be considered as sufficient action taken); an adopted proposal that is substantially similar to the original shareholder proposal will be deemed sufficient; (vote against members of the committee of the board that is responsible for the issue under consideration). If GSAM did not support the shareholder proposal in both years, GSAM will still vote against the committee member(s).

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the Audit Committee if:

 

    The non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive (generally over 50% or more of the audit fees);

 

    The company receives an adverse opinion on the company’s financial statements from its auditor and there is not clear evidence that the situation has been remedied; or

 

    There is persuasive evidence that the Audit Committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting practices, which rise to a level of serious concern are identified, such as fraud, misapplication of GAAP and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures.

Examine the severity, breadth, chronological sequence and duration, as well as the company’s efforts at remediation or corrective actions, in determining whether negative vote recommendations are warranted against the members of the Audit Committee who are responsible for the poor accounting practices, or the entire board.

See section 3 on executive and director compensation for reasons to withhold from members of the Compensation Committee.

In limited circumstances, GSAM may vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from all nominees of the board of directors (except from new nominees who should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and except as discussed below) if:

 

    The company’s poison pill has a dead-hand or modified dead-hand feature for two or more years. Vote against/withhold every year until this feature is removed; however, vote against the poison pill if there is one on the ballot with this feature rather than the director;

 

    The board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of an newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold/against recommendation for this issue;

 

    The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

 

    If in an extreme situation the board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers.

Shareholder proposal regarding Independent Chair (Separate Chair/CEO)

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

3-B


GSAM will generally recommend a vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria:

 

    Designated lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties;

 

    Two-thirds independent board;

 

    All independent “key” committees (audit, compensation and nominating committees); or

 

    Established, disclosed governance guidelines.

Shareholder proposal regarding board declassification

GSAM will generally vote FOR proposals requesting that the board adopt a declassified structure in the case of operating and holding companies.

Majority Vote Shareholder Proposals

GSAM will vote FOR proposals requesting that the board adopt majority voting in the election of directors provided it does not conflict with the state law where the company is incorporated.

GSAM also looks for companies to adopt a post-election policy outlining how the company will address the situation of a holdover director.

Cumulative Vote Shareholder Proposals

GSAM will generally support shareholder proposals to restore or provide cumulative voting in the case of operating and holding companies unless:

 

    The company has adopted (i) majority vote standard with a carve-out for plurality voting in situations where there are more nominees than seats and (ii) a director resignation policy to address failed elections.

 

3. Executive Compensation

Pay Practices

Good pay practices should align management’s interests with long-term shareholder value creation. Detailed disclosure of compensation criteria is preferred; proof that companies follow the criteria should be evident and retroactive performance target changes without proper disclosure is not viewed favorably. Compensation practices should allow a company to attract and retain proven talent. Some examples of poor pay practices include: abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure, egregious employment contracts, excessive severance and/or change in control provisions, repricing or replacing of underwater stock options/stock appreciation rights without prior shareholder approval, and excessive perquisites. A company should also have an appropriate balance of short-term vs. long-term metrics and the metrics should be aligned with business goals and objectives.

If the company maintains problematic or poor pay practices, generally vote:

 

    AGAINST Management Say on Pay (MSOP) Proposals; or

 

    AGAINST an equity-based incentive plan proposal if excessive non-performance-based equity awards are the major contributor to a pay-for-performance misalignment.

 

    If no MSOP or equity-based incentive plan proposal item is on the ballot, vote AGAINST/WITHHOLD from compensation committee members.

Equity Compensation Plans

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on equity-based compensation plans. Evaluation takes into account potential plan cost, plan features and grant practices. While a negative combination of these factors could cause a vote AGAINST, other reasons to vote AGAINST the equity plan could include the following factors:

 

4-B


    The plan permits the repricing of stock options/stock appreciation rights (SARs) without prior shareholder approval; or

 

    There is more than one problematic material feature of the plan, which could include one of the following: unfavorable change-in-control features, presence of gross ups and options reload.

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay, MSOP) Management Proposals

Vote FOR annual frequency and AGAINST shareholder or management proposals asking for any frequency less than annual.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals for an advisory vote on executive compensation. For U.S. companies, consider the following factors in the context of each company’s specific circumstances and the board’s disclosed rationale for its practices. In general more than one factor will need to be present in order to warrant a vote AGAINST.

Pay-for-Performance Disconnect:

 

    GSAM will consider there to be a disconnect based on a quantitative assessment of the following: CEO pay vs. TSR and peers, CEO pay as a percentage of the median peer group or CEO pay vs. shareholder return over time.

Additional Factors Considered Include:

 

    Boards responsiveness if company received 70% or less shareholder support in the previous year’s MSOP vote;

 

    Abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure;

 

    Egregious employment contracts;

 

    Excessive perquisites or excessive severance and/or change in control provisions;

 

    Repricing or replacing of underwater stock options without prior shareholder approval;

 

    Excessive pledging or hedging of stock by executives;

 

    Egregious pension/SERP (supplemental executive retirement plan) payouts;

 

    Extraordinary relocation benefits;

 

    Internal pay disparity;

 

    Lack of transparent disclosure of compensation philosophy and goals and targets, including details on short-term and long-term performance incentives; and

 

    Long-term equity-based compensation is 100% time-based.

Other Compensation Proposals and Policies

Employee Stock Purchase Plans — Non-Qualified Plans

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on nonqualified employee stock purchase plans taking into account the following factors:

 

    Broad-based participation;

 

    Limits on employee contributions;

 

    Company matching contributions; and

 

    Presence of a discount on the stock price on the date of purchase.

Option Exchange Programs/Repricing Options

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals seeking approval to exchange/reprice options, taking into consideration:

 

    Historic trading patterns—the stock price should not be so volatile that the options are likely to be back “in-the-money” over the near term;

 

    Rationale for the re-pricing;

 

    If it is a value-for-value exchange;

 

    If surrendered stock options are added back to the plan reserve;

 

    Option vesting;

 

    Term of the option—the term should remain the same as that of the replaced option;

 

    Exercise price—should be set at fair market or a premium to market;

 

    Participants—executive officers and directors should be excluded.

 

5-B


Vote FOR shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote.

Other Shareholder Proposals on Compensation

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Frequency on Pay)

Vote FOR annual frequency.

Stock retention holding period

Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking for a policy requiring that senior executives retain a significant percentage of shares acquired through equity compensation programs if the policy requests retention for two years or less following the termination of their employment (through retirement or otherwise) and a holding threshold percentage of 50% or less.

Also consider:

 

    Whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio, or officer ownership requirements in place and the terms/provisions of awards already granted.

Elimination of accelerated vesting in the event of a change in control

Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals seeking a policy eliminating the accelerated vesting of time-based equity awards in the event of a change-in-control.

Performance-based equity awards and pay-for-superior-performance proposals

Generally support unless there is sufficient evidence that the current compensation structure is already substantially performance-based. GSAM considers performance-based awards to include awards that are tied to shareholder return or other metrics that are relevant to the business.

Say on Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERP)

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking for shareholder votes on SERP.

 

4. Director Nominees and Proxy Access

Voting for Director Nominees (Management or Shareholder)

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the election of directors of operating and holding companies in contested elections, considering the following factors:

 

    Long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry;

 

    Management’s track record;

 

    Background of the nomination, in cases where there is a shareholder nomination;

 

    Qualifications of director nominee(s);

 

    Strategic plan related to the nomination and quality of critique against management; and

 

    Likelihood that the Board will be productive as a result.

Proxy Access

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder or management proposals asking for proxy access.

GSAM may support proxy access as an important right for shareholders of operating and holding companies and as an alternative to costly proxy contests and as a method for GSAM to vote for directors on an individual basis, as appropriate, rather than voting on one slate or the other. While this could be an important shareholder right, the following factors will be taken into account when evaluating the shareholder proposals:

 

    The ownership thresholds, percentage and duration proposed (GSAM generally will not support if the ownership threshold is less than 3%);

 

6-B


    The maximum proportion of directors that shareholders may nominate each year (GSAM generally will not support if the proportion of directors is greater than 25%); and

 

    Other restricting factors that when taken in combination could serve to materially limit the proxy access provision.

When evaluating companies that adopted proxy access either proactively or in response to a shareholder proposal, GSAM will take into account the factors listed above. A vote against governance committee members could result if provisions exist that materially limit the right to proxy access.

Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate, vote FOR the reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election.

 

5. Shareholders Rights & Defenses

Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

In the case of operating and holding companies, generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to act by written consent, unless:

 

    The company already gives shareholders the right to call special meetings at a threshold of 25% or lower; and

 

    The company has a history of strong governance practices.

Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings

In the case of operating and holding companies, generally vote FOR management proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to call special meetings.

In the case of operating and holding companies, generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to call special meetings at a threshold of 25% or lower if the company currently does not give shareholders the right to call special meetings. However, if a company already gives shareholders the right to call special meetings at a threshold of at least 25%, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to further reduce the threshold.

Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals/Nominations

In the case of operating and holding companies, vote CASE-BY-CASE on advance notice proposals, giving support to proposals that allow shareholders to submit proposals/nominations reasonably close to the meeting date and within the broadest window possible, recognizing the need to allow sufficient notice for company, regulatory and shareholder review.

Poison Pills

Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it UNLESS the company has: (1) A shareholder-approved poison pill in place; or (2) the company has adopted a policy concerning the adoption of a pill in the future specifying certain shareholder friendly provisions.

Vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for poison pills to be put to a vote within a time period of less than one year after adoption.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals on poison pill ratification, focusing on the features of the shareholder rights plan.

In addition, the rationale for adopting the pill should be thoroughly explained by the company. In examining the request for the pill, take into consideration the company’s existing governance structure, including: board independence, existing takeover defenses, and any problematic governance concerns.

 

7-B


6. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions taking into account the following based on publicly available information:

 

    Valuation;

 

    Market reaction;

 

    Strategic rationale;

 

    Management’s track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions;

 

    Presence of conflicts of interest; and

 

    Governance profile of the combined company.

 

7. State of Incorporation

Reincorporation Proposals

GSAM may support management proposals to reincorporate as long as the reincorporation would not substantially diminish shareholder rights. GSAM may not support shareholder proposals for reincorporation unless the current state of incorporation is substantially less shareholder friendly than the proposed reincorporation, there is a strong economic case to reincorporate or the company has a history of making decisions that are not shareholder friendly.

Exclusive venue for shareholder lawsuits

Generally vote FOR on exclusive venue proposals, taking into account:

 

    Whether the company has been materially harmed by shareholder litigation outside its jurisdiction of incorporation, based on disclosure in the company’s proxy statement;

 

    Whether the company has the following good governance features:

 

    Majority independent board;

 

    Independent key committees;

 

    An annually elected board;

 

    A majority vote standard in uncontested director elections;

 

    The absence of a poison pill, unless the pill was approved by shareholders; and/or

 

    Separate Chairman CEO role or, if combined, an independent chairman with clearly delineated duties.

 

8. Capital Structure

Common and Preferred Stock Authorization

Generally vote FOR proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance.

Generally vote FOR proposals to increase the number of shares of preferred stock, as long as there is a commitment to not use the shares for anti-takeover purposes.

 

9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Issues

Overall Approach

GSAM recognizes that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors can affect investment performance, expose potential investment risks and provide an indication of management excellence and leadership. When evaluating ESG proxy issues, GSAM balances the purpose of a proposal with the overall benefit to shareholders.

Shareholder proposals considered under this category could include, among others, reports on:

 

1) employee labor and safety policies;

 

2) impact on the environment of the company’s production or manufacturing operations;

 

3) societal impact of products manufactured;

 

4) risks throughout the supply chain or operations including animal treatment practices within food production and conflict minerals; and

 

5) board diversity.

 

8-B


When evaluating environmental and social shareholder proposals, the following factors are generally considered:

 

    The company’s current level of publicly-available disclosure, including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

 

    If the company has implemented or formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines or a similar standard;

 

    Whether adoption of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value;

 

    Whether the information requested concerns business issues that relate to a meaningful percentage of the company’s business;

 

    The degree to which the company’s stated position on the issues raised in the proposal could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to a boycott or selective purchasing;

 

    Whether the company has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in the proposal;

 

    What other companies in the relevant industry have done in response to the issue addressed in the proposal;

 

    Whether the proposal itself is well framed and the cost of preparing the report is reasonable;

 

    Whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion of the board;

 

    Whether the company has material fines or violations in the area and if so, if appropriate actions have already been taken to remedy going forward;

 

    Whether providing this information would reveal proprietary or confidential information that would place the company at a competitive disadvantage.

Sustainability, climate change reporting

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting the company to report on its policies, initiatives and oversight mechanisms related to environmental sustainability, or how the company may be impacted by climate change. The following factors will be considered:

 

    The company’s current level of publicly-available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

 

    If the company has formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines or a similar standard within a specified time frame;

 

    If the company’s current level of disclosure is comparable to that of its industry peers; and

 

    If there are significant controversies, fines, penalties, or litigation associated with the company’s environmental performance.

Establishing goals or targets for emissions reduction

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals that call for the adoption of Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) reduction goals from products and operations, taking into account:

 

    Overly prescriptive requests for the reduction in GHG emissions by specific amounts or within a specific time frame;

 

    Whether company disclosure lags behind industry peers;

 

    Whether the company has been the subject of recent, significant violations, fines, litigation, or controversy related to GHG emissions;

 

    The feasibility of reduction of GHGs given the company’s product line and current technology and;

 

    Whether the company already provides meaningful disclosure on GHG emissions from its products and operations.

Political Contributions and Trade Association Spending/Lobbying Expenditures and Initiatives

GSAM generally believes that it is the role of boards and management to determine the appropriate level of disclosure of all types of corporate political activity. When evaluating these proposals, GSAM considers the prescriptive nature of the proposal and the overall benefit to shareholders along with a company’s current disclosure of policies, practices and oversight.

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:

 

    There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending; and

 

    The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion.

 

9-B


Vote AGAINST proposals requesting increased disclosure of a company’s policies with respect to political contributions, lobbying and trade association spending as long as:

 

    There is no significant potential threat or actual harm to shareholders’ interests;

 

    There are no recent significant controversies or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and

 

    There is publicly available information to assess the company’s oversight related to such expenditures of corporate assets.

GSAM generally will vote AGAINST proposals asking for detailed disclosure of political contributions or trade association or lobbying expenditures.

Vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions. Businesses are affected by legislation at the federal, state, and local level and barring political contributions can put the company at a competitive disadvantage.

Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

A company should have a clear, public Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) statement and/or diversity policy. Generally vote FOR proposals seeking to amend a company’s EEO statement or diversity policies to additionally prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Labor and Human Rights Standards

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting a report on company or company supplier labor and/or human rights standards and policies, or on the impact of its operations on society, unless such information is already publicly disclosed considering:

 

    The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

 

    Whether or not existing relevant policies are consistent with internationally recognized standards;

 

    Whether company facilities and those of its suppliers are monitored and how;

 

    Company participation in fair labor organizations or other internationally recognized human rights initiatives;

 

    Scope and nature of business conducted in markets known to have higher risk of workplace labor/human rights abuse;

 

    Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers;

 

    The scope of the request; and

 

    Deviation from industry sector peer company standards and practices.

Non-U.S. Proxy Items

The following section is a broad summary of the Guidelines, which form the basis of the Policy with respect to non-U.S. public equity investments. Applying these guidelines is subject to certain regional and country-specific exceptions and modifications and is not inclusive of all considerations in each market.

 

1. Operational Items

Financial Results/Director and Auditor Reports

Vote FOR approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports, unless:

 

    There are concerns about the accounts presented or audit procedures used; or

 

    The company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed.

Appointment of Auditors and Auditor Fees

Vote FOR the re-election of auditors and proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees, unless:

 

    There are serious concerns about the accounts presented, audit procedures used or audit opinion rendered;

 

    There is reason to believe that the auditor has rendered an opinion, which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

 

10-B


    Name of the proposed auditor has not been published;

 

    The auditors are being changed without explanation; non-audit-related fees are substantial or are in excess of standard annual audit-related fees; or the appointment of external auditors if they have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Appointment of Statutory Auditors

Vote FOR the appointment or reelection of statutory auditors, unless:

 

    There are serious concerns about the statutory reports presented or the audit procedures used;

 

    Questions exist concerning any of the statutory auditors being appointed; or

 

    The auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Allocation of Income

Vote FOR approval of the allocation of income, unless:

 

    The dividend payout ratio has been consistently low without adequate explanation; or

 

    The payout is excessive given the company’s financial position.

Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternative

Vote FOR most stock (scrip) dividend proposals.

Vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

Amendments to Articles of Association

Vote amendments to the articles of association on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Change in Company Fiscal Term

Vote FOR resolutions to change a company’s fiscal term unless a company’s motivation for the change is to postpone its AGM.

Lower Disclosure Threshold for Stock Ownership

Vote AGAINST resolutions to lower the stock ownership disclosure threshold below 5 % unless specific reasons exist to implement a lower threshold.

Amend Quorum Requirements

Vote proposals to amend quorum requirements for shareholder meetings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Transact Other Business

Vote AGAINST other business when it appears as a voting item.

 

2. Board of Directors

Director Elections

Vote FOR management nominees taking into consideration the following:

 

    Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner; or

 

    There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements; or

 

    There have been questionable transactions or conflicts of interest; or

 

11-B


    There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests; or

 

    The board fails to meet minimum corporate governance standards. or

 

    There are reservations about:

 

    Director terms

 

    Bundling of proposals to elect directors

 

    Board independence

 

    Disclosure of named nominees

 

    Combined Chairman/CEO

 

    Election of former CEO as Chairman of the Board

 

    Overboarded directors

 

    Composition of committees

 

    Director independence

 

    Specific concerns about the individual or company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities; or

 

    Repeated absences at board meetings have not been explained (in countries where this information is disclosed); or

 

    Unless there are other considerations which may include sanctions from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues related to improper business practice, failure to replace management, or egregious actions related to service on other boards.

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis in contested elections of directors, e.g., the election of shareholder nominees or the dismissal of incumbent directors, determining which directors are best suited to add value for shareholders.

The analysis will generally be based on, but not limited to, the following major decision factors:

 

    Company performance relative to its peers;

 

    Strategy of the incumbents versus the dissidents;

 

    Independence of board candidates;

 

    Experience and skills of board candidates;

 

    Governance profile of the company;

 

    Evidence of management entrenchment;

 

    Responsiveness to shareholders;

 

    Whether a takeover offer has been rebuffed;

 

    Whether minority or majority representation is being sought.

Vote FOR employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee and are required by law to be on those committees.

Vote AGAINST employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee, if they are not required to be on those committees.

Classification of directors

Executive Director

 

    Employee or executive of the company;

 

    Any director who is classified as a non-executive, but receives salary, fees, bonus, and/or other benefits that are in line with the highest-paid executives of the company.

Non-Independent Non-Executive Director (NED)

 

    Any director who is attested by the board to be a non-independent NED;

 

    Any director specifically designated as a representative of a significant shareholder of the company;

 

    Any director who is also an employee or executive of a significant shareholder of the company;

 

    Beneficial owner (direct or indirect) of at least 10% of the company’s stock, either in economic terms or in voting rights (this may be aggregated if voting power is distributed among more than one member of a defined group, e.g., family members who beneficially own less than 10% individually, but collectively own more than 10%), unless market best practice dictates a lower ownership and/or disclosure threshold (and in other special market-specific circumstances);

 

12-B


    Government representative;

 

    Currently provides (or a relative provides) professional services to the company, to an affiliate of the company, or to an individual officer of the company or of one of its affiliates in excess of $10,000 per year;

 

    Represents customer, supplier, creditor, banker, or other entity with which company maintains transactional/commercial relationship (unless company discloses information to apply a materiality test);

 

    Any director who has conflicting or cross-directorships with executive directors or the chairman of the company;

 

    Relative of a current employee of the company or its affiliates;

 

    Relative of a former executive of the company or its affiliates;

 

    A new appointee elected other than by a formal process through the General Meeting (such as a contractual appointment by a substantial shareholder);

 

    Founder/co-founder/member of founding family but not currently an employee;

 

    Former executive (5 year cooling off period);

 

    Years of service is generally not a determining factor unless it is recommended best practice in a market and/or in extreme circumstances, in which case it may be considered; and

 

    Any additional relationship or principle considered to compromise independence under local corporate governance best practice guidance.

Independent NED

 

    No material connection, either directly or indirectly, to the company other than a board seat.

Employee Representative

 

    Represents employees or employee shareholders of the company (classified as “employee representative” but considered a non-independent NED).

Discharge of Directors

Generally vote FOR the discharge of directors, including members of the management board and/or supervisory board, unless there is reliable information about significant and compelling controversies that the board is not fulfilling its fiduciary duties warranted by:

 

    A lack of oversight or actions by board members which invoke shareholder distrust related to malfeasance or poor supervision, such as operating in private or company interest rather than in shareholder interest; or

 

    Any legal issues (e.g., civil/criminal) aiming to hold the board responsible for breach of trust in the past or related to currently alleged actions yet to be confirmed (and not only the fiscal year in question), such as price fixing, insider trading, bribery, fraud, and other illegal actions; or

 

    Other egregious governance issues where shareholders may bring legal action against the company or its directors; or

 

    Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis where a vote against other agenda items are deemed inappropriate.

 

3. Compensation

Good pay practices should align management’s interests with long-term shareholder value creation. Detailed disclosure of compensation criteria is preferred; proof that companies follow the criteria should be evident and retroactive performance target changes without proper disclosure is not viewed favorably. Compensation practices should allow a company to attract and retain proven talent. Some examples of poor pay practices include: abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure, egregious employment contracts, excessive severance and/or change in control provisions, repricing or replacing of underwater stock options/stock appreciation rights without prior shareholder approval, and excessive perquisites. A company should also have an appropriate balance of short-term vs. long-term metrics and the metrics should be aligned with business goals and objectives.

Director Compensation

Vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors unless the amounts are excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.

Vote non-executive director compensation proposals that include both cash and share-based components on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

13-B


Vote proposals that bundle compensation for both non-executive and executive directors into a single resolution on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to introduce retirement benefits for non-executive directors.

Compensation Plans

Vote compensation plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Director, Officer, and Auditor Indemnification and Liability Provisions

Vote proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and officers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

4. Board Structure

Vote AGAINST the introduction of classified boards and mandatory retirement ages for directors.

Vote AGAINST proposals to alter board structure or size in the context of a fight for control of the company or the board.

Chairman CEO combined role (for applicable markets)

GSAM will generally recommend a vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria:

 

    Two-thirds independent board, or majority in countries where employee representation is common practice;

 

    A designated, or a rotating, lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties;

 

    Fully independent key committees; and/or

 

    Established, publicly disclosed, governance guidelines and director biographies/profiles.

 

5. Capital Structure

Share Issuance Requests

General Issuances:

Vote FOR issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100 % over currently issued capital.

Vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20 % of currently issued capital.

Specific Issuances:

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on all requests, with or without preemptive rights.

Increases in Authorized Capital

Vote FOR non-specific proposals to increase authorized capital up to 100 % over the current authorization unless the increase would leave the company with less than 30 % of its new authorization outstanding.

Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital to any amount, unless:

 

    The specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or

 

    The increase would leave the company with less than 30 % of its new authorization outstanding

after adjusting for all proposed issuances.

 

14-B


Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

Reduction of Capital

Vote FOR proposals to reduce capital for routine accounting purposes unless the terms are unfavorable to shareholders.

Vote proposals to reduce capital in connection with corporate restructuring on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Capital Structures

Vote FOR resolutions that seek to maintain or convert to a one-share, one-vote capital structure.

Vote AGAINST requests for the creation or continuation of dual-class capital structures or the creation of new or additional super voting shares.

Preferred Stock

Vote FOR the creation of a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50 % of issued capital unless the terms of the preferred stock would adversely affect the rights of existing shareholders.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote AGAINST the creation of a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares.

Vote AGAINST the creation of blank check preferred stock unless the board clearly states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

Vote proposals to increase blank check preferred authorizations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Debt Issuance Requests

Vote non-convertible debt issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with or without preemptive rights.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible debt instruments as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote FOR proposals to restructure existing debt arrangements unless the terms of the restructuring would adversely affect the rights of shareholders.

Increase in Borrowing Powers

Vote proposals to approve increases in a company’s borrowing powers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Share Repurchase Plans

GSAM will generally recommend FOR share repurchase programs taking into account whether:

 

    The share repurchase program can be used as a takeover defense;

 

    There is clear evidence of historical abuse;

 

    There is no safeguard in the share repurchase program against selective buybacks;

 

    Pricing provisions and safeguards in the share repurchase program are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice.

Reissuance of Repurchased Shares

Vote FOR requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of this authority in the past.

 

15-B


Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issues/Increase in Par Value

Vote FOR requests to capitalize reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase par value.

 

6. Mergers and Corporate Restructuring & Other

Reorganizations/Restructurings

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions taking into account the following based on publicly available information:

 

    Valuation;

 

    Market reaction;

 

    Strategic rationale;

 

    Management’s track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions;

 

    Presence of conflicts of interest; and

 

    Governance profile of the combined company.

Antitakeover Mechanisms

Generally vote AGAINST all antitakeover proposals, unless they are structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on any proposal or offer.

Reincorporation Proposals

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Related-Party Transactions

Vote related-party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering factors including, but not limited to, the following:

 

    The parties on either side of the transaction;

 

    The nature of the asset to be transferred/service to be provided;

 

    The pricing of the transaction (and any associated professional valuation);

 

    The views of independent directors (where provided);

 

    The views of an independent financial adviser (where appointed);

 

    Whether any entities party to the transaction (including advisers) is conflicted; and

 

    The stated rationale for the transaction, including discussions of timing.

Shareholder Proposals

Vote all shareholder proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote FOR proposals that would improve the company’s corporate governance or business profile at a reasonable cost.

Vote AGAINST proposals that limit the company’s business activities or capabilities or result in significant costs being incurred with little or no benefit.

 

7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Issues

Please refer to page 9-B for our current approach to these important topics.

 

16-B


APPENDIX C

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

(applicable only to Class A Shares)

If a shareholder anticipates purchasing within a 13-month period Class A Shares of the Fund alone or in combination with Class A Shares of another Goldman Sachs Fund in the amount of $500,000 or more, the shareholder may obtain shares of the Fund at the same reduced sales charge as though the total quantity were invested in one lump sum by checking and filing the Statement of Intention in the account application. Income dividends and capital gain distributions taken in additional shares, as well as any appreciation on shares previously purchased, will not apply toward the completion of the Statement of Intention.

To ensure that the reduced price will be received on future purchases, the investor must inform Goldman Sachs that the Statement of Intention is in effect each time shares are purchased. Subject to the conditions mentioned below, each purchase will be made at the public offering price applicable to a single transaction of the dollar amount specified on the account application. The investor makes no commitment to purchase additional shares, but if the investor’s purchases within 13 months plus the value of shares credited toward completion do not total the sum specified, the investor will pay the increased amount of the sales charge prescribed in the Escrow Agreement.

Escrow Agreement

Out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if necessary), 5% of the dollar amount specified on the account application will be held in escrow by the transfer agent in the form of shares registered in the investor’s name. All income dividends and capital gains distributions on escrowed shares will be paid to the investor or to his or her order. When the minimum investment so specified is completed (either prior to or by the end of the 13th month), the investor will be notified and the escrowed shares will be released.

If the intended investment is not completed, the investor will be asked to remit to Goldman Sachs any difference between the sales charge on the amount specified and on the amount actually attained. If the investor does not within 20 days after written request by Goldman Sachs pay such difference in the sales charge, the transfer agent will redeem, pursuant to the authority given by the investor in the account application, an appropriate number of the escrowed shares in order to realize such difference. Shares remaining after any such redemption will be released by the transfer agent.

 

1-C


PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28. Exhibits

 

(a)   (1)      Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 14, 1997)
  (2)      Amendment No. 1 dated April 24, 1997 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed October 16, 1997)
  (3)      Amendment No. 2 dated July 21, 1997 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed October 16, 1997)
  (4)      Amendment No. 3 dated October 21, 1997 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 13, 1998)
  (5)      Amendment No. 4 dated January 28, 1998 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 13, 1998)
  (6)      Amendment No. 5 dated January 28, 1998 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed October 1, 1998)
  (7)      Amendment No. 6 dated July 22, 1998 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed October 1, 1998)
  (8)      Amendment No. 7 dated November 3, 1998 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 1998)
  (9)      Amendment No. 8 dated January 22, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 12, 1999)
  (10)      Amendment No. 9 dated April 28, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 16, 1999)
  (11)      Amendment No. 10 dated July 27, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 16, 1999)
  (12)      Amendment No. 11 dated July 27, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 16, 1999)


  (13)      Amendment No. 12 dated October 26, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 22, 1999)
  (14)      Amendment No. 13 dated February 3, 2000 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 23, 2000)
  (15)      Amendment No. 14 dated April 26, 2000 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 3, 2000)
  (16)      Amendment No. 15 dated August 1, 2000 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 22, 2000)
  (17)      Amendment No. 16 dated January 30, 2001 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 13, 2001)
  (18)      Amendment No. 17 dated April 25, 2001 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 21, 2001)
  (19)      Amendment No. 18 dated July 1, 2002 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 11, 2002)
  (20)      Amendment No. 19 dated August 1, 2002 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 11, 2002)
  (21)      Amendment No. 20 dated August 1, 2002 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 11, 2002)
  (22)      Amendment No. 21 dated January 29, 2003 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 19, 2003)
  (23)      Amendment No. 22 dated July 31, 2003 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 12, 2003)
  (24)      Amendment No. 23 dated October 30, 2003 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 12, 2003)
  (25)      Amendment No. 24 dated May 6, 2004 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 relating to the Registrant’s acquisition of the Golden Oak® Family of Funds, SEC File No. 333-117561, filed July 22, 2004)


  (26)      Amendment No. 25 dated April 21, 2004 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 23, 2004)
  (27)      Amendment No. 26 dated November 4, 2004 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 23, 2004)
  (28)      Amendment No. 27 dated February 10, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 17, 2005)
  (29)      Amendment No. 28 dated May 12, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 7, 2005)
  (30)      Amendment No. 29 dated June 16, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 7, 2005)
  (31)      Amendment No. 30 dated August 4, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1977 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 7, 2005)
  (32)      Amendment No. 31 dated November 2, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 26, 2006)
  (33)      Amendment No. 32 dated December 31, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 114 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 2005)
  (34)      Amendment No. 33 dated March 16, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 26, 2006)
  (35)      Amendment No. 34 dated March 16, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 26, 2006)
  (36)      Amendment No. 35 dated May 11, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed August 18, 2006)
  (37)      Amendment No. 36 dated June 15, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 23, 2006)


  (38)      Amendment No. 37 dated August 10, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 21, 2006)
  (39)      Amendment No. 38 dated November 9, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 21, 2006)
  (40)      Amendment No. 39 dated December 14, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 12, 2007)
  (41)      Amendment No. 40 dated December 14, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 12, 2007)
  (42)      Amendment No. 41 dated February 8, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 12, 2007)
  (43)      Amendment No. 42 dated March 15, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 12, 2007)
  (44)      Amendment No. 43 dated May 10, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 12, 2007)
  (45)      Amendment No. 44 dated June 13, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed August 14, 2007)
  (46)      Amendment No. 45 dated June 13, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 27, 2007)
  (47)      Amendment No. 46 dated November 8, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 27, 2007)
  (48)      Amendment No. 47 dated November 8, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 27, 2007)
  (49)      Amendment No. 48 dated December 13, 2007 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 183 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 18, 2008)


  (50)      Amendment No. 49 dated June 19, 2008 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 205 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2008)
  (51)      Amendment No. 50 dated August 14, 2008 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed August 27, 2008)
  (52)      Amendment No. 51 dated August 25, 2008 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 217 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2009)
  (53)      Amendment No. 52 dated November 13, 2008 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 217 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2009)
  (54)      Amendment No. 53 dated May 21, 2009 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 24, 2009)
  (55)      Amendment No. 54 dated November 19, 2009 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 24, 2009)
  (56)      Amendment No. 55 dated February 11, 2010 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 30, 2010)
  (57)      Amendment No. 56 dated May 20, 2010 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 30, 2010)
  (58)      Amendment No. 57 dated June 17, 2010 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 30, 2010)
  (59)      Amendment No. 58 dated November 18, 2010 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 3, 2010)
  (60)      Amendment No. 59 dated January 5, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 270 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 16, 2011)


  (61)      Amendment No. 60 dated February 10, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 270 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 16, 2011)
  (62)      Amendment No. 61 dated February 10, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 270 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 16, 2011)
  (63)      Amendment No. 62 dated June 16, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 285 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2011)
  (64)      Amendment No. 63 dated August 18, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 290 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 12, 2011)
  (65)      Amendment No. 64 dated September 27, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 291 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 16, 2011)
  (66)      Amendment No. 65 dated October 20, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 291 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 16, 2011)
  (67)      Amendment No. 66 dated December 15, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 23, 2011)
  (68)      Amendment No. 67 dated April 19, 2012 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 321 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 27, 2012)
  (69)      Amendment No. 68 dated August 16, 2012 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 333 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 24, 2012)
  (70)      Amendment No. 69 dated December 13, 2012 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 346 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 28, 2013)
  (71)      Amendment No. 70 dated February 12, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 348 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 28, 2013)
  (72)      Amendment No. 71 dated April 18, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 355 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 30, 2013)


  (73)      Amendment No. 72 dated June 13, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 363 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2013)
  (74)      Amendment No. 73 dated August 15, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 366 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 12, 2013)
  (75)      Amendment No. 74 dated September 19, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 368 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 26, 2013)
  (76)      Amendment No. 75 dated October 17, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 369 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed October 25, 2013)
  (77)      Amendment No. 76 dated November 8, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 375 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 13, 2013)
  (78)      Amendment No. 77 dated December 19, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 376 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File no. 33-17619, filed December 26, 2013)
  (79)      Amendment No. 78 dated February 11, 2014 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 393 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 21, 2014)
  (80)      Amendment No. 79 dated April 10, 2014 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 414 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 25, 2014)
  (81)      Amendment No. 80 dated August 14, 2014 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 430 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 30, 2014)
  (82)      Amendment No. 81 dated October 16, 2014 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 432 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 17, 2014)
  (83)      Amendment No. 82 dated December 17, 2014 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 433 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 2014)


  (84)      Amendment No. 83 dated February 12, 2015 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 441 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2015)
  (85)      Amendment No. 84 dated April 16, 2015 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 455 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 30, 2015)
  (86)      Amendment No. 85 dated June 11, 2015 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 464 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 17, 2015)
  (87)      Amendment No. 86 dated August 13, 2015 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14, SEC File No. 333-206459, filed August 18, 2015)
  (88)      Amendment No. 87 dated October 15, 2015 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 504 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed October 30, 2015)
  (89)      Amendment No. 88 dated December 17, 2015 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 511 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 17, 2015)
  (90)      Amendment No. 89 dated February 11, 2016 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 526 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 26, 2016)
  (91)      Amendment No. 90 dated April 14, 2016 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 551 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2016)
  (92)      Amendment No. 91 dated May 23, 2016 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 573 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2016)
  (93)      Amendment No. 92 dated June 16, 2016 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 573 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2016)
  (94)      Amendment No. 93 dated August 18, 2016 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997 (filed herewith)
(b)   Amended and Restated By-laws of Goldman Sachs Trust dated October 16, 2014 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 432 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 17, 2014)
(c)   Instruments defining the rights of holders of Registrant’s shares of beneficial interest (Article II, Section 10, Article IV, Section 3, Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article IX, Section 8 and Section 9 of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust incorporated by reference as Exhibit (a)(1) and Article III of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated By-Laws incorporated by reference as Exhibit (b))


(d)   (1)      Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund, and Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 13, 1998)
  (2)      Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs High Quality Floating Rate Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund), and Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 13, 1998)
  (3)      Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 13, 1998)
  (4)      Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 13, 1998)
  (5)      Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between the Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Financial Square Tax-Exempt California and Goldman Sachs Financial Square Tax-Exempt New York Funds (formerly, Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolios), and Goldman Sachs Asset Management (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 13, 1998)
  (6)      Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Goldman Sachs Funds Management L.P. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 25, 1998)
  (7)      Management Agreement dated January 1, 1998 between Registrant, on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 13, 1998)
  (8)      Amended Annex A dated September 25, 2007 to the Management Agreement dated January 1, 1998 on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 29, 2008)
  (9)      Amended Annex A dated April 14, 2016 to the Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Goldman Sachs Funds Management L.P. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 554 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 13, 2016)


  (10)      Sub-Advisory Agreement effective October 1, 2014 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Dividend Assets Capital, LLC, on behalf of the Rising Dividend Growth Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 441 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2015)
  (11)      Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (with respect to the Goldman Sachs Short-Duration Tax-Free Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 13, 2003)
  (12)      Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (with respect to the Goldman Sachs Financial Square Tax-Exempt California and Goldman Sachs Financial Square Tax-Exempt New York Funds (formerly, Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolios)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 13, 2003)
  (13)      Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (with respect to certain of the Goldman Sachs Fixed Income, Equity, Specialty and Money Market Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 13, 2003)
  (14)      Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (with respect to the Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 13, 2003)
  (15)      Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (with respect to the Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 13, 2003)
  (16)      Fee Reduction Commitment dated April 29, 2005 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Equity Growth Strategy (formerly, Aggressive Growth Strategy), Balanced Strategy, Growth and Income Strategy and Growth Strategy Portfolios (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 17, 2005)
  (17)      Fee Reduction Commitment dated July 1, 2008 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 217 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2009)
  (18)      Fee Reduction Commitment dated July 1, 2008 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Goldman Sachs High Quality Floating Rate Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Ultra-Short Duration Government Fund and Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 217 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2009)
  (19)      Fee Reduction Commitment dated July 1, 2008 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Short Duration Government Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 217 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2009)


  (20)      Fee Reduction Commitment dated July 1, 2008 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Core Fixed Income Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 217 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2009)
  (21)      Management Agreement dated August 14, 2014 between Registrant, on behalf of Goldman Sachs Long Short Fund, and GS Investment Strategies, LLC (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 430 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 30, 2014)
(e)   (1)      Distribution Agreement dated April 30, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 12, 2003)
  (2)      Amended Exhibit A dated April 14, 2016 to the Distribution Agreement dated April 30, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 554 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 13, 2016)
(f)   Not applicable
(g)   (1)      Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991, between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 1995)
  (2)      Fee schedule relating to the Custodian Agreement between Registrant on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed October 16, 1997)
  (3)      Custodian Contract dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company on behalf of Goldman Sachs Capital Growth Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 1998)
  (4)      Fee schedule dated April 12, 1999 relating to Custodian Contract dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Strategic Growth and Growth Opportunities Portfolios) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 16, 1999)
  (5)      Fee schedule dated October 1, 1999 relating to the Custodian Contract dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Large Cap Value Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 1, 1999)
  (6)      Fee schedule dated January 12, 2000 relating to Custodian Contract dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (U.S. Tax-Managed Equity Fund (formerly, CORE Tax-Managed Equity Fund)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 23, 2000)
  (7)      Fee schedule dated January 6, 2000 relating to Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (High Yield Municipal Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 23, 2000)


  (8)      Fee schedule dated April 14, 2000 relating to Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Enhanced Income Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 3, 2000)
  (9)      Additional Portfolio Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 23, 2000)
  (10)      Letter Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company relating to Custodian Contract dated April 6, 1990 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 23, 2000)
  (11)      Letter Agreement dated September 27, 1999 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company relating to Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 23, 2000)
  (12)      Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to the Custodian Contract dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 21, 2001)
  (13)      Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 21, 2001)
  (14)      Amendment dated August 1, 2001 to the Custodian Contract dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 15, 2002)
  (15)      Amendment dated August 1, 2001 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 15, 2002)
  (16)      Letter Amendment dated May 15, 2002 to the Custodian Contract dated April 6, 1990 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 11, 2002)
  (17)      Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 19, 2007)
  (18)      Letter Amendment dated August 26, 2003 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Emerging Markets Debt Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)


  (19)      Letter Amendment dated October 28, 2003 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs U.S. Mortgages Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (20)      Letter Amendment dated February 8, 2007 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs Commodity Exposure Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (21)      Letter Amendment dated March 14, 2007 to Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Satellite Strategies Portfolio) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (22)      Letter Amendment dated April 23, 2007 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs Strategic International Equity Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (23)      Letter Amendment dated May 2, 2007 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Small Cap Growth Insights Fund and Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Insights Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Structured Small Cap Growth Fund and Goldman Sachs Structured Small Cap Value Fund, respectively)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (24)      Letter Amendment dated August 10, 2007 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Inflation Protected Securities Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (25)      Letter Amendment dated September 12, 2007 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs International Small Cap Insights Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Structured International Small Cap Fund)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (26)      Letter Amendment dated September 12, 2007 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs Emerging Markets Equity Insights Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Structured Emerging Markets Equity Fund)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (27)      Letter Amendment dated September 18, 2007 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs Enhanced Dividend Global Equity Portfolio) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (28)      Letter Amendment dated September 18, 2007 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs Tax-Advantaged Global Equity Portfolio) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)


  (29)      Letter Amendment dated September 18, 2007 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs International Tax-Managed Equity Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Structured International Tax-Managed Equity Fund)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (30)      Letter Amendment dated September 18, 2007 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs International Equity Dividend and Premium Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (31)      Letter Amendment dated October 4, 2007 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Local Emerging Markets Debt Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (32)      Letter Amendment dated November 28, 2007 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs Absolute Return Tracker Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 29, 2009)
  (33)      Letter Amendment dated September 17, 2009 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs International Equity Insights Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Structured International Equity Fund)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 24, 2009)
  (34)      Letter Amendment dated November 19, 2009 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Dynamic U.S. Equity Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs U.S. Equity Fund)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 24, 2009)
  (35)      Letter Amendment dated November 19, 2009 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs Dynamic Allocation Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 28, 2009)
  (36)      Letter Amendment dated August 11, 2009 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Technology Opportunities Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Technology Tollkeeper Fund)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 229 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 24, 2009)
  (37)      Letter Amendment dated June 30, 2010 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 249 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 30, 2010)


  (38)      Letter Amendment dated December 31, 2010 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A (Goldman Sachs N-11 Equity Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 270 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 16, 2011)
  (39)      Letter Amendment dated February 14, 2011 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs High Yield Floating Rate Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 5, 2011)
  (40)      Custody Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Money Market Funds (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 279 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 28, 2011)
  (41)      Letter Amendment dated January 9, 2012 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Focused Growth Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 304 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 26, 2012)
  (42)      Letter Amendment dated January 31, 2012 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Rising Dividend Growth Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 311 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2012)
  (43)      Letter Amendment dated December 14, 2011 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs Managed Futures Strategy Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 312 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 27, 2012)
  (44)      Letter Amendment dated February 2, 2012 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Short Duration Income Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 313 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 28, 2012)
  (45)      Letter Amendment dated March 22, 2012 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Retirement Portfolio Completion Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 333 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 24, 2012)
  (46)      Letter Amendment dated March 6, 2013 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 353 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17618, filed March 25, 2013)
  (47)      Letter Amendment dated May 6, 2013 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Dynamic Emerging Markets Debt Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 360 to the Registrant’s registration statement. SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 29, 2013)


  (48)      Letter Amendment dated June 18, 2013 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Real Return Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 364 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed August 16, 2013)
  (49)      Letter Amendment dated October 1, 2013 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund’s registration statement, SEC File No. 333-189529, filed October 25, 2013)
  (50)      Letter Amendment dated November 4, 2013 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Macro Strategies Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 375 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 13, 2013)
  (51)      Letter Amendment dated December 11, 2013 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Small/Mid Cap Value Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 387 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 30, 2014)
  (52)      Letter Amendment dated December 5, 2013 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Short-Term Conservative Income Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Limited Maturity Obligations Fund)) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 395 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 28, 2014)
  (53)      Letter Amendment dated January 8, 2014 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Long Short Credit Strategies Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 408 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed March 21, 2014)
  (54)      Letter Amendment dated April 21, 2014 to the Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Goldman Sachs Dynamic Commodity Strategy Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 414 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 25, 2014)
  (55)      Letter Amendment dated June 16, 2014 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Tactical Tilt Overlay Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 424 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 24, 2014)
  (56)      Letter Amendment to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund’s registration statement, SEC File No. 333-197328, filed August 26, 2014)
  (57)      Letter Amendment dated August 14, 2014 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Long Short Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 430 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 30, 2014)


  (58)      Letter Amendment dated December 17, 2014 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Global Managed Beta Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 440 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 18, 2015)
  (59)      Letter Amendment dated August 13, 2015 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund (formerly, Goldman Sachs Global Absolute Return Fund) and Goldman Sachs Focused Value Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 494 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed August 31, 2015)
  (60)      Letter Amendment dated September 8, 2015 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Cayman Commodity-MMA, Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to Goldman Sachs Trust II’s registration statement, SEC File No. 333-185659, filed November 25, 2015)
  (61)      Letter Amendment dated June 10, 2015 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Cayman Commodity-MMRA, Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to Goldman Sachs Trust II’s registration statement, SEC File No. 333-185659, filed November 25, 2015)
  (62)      Letter Amendment dated June 10, 2015 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Multi-Manager Global Equity Fund, Goldman Sachs Multi-Manager Real Assets Strategy Fund, Multi-Manager International Equity Fund and Multi-Manager U.S. Dynamic Equity Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to Goldman Sachs Trust II’s registration statement, SEC File No. 333-185659, filed November 25, 2015)
  (63)      Letter Amendment dated December 2, 2013 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Cayman Commodity-FIMS, Ltd.) (formerly, Goldman Sachs Cayman Commodity-FIMS Fund Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 514 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 23, 2015)
  (64)      Letter Amendment dated June 17, 2014 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Cayman Commodity-TTIF, Ltd.) (formerly, Goldman Sachs Cayman Commodity TTIF Fund Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 514 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 23, 2015)
  (65)      Letter Amendment dated June 11, 2015 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Cayman Commodity-ARM, Ltd.) (formerly, Cayman Commodity-GARF, Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 514 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 23, 2015)


  (66)      Letter Amendment dated April 22, 2015 to the Custodian Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon (incorporated by reference from Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Goldman Sachs ETF Trust’s registration statement, SEC File No. 333-200933, filed August 7, 2015)
  (67)      Letter Amendment dated October 20, 2015 to the Custodian Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 518 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 15, 2016)
  (68)      Amendment dated January 6, 2016 to the Custodian Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 523 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 29, 2016)
  (69)      Amendment dated March 1, 2016 to the Custodian Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon (Goldman Sachs Financial Square Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund and Goldman Sachs Investor Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 559 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 20, 2016)
  (70)      Letter Amendment dated May 31, 2016 to the Custodian Contract dated July 15, 1991 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (Goldman Sachs Strategic Factor Allocation Fund), (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 568 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed June 27, 2016)
(h)   (1)      First Amendment dated July 18, 1994 to Amended and Restated Wiring Agreement dated January 25, 1994 among Goldman, Sachs & Co., State Street Bank and Trust Company and The Northern Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File. No. 33-17619, filed July 28, 2009)
  (2)      Amended and Restated Wiring Agreement dated January 25, 1994 among Goldman, Sachs & Co., State Street Bank and Trust Company and The Northern Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File. No. 33-17619, filed July 28, 2009)
  (3)      Letter Agreement dated June 20, 1987 regarding use of checking account between Registrant and The Northern Trust Company (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed March 2, 1998)
  (4)      Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement dated August 9, 2007 between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 10, 2007)
  (5)      Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement Fee Schedule dated April 14, 2016, to the Transfer Agency Agreement dated August 9, 2007 between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 554 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 13, 2016)


  (6)      Form of Retail Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust relating to Class A Shares of Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios, Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds, Goldman Sachs Domestic Equity Funds and Goldman Sachs International Equity Funds (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 1998)
  (7)      Form of Retail Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust – TPA Assistance Version relating to the Class A Shares of Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios, Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds, Goldman Sachs Domestic Equity Funds and Goldman Sachs International Equity Funds (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 28, 2008)
  (8)      Form of Supplemental Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Administrative Class, Service Class and Cash Management Class of Goldman Sachs—Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolios (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 1998)
  (9)      Form of Supplemental Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the FST Shares, FST Select Shares, FST Preferred Shares, FST Capital Shares, FST Administration Shares and FST Service Shares of Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 1998)
  (10)      Form of Supplemental Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Class A Shares and Service Shares of Goldman Sachs Equity and Fixed Income Funds (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 28, 2008)
  (11)      Form of Service Agreement on behalf of Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Institutional Class, Select Class, Preferred Class, Capital Class, Administration Class, Premier Class, Service Class, Resource Class and Cash Management Class, as applicable, of Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds, Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds, Goldman Sachs Domestic Equity Funds, Goldman Sachs International Equity Funds and Goldman Sachs Fund of Funds Portfolios (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 252 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2010)
  (12)      Goldman Sachs Trust Administration Shares Administration Plan amended and restated as of December 16, 2010 (on behalf of Financial Square Tax-Exempt California and Financial Square Tax-Exempt New York Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 263 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 2010)
  (13)      Goldman Sachs Trust Cash Management Shares Service Plan amended and restated as of December 16, 2010 (on behalf of Financial Square Tax-Exempt California and Financial Square Tax-Exempt New York Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 263 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 2010)
  (14)      Goldman Sachs Trust FST Select Class Select Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 24, 2004)
  (15)      Goldman Sachs Trust Administration Shares Administration Plan amended and restated as of December 16, 2010 (on behalf of the remaining Financial Square Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 263 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 2010)


  (16)      Goldman Sachs Trust FST Preferred Class Preferred Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 24, 2004)
  (17)      Goldman Sachs Trust Administration Class Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 24, 2004)
  (18)      Goldman Sachs Trust Service Shares Service Plan and Shareholder Administration Plan amended and restated as of December 16, 2010 (on behalf of Financial Square Tax-Exempt California and Financial Square Tax-Exempt New York Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 263 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 2010)
  (19)      Goldman Sachs Trust Service Class Service Plan and Shareholder Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 24, 2004)
  (20)      Goldman Sachs Trust FST Capital Administration Class Capital Administration Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 24, 2004)
  (21)      Goldman Sachs Trust Service Shares Service Plan and Shareholder Administration Plan amended and restated as of December 16, 2010 (on behalf of the remaining Financial Square Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 263 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 2010)
  (22)      Mutual Funds Service Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and J.P. Morgan Investor Services Co. (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 19, 2007)
  (23)      Goldman Sachs Trust Cash Management Shares Service Plan dated February 11, 2010 (on behalf of the remaining Financial Square Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 245 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 14, 2010)
  (24)      Goldman Sachs Trust Premier Shares Service Plan and Administration Plan dated February 11, 2010 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 245 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 14, 2010)
  (25)      Goldman Sachs Trust Resource Shares Service Plan dated February 11, 2010 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 245 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 14, 2010)
  (26)      Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Money Market Funds (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 279 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 28, 2011)


  (27)      Fee Waiver Agreement between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Fixed Income Macro Strategies Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 430 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 30, 2014)
  (28)      Appointment of Agent for Service of Process relating to Cayman Commodity-FIMS, Ltd. (formerly, Goldman Sachs Cayman Commodity-FIMS Fund Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 375 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 13, 2013)
  (29)      Fee Waiver Agreement between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Dynamic Commodity Strategy Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 414 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 25, 2014)
  (30)      Appointment of Agent for Service of Process relating to Cayman Commodity-DCS, Ltd. (formerly, Goldman Sachs DCS Cayman Commodity Fund Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 414 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 25, 2014)
  (31)      Fee Waiver Agreement dated April 30, 2014 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Commodity Strategy Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 416 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 30, 2014)
  (32)      Appointment of Agent for Service of Process relating to Cayman Commodity-CSF, Ltd. (formerly, Goldman Sachs Cayman Commodity Fund, Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 416 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 30, 2014)
  (33)      Fee Waiver Agreement dated April 30, 2014 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Absolute Return Tracker Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 416 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 30, 2014)
  (34)      Appointment of Agent for Service of Process relating to Cayman Commodity-ART, Ltd. (formerly, Goldman Sachs Cayman Commodity-ART Fund Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 416 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 30, 2014)
  (35)      Fee Waiver Agreement between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Tactical Tilt Overlay Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 430 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 30, 2014)
  (36)      Appointment of Agent for Service of Process relating to Cayman Commodity-TTIF, Ltd. (formerly, Goldman Sachs Cayman Commodity TTIF Fund Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 424 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 24, 2014)
  (37)      Securities Lending and Services Agreement between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Long Short Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 430 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 30, 2014)


  (38)      Fee Waiver Agreement between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Dynamic Allocation Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 440 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 18, 2015)
  (39)      Appointment of Agent for Service of Process relating to Cayman Commodity-DAF, Ltd. (formerly, Goldman Sachs Cayman Commodity-DAF Fund Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 440 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 18, 2015)
  (40)      Fee Waiver Agreement between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 495 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 1, 2015)
  (41)      Appointment of Agent for Service of Process relating to Cayman Commodity-ARM, Ltd. (formerly, Cayman Commodity-GARF, Ltd.) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 495 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed September 1, 2015)
  (42)      Letter Amendment dated October 20, 2015 to the Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Goldman Sachs ETF Trust’s registration statement, SEC File No. 333-200933, filed February 8, 2016)
  (43)      Amendment dated January 6, 2016 to the Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 523 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed January 29, 2016)
  (44)      Amendment dated March 1, 2016 to the Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between Registrant, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon (Goldman Sachs Financial Square Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund and Goldman Sachs Investor Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 559 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 20, 2016)
  (45)      Fee Waiver Agreement between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Trust relating to the Managed Futures Strategy Fund (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 573 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2016)
  (46)      Appointment of Agent for Service of Process relating to Cayman Commodity-MFS, Ltd. (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 573 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2016)
(i)   Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP, to be filed
(j)   Not applicable
(k)   Not applicable
(l)   Not applicable


(m)   (1)      Class A Distribution and Service Plan amended and restated as of May 5, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 23, 2004)
  (2)      Class B Distribution and Service Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 24, 2004)
  (3)      Class C Distribution and Service Plan amended and restated as of February 4, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed February 24, 2004)
  (4)      Cash Management Shares Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 amended and restated as of December 16, 2010 (on behalf of Financial Square Tax-Exempt California and Financial Square Tax-Exempt New York Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 263 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed December 29, 2010)
  (5)      Class R Distribution and Service Plan dated November 8, 2007 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed November 27, 2007)
  (6)      Cash Management Shares Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 dated February 11, 2010 (on behalf of the remaining Financial Square Funds) (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 245 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 14, 2010)
  (7)      Resource Shares Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 dated February 11, 2010 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 245 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed May 14, 2010)
(n)   Plan in Accordance with Rule 18f-3, amended and restated as of June 11, 2015 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 481 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 31, 2015)
(p)   (1)      Code of Ethics — Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and Goldman Sachs Credit Strategies Fund dated April 23, 1997, as amended effective June 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 363 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2013)
  (2)      Code of Ethics — Goldman, Sachs & Co., Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, Goldman Sachs Hedge Fund Strategies LLC and GS Investment Strategies, LLC dated January 23, 1991, effective February 6, 2012 (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 355 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed April 30, 2013)
  (3)      Code of Ethics – Dividend Assets Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 424 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 24, 2014)
(q)   (1)      Powers of Attorney for James A. McNamara, Scott M. McHugh, Ashok N. Bakhru, Kathryn A. Cassidy, Diana M. Daniels, Herbert J. Markley, Jessica Palmer, Alan A. Shuch, Roy W. Templin and Gregory G. Weaver (incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 573 to the Registrant’s registration statement, SEC File No. 33-17619, filed July 29, 2016)


Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund

Goldman Sachs Tactical Tilt Overlay Fund, a series of the Registrant, wholly owns and controls Cayman Commodity-TTIF, Ltd. (the “TTIF Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The TTIF Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included on a consolidated basis in the Tactical Tilt Implementation Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Goldman Sachs Dynamic Commodity Strategy Fund, a series of the Registrant, wholly owns and controls Cayman Commodity-DCS, Ltd. (the “DCS Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The DCS Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included on a consolidated basis in the Dynamic Commodity Strategy Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Goldman Sachs Absolute Return Tracker Fund, a series of the Registrant, wholly owns and controls Cayman Commodity-ART, Ltd. (the “ART Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The ART Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included on a consolidated basis in the Absolute Return Tracker Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy Fund, a series of the Registrant, wholly owns and controls Cayman Commodity-CSF, Ltd. (the “CSF Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Commodity Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included on a consolidated basis in the Commodity Strategy Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Macro Strategies Fund, a series of the Registrant, wholly owns and controls Cayman Commodity-FIMS, Ltd. (the “FIMS Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The FIMS Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included on a consolidated basis in the Fixed Income Macro Strategies Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Goldman Sachs Dynamic Allocation Fund, a series of the Registrant, wholly owns and controls Cayman Commodity-DAF, Ltd. (the “DAF Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The DAF Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included on a consolidated basis in the Dynamic Allocation Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Goldman Sachs Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund, a series of the Registrant, wholly owns and controls Cayman Commodity-ARM, Ltd. (the “ARM Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The ARM Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included on a consolidated basis in the Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Goldman Sachs Managed Futures Strategy Fund, a series of the Registrant, wholly owns and controls Cayman Commodity-MFS, Ltd. (the “MFS Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The MFS Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included on a consolidated basis in the Managed Futures Strategy Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Item 30. Indemnification

Article IV of the Declaration of Trust of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, provides for indemnification of the Trustees, officers and agents of the Trust, subject to certain limitations. The Declaration of Trust is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1).

The Management Agreements provide that the applicable Investment Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Fund, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Investment Adviser or from reckless disregard by the Investment Adviser of its obligations or duties under the Management Agreements. Section 7 of the Management Agreements on behalf of the Short Duration Government Fund provides that the Short Duration Government Fund will indemnify the Adviser against certain liabilities; provided, however, that such indemnification does not apply to any loss by reason of its willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or the Adviser’s reckless disregard of its obligation under the Management Agreements. The Management Agreements are incorporated by reference as Exhibits (d)(1) through (d)(7) and (d)(22).


Section 8 of the Sub-Advisory Agreement between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (the “Investment Adviser”) and Dividend Assets Capital, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) with respect to Goldman Sachs Rising Dividend Growth Fund (the “Fund”) provides that the Sub-Adviser will not be liable for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including legal and other expenses) suffered by the Investment Adviser or the Trust as a result of any error of judgment by the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund, except that the Sub-Adviser will remain liable for, and will indemnify the Trust, the Investment Adviser and their affiliated persons against, any losses suffered (a) as a result of the willful misconduct, bad faith, or negligence by the Sub-Adviser; (b) as a result of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to the Fund, or any material fact omitted therefrom, if such a statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by the Sub-Adviser; or (c) as a result of the failure of the Sub-Adviser to execute portfolio transactions according to the requirements of applicable law. The Sub-Advisory Agreement is incorporated by reference as Exhibit (d)(10).

Section 9 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Goldman Sachs dated April 30, 1997, as amended, and Section 7 of the Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. dated August 9, 2007 provides that the Registrant will indemnify Goldman, Sachs & Co. against certain liabilities. Copies of the Distribution Agreement and the Transfer Agency Agreement are incorporated by reference as Exhibits (e)(1) and (h)(4) respectively, to the Registrant’s Registration Statement.

Mutual fund and trustees and officers liability policies purchased jointly by the Registrant and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust insure such persons and their respective trustees, partners, officers and employees, subject to the policies’ coverage limits and exclusions and varying deductibles, against loss resulting from claims by reason of any act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”), Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (“GSAMI”) and GS Investment Strategies, LLC (“GSIS”) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and serve as investment advisers to the Registrant. GSAM, GSAMI and GSIS are engaged in the investment advisory business. GSAM, GSAMI and GSIS are part of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., a public company that is a bank holding company, financial holding company and a worldwide, full-service financial services organization. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is the general partner and principal owner of GSAM and the sole member and principal owner of GSIS. Information about the officers and partners of GSAM, officers and directors of GSAMI and officers and sole member of GSIS, is included in their Forms ADV filed with the Commission (registration numbers 801-37591, 801-38157 and 801-67433, respectively) and is incorporated herein by reference.

Dividend Assets Capital, LLC (“DAC”) serves as sub-adviser to Goldman Sachs Rising Dividend Growth Fund. DAC is primarily engaged in the investment management business. Information about the officers and directors of DAC is included in its Form ADV filed with the Commission (registration number 801-62643) and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 32. Principal Underwriters

 

  (a) Goldman, Sachs & Co. or an affiliate or a division thereof currently serves as distributor for shares of Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and Goldman Sachs Trust II. Goldman, Sachs & Co., or a division thereof currently serves as administrator and distributor of the units or shares of The Commerce Funds.


  (b) Set forth below is certain information pertaining to the Managing Directors of Goldman, Sachs & Co., the Registrant’s principal underwriter, who are members of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.’s Management Committee. None of the members of the management committee holds a position or office with the Registrant.

GOLDMAN SACHS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

Name and Principal

Business Address

  

Position with Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Lloyd C. Blankfein (1)    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Gary D. Cohn (1)    President and Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director
Alan M. Cohen (1)    Global Head of Compliance, Managing Director
Edith Cooper (1)    Global Head of Human Capital Management, Managing Director
Isabelle Ealet (3)    Global Co-Head of Securities Division, Managing Director
Richard A. Friedman (1)    Head of Merchant Banking Division, Managing Director
Richard J. Gnodde (2)    Co-Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs International and Co-Head of Investment Banking Division, Managing Director
Gwen R. Libstag (1)    Head of the Business Selection and Conflicts Resolution Group, Managing Director
Masanori Mochida (4)    President and Representative Director of Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd., Managing Director
Timothy J. O’Neill (1)    Global Co-Head of Investment Management Division, Managing Director
Gregory K. Palm (1)    General Counsel and Managing Director
John F.W. Rogers (1)    Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff, Secretary to Board of Directors, Managing Director
Pablo J. Salame (1)    Global Co-Head of Securities Division, Managing Director
Jeffrey W. Schroeder (1)    Chief Administrative Officer, Managing Director
Harvey M. Schwartz (1)    Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director
Michael S. Sherwood (2)    Vice Chairman, Managing Director
David M. Solomon (1)    Co-Head of Investment Banking Division, Managing Director
Esta Stecher (1)    Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Managing Director
Steven H. Strongin (1)    Head of Global Investment Research Division, Managing Director
Eric S. Lane (1)    Co-Head of Investment Management Division, Managing Director
Stephen M. Scherr (1)    Chief Strategy Officer, Head of Latin America, Managing Director
Ashok Varadhan (1)    Co-Head of Securities Division, Managing Director
Mark Schwartz (5)    Vice Chairman and Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asia Pacific, Managing Director
R. Martin Chavez (1)    Chief Information Officer, Managing Director
Ken W. Hitchner (6)    President of Goldman Sachs in Asia Pacific Ex-Japan, Managing Director
Craig W. Broderick (1)    Chief Risk Officer, Managing Director
Paul M. Russo (1)    Global Co-Chief Operating Officer of Equities Franchise, Managing Director
Michael D. Daffey (3)    Global Co-Chief Operating Officer of Equities Franchise, Managing Director
Sarah E. Smith (1)    Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, Managing Director
Justin G. Gmelich (1)    Global Head of Credit Trading, Managing Director
John E. Waldron (1)    Co-Head of Investment Banking Division, Managing Director
Gregg R. Lemkau (1)    Co-Head of Global Mergers & Acquisitions, Managing Director
Marc Nachmann (1)    Co-Head of Global Financing Group, Managing Director
James P. Esposito (3)    Chief Strategy Officer of Securities Division, Managing Director


(1) 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282
(2) Peterborough Court, 133 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BB, England
(3) River Court, 120 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2QQ, England
(4) 10-1, Roppongi 6-chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo106-6147, Japan
(5) 7 Finance Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China 100033
(6) Cheung Kong Center, 2 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong, China

 

  (c) Not Applicable.

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

The Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Amended and Restated By-laws and minute books of the Registrant and certain investment adviser records are in the physical possession of GSAM LP, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282. All other accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained under Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated thereunder are in the physical possession of State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, Bank of New York Mellon, One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286 and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, except for certain transfer agency records which are maintained by Goldman, Sachs & Co., 71 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Item 34. Management Services

Not applicable

Item 35. Undertakings

Not applicable


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 577 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City and State of New York on the 24th day of August, 2016.

 

GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
(A Delaware statutory trust)
By:  

/s/ Caroline L. Kraus

Caroline L. Kraus,

  Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to said Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Name

  

Title

  

Date

1James A. McNamara

   President (Chief Executive Officer) and Trustee    August 24, 2016
James A. McNamara      

1Scott M. McHugh

   Treasurer, Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer    August 24, 2016
Scott M. McHugh      

1Ashok N. Bakhru

   Chairman and Trustee    August 24, 2016
Ashok N. Bakhru      

1Kathryn A. Cassidy

   Trustee    August 24, 2016
Kathryn A. Cassidy      

1Diana M. Daniels

   Trustee    August 24, 2016
Diana M. Daniels      

1Herbert J. Markley

   Trustee    August 24, 2016
Herbert J. Markley      

1Jessica Palmer

   Trustee    August 24, 2016
Jessica Palmer      

1Alan A. Shuch

   Trustee    August 24, 2016
Alan A. Shuch      

1Roy W. Templin

   Trustee    August 24, 2016
Roy W. Templin      

1Gregory G. Weaver

   Trustee    August 24, 2016
Gregory G. Weaver      

 

By:  

/s/ Caroline L. Kraus

Caroline L. Kraus,

  Attorney-In-Fact

 

1  Pursuant to powers of attorney previously filed.


CERTIFICATE

The undersigned Secretary for Goldman Sachs Trust (the “Trust”) hereby certifies that the Board of Trustees of the Trust duly adopted the following resolution at a meeting of the Board held on June 15-16, 2016.

RESOLVED, that the Trustees and Officers of the Trust who may be required to execute any amendments to the Trust’s Registration Statement be, and each hereby is, authorized to execute a power of attorney appointing James A. McNamara, Caroline L. Kraus, Andrew Murphy and Robert Griffith, jointly and severally, their attorneys-in-fact, each with power of substitution, for said Trustees and Officers in any and all capacities to sign the Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 of the Trust and any and all amendments to such Registration Statement, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, the Trustees and Officers hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or may have caused to be done by virtue hereof.

Dated August 24, 2016

 

/s/ Caroline L. Kraus

Caroline L. Kraus

Secretary


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

(a)(94)   Amendment No. 93 dated August 18, 2016 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 28, 1997